Mickey's News and Views

July 19, 1999

Hi everybody, I thought it was time for an update. I really like this "News & Views" thing. Well, on the weekend of July 10 - 11, I went to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I have been acting as the celebrity spokesman for a wonderful company based in Sioux Falls called Programmers Clearing House. On this particular weekend PCH was having their annual company picnic. I wanted to be there. You see, until now, I have known Sheri, Delain, Dana and all the folks at PCH by a voice on the telephone. Well, now I have a face in my mind to go with the voice. Let me tell you a little about what Programmers Clearing House is all about. PCH provides satellite programming to homes with satellite dishes. I've had a satellite dish for years and I can tell you, it is the best. I was a customer of PCH long before I became their celebrity spokesman so I already knew just how professional the company was. I hope you know, I would never lend my name to anyone or any company if I didn't use the product and believe they were of the highest standards. Programmers Clearing House is just that. They are not only satellite professionals but they are just regular folks, like you and me.

I arrived at the airport, on Saturday, only to be met by Delain and her crew. I mention Delain by name because she is the reason I got involved with PCH. They were waiting outside the gate holding a big banner welcoming Mickey Jones to PCH and Sioux Falls. I was flabbergasted. I rented a car and they escorted me to the hotel. That was great because I didn't have to carry any luggage. Dennis and Ryan took care of that. That night. Delain and her husband, John took me for a great steak dinner. Hot Harley Nights was on downtown so we perused the motorcycles before going to The VFW to see Cathy's husband and his band play. I got up and did a couple of songs with them. That was fun for me.

On Sunday morning, I had the opportunity to play a round of golf with Ron Warren, his lovely wife, Kay and John Herr from PCH. Ron's brother and partner, Ralph was out of town on business so he missed out but we will make up for that next time. It was a great day and l am proud to say that I shot the best score I ever had for 9 holes. I shot an even par 36 on the back. We won't talk about the front. I had 7 pars in a row. I bogeyed 17 but I birdied 18 for an even par. I was so high, I could have gone duck huntin' with a rake. That afternoon I went to the PCH company picnic and I had a blast. Dennis kept me in hot dogs and diet Cokes. I brought photos to sign for the kids and my guitar for a little pickin'. It was a slice of REAL America and I loved every minute of it.

Monday was my travel day back to Los Angeles but before I went to the airport, I went over to PCH and saw just how everything functions. That was a lot of fun for me. I got to meet the folks that didn't make it to the picnic. Then it was back to La La Land.

If you get a chance, check out the Programmers Clearing House website at www.pchsat.com. You can also see the infomercials that I have done for them on satellite at Galaxy, that's G3 - 18. Check it out and see what you've been missing. A special thanks to Ron, Sheri, Delain and everyone at PCH for making me feel like part of their family. After the picnic, I am proud to say, "I am part of the PCH family".

Now, last weekend, that's July 17 - 18, Phyllis and I were the guests of Bob Reding, President and CEO and Dennis Erickson, Manager, Corporate Communications of Canadian Airlines at the Calgary Stampede. We were flown, first class I might add, to Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, where we spent the evening with Dennis Erickson and his family visiting in the hotel. Because the sun is up until around 10:30 PM, the night went longer that we realized.

Next morning, we were picked up by a special Canadian Airlines/Calgary Stampede shuttle and driven to the Stampede. Bob Reding knows how to throw a party. He hosted the Canadian Airlines, luxury suite overlooking the chutes. We were roughly 10 foot away from the action. It was a great day. They loved us in Calgary because Phyllis and I even brought a little California sunshine with us. After the awards to the participants we were, once again, whisked away to the airport for the return to Los Angeles. We can't thank Bob, Dennis and their families enough for everything. We really got the FIRST CLASS treatment. We'll be on Canadian Airlines again soon.

July 26th I'll be playing in a celebrity golf tournament for the Los Angeles Fire Department. We're playing Lakeside Country Club. I look forward to that.

August brings my 40 year high school reunion. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas, Texas. Phyllis and I will be in Dallas August 12 - 15. We have a golf tournament on Friday and the big dinner, dance on Saturday night at Oak Cliff Country Club. I plan on taking my guitar. We'll be staying with Burton Gilliam and his wife, Susan. You know Burton, "Bubba" from Blazing Saddles and the spokesman for Pace Picante Sauce.

August 15th I go to Chicago for the Hardware Show. I'll be in the booth for Dead On Tools, maker of the Death Stick hammer and other tools. If you're near Chicago, come by and say hi.

Before I go back to L.A., I'll be heading back to Dallas where my friend, Dr. Michael Whetstone will be doing a little surgery on my hand. I have a trigger finger but the doc says not to worry. I'll be as good as new in a few days. Don't want to do anything that will keep me off the golf course. By the way, the doc and I will play golf the day before the surgery.

In the next "News and Views", I'll let you know how the reunion went. Till then, all my personal best and God Bless!

Mickey