Sunday Art Review: Palm Springs Artist Kate Buckley

In this week's edition of Sunday Art Review, I am quite pleased to present a selection of works from Palm Springs artist Kate Buckley. All images have been borrowed from KateBuckley.com, with permission from Ms Buckley herself. If you like her work, stop by her site and check out a few other pieces, or just say hello to the artist herself! The image I chose as the feature of today's post is entitled "Summer in Toulouse". I particularly like the curves of the subject matter: the fruit, pitcher and flowers.


above: This piece is called "Sylvia". It feels like a dream sequence to me.

above left: "The Studio" and above right: "Blood on the Moon"

above: "Ring of Fire", a fun piece with plenty to ponder.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed this week's Sunday Art Review with Palm Springs artist Kate Buckley.
-Rick Rockhill

The Saturday Seven: Things That Make Me Smile

I wouldn't exactly classify this past week as the worst week, or even the toughest ever, but for some reason is was a draining week at work. I was in meetings non-stop all day, even lunch meetings, so I barely had anytime to breathe or think. Everyone has their own coping mechanisms. I tend to think happy thoughts and splurge on the things that I enjoy. It usually helps get me through the day if, even for a brief fleeting moment, I allow my mind to wander. Photo above left: this is one of my nieces, Isabella. She makes me smile whenever I think about her. This brings me to another scintillating edition of The Saturday Seven: Things That Make Me Smile.
#1 Chocolate Chip Cookies- they almost have a mystical property to them. Not only are they are my weakness, but people tease me and say I could be drawn into a lion's den by a plate of them!

#2 Warm, Sunny Palm Springs. Living in a resort community can have the effect of feeling like you are always on vacation. The combination of sunshine, palm trees and beautiful mountain scape is a combination that makes me happy just to be here.

#3 A Nice Filet of Beef Tenderloin. My doctor would kill me for this, but a nice piece of beef does hit the spot once in awhile. It satisfies me on many levels, especially with a nice glass of Cabernet. Even just thinking about it makes me smile.

#4 Delicious Chocolate Truffles- Regular readers know how obsessed I am with chocolate, especially Fannie May candy. I'll probably order myself a Valentine's heart shaped box just because!

#5 Fresh Flowers- It's rough being a guy. Let's face it, most guys don't have fresh cut flowers on their desk at work. But in my case people at work know I'm a bit of a character, so I wouldn't have a problem if anyone wanted to send me some flowers to work. (hint hint, gentle readers.) They will definitely make me smile!

#6 Exotic Scented Candles- On one of my trips to Hawaii I ran across a shop called Island Soap and Candles. They had the most wonderful candles with exotic, tropical scents. I have a few that I burn when I get home from work to relax me. I close my eyes and the scent takes me back to Kuai

#7 A Good Book- I love to read. I usually have a book going in both homes, so whether I am at home in Palm Springs or at the beach house in San Diego I have something to read before I go to sleep. I mostly like fiction, mystery and travel writers.

Bonus Entry: My dog and cat- Koshimi and Owen are my good buds. As much of a pain in the butt they can be at times, they are part of the family and make me smile. There is nothing like coming home and having them run up to me to say hello, tails wagging and smiling back at me.

What things make YOU smile? Go ahead, leave a comment, I decided to waive all comment fees today.
-Rick Rockhill

Today's Random Topic: Queen Latifah

I'm a big fan of Queen Latifah, the singer/actress and former rapper. Truth be told, I was never really a fan of her rap music, but I started watching her "Living Single" TV show from 1993 to 1998. on Fox. When I saw her as Matron "Mama" Morton in the film "Chicago" in 2002 I realized how talented a singer she is. Then in 2004 she came out with her first soul jazz/standards album, The Dana Owens Album, which I found fantastic. Her 2007 follow up album Travlin' Light was a fun collection of music styles. She continues to appear in a number of films, building up an impressive resume of acting credits. Queen Latifah has been spotted dining in Palm Springs several times, one of these days I hope to run into her downtown and sip martinis together at a swank lounge...

I went to see Queen Latifah in concert back in November when she brought her show to the Palm Springs area. I looked her in the eyes from my front row seat while she sang; she seemed to really enjoy herself while performing. Anyway I've decided that she is one of my favorite contemporary vocalists. Not sure who she is? Check this out:

Happy Friday!
-Rick Rockhill

Things in the Attic...

