Love Blogging? Watch this TV Show

My work life has crossed over into my personal life for nearly 25 years. By that I mean I like what I do at work and it bleeds into what I do at home. I've been blogging for years, and frequently my work life appears here in some fashion. Usually I keep things separated, but with the TV show I've been working on, it is difficult not to share the fun news with you.

Who Let the Dogs Out is such a fun TV show. It is part of Hallmark Channel's original programming, daytime on Fridays. You can get information on the show from the network website, or from the show website. 

This Friday's episode features the Blog Paws blogger conference from last summer. Sheldon and I attended, on behalf of my company, Natural Balance. Also in attendance were Norman the Scooter Dog and Tillman the world's fastest skateboarding bulldog. The producers of Who Let the Dogs Out filmed the conference, and Blog Paws is the feature story of this week's episode of Who Let the Dogs Out. They interviewed a bunch of pet bloggers, including an amazingly inspirational story of a dog whose battle with cancer changed the lives if his two human parents. It is a story you'll want to see. It might inspire you to become a pet blogger too.

Tune in this Friday on Hallmark Channel 1 pm/12 central. Or just set your DVR to record it.

Valentine's Day in Palm Springs

I wouldn't consider myself a "hopeless romantic" but I'm a firm believer in the importance of those "magic moments" that kindle new relationships and keep the fire in existing ones too. The everyday opportunities are what matter most, but it is hard to resist "the Biggies" on the calendar, such as Valentine's Day. Even as a kid, at an early age I developed a fondness for the Valentine's Day customs. Perhaps it was the heart-shaped boxes at Fanny Farmer and Fannie May Candy shops. I'm sure their heart-shaped chocolate marshmallow treats had nothing to do with it...but I was also a fan of sending--and receiving Valentine's cards in the mail. I can even remember cutting out  hearts out of red and pink construction paper and taping them all over the kitchen for my mom. Yes, Valentine's Day has strong memories for me that have carried through my entire life.

Perhaps that's why every year I celebrate Valentine's Day in my own way. I've always bought myself a heart-shaped box of chocolates, just to carry on the traditions. I've helped plenty of clueless friends who have sheepishly asked my opinion on what to do for Valentine's Day with their girlfriends/boyfriends/spouses. Of course, living in a popular vacation spot and tourist destination like Palm Springs, plenty of friends end up coming to visit as the ideal weekend get-away for a romantic weekend. There is plenty to do here in Palm Springs. I read the Top 10 Things to Do in Palm Springs post over at the Memento Gift Shop blog for some ideas, and couldn't think of anything to add, so I'd suggest reading that list of ideas.

The nice thing about visiting Palm Springs this time of year, is the weather is just starting to warm up again. The "worst" of our ever-so-brief winter weather is generally behind us already.  Days warm up nicely, but not too hot yet. Evenings still have a slight chill, but nothing a sweater or a bit of cuddling can't find. Visitors who come to Palm Springs in February are delighted to find the city brimming with things to do. Aside from shows at the McCallum Theatre, Annenberg Theatre, Palm Canyon Theatre, or the many casino attractions and shows, Palm Springs has frequent weekend Art Walks. If art is your thing, check out this website, which has a really good list of art destinations in Palm Springs.

Aside from the vast array of golf, tennis, bike tours, and such, there is great shopping and sightseeing to do here. Most people marvel at the really good variety of dining options. There are some awesome restaurants here, from casual to fine dining. I tend to enjoy the restaurants that combine good food with good atmosphere. Whether you dine outdoors, or in a special dining room, the experience remains etched in your memory. These are all what can help make a special Valentine's Weekend in Palm Springs. The goal is to create memories of the time you will spend together here.

Go places where the stunning views will make you smile. The Palm Springs Tram is one such example. Rent bikes and explore the city's marvelous neighborhoods to see the mid-century modern gems tucked away. Take a leisurely stroll through downtown and explore the Walk of Stars. Do things you might not do at home, like visit a day spa, go hiking, drive out to Joshua Tree National Park. The options are endless.

Come to Palm Springs and plan a Valentine's Day getaway that you and your sweetheart won't forget. You'd be surprised at how easy it is do to.

Hallmark Channel to Premiere Who Let the Dogs Out, Season II

Tomorrow is the premiere of season II of Who Let the Dogs Out which will broadcast nationally daytime on Fridays at Hallmark Channel. Check your local listings, and set your DVR to record the entire season.

