Palm Springs Savant- Rick Rockhill

Midnight in the Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:45:00 +0000

Recently I've shared a few posts about a series of improvements to the grounds at home. It has been a year-long project...not because of it being a sprawling estate, but more because it takes time and money. I also like to allow enough time for the full creative process to unfold. For example, this giant Buddha in the garden finally has the right lighting and greenery adjacent. The lighting is amazing isn't it? The effect makes it appear Buddha's head is floating above the pedestal. I'm especially pleased with this element of the gardens. All the crushed Palm Springs Gold rock is in place and beautiful. The cactus, succulents and palm trees are all happily established and ready for prime time.

You may recall my post earlier in the week about the boulders I purchased for the front courtyard. Here they are at night, with the new landscape lighting in place. I didn't adjust the color at all on the photos of these rocks, although admittedly part of the rich hue is from contrast in night with the shutter exposure. Regardless they do look magnificent, don't they? I just love my boulders! It is too dark in this photo to see the plants but one they grow in around the boulders they will really look swell.

Here is another photo I took in the garden, but a few hours earlier...just past twilight. If you look beyond the palm fronds, you can see the dark ridge of the San Jacinto mountains, and if you look up a tad bit in the top left corner you can see a beautiful star in the night sky. For some reason I just really like this photo. At any rate,the good news is that the grounds are now complete and I can enjoy them. One of my favorite things to do is sit outside with my dogs...with a glass of wine in hand--and star gaze. Life in the California desert is especially good this time of year. I'm blessed to have all of this to enjoy.

Open Casting Call for Talented Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:18:00 +0000

One of the things I love about my job is working with a super creative and fun group of people. Right now we are developing an awesome new reality TV show called 'Who Let The Dogs Out' which will air on Animal Planet Saturdays at 10AM starting February 18th. In the meantime, we have a series of casting calls underway to find talented dogs. You can submit videos via e-mail to k9casting@gmail.com.

Petco and Natural Balance are teaming up to find the most talented dog in America!

It's an open casting call to pet owners around the country! Can your canine perform astounding feats? Does your dog have what it takes to be a star? We are looking for any and all kinds of talented dogs! What types of amazing tricks can your dog perform?

Submit a close up 30-second video of your dog to k9casting@gmail.com and come out to the auditions this Sunday January 29th.

AUDITION INFORMATION
DATE: Sunday, January 29th, 2012
TIME: 11:30 AM
LOCATION: 16016 AVENIDA PADILLA, IRWINDALE, CA 91702

If you are not in the Los Angeles area, you can also snail-mail a video to us:

Who Let the Dogs Out
c/o Hollywood Production Center
1149 N. Gower St. Suite 106-C
Los Angeles, CA 90038

For videos sent by snail-mail, please include your contact information:
Name, Address, Telephone number.

Happy Chinese New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:01:00 +0000

This post is in honor of my friends in Taiwan, Hong Kong and all over Asia who celebrate Chinese New Year. The new 2012 is "The year of the Dragon" which is a year for great deeds, innovative ideas and is considered a highly advantageous time to begin new projects in business. It is believed that this year will bring financial success! During this year we should be bold and not humble.

The Chinese believe the dragon brings happiness and success to all good and honest people, and those who have great talent. It is also favorable to start a family, give birth--so a baby boom is anticipated in many parts of Asia this year.

The dragon is of course a mythological creature which is a symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the Oriental Dragon is regarded as a divine beast and not a bad monster that is often slayed in video games. In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is believed to bring good fortune. For the Chinese, the Dragon is the imperial symbol, the sign of the emperor. The Dragon is the symbol of power and wealth. The Chinese also believe the Dragon is a karmic animal which returns positive energy you give to other people, so go forit and be nice to others this year.

Palm Springs Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Recently I had some landscaping done in the yard and decided to add a few boulders as accents in the front courtyard. As a focal point at the main entrance it was important to me to find just the right rocks. So off I went rock-shopping. Where exactly does one go to shop for rocks, I wondered. Sure enough I found a few rock supply stores, and off I went.

Without being a Geologist, I already knew that there are many types rocks, so I set my mind on a variety known as 'Palm Springs Gold'. The courtyard already has 32 tons of crushed gold rocks as the ground cover in our desert landscape. Once at the rock supply store, I was directed toward the area where the Palm Springs Gold rocks were piled high. I scaled the pile with one of the workers. Once I selected my rocks, I labelled them with my last name so the workers would identify them for delivery. As I stepped back and gazed at the label I found it amusing to see 'Rockhill' scrawled on three boulders atop of a big pile of rocks.

