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YOUR WEEKEND UPCHEER IS HERE!
 It's "FUN FRIDAY" ! So, "Run-Don't-Walk" over to my NEWS at: www.michaelmanning.tv . I put the construction crew to work and it came out looking rather cool, if I may be immodest! But wait! I have more to share!! When you are finished, cruise on over to my REEL page and see what mischief I was up to at CNN Headline News in Atlanta, Georgia just a few weeks ago! Mr. King (Above) does a nice introduction. And it's under 3 minutes in case you're watching it at work on your computer and your Boss happens by. If so, I'll e-mail an excuse. Just send me a note that you were caught along with the name of your Boss (and PLEASE include Ms. or Mr. because some of these names anymore make it hard to guess the proper salutation) at michaelmaninginfo@gmail.com. _____  Next, I want to reveal a prime example that should explain Why I spent more time in Detention Class after school as a kid than my 2 Brothers and Sister combined! Case in Point: I challenged fellow BLOGGER Thomas Siefert "Across the Pond" to BLOG about his propensity for coming up with absolutely hilarious script dialogue from James Bond 007 movies that will have you laughing so hard, I can only hope there's a Loo nearby to "spend a penny!" No, really! If "seeing is believing" go visit Thomas at: http://siefert.blogspot.com/. Yes, I was ALWAYS the instigator. In fact, a moronic First Grade Teacher (moronic only in her behavior but otherwise a "Hottie"!) had the entire class point their fingers at me and say in unison: "Agitator!, Agitator!!" And no, it had nothing to do with a Maytag washing machine. Let's just say, I went down my own path and leave it at that. Okay, I have some FUN news!  In 1994, I landed my first big time magazine interview with my late friend and Mentor Marty Shugrue. Many of you will remember Marty along the East Coast from his appearances in Eastern Airlines Television commercials where he fields tough questions from employees inside a Miami International Airport Hangar after Frank Lorenzo lost control of the airline he was dismantling and Marty was brought in as Trustee to save it. In fact, in October, 1990 David Letterman did his Favorite "Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Fly Eastern Airlines" and he mentioned Marty, who had a great sense of humor and loved it! Long story-short, I saw a preview of the graphic art design for the "New Eastern Airlines" and thought I could do better. I was staying up the street from Eastern's towering headquarters just outside Miami International Airport at the Sheraton Riverhouse Hotel pacing until 2 a.m. when I put the final touches on my own aircraft livery design with a pen and a dinner napkin! I hired an artist to transfer my design into "a mechanical", and two weeks later my design was propped up for several months against Marty's desk on the 9th Floor Suite of Building 16 (now Embry Riddle Aeronautical University). "Project Hawk" was to raise $100 million to restart "New Eastern". But a change of strategy led to a second incarnation of Pan Am (1996-1998) and my design is now featured in a new book called "Deregulation Knock Outs Volume II". It comes out in May and you can order it from my NEWS site: www.michaelmanning.tv or by Clicking my Homepage button for Airways magazine. FUN, eh! Okay let me show you some cool photographs and if you're patient, I'll make sense of it all:
 Here's Dick Smothers with Robin Lynn at Sarasota's 1220 AM News Talk Radio. One look at Robin and you'll understand why I chose Broadcasting! WOW!
 Actress Judy Landers with Cliff Roles. You guys with the British accent always get the girl!
 Here's my buddy Doug Miles Host of "Suncoast Magazine" with Actor Jack Klugman of "The Odd Couple"!
 Here's Cliff (Again!) with another lovely lady, News Anchor Michele Jordan of ABC TV 7!
 Fitness Expert Rochelle Herman borrowing my Tour Bus. No! Just kidding! It's her Tour Bus!
 None of which makes any sense until I reveal this: Last month, I was a Guest on Sarasota, Florida's "SUNNY 1220 News/Talk Radio AM" and I'm being booked for a return appearance in May! Stay tuned for a date!! I think I may have told you this story. If I did, Cheers! Here it is again!_____ I was walking down Main Street in Sarasota when suddenly I heard a DJ (Cliff Roles) via an overhead speaker outdoors speaking with a British accent that reminded me of my running buddy Clive in Texas. I actually turned around to see if it was Clive talking on his cell phone! No such luck. Instead, right before me was a large picture window with a "LIVE" Radio show in progress. It was really cool. They were totally unscripted and just chatting away about what was happening about town and so forth. So, I walked into the station and struck up a great conversation about the Nostalgia/Big Band format (having worked in it myself) with a guy who turned out to be the Owner! He arranged an "on-the-spot" meeting with Doug Miles, the Host of "Suncoast Magazine" who happened to know JIM WEST my good friend in Dallas and a BLOGGER on my site! Small World? You bet it is! Jim syndicated "The Music of Your Life" on 400 stations from Maine to Florida and Seattle to Miami--a dynamo! Jim is a Singer, Arranger, Bass player, Film maker, Producer, Director and Narrator who is spearheading the fight against Parkinson's disease with The National Parkinson Foundation (Listed here at the far right margin under COOL STUFF)! _____ That should do it for today...HAVE A FUN WEEKEND EVERYBODY!
DIRTY DANCING!
"That was the summer of 1963 - when everybody called me Baby, and it didn't occur to me to mind. That was before President Kennedy was shot, before the Beatles came, when I couldn't wait to join the Peace Corps, and I thought I'd never find a guy as great as my dad. That was the summer we went to Kellerman's". ---Jennifer Grey (Frances "Baby" Houseman's narration)
_____ The tagline for this movie when it was released in 1987 was "Have the Time of Your Life". Among my many "crushes" readers of this BLOG of mine have had to suffer through is the flame I've held with millions of other guys for the lovely Jennifer Grey. [Any guy who has a pulse and watches this movie will understand]. The new DVD version of this film contains outtakes and Jennifer's actual audition for the role, which was really quite impressive to watch. She is a first-rate actress. I only hope we get to see more film projects with her. Jennifer, by the way is the daughter of Broadway dancer Joel Grey. A little trivia: George Stephanopolous the television political commentator once dated Jennifer, but both ended up marrying someone else (George, this girl is a Dream!). This is always a FUN movie to go back and watch. And who couldn't use a little FUN these days, right? Okay! _____
Here's the Plot: Basically, it's time for "Summer Family Camp" in the Catskills during 1963. Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey) and her family are on vacation. In a "coming of age" story with Romance and Drama in good measure, "Baby" falls in love with a frustrated but talented dance instructor named Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). If I could dance like Patrick, I'd consider passing myself off as "Michael Castle" and move to the Catskills! No, wait! Just kidding!! Geez. The concept of "Summer Camp" by this time has begun to tarnish, as it's target audience has shifted it's attention to other forms of entertainment and this is likely the final season for the camp. The movie's plot along with the actual dancing and the irresistible soundtrack of Rock and Roll including the movie's Theme song (performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes) will have you up and out of your chair dancing in front of the television.