This Friday's premiere will feature two brand new, back to back episodes to kick off the season. The shows will feature the back story on how Tillman became an honorary Marine to help raise awareness of military working dogs, and leads right up to the Rose Parade that featured several military working dog teams on the Natural Balance float.

During this week's episode, Tillman goes to Dallas to attend Skyball, and the ceremony where he was inducted as an honorary Marine. The episode also features Lucca, the hero military working dog who lost a leg while on duty in Afghanistan. This is an hour of really enjoyable television, and truly honors our military working dog teams- canine and human. I hope you can check it out. I sure am proud to be a part of this program, it is inspirational and fun too. 


The following press release was issued on the wire yesterday about Who Let the Dogs Out TV show:

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Everyone's favorite canines are back for another season of the wildly popular reality show that scours the country in search of the most fascinating, jaw-droppingly talented pets. "Who Let The Dogs Out" Season II, presented by Petco and Natural Balance Pet Foods, will air weekly on Fridays from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Central/Mountain) on Hallmark Channel beginning February 1^st. Check local listings for full show details. 

Charlie Sheen, Dick Van Patten & Jimmy Van Patten in a PSA

Season II of "Who Let The Dogs Out" will continue to follow Tillman "The World's Fastest Skateboarding Dog," and his friend Norman "The Scooter Dog," along with their puppy posse as they roll across the country with their human cohorts. Each episode follows these world-famous canines as they travel the highways and back roads of America in search of new recruits, unusual places to visit and fun experiences. The show will continue to delight animal lovers with laughs and provide interesting and helpful tips for pet owners to care for the physical, mental, social and emotional aspects of their best friends' health. Viewers who thought they saw it all last season are in for a surprise when they notice that the level of canine talent has been turned up a notch, featuring more crazy antics, history-making moments, and even some four-legged bike-riding. 

This season of "Who Let The Dogs Out" will also take audiences behind-the-scenes and into the minds of the creators of the first-ever national monument for an animal: The Military Working Dog Teams National Monument. The monument, which will honor our country's canine veterans, was replicated by Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods during the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade and will be the first national monument to go on tour later this year. The monument will be dedicated this October and will be installed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.

With over 50 million hits on the internet and counting, Tillman was voted by TIME Magazine as one of the top 50 YouTube videos of all time. He and his pal Norman have a tremendous fanbase of Facebook and Twitter followers whom they engage with via live viewing parties.
For more information, visit www.wholetthedogsout.tv. Audiences can join the conversation on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/TillmanSkates) and Twitter (@TillmanSkates using hashtag #TillmanTV).

Just Take A Moment

Before the day passes by, just take a moment and look closely at this photo. I took this photo myself, just using my iPhone last year. I stumbled on the photo this evening and found inspiration from it. Look closely at the flower...did you notice the tiny bees? Slow down. Look and listen...you can almost hear them buzzing. The photo was taken at a special, sacred place, and speaks to me even now. I hope this photo brings inner peace and joy to you today.

Getting Better at Home in Palm Springs

Whoa, it has been a rough week. I had been winding down a cold and just had the tail end of a little cough, but nothing too bad. Then I had a bad case of food poisoning/flu, which led to bronchitis. I woke up one night having a hard time breathing I decided it was high time I went to Urgent Care. The good doctors there got me all set up on medicine and I'm on the mend. But wow did this knock it out of me. I could barely get out of bed, or keep my head up. A few days I had a headache so bad that it felt like someone hit me over the head with a cast-iron skillet (you know, like they do in the cartoons?). I think for about two full days I laid in bed groaning. I barely ate for three full days. One full day was spent shivering no matter how many layers I wore. Crazy, nasty stuff.

I'm happy to report that I am on the mend. I feel better but I get tired very easily, even a phone call wipes me out. But I'm fine- not to worry. Through it all, the one thing I can say I enjoyed was the view from my bed. I love living in Palm Springs...I've always thought it was therapeutic for me. The climate, the light, the air pressure who knows. But desert life agrees with me. I agree with this t-shirt, "Palm Springs is Paradise Found'. For me, it was comforting just to stare out the window and gaze at our beautiful San Jacinto mountain range.
So despite being physically ill, my mind has been at peace and happy through it all. Back in the '20s through '40's people with respiratory health problems would flock to Palm Springs because of our dry climate. Scores of people with various health ailments still come here to partake in the "miracle" hot springs, claiming a myriad of health benefits. I can't personally speak to those claims but I can say this, Palm Springs is a good place to recover from just about anything.