A few days later a nice man in a massive truck used a huge crane to hoist these three boulders in the courtyard. Weighing around 2 tons each, once in place they were not to be moved ever again, so I used a variety of hand signals to direct the crane operator on how to position them as best he could. Funny, once in place they don't look quite as big.

The gardeners have begun planting various eco-friendly, drought-tolerant plants in and around the boulders. In the peak season, it isn't uncommon to reach 118 degrees, with virtually no rainfall, so its environmentally responsible to use as many plants as possible that require little water. Most of the yard is now cactus and such, which suits me fine actually. Next step is to install a few low wattage accent lights here and there, for dramatic effect. Anyone who knows me well understands that it's all about the lighting with me. Until the next time....

'A Thousand Cuts' Movie Delivers Thrills at PS Film Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:19:00 +0000

The Palm Springs International Film Festival last night showcased a new suspense thriller 'A Thousand Cuts' with a premier screening at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs. A Thousand Cuts (ATC) is the latest film project by Kim and Kim Productions, a Palm Springs based production studio. With a story brilliantly written and directed by Charles Evered, Executive Producer Jim Casey and Producer Kim Waltrip assembled an impressive cast that brought the screenplay to life in vivid reality. Academy Award nominee Michael O'Keefe and Michael A. Newcomer lead a cast that includes Olysa Rulin, Jimmy Van Patten, David Naughton, Joshua Fardon and a cameo appearance by Madi Goff.

'A Thousand Cuts' is a high-suspense psychological thriller about a strange guy who crashes the party of a Hollywood horror director, with a warped determination to teach him what it is like to live horror and experience terror--personally. While the film has a few squeamish scenes intended to titillate horror fans, this is primarily a suspense film that leaves you on the edge of your seat through most of the movie. The cleverly written storyline pulls you in like a tractor beam. A party scene at the home of Lance (Newcomer) defines the world in which he lives, and becomes an important backdrop for later in the film when he questions what is important in life.
.

Frank, the stranger (O'Keefe) who crashes the party slips in unnoticed and tampers with the power, covering the house in darkness several times, which forces everyone to exit, leaving Lance home alone where Frank has the opportunity to unleash a rage of pent-up revenge. Olysa Rulin plays Lance's sister Melanie, whose character is off screen for much of the high tension moments but is at the very center of the fear that is so deftly delivered. The fate of Melanie is of high interest to the viewer, and Rulin does not disappoint. The suspense filled plot is so well done that I found my own imagination racing ahead trying to imagine what would come next, almost to comfort myself and release fear of the unknown. The timing of this film is excellent, raising tensions just long enough to bring the viewer leaning forward in their seat, and relaxing long enough to ease your mind to catch you off guard for the next scene.

During Q&A time after the screening, Producer Kim Waltrip explained that ATC was filmed entirely here in the Palm Springs area in just ten days. The cast spoke of the intensity of the production schedule and working in limited set space. The entire film is set in one house, primarily in a few rooms. This Independent film production has a major production feel but includes a few clever winks to the audience; a movie poster in Lance's office for "I Didn't Come Here to Die" is more than a set prop, it was a nod to the last film from Producers Waltrip and Casey.

After the screening, when the cast and crew assembled on stage to discuss the film. Writer/Director Charles "Chuck" Evered answers questions along with cast members including Michael A. Newcomer, Michael O'Keefe and Jimmy Van Patten. A Thousand Cuts is masterfully presented and offers sheer delight to fans of the suspense thriller genre.

Glitz & Glamour at Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Awards Main Stage Set backdrop

Last night I attended the Awards Gala for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Our festival runs for 12 days showing 188 films from 73 countries, which makes it truly an International showcase for Independent Films around the globe.

in the limo headed to the Awards Gala

"Entertainer" statuette

The Gala is always held before the major awards events start and are viewed by insiders as precursors to who will win (Golden Globes, Oscars, SAG Awards). Many of prior year award recipients went on to win an Oscar at the Academy Awards.

...a media frenzy...

As I've written previously, Palm Springs remains a popular getaway destination among the Hollywood set. Actors, directors, writers, studio execs, etc continue to flock to our fair desert city to relax in the sun. Many maintain second homes here, or quietly take a house for the season.

on the red carpet

The Palm Springs Film Festival is important to Hollywood because the studios and especially independent filmmakers and distributors need to build buzz around their projects and get noticed. Major stars, directors and studio executives come to the desert to pick up an award or two.