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The intimacy of the dance steps was riske' for early 1960's era camp goers and thus, the sexiness of the movie itself with the body language and the driving rhythms of a great soundtrack will win you over and allow you to "forget" about your troubles for an hour or two! Directed by Emile Ardolino; Written by Eleanor Bergstein; CAST: Jennifer Grey....Frances 'Baby' Houseman; Patrick Swayze....Johnny Castle; Jerry Orbach....perfectly cast as Dr. Jake Houseman; Cynthia Rhodes....Penny Johnson; Jack Weston....Max Kellerman; Jane Brucker ....Lisa Houseman; Kelly Bishop....Marjorie Houseman; Lonny Price....Neil Kellerman.... Max Cantor. "Baby" discovers that when Castle isn't teaching at the camp, he keeps his sanity in check by "Dirty Dancing" with the other dancers. When fate deals a jarring blow, "Baby" makes an admirable decision to help Johnny. As the summer season comes to a close, "Baby" and Johnny must come to grips with love, responsibility, expectations and where life will take them from here. _____ How about some Really cool Trivia? In the scene where Johnny and "Baby" are practicing dancing, and Jennifer Grey keeps laughing when Patrick Swayze runs his hand down her left arm, it was NOT part of the scene. She was actually laughing and his frustration was genuine! The Director chose to leave it in because it was effective. Jennifer falling over in this scene was unplanned too. The very famous scene where Johnny and "Baby" are practicing their dancing and they are crawling towards each other on the floor wasn't intended to be part of the film either; they were just messing around and were warming up to do the real scene, but the director liked it so much that this too was left in the film. During the filming of the Final dance, Swayze injured his knee badly after landing a jump, and yet continued on as if nothing was wrong. He was in agonizing pain. The film was shot on a shoestring budget after Jennifer Grey lost the lead role in the movie "Flashdance". Filmed in Virginia and North Carolina, the film is an amazing testament to the esprit de corp of Director Emile Ardolino, Choreographer Kenny Ortega and Assistant Choreographer Miranda Garrison with Actors Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze and Cynthia Rhodes. Finally, Jennifer Grey was 27 years old when this film was made. For the audition of the role of "Baby", she was allowed only 5 minutes to transform herself into a 17-year old girl. _____
Awards: Grammy & Oscar for Best Music/ Original Song: "(I've Had) The Time of My Life", [Music by" Frankie Previte, John DeNicola and Donald Makowitz. Lyrics by Frankie Previte]. Performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. _____ While a 1960's era movie, some of the music from the 1980's is used to great effect! "Hungry Eyes" performed by Eric Carmen and "She's Like the Wind" performed by Patrick Swayze also came out of the film as hit singles. I hope you sincerely enjoy this movie---one and all! __________ For Jerry Orbach 1935-2004
FINAL DAY: DENNY SHANE INTERVIEW!
 The Amazing Denny Shane! _____ In the spirit of Celebrating Life & Friendship, the man you see above is my 3rd Guest in a series on this BLOGSITE of mine I've decided to call "The Interview". This posting ran from Sunday, April 23rd and will continue thru 12:01 AM tomorrow (Thursday). Where did this month go, right? Exactly! Since I'm not hung up on timetables, this feature is unstructured. It will be archived for all to see again and again. So, depending on the time of day, grab your favorite flavored coffee, Latte' or Libation and just sit back and ENJOY a chat with my good friend, Denny Shane. He's a pretty amazing guy!
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If ever there was a "Renaissance Man" with a big heart and a sense of humor that exceeds the old Rowan & Martin Comedy Show on TV, it's got to be Denny. A retired Philadelphia Judge, his political career began as a teenager in the 1960's campaigning for President John F. Kennedy. Denny would secretly slip photos of Kennedy into his newspapers along his paper route. In what can only be described as a scene from "Saturday Night Live", Kennedy's motorcade accidentally hit Denny's father's car. So, he was officially "tapped" for politics! An Honorable Discharge after 4 years of service in the Navy, Denny served 20 years in many offices from local Committeeman to Judge and Administrator of the State of Pennsylvania. Amazingly, Denny was invited to dinner at the White House 3 times with President Reagan, President Ford, and President Bush, Sr. _____ He has also met President Truman, President Kennedy, and President Eisenhower. His hands-on involvement in the community include positions as President of Kensington Burial Grounds, Paler Cemetery; Co-Founder of the Fisher Civic Association; and the Mayor's Committee on Economic Development. His Honors are numerous and impressive: Leadership Award presented by President Gerald Ford, Letter of Commendation presented by President Jimmy Carter, United States Congressional Certificate for Community Service, Citations from The Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Pennsylvania State and Philadelphia City Council, The Big Brother "Good Guy" Award, Shackamaxon Boys Club Award and a Citation for Leadership from the Board of Trustees from the Kensignton Burial Ground. _____ He has traveled 5 of the 7 continents of the world before retiring to Texas to start 2 computer companies. After selling his companies, he traveled to a resort island off the Coast of Belize in Central America. A proud father of 5 children, his daughter is a Lawyer, his two sons are in the Investment Management business, and of course you'll remember his two darling little girls we've seen on Denny's Blogsite; they are in the 1st and 4th grades. Although a young man, Denny suffered a heart attack and 3 strokes. Thank God for us he is a true survivor! And he has managed to "keep on keeping on" by making all of us laugh with wit and humor intact. He told me I could ask him anything, so I did. Here we go! We cover a lot of ground here from our divided country, the Saddam Hussein Trail, funny pranks, Playboy Playmates and what adds up to an extraordinary life.
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MM: Before I ask you about Playboy Playmate Kelly Monaco, it's obvious to me that you've suffered through some very big health set backs. What do you think was the single most definitive reason you were a survivor? What gave you the resolve to fight on?
DS: The single, most definitive reason? That's easy. I don't like to lose. Years ago my secretary once told me that I had better slow down and that if I didn't, God has ways of making me slow down. I laughed at her and waved my hand as I ran down the hall towards my next meeting. Well, God sent me a heart attack and I didn't slow down at all. So along comes the 1st stroke, a little slower, then the 2nd stroke, a bit more slower, then finally the 3rd one, now a blind turtle on crutches could beat me in a race. If I got any slower, they could hang a wreath on me for Memorial Day. Laugh.
MM: Take us through a reasonable ordinary day for such an unordinary guy (Shanes Blogsite is entitled "My Anything But Normal Life")?
DS: Geez, an ordinary day? I don't think I have ever had an ordinary day in my life. I go to bed early, around 10 PM nowadays, and then wake up and begin my day anywhere between 1 AM and 4 AM. I was never big on sleeping anyways. The first thing I do is make my way to the kitchen and put on the coffee. Next, I turn on the computer and then finally into the bathroom. Once all of that is completed I sit down to begin my day and write my Blog. I know, I know, my Blog always seems so organized and well-thought out. But the truth is I sit down and haven't the foggiest idea what I am going to write until my finger touches the first key on the keyboard. Laugh. I like to be fresh.
After that I try and read a little, maybe an hour. Then I turn to work--actually my life's work it seems. I've been doing my family history for just about 30 years. It started many years ago after Alex Haley's "Roots" was shown on television. I was bitten by the bug and began the search. I was thrilled with myself after writing down about 20 names. I say writing because we didn't have computers quite yet. Gasp! It became much easier to organize myself once that first Commodore 64 was released! Anyway, here I am..hold on, let me get an exact count. Okay, 26,195 people later and still going. Every day I find just one more person. I can go for hours researching. One clue leads to another and so on. It has been a real trip. I am so glad I will have something worthwhile to hand down to my children.
After that I chat with people on the internet and on Blogs. Then it's onto the supermarket! Since I can't shop like I once did all at once for the week. I now go everyday or other day to make the load a little more manageable. Are you all bored yet? Lot's of Laughs!
MM: Outside of my oldest brother you are the only person I know who shook hands with President John F. Kennedy. Give us a "thumb nail" impression-so to speak--of each of the Presidents you've met?
