Ramblings of Rick Rockhill. Pet Food Nutrition Industry Veteran. Public Speaker.
Student of life, doing what I love. Following my passions and that which inspire me. Advocate for the health benefits of the human-animal bond, animal nutrition, animal advocacy, awareness of prescription drug abuse and the fentanyl crisis. Home is Palm Springs, California, USA.
Last week was one of those "coast to coast" trips where I was attending conferences, trade shows, client meetings and public marketplace events. A day meeting in Phoenix, AZ with a client, then it was off to Orlando, FL to attend the Global Pet Expo. As an 18 year veteran of the pet industry, the Global Pet Expo is an annual required ritual, and this year was no exception. Aside from having a few clients in the pet industry, it is also critical to remain current with new and emerging trends in the pet marketplace. I tend to be a creature of habit, and frequent the same hotels, restaurants and such. This year my usual hotel was booked solid, so I went to the Waldorf=Astoria Orlando, which is a lovely property.
Hilton Hotels, which owns the original Waldorf=Astoria New York, extended this luxury brand to other cities by building other Waldorf=Astoria properties. While no other location could match the magic of the historic Manhattan property, they have done an excellent job with this brand. The Waldorf Orlando is quite nice, with many familiar aspects of its NYC counterpart. For me, being at the Waldorf Orlando made being away form home--and in Orlando much more tolerable. The only way it could have been better was if I had my poodles with me. After a few days in Orlando, it was off to Las Vegas for a quick pit stop meeting, then back on the road again to Anaheim, California to attend another industry gathering.
Natural Products Expo West, or "ExpoWest" is an absolute juggernaut of trade shows for natural products. I have been attending this show for at least 10 years now, and truly enjoy this show. In addition to the trade show floor exhibits, there are a series of seminars and educational sessions to learn and network. I was still on EST when I was dragging my body through the ExpoWest event, with my brain still confused on zone zones. A few doses of strong coffee got me through client meetings and helped me shlep through the many trade show aisles. Somehow I squeezed in time to leave Anaheim to attend a charity luncheon and fashion show in Rancho Mirage, CA to benefit the Animal Samaritans of the Desert. Before it was all over, I darted over to the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market where I visited a new client who was exhibiting there. I enjoy these retail events, equally to observe the merchant vendors and consumers in action. Sunday brought the Daylight Savings Time time change, so losing an hour of sleep threw me off a bit. As I settled into the Burbank house this evening, I looked back on the last 7 days in awe. Somehow I got it all in, remarkably so. It was a whirlwind, indeed.
Last week while in "Fabulous Las Vegas" I went to dinner at a restaurant called Mixx. It's on the 64th floor of "THE Hotel", a really nice hotel attached to Mandalay Bay Casino, where my customers were staying. I wanted to take them to a nice restaurant with a great view, and Mixx sure delivers, in spades. This one photo is from the roof top, looking at the hotel sign, at the 64th floor. You can see some of Vegas down below in the reflection of the building's mirrored windows. Everything was twinkling, it looked so serene. I just love city-scape scenes.
After dinner we left the restaurant and walked past the lounge which had a small dance floor- it was completely empty, as the hour was still young. We looked at the light pattern on the dance floor and someone remarked at it looked sort of like a scene from a James Bond movie, or a a classic crime drama. We took turns making cracks, taking photos and telling stories as we killed time waiting for the elevator that seemed to take forever. For some reason I was inspired to take this photo, posed to look like one of those victims in a 007 movie. I sprawled out in the center of the light pattern, as someone snapped the photo. We all laughed about it and thought ourselves terribly clever. Fortunately the elevator finally arrived and away we went back down to the ground floor. I don't know why I felt so compelled to post this photo, but it still seemed funny to me, nearly a week later. I'm guessing the casting agents of the next James Bond film won't be calling me if they happen to see this photo. Not only is it cliche and over-the-top but I wasn't wearing a tailored suit, so I'm afraid I just look dead common. Oh well, so much for my big cinematic moment.