Glenn Close

This year, at our Awards Gala, eleven stars received awards, including George Clooney, Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close, Brad Pitt, Gary Oldman, Jessica Chastain and the creative ensemble of "Young Adult" including director Jason Reitman, writer Diablo Cody, Charlize Theron and Patton Oswalt. Also honored were directors Stephen Daldry and Michel Hazanavicius, and music composer Howard Shore.

Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt

For celeb watchers, there were loads of other major celebrities who attended the awards gala last night. As the doors of sparkling stretch limos opened, a series of stars emerged including Angela Jolie, Tom Hanks, Jonah Hill, Al Pacino, Adrien Brody, Olivia Wilde, Melissa McCarthy, Shailene Woodley, Jeff Goldbloom, Jerry Weintraub and Judy Greer. Revelers young and old alike were not disappointed.

George Clooney signs autographs

Palm Springs truly had a lot of glamour and glitz last night. Most of the time when celebrities are in town, they are here relaxing, incognito, and not walking red carpets, so this evening is a big deal even for a town that sees A-list celebs every day. Here are a few photos of inside the Awards Gala, to give you a sense of the evening's glamour:

Glamour and Glitz for sure

The inside of the Awards Gala was set up to have a big Hollywood Awards feel. Dramatic lighting, spotlights, and huge screens hovered over a large stage before an audience of 1,900 people attending the black tie affair.

Purple tulip centerpieces

Each table had a beautifully lighted floral centerpiece of purple tulips. The tables were set with purple table cloths and chair-covers. Lovely glass napkin rings with a large purple butterfly put an interesting accent on each place-setting. Penfolds is a major sponsor of the event, providing wine at each table, in addition to their sponsorship of the festival this year.

the bar were elegantly decorated

At the back of the room, were a number of bars set up, elegantly decorated with fresh purple tulips illuminated with dramatic lighting. It perfectly punctuated the watering hole for thirsty guests!

Enjoying a martini

It is hard for me to resist an ice cold vodka martini at these events. They always seem to taste better when wearing a tux. I limited myself to just one for the evening, as I knew it would be a long night of mixing, mingling and long acceptance speeches. Being a black tie affair, everyone was well dressed and in their season's best. I haven't seen so many diamonds in one place since I had been in a Cartier store in New York!
OK, now for a series of photos of the awards ceremony. These are photos of various celebs as they are on stage giving remarks.

Brad Pitt: Desert Palm Achievement Award

George Clooney: Chairman's Award

Glenn Close: Career Achievement Award

Jessica Chastain: Spotlight Award

Kenneth Brannaugh introduces Michelle Williams

Melissa McCarthy introduces Octavia Spencer

Michelle Williams: Desert Palm Achievement Award

Octavia Spencer: Breakthrough Award


Tom Hanks and Thomas Horn

AFTER PARTY PICS: the dance floor was packed

AFTER PARTY PICS: the cheese table was amazing

AFTER PARTY PICS: Dessert Table: Chocolate goodies!

AFTER PARTY PICS: Lithographs of award recipients

Here are a few photos of the after party. Aside from all the celebrity focus, I hope you enjoyed my recap of the 2012 Awards Gala. It was a lot of fun, and a real treat.

Most important however is that the Palm Springs Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting independent film making, particularly here in the Palm Springs area. If you are an aspiring writer, director, producer, actor, etc know that the Palm Springs Film Society is a friend to you. Support your local film festivals, to help them thrive and continue to fund projects. You may also see a film or two that might stimulate your mind a bit.

Opening Night Film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:07:00 +0000

2012 poster from psfilmfest.org

Our fair desert city of Palm Springs continues to be a mecca for the Hollywood elite, film industry moguls... and hopefuls. As The Palm Springs Savant, I try to provide some coverage here and on my radio show about it all. The 23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival kicked off last night with an Opening Night screening of the Brit film 'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen'. The Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the three largest events of its kind in North America, and one of the most important--if not THE most important film festivals in the US.

logo from psfilmfest.org

Founded by former Congressman/Mayor/Entertainer Sonny Bono, today the Festival has become an important stop on for the entertainment industry before the Major Award season in Hollywood, including the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards and the Academy Awards (Oscars).

On the Red Carpet

In addition to tall the glitz and glamor that a film festival can bring, it is also an important vehicle for upcoming film professionals, and especially independent film makers, of which I am particularly passionate. This year, our film festival team viewed 3,000 films, and from the pool of submissions selected 188 films for inclusion in this year's festival. Our festival is also important for women directors to be featured, which sadly are still a minority across the film industry. The Palm Springs Film Fest is also known for our wide variety of foreign films featured. For all these reasons--and more, this is a major event in the entertainment industry. Saturday's Awards Gala will be star studded and full of glamor; I'll be tweeting live from the event if you want to follow, just search Twitter for #PSIFF for all the stream of Tweets under my handle: @RickRockhill.