Who Let the Dogs Out returns to TV Fridays on The Hallmark Channel

Long time readers of this blog will know that I am involved in a fantastic television program called Who Let the Dogs Out. The show is about a series of very cool dogs and their travels around the country. Led by Tillman the world's fastest skateboarding bulldog and his pal Norman the Scooter Dog, they criss-cross the nation meeting interesting pets, historic sights, and doing "good" along the way. The show is great entertainment for pet lovers and families... and full of laughs too. The show found a new home on The Hallmark Channel, and starts up again, Fridays from 1:00 to 2:00 pm (12 pm Central) starting February 1st. Be sure to check local listings. Set your DVR or Tivo to record a season pass so you won't miss any episodes. The show has a website you can follow for details: WhoLetTheDogsOut.tv or WLTDO.TV

Here's the really good news: If you missed any of season one episodes of Who Let the Dogs Out, The Hallmark Channel will re-run the entire first season this year too, so you can catch up on all the fun. I'll have more details for you soon, so check back.

Video of Military Family Reunion at Natural Balance Rose Parade Float

Here is the full video clip from the 2013 Rose Parade, when a military family was reunited on the Natural Balance Pet Foods float on New Year's Day in Pasadena, CA. This is Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pazz and his son and wife. Pretty awesome, huh?

Natural Balance Canines With Courage Rose Parade Float

Rick at the Natural Balance Rose Parade Float

Once again I had the distinct honor and privilege of attending the Rose Parade, along with my company Natural Balance Pet Foods. This was our fifth year of having a float in the famous Rose Parade, and it was one of the best! We didn't set out to break any new Guinness World Records for the longest, or heaviest or biggest, but instead, we wanted to honor Military Working Dog teams. We have teamed up with Petco to help fund a new National Monument to Military Working Dog teams, so our float's theme for this year was a floral replica of the monument.

Natural Balance Rose Parade float 2013

I love this view of the Natural Balance Rose Parade float as it passed by our stands. You can see how beautiful it was with all the flowers and stars. 

Tillman is now an honorary Marine

There were several military working dog teams on the float, as well as Tillman, the world's fastest skateboarding bulldog who is now an honorary Marine. Tillman set aside his skateboard this Rose Parade to help honor and raise awareness for these true canine heroes, Military Working Dogs.

side view of Natural Balance float

 Here is a great side view photo of the Natural Balance Rose Parade float from 2013. You can see the floral replica of the bronze statues of the dog handler/soldier and the four dogs typically used in the military. I love the way the float looks in this photo against the blue sky, it makes me feel extra patriotic for some reason...and it isn't even the actual monument.

Natural Balance Rose Parade float reunion family

If you watched the Rose Parade, you might have seen the awesome surprise on live TV. It was a reunion between an active duty Army Sargeant and his family. His wife thought she had won a trip to the Rose Parade, and brought her son. When the float stopped, Army Sgt. First Class Eric Pazz came out of the stands, and the little boy, 4-year-old son Eric Pazz II went running to see his father. It was a real tear-jerker for sure. Later, at the post-parade event, I took this photo of the dad and his son on our float itself. Pretty cool, huh?

Natural Balance Rose Parade Float

There are some really incredible photos and moments from today's Rose Parade. Here is another view of our float. I have to say I am so proud of my company for this year's float. Below is an awesome photo of Tillman with Lucca, with her handler, Corporal Juan Rodriguez, stand in front of the Military War Dog Monument.

Lucca and Tillman at the bronze statues of the monument

It was an incredible day in Pasadena at the Rose Parade. I hope you enjoyed my photos!

Gearing Up for Another Rose Parade

Rick at Fiesta Floats in Irwindale, CA

As we approach New Year's Day, workers and volunteers at Fiesta Floats in Irwindale, CA are busy decorating floats for the 124th Annual Rose Parade.  Among those is the Natural Balance Pet float! This year, the theme of our float is "Canines With Courage", as we salute and give recognition to the brave canine members of America’s armed forces that so gallantly serve our nation with this patriotic salute honoring their loyal service and heroism.

