Hi everybody.... first off allow me to say I am blogging about this question because after covering the "Michael Jackson:Immortal Tour" on Januray 25th, 2012 at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, I have been flooded with calls and texts asking, "Are those kids really Michael's biological kids?"... Look I do not know for a fact...but I can tell you each kid is super cute! Paris for one has the most stunning eyes I think I have ever seen...Prince has the cutest boyish face and the little one, Blanket has the best hair...and actually, in my mind, he looks the most like the King of Pop. 

So, assuming there is no blood line here, either way I feel for these kids--hold on--- I am not being a softy, I am just being real because of what I witnessed today on the Hollywood Walk of fame.  These 3 kids are kids, just that....and as soon as they stood in front of cameras to place their hands and dad's shoes and sequined gloves into cement, you should have heard the screams from the paparrazzi who were relentless and harsh with them! Look I know some of those paparazzi-photographers, but those in action today were awful! It made me think...if Michael were here, he would've protected his kids...kept them away from this craziness...and sadly he's no longer around to be that guardian, any child requires especially when growing up in "Hollywood".

REMEMBER THAT?? "FROM THE DESERT TO THE SEA"…

IF YOU GREW UP IN LOS ANGELES, OR KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT NEWS PERSONALITIES IN THIS TOWN…HEARING "FROM THE DESERT TO THE SEA", YOU'LL IMMEDIATELY KNOW I'M TALKING ABOUT JERRY DUNPHY.  WELL, RECENTLY I HAD A CHANCE TO WORK WITH HIS DAUGHTER, ERIN DUNPHY ON A SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT FOR KTLA.  SHE WAS OUR FIELD PRODUCER ON A THANKSGIVING SPECIAL.  AS EXPECTED, SHE IS A YOUNG, BEAUTIFUL WOMAN... BUT MOST STRIKING ABOUT HER IS THAT AFTER WATCHING HER IN ACTION FOR SEVERAL HOURS IT WAS OBVIOUS SHE IS A DOWN TO EARTH AND A HARD WORKING JOURNALIST LIKE HER FATHER. WHAT I APPRECIATED THE MOST WAS THAT AT NO TIME DID SHE INSINUATE OR SUGGEST MY CREW AND I RENDER HER ANY TYPE OF SPECIAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF HER FATHER'S LEGENDARY STATUS.

WELL, AS A REPORTER, I COULD NOT MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK A FEW QUESTIONS TO SHARE THEM WITH YOU... :)

EE: WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO GROW UP WITH JERRY DUNPHY? 

ED: HE WAS FUN, MOST DON'T KNOW BUT MY DAD LOVED TO WRITE MUSIC…HE IN FACT SPOKE WITH DOLLY PARTON IN AN EFFORT TO WRITE MUSIC FOR HER…WHO KNEW RIGHT?!

EE: WAS JERRY A STRICT FATHER? 

ED: YES, HE WAS VERY MUCH BY THE BOOK, BORN IN 1921, HE WAS VERY TRADITIONAL, ALWAYS UPHELD ALL THE CATHOLIC TRADITIONS, MORALS AND VALUES…AND YES HE WAS PROBABLY THE TOUGHEST ON ME BECAUSE I AM THE YOUNGEST OF 6 KIDS!

EE: DID HE EVER SIGN ON OR OFF WITH HIS INFAMOUS "FROM THE DESERT FROM THE SEA" AT HOME? 

ED: NOT REALLY BECAUSE I SAID IT FOR HIM.  YOU SEE, EVERY TIME WE HAD THAT FATHER DAUGHTER CONVERSATION ABOUT MY CAREER GOALS,  AND PLEASE KNOW MY FATHER REALLY WANTED ME TO FOLLOW HIS FOOTSTEPS IN BROADCAST JOURNALISM, I WOULD SAY YES DAD I WILL JOIN, IF HE  INSISTED I WOULD RECITE HIS LINE AND HE KNEW IMMEDIATELY I WAS JOKING AROUND WITH HIM AND WITH A CUTE GRIN ON HIS FACE, HE'D MOVE ONTO ANOTHER SUBJECT.

EE: DID YOU WATCH HIM ALL THE TIME? AND WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?  

 ED: YES, AS A CHILD I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND IT BUT I KNEW MY DAD WAS A TV PERSONALITY AND MORE IMPORTANTLY IN MY EYES, HE WAS A VOICE FOR OTHERS AND HAD THE ABILITY TO TELL ON THOSE WHO WEREN'T DOING RIGHT.