DS: Wow! now this is a tall order. Many of the older Presidents like Truman and Eishenhower I met at Kennedy's Innauguration. I was a newspaper boy for the Phildelphia Bulletin and began my political career by slipping unauthorized pictures of Kennedy into the newspapers before putting them in the doors of customers. You can't even imagine how proud a 13 year old kid could have been when I went around the next day delivering the newspaper and saw the pictures I inserted displayed in the windows of my customers. Anyway, to make a long story short, I won a contest that the Bulletin was running for the carriers. The grand prize was a trip to Kennedy's Innauguration and actually attending one of the earlier in the day parties. The big day came and I had to make my way to Pennsylvania Station to get the train to Washington. It snowed so much it was waist high and my parents weren't going to let me go to it. I think I cried and rolled around on the floor until they finally said "OK" just to get rid of me. At this after-event party I met JFK and shook hands, and I just knew he would be great. I instantly fell in love with Jacqueline when I shook her hand. I got to meet Harry S. Truman, a very definitely grandfatherly type who showed his years and the troubles he had to bear on his shoulders. Dwight Eishenhower was a tall, stern grandfatherly type, and Mamie was funny. Even though another great guy, but not a president was Douglas McArthur. To be honest I can't remember what I thought when I met him.
After that day I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. As I moved up in the world of politics, both locally and somewhat nationally I was invited to the White House 3 times for dinner: Reagan, Ford and Bush, Sr. I sat there and looked around all 3 times and thought "Look at me, a little kid from Fishtown in Philly, having dinner with the President in the White House! Absolutely unbelievable! Reagan was a very friendly, exceptionally friendly guy with enormous charisma. Ford was everyone's dad, just a really nice guy. Bush was a little bit more reserved but politie and nice. I actually liked Barbara more. Lot's of Laughs!
The one President that I got along with amazingly well but never met in person was Richard Nixon. We became honest to goodness pen pals that lasted right up until his death in 1994. He was a genuine man. It's truly regrettable that he will be remembered for the Watergate fiasco and he was to bear out Marc Anthony's words, "that the good that men do are oft interred with their bones."
MM: I really sensed that too. How interesting. You know I have to ask you this. The War on Terror. You are an astute observer. What are we doing that is right and what are we doing wrong?
DS: Oh my God, this could take days to answer. Right? Our intentions were good. Wrong? Just about everything. Can I just leave it at that? I haven't taken my pills yet this morning. Lot's of Laughs!
MM: Sure. That's fine. So-called Activist Judges who allegedly mischaracterize the Constitution. What are your views on this?
DS: They mischaracterize the Constitution to suit their own damn political views. They cave in to political groups du jour. Your pushing my buttons now Michael. Lot's of Laughs! I honestly don't know where they find some of these bozos, and from BOTH sides of the aisle, Republican AND Democrat. Let's move on, shall we?
MM: That's fine. I know you have been watching the trial of Saddam Hussein and I'd love to hear your impression of what is going on at this point and what should happen?
DS: Well, I sit and draw correlations between their system and our system. I strongly believe in giving a defendant his or her time to express their feelings, however, not only is Saddam making a mockery of the trials but I find fault with the Judges for allowing him to do so. They have no control over the proceedings. The present Judge has somewhat control and exercises his duty sparingly. The previous Judge that quit should be removed from office, period. As to what should happen? I'm not quite sure what you mean here but as to the verdict, etc.? I have a feeling that he will be found guilty on all counts. Sentencing should be immediate and carried out even faster, the same day preferably. There should be no retrial, no re-examination of the evidence, the only motion needed is the hangman placing the rope around his neck securely.
MM: I'm going to ask you about the pulse of our country. In my own field (broadcasting) Dick Clark Productions telephoned me here at home and turned down a positive show for children and adults citing that the country is just too pessimistic (and addicted to "Shock Television" where 19 year old anorexic babes in bikinis eat worms to win contests) to watch a 'Feel Good Show'. Amy Grant nothwithstanding. Otherwise they loved it. What is your view, Denny? Where are we as a nation?
DS: I think the American electorate has been so bombarded with scandals, ignorance, misappropriations, you name it that they can't help but be disenfranchised. Unfortunately, they are choosing the wrong way of showing their disapproval. They should vote for a person and immediately watch this person in action. The eventual cure for unresponsive politicians is that voting lever. If the elected offical does not perform to OUR expectations, they kick him out and send in a replacement and keep doing it over and over until the right person gets into office.
MM: Okay, let's shift gears a bit. I happen to know you were close friends with a lady in my industry, the late Television News Anchor Jessica Savitch. What do recall most about this lovely lady?
DS: I first met Jess so many years ago. I was invited to a party at a local Congressman's apartment and Jess had just moved into the building. This is where our friendship began and lasted right up until her horrible death. (Jessica and her husband were returning home from dinner one night, when an automobile accident caused their station wagon to flip upside down in a ravine and they drowned). She was an amazing woman, well educated, well spoken and really funny and simply loved to laugh. Her smile really did light up and entire room. There is no doubt that had she lived she would be sitting at the desk of the ABC Nightly News right now. Jess simply had the right stuff, at the right time.
MM: She was a terrific girl. Let's say a young person asked you for advice today on how best to find their direction in life, what might you tell them?
DS: I would tell them they would be better off calling the AAA for directions. My life has been filled with so many U-turns, sudden stop-signs, dead ends I wouldn't give anyone direction, except follow your heart and your intuition.
MM: You are certifiably a lover of The Arts. Tell us what music you enjoy and what book you happen to be reading at the moment?
DS: It might be easier to tell you what I don't like. However, I like classic Rock n Roll: Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly. I wasn't around prior to Rock & Roll, but I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for The Original Ink Spots. So classy. I do like Opera, and since moving to Texas I have come to grips with a new appreciation of Country and Western.
As far as the book I happen to be reading at the moment? Don't laugh! "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelly. Yesterday someone asked me a question, and for some reason I thought the answer was contained in the book. I found myself flipping through the pages looking for the answer and suddenly I realized I wasn't flipping anymore and actually reading. With that I simply turned to page 1 and began. Presently I am up to the good part where they are making their selection of a new brain!
MM: When and how did you develop your study of Theology and the various belief systems?
DS: Michael, it's amazing how you can go from Music right into a good zinger like Theology, and in the next question asking about a perfect date.
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MM: Hey, I go with the flow! _ DS: Lot's of laughs! How did I develop my study of Theology? Quite frankly it all started with my family history many years ago. As I researched and discovered new members of my family it became much more than adding a name, birth and death dates. I dug into what their lives were like when they were alive. I found myself drifting off into their time period. The more questions I had, the further I dug. Then I made an astonishing discovery in that I have a direct line from the Merovingian line in France directly down to little ole me. I think at that point I realized why I was so consumed with researching my family history. There was a reason and I had found it. Many years ago, after corresponding with many direct descendents of the line, I came across Opus Dei and contacted the organiztion. Within a relatively short time I became a full fledged member and today share in membership with 84,000 people over every continent of the world.
MM: I regularly refer to you as a "Renaissance Man". You guys can charm the women to no end, so describe for us your ideal First Date?
DS: This is an easy one for me. Actually, didn't I just describe my ideal first date a few days ago on your blog? _ MM: You did, but who reads my BLOG? Please. Humor me! _ DS: Anyway, it is midnight as we sit huddled together on the Spanish Steps, laughing and giggling about nothing. Sharing a gelato at Giolitti, holding hands while we walked quietly in the gardens at Palatine Hills. Being bold and naughty in the catacombs under the Borghese Gallery and finally resting in each other's arms inside Nero's Golden Palace. All the time Ravel's Bolero is quietly escalating in the background! I don't think I should go any further here.
MM: "Bold and naughty..."Come on! You're leaving us on the edge of our seats! It's as if the film just broke in the theater and the audience is yelling (impersonates the audience) Boooo! Booooooo! (Recovered). Speaking for myself, I was disappointed at the outcome of the Russian woman we all came to know and love as "Olga". Any desire to write a book--an expose like Elvis' bodyguards did on the subject, as in: "Olga, What Happened?"
DS: (Melodramatic and serious) Olga! Olga! Wherefore are thou Olga? You slut. I thought about a book, "Jumping Up and Down On My Heart: And then kicking it 40 yards for a field goal!"
