For 17 months, Rick Springfield and the news media brought literally thousands of us together and into our lives a sweet angel named Sahara Aldridge, 13, who battled a brainstem tumor and taught us by example, what Unconditional Faith, Hope, Love, Courage, Optimism and Humility really means. Sahara came to represent all that is Right and Good in this World. At Rick Springfield's "A Concert for Sahara" held on December 8, 2006 over 3,000 of us travelled to Cape Girardeau, Missouri from all over North America and Canada to physically show our Love and Supportiveness. We came to Love Sahara and her parents Amy & Shannon. Sahara passed away on November 5th, 2007 and our collective hearts just broke. Sahara could not have asked for a better Mother and Father. She was Blessed and in turn, we were Blessed as we came to know Sahara and her family including Grandma Dooley, Jennifer Hecht and Pamela. Sahara's beautiful spirit lives on. We Celebrate her life!
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The St. Regis Hotel & Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
The Grand Ballroom!
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Finally, on February 23, 2008 I will be Master of Ceremonies for The National Parkinson Foundation's Annual Gala--"Hope Swings Eternal"to be held at The St. Regis Hotel and Resort on the beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach. I will serve in memory of my father. Go to http://www.parkinson.org/ for information on how you can attend or make a donation.
It's nice to know that I have something in common with Rock and Roll'sJeff Beck, Jon BonJovi and Bruce Springsteen. We are all car enthusiasts! Around Easter of 1968, Steve McQueen and legendary stunt car driver Bill Hickman worked for two weeks filming over a 22-block area of San Francisco with 51 film assistants and a handful of police officers one of the most dangerous car chases ever filmed. The movie was "Bullitt". As Steve predicted during production in the 10 minute film, "Steve McQueen's Commitment to Reality","The things we'll be doing today with these cars will be unequalled, I would think for many years". Today, nearly 40 years later it is a fact of life that no one has equalled what theater goers recall as the most fantastic car chase in cinema history. Steve drove a majority of the chase in a 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback with the exception of the dangerous airborne hill jumps. These were undertaken by Steve's long-time screen double Bud Ekins (who also handled the motorcycle jump in "The Great Escape"). Carey Loftin handled executing the release of the Dodge Charger R/T from a tow bar-equipped Mustang GT Fastback at the end of the chase. Bill Hickman (then the world's most sought after car stunt driver) handled all of his own driving in the menacing 1968 black Charger R/T. Bill spent most of his career as a stunt driver, and was also involved in the epic car chase scenes from "The French Connection" and "The Seven Ups". Bill spent some of his earlier days as driver and friend to James Dean and was, in fact, driving the Ford station wagon and trailer following Dean on the day of his fatal accident. Bill was first on the scene of the 1955 collision where Dean tragically died in his arms. If you've ever seen Walt Disney's original "The Love Bug","The French Connection" or "The Seven Ups", Bill served as the stunt coordinator and driver of "Herbie" (the VW Bug in the 1969 film), Gene Hackman's Pontiac car chase under Brooklyn's Bay Bridge and 86th Street in 1971, and in New York driving a 1973 Pontiac Granville for Robert Urich (friend and fellow stunt driver Jerry Summers drove the beat up Chevrolet Nova for Roy Schieder). What characterizes each of these Philip D'Antoni produced films is the sheer degree of danger. In "Bullitt" McQueen insisted on filming using actual speeds of 130 miles per hour. A bit of trivia here: Steve is actually behind the wheel in "Bullitt" when Bud Ekins lays down his Triumph motorcycle on the Canyon Highway and McQueen swerves dangerously onto a dirt and gravel birm fighting mightily to regain control of the car. Today only Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset, and Don Gordon survive --among the main cast members of that film, along with Steve's personal friends and stunt doubles: Bud Ekins, Carey Loftinand Loren Janes. Steve McQueen died of Mesothelioma at age 50 in 1980; Bill Hickman died of lung cancer in 1988. He was 65. The incredible interest in "Bullitt" led Ford Motor Company to produce a commemorative "Bullitt" Mustang GT in 2001. However, the 2008 model pictured here is closer to the actual vehicle used in the original film. Smiles!:D))