I saw this press release in Saturday's New York Times. It saddened me. Liberace is part of Palm Springs history, he lived here in the desert, in fact his beautiful home is just a stone's throw from where I live (see photo above left).Maybe we can get the Las Vegas Museum to relocate it to Palm Springs...Here is their press release:
LIBERACE MUSEUM TO CLOSE ITS DOORS OCT. 17
Las Vegas – After 31 years of operation, the Liberace Museum will close its doors Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 to focus its monetary contributions on the Liberace Foundation.
Due to the economic downturn and the decline in the number of visitors, the Museum is forced to close the space and focus primarily on its dedication to the Foundation and the donation of scholarships.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we feel it is important to close the Museum to ensure the future of the Liberace Foundation and to keep the legacy of Liberace alive through its continued scholarship program,” said Jeff Koep, chair of the Liberace Foundation. “Since the inception of the foundation 34 years ago, more than $6 million in scholarships have been awarded to 2,700 students, and we will continue to award scholarships to deserving individuals.”
The memorabilia at the Liberace Museum will be maintained. A national touring exhibit is planned, and details will be announced at a later time. The board will also continue to research options for a location change to make the Museum more accessible to potential patrons.
“The traveling exhibit is an exciting way to share the life and legacy of Liberace while providing an income stream for the Foundation,” said Koep. “In no way do we intend to close the doors and not continue to explore options that will allow us to reopen at a later date.” The Museum hours will be extended until the closing date, which will be announced at a later time.
About the Liberace Foundation: The Liberace Museum is a non-profit organization that supports the mission of The Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts which has funded scholarships since 1976. The scholarship program has provided nearly $6 million in scholarships, touching the lives of more than 2,700 students from 120 of the nation's premier institutions. For more information, to make a donation and to become a supporter of the Liberace Foundation, call 702.798.5595, visit the website at www.liberace.org, or email info@liberace.org. For old time's sake- watch this quick video clip of the great Liberace performing:
Last week I was back in Fabulous Las Vegas attending a pet industry trade show. I've been so busy that I've scarcely had time to write much, although I did manage to snap a few photos worth sharing here. This first photo above left is of the Luxor hotel and casino. If you've never been to Vegas, it is the city of lights and sights. On one street you can find all sorts of themes: an Egyptian style pyramid, replicas of a NY city skyline, the Eiffel Tower, St Mark's Square in Venice, and Cesar's Palce (sort of). One night I had a roof top dinner with friends and enjoyed this spectacular view of the famous strip, overlooking the Luxor pyramid. It is quite the sight to see.
The next night was sushi at a hot restaurant called Shibuya, located at the MGM Grand hotel. Regular readers know I like some types of sushi, but when it gets too wierd I stop eating. Lucky for me there were mostly more "normal" types of sushi. They had such interesting presentations in everything they served. Check out these two platters- so colorful and inviting. Too bad some of it was slimy, raw fish, I was really craving a steak.
All in all, it was a fun evening. Later we went out for a quick drink, when I took this photo below. I just like the way the lights blurred.
It seems artsy without being too psychadellic. Anyway that's all for this post. I'm in Boulder, Colorado today so busy as a bee once again. Thanks for stopping by.
As I mentioned yesterday I just returned from a few days in Fabulous Las Vegas. It was a business trip to attend the Natural Marketplace Conference, which I've attended for the past four years. I barely had much time for myself, but one evening after a few unlucky hours in the casino I went for a stroll on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Of course I'd been to Vegas a zillion times, and have another business trip planned there in September too. With all the wonderful lights on the strip, for some reason it was the old Flamingo hotel and casino that appealed to me on this particular night. Maybe it was the angle at which I approached it. Maybe it was the sign of Donny and Marie Osmond on the marquee. I don't really know, but I did take this photo for your viewing pleasure.
