Anson on Fox Tonight

3/1/09 UPDATE
Click here to read transcript of Hannity's program with Anson - again, thanks Iris.

2/26/09 UPDATE
Click here to see a 5 min appearance of Anson on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet today - thanks Iris!

ORIGNIAL POST
Kent Barcus emailed saying: "Anson Williams was part of this evening's Great American Panel on Hannity (Fox News Channel). It will re-broadcast at 9pm Pacific this evening and might be viewable on the Fox News Channel website (even independents and Democrats can view it if it's there)."

And speaking of Anson, if you haven't seen this, here is a McDonald's commercial from the 70's with you know who...


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Do you twitter?

Ok, now I have 2 websites, 6 blogs, 1 youtube channel, a facebook account and now I twitter!

Check it out here: http://twitter.com/ and join the fun (I think - not sure yet).

Also, you can read more about twitter at Wikipedia.

Happy Birthday, Ron Wysocky!

During an email exchange with BHS class '67 grad Ron Wysocky, he let the cat out of the bag that TODAY he is joining the ranks of the elite by turning SIXTY years old.

Hope you and your wife have a fun time celebrating at the track - and don't loose your shorts, Ron!

I'm doing pretty well. Since it is Sunday already I can tell you that this is the day I am joining people like yourself and Don Ray by becoming another member of the BHS class of '67 that turns 60. For excitement I will be at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia (also known as The Great Race Place), where I will be trying my luck handicapping the throughbreds. It looks to be a good day weather-wise and with the backdrop of the San Gabriel mountains, it will be very picturesque.

I will be accompanied by Lynne, my wife of 26 1/2 years as she is doing much better in her recovery. On March 15 it will be 1 year that she has been home from Arizona. When our kids were in high school we were active in the band boosters of Azusa High School (1984-1990), and some of our fund-raising activities included 'A Day at the Races' at Santa Anita Park. That is when Lynne and I were introduced to the sport of throughbred horse racing so regardless of how I do in placing my bets, it is always fun. I'm taking Monday off from work to make it a 3 day weekend. So if you excuse me I have to make this short as I have to get back in the Daily Racing Form and continue doing some serious handicapping.

All the best...

Ron


Mayor Marv

And from the 40th reunion...










Ron Wysocky, Martha Youngquist, Deanna Lloyd, Tom Hurd and Andrea Moxness

2/26/09 UPDATE
This morning received this email from Ron and my reply follows:

From: Ron Wysocky
Subject: Thanks

Hey CP...

I thought I could sneak one past you about my birthday last Sunday, but I under-estimated you. You are good! As for the thoroughbreds, I started out pretty well cashing winning tickets on the first 4 races and then I hit a dry spell - like for the rest of the racing card. But then again so did plenty of other folks as it was announced prior to the last race that there would be no Pick 6 winner - correctly picking the winners of the last 6 races. If no one wins the Pick 6 it usually becomes known after the last race and not before. I don't remember seeing that happen before. But there is nothing to worry about as I didn't quit my day job and I had a good time anyway.

Keep up doing the great work you do with your web site keeping all of us connected.

Ron


From: Cathy Palmer

Sounds like you had a fun time, Ron. I've only been to the races once and it was on a date about 100 yrs ago (it seems - hahaa). And the guy took me to Santa Anita too! I remember very little of the whole event.

Horses and I have had some 'interesting' times... as a little girl at summer camp one time, I got on a horse (pony?) and the cowboy led us around in a circle while he held the reins - pretty safe, right? Well, it was my first time on a horse and wouldn't you know it, both the saddle and I ended up on the ground in a puff of dust! The cowboy came over and told me I needed to get up and get back in the saddle! So that was not the best intro to horses.

But later on, I used to go to Pickwick and ride horses in jr high and high school on occassion. (Do you remember a girl named Barbara Flasher? She had an older brother named Jeff. She and I would go horseback riding together sometimes - I've totally lost touch with her even before we graduated as her family moved I think to Encino or somewhere.) Anyway, one day I went by myself and got my favorite horse and decided to race it along a fence which had a sign saying "Do not race horses here". Smart, heh?? Well, again my saddle began to slide sideways and I fell into the fence, scrapping my hands. Some folks came by and helped me back. Oh brother.