Regardless of what climate you live in, one of the best things to do in the middle of the chilly winter is to explore things stashed away in the attic. Everyone has an attic. Even if you don't have an attic, you have the kind of attic I'm talking about. Your attic may be a basement, a storage area under a staircase, or a deep closet. You get the picture. You can find all sorts of interesting treasures hidden away in the far depths of the attic. Sometimes there are things I find that I forgot I still had. Other things I have no recollection of having bought. And every once in awhile you come across the "genie in a bottle". The genie in a bottle is something you are surprised and excited to find. I thought I'd share a few things hidden in the attic.

above: the antique rocking chair and the old old TV...

above: lots of old dusty cardboard cartons...and a few old vinyl long play records.

above: old mantle clocks and a really old film projector

and above: my "genie in a bottle", an old photo of Fannie Farmer, the famous cook and candy maker from way back. This photo holds some special meaning to me and brings back all kinds of memories. What kind of stuff is tucked away in your attic? Anything interesting? Any hidden gems worth sharing? Go ahead leave a comment...

-Rick Rockhill

Wisdom Wednesdays: Featuring Dr Sidney Wang

ASK DR WANG, the psychic betta fish

This week's e-mail is from Elana from Logan, Utah.

Dear Dr Wang,

I have a crush on a cashier named Nelson that I met from the 7-11 store nearby. Nelson usually works mornings and has the sweetest smile on his face when I go in for my morning coffee. I think Nelson likes me because when I went in for a pack of cigarettes with my coffee, he asked me my name and invited me to dinner soon. Can you tell me if Nelson likes me and if I have a chance with him?

In love with a cashier,

Elana

Dr Wang responds: Dear Elana,

I am fascinated by your e-mail and decided to move it up ahead of several other e-mails that I have received. I consulted The Great Bubble Wall to learn more about you and this fellow named Nelson. I discovered that you have a co-dependent personality and should be cautious of Nelson. I learned that Nelson still lives with his parents. His father is a criminal, in my opinion. He is a fisherman who captures poor unsuspecting creatures of the sea and sells them. My recommendation is that you avoid Nelson and his father. To make matters worse, his mother has an affinity for deep frying fish sticks for Nelson each night.

I do not see a future between you and Nelson, in fact you should avoid having dinner with him and his parent especially.

Keep swimming upstream,

-Dr Wang

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"Wisdom Wednesdays" features the sage advice of our resident oracle, psychic betta fish "Dr Sidney Wang". Believed to be a reincarnated descendant of King Rama II of Siam, Dr Wang responds to e-mail submissions with advice, predictions of the future and conveys ancient proverbs to provide guidance and support. Dr Sidney Wang's 24 Hour Wisdom, Advice and Inspiration service is also available from the left side navigation for this feature.

Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce

I thought I'd treat you to a clip from one of my favorite Joan Crawford films, Mildred Pierce. If you've not seen this film, do youself a favor and rent it. It's classic film noir and showcases some of Miss Crawford's finest skills as an actress. It was a role which re-established her career in Hollywood and made her highly sought-after by the independent studios. After winning the Academy Award in 1945 for Mildred Pierce, Joan went to Palm Springs to celebrate with friends and was seen at The Racquet Club carrying her Oscar with her! My apologies to those of you who can't view YouTube at work...check it out at home.


Hope you have a good week.
-Rick Rockhill

Dick Van Patten Honored on Palm Springs Walk of Stars

On Saturday January 12th, actor Dick Van Patten received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. It was a beautiful sunny morning in downtown Palm Springs, perfect weather for the event. The public ceremony attracted over 150 spectators and guests, and was crawling with press taking photos and filming the event. The entire Van Patten family were present: Dick and his lovely wife Pat, sons Vince Van Patten and wife actress Eileen Davidson, actor Nels Van Patten and actress wife Nancy, and actor/writer/producer Jimmy Van Patten. The Van Patten family are such wonderful people, down-to-Earth, warm and genuine. I was so pleased that we were able to honor Mr Van Patten with a star in a city he holds so dear. Dick has been coming to Palm Springs for many years, attending celebrity tennis tournaments, the Palm Springs Film Festival, charitable events and just spending time relaxing with friends in our desert. He continues to bring prominence to Palm Springs through the Dick Van Patten Celebrity Poker Tournament. As far as the ceremony yesterday, everything went very smoothly, and exactly as I had planned. Special thanks to our co-sponsors, Integrated Wealth Management and Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Food company, with whom I worked closely to pull off the day's events. My own employer, whose name is shown in the photos below was supportive in making the day a success.
The Media Frenzy