EE: WHAT WAS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU REMEMBER YOUR FATHER GIVING YOU? 

ED: THERE IS A LOT, BUT I WOULD HAVE TO SAY HE TAUGHT MY WORK ETHIC…MY FATHER WAS DEDICATED, SOO DEDICATED HE NEVER RETIRED FROM THE NEWS BIZ!

EE: CONSIDERING YOUR FATHER NEVER RETIRED, WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR FATHERS LIFE? 

ED: JERRY WAS A GOOD FATHER, BUT I REALIZE BALANCE IS A MUST IN EVERYONES LIFE.  MY FATHER WORKED A LOT, AND YES HE DID SHOW UP FOR SCHOOL FUNCTIONS…BUT I REALIZE HE SPENT MORE TIME AT WORK THAN AT HOME. I WILLSAY MY FATHER WOULD PROBABLY BE DISHEARTENED WITH THE STORY SELECTION OF MOST NEWSCASTS TODAY, AND THE FACT THAT REPORTERS AREN'T GIVEN A CHANCE TO HUNT STORIES DOWN LIKE THEY USED TO.  I REMEMBER MY DAD--HE WORKED TIRELESSLY ON HIS STORIES AND BASICALLY LIVED IT AND BREATHED IT UNTIL COMPLETION.

EE: WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A JOURNALIST? 

ED: THERE IS SOMETHING AMAZING ABOUT OFFERING OTHERS KNOWLEDGE…IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF REAL ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE TALKED ABOUT OUT IN THE OPEN. I WOULD GO TO A SMALL MARKET-- I AM PRESENTLY LOOKING AT ALL OPPORTUNITIES….

EE: YOUR FATHER CAME UP WITH ONE OF THE MOST LEGENDARY ON AIR SAYINGS….WHAT WILL YOU SIGN ON OR SIGN OFF WITH? 

ED: I WANT TO CARRY ON MY FATHERS LEGACY…I LOVE HIS LINE, "FROM THE DESERT TO THE SEA" BECAUSE THERE IS HISTORY IN THAT...AND IT INCLUDES VIEWERS FROM ALL OVER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA! 

THANK YOU ERIN, IT WAS A PLEASURE MEETING YOU...I AM VERY EXCITED TO SEE ALL THE GREAT THINGS YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH! CHEERS!!

On most Monday mornings, I am running around and getting ready to shoot my Crime Stoppers Segment for KTLA.  However, this Monday morning, I was exposed to someone amazing, who during our short time together gave me a gift and a lesson at the same time.  The message from the meeting, and the authenticity in which it was delivered, is so powerful, that I have been excited all week about putting together this entry and sharing this wisdom. 

As with all interesting stories, this one has a back story.  When not on camera, I spend much time and energy supporting charities, helping those with special needs and others that want to overcome life challenges.  In furtherance of this effort, I have worked with a friend – Bradley P. Boyer – an entertainment lawyer and special needs advocate.  He and I have attended a number of charity events together and have written about these experiences. 

Brad shared with me that he is on the Board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles.  This charity has several events each year – the main two which are the Care and Cure Dinner and the Walk to End Epilepsy (which is being held on October 16, 2011 at the Rose Bowl).  I learned that the honorees of this Care and Cure Dinner for the past several years have been a number of heavy hitters in Hollywood.  These busy executives have dedicated time, effort and contacts to make this event such that over One Million Dollars is raised in one night.  I was inspired by this and pondered the question: “If busy Hollywood Executives can and do make time to help others, why shouldn’t we all do so?” 

Brad put me in touch with Andrew Gumpert (who co-chairs the Care and Cure dinner, along with Mark Borman).  Andrew is an amazing father and person, who also happens to be the President of Worldwide Business Affairs and Operations for Columbia Pictures.  Andrew talked with me about this event and my idea and was kind enough to put me in touch with the honorees.  The first honoree that I met with is who I am referring to above. 

This honoree is one of the most powerful women in Hollywood.  She heads a major studio and I was shocked she would dedicate so much time to sit down with me and talk about charity.  I am referring to Sony Co-Chairman Amy Pascal. 

Amy invited me into her spacious and warm office on the Sony lot in Culver City.  While my intention was to obtain information from her for an article, I was amazed at what I actually received – sage advise and wisdom – all conveyed to me with complete candor. 