The last time I went to Pickwick was as an adult with a friend one afternoon and the horse I had did NOT want to cooperate, but kept wanting to go back the barn. Finally, he rolled over to get me off him and I had to jump off to not get smashed!

*** sigh ***

So my horse adventures have not been the best. However, my sister in Scottsdale currently has a few horses including a wild mustang and they are pretty nice - she specializes in selling horse properties as a realtor and fights for horse owner rights in the city. Anyway, thanks for listening to my horse tales!

Hope you have a wonderful day, Ron,

cp

PS Photos of horses I took last year: http://cathyscamera.blogspot.com/search?q=horse

Remember Jack LaLanne?

How could we not! His fitness tv show was on the air from 1951-1985.

And I was surprised to discover today that Jack is still alive and going strong, working out 2 hrs a day at 94 yrs of age!

Jack lives with his wife Elaine in Morro Bay but when they lived in the LA area in the late 60's, my boyfriend knew the famiy and one day we went there. The daughter took us into Jack's weight room which was filled with workout equipment but I was most impressed with the floor to ceiling mirrors on each wall - lol!

So here are a few video clips of his tv show which are pretty entertaining - he has a great personality, is a real encourager and gives good advice:

Stop be so tired

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Finger PushUps

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Face Workout

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MORE VIDEOS

Jan 26, 2009 Article: Fitness buff Jack LaLanne still strong at 94

His website: http://www.jacklalanne.com/

60's Network TV

Burbank History Photos

Found a few websites with LOTS of historic Burbank photos and here are a couple of examples:


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Burbank Brand labels (13 x 4 in) used for canned peaches packed by McKeon Canning Company, Burbank, Los Angeles County, California (1922?).


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From the 1950's: Inside the Burbank Public Libary.

I almost expect to see my mother there as she made frequent trips to the library to pick up reading material, esp mysteries like Perry Mason - no wonder I like to read/research/investigate via the internet - lol!

Here are more Burbank History links:

Oviatt Library Digital Collection

Burbank Historical Society photos

Burbank people photos

And of course, Wes & Mike's Burbankia website is FULL of wonderful photos!

Divine Protection

This afternoon I got a call from my daughter saying that my son, John, was in a car accident and amazingly, he was not hurt at all nor was anyone else.

Apparently, his car flipped when a semi ran him off the road while driving from Florida to his home in Charleston, South Carolina!

As a praying mother, I am most thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for his protection.





John holding his niece, Lauren earlier this month.

Sonoma HGTV Dream Home 2009

Just got this email from Donna Luce Neitman and she mentions the dream home giveaway that is located in my town, Sonoma - hope you win, girl!

Hi Cathy,
I was reading your story about the SS Catalina and I remember touring it on one of my cruises that went to Ensenada. It was in the early 90's I believe and we got to go on board. I think they were trying to get funding or donations to refurbish it. I don't think that ever came about and I'm not sure what happened to the 'ole girl'. Probably broken down for scrap metal and buried at sea! Anyway, just wanted to share that with you.

P.S. I'm trying to win the "Dream Home" from HGTV in Sonoma, so we can have the next reunion there!! I really am dreaming. It's beautiful, have you seen it? Wish me luck, ha!!

Love, Donna Luce

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Dream Home Details:

Thursday, Feb 19, is the deadline for entering the 2009 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway. This year's house in Sonoma, Calif., is a two-story farmhouse with 3,600 square feet of living space, three bedrooms and 31/2 baths. Highlights include two bedroom mini-suites and a master bedroom suite with luxury spa-inspired bathroom and its own sitting room. The winner also receives a 2009 GMC Acadia. The total value of the package is more than $2 million. To enter, go to http://www.hgtv.com/.

