NRA Convention – May 14-17, 2009

Wow! This month was the annual NRA Convention, and let me tell you, people came out in record-breaking numbers! I have been to a lot of events over the years, but this was one of the most fun and interesting I’ve seen!

I think people get a certain perception that is perhaps unfair, when they hear about the NRA, but I can tell you from my personal first-hand experience, it was first class all the way. Of the thousands of people that were there, I did not meet one person whom I didn’t thoroughly enjoy and respect. I had the pleasure of sharing so many stories, and yes, many tears, with veterans from World War II, Vietnam, Korea and Desert Storm. I also talked with so many active duty troops who have either just returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, or are getting ready to ship out again.

Above all, I learned so much about military history and life, and I must say I got quite an education on the 2nd Amendment. It was somewhat eye-opening. Regardless of where one stands politically, the issues we face as a country deserve fair and respectful debate, and I enjoyed learning from each person I met.

The highlight for me was attending the Saturday night banquet, where I sat front and center in an audience of at least 3,000 people or more, and listened to the most incredible speeches from Lt. Col Oliver North and John Stossel from ABC News. If you have never heard these men speak before, do yourself a favor and read their books – they have so much credibility and knowledge worth considering.

In addition, it was Armed Forces Day, and how moving it was to see the entire audience put their hands over their hearts as the military personnel stood right next to me with the flags, while the National Anthem was performed by a wonderful singer. Tears rolled down my face, and all I could think is that I am so blessed to be an American and live in a country that values freedom and democracy!

On a lighter note, I sold and autographed a ton of my calendars, allowing me to donate $2000 directly to the charity I’m supporting (New England Warrior), and those dollars will immediately go to support the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. It feels wonderful to know that every person who supported me at the show is truly helping the children of military families, particularly those who have had a parent killed in action.

The outpouring of gratitude and respect I got from the executives from the NRA, the veterans, the active duty personnel, the families, and of course my loyal Dillon fans, was just so inspirational and touching for me! I am deeply humbled by how gracious people were to me. And I must say a special thanks to Tom and Patsy, who are arguably my most enthusiastic #1 fans!

Thank you also to Dillon Precision, for inviting me to attend the show with them, I couldn’t have asked for a better result! In fact, I am now in talks to go to Iraq on a USO tour, as well as I’ve been invited to be a featured guest at many other events across the country to speak about my calendar project and my experience with the troops, so stay tuned for lots more news stories this year!

Marine South Expo – April 22-23, 2009

It’s good to be an American! And never have I felt that more than this past month when I attended the Marine South Expo at the Camp LeJeune Marine Base in North Carolina.

For the last five years, I’ve had the honor of working with and getting to know many service men and women and their families in the U.S. and overseas. When I produced my calendar to honor these heroes, I had no idea where the journey would lead. 

Well, it took me straight to Camp LeJeune, and what fun it was! I met and shared stories with so many veteran and active-duty marines and their families, and even encountered some two, three and four star generals! All were gracious and sincere, and it was not only humbling to see the gratitude for the calendar, but it was educational, as I learned so many things about being in the military and why this show of support is so important. It is amazing how much there is to learn, but this is part of what makes this experience so rewarding and interesting!

I’ve included a few shots of me and some of these heroes as I signed calendars and posed for pictures.  One exhibitor even had an exotic animal trainer and educator doing a show, which is why I am posing with a real alligator (yes that is real!)  It was so much fun, although my enthusiasm took a hit when I received a speeding ticket from a state trooper who was not in a very good mood, and what’s worse is my mom had come along for the road trip! lol…

New host demo reel!

After years in the making, finally my new hosting reel is complete! Check out all the fun interviews, celebrities and stories that I had a chance to cover over the last few years…there is nothing more rewarding than engaging different personalities and finding out their unique stories and opinions, not to mention who has a sense of humor, and who doesn’t…

“Maneater”

I just completed work on an extremely fun project called “Maneater.” This television miniseries, which will air on Lifetime over Memorial Day Weekend in two episodes, was directed by film and television star, Timothy Busfield. What a fun set it was, with great comedic and dramatic actors including Sarah Chalke, Judy Greer, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Maria Conchita Alonzo, and more….I played a spoiled, pretentious Beverly Hills snob named “Misty,” who is a so-called friend of the lead character, played by Sarah Chalke. I have to say, I don’t like to do “bimbo” roles very often, but this one was way too much fun to pass up, because the miniseries is so over the top funny, and my character is such an idiot, lol! How could I resist!?? Check local listings for air times in your area…

“The Controller” picked up by STARZ!