The Festival's Opening Night film 'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen' is a British comedy based on the novel by Paul Torday. The film was directed by Lasse Hallström and produced by Paul Webster stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Amr Waked. Originally financed in part by the UK Film Council, and BBC Films the film is distributed by CBS Films and Lionsgate. The story focuses on three primary characters, Fred (McGregor), an uptight civil servant in Her Majesty's Government Fisheries Department, a fishing obsessed Arab Sheik (Waked) and Harriet (Blunt) a financial company representative to the Sheik.

my tickets to the opening night

The basic plot of the story is that the Sheik wants to bring the sport of Salmon Fishing to his home country (Yemen) and introduce wild salmon so he can fish at home. A few sub plots develop as the main characters sort through their own lives, initial ambivalence to the project and then immerse themselves to making a theoretical possibility come to fruition.

in the theater opening night

While the story can be somewhat formulaic and slightly predictable at times, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Several themes are nicely woven through the film, such as personal responsibility, faith, motivation, and respect for other cultures, the entire film can be viewed as a metaphor for the West's miscalculation for our involvement in various Middle East conflicts.

Actress Emily Blunt on the Red Carpet in Palm Springs

While not a judgment, it dangles the thought in the viewers mind of "what if" we had not made certain assumptions, or "what if" we had taken a different approach. Of particular note is the Sheik's own realizations and lessons learned from his dream. Quite telling. McGregor, Blunt, Waked, all gave wonderful performances; in my view Ewan McGregor's was stand out. I thoroughly enjoyed Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, and recommend it!
Meanwhile, following the film, I attended the Opening Night Gala held at the Palm Springs Art Museum, one of my favorite places in the desert. As a festival sponsor, and the official car of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Mercedes-Benz had this gorgeous car parked out in front of the museum, greeting guests to the Gala.

Mercedes-Benz is the official car of the Festival

Twitter Feed for #PSIFF hashtag

Without its sponsors, the Palm Springs Film Festival could not happen. We are grateful to all the sponsors who support through funds, services, goods or PR to make it all come to life each year.

Meanwhile, throughout the evening I was busy reporting live from the event, Tweeting from the Red Carpet, after the film and at the Gala Reception. You can see a snapshot of the Twitter Feed on the Desert Sun website. It was great to kick things off and let others follow along what was happening.

Fantastic food at the Museum Post Film Gala

Local Palm Springs restaurant Spencer's catered the food for the evening, which was excellent. Spencer's is owned by Festival Chairman Harold Matzner, a great local philanthropist who lives here in the Coachella Valley.

with Producer Kim Waltrip

It is always nice to spend time with the amazing Kim Waltrip, a Palm Springs-based Hollywood film Producer. She is quite talented and a very busy lady too. Next Thursday, January 12th, one of her films 'A Thousand Cuts' will be shown in the Festival (more on that next week). Come back again for more coverage of the Palm Springs Film Festival.

Dogs Surf the World's Longest & Heaviest Parade Float with Natural Balance

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:50:00 +0000

photo credit: Betsy Martin

If you missed seeing the Natural Balance Pet Foods Rose Parade Float during the Rose Parade, I took a brief video of our float. The float was certified by Guinness World Records as the World's Longest and Heaviest. The float measures 116 feet from end-to-end, and will weigh more than 100,000 pounds thanks to 6600 gallons of water.

It took a Ford 6.8-liter three-valve V-10 engine, normally used in its F-Series Super Duty trucks to power such a massive float. Thanks to the folks at Ford Motor Company for getting the float going!

Now here is the video I took with my iPhone. If you watch closely you can see Rose surf.

Here is a link to the same video on YouTube.

I thought I'd also share a bunch of awesome photos of our float. Most of these photos below were provided to me by Betsy Martin, who works with me at Natural Balance.

We were very excited to be awarded the 'Extraordinaire Trophy' for our float.


photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance

Above: here are Dick Van Patten, Jimmy Van Patten and NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, at the front of our float!

