Humane Holiday Gift Giving

As the holidays approach I'm reminded of my days marching in New York on Fur Free Friday. Proudly walking behind one of the animal community's best friends, Mr. Bob Barker, I was sometimes horrified at what some of my fellow marchers shouted at fur wearing passersby. I felt as though our presence should be a reminder or wake-up call to shoppers who may be persuaded to make better, more humane gift giving purchases. Even if someone isn't an advocate for animal protection, everyone these days is concerned about finances. Isn't it a more prudent gift choice to purchase & give something that might actually appreciate in value instead of depreciate? I know of no fur coat that's worth more decades after being purchased, no matter how carefully pampered & stored it may have been. However exquisite jewelry-- if only for its gold content-- is certain to appreciate in value. Money aside, wouldn't it be a more spiritually gratifying & rewarding to know a beloved heir will be ecstatic that you made such a fabulous choice to have passed on, say, a lovely Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet than to open a moldy old box to find a decomposing fur coat??? Please read on to the letter I recently sent an organization I previously patronized. Happy Holidays!!!

"As a long-time supporter and patron of The Brookfield Craft Center (BCC), I was saddened last week when I entered your gift gallery to begin my annual holiday shopping. Always beginning at BCC because of the abundance of wonderful hand-crafted items that I love to gift to people. However this year as I began my pursuit of gifts I was shocked-- so much so I felt as though someone hit me in the face. The assortment of hats that have been assembled from vintage coats were a not-so-subtle reminder of the abuse of animals that I have found disturbing since I was a child. Recycling is wonderful-- my family has been doing it since the late 1960's-- however it is not wonderful when it is done with the remains of dead animals. Not that one animal is more important than another in my book-- I'm a 25+ year vegetarian as well as anti-leather apparel consumer-- but one of the hats in-particular is comprised of the "vintage" skins of seals. I'm not sure that those items are even legal for sale, without appropriate documentation, since seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. When I mentioned my concern to one of your personnel-- who did respond respectfully & with courtesy-- her positive spin, however, failed to placate me. Although these animals were long-dead, as she pointed out, the fact that the remains of these animals-- the seals in particular, who were more than likely very violently clubbed to death in front of their loved ones-- are still being exploited is almost more disturbing to me than their original abuse decades ago. Although I'm sure I could have sold the very valuable vintage apparel that was designed by my mother's aunt-- a famous hat designer & milliner from the 20's through the 60's, I can share with you that it was my pleasure to finally let those animals rest in peace. Back to my unpleasant BCC experience-- as much as I tried to continue shopping by circling each floor of the craft center several times, I could not bring myself to focus on purchasing anything that day. Bad energy is bad energy, no matter how long ago the original atrocity was committed. I've decided that I no longer can support your organization as long as you continue to display items made from the remains of dead animals. Although I am a vehement supporter of the arts and whatever they express, I must draw the line at animal abuse, which is never, ever acceptable to me in any form whatsoever. I will also be posting this letter on FaceBook to inform my local friends of my concerns regarding the sale of animal remains in your establishment."

Once again, please make humane gift giving choices...all year long. Ever consider a philonthropic gift to a local animal shelter or protection organization in the name of a loved one who probably has every material item they need??? Or honoring the spirit of a loved one-- animal or humane-- by giving a gift in their memory??? Happy Holidays!

UPDATE: The Brookfield Craft Center promptly responded to my letter and removed the offensive merchandise and returned it to the artisan.