The float will feature a floral replica of a new bronze and granite National Monument to Military Working Dog Teams, which will be dedicated in 2013 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. This is the first time in the history of the United States military that an animal, a dog, has been elevated to National Monument status by U.S. Congressional Law, and Natural Balance is proud to make this the feature of our float.

Our floats have become famous for the incredible record-breaking designs, floral beauty and of course the fun with Tillman the skateboarding bulldog, and his canine friends. This year's float isn't intended to break any Guinness World records as heaviest or longest, but it will be big on pride for our Military Working Dog Heroes. Tillman will be on the float this year, as an honorary Marine, but he wont be performing. Instead he will be helping raise awareness about these incredible Canine Heroes.

As you can see from this photo at right, the float is still being decorated. Remember that as part of the Rose Parade regulations, the decorations covering the floats need to be floral or plant material. All the colors and textures will be derived from flowers, seeds, petals, etc. For example, the round wood circle at the front is waiting for the decorative panel that will be applied. While I was there, that panel was being decorated by a volunteer. It is painstaking work, with incredible detail that isn't immediately obvious when viewing the floats from afar or on television.

At left is that front panel I mentioned above. It will be applied to the front of our float. Notice the incredible vivid colors....those are all from flowers or seeds, not paint!

The workers use an adhesive glue and place the seeds or flower petals by hand. This artistic design on the emblem models the emblem that corresponds to the actual monument.
To give you an idea of the detail click on this photo to enlarge it. Here is another photo below of some roses with an off white border...which I believe was rice (I could be wrong), but look at the photo for yourself to see.s

 You can watch the Rose Parade on TV January 1st, check local listings for times. If you participate in social media, follow along on Twitter searching for the hashtags #RosePets and #RoseParade, or on Facebook with Natural Balance or Petco or me!

Noise Pollution Notice

Our friends on the other side of the pond have such sensible regulations in London. I snapped this photo of a sign instructing motorists to be mindful of noise pollution. Don't you just wish we had such manners here?

HM The Queen's Christmas Broadcast

The Queen's Christmas Broadcast. Nicely done, Ma'am.

A Very Merry Christmas to You.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

Rick

Even Sheldon has Holiday Spirit

Even Sheldon Gryffindor is getting in the Christmas spirit. He has been running around wearing his new red Christmas sweater. Generally Sheldon isn't a fan of wearing things, but it has been on the chilly side recently so he seemed fine with this doggie sweater...although the expression on his face while putting it on was priceless. I could actually hear him gulping hard as if he were dreading it!

Once he had it on, he was all too happy to show off and model his holiday fashion for me. Admittedly, Sheldon can be a bit of a ham and isn't the slightest bit camera shy! Here is is beside our Christmas tree, smiling as usual. I was trying to get a good photo of the back of the sweater, which has some cotton snowballs around a Reindeer. With some persistence I finally snagged this photo of his back, which isn't great but at least you can see the design:

Happy Holidays!

Swags of Christmas

The Christmas spirit has now reached the very perimeter of the property at home. Festive swags of garland now line the walls that enclose the courtyard. This year it seems everyone has festive Christmas lights up, so I felt the house needed something. Just a little touch of Christmas was all it took. I think we are now ready for Old Saint Nick to visit. Christmas in Palm Springs. Home Sweet Home.

Bringing in A Little Christmas Mood

For some reason I've been taken with the Christmas spirit this year a bit more than previous years. So much so that after the inside of the house was decorated, my eye turned to outside. The easiest change was to convert the underwater pool lights to green. Just beyond the pool you can see some tiny white lights in the distance. Those are the 'net lights' draped rather carelessly on our pencil tree, but it works.

Then it was onto the cactus plants in the west garden. Other than a few oleander bushes, there really aren't any shrubs in the garden, so that meant it was up to the cactus plants to carry the lights! This one is adjacent to the patio fireplace and looked kind of fun with lights on it. I was worried it might look tacky, but I think its OK.

Needless to say once I was finished stringing the Christmas lights everywhere, it brought an elegant and festive Christmas mood to the grounds. I wanted a little Christmas, and here it is, Palm Springs Style. I hope your holiday decorating brings as much joy to you this season.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

In times of war bad things happen. They say time heals all wounds, and to a great extent that is true. But it is good to recall incidents from history from which we can learn.Today is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day which commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II. So many US service men & women lost their lives or were injured that day. 