Your readers will simply have to go to my blog and find the Olga posts and read about the torrid affair. Lots of Laughs! But the really funny thing happened a few days ago. A while ago I joined a postcard club. You are randomly given 5 names worldwide and you send out a postard to each person, then 5 other people are given your name and address and they do the same. It goes on and on. I guess I have about 100 different postcards from all over the world from an assortment of people, not all quite normal I might add. Anyway, last week I get a postcard from Russia, actually blasting me for making fun of Olga. They went into how Russian females are sincere, blah, blah, blah and then signed the card, "Olga". I nearly died! Lots of Laughs!
MM: Sounds like they threw you a 'Molotov Cocktail'? We could compare dating experiences, Denny. At least you get closure. I get, "He's too nice. This can't be real". Then I walk the streets looking for a Digital Jukebox to play The Doors "The End". All of which leads me to ask: What is your favorite word and why?
DS: Wow! now I really do have to think here. I think I would have to say A kiss-ass. As you know, I loved politics and that profession is full of them. As I rose up the ladder of success I had to do a lot of it, but once I got there I made sure I surrounded myself with even more kiss-assers. It did wonders for my ego.
MM: Really? Let me make some notes in case I become a raging success. Okay, what is your least favorite word and why?
DS: Geez, I should have seen this one coming down the pike. Well, I would guess my least favorite word should be a word that I rarely, if ever, use in everyday language. After really thinking hard about this question and the answer (I am not allowed to think really hard because of the potential for more strokes), I would have to say that desconfianza fits the bill. To help you, I'll use it in a sentence, When I was in politics I grew to desconfianza members of the opposite party. How was that? You didn't say it had to be an English word now did you? -
MM: Oh, no! It's "Open Mike Night" here. You know me! Now, a delicious subject. Kelly Monaco. You did a series of Blogs about this Playboy Playmate and I want to ask you what intrigues you most about her?
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DS: What intrigues me the most about her? Are you kidding Michael? Have you ever really looked at her? Let me put it this way. From her head to her toes.No, wait. That's too general from her neck to her ankles. Wait, I can do better. From her shoulder blades to her kneecaps. If I get any more specific about my interest you'll never be able to print this interview.
MM: Oh yes I will! Trust me. Okay, I won't push my luck. New question. How did you come to embrace a love of Opera and what Music interests you?
DS: This is a trick question, right? Didn't I answer this one before? Anyway, I've always loved Opera. The flow of the music and the words. The powerful voices of the great tenors: Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza and Luciano Pavoratti. Many people may disagree with me here but I only mention those three tenors because there have been only three great tenors in the Opera world. Oh I know, I know, there's what-his-name and the other guy and I know deep down they have this immense hatred for Pavoratti (Denny's referring to Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo) but hey, if ya got it, ya got it. If ya don't, you don't. And he's got it and they don't.
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What music? Hmmmm, can I say I like everything except things I don't understand like Rap? That's pretty much it. No, wait! There's also World Fusion, Ska, Hip Hop, Some New Age, Mictronal, Funk and the ever unpopular Electronica.
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MM: Electronica? That's funny!!...See, I learn something new every day. Now I'm going into a record store to ask if they have an "Electronica Section"! Okay, back to being serious. If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?
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DS: I only get 3 wishes?
- MM: Yup. -
DS: Well, I could not wish for world peace. What? No world peace you ask? Well, assuming I wished for world peace and we got what I wished for, can you imagine all of the sorrow and sadness there would be in the world? Right off the bat, all of the people associated with the news media would be layed off and fired. Do you know how many people that would be on a global scale? I shudder to even think about it. I could not fathom Larry King in a food line, begging for rotted potatoes. Now that I have ruined the world with the first wish, I don't think I better go into numbers 2 and 3.
MM: What do your children make of your BLOGsite, "My Anything But Normal Life"?
DS: One of the things I am most proud of with my children is the fact that they have well-functioning brains. They are intelligent, well-rounded and cosmopolitan. And as such, they refuse to read my Blog. Now if I could only get my 80 year old parents off my back and stop reading it I would be happy. Geez put ONE naked picture in there and I am suddenly going to Hell in a flaming basket!
MM: "IN-A-FLAMING-BAS-KET!" (laughing hysterically while Denny waits for me to regroup). Oh, God! That kills me. A flaming basket! Okay. The big question: What lies ahead for Denny Shane?
DS: Well, for one thing, now that this interview is over I am heading down to Shaunessey's and getting a double Jack Daniels with a rot gut chaser. - MM: Eww! - DS: No, just kidding! Actually, barring any more unforseen strokes I would like to travel again, and head back to Rome. No, actually, I would like my blog to be syndicated and I would actually make money off of it. No, no wait! I am writing a new book, entitled Chatroom Psycho and it would be nice if it debuted in the #1 spot on the NY Times Best Seller List.
No, after cafeful consideration, I liked my first idea. Slainte! -
MM: Okay, well look. I reserve the right to come back here and check in with you in the future. Denny Shane! His Link is on my Blogsite off to the Right margin. Just scroll down to "My Anything But Normal Life". A great friend, a very funny fellow, a fascinating life thusfar and God Willing with much more ahead...and who knows. Kelly Monaco? Hey Kelly: If the crawler picks this up and your Agent passes this along, I can vouch for Denny. He's a Class Act and you should at least go out with him twice. Thanks a million, my friend. It's been a Joy! ####
SABRINA!
This is the authentic "Sabrina" (1954) starring a girl who melts my heart: Audrey Hepburn. The supporting cast is amusing: Humphrey Bogart and William Holden as the Larrabee brothers competing for the chauffeur's daughter's (Hepburn) affections. This has to be one of the finest Cinderella stories of all time--no offense to Julia Roberts. Similarly here, Sabrina changes into a worldly and sophisticated woman. Her influence changes Linus (Bogart) from a workaholic, and David (Holden) into a responsible man.
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Sabrina is a charming romantic comedy from the incomparable Billy Wilder. There's some tension here with her and the man she loves who is David Larabee, one of two sons of the rich family that employs her father; they don't exactly run in the same social circles.
_____ She leaves for Paris to attend a cooking school and when she returns two years later she comes back as a women with beautiful clothes and a completely new look and personality. Her beauty and maturity causes David (Holden) to fall for her even though he is engaged and his family disapproves. To get rid of the girl David's brother (Bogart) begins to hatch a plot to send her back to Paris yet he soon finds himself falling in love with her as well! Fun, eh? This is not only a wonderful "feel good" film, it is a great romantic comedy. Throughout her life, Audrey Hepburn was the epitome of exceptional beauty, Class, and Generosity. During the last two weeks of her life--in pain with Cancer--she never once complained and continued her trips aboard on behalf of Unicef. She was an extraordinary woman every man dreams of falling for and I hope you'll enjoy it! _____ Listening to: "Too Much Fun" (Bonet/Greenwalt) Performed by Deni Bonet (See Last Girl On Earth Blog Link) from her CD "Acoustic, OK?"
THE INTERVIEW: DAVID M.BAILEY!
 Coincidentally, this venue is where Alison Kraus + Union Station recorded her 2002 Double Live CD--at The Palace Theater in Louisville, Kentucky.  David M. Bailey In Concert! _____
Fellow Bloggers: Tonight, shortly after Midnight this Blog will be replaced; it will remain Archived however. If you are new to my site or have just stumbled onto this interview, it was posted from last Sunday through 12:01 AM this Thursday. It is part of a new series I've begun called "The Interview". Catchy title, isn't it? I would like to take this opportunity to thank David M. Bailey for being so generous with his time and for opening up his world to all of us. David is really a Blessing and I feel that his story reminds us just how precious life is each and every day. It is a Gift that David is using wisely. And Thank You to all who have stopped by, whether you have posted a comment or not. I am Honored that you visited!