Greg Biffle photo: Betsy Martin Natural Balance

Here's a great photo with famed NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who rode on our float, along with Tillman! He is a really great guy who loves animals too. The Greg Biffle Foundation raises awareness for animal advocacy, so check it out.


photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance

Check out Tillman surfing! Tillman is certified by Guinness Records as the fastest skateboarding bulldog in the World. He loves to surf too! Check out these two photos. He is really having a blast here. He surfs with his dad at local beaches near LA all the time, so he is a real pro, as you can see from these pics.


photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance


photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance


photo: Betsy Martin Natural Balance

Here is Stanley an amazing Chesapeak Bay Retriever and friend of Natural Balance. He is one of the So Cal Surf Dogs who surf with their dogs. They promote safe dog surfing and having fun surfing for the mental and physical health for both you and your dog. Pretty cool group, huh?

Here at left is Norman, better known as "Scooter Dog" He is also a friend of Tillman and Natural Balance, read more here.


photo: Betsy Martin, Natural Balance

Here is Newman, an English Bulldog and one of the winners of the open casting call we had at Natural Balance for dogs to surf on our float. Newman is surfing backwards in this photo, pretty amazing trick!

Stealth Bomber photo: Rick Rockhil

Photo: Rick Rockhill

At the start of the Rose Parade, a US Stealth Bomber completed its fly-by, which is always a crowd pleaser. It is one amazing piece of military technology.

A Skywriting airplane for Geico insurance wrote 'Happy New Year' over the parade route, which was fun. The 2012 Rose Parade was really awesome. I'm proud of the Natural Balance Pet Foods float, I think we really stole the show. I hope you enjoyed these photos.

Finishing Touches on Natural Balance Rose Parade Float

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:44:00 +0000

photo credit: Judy T. Natural Balance Pet Foods

Well, we're less than 24 hours before the 123rd Rose Parade kicks off in Pasadena, California. Our team have been busy making final preparations to our float to ensure every detail was perfect. This morning Dick Van Patten and Jimmy Van Patten personally inspected the float. A few of the flowers and plants needed minor adjustments and tweaks. The Van Pattens take great pride in the Natural Balance Pet Foods float. After all, not only is it the World's Longest and Heaviest Parade Float, but we'd like to think it is the most beautiful too!

On Monday, January 2nd, tune in to see the Natural Balance Pet Foods Rose Parade float on ABC, or The Hallmark Channel, starting at 8:00 AM (Pacific). You're going to love seeing our family dogs surfing on the float. They have been having so much fun all day playing on the float. (Incidentally, the water is heated, so it will be comfortable for the dogs!).

If you like our float, tell us, on Twitter @NaturalBalance or on our Facebook page. I'll be Tweeting LIVE from the Parade, follow me @RickRockhill, or look for tweets with the hashtag #RosePets to see all the commentary!

A Doggone Fun New Year's Eve Bash

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:13:00 +0000

I am in Pasadena, CA this weekend as part of the festivities around the Rose Parade. My company, Natural Balance Pet Foods hosted a big New Year's Eve party at our hotel. The party is also a celebration in anticipation of our Rose Parade float. Being in the pet industry, pets are welcome at our party! I thought I'd share a few photos of the dogs at our New Year's Eve bash in Pasadena. This first dog is Stanley, dancing with his dad. Stanley will be one of the dogs surfing on our Rose Parade float Monday. He sure loves to dance. Here are a few other pets of party goers:

This is Suki, a rescue dog. Isn't she cute?

I just love Jack Russells

Newman, one of the other dogs who will surf Monday

Norman "Scooter Dog" will also surf Monday

Elegant dining room tables!

Balloons up on the ceiling awaited the arrival of midnight....

'The Fab Four' Beatles Band was truly amazing

After dinner, the entertainment was a brief magic act, and then an incredible Beatles cover band called 'The Fab Four' performed an unbelievable set. It was one of the best concerts I've been to in a long time.

New Year's Eve was a really great time...being with all the dogs made it even better. But that's just how we roll at Natural Balance. Pets...Families...and Fun! We're ready for the Rose Parade judging on Sunday! Wish us luck....

Behind The Scenes at the Natural Balance Rose Parade Float

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Last night I attended a reception held at Fiesta Parade Floats in Irwindale, California. It was somewhat of an open house to view the Rose Parade Floats being decorated at their facility. My employer, Natural Balance Pet Foods has an incredible float in the Rose Parade, so I took all of these photos to give you a behind the scenes, advance sneak peek at what it looks like! Incidentally, if you want to learn more about the Rose Parade and our float, listen to my radio show on BlogTalkRadio, just click here.

Our company co-founder Dick Van Patten and I inspected the float, carefully checking the details- millions of seeds, flowers, gains, nuts, vegetables that are used to create the designs. We were both amazed and really proud of our float!

Saffron is used to decorate the crab legs...isn't it just beautiful? I spoke with the person who decorated the crab, and she was so proud that she beamed as she described it to me.