Obama and the Fly

Dear PETA,
As a longtime supporter of all your good work, I must share with you my extreme disappointment regarding your press release about the president killing the fly. There are several levels of disappointment, as a matter of fact. First, your opinion that a fly is an animal in need of protection from cruelty is an insult, to say the least, to all the animals that need protection from cruelty. Secondly, it's an insult to me personally and all of the wonderful dogs and cats that I count as family, and all of the dogs, cats, gerbils and fish that I've cherished in my 47 years on this Earth. However, as an organization that I believe does in fact do good work, I'm disappointed that your media folks obviously did not think this through. You as an organization, more often than not, come off as wacky extremists on the world stage, which I support (most of the time) in order to bring notice for the purpose of helping animals. However, in this case, you just gave fodder to the world to laugh at what I think of as the most important movement in the world, that of Animal Protection. Honestly, I couldn't believe my ears when I heard this on The View. What in the world were you thinking, folks? Really-- as I learn more about The Amish and their constant mistreatment and abuse of all animals in their care, I would think that you have so many, many wars to wage and battles to win! You've given me pause as to what your organization is really all about. I must be honest and tell you that your future support by me (and probably thousands of others) has the lifespan of a common house fly. Or should I say White house fly.

Most sincerely,
Sean Bagley & Mr. Tug (pictured above)

Rourke Rocks

Mickey Rourke had me at Barfly, Rourke's 1987 film in which he co-starred with Faye Dunaway as two co-dependent alcoholics. I've long considered this one of Rourke's best films as well as one of the most underrated in Hollywood cinema. A renegade tough guy, he's been a gym rat/boxer and his pre-Hollywood bad habits did not bode him well after he achieved fame and fortune. Rourke began turning down more roles than accepting, in films on which he should not have passed. Labeled difficult early on, Rourke eventually passed the point at which producers and directors finally decide an actor just isn't worth the trouble to work with. Although "El Marielito", his boxing nickname, worked consistently in film throughout his career and briefly turned to professional boxing in the early 90's. The films, however, were less than exemplary and Rourke seemed to sink deeper and deeper into cinema obscurity, known more for his scrapes with the law than his contribution to acting. The tide began to turn for Rourke a few years ago with a role in Sin City and came to a mid-career surge last night at The Beverly Hilton when he accepted the Best Actor award at the Hollywood Foreign Press Golden Globe awards for his role in The Wrestler. In his acceptance speech, this tough, scrapping, mongrel kinda-dude of a guy, punctuated his thank-yous by recognizing some folks near and dear to his rough-and-tumble heart: "...I'd like to thank all my dogs, the ones who are here-- the ones that aren't here anymore. Because sometimes when a man's alone, that's all you got is your dog and they meant the world to me...". As I sit here typing, uncharacteristically early on a very cold Connecticut morning with a Boston Terrier named Tug curled up on my lap, I couldn't agree more with Mr. Mickey Rourke. Nor could I feel more akin with another human being whom I have never met. Congratulations, Mr. Rourke-- from all my dogs, to you and yours.

Beverly Garland Dies in Her Hollywood Hills Home

It's with sadness that I report the death of one of Hollywood's most prolific-- as well as one of my favorite-- actresses, Miss Beverly Garland. Although extremely youthful and active until very recently, Miss Garland succumbed to an undisclosed illness last evening (Friday, Dec. 5) at her elegant Hollywood Hills contemporary, in a tony enclave of the Mullholland Drive area of Los Angeles. Perhaps best known for her 1960's television role as Fred MacMurray's wife on My Three Son's, Garland's acting career began in the 1950's in "B" horror movies. In these films Garland was valued as much for her screaming skills as she was for her sophisticated good-looks. Garland's career also encompassed big-budget feature films including 1968's Pretty Poison co-starring Tuesday Weld and Anthony Perkins and the 1970's disaster genre film, Airport, '75 . Television proved to be Garland's most rewarding stage as she effortlessly glided through innumerable guest starring roles as well as co-starring as a regular on television series such as The Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Remington Steele. Here's a link to an insider's remembrance of Beverly, where the writer shares linking a new Diagnosis Murder episode in which she was appearing with a 25 year old Mannix episode in which she also appeared: http://leegoldberg.typepad.com/a_writers_life/2008/12/beverly-garland-rip.html A personal favorite guest starring role of mine was on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, as Lou Grant's long-lost love interest. Grant finally realizes the gall of Garland's character and dumps an ice cream sundae on her head as he exits their last scene together. Decoy, the late 50's television drama in which she appeared as the character Casey Jones, an undercover female police officer. This was a break-through role for Garland and female actors, as the character she portrayed was the first female police officer on television in the starring role. Garland was a dedicated performer in Peggy Webber McClory's repertory in the California Artists Radio Theatre stable of stars, which often performs in the Beverly Garland Little Theatre on the grounds of her famous Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in North Hollywood. In addition to her acting career Garland was a dedicated member of Actors and Others for Animals, generously using her celebrity on behalf of the animals she loved.