The Venetian Hotel
above: With a name like Venetian, I suppose you figured out it is supposed to look like Venice, Italy. They have canals in front and inside portions of the mall area as well. Visitors can take gondola rides and enjoy the sights.
above and below: One area within The Venetian has these colorful umbrellas suspended from the ceiling over a beautiful flower garden and waterfall.
above: more umbrellas in the hotel shopping area. I'm not sure what the reference was, I was too busy to stop. You see I was headed to see the Criss Angel "Believe" illusion/magic show at the Luxor hotel, and had no time to stop and ask silly questions. Criss Angel was an interesting act. He has some obsession with white rabbits. They were everywhere. Statues, images, posters and people dressed up in rabbit costumes hopping all over the stage. His magic act was decent, although being the cynic that I am, I question everything. Unless it is real magic I guess I'll never totally be impressed. The part with birds appearing out of his sleeve was laughable, but then again he must have had a dozen birds in his shirt, so I guess that is cool enough. Not to mention that they were all trained to fly off his hand over to a stage tree. The part of his act with the nonsense of his supposed "electric shock" from a silly cage with a lightning globe voltage type zapp was so ridiculous I nearly fell asleep in my chair. My advice is to skip Criss Angel and catch something else. Where is Tom Jones when you need him?
You may recall that last week I was in Fabulous Las Vegas attending a trade show for work. One evening I went to see magician/illusionist David Copperfield perform at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. Before I go any further, I'd like to share some information from our friends at Wikipedia about David Copperfield that stunned me: "Forbes Magazine reported that Copperfield earned $57 million in 2005 in merchandise and tour revenue. Copperfield performs over 500 shows per year throughout the world." Fifty Seven Million! I had no idea that he was so successful. Anyway, back to this post. It's always such fun to see live shows in Vegas, there is literally something for everyone, no matter what your taste or preference. I had never seen David Copperfield perform live, only his television specials, like when he made the Statue of Liberty and a Jumbo Jet disappear. I always thought those two stunts were pretty hokey, so I wasn't sure what to expect in a live performance. It was exciting to be in Vegas and I was happy to be relaxing with friends at the show. Imagine my surprise when toward the end of the show, I ended up being brought on stage to participate in the big finale illusion. I was one of ten people from the audience who went on stage and sat in chairs inside of a metal-framed open "box". I'm sitting in the front row, second from the left, wearing a black dress shirt and grey trousers. LOOK, IT'S THE PALM SPRINGS SAVANT ON STAGE IN LAS VEGAS! The illusion, or magic trick was that David Copperfield made all ten of us disappear right before the eyes of the entire audience. For the audience members watching, one moment there we all were seated in front of them on stage, and the next moment, we were gone, But suddenly, the very next moment, the audience saw us appear in the back of the theatre, behind all the seats. Later we were able to see the trick recorded earlier on a video monitor back stage and I have to say, it looked quite impressive to those sitting in the audience. Of course now I know how the trick was done, but David Copperfield himself swore us all to secrecy, so my lips shall remain sealed forever. It was a fun experience, a night I shall not forget anytime soon. above: Here I am, celebrating with some wine that same night. For some reason I wasn't wearing my glasses, which is nice for a change. Anyway, thanks for stopping by today! -Rick Rockhill
WARNING: THIS IS A BORING POST, AND MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. Being the shy, quiet, reserved person that I am, I agreed to a night out with friends to officially celebrate by 40th birthday while in Las Vegas. I was in town on business and elected to do a personal night out rather than do dinner with business associates. We went to dinner at a restaurant called Alize, on the top floor of The Palms hotel in Las Vegas. It offers incredible panoramic views of the strip, which is so beautiful at night. I enjoyed a glass of champagne as we toasted my old age. I'm honestly not hung up on the age thing, but I've been having fun with a now week-long celebration of my birthday. I almost wore an ascot that night, but I didn't bring one that matched this black shirt! Now the important stuff: The Cake! above: My third chocolate birthday cake so far. It has delicious chocolate mousse in between the layers!
above: me with my friend The Great Jimmy Van Patten
above: later in the evening we went to the Studio 54 nightclub for some dancing. The entrance to the club had these dramatic light fixtures and tall ceiling to floor length draperies which added a dramatic flair to the entrance. above: Inside Studio 54, I was busy dancing and enjoying the night. It was an unusual evening for me, as I rarely stay out so late, and certainly not to go dancing at a nightclub! All in all it was a fun time, and a wonderful way to wrap up my birthday celebration. I promise not to blog about my birthday again until next year...