he's truly a man of the cloth! Okay, this is Michael Mannng and he likes to Rock! -
Traditionally, I send a photo-card to broadcast contacts I have worked with directly or indirectly over the years. A colleague of mine atCNN's "Larry King Live" received my photo card. But on December 26th, I opened my mailbox to see that someone at the show mistook me somehow for the real-life Catholic Priest, Father Michael Manning--a frequent Guest on Larry's show. My card was addressed to "Father Mike Manning" at my new Arizona home. So, I thought I'd let you decide if there is a resemblance? :D)
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Christmas itself was pretty low-key. Two dear friends called me--one from Brooklyn who is an Actress and Model that is authoring a book, and another friend from Houston who is an amazing Realtor, CPA and Interior Decorator (even though she says she isn't--believe me, she's talented) and we each had great visits! My Houston friend is adopting a puppy and was awaiting word on the adoption! As for me, I drove over to the Westin Resort & Spa for Christmas brunch and basically hung out there day and night. HA!~ I took a walk up and around the beautiful golfing grounds and there was a huge bonfire that a group of us collected around. Shortly thereafter, a bagpiper about 20 feet away began playing for the next hour and we all snapped photos. As soon as my computer is repaired in Ohio (I called the repair shop and they have it on the diagnostic bench) I will post photos (once my Houston friend walks me through the process over the phone). I walked back inside the resort to shoot two games of pool and enjoyed two glasses of mineral water (It's amazing how I can't seem to find the Perrier brand?). The resort was incredibly decorated with Christmas trees and arrangements of Holly everywhere. Flowers of yellow and purple blanketed the outside where the weather was blue skies and sunshine, though slightly chilly. And of course I answered e-mail and checked out your Blogsites from the hotel Deli. Later, I had dinner downstairs next to the pool table room in a tiny Irish-style pub with more mineral water and eventually I went home and watched "King of Kings" (I didn't know David McCallum played Judas). I chose to skip "Ben Hur" and went off to dreamland. 2008 will be better for all of us, including Father Mike---who is cool, by the way!
"FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT" PRESENTS: AUGUST RUSH!
Robin Williams in a scene with Freddie Highmore
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In the short span of two and a half years, I've only selected a "Friday Movie Suggestion Night" feature currently playing in cinemas in wide release only twice and this week will be the second such occasion. Actress Keri Russell is Lyla, a brilliant cellist in New York City who meets and falls in love with an Irish guitarist with whom she shares a love of music named Louis Connelly (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers).Atragicaccident sets into motion a search for the son Lyla had with Louis who was placed in an orphanage by her domineering father, Thomas (William Sadler). Born with a gift to "hear music all around him", this uplifting story will fill you with Peace, Hope and Love. If you share my passion for music, 'AUGUST RUSH' aka Evan Taylor (Freddie Highmore), will fill you with the warmth and optimism of what Life has to offer in this Holiday Season and beyond!
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Directed by: Kirsten Sheridan, Writing Credits (WGA) Nick Castle, James V. Hart (screenplay); Nick Castle and Paul Castro (story); The Cast:Freddie Highmore is Evan Taylor aka "August Rush"; the lovely Keri Russell is Lyla Novicek; Johnathan Rhys Meyers is Louis Connelly; Robin Williams is Maxwell 'Wizard' Wallace; William Sadler is Thomas Novacek; Mykelti Williamson is Reverend James and Jamia Simone Nash is Hope.
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This completes another wonderful year of
"Friday Movie Suggestion Night" .
To each of you:
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! See you in 2008 for the 3rd Season of "Friday Movie Suggestion Night"!
Our Guest: Joseph Pentangelopictured withAnne Marie Lucas of ASPCA
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MM:Joe, Welcome to "The Interview.” As a supporter of ASPCA and a viewer of the invaluable work you carry out on the cable TV show Animal Precinct, I felt it was essential to interview you because the vast majority of my readers are pet owners. Many people are not aware that you are trained in law enforcement. Can you tell us first about your background and how you became an Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)?