We talked about work, love, and philanthropy.  During the entire experience, Amy was very down to earth and friendly.  We talked about life struggles and she told me that whatever you do “don’t compete with anyone else.  Be yourself, be the best you and figure out what you are really good at and do that."  She gave me a number of interesting quotes, which I will include in my ultimate article – however what I want to share now are her powerful comments regarding giving back. 

Amy told me that she tries to help others when she can, and has learned that by helping others you immensely help yourself.  However, she does not help others to get a benefit – she does so because she believes that “when you are blessed with so much you must give back as much.”  She believes that this is the rhythm of the universe.  I absolutely agree!

 Even though God gives us talent and we pour our hard work and energy into working towards our goal, we can't take all the credit for our success.  In truth, there have been many people who have paved the way and those who have helped us get there!  The same is true with Amy – as I ponder all of the people that she helped by becoming involved with the EFGLA and their Care and Cure Dinner.  Through her involvement, the Epilepsy Foundation has raised in excess of $1 million dollars – money which will ultimately benefit those with epilepsy and others in our community.

Amy was able to make the time to help this charity – and she runs a major studio and is a mom!  If she can make time for what is important, so should we!

Cheers :) EE

Working as a general assignment television news reporter for KTLA 5 in Los Angeles, the types of stores that I cover, and have covered for several years as a reporter can vary from the light and fluffy stories, those of horrible crimes, to those which are extremely moving and powerful. 

On June 6, 2011, I was assigned to a very moving story and one to which I could deeply relate on many levels.  The story was about a 14 year old boy Kyle Rodas, who had battled cancer since he was 15 months old and he and his family thought that he had it beat.  However, the past October, a different type of cancer appeared, and one in which despite all of the love and support that he received, he was not able to overcome.  He passed away at the end of July, just after his 15^th birthday. 

In covering this sad story, I spent extensive time with Kyle’s family in their home in a working class Arleta , California neighborhood.  The Rodas family is a close knit Latin family and to them family is everything.  I learned that Kyle’s family put everything they had into helping Kyle get through his tough times and his father Oscar, even gave up his Job. 

When I spend time with the family after Kyle’s passing, I spoke with his sister Renee.  While I spoke with her, she said:  “I was always responsible for him.  I always felt like I needed to be there for him and protect him.”  Hearing this statement from Renee, pierced my soul. 

I have those exact same feelings and thoughts about my little brother Christian.  My brother is now 27 years old, and over 6 feet tall – but, as Renee, I feel like I have to be there for him and protect my brother.  He has extreme brain damage, is non-verbal, and still lives with my parents and will likely always do so.  While Kyle, was able to play with friends and compete in football during the period of time in which his cancer has disappeared, my brother has never done so, nor will he.

I spend a substantial amount of time with Christian.  I take him out for recreational drives around the city to look at the lights and we visit a special restaurant where he all the staff know him and make him feel at home And while many people would assume that taking care of Christian and watching him to give my parents a break are all for him, these times are very special for me, as well.  You see, I have learned a lot from Christian..  In order to communicate with him and know what he needs, I have to actually listen and hear what he is saying – not from his mouth – but from his soul.  I watch his eyes, his expressions, his mannerisms.  This helps me respond to his needs. 

This experience has helped me in my career significantly- I feel it has enabled me with the ability to ask good questions when interviewing people.  Christian has taught me to listen and truly hear what others are saying.  Christian has given me great empathy and motivation to be the best me.  I feel privileged and so grateful for my brother.  I hope Kyle and Christian inspire you to be the best you! Remember, you are limitless....

Thank you for listening! :)

Dear Friends,

This post gives you a chance to help disabled veterans who have fought wars all in the name of our precious freedom! We are blessed to have these men and women in uniform, always ready to go to battle for us!!  So now, lets HELP THEM!!!!
Let's give back a little something...lets help our military personnel who have lost limbs, and suffered devastating injuries with a donation of however much you can afford to share!!

My dear friend Eric Hendrikx is on a journey to make a difference for disabled veterans!  He is embarking a on a gruesome physical challenge in Colorado on September 1st!  His hope is to make a small contribution to our military families who have sacrificed soo much for us!!

Eric is a dear friend who has been training for this challenge....he recently ran several miles with a backpack stuffed with BRICKS on his back around Las Vegas..all of it part of a "Green Beret Challenge" @goruck! He survived...now motivated more than ever...in training around the clock to help disabled veterans! I support him and hope you can also!!

As I always say, each and every one of us can always give back in our own way! Eric is almost at his goal, lets help him help disabled veterans!!!