A lavish memorial service and reception was held at the beloved property bearing her name on December 12 and attended by hundreds of family and friends.

Simon Says...

I wish every unwanted dog or cat could be as fortunate as Simon, the little deaf puppy whose story I'm about to share. Sadly the majority of precious creatures do not end up on Doris Day's doorstep, or even in the most modest loving home. Simon's journey to paradise began with the name "Spike". Purchased from a breeder as a pure-bred Boston Terrier by his first owners-- serial puppy buyers-- who eventually discovered that he was deaf and dumped him on their kindly country veterinarian. Kind hearted, well intentioned and known for giving homes to many unwanted animals, the young ladies of the office each wanted to keep little Spike and gave him the opportunity to become a member of their homes. However it is more challenging to train a deaf dog and their full-time jobs made it difficult to devote the countless hours it takes to assist a little guy like Simon to acclimate to a household with other animals. One of the challenges Simon faces is that warning growls and snarls of other dogs are not heard when his puppy exuberance and playfulness surpasses their limit. Unfortunately Spike was not a good fit in the homes of the veterinary technician's and his board in the office proved to be unfair to this puppy with so much energy. Wanting to see him in a good "forever home" one of the veterinary technicians sought the assistance of a fabulous one-women rescue society, Flora's Pet Project. Flora is a woman whose devotion to homeless animals makes me ashamed for not participating to a fraction of the degree that Flora does in her tireless quest to help all animals lucky enough to find their way to her doorstep. Please have a look for yourself if you're interested in adoption and share her link liberally with anyone you may know who has a suitable home for animals: flora@floraspetproject.org . Spike was reluctantly handed over to Flora, hoping that he would soon land in a good home with his forever family. This is where I come in to Spike's life-- for a brief moment. After overhearing an office mate talk about this deaf puppy on the phone, my friend Bill mentioned that he had a friend-- me-- who was a dog lover and had a Boston Terrier puppy. Not only did I have a Boston Terrier, I had the good fortune of having several dance through my life. After Bill called to inform me about the puppy needing a home, I contacted Flora to arrange a meeting. Tug-- our Boston Terrier in residence for the past three years-- did not have the reaction I had hoped for. However we took Spike home for a trial period hoping that eventually the two boys would become loving brothers. That didn't happen and "Spike" was on the move yet again-- to his permanent forever home at my brother Kevin's house. Kevin and his partner Manny had met Spike the day of our initial meeting and fell in love with him immediately. Perhaps secretly hoping that he would somehow end-up under their roof? Now named Simon, he has successfully acclimated to his wonderful new home on six bucolic fenced acres in pristine Bridgewater, Connecticut. After a brief period of adjustment with his new brothers & sisters, Simon is often found asleep curled up with Gidget-- a crazy Pomeranian and longtime favorite doggie of a famous neighbor, actor Richard Widmark, Whoopie-- a domineering, in-charge but lovable dachshund-and-something mix, Miguel, a wonderfully kind-hearted and patient Portuguese breed fellow and last but not least, my favorite cat of all-time, Abner Kravetz, the largest orange cat I've ever seen. Manny and Kevin are completely and thoroughly devoted to their animal children and have the assistance of a wonderful housekeeper who is on scene when their busy schedules keep them from home. The final twist to Simon's long journey to his forever home? The kindly vet's office from where Simon originated his trip happens to be my family's long-time, trusted and beloved veterinarian Gerry Schect in Hopewell Junction, New York. A recent visit there with Tug and a brief mention of my brother's new deaf puppy became an almost unbelievable coincidence to myself and the clinic staff, with tearful acknowledgements that Simon indeed not only arrived in his forever home, but the perfect forever home.