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JP: I was a detective in the New York City Police Department for many years, and one of my assignments in the NYPD for 12 of those years was as a mounted police officer, so my experience with animals is varied both in types of animals and how I interacted with them. I had always been interested in a career as a person who helps animals, so when I retired from the police department, I applied for the position and was lucky enough to get the job.
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MM: As I watch you and your colleagues at work on cable television, I am overwhelmed by the fact that in New York City where there are 10 million people, there are so few ASPCA investigators to cover such a large population. What can be done to improve this situation?
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JP: The first thing that comes to mind is people reporting animal cruelty. Animals cannot speak for themselves so it’s important to speak up when you see animal cruelty. Secondly, the ASPCA is not a government agency, nor do we receive government funding. It is important for municipalities to recognize the importance of fighting animal cruelty and to allocate assets to that goal.
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MM: One of the misunderstandings I’d like you to address to my audience is that adopting a cat or dog from the ASPCA will yield them an animal less suited somehow and with many behavioral problems from neglect or abuse. Isn’t this a basic misunderstanding?
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JP: Not all pets that end up in animal shelters are abused, nor do they all have behavior problems. That’s a misconception. In fact, 20 percent of all animals in shelters are purebreds, so if you’re looking for a specific breed, start with your local shelter or rescue group. Don’t go to a pet store, as many animals from pet stores come from puppy mills, which are sub-standard commercial breeding operations where animals suffer. When a pet is purchased, there are certainly no guarantees offered about the pet’s behavior. At the ASPCA in Manhattan, our animals go through a rigorous behavioral assessment before being made available for adoption. This is the case with many local shelters around the country, too, so check with your local SPCA or humane society to see what kind of behavior testing, if any, they offer. Some may also offer training or behavior classes after adoption. And of course, anyone adopting a dog should take the time to socialize and train him or her. After all, many dogs are abandoned because they were purchased as a puppy, and then the novelty wore off, or the adopter didn’t follow through with training and socialization necessary to make a good pet. I receive many letters and testimonials from people who adopt shelter pets extolling the virtues of their pets and being thrilled with their pet. A common claim is that their pets recognize the opportunity they’ve been given and reward their owner by being excellent pets. I have five rescued pets, and I’ve never regretted having any of them; they are all valuable members of my family.
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MM:Your work in investigating complaints of animal cruelty strikes me as often dangerous—both from the standpoint of perhaps an unstable animal owner who may be a perpetrator, or the victims of cruelty—the animals themselves. Do you ever fear for your life in any of these investigative visits to a person’s property where you have been summoned?
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JP:There is a natural degree of tactical caution that is employed when investigating animal cruelty complaints. ASPCA agents are trained in firearms and non-lethal force. They are New York state certified peace officers and do wear body armor. Dealing with crime certainly presents risks, but the ASPCA agents do their job of investigating animal cruelty and protecting animals with enthusiasm.
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MM:Shifting gears for a moment, what advice would you have for anyone who is adopting a cat or dog for the first time in terms of how to best be prepared for their new member of the family?
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JP:Pets are a lifetime commitment. Research pet breeds and types before you adopt, and involve your entire family in the research and selection process. Remember, it’s not a light decision to add a pet to your family, but the rewards are priceless.
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MM:Joe, how do you deal with a case where your intervention is too late and the animal you are trying to protect and save passes away? You work so closely with animals, this has to affect you? How do you deal with it and go on?
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JP: That’s a good question. The thing to remember is that one must stay professional if we are to continue preventing and fighting animal cruelty. It’s never easy, but it is something that has to be done.
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MM:As a law enforcement officer, from your perspective, are our laws tough enough on those who abuse and neglect animals or is the answer for curbing this situation funding more officers?
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JP:More officers would be great, but they must be trained and professional and understand their jobs and the awesome responsibility law enforcement presents to both the public and the officer.
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MM:I’m curious. How do you get your three dogs and two cats at home to get along?
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JP:They were slowly introduced to each other; the dogs socialize mostly with the dogs, and the cats socialize mainly with each other. All socialize with the human members of my family. The dogs and cats are playful and do interact, so it’s a live-and-let-live atmosphere, but from watching them, it’s clear they are more comfortable with their own species and with us humans. I think it’s important to not always keep them separated and to let them slowly and safely be introduced to one another.