THANK YOU everybody and best of luck Eric!!!

EE

 

Please click here to help:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/erichendrikx

((He has even created a contest to offer some goodies to motivate you))

CONTEST: To make it fun, I've added a drawing for some really great prizes for
everyone who donates, including a Dimebag Darrell signature electric guitar,
signed Zakk Wylde photos, and signed copies of my forthcoming book - Bringing
Metal to the Children (Sept 2011). There's a bunch of other cool prizes!

 

 

Thanks,

Eric Hendrikx

www.EricHendrikx.com

 

COMPASSION AND COMPETITION 

At first blush, the notion of completion may seem inconsistent with compassion. When watching television or reading the newspaper, we often see our most elite athletes behaving inappropriately or event breaking the rules in an effort to get an advantage over their companion. In recent weeks, we have seen charges levied against one of most popular and inspiring athletes. Despite the perceived pressure and need to win, not all athletes or all competions are solely about winning.

In fact, this weekend, in over 175 countries, 3.7 million athletes will be competing against each other in an effort to win various events. However, these athletes will be striving for more than a simple victory - they will also be seeking a number of things that are more important - things like acceptance, love, a sense of community, support, and self esteem. These athletes will be competing in the Special Olympics Summer Games, which will be held locally in Long Beach.

In addition to the race itself, the games bring a large sense of community to the participants, who have an average age of 27, and their families. Further, the games are an opportunity for people to reconnect year after year. The athletes get to stay in dorms and get the sense of the importance and magnitude of the event, which will draw a large number of spectators. One of the most interesting parts of the games, which is not known to most people, is that there is a dance for the athletes on Saturday night. At the dance, the athletes have the opportunity to mingle and meet other athletes and forge a further bond. It also allows them to speak with others that may understand their condition. However, as Shumard advises them, they should not stay out too late - as they have a race the next day.

This event and the Special Olympics organization is amazing and is guaranteed to be a be a good time - which an equal mix of competition and compassion. It is definitely worth the trip to Long Beach to support those that work so hard throughout the year. While they ask nothing in return, they would sure appreciate your support.

Be there this weekend!!! :) 

It’s five til 11pm, I just got back from pupuseria “Unica” in Antiguo Cuscatlan and I couldn’t wait to hop online at my tio’s (uncle’s) house in San Salvador, El Salvador.  Why?? Because even though Im thousands of miles away and just arrived a few hours go from LAX, like most of you who have reached out to help me get Linkin Park, Ozzy Osbourne, and Greenday’s attention to fulfill Kyle’s dying last wishes, Kyle is on my mind tonight.  I just saw my colleague Dave Mecham’s report on the web and saw that Linkin Park showed up!!! Wow, I am thrilled beyond words! I just met Kyle on Monday thanks to his family advocate Angelita Rovero who in my book is one of his many angels.  She was relentless in getting my attention and reaching out to me wherever the news of the day took me.

Unfortunately for me, I was unable to be there today and witness in person the joy and happiness Linkin Park brought Kyle and his family.  But as I told my colleagues, it wasn’ about my joy but rather getting granting Kyle his last wish.  When I started in my frenzy like Angelita to make phonecalls for Kyle and get his favorite rock bands to listen, it was not easy!  I tried a million phone numbers, and at one point someone told me I should tell the family to go through the make-a-wish foundation.  Yes, that would be a good idea, but you see Kyle’s days are numbered and that was not an option!!! Over and over again, I said “Time is running out...and we are racing against the clock!” and knew I couldn’t give up--even though my time was limited because I was leaving for Central America Tuesday night to attend a family member’s graduation.  

Looking around, I realize it doesn’t matter where you were born, the language you speak, or how much you make, the reality is that we are all people looking for the same things in life...to be heard, to be seen, to be loved.  I personally want to thank God for giving me the strength and favor to help fulfill Kyle’s last wishes. Of course, this would’ve never happened without the energy and commitment from Angelita, Kyle’s family friend, advocate and in my opinion a guardian angel...for never giving up on Kyle and helping his parents!!! I also want you to know that our executive producer Christine Miceli gave me the “green light” to report on Kyle, that was huge! And producer Marcus Smith gave me leads as to who knew what and could help with Kyle’s last wishes!  Then morning show anchor Megan Henderson called me and hopped on board helping me make calls. And then I hit you guys up on twitter and I am still in a state of overwhelming grattitude for the love and assistance you all offered to help Kyle.  This week, once again, I saw “it takes a village” in action.  Like my friend Brad Boyer, also a special needs advocate, says, “anyone can make a difference” and this week I am proud to say you all proved it!