These photos really give you an idea of the size and scale of our float...as well as the depth of colors and beauty. The coral was much taller than me...so it must have stood 7 or 8 feet high I would guess.

Me "clowning around" among the clown fish that are "swimming" along the sides of our incredible Rose Parade Float! The white parts of the fish were decorated with grains of white rice.

I love Anthurium flowers, they remind me of being in Hawaii!

I like this photo a lot- the two big pink swags were covered in fresh roses and smelled divine. Actually it was like paradise just being next to the float, the flowers are all so fragrant. I've never seen anything so beautiful in all my life.
This next photo may be tough to figure out until you see the float in action, but it is the "car" that will bring the dogs back up to the top to have another run at surfing. It will move along a track, with the dogs and their surfboards!

The license plate on the model "Woodie" car on our float pretty much says it all: DOGS RULE! This car is at the very back, top section, behind where the waves will flow. It is really awesome to see it up so close.

This is an odd angle, but I took this photo to give you the perspective of the length of the float..it really is enormous. If you look closely you can see Dick Van Patten shaking hands with visitors. He was so proud of the float!

Another side view of the float, this one has different sizes of Angel fish..click on the photo to see the incredible details on the fish stripes. Remember there are no artificial colors or materials used.

Standing among the zillions of fresh roses, each in their own individual vial of water so they stay fresh until parade day. It smelled so wonderfully fragrant it made me smile. I have always liked roses anyway...maybe someday I'll plant a rose garden. Well that just about wraps up today's post. I hope these photos give you an idea of what goes into making these Rose Parade floats. You can watch the live cam of our float by clicking here. Don't forget to watch the parade Monday January 2nd, it starts at 8:00 AM (pacific).

The Hallmark Channel will run a TV special about the making of The World's Longest and Heaviest Float, an hour before the parade starts, so check that out too!

One addition- I took this photo from the live cam of our float. This is Tillman doing a practice surf this morning. The side walls will be clear on parade day so viewers will be able to see the dogs more easily. Cool huh?

Surfing Bulldogs Rehearse for the Rose Parade!

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:31:00 +0000

Well its the the last few days before the Rose Parade, and the team of family pets at Natural Balance are busy rehearsing for their big show on what is the World's Longest and Heaviest Parade float ever! This photo above is Wally, one of Tillman's friends going for a surf along the float. (You can watch our LIVE CAM to see more)

Meanwhile, fans of Tillman and Friends are already drooling over some of the cool Rose Parade SWAG featuring Tillman and the Natural Balance Pet Foods Float! Check out these T-Shirts, and also the commemorative lapel pins too! Who doesn't like swag, especially when it is about a super cool set of dogs who can surf on their own parade float! Tomorrow I'll post some behind the scenes photos of our float, so stay tuned! Oh, and don't forget to visit the Natural Balance Facebook page for more info!

Gearing Up for the Rose Parade- Blog Talk Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:42:00 +0000

Interested in learning about this year's Rose Parade? Planning to attend? Check out my radio show with information about the parade, and the inside scoop on one of the most highly anticipated floats this year: Natural Balance, with Tillman and Friends. Listen to this show!

Listen to internet radio with Rick Rockhill on Blog Talk Radio

Carol Channing's Husband, Harry Kullijian Passes Night Before 92nd Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:16:00 +0000

I was sad to hear that Carol Channing's husband Harry Kullijian has died. He passed in Rancho Mirage, California just before his 92nd birthday due to an aneurysm. Harry was a successful person in his own right, in his own business and also as a local councilman in Modesto, California.

You may recall my post just last week- when I saw 'The Carol Channing Christmas Show' and took this photo of Harry and Carol together. Harry looked to be in great health, but poor Carol had been in the hospital with knee problems, so she was hobbling around a bit.

Harry and Carol attended school together in San Francisco, and were reunited 70 years later when Harry read the kind words Carol had written about him in her memoirs "Just Lucky I Guess". Delighted to have found each other again, they married in 2004.

photo from carolchanningarts.org

With a mutual passion for arts, together they founded the "Channing-Kullijian Foundation" to promote and support arts programs and education in schools. Harry and Carol firmly believe that any form of arts can help kids develop their minds in math and science to be successful later in life. Many times, Miss Channing has said that the arts become a "fertilizer for the brain" and allow other areas of intelligence to flourish within a person's mind.

Despite their ages, Harry had accompanied Miss Channing as she toured the US in her one woman show, 'The First Eighty Years are the Hardest'. Last year Carol released a new CD, 'For Heaven Sake' which features songs she loved from her childhood, including spiritual songs her father sang to her. There is no question Harry loved Carol and enjoyed seeing her doing what she loved--perform for fans.