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MM: I am assuming you work a five day a week/eight hour schedule a day schedule, including the taping of the show, how do you manage to care for your own pets at home with such a demand on your time?
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JP:There’s almost always another family member at home at all times. Our pets are truly family pets, and my family provides the support network needed.
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MM:Approximately how many cats and dogs are neglected or abused in this country?
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JP:That’s a hard question to answer. But we do know that approximately 10 million animals wind up in animal shelters every year for a variety of reasons, some due to neglect and abuse.
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MM:Am I right when I say that it appears that the statistics are on the rise of people illegally housing wild animals in their homes? Please discuss this with us.
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JP:There have been several cases in New York where exotic pets were found in apartment or other inappropriate place. The housing of exotics is most often not fair to the animals nor the humans around them.
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MM:Lastly, I want you to have the floor. If there is one thing you would like my readers to know, what would that be in terms of preventing cruelty and abuse of animals? The floor is yours!
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JP:Get involved. If you see or suspect animal cruelty, notify your local law enforcement. Animal cruelty is a crime in all 50 states, and without people’s involvement, animals have little hope of rescue and intervention by people when they are victims of a crime. People should know that they are the animals’ voice when it comes to asking for help.
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My sincere thanks to ASPCA Assistant Director Joseph Pentangelo for taking time out of the most hectic time of the year to participate in "THE INTERVIEW". Remember to Click-Onto my ASPCA Logo found at the Lower Right margin of my Blog Page to become involved, get answers to tough questions, and adopt a dog or a cat who needs you!
"FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT" PRESENTS: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET!
Our End of Year Holiday Special!
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At this time of the year, with so much cynicism and sarcasm about, I felt that it was necessary to suggest a movie that needed to be seen to perhaps touch many wonderful people dealing with so many of life's challenges at this tender time of the year. And for these reasons, the plot of this film is made even more realistic for the wonder and child that lives within each of us. The scene is the Macy's Department Store Thanksgiving Day parade. The actor playing Santa is discovered to be drunk by an elderly bearded man. The all-business special events director, Doris Walker persuades the old man to take his place. The old man proves to be a sensation and is wonderfully given a "break" to become the store Santa at the main Macy's outlet. While he is successful, Ms. Walker learns that he calls himself "Kris Kringle". Moreover, he claims to be the actual Santa Claus! Doris tracks down Kringle's doctor who assures her that he is harmless. But the cynical Doris has managed to imbue upon her daughter, Susan, to reject all notions of belief and fantasy. This defense mechanism begins to unravel when the public (and Susan herself) begin to notice there is something special about Kris and his determination to advance the true spirit of Christmas above the rampant commercialism surrounding everyone as he succeeds in improbable ways. A major conflict erupts when an incompetent and cruel psychologist is enlisted by the department store leading to Kris' involuntary admission to Bellevue Hospital where, in despair, he fails a mental examination to ensure his commitment. I've often said in my blogging here that "Nobody ever goes it alone". And thankfully that proves to be the case in this movie where all seems lost until Doris' friend, Fred Gaily, reassures Kris of his worth and agrees to represent him in the fight to secure his release. To achieve this, Fred arranges a formal hearing in which he argues that Kris is sane because he is in fact Santa Claus. In this bizarre hearing, people's beliefs are re-examined and put to the test. If you believe in miracles, open your heart to the possibilities inherent in this film. If you don't believe in miracles, I hope this movie changes your beliefs for the best! A 1948 Academy Award Winner: Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Edmund Gwenn; Best Writing, Original Story: Valentine Davies; Best Writing, Screenplay: George Seaton.An amazing Cast includes: Maureen O'Hara as Doris Walker; John Payne is Fred Gailey; Edmund Gwenn is the memorable Kris Kringle; Gene Lockhart plays Judge Henry X. Harper; Natalie Wood is Susan Walker; Porter Hall is Granville Sawyer; "I Love Lucy" fans will instantly recognize William Frawley as Charlie Halloran; and a return actor from last week's Bogart movie, Jerome Cowan is District Attorney Thomas Mara. This is a movie for all ages and I hope you love it as much as I do!