90 Second Tour of Home

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Downtown Sonoma

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FEB 17, 2009 UPDATE - SEE MY 2 MIN VIDEO OF THE DREAM HOME I TOOK TODAY!



Even in the rain, it's a beautiful home and this afternoon, I stopped by the Dream Home...


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LAST 2 DAYS TO VIE FOR THE 2009 MILLION-DOLLAR HGTV DREAM HOME IN CALIFORNIA’S BREATHTAKING SONOMA WINE VALLEY

Deadline For Entries: THIS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 at 5 pm ET (2 pm PT) —

Winner to be Unveiled in HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009 Special on March 15

Only TWO days are left to enter the 2009 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway to win a new, 3,700-square foot fully-furnished custom-designed Victorian-style home in the wine valley of Sonoma, CA, a 2009 GMC Acadia and much more.

Top HGTV designers used their unique talents to create many of this year’s rooms, including Kim Myles (Kids’ Room), John Gidding (home study) and Monica Pedersen (outdoor tablescapes.)

People can enter once a day at http://HGTV.com/dreamhome

Other cool features:
-- patio area with outdoor kitchen and garden vineyard
-- front and back porches with gorgeous vistas
-- 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms
-- home office with a fully stocked wine closet
-- gourmet kitchen
-- two-car garage
-- even a Doggie Dream Home!

Check out HGTV.com’s Dream Home Central (http://HGTV.com/dreamhome) to access a room-by-room 360 degree virtual tour, photo gallery, blog, exclusive videos and much more.

The winner will get a surprise knock on the door and be revealed in a half-hour special, “HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009” on Sunday, March 15 at 8 pm ET/PT.


March 13, 2009 UPDATE

Sonoma Dream Home mystery winner revealed soon

HGTV's Dream Home in Sonoma

By MEG McCONAHEY
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
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Published: Friday, March 13, 2009 at 3:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 12:56 p.m.

Someone, somewhere in America, got the lucky news last week that they will be moving to a fancy dream house in Sonoma.

Or at least, they will have the opportunity - if they can pull together the taxes and upkeep on a $2.5 million “farmhouse,” professionally decorated and fully equipped with stocked wine cellar, “petite vineyard,” large screen TV and matching dog house.

The winner, picked from among 39 million entries in a drawing on March 3, will be disclosed during a 30-minute TV special, HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009, airing on the network at 8 p.m. Sunday.

The winner will be chauffered by limousine on April 17 to their new home. At that time they will get a tour, which will be filmed for a future broadcast, and be presented with keys to the property.

The wannabes include many people from Sonoma County and even Sonoma itself who were hoping to upgrade to a 3,700-square-foot home or simply to cash out their earnings.

“I entered. But I was just in it for the money, frankly,” laughed Karen Gardner, a dental hygienist who already has a nice spread on 50 acres in nearby Glen Ellen. “I figured maybe I could give it to one of my kids. I’d have had to take out another line of credit if I had won. And then I would have sold all the furnishings on eBay.”

Leslie Vaughn of Sonoma said she entered twice every day — using both her own name and e-mail and her husband Kevin’s. She was really hoping to win for her niece, who lives in Henderson and wants desperately to move back to the Sonoma area where her mother lives.

“I have been doing positive affirmations,” said Vaughn, who said she figured the taxes alone would be $2,000 a month — more than her current rent. “I’ve driven past it a zillion times. And when my niece came into town, the first thing she wanted to see was the Dream House. I do feel that if by some miracle I won, it would be for them.”

The network’s newest Dream Home, built by Santa Rosa General Contractor Bruce Lee with Sonoma developer and hotelier Steve Ledson, is set on the perimeter of Armstrong Estates, a luxury subdivision of custom-built fantasy homes that Ledson has been developing for some 20 years on Sonoma’s pricey east side.

Ledson said 4,253 people paid $20 apiece to tour the house over the last two months, raising $85,000 for his family charity, the Ledson Harmony Foundation for Children. The nonprofit organization grants wishes for children undergoing personal or family hardships.