My thoughts and sympathies are with Carol and the family. Carol, you are a treasure. I'm so glad you were able to reunite with your childhood sweetheart and enjoy some wonderful years together.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Channing-Kullijian Foundation, 101 First Street #555, Los Altos, CA 94022. For more information see the foundation website.

A Palm Springs Gingerbread House

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Christmas Dinner at my house is a nice long relaxing day. I decided to plan an activity with my guests to kill time while dinner was cooking! I decided on a Gingerbread House project. This photo is the finished result--looks pretty good, huh? I've never done one before, so it was all new to me. I had all the goodies ready in bowls for us to pick and choose:

Gum drops in two sizes
Spearmint gumdrop leaves
Sprinkles
Christmas cookies
Assorted hard candies
Candy Canes
Colored sugar sprinkles (red and green)

After mixing up a batch of confectioner's sugar for the icing/adhesive, we went to work:

Here is the basic structure of the Gingerbread House, sitting on a cake pedestal for ease of decorating and access. I actually like the simplicity of this as it is, but that would have defeated the purpose of this being a time-filler activity!

We started using a pastry bag to squeeze the confectioner's sugar icing. But soon we realized it was easier to just use a spatula to just smear it on! One trick I learned "on-the-go" was that the confectioner's sugar needs to set up a bit or it slides off, or doesn't work well as an adhesive. When it is a little crusty in the bowl, you know its ready to use.

Here is the finished Gingerbread House, from the other side. Check out the awesome Santa sugar cookie we put on the back, I think it rocks! Surprisingly, neither Sheldon or Duncan (pictured) showed much interest in it. I thought for sure the gumdrops would go missing. It turned out to be a really fun way to spend some time waiting for dinner. Maybe it will be a new Christmas Day tradition for us in Palm Springs!

Hanging 10 With Rose Parade Surf Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:08:00 +0000

Hanging 10 With Rose Parade Surf Dogs

snapshot of Dog.Channel.com homepage

DogChannel.com, a website for dog lovers from the publishers of Dog Fancy, Dog World and Dogs In Review magazines, published this article about our surfing dogs on their website. The article is an exclusive interview by Ernie Sloane, editor of Dog Fancy and DogChannel.com, providing a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at the preparations for the Natural Balance Rose Parade float. What's really cool is the new video footage of the float this week! Check out this article if you have a chance.

Queen Elizabeth II Christmas Broadcast 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Merry Christmas to all:

Natural Balance Rose Parade Float Featured in New York Times

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 07:42:00 +0000

Cool article in the New York Times about the Natural Balance Pet Foods float in the 2012 Rose Parade:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/25/automobiles/with-22-wheels-its-tricky-on-the-turns.html

HM The Queen's Christmas Broadcast, 1957

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 06:59:00 +0000

Really Cute Christmas Dog Video

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:35:00 +0000

One of my Twitter friends, @MyFavPupJasmine posted this really cool Christmas video today. Its GREAT training, and fun too! Merry Christmas!

If you like it, send her a tweet and say so.

Adventures of Sheldon: The Demise of Reindeer Antlers & Snacks

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:33:00 +0000

Today I stopped by the Petco store in Palm Springs to pick up a few snacks for the kids. Sheldon and Duncan like Roll-A-Rounds because they are crunchy slices and Tillman's Treats because they are soft and smell delicious. No matter which one I bring out, they promptly sit up straight and wag their tails. It is so cute to see how much happiness a little treat brings them. In my travels today I bought a pair of reindeer antlers and had Mr Sheldon try them on before giving him a snack. Once the photo session was over, I rewarded Sheldon, and his brother Duncan with a few Roll-A-Rounds. He took the slices from my hand, brought them to his favorite sofa cushion and proceeded to devour every morsel. Five minutes after this photo, however Sheldon decided to play with his antlers...

Needless to say, they didn't last long. The plastic part that sits on top of his head had broken and was all just floppy, no longer identifiable as antlers. Oh well, at least they lasted for the one photo. So it was the end of the treats and antlers, all in less than 7 minutes. That's OK, he's worth it. I can always get more plenty treats for him anytime.

