REWIND: "THE INTERVIEW" WITH MY GUEST DENNY SHANE! (CONCLUSION).
Jessica Savitch (1947-1983)
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 & 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.
__
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 descendants of the line, I came across Opus Dei and contacted the organization. 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.
__
__
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 & 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.
__
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 descendants of the line, I came across Opus Dei and contacted the organization. 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 (impersonating the audience) "Boooo! Booooooo!" 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 post card 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?
-
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 Pavarotti. 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 Pavarotti (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. 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.
-
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?
-
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! (me laughing hysterically while Denny waits for me to recover). Oh, God! That kills me. A flaming basket! Okay. I'm alright. Now, 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 unforeseen 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 "Chat Room Psycho" and it would be nice if it debuted in the #1 spot on the NY Times Best Seller List. No, after careful 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 Blog site off to the Right margin. Just scroll down to "My Anything But Normal Life". A great friend, a very funny fellow, a fascinating life thus far and God Willing with much more ahead...and who knows. Kelly Monaco? Hey, Kelly Monaco!: If the Internet crawler picks this up (and of course it will) 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!
__
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 (impersonating the audience) "Boooo! Booooooo!" 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 post card 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?
-
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 Pavarotti. 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 Pavarotti (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. 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.
-
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?
-
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! (me laughing hysterically while Denny waits for me to recover). Oh, God! That kills me. A flaming basket! Okay. I'm alright. Now, 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 unforeseen 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 "Chat Room Psycho" and it would be nice if it debuted in the #1 spot on the NY Times Best Seller List. No, after careful 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 Blog site off to the Right margin. Just scroll down to "My Anything But Normal Life". A great friend, a very funny fellow, a fascinating life thus far and God Willing with much more ahead...and who knows. Kelly Monaco? Hey, Kelly Monaco!: If the Internet crawler picks this up (and of course it will) 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!
####
And that was how it went.
And that was how it went.
posted by Michael Manning @ 12:01 AM
16 comments
links to this post
16 Comments:
I liked the story about his first date. And he has good taste, Jessica is certainly very beautiful.
He is obviously someone with loads of character and that really comes across in your interview (I went back and read part 1 as well). I hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Great interview Michael,
I love that you write in a warm and friendly way.
About a very interesting person giving us the chance to sort of get to know.
Thanks!
Glenn Bishop
I'm sorry what-your-name, but if you can so readily dismiss great tenors such as Carreras, DiStefano, Gigli, Del Monaco, Corelli, and a few others I can think of, you don't get it yourself. I respect other people's opinions even if I disagree with them, as long as they are respectful themselves. Narrow mindedness doesn't even help the artists whom you admire.
Maria-Cristina
Denny, once again I am so sadly reminded of what I am missing in this wonderful man.
Ellee: Oh, SO many stories from this amazing man! You can look at then at his site which I shall keep up until I see him back.
Bob-Kat: Nice to see you here! I agree and he's a very "down to earth guy". When I first started posting about Sahara Aldridge, who was receiving cancer treatments in Houston at one time, Denny wanted to meet her because he has such compassion and was so moved by Sahara's situation. I'm sorry that meeting couldn't happen. In fact, I'm sorry our meeting couldn't happen.
Glenn: What a reassuring visit from you, particularly now. I know you recall Denny's blogs as well! Thanks, Glenn!
Maria-Christina: I welcome all views on my site. And I'm certain once Denny recovers from his paralysis he can address your comment about narrow-mindedness. lol!
Patti: I think to myself, 'How many times have I awaken to go to my computer to pull up Denny's site and see the words. "Morning, Patti"?'. The two of you really go back, as I was looking at all of the photos he'd post of bloggers and there you are with baby Madison in your arms. Remember he'd nudge us all to send him a photo with : "C'mon. people. You know you want to!" lol!
A well-conducted intervieew, Michael.
What a truly orginal man! I feel honored just knowing him and that he knew me as well!
jean-luc picard: MANY THANKS!
Cheeky: Let's hold out for the Very Best! I miss Denny.
Yeah, I keep Denny's link up too. You have an address for him?
Bud: Patti over at Monogram Queen is working on it! Appreciate your warm heart with this visit, Bud!
So wonderful reading your posts about Denny. He is not one anyone could easily forget. A caring, considerate, thoughtful, very intelligent person. How I miss his posting as it was one I enjoyed reading. Plus, how hard he worked just to let others understand strokes better. I remember he once said it took him over an hour to write just that one sentence, but still he continued on, so determined to help others understand strokes. One very special person, one I am so glad I got to know thru blogging. Wish he knew how much his second blog about his strokes has helped me to understand my oldest brother who is now completely bedridden and unable to speak. He was writing two great blogs and surely his posts are missed.
Thanks for the info your posts have added about Denny`s life. Sorry so long, but Denny is special.
Denny always had something to say which was his style and why many people loved going there.
Michael, I really enjoyed reading all this! I miss Denny too. My face is still on his "wall", lol! I have his link bookmarked and hope he recovers soon. The last I heard he was in a NJ facility. Has he been moved back to Houston?
dotm: I read your post through tears and I thank you for sharing. Yes, Denny and I spoke on the telephone about his posting. As usual, he joked about it. We take so much for granted. Even in the midst of his challenges, Denny ALWAYS reached out to others. I pray for the day I will have a chance to meet this brilliant man in-person. Please accept my very best wishes for your brother. My thoughts and prayer are with him, and your family.
Walker: He always let you know where he stood, didn't he? :)
Carolyn: We are trying to find out. This is the first I've heard about NJ. If you have anything further on this please e-mail me as four of us are scrambling to find out more about Denny.
UPDATE#1 TO ALL: Last contact was from Joanne, Denny's daughter who had Denny taken to New Jersey. I am trying to reach her. She reconfirms Denny suffered a major stroke last August. Please pray for our dear friend!
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