Here is a sample of some cool e-mails from Arizona children
sent to Santa Claus at emailsanta.com.
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"dear santa, i'm really sorry that i'm bothering you but i just wanted to say it would not matterd if i did not get some of those things all that matters is that you tryed to make me happy are you mad at me cause i am bothering you and like i said i'm sorry i love you"
--Syndney, age 9, Cottonwood
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"I love Christmas because it makes me feel warm and toasty in my heart."
--Mia, age 8, Tucson
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"i love u so much u rock some people at my school say your stupid and not real but i believe in you anyway. i don't care what they say"
--Lyndsee, age 10, Gilbert
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"My dad lost his job, Please pray he find the job soon."
--Preeti, age 9, Chandler
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"if you could i would like 2 more things: 1: i would like a bigger house. 2: a new nabhor that has a hot 6th grade boy that is 12 years old. if you could get this that would be nice".
--Dejaye, age 12, Maricopa
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"i am not trying to be mean but the boys and girls on the naughty list are good kids inside".
--Lizzy, age 9, Chandler
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"Dear Santa, I like Christmas because you always come and give cool presents to everybody. My family has had a really hard year and we don't have much money so I will like anything you get me".
--Michaela, age 10, Eloy
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"HI! I AM NOT IN CALIFORNIA THIS YEAR. I AM IN ARIZONA VISITING MY GRANDPARENTS AND UNCLE WHILE MY DADS IN KUWAIT. PLEASE SEND MY PRESENTS TO AZ. THANK YOU!"
Rick Springfield is helping American Gold Star Mothers
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As I have mentioned in many Blogs, Rick Springfield is the real-deal and a nice person. Having met him, I've observed his dedication to worthy causes, most recently helping our dear friend, Sahara Aldridge and her parents Amy & Shannon. After reading Sahara's Blog, her Mother Amy reminded me of something I meant to post earlier. Rick has just released the above CD and is donating ALL PROCEEDS from the song, "Christmas With You" to support the US Military Organization AMERICAN GOLD STAR MOTHERS who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country. At a time when Faith, Hope and Love means so much to each of us, keep this CD in mind as a nice present for the approaching festive Holidays. In a post last year, before I relocated to Arizona, I shared with all of you that a neighbor--literally down the street from my home in the Mid-West--gave birth to an adorable baby son. Her husband was serving in Iraq. He was able to talk with his wife on a cell phone and even see his son's photos over the phone. Two weeks later, he and 13 fellow soldiers were killed when their Humvee drove over an improvised explosive device buried in a roadway. The explosion blew the vehicle 26 feet into the air. All 14 men were killed. We neighbors were numb! We set up over 1,000 American Flags at the curb to line the street to Honor the fallen soldier's family. Later, they placed a sweet message in our mailboxes thanking us all for attempting to bring Love and Mercy to them in their time of grief and shock. This young Mother is now among those whom Rick is reaching out to. Let's help Rick on this very worthy mission. I picked up a copy of this CD while I was at PJ's record store in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and enjoyed rapping with the owner. My friend Ally has organized a grass roots campaign called "The Christmas With You Charity Campaign--A Collaborative Effort of Love, Honor and Gratitude" at her Blog address: http://www.jasonthompson.org/XMAS%202007.html. I personally urge you to acquire a personal copy of this wonderful CD from a super musical artist and a good guy with a heart! NOTE: Ally's site will enable you to watch Rick's video of this song. Click on the links below for some great related sites:
FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "THE MALTESE FALCON!"