Just Announced! A feature film I co-starred in, “The Controller,” just got picked up by the STARZ network, and will air April 20th, at 9:45am/4:50pm ET/PT and April 28th, at 4:30pm ET/PT.

This family friendly film received several festival awards as well as endorsements from XBOX and other major corporate sponsors. Maitland Primrose Film Distribution in association with Moving Pictures Film and Television is pleased to be the worldwide distributor of the film, and has already released it overseas, with additional U.S. distribution expected this year.

For more info, you can go to the film’s official website, www.thecontrollerthemovie.com. Enjoy!

Official Press Release:

STARZ ENTERTAINMENT PICKS UP AWARD WINNING MOVIE The Controller

Phoenix, AZ (March 30, 2009) –  Starz Entertainment recently acquired the US broadcast rights to distribute the live-action/animated, action/comedy feature The Controller.  Starz, one of the leading premium entertainment television channels will premiere the movie on their Starz Kids & Family channel on April 20th, 9:45/6:45am ET/PT and 4:50/1:50pm ET/PT.

With the endorsement of video game console giant XBOX, this highly anticipated movie is the directorial debut of award winning filmmaker Frank Michels who also penned the original fiction screenplay about the world of online console video game players.

The Controller centers around a bored billionaire stuck in his “perfect” world, until his wife is suddenly abducted.  Now, he is forced to play a video game and win within eight hours to get her back.  In his new “surreal” world, we follow along as the billionaire joins forces with an oddly diverse team of unsung heroes known as the “Armchair Combat Professionals”.

However, not all of the Armchair Combat Professionals work alone.  John Dobradenka commandeers the role of Armchair Combat Professional, Master Chief, although, it is not until the appearance of – Mrs. Master Chief – Cathy Rankin, in which the moniker of the “uber-couple” of The Controller comes to life.  Cathy, an up-and-coming film and television actress, as well as an accomplished sports commentator and reporter, is the breath of fresh air a producer always hopes for in a movie. “She shows you, in her own special way, that she’s down to earth, genuine and funny,” says Frank Michels,  “And, the chemistry between her and John in the movie, completed the look we needed for them as a unique couple.”

Maitland Primrose Film Distribution in association with Moving Pictures Film and Television is pleased to be the worldwide distributor of The Controller.

“Colors of America” 2009/2010 calendar

Currently SOLD OUT. The 2011 calendar will be available next summer!

This is a full-sized, color wall calendar that is good through December, 2010. It measures 13.5″ x 23″ (perfect for hanging!) and includes 14 unique, military-inspired shots featuring actual uniform items donated by some of our men and women currently serving overseas. In addition, the calendar features several photo recreations paying tribute to the most famous classic World War II pin-ups!

A portion of all calendar sales is being donated to NewEnglandWarrior.com, a military charity that provides much needed supplies to our troops, as well as scholarships for military families, memorial funds and more. Great as a gift, décor item for a room, or simply a patriotic statement of support for our troops!

Visit the Store page to order, and be sure to read the amazing story behind the calendar’s origins!

“The Controller”

Look for my new film, The Controller, which was just sold to Starz-On-Demand!

Congratulations to the producers, Frank and Nansi Michaels, who worked tremendously hard on this project! The family-friendly movie features some fun comedy, animation, and action with a heartwarming story underneath it all!

Go to thecontrollerthemovie.com for more info.

2009 Dillon Aero Calendar

I am honored to have been selected as the cover model for the 2009 Dillon Aero Calendar for the third time!

I have enjoyed working with this company for the past five years, and of course they have been gracious enough to help promote my own new calendar, which is for sale in my store right now!

I hope to work on many more future projects with this great company! Visit them online at www.dillonprecision.com.

See Cathy co-star in “The Graves”

See Cathy co-star in The Graves, which is currently in post-production and already generating industry buzz!

Written and Directed by Brian Pulido (creator of the comics “Lady Death” and “Evil Ernie”) the movie stars acclaimed actors from the horror genre including Tony Todd (The Candyman, Final Destination I and II, the NBC series “Chuck”), Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Massacre II), Amanda Wyss (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Clare Grant (Masters of Horror) and Jillian Murray (The Fun Park).

Visit the official site for news and information about the film and cast!

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