Michael _____ My good friend and BLOG Bud, Keri Kennedy of "500 Miles to Nowhere" (see my Blog Link) actually is responsible for networking me to fellow musician David M. Bailey last year. You may remember my very first BLOG Interview was with Keri some time ago. Maybe because I am a developing singer and guitarist just returning to the instrument after a long "dry spell" and David is a seasoned professional singer/guitarist who has an exceptional work capacity and multiple CD's on the market. I 'm not sure. But I felt we needed to visit. I checked out his Website (Linked on my Blogsite) and decided it was a good fit with mine, so I Linked David. Last November, (after my First "Interview" with the lovely Keri Kennedy) I wrote David an e-mail. In late February of this year, I received a slightly delayed response, due to his touring schedule in the mail along with two CD's I was really interested in hearinf and one was a "Live" CD! Live CD's allow us all to hear the interaction that is unique between an artist and his or her audience. I found David to be very "down to earth", warm and open to sharing and exchanging new ideas. But there is more to his story. Much more!
Ten years ago David began experiencing terrible headaches. His wife urged him to go to the doctor but David was initially reluctant. Each of us who has experienced a migraine usually takes medication of some sort or other and it resolves. However, David's headaches continued When he finally agreed to seek medical help, physicians who examined David delivered absolutely devastating news. A brain tumor--literally--the size of a baseball was located in David's brain. Surgeons successfully removed the entire mass. But afterwards, the doctors advised David that he probably had 6 months left to live. David's story has been featured on CBS News/"48 Hours", "60 Minutes", "Fox/Health Channel" and "NPR" (National Public Radio) In May of 2003 he won the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition. He is inspirational and motivating and I am very honored to welcome to my new Blogsite Interview Series a very special man you won't soon forget: David M.Bailey. David, Welcome!
MM: I always like to work backwards a bit. So tell me, when did music first become your passion?
DMB: I took piano lessons through elementary school but it never really stuck. Then in 7th grade, I took guitar lessons from my English teacher after school. My guitar was pieced together from 3 broken ones that had been donated to us. it was love at first pluck.
MM: Who were your earliest musical influences?
DMB: I grew up overseas, so radio didn't really have much of an impact on me. My folks had one Joni Mitchell record and a few from Peter Paul and Mary. I think I learned the idea of harmony from them. It was a huge thrill of mine to meet Peter later in Kerrville. I also listened to a lot of Cat Stevens, CSN and J.S. Bach.
MM: That is so cool, because I've been a huge fan of all of those artists and saw CSN twice. Your parents are Presbyterian missionaries and I know that you were in Beirut, Lebanon until the civil war there forced you to finish your schooling in Germany. Tell us how your musical training evolved?
DMB: After the guitar class was officially over, the teacher asked if I would like to take private lessons in classical guitar. I don't think I was hugely interested in that, but he assured me that it would really help my technique no matter what I ended up doing and he was right. I did that for a year, then later when I evacuated to Germany for high school, I connected with a German tutor for a bit of finger picking and jazz, but mostly it was in playing everyday that my style developed.
MM: When I listened to your "Live" CD, I was struck by how entirely at ease you were with the audience. Is there a method or a ritual you go through before every show to prepare for the gig?
DMB: Great question! Thanks ! And, I would say the answer is no. Part of that comes, I guess, with years of just doing it. The other part is that I do have a pretty good idea of what I am going to do that night by way of a set list that I spend a lot of time on for each show--No two are the same. I think of it as a journey that we area all on together and while I have a pretty good idea of where I hope we end up, the road there can take a lot of turns. Just try to enjoy the ride and be a good tour guide.
MM: That's a terrific approach! You are known internationally. And I have heard others compare you to Cat Stevens, or Jim Croce. But I was surprised to learn that your influences are J.S. Bach and Kahlil Gibran?
DMB: Listen to the Brandenberg Concertos with your eyes closed. The way he has so many things moving and finally resolving is kinda how I think. Gibran does the same thing with words and his use of metaphor continues to inspire me.
MM: Of course, this week now, I'll get into the Brandenburg Concertos with my eyes closed to see what I experience! How does David M. Bailey answer to critics who might say, "He's too religious" or "He's too much in the Inspirational category?"
DMB: [smiling] Well, I'd be inclined to ask them why "inspiring" is bad? I'd also invite them to a concert so they could hear me in context of a larger body of work than just one song or CD. It's all about balance. For instance, I usually play my song about psycho airport security people right before or right after the one lamenting the death of a friend. Finally, I've been around enough to learn that winning awards and critic's ears is not what matters I'ts nice when it happens, but I'm way more interested in connecting to my listeners and being true to who I am. Sounds really corny, but it's true. And, you know what they say: 'No one ever built a statue for a critic'.
MM: [laughing] Well said. That's the first time I've heard that one. I'll have to remember that--and use it too!! Like many of us, you put down the guitar and went into the corporate world for awhile to keep the bills paid. What made you focus entirely on earning a living with music?
DMB: I'd like to say that I had the vision and plan and executed it in a timely controlled way, but the truth is at first, I never focused on trying to make a living with music. I was just making music to help keep my own heart and head alive and to share some of what I was learning with others. The money kinda straggled in later until I had to choose between throwing myself back into the corporate world [kinda unthinkable] or take the small leap of faith and finding out where music could go. It's a bit trite to say it, but now I have both a living and a life. More than anything, I love saying "a musician" when asked what I do.
MM: I'd like to shift gears, if we can onto the subject of what happened to your health. I've been treated for headaches and have had brain scans but I am totally healthy. Your brain tumor sounds like something that came right out of "left field"?
DMB: The headaches showed up one day, got bad, then over thre course of a few days got really bad, then one day I woke up and had a seizure and fell over. My wife called 9-1-1 and the next thing I remember it was 4 days later and I had taken an ambulance ride, a helicopter ride and had a brain operation. Crazy.
MM: So, you were married at this point. How did you and your wife respond to such a terrible prognosis? Six months isn't much time at all to get one's life in order?
DMB: She was (is) a rock. Crazy thing is, the day all this happened was the same day we were supposed to move --the van was on the way and our house was all packed ready to load. All of a sudden, everything changed and while it took me several days to first understand this and second come to terms with it, she understood immediately that a new chapter had started, kept everything running and everyone afloat and, never had any doubt that I would live. Faith beyond measure.
MM: That sure is! David, how do you yourself explain that you have beaten the odds? You are very much alive and well today. I have looked over your Touring Itinerary and it's relentless. How do you explain your ability to achieve this from your perspective?
DMB: My As for beating the odds, I've received the very best care in the world at Duke University, I am aware that there are countless people praying for me and most of whom I've never met, and I have a unique passion that drives me to get up early and stay up late. And I learned this the hard way. The the passion must include helping others. I think that's huge. It's kind of exhausting to live that way, but nothing a nap can't fix. As for the busy touring, well, the kids like to eat and I don't have much else to do.
MM: Do you ever ask, "Why me? Why did this happen to me?"
DMB: Ten days after the first surgery. I asked it once I had a long conversation with God that day, and quickly learned it wasn't that it was a bad question-just a useless one. I realized that even if I knew, it wouldn't change what was important - namely , what was I going to do with the time I have? It was an easy change --not "why?", but instead, "what now?" That question was empowering and I still ask it every day.
MM: You are a spiritual man, a Christian. Were you ever angry at God?
DMB: Yes, just once -- at the beginning of the "why me" conversation which actually began with me screaming that question. By the time we were done, I was looking for my first answer to "what now?'", which turned out to be the guitar.
MM: How are you feeling these days physically?
DMB: Great! Just got my annual checkup scan and it's all clear -0h, I also just turned 40-- which is a bigger milestone than I expected. Wondering if I am supposed to get a real job now that I am all grown up?