A few years ago I visited Pearl Harbor and went to the museum as well, it was very haunting and emotional (although I had no one related to me involved in that attack). I have a deep respect for our veterans young and old, living and deceased. We must always honor and thank them for their service and sacrifices. Fortunately today we have friendships with many of our former enemies, time does heal most wounds. It does not diminish the need to remember those difficult times from our history, and bow our collective heads, even if just for one day.

Feeling Festive and Cozy...

I'm not entirely sure where this year has gone, but the Christmas season has arrived...and i couldn't be happier about it. I've been feeling especially festive this year, embracing the holiday spirit immediately after Thanksgiving. Garland adorns the mantle of the great room, with the glow of tiny white lights adding a special ambiance to the sitting area. 
Even our kitty Owen found a cozy spot on the hearth to curl up in front of the fireplace.

The Christmas tree is decorated and now holds the fascination of the cat and both dogs. I'm especially happy with the tree this year, perhaps it is just my overall mood that is more festive, but regardless of why, I am feeling festive and cozy.

How is your holiday decorating going so far? 

Collectable Christmas Gifts

Do you know someone who really appreciates collectables? Recently I've become familiar with the World's Fair line, such as this "Circus" in the photo at left. There is a great store in downtown Palm Springs called Memento Gift Shop that carries these and other collectables. I borrowed this photo from their blog. Check out their post on collectable Christmas Gift ideas. If you live in the Palm Springs area, check them out...their store is at 111 La Plaza, in the heart of downtown, right next to See's Candy shop. 

As a reminder, nothing here on my blog is a paid post, but I wanted to help out these folks, as they have a great retail store, and its locally owned too. I believe in shopping local as much as possible. I hope you do too!

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade 2012

This past Saturday evening was the 21st Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, held downtown along Palm Canyon Drive. The event is hugely popular for our tiny desert community; this year it attracted well over 90,000 spectators to enjoy the festive lights to kick off the holiday season. The event organizers report on their website that during the past 21 years, the parade "has featured a host of marching bands, performing groups as well as the Budweiser Clydesdales, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Snoopy and the Gang – and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus". Here are a just a few photos of some of my favorite parts of the parade. I hope it puts you in the holiday spirit.

 Happy Holidays, from the Palm Springs Savant!

Guide Dog Heroes Brunch Honoring Betty White

Today I attended the 6th annual Heroes Brunch, an event benefiting the Guide Dogs of the Desert. The Guide Dogs of the Desert are one of my favorite non-profit organizations in Palm Springs. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with them for over five years already. This year's honoree was Betty White. No doubt you already know that this amazing lady has won seven Emmy Awards during her 60+ year career in Hollywood. You probably are already aware she is known as an animal advocate, having helped numerous shelters and animal related causes throughout her life. In addition to all this, she has also been a huge supporter of non-profit guide dog programs for many years. I've also been involved with Guide Dog fundraisers for several years and had the opportunity to see Betty White's passion for these incredible dogs. Betty White's current dog 'Pontiac' is a retired guide dog. She told me that "old dogs have a special place in my heart' which is why she adopted Pontiac.

Dick Van Patten, Betty White and his wife Pat Van Patten

Actor and animal lover Dick Van Patten attended the Heroes Brunch to day, in support of his friend Betty White. His pet food company, Natural Balance Pet Foods (for whom I work) has long been a supporter of guide dog schools nationwide. It was great to see Betty White and Dick Van Patten together, sharing a few laughs, and helping raise awareness about the important work guide dogs do to help visually impaired people.

Dick Van Patten, Betty White & Tom Sullivan

Dick told me he and his wife were so happy to be with their friend Betty as she was honored for her work to help the Guide Dogs of the Desert of Palm Springs. Seated next to Betty in this photo is Tom Sullivan. She and Tom are long time friends and also co-authors of The Leading Lady, a true story about Mr Sullivan's first guide dog Dinah, and the impact she had on both of their lives (Betty ended up adopting Dinah when she retired from her work as a guide dog). It was a great event, I'm so proud of what Natural Balance does to help this wonderful organization here in our beautiful desert.