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Now comes the last "regular" film of 2007's "Friday Movie Suggestion Night" with John Huston's "The Maltese Falcon"--Humprey Bogart's first "A-Movie" and John Huston's first directorial effort. Can you believe 65 years later, you can curl up on a cold, winter night with some hot chocolate and enjoy a film that defines the word "gumshoe"? I'm serious! Watch the way Bogart walks on the balls of his feet. Funny!! At least once, he retracts his upper lip after making a point. Bogey is Sam Spade, a detective who is partners with Jerome Cowan as Miles Archer in a detective agency named--what else? Spade and Archer. Client Mary Astor---(who reminds me of a date with a bad liar) shows up at their office purporting to need their help in getting rid of a man who's intruding on her life. Miles Archer takes the "hook, line and sinker" of her story and pays for it early on as he cheats on his wife. Not coincidentally, Bogey has been fooling around with Archer's wife, Gladys. Fortunately, Bogey's decision making improves in this area as the story unfolds. Nevertheless, this is just enough to lead police to suspect Bogart had something to do with his partners death. A cool-headed Bogart's investigation unexpectedly leads him to a crew of kooky crooks: Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Elisha Cook, Jr. who are all in hot pursuit of a statue of a Falcon that is said to be encrusted in gold and precious jewels. NOT TO BE MISSED: Watch the scene where Peter Lorre walks into Bogart's office with a lie so outrageous that Bogart slaps him up one side and down the other. But wait! As Lorre is dabbing blood with his hanky, he comes up with an amusing proposition. Oh, this is absolutely HILARIOUS! This is also Sydney Greenstreet's film debut. Huston was previously limited to being a screenwriter and in fact he received an Oscar nomination for this film. Greenstreet earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Also, watch for Lee Patrick as Effie, the secretary at Spade & Archer. She has a huge crush on Bogart. All in all, this film flies by, it's so entertaining! Here are the players: Director: John Huston; Writers: Dashiell Hammett (the novel); John Huston (the screenplay); Humphrey Bogart is Sam Spade; Mary Astor is Brigid O'Shaughnessy; Gladys George is Iva Archer; Peter Lorre is Joel Cairo; Lee Patrick is Effie Perine; Sydney Greenstreet is Kasper Gutman and Jerome Cowan is Miles Archer. They don't make em' like this anymore! Just this year, in fact, the American Film Institute ranked "The Maltese Falcon" as the #31 Greatest Movie of All Time.
I am a HUGE Brian Wilson fan, and have championed his recovery from 1988 to the present. Today he's the father of two young daughters, is remarried and is very healthy physically and emotionally. Brian of course is the genius behind the Beach Boys tight harmonies that have been part of Americana since 1961. Similar to Todd Rundgren, Brian's command of the recording studio is legendary (He recorded 6 miles of tape before he was satisfied with "Good Vibrations"). After years of seclusion, and the tragic deaths of his brothers Dennis and Carl, Brian emerged with the CD "Live at The Roxy " in L.A. with top musicians backing him. It is a celebration and highly evident that Brian is back after almost 40 years of staying off the road and remaining in the studio to write and produce. So, he now tours and has a new lease on life. Now a related story...
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I was in a store to ship a friend a package overnight when the standard Beach Boy Christmas favorite, "The Man with All the Toys" began playing over the ceiling loudspeakers. I have to admit, that I never heard the song before! The girl behind the counter sighed and said "Not again". I replied, "Do you know who these guys are? Imagine them as a garage band in tiny Hawthorne, California. Their harmonies are great and I think they are touring again without any lawsuits!" The girl was unfazed. Apparently, this song recycles every 15 minutes. I can't blame her. But I love signing the bass lines of this song when it plays over the car radio! Brian's legacy continues and is too large for this BLOG, but here are some comments from Brian's friends whom you'll recognize that are really cool:
Paul McCartney: I've often played Pet Sounds and cried. I played it to John so much that it would be difficult for him to escape the influence ... it was the record of the time. The thing that really made me sit up and take notice was the bass lines ... and also, putting melodies in the bass line. That I think was probably the big influence that set me thinking when we recorded 'Pepper', it set me off on a period I had then for a couple of years of nearly always writing quite melodic bass lines. "God Only Knows" is a big favorite of mine ... very emotional, always a bit of a choker for me, that one. On "You Still Believe In Me", I love that melody - that kills me ... that's my favorite, I think ... it's so beautiful right at the end ... comes surging back in these multi-colored harmonies ... sends shivers up my spine."