MM: (Laughing) I relate! Can you take us through an average day when you are off the road and on the road? Are there certain medicines that help you or certain exercises that help you remain well?
DMB: Medicine-wise, I just take stuff for seizures and vitamins. Nothing fancy. A typical day on the road is actually more typical than at home --fly, hotel, gig, fly. I guess the stage is kinda like a second home But it takes a good amount of effort and time to get to that 90 minutes on stage. Aside from the actual performance and the time afterwards meeting people, the whole process of touring is semi-routine, punctuated by lots of unpredictable variables --the sound system, the sound check, the audience, the lodging, the town itself, etc. There are moments when you stop and wonder "what am I doing here?" but they are few and far between. Mostly, I am blessed to have one of the few jobs in the world where, when you are done, people stand up and applaud. And on those nights when it feels like maybe I didn't really connect, it always amazes me to hear what folks say afterwards. Very affirming.
MM: Your journey literally led you to several hospitals and doctors. What was missing that you were searching for at these facilities?
DMB: I think it all comes down to one word: hope. It is hope that Duke offered. I think you can have the best treatment in the universe, but if you offer the patient no hope, there's no point. Conversely, hope can lift you above a lot of roadblocks. I could go on a long time on this one. Which is tricky, because a lot of people who don't make it had hope until the moment they passed. The difference? I wish I knew.
MM: I sense that you refused to die. Am I correct?
DMB: Sort of. I saw a lot of others just give up. I figured it was a choice early on and giving up never really occurred to me.
MM: Still, how did you face the facts and how did your wife face all of this? This had to be a nightmare of equal proportion for her?
DMB: Probably more so. I'd rather be the patient than the caregiver -- I've heard many other patients say that. For me, death has sort of become like a friend who walks beside me but is annoying enough that I keep him at a solid arms length.
MM: David, one of the risks in an interview like this is that many people with Cancer might become frightened even more than they already are. What do you say to them?
DMB: This sounds melodramatic so I hesitate to comment, but it's a phrase I've heard before: Cancer saved my life: it showed me how precious the gift of time is. It forced me to overcome some fears and pursue a passion. It drove me to want to make a real difference in the world and in other people's lives by sharing hope and to leave a legacy for my children more resounding than a few mementos and a 401K. When I first starting getting out there and performing and doing interviews and such it used to irk me that everybody wanted to talk about the Cancer and I really wanted to talk about the music; which was a bit small-minded of me. but I've learned a lot since then; truth is, there's not that much unique about music. I mean, anybody can write a song. The story is surviving, and we all want to survive, whether it's an illness or unemployment or divorce or abuse. Deep down, we want to survive. If I can help others do that in some small way, I'm thrilled to do what it takes.
MM: I have to ask you this. What do friends and acquaintances say to a Cancer patient? I have always detested the old saying "If there's anything I can do"... because that sounds so contrived and passive. So I say "Tell me what you need and I'll do it. If I can't do it, I'll find someone who can help me".
DMB: Um, I wrote a song a long time ago about that one
Don't tell me what I should be thinking
Don't tell me what words I should say
Don't tell me how I should be feeling
Don't tell me who I should obey
Don't analyze me or explain me
Don't speculate and don't impose
Don't try to figure out my silence
Accept that neither of us knows
Just understand, if you really want to share my burden
carry me across this thorny ground
If you really want to find a way to show me that you love me
Just be with me, don't make a sound
Don't tell me there is meaning in the madness
Don't tell me someday I will see the light
Don't tell me all about the silver lining
Don't tell me I'll be stronger for the fight
Don't tell me I am like so many others
Don't try to get inside my head
Anyway, it's not my head that's hurting
It's always only ever been my heart instead
Just understand, if you really want to share my burden
carry me across this thorny ground
If you really want to find a way to show me that you love me
Just be with me, don't make a sound
MM: One of the things I love about your Website is the Treatment section where you talk about The Annoying and Important Stuff. Many people reading this worldwide for the first time are eager to hear your summary of this?
DMB: Annoying: taking medication every day slows me down.
Important: I am still alive.
Annoying: I have a lot of vision.
Important: I can "see" better than ever what is important:
1 - Faith: For me, faith in a God who loves me and would stick it out with me no
matter what, a faith I had started to lose over the years - the foundation
of the house of my life. 2 - Family & Friends: the walls of my life behind which I could find shelter from the winds, and could lean upon when weary. 3 - Future: the new windows and doors of my life that showed me the possible, and gave me the chance to start believing in dreaming. I think we all have a dream for a reason and I think we all have the time we need to make it happen. In some ways, we are the lucky ones because we are given a chance to really understand how precious the gift of life is. I returned to music and gradually began a new life as a full time performing songwriter, there are a million other smaller dreams I'm still working on. And I know that is true for everyone. MM: " Reminders & Resources", I'm quoting your own website. It has a message of hope, as does your music. Please share that, if you don't mind? DMB: The Doctors are incredible people, but only human - Remember that whatever they tell you is ultimately just their educated guess. They are proven wrong every day. If " There's one chance in 500, someone's gotta be the one." Never stop thinking that you're the one. If there is a brain tumor support group in your area, join it. One of the greatest comforts and strengths you will find is in the sharing with others - particularly as you discover that you are in a position to help others - and as you do so, will help yourself. It's a magic that never fails.
Now, about Duke Info:The Duke Brain Tumor Center, including the family support team, can be contacted during business hours at (919) 684-5301. Their policy is to return your call within 24 hours. If you need to speak to Henry right away, you can page him at (919)-970-5656. Feel free to use use my name as a reference- He will probably call late at night and has been known to speak quickly. Be sure to have your questions ready so you don't forget. He always does better than his best.
The Brain Tumor Mailing List
This is an astounding resource where over 900 patients, caregivers, and medical professionals from around the world ask questions, make comments, and provide answers to just about any thing you can think of. I've made countless friends on the list who are a big part of my life today. TO SUBSCRIBE:
Send an Email to Listserv@mitvma.mit.edu- Put in the message body: SUBSCRIBE BRAINTMR (put your name here) I am on tour around the country pretty much all the time and would welcome the chance to meet you if I'm in your area. Websites
There are A LOT great websites with brain tumor info - I suggest starting with the following - Al Musella's List of Clinical Trials and Treatments -http://www.virtualtrials.com The National Brain Tumor Foundation - The American Brain Tumor Association- http://www.abta.org
MM: So at this point in time, David M. Bailey is "Clean". No Cancer. How do you overcome the fear that it may return, David?
DMB: I don't know if this fear is one I've overcome or just ignore. In general, Fear is something I try to avoid. My next CD has a song on it called "Do Not Be Afraid". Maybe growing up in a war-zone helped me. It's true that the tumor might one day kill me, but it's more likely I'll get hit by a truck crossing the road --- which has already happened once (yes, I wrote a song about it). But I don't experience fear crossing the road--just a bit of care. So, I don't live with fear of dying. I already know I will (someday) and am lucky enough to have learned early on that these moments need to be cherished.
MM: You tour year-round from the schedule I have in front of me. And I like how you arranged the dates. Some gigs come one day after another, some a week apart. Would you say that you receive energy from performing? I read where Cher once said the performing is the easy part, it's the constant moving from town to town, hotel to hotel that "kicks her butt" so to speak. Describe the experience on the road for yourself?
DMB: Well, Cher is correct, though I suspect her tours are a bit more planned. My schedule is created 100% from invitations. It's a huge blessing not to be out pounding the pavement trying to find gigs, but the less than proactive approach to booking does tend to produce a somewhat unpredictable tour schedule. I've been a traveler all my life, so the road doesn't really bother me. I'm mostly gone on weekends and the deal at home is to try to be home at least one weekend a month--I'm usually home during the week to I get to be a dad and husband pretty regularly and, when I am home, I'm totally home. It's a very short commute to my study. Time in the home office is generally spent on pulling together the next tour, working on the next album, and occasionally, writing.