Above left: On set at CBS TV, where Dick Van Patten was interviewed by Patrick Evans. Above right: at the star dedication ceremony, we were besieged by press and paparazzi.

above: Radio personality Harrison Forbes was on site broadcasting live. He interviewed me, Deborah Gibson and Dick Van Patten, which was broadcast live in Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs. I have to say, it was a thrill to be interviewed on the air live.

The Ceremony

above: Actor Tom Bosley, of Happy Days fame and desert resident speaks about his friend Dick Van Patten.

above: Crooner Jerry Vale, another resident of Palm Springs addresses the audience.

above: The fabulous and stunning actress/dancer Ruta Lee, who also lives in Palm Springs, turned up to honor her dear friend Dick.

above: Son Vince Van Patten, actor, host of the World Poker Tour, and former tennis star speaks about his dad. Brother Jimmy Van Patten also said a few words and told a great joke.

above: Dick Van Patten poses with "Blue Mews the cat" and "Red Ruff the dog" after the ceremony.

above: Following the star dedication, I hosted a private lunch reception for about 90 people to honor the great Dick Van Patten. It was held at Spencer's restaurant, in a beautiful room overlooking the tennis courts, pool and palm trees. It was stunning.

above: from left, Patricia Carr, Tom Bosley, Dick Van Patten, Pat Van Patten and Charlie Chaplin impersonator, the ambassador of Copykatz theatre in Palm Springs.

above: Celebrating with friends. left to right: John, me, Jimmy Van Patten, Jason and Jim.

above: Later that evening the Van Pattens were my guests to a party at a private estate as part of the Palm Springs Film Festival. left to right: Rick Rockhill, Dick Van Patten, Deborah (Debbie) Gibson and John. As a side note, Deborah is really sweet, and a lot of fun to hang with!

above: here it is, the newly installed star itself, all shiny and new. I was so proud of the day's events. More photos below...

-Rick Rockhill

above, left to right: Nels Van Patten, Tom Bosley, Ruta Lee and Deborah Gibson listen as Dick Van Patten makes remarks to the audience.

above left: The actress/dancer Ruta Lee wows the crowd with her wit and charm, above right: actor/writer/producer, the great Jimmy Van Patten tells a joke that has the audience laughing in no time.

above: actress/model Susan Stafford gestures to me during her remarks.

above: Dick Van Patten makes his remarks about receiving a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. I'm standing behind him to the left.

On This Day, January 12 1978

It was exactly thirty years ago today. January 12, 1978 was a cold snowy day in Rhode Island, and I was on my way to school when a photographer from The Observer, a local newspaper stopped to take a picture of a small group of students. I was the youngest of the group, bundled up in my Snoopy hat and scarf. I loved that scarf more than anything. My older brother Joe was standing directly behind me. I remember the photographer instructed us to "look cold". It wasn't difficult to do. The next day we made the cover of the paper, much to the delight of our family. I was thrilled to see my picture in print...

above left: The Observer newspaper cover on January 12, 1978. I was the youngest kid standing in the bottom left with my hat pulled down over my eyes. Above right: a closer photo of me. Gosh I was a cute kid!
-Rick Rockhill

I Need A Smile Today

Lot's going on today and not much time to blog. I just needed to smile and I wasn't able to conjure up one myself, so I'm getting a little help from my monkey friend here. I hope it makes you smile too.

Happy Friday all.

PR Newswire: Dick Van Patten to be Honored with Star on Palm Springs Walk of Stars

The following press release hit the wire today and was picked up by a number of news sites. I'll be covering this event on my blog Saturday after the event.

Dick Van Patten to be Honored with Star on Palm Springs Walk of Stars

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- TV legend Dick Van Patten, will be honored with the 301st star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. The star will be unveiled Saturday, January 12th, 2008 at 11:00AM at 125 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way in Palm Springs.