I wouldn't say I had a bad week, just that it was a little gloomy. I was in San Diego most of the week where it was overcast and rained several days. Work was hectic and had several stress points that wore me out. Meetings back to back all day. Things that should have been nailed down slip through the proverbial cracks and caused extra work. And the never ending flow of e-mails. Hundreds of them a day, just piling up, unanswered. Rather than letting it get me down, I try to think of my favorite things. Well as some of you know I am cursed with champagne taste. This brings me to another scintillating edition of: The Saturday Seven: Favorite Things That Could Make Me Spend $25,000. This is an exercise in dreaming...go on let go, it feels good to splurge. Assume you had money to burn.But first, for something different and for your viewing pleasure, I thought I'd lead off the Saturday Seven with a clip you all know...
And now onto The Saturday Seven: Favorite Things That Could Make Me Spend $25,000 #1 New Wardrobe at Brooks Brothers: $2,400
#2 Weekly Massages for a Month: $600 #3: Five Nights in New York at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel: $6,000 (all expenses)
#4 Twelve Day Cruise to Tahiti: $6,000 #5 Three Nights in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel: $3,000 (all expenses) #6 Five Nights in London: $7,000 (all expenses) #7 Rescue a Cute Dog at an Animal Shelter: $500 (includes fees and vet visits) WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS YOU COULD SPEND WITH WILD ABANDON IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT? GO AHEAD, LEAVE A COMMENT! IT'S FUN!!! -Rick Rockhill
Tpday is the second post on my quick trip to Las Vegas.
While in Las Vegas, I found a wonderful chocolate shop inside The Bellagio Hotel. The shop has a massive chocolate fountain, flowing non-stop dark, milk and white chocolate from glass trays. It was quite beautiful actually. I stared at it in awe for awhile, fantasizing about breaking in and drinking the warm, flowing chocolate straight from the fountain. The entire shop had the most wonderful chocolate aroma...it permeated the vicinity as well. I was drawn into the shop, mesmerized by the visual feast for my eyes. I gallently resisted the urge to buy any chocolate, but once I saw the crepe station, my mind was made up. I ordered chocolate crepes with fresh strawberries, and also Bananas Foster crepes. Above left: A close up of the lower pools of the chocolate fountain. Above right: I watched as my crepes were made fresh before my eyes. Above left: The chocolate crepe with fresh strawberries & above right: Bananas Foster crepe. Mmmmmmm, they were so delicious! -Rick Rockhill
Thursday I flew to Las Vegas to see Ellen DeGeneres, have dinner and attend the live taping of "Ellen's Really BIG Show" at Caesar's Palace Colosseum. Hosted by Ellen, it was a classic 1970's style variety show, featuring acrobatics, quick change artists, dancers, and all sorts of amusing acts. In addition, the show featured Lyle Lovett and his band, Wayne Newton, Sheryl Crow and a special appearance by Barry Manilow (who is practically my neighbor in Palm Springs). The show will be broadcast on TBS Monday, November 19 at 9/8c. It will also run as an encore at 10:30/9:30c. Above left: Rick Rockhill and Ellen DeGeneres pose backstage. Above right: The set of "Ellen's Really Big Show" inside Caesar's Palace Colosseum. Above left: Rick Rockhill and Ellen DeGeneres share a silly moment. Above right: Lyle Lovett and his band perform during the show. Then Some Classic Las Vegas... Above: Las Vegas at night, and above right: I stumbled on the Pussycat Dolls lounge in Caesar's Palace, which was bustling with people...
Above left: One of the Dealers at The Pussycat Dolls section in Caesar's Palace. Above right: One of the Pussycat Dolls dancers in her "cage" captivates the patrons and passers by. This is classic Las Vegas.
Above: I ran across two "Roman Guards" outside of Caesar's Palace...at least I was able to work in my "signature pose" with the giant martini glass! Tomorrow I'll feature some additional photos from Las Vegas. Thanks for stopping by!
This blog is about life experiences & observations and stuff I am interested in. It is simply a side hobby and creative outlet; generally, with a tongue-in-cheek tone. I don't take it too seriously, nor should you. I do not profess to represent every point of view. Nothing on this site is a paid post.
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