MM: I've faced this next situation I am about to ask you personally too often. Comforting a person facing a terminal diagnoses. Or someone who has a 50/50 diagnosis with Cancer. How do you do it? What is most helpful?
DMB: I sing.
MM: Let's say a person in your audience is an agnostic, an atheist, or is simply not a very religious person. How does your music seem to affect them? Is there a detachment or an appreciation? What are your observations?
DMB: I'm not sure this kind of person tends to come to my concerts. If they do, they aren't standing in line to talk to me. Truth is, I used to worry about this a lot more--as in , not wanting to offend people with different beliefs. But I've found that it's better to be honest about who you are and what you believe --most folks respect that. Anything less comes across as phony. And, I try to do it with a reasonable degree of grace, recognizing that our different beliefs make us who we are. I never tell people what they should believe--I simply tell stories and reference my own thoughts matter of factly and the listener can accept or reject my conclusions. Deep down, I guess I just assume that the presence of a loving God is a given and focus on how we are called to live day by day.
MM: I recall a story where Elvis Presley was visiting his hairdresser one night, and she realized that she had been cutting his hair all these years and never asked for an autograph. So he signed it (and I'm paraphrasing from memory here): "To Pat: Ingredients for a successful life: 1.) Someone to love. 2.) Something to do. 3.) Something to look forward to". That was several months before he passed away. Do you agree with Elvis' sort of practical, common-sense outlook?
DMB: David and Elvis. Now there's an oxymoron! My dad always told me that the most exciting days in his life were the ones he was in at the time and the ones immediately ahead. It took me about 20 years to understand that that is the definition of living in the moment --which I think I am getting the hang of now. I would expand on "The King's"thoughts by adding 1.) To be loved and understood by someone. 2.) To do something that leaves the world a better place because of you, and 3.) To live and share hope.
MM: What is next for David M. Bailey?
DMB: I'm booked through the fall. Outside of that, I have 3 big things coming up. This week I'll be putting the final touches on my next studio album--including settling on a title (!) I'm really excited about this one. It's my 13th release and sometimes it is tricky finding a fresh sound that is still authentic, but I think we are there. The songs are strong and the production is really rich. That should be released in June. In May, I'm to receive an award from the Oncology Nursing Society and perform in front of 5,500 nurses. That will net some interesting conversation! In July, I will celebrate the magic 10 Year Survival Anniversary, Ten years of "One more day". In August, I travel to Cyprus to attend my sister's wedding. Then the fall touring begins in earnest. I am a happy man.
__ MM: David, this has been a genuine joy. As I tell all my dear friends, "Travel safely". God Bless You, and we hope to see you in concert real soon! ####
EXODUS!
 Two weeks ago, I mentioned that the "Friday Movie Suggestion Night" feature films were "overhauled" and I believe the results will be terrific--much improved. We shift gears this week with a film from 1960 inspired by Herman Wouk, Marjorie Morningstar and Leon Uris's EXODUS. The novel is about Israel's founding, but the issues still remain and Exodus should be required viewing for all who wonder about the need for a Jewish state. Exodus received only one Oscar, Ernest Gold's musical score is one of the most dramatic in cinema history and I recall hearing it played over and over from an LP my brother had. It's an intense and uplifting melody that will carry you along throughout this movie. Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint are superb leads, but the supporting cast is just as excellent in every way. David Opatoshu as Akiva Ben Canaan, an Irgun leader and Gregory Ratoff as Lazavitch who was the rabble rouser on the ship "Exodus" gave rich supporting performances. At the time, David Opatoshu was a leading actor in the Yiddish Theater and to be in this film must have been awesome for him! _____ Like many films, there was some controvery. Sal Mineo as Dov Landau was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, the young concentration camp survivor who joins the Irgun. Sal was facing competition from Chill Wills for "The Alamo", Jack Kruschen for "The Apartment", and Peter Falk for "Murder, Inc". Groucho Marx made a public declaration that his vote was for Sal Mineo after an unfortunate (if not appalling) campaign appeal was started for Chill Wills. But the winner was Peter Ustinov for "Spartacus". This never sat well for the remainder of Mineo's life, and he was reportedly quite bitter. Sadly, Exodus is not history because the war is still being fought by the Jewish people against those who would wish and do evil upon them. All the more reason for my careful choice for this week! _____ If you enjoy Trivia, try this on for size: Director Otto Preminger helped to end the stigma of the Hollywood blacklist by hiring Dalton Trumbo to adapt the screenplay for the film! YAY! Also, David Opatoshu's character Akiva Ben Canaan, commander of the Irgun, is based on the real-life Menachem Begin who later became prime minister of Israel. Opatoshu portrayed Begin in Raid on Entebbe (a 1977 TV Movie). 250 extras were hired to play escaping prisoners at the old prison in Acre. However, 253 people were counted as escaping, those three extra escapees were actual escaped inmates from a mental ward near the set. (Ooops!). Academy Award (c) Winner: Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture: Ernest Gold. _____ _____ ENJOY THE MOVIE!
WHEN KIDS SHOWS RULED!
 This was a show that lasted two seasons and used Chimpanzees. The star was Lancelot Link and his "girlfriend" was Mata Hari. "The Barron" was the bad guy. Each Saturday the chimps solved crmes, engaged in car chases and voiceover artists read the script as the Chimps moved their lips.
 Fred Rogers was the host of the popular long-running public television children's show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The show debuted in Pittsburgh in 1967 and was picked up by PBS the next year, becoming a staple of public TV stations around the United States. Rogers' mild manner, cardigan sweaters and soft speaking voice made him both widely beloved and widely parodied. Rogers ended production of the show in 2001, but reruns of the show continued to be aired on many PBS stations. He died in 2003 after a short battle with stomach cancer. Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister. Comedian Eddie Murphy did a popular parody of Rogers for the TV show Saturday Night Live... There is no truth to the rumor that Mr. Rogers was once an Army sniper, a Marine or a Navy SEAL. (Similar untrue stories are told about John Denver and TV's Captain Kangaroo.) He did not serve in the military in any capacity. Degreed in piano and later child development, he was a composer of 200 songs used on the show. He studied under Margaret McFarland PhD., a child psychologist and possessed the most unique God-Given insight into what children were feeling. What we saw on TV was how Fred was offscreen. He will never be equalled.I encourage any parent or single adult--for that matter--to look up his lyrics. They are all infused with themes of self esteem and the value of ones own uniqueness. His sign off on each show was derived from his Grandfather who told him: "You make everyday a special day for me by just your being you". I consider him the definitive "Class Act" of Broadcasting. He was married with two sons.
 " Mister Rodgers Neighborhood" was based on his lifelong hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.  "Hey Kids! What time is it?" (Audience filled with kids): "It's Howdy Doody Time!". Well before my time, but parents in the Blogosphere may agree that this started the ball rolling in kids television programming.  Gerry Anderson's first science fiction Supermarionation series. Super Car was a prototype vehicle that could travel in the air, on land or beneath the sea. Its test pilot was Mike Mercury, who traveled the world in search of adventure. Super Car was designed by Professor Popkiss and Dr. Beaker, who continued to modify it for specific missions. Often traveling with Mike was 10-year-old orphan Jimmy Gibson. Before my time, but TV re-runs today are laughable, although you could take a 5 year old and he or she would be glued to the TV with early animation that was funny.