Emily Yarborough, a spokeswoman for HGTV, said both electronic and paper entries had an equal chance of winning. Every entry, whether by mail or e-mail, was assigned a bin number. Balls with all the bin numbers were then put into a large drum. Network president Jim Samples pulled one ball from the drum to determine which bin he would draw the winner from. Then the winner was chosen.

This is the 13th Dream Home, each picked for its fantasy getaway location, that the network will give away. In truth, a combination of crushing taxes and upkeep costs combined with the faraway locations has forced all but two winners to quickly sell off their winnings. And the other two have subsequently sold.

Don and Shelly Cruz, who won a 5,500 square foot barn-style mansion in Tyler, Tex., complete with two-story boathouse in 2005, tried desperately to stretch beyond his means to live in the lakeside house. But, unable to pay the property taxes and teetering on foreclosure, they auctioned off the home for $1.3 million in January, less than the assessed value of $1.8 million.

Ledson said he’s prepared to buy back the Sonoma Dream Home if it doesn’t pencil out for tonight’s winner.

“Whatever I would ask for it, I probably would be lucky if I got my money back because people just aren’t spending money now,” said the developer, who said it cost about $2.3 million to build. “It’s a very nice house. It’s got a lot of amenities. And in time the values are going to come back. Will they be as high as they were when the bubble burst? Not for awhile.”

Ledson, who also has a winery and the luxe Ledson Hotel on the Sonoma Plaza, recently sold a house down the street from the Dream Home for $2.3 million. But it had been on the market for over a year. Another one also several doors down that he built but no longer owns, is on the market for slightly under $1 million.

The hoopla has brought a lot of publicity to Sonoma, a nice boost in a flagging economy. HGTV has promoted the charms of the historic wine country town on its Web site. And many people have trekked to Sonoma to either tour the house or view it from the road. Most came from the greater Bay Area although a few diehards, said Ledson, flew in from other states.

“People thought it was exciting,” said Kirsten Stewart, co-owner of Deuce Restaurant on Broadway. She said a number of customers asked for directions to the Dream House eight blocks away.

Vaughn said the giveaway has been a bright spot in a gloomy winter of bad economic news.

“People could get their hopes up and be excited about something,” she laughed. “Live the dream. It was a fun thing.”


Comments

rebob says...
March 11, 2009 5:13:08 pm
No I didn't win and wasn't even aware of the drawing.

This is however a minor symptom of our slipping into 3rd world economic status.

Promote the extreme luck of a select few as a means to distract the general public from the current economy. Paging Kurt Vonnegut.



GeezerBill says...
March 12, 2009 6:57:51 am
I wasn't going to 'fess up just yet,.....but, yes, I WON, and you are all invited to my open house bash this Sunday. There will be limosine service, a complete catered lunch (caviar will be served in large tureens), your choices of the best red and white wines that Sonoma and Napa counties have to offer, a complete bar, and balloons for the kiddies. On-site massages will be offered by lovely masseuses, and a beautiful $3,0000,000 Bugatti Veyron automobile will be auctioned off, with the money donated to the Bernie Madoff legal fund. Music will be provided by the San Francisco Boys Choir, sponsored by the North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA), with parking-lot security from the junior chapter of Gay Youths for Hitler.

The entire Santa Rosa City Council will welcome you, answer questions and shake hands. In the spirit of the Stimulus Program, the event will conclude with an air show by the Blue Angels---compliments of Nancy Pelosi. Barrack Obama was going to make the scene, but his teleprompter is still having problems, and the new one won't arrive until next week. Not to worry. Arnold Schwarzenegger will arrive with a complete set of weights and will attempt to top the world bench press record while making a surprise announcement that Warren Buffett has donated his entire fortune to help with the California bailout.

Of course, I will be there to sign autographs.



sophieSEA says...
March 12, 2009 1:06:50 pm
I don't understand why HGTV has to build such extravagant homes where the people who win cannot even afford to live there. Why not build something modest instead of home in the most expensive development in Sonoma???? No, of course they won't because that makes sense.