Carefree or Very Bel Air?

Wherever you are, slip into a pool with a highball and make the day yours-- and yours alone. Float along and envelop yourself in an elegant turquoise world of warm chlorination as these songs waft over you. Say so-long to summer and add the final coat of bronze to that shimmering you. Here are my essential end-of-summer songs to evoke fabulous places like Bel Air, Carefree, Carmel or the exquisite destination of your very own choosing--circa 1969:

Girl Talk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rtPWnETBE

That's All: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsHMOlU9YaU

The Good Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPSPQbob9lY&feature=related

Can't Get Used To Losing You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUeaqHHq2II

Come Saturday Morning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3SIQvaXWBs

The Look of Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBn3ZUZlqaQ&feature=related

Desifinado: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eYg2k0n0tI

L-O-V-E: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JErVP6xLZwg

Call Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8CQcar9nwY

For Once In My Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg59oRcqNW4&feature=related

A Man And A Women: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPYTTvi6SbA

What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcsoF1G3yAQ

The Shadow Of Your Smile: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVDnOldK5_Q

My Favorite Manequin: Miss Anne Francis

Beginning a tribute to such a prolific contributor to the entertainment industry by referencing my favorite episode of The Twilight Zone is, believe me, nothing less than the ultimate testimonial by an adoring fan. Anne Francis is without a doubt one of the hardest working, most talented and stunningly gorgeous actresses to have graced the silver screen as well as the television set. My favorite guest star in my favorite Twilight Zone was-- of course-- Anne Francis as the escaped department store mannequin turned live human being for a day. Refusing to return to her post for another stiff stretch as a stationery model, Anne evoked emotions of sadness for her character, wishing she could escape and live among us forever!

Starring in her own television series Honey West, Anne played a private detective in the title role of the same name for two seasons in 1965 and 1966. Her co-star was a pet ocelot named Bruce-- how avant garde! Science fiction fans cherish Anne's performance in the 1956 cult classic, Forbidden Planet. However, her stellar talent, chic appearance and years of experience were no match when it came to the editing of 1968's Funny Girl with Barbra Streisand. Along with several other co-stars, Francis was robbed of her top-flight performance when most of her scenes ended up on the cutting room floor. Streisand's narcissistic influence reduced Francis' role to practically nothing in order to increase focus on her own. Very poor form in the business by Streisand and the director did nothing to really endear Barbra to the public as one might imagine an entertainer of her caliber would dictate. Popular? Of course. Much loved and adored like a Doris Day or Ella Fitzgerald, no way. Streisand set the diva tone from the start with her poor behavior by pulling the Helen Lawson act during and after Funny Girl. Considered a slap in the face to the more seasoned performers in the film-- who would probably not have accepted a role had they known it would be so diminished in the end product. Although Funny Girl turned out to be a disappointing speed bump, the experience did nothing to impede Francis from continuing her flawless work in Hollywood for decades. Mostly in top-billed television guest starring roles, from westerns to sophisticated and glamorous characters, her gorgeous image was a popular fixture on the top prime-time programs through the 1960's, 70's, 80's 90's until her latest IMDB entry in 2004.

One of the most generous stars of her stature, Francis maintains a beautiful website for fans: http://www.annefrancis.net/ Anne writes a monthly newsletter in which she shares current events in her life, spiritual observations and even some of the difficult details of her recent bout with a pretty scary health issue. However, Anne is doing fabulously and appears to have triumphed over daunting odds and is looking forward to moving on and perhaps working on a project in the future. Her extremely youthful appearance-- she really hasn't changed at all-- must be a testament to her shining inner energy and generous spirit. Miss Francis is, above all her Hollywood accomplishments, a survivor. Take a moment to visit Anne's site and wish her good luck in her continued journey to health. After all, wouldn't it be wonderful to see that signature beauty mark once again grace any screen in a new, wonderful T.V. or movie project? You bet your ocelot!