 Now Captain Kangaroo had quite a cast. There was "Mr. Green Jeans"--unfortunate that he actually wore Green jeans although most of the series was filmed in B&W, "Dancing Bear (mute), "Father Clock" spoke, and "Bunny Rabbitt" (although a mute puppet with Buddy Holly style glass frames, tricked the Captain into endless tricks that were puns and ended with pin-pong balls raining down on the Captain and the set). The Captain was the straight-man. One of the funniest shows for me was when Captain Kangaroo entered the set with a big circle of keys that he jingled. The pre-recorded Theme Song would shut off when he hung up the keys on a hook. One morning he dropped the keys three times and the Them song staggered. I laughed hysterically.
 Burt Ward who played "Robin", Bruce Waynes 17 year old nephew, wrote a tell-all book called "Men in Tights" about the sexual escapades off-camera of he and Adam West with women groupies who watched this show. Plot: Billionaire Bruce Wayne lived with his Aunt Harriet and the Butler Alfred. A Red Bat Phone in his study provided a direct line to Gotham City, New Jersey's Commisioner Gordon and Police Chief O'Hara. Repeat crime offenders included "Mr. Freeze", "The Riddler" (Frank Gorshin), "The Joker" (Ceasar Romero); and "The Penguin" (Burgess Meredith) and "Catwoman" (there were several including Julie Newmar, Eartha Kitt, Lee Meriweather, and in a 1992 film adaptation Michelle Pfeiffer). Anyway, the "Dynamic Duo" had a secret door in their study that revealed fire poles to "The Bat Cave" where computerized crime fighting equipment and a Batmobile built by the late George Barris from a concept car from Ford called "The Futura". I've seen the original car at a car show and it was stunningly beautiful. The dialogue was an intentional spoof on conservative America. Robin holding onto a batrope with his teeth while Batman pulled him up the side of building to the roof top: "Holy Molars, Batman! I'm sure glad I brush my teeth"! Batman looking away to gather his philosophical response. "Yes, Robin. You do owe your life to proper dental hygiene". Fights with the villains included cartoonish graphic displays of "POW!", "OUCH!", "BIFF!", "PHOOEY"! It ran from 1966-68 and was a distraction from the Vietnam War. _____ The reason I wrote this "light fare" BLOG came after a visit to the local Walgreen's. I looked over the kids DVD and VHS tape offerings for current entertainment and found it sorely lacking in creativity. _____ What do memories do you have about these series listed here? _____ Listening to: Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61/Isaac Stern/Leonard Bernstein/New York Philharmonic.
THE REAL PINK PANTHER!
 Don't get me wrong. I am a huge fan of Steve Martin; he's a genuine genius. But personally, I can't see the 2006 version of "The Pink Panther" for one very obvious reason. For me, there was only one Inspector Jacques Clouseau--and that was the late Peter Sellers! I would be missing him throughout the show. So, I have chosen "the original article"--if you will. And when I say "original;" I mean it! This was shot in 1963 and began the entire series thereafter. Warning! This is so damn hilarious!! Here's Le Plot: Princess Dala is given, the largest diamond in the world by her Dad. What's special about this diamond ring is that when you peer into it, you can see a "Pink Panther". See? Okay. Now, what else? Well..._____ Some kooks have seized power in her country and are demanding the return of the jewel. Princess Dala decides to relax on holiday in an exclusive skiing resort BUT noted British playboy, Sir Charles Lytton is in town. He is secretly "The Phantom" ---an infamous jewel thief who has eyes on the Pink Panther! Charles's playboy nephew George follows them to the resort with a plan to steal the ring and then blame it on "The Phantom", not knowing that it's his uncle! (I know)...Bwahahahahahaha!!
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This is where Inspector Jacques Clouseau, from France, and his wife (who, unknowingly to Jacques, is the lover of Charles and helper in the Phantom's crime) enter the picture. Oy! Jacques feels that he is on "The Phantom's" trail and tries to stop the attempts but he is so clueless that when several attempts are made at a fantasy-dress party, the results are side-splitting!...
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Listening to: Joni Mitchell: "Taming the Tiger"
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It's "FUN FRIDAY"! So, "Run-Don't-Walk" over to my NEWS at: www.michaelmanning.tv . I put the construction crew to work and it came out looking rather cool, if I may be immodest! But wait! I have more to share!! When you are finished, cruise on over to my REEL page and see what mischief I was up to at CNN Headline News in Atlanta, Georgia just a few weeks ago! Mr. King (Above) does a nice introduction. And it's under 3 minutes in case you're watching it at work on your computer and your Boss happens by. If so, I'll e-mail an excuse. Just send me a note that you were caught along with the name of your Boss (and PLEASE include Ms. or Mr. because some of these names anymore make it hard to guess the proper salutation) at michaelmaninginfo@gmail.com. 
Next, I want to reveal a prime example that should explain Why I spent more time in Detention Class after school as a kid than my 2 Brothers and Sister combined! Case in Point: I challenged fellow BLOGGER Thomas Siefert "Across the Pond" to BLOG about his propensity for coming up with absolutely hilarious script dialogue from James Bond 007 movies that will have you laughing so hard, I can only hope there's a Loo nearby to "spend a penny!" No, really! If "seeing is believing" go visit Thomas at: http://siefert.blogspot.com/. Yes, I was ALWAYS the instigator. In fact, a moronic First Grade Teacher (moronic only in her behavior but otherwise a "Hottie"!) had the entire class point their fingers at me and say in unison: "Agitator!, Agitator!!" And no, it had nothing to do with a Maytag washing machine. Let's just say, I went down my own path and leave it at that. Okay, I have some FUN news! 
In 1994, I landed my first big time magazine interview with my late friend and Mentor Marty Shugrue. Many of you will remember Marty along the East Coast from his appearances in Eastern Airlines Television commercials where he fields tough questions from employees inside a Miami International Airport Hangar after Frank Lorenzo lost control of the airline he was dismantling and Marty was brought in as Trustee to save it. In fact, in October, 1990 David Letterman did his Favorite "Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Fly Eastern Airlines" and he mentioned Marty, who had a great sense of humor and loved it! Long story-short, I saw a preview of the graphic art design for the "New Eastern Airlines" and thought I could do better. I was staying up the street from Eastern's towering headquarters just outside Miami International Airport at the Sheraton Riverhouse Hotel pacing until 2 a.m. when I put the final touches on my own aircraft livery design with a pen and a dinner napkin! I hired an artist to transfer my design into "a mechanical", and two weeks later my design was propped up for several months against Marty's desk on the 9th Floor Suite of Building 16 (now Embry Riddle Aeronautical University). "Project Hawk" was to raise $100 million to restart "New Eastern". But a change of strategy led to a second incarnation of Pan Am (1996-1998) and my design is now featured in a new book called "Deregulation Knock Outs Volume II". It comes out in May and you can order it from my NEWS site: www.michaelmanning.tv or by Clicking my Homepage button for Airways magazine. FUN, eh! Okay let me show you some cool photographs and if you're patient, I'll make sense of it all:
Here's Dick Smothers with Robin Lynn at Sarasota's 1220 AM News Talk Radio. One look at Robin and you'll understand why I chose Broadcasting! WOW!
Actress Judy Landers with Cliff Roles. You guys with the British accent always get the girl!
Here's my buddy Doug Miles Host of "Suncoast Magazine" with Actor Jack Klugman of "The Odd Couple"!
Here's Cliff (Again!) with another lovely lady, News Anchor Michele Jordan of ABC TV 7!
Fitness Expert Rochelle Herman borrowing my Tour Bus. No! Just kidding! It's her Tour Bus!
None of which makes any sense until I reveal this: Last month, I was a Guest on Sarasota, Florida's "SUNNY 1220 News/Talk Radio AM" and I'm being booked for a return appearance in May! Stay tuned for a date!! I think I may have told you this story. If I did, Cheers! Here it is again!