Carol Channing's Christmas Show

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:41:00 +0000

Wednesday night I went to see an old friend perform in concert in the Palm Springs area. Broadway and film legend Miss Carol Channing performed in 'A Carol Channing Christmas', at the Agua Caliente Resort & Casino. The evening starred Carol Channing, Rich Little and the American Glee Club. The show was a benefit for Carol's charitable organization for schools. I've long been a fan of Miss Channing. Earlier this year, in January I had dinner with Miss Channing at Melyvn's restaurant. The last time I saw her perform on stage, however was back in 2007 at the McCallum Theatre. Time has marched on, but at 90, Miss Channing continues to have the drive and ambition to perform her signature songs, albeit in a much weaker voice.

Toward the end of the show, her husband, Harry shared with the audience that Carol had been in the hospital. She checked out to perform this show, and would be returning to the hospital again after the show. No idea what she had been in for, but somehow she pulled it together to perform. Without question, she has slowed and can't belt them out like she used to, but she is a national treasure, and I consider it an honor and a treat to be able to see her perform again.

It had been ages since I last saw impersonator Rich Little-- he was actually quite entertaining. Comedian/writer Bruce Vilanch made a brief and amusing appearance in a Santa Claus costume, and told a PG rated joke or two.

She and her husband continue their focus on arts programs in schools, through the 'Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts', a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to bringing arts and music into schools to help kids. You can learn more about their charity here. It was an enjoyable night for a good cause, but mostly it was swell to see Carol on stage again.

Helping Animals In Need Through Tree of Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:53:00 +0000

Check out this video from the Petco Foundation, and consider helping animals in need through the Tree of Hope fundraiser.

You can also help easily through Facebook- just "like" Natural Balance and they will donate $1 for every new "like" they receive.

Palm Springs Holiday Social Season in Full Swing

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:12:00 +0000

At the Jack Warner (Bros) Estate

This time of year holiday parties are in full swing. Invitations from friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers quickly fill the calendar, leaving hardly any time to relax. Truth be told, I quite enjoy the social life in Palm Springs. We have such genuinely interesting people in our community. Perhaps one thing I especially appreciate is that most people here don't have an ego. For example, it is not uncommon to be at a party and mingle with folks from a wide range of backgrounds. Hollywood Producers, major business industry executives, local artists, volunteers from a local animal shelter, a cashier from a local grocery store, and a famous actor can be chatting together over a glass of wine, seemingly uninterested in each others' profession. It's quite remarkable really. Of all the places I've lived, rarely does a community mix so easily.

file photo from Christie's

One recent holiday party was at the Warner Brothers Estate, former home of Hollywood movie mogul Jack Warner. His home was built in the 1950's, and decorated by the famed interior designer to the stars, William Haines. The house still has a hand-painted 200 year-old French wallpaper that Billy Haines recommended. The Warner estate is elegant, with lush gardens and an Olympic style pool surrounded by palm trees, lemon & orange fruit trees and olive trees. It is a stunning property, needless to say.

photo I took of the poolside grounds

As you can see from this photo at left, the gardens are quite cozy and intimate, ideal to catch up with friends with a glass of wine by the fire pit. The grounds of this estate still exude the glamor of Hollywood's Golden Age. That generation of actors and movie makers spent their free time in Palm Springs to get away from the hectic pace of LA. Even today our desert provides the same oasis to a new generation of young Hollywood elite who continue to flock to our desert to get away from it all. Behind the private walls of this estate-- like so many others here in Palm Springs, celebrity guests can relax with friends and just enjoy the holidays. Doesn't everyone deserve a little time to unwind?

The Adventures of Sheldon: Help Pets in Need this Season

noreply@blogger.com (Palm Springs Savant) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Sheldon Gryffindor took some time to relax by the Christmas tree this morning, to reflect on the season a bit. Sitting n his favorite side chair in front of a roaring fireplace Sheldon contemplated the fate of millions of homeless pets in the world. Being just one poodle living in Palm Springs, he understands that he alone can't change the world. But he also knows that one poodle can make a difference for another pet in need. That's why Sheldon wants to help homeless pets in shelters, and is asking for your help too. There is so much you can do: consider adopting a pet at your local shelter. Visit your local shelter and donate some food, or perhaps donate a few dollars.
Sheldon knows about the Tree of Hope fundraiser to benefit the Petco Foundation. He made a donation while visiting a Petco store yesterday in fact.

Sheldon also wants you to know that you can make a donation to help homeless pets in shelters easily without spending a penny. All you need to do go to the Natural Balance facebook page and "like" them. For every new "like" they get by December 24th they will donate $1 to the "Tree of Hope" fundraiser, which helps local shelters all across the country. Tell your friends too.

Make a difference for a pet in need this season. Sheldon thanks you for your help.
PS- you can follow Sheldon on Twitter @SheldonGryffin