Leno and Letterman..They Don't Call, They Don't Write
September 9th, 2008Yesterday, I pitched the Hunks of Greenspring to both Jay Leno and David Letterman (their producers, of course), and I haven't heard back yet! I realize that it's only been one day, but I have zero patience.
These guys — and I mean all 15 of them — would be perfect for Leno or Letterman. I'm envisioing the Hunks clad in trenchcoats visiting one or both shows to talk about how proceeds from the calendar help Greenspring residents who have outlived their resources.
I hate longshots.
Conan…Jimmy…Carson? Want to air some mostly-nude men who call themselves the Hunks? It's for a good cause.
Exhibition floor and Shirley MacClaine
September 4th, 2008
I’ve just spent the majority of my afternoon on the exhibition floor–it is a treasure trove of information, educational materials, opportunities to try new things, and of course, freebies! I played the Nintendo Wii, saw the new Dodge Challenger, sampled goodies, looked in travel trailers…
I talked to many attendees as I made my way through the maze of booths and displays. People came from Washington state, California, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, and those were only the ladies and gentlemen I spoke with!
For most this wasn’t their first AARP convention. Many people had been to 2 or more, some remembering the year it was cancelled in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina. People shared fond memories and constantly mentioned how much fun they had during the various conventions.
I could have stayed on the floor for a few more hours and still wouldn’t have been able to see everything I wanted, planned, or hoped to see. I asked people