Dick Van Patten has been in show business since his first modeling assignment at the age of three. With a remarkable career, which includes more than 600 radio shows, 27 Broadway plays, 7 television series and 30 feature films including classics such as Mel Brooks' "High Anxiety", "Robin Hood-Men in Tights" "Westworld", "Soylent Green" and "Mr. Roberts". Dick Van Patten is still perhaps best known for his popular role as Tom Bradford in the long-running hit series, "Eight is Enough".

Dick Van Patten has proven to have a good head for private enterprise as well. Since 1989, Mr. Van Patten and his partner Joey Herrick have been supplying the public with premium quality dog and cat foods, Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. has grown into an international company, providing pet owners superior quality pet foods throughout the United States, Canada, the Pacific Rim and Europe. Today, Natural Balance is highly regarded for their Ultra Premium line of pet foods for dogs and cats.

Over the years Dick Van Patten has been involved in helping Animal Charities and Rescue Organizations all over the country. He also sponsors organizations such as the ATF's Arson Investigation dogs nationwide. Dick Van Patten has also teamed up with PETCO to raise money to help fund Guide Dogs of the Desert in Southern California, the facility that places guide dogs with the visually impaired. The annual Dick Van Patten Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament is held in the Coachella Valley and brings media attention and prominence to the greater Palm Springs area.

PETCO and Natural Balance are sponsors of the January 12 event that will honor Dick's career and his dedication to animals. Dick Van Patten and The PETCO Foundation will announce a partnership to help support the Guide Dogs of the Desert at the ceremony.

"We are pleased to co-sponsor this event with Natural Balance," said Rick Rockhill, Director, Merchandise Manager for Dog Foods at PETCO."His commitment to animals is evident by the support Natural Balance provides to the many animal shelters and service dog organizations across the country," Rick added.

For more information, visit: http://www.palmspringswalkofstars.com/
DISCLAIMER
This site is about my personal opinions, experiences and stuff I am interested in. From time to time I express a personal opinion about interests and hobbies that may relate to the pet industry. As the author of this personal blog, I am writing this with no affiliation to my employer.
-Rick Rockhill

Wisdom Wednesdays: Featuring Dr Sidney Wang

ASK DR WANG...the psychic betta fish

This week's e-mail is from "Flo" whose name has been changed for this post.

Dear Dr Wang,

Saw this feature on your blog...I'll bite!

I had a real sucky fourth quarter 2007. It started on my birthday (9/21) and has been going downhill since. Will the new Year bring better times? Thanks for your clairvoyance. Hugs!

"Flo"

Dr Wang responds: Dear "Flo",

I'm sorry to hear that the past few months have been "sucky" for you. Here in the underwater world, we would say you are "coming up for air" right now. This is OK. Even though you didn't ask directly, The Great Bubble Wall indicates that you want to know more about not only the future but the people who will enter your life in the next few weeks. After meditating in the Ancient Temple (see photo above) I have clarity and focus on your immediate future. You are about to take some kind of journey where you will meet several interesting people. The first will be a midget who goes by the name of either Ernie or Bernie or Vernie. Beware, he does not wash his hands and is as unclean as a snail. However, he will have some information that will inspire you in some way. The second person will be a woman with an eating disorder. She will have breath like anchovies and will have an obsession with salt. Her behavior will end up motivating you in some manner yet unknown to me. The third person you will encounter will be a woman with an interesting hobby that will provide you with a new lease on life for 2008.

Being a wise old betta fish, I understand that life has many tides...strong and weak, cold and warm, clean and dirty. Your tide is about to improve, but be sure to swim in a straight line and keep your eyes open, the path will become clear to you before the third month of this year.

keep swimming upstream,

-Dr Wang

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"Wisdom Wednesdays" features the sage advice of our resident oracle, psychic betta fish "Dr Sidney Wang". Believed to be a reincarnated descendant of King Rama II of Siam, Dr Wang responds to e-mail submissions with advice, predictions of the future and conveys ancient proverbs to provide guidance and support. Dr Sidney Wang's 24 Hour Wisdom, Advice and Inspiration service is also available from the left side navigation for this feature.