Thank you...thank you... thank you...

There is no doubt in my mind, that as one voice we speak stronger and clearer...so, please lets keep helping each other and be thankful for our good health.  Kyle’s hardships teach us to appreciate the little things like being able to write this blog on my own.

God Bless from Central America and good night... :)

Elizabeth Espinosa

Oprah-Redefining Television as we know it...

Whether or not you consider yourself an “Oprah-ite”, let’s face it, tomorrow afternoon television history will change forever as the queen of daytime television signs off of her show for good. The Oprah Winfrey Show will end following 25 amazing years. Oprah will say goodbye as millions of viewers around the globe will watch wherever they can. Oprah stunned us all when she announced last year she would end her show and transition over to her new network, OWN - the Oprah Winfrey Network (where she will pour all of her creative energy into). If I may make an assumption, I do feel even Oprah is probably in disbelief “the end” is here. But friends, if I’ve learned anything from watching her shows and meeting Oprah after she and her team selected me to be one of the top ten finalists on her first reality show, “Your OWN Show” - Oprah will continue to be a trailblazer. You see Oprah always knows when to ask, when to pause, when to start, and when to close a chapter. It is an ability that must be mastered over time and Oprah Winfrey has graduated this “course” with flying colors.

Oprah’s last show is here, it’s upon us, in just a few hours as I write this blog from my bed in my pajamas…Oprah will say goodbye. So as I ponder her departure from her regular tv slot I grew up with, I ask myself what has Oprah taught me? I feel blessed to have met Oprah and was bestowed the honor to participate in “Your OWN Show”! Wow!!! I am still coming down from Cloud 9, even though-- yes I was booted off, made it half way... I must once again thank Oprah for the opportunity of a lifetime. I was able to shake her hand, I went to Chicago and actually set foot on that stage…a beautiful dream come true. In the spirit of Oprah, who reminds us to empower ourselves and others, I want to share with you my thoughts on the Oprah experience. Oprah’s legacy is about loving yourself, and knowing it’s a lifelong journey with others, but most of all with yourself. I'll never forget when I heard her say she makes mistakes like the rest of us, but perhaps the difference is that she learns the lesson. She studys what went wrong and again "learns the lesson". Oprah’s life s is a great example of how much hard work pays off, but also discipline and a constant yearning to learn. Oprah loves to learn, Oprah loves to give and if you have any doubt whether or not there is abundance in this world, I say look at Oprah. She puts the spotlight on others, and karma would have it, it always comes right back...making her star shine even brighter. I have much more to say…but its past my bedtime… in the meantime, in Oprah’s own words, go out there and “Live your Best Life”! 

So, here we go again... a high profile couple appears to take center stage...and the cameras can't get enough.  Former CA Gover Schwarzenegger and Maria have spilt up over an affair that landed the couple a fifth child..the problem is, Maria is not the mommy!!! Ouch...I can only feel awful for this debacle of a marriage! 

Everyone asks what will if any will this impact Arnold's career in hollywood or even in the political spectrum should he decide to do that again?  Many say politically he's dead...as for Hollywood, no problem...I guess my question is whether or not someone's personal life really impacts their talent and skills to perform their job? For example, say Van Gogh was a womanizer, would that make him less competent as an artist and therefore should not be allowed to paint?  I'm rushing through this, but I hope you get my gist... what do you think??

Hello everyone! I wanted to introduce my new blog..."Dear Elizabeth"...please find this blog as your avenue towards empowering your life. Given my life's experiences as a daughter of immigrant parents, and a sibling of a severely disabled brother, my goal is to empower is everyday people!
Ladies, I want to hear from you...I know in this town dating can be tough... Men, you are no exception, even though the ratio of women to men is quite favorable...either way, let's face it life can be tough, but not impossible! So write to me...send me your questions, concerns, and suggestions!

I will also share with you some of my adventures like last Saturday's "Gladiator Rock n Run" race... 3 miles and more than a dozen -not to mention the 3 feet of mud I had to crawl through! Yikes! But I survived and am feeling ready for summer :) ! Promise photos are on the way...gotta run to a story..live tv keeps me on the go!
Have a great day!!!

Check out the race..."Gladiator Rock n Run" produced by Dan Clark a former Gladiator!