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Neil Young:His music definitely affected mine - the harmonies. Of course I never played in a band that could sing like that. He's got the whole band retarding every once in awhile - he's got a feel for it and he's got everybody playing and it's not something you naturally do. It's something that he shows you where to lay back - where to slow down. You hear the band doing it just like it happens on the record - it's no accident. I love you, Brian. I'm there for you.
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Pete Townsend:I love Brian. There's not many people I would say that about. I think he's a truly, truly, truly great genius. I love him so much it's just terrible - I find it hard to live with. From my own era I especially admire Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, the Beatles and Brian Wilson. 'God Only Knows' is simple and elegant and was stunning when it first appeared; it still sounds perfect.
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Elton John: Pet Sounds is a landmark album. For me to say that I was enthralled would be an understatement. I had never heard such magical sounds, so amazingly recorded. It undoubtedly changed the way that I, and countless others, approached recording. It is a timeless and amazing recording of incredible genius and beauty.
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Sheryl Crow:Brian, keep creating, keep going. I know from where you sit on the stage you could probably absorb maybe a tenth of how people were feeling out there - you have no idea. People were so in the palm of your hands.
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Bob Dylan:... Jesus, that ear. He should donate it to The Smithsonian. The records I used to listen to and still love, you can't make a record that sounds that way. Brian Wilson, he made all his records with four tracks, but you couldn't make his records if you had a hundred tracks today.
"THE INTERVIEW": JEANINE KONOPELSKI OF CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE!
This picture says it all...
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Hello, All: This marks the return of "THE INTERVIEW" after a lengthy absence. Jeanine Konopelski has really communicated the labor of Love that this wonderful organization is involved with and I hope that you will enjoy reading what they do. With a wink ;-) and a nod, thanks for stopping by!
--Michael
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Jeanine Konopelski is the National Director of Marketing Communications with Canine Companions for Independence and she is my Guest today on "THE INTERVIEW".
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MM: JEANINE, WELCOME TO "THE INTERVIEW". STRAIGHT OFF THE BAT, HOW DID CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE GET ITS START?
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JK:Canine Companions was founded in 1975 with a vision of cultivating the abilities of dogs and pairing the professionally trained dog with an adult or child with disabilities in a way that maximizes the human animal bond and improves an individual’s quality of life by increasing independence.
MM: WHAT IS YOUR MISSION EXACTLY?
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JK:Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Basically, we breed, raise and train assistance dogs that grow to be the ears, hands and legs of their human partners. We teach our graduates how to properly handle and care for their assistance dogs. We keep in touch with our graduates through phone calls, emails, home visits and regular training workshops that ensure the human animal team is healthy and successful.
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MM: MY LATE FATHER HAD PARKINSON'S DISEASE, AND I KNOW THAT THERE ARE PROGRAMS WHERE LABRADORS ARE TYPICALLY USED TO HELP A PARKINSONIAN WHEN THEY EXPERIENCE A "FREEZE" EPISODE, THAT IS, WHERE THE PATIENT CAN'T MOVE THEIR FOOT. AND THE DOG IS TRAINED TO PLACE IT'S PAW ON THE PATENT'S FOOT. THAT SEEMS TO CAUSE THE PATIENT TO RESUME. ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH PARKINSON'S PATIENTS?
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JK:We serve clients with a wide range of challenges including Parkinson’s. Since our goal is to ensure the recipient of the dog experiences increased independence we have a comprehensive application process and evaluate each applicant individually. We try to focus more on each individual’s needs verses the needs of people challenged with a particular disability. This is also why we train four types of assistance dogs. Service Dogs for adults with physical disabilities, skilled companions for children and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities who require full time care, hearing dogs for adults who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and facility dogs who work with professional who serve clients with disabilities.
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MM: ARE LABRADORS THE BREED OF CHOICE OR DO YOU USE DIFFERENT BREEDS?
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JK:At Canine Companions we breed golden and Labrador retrievers, or a cross of the two. We have found they have the most suitable temperament for working.
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MM: HOW DOES SOMEONE WHO COULD USE YOUR SERVICES USUALLY COME TO YOUR ATTENTION?
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JK:We currently have over 3000 volunteers and 1300 graduate teams nationwide who are incredible ambassadors. They enthusiastically participate in information fairs and various educational events and presentations that help spread the word about assistance dogs for people with disabilities other than visual impairment, and Canine Companions for Independence. Applicants generally hear about us through our graduates, volunteers and website.
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MM: ARE THERE COSTS TO THE FAMILY OR PATIENT FOR YOUR SERVICES?
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JK:No! It takes over two years and thousands of hours of hard work to produce one graduate team. Even with volunteer help, our investment in each dog is more than $45,000. We rely completely on private donations.
One of our recent Graduates said, “It’s like I received a box full of love, and the box was free.”
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MM: THE ASPCA IS ALSO AMONG A HANDFUL OF NEEDY ORGANIZATIONS I CHOOSE TO SUPPORT. HAS THERE BEEN AN INSTANCE WHERE THE TWO AGENCIES HAVE WORKED TOGETHER?
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JK: We may have worked together in the past; but currently we do not have an active partnership, though we certainly support their mission. As an organization we are committed to building community relationships. For instance we work with a number of prisons across the country on Prison Puppy Raising Programs. Also, our Five Regional Centers across the country work with community organizations local to their area. For instance our Northwest Region in Santa Rosa, CA puts on an event with an organization assisting adults with developmental disabilities every year to display and sell their clients original artwork.
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MM: COULD YOU SHARE WITH MY READERS A SUCCESS STORY SO WE CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND WHAT SERVICES YOU PROVIDE?
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JK:One story that comes to mind is seven-year-old TJ, challenged with autism, his mom Nancy and their CCI Skilled Companion Kermit.
Nancy researched the benefits of an assistance dog and was sure that TJ would benefit from an assistance dog, but as a single mom in New York City she was unsure how to make an assistance dog for TJ a reality.
Then she found Canine Companions for Independence, and they were paired with Kermit.
In less than a year as a Graduate Team, TJ has progressed from being almost completely non-verbal to stringing up to three words together in order to feed and fetch with Kermit.
Nancy shares, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would happen so quickly.”
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MM: HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED, JEANINE?
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JK:I’ve always been a dog lover, and I knew I wanted to work for an organization that made a difference. Canine Companions does just that, by providing these smart and dedicated trained dogs to people in need. The human-animal bond is an amazing thing, and I’m proud to be associated with an organization that helps people through the work of these exceptional dogs.
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MM: WHAT GOALS SO YOU HAVE FOR 2008?
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JK: Our primary goal for 2008 and really every year is to give more people the independence experienced with an assistance dog.
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MM: IF ANYONE WANTS TO VOLUNTEER, HOW CAN THEY BECOME INVOLVED AND WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS?
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JK:They should visit our website at cci.org and contact the regional center closest to them. Even if the Regional Training Center location is not convenient for them we have a network of volunteer chapters that the Regional Centers can direct them to.
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MM: JEANINE, ON "THE INTERVIEW", I ALWAYS RESERVE OUR FINAL QUESTION FOR MY GUEST AS AN "OPEN FLOOR" QUESTION. PLEASE SUMMARIZE WITH ANY POINTS YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE.
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JK:Canine Companions for Independence is a national organization founded in 1975 that breeds, raises, trains and places assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities.We rely on volunteer and private donor support in order to provide highly trained assistance dogs and follow-up services completely free of charge. We invite anyone interested to visit our website cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK to learn more.
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MM: JEANINE, YOU CAME THROUGH DURING THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR AND I THANK YOU FOR BEING SO GRACIOUS WITH YOUR TIME. I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT SOMEONE READING THIS WILL BE TOUCHED AND HELPED BY THE PHENOMENALLY HARD WORK YOU DO. THANK YOU FOR SPENDING TIME WITH ME TODAY!
Basically, I'm a Public Relations Consultant with a background in Broadcast News. I've worked as a Reporter and Anchor with PBS, ABC, CBS & NBC affiliates and in Cable Television. I'm active in Radio & Television Commercials, Guest Speaking engagements and I enjoy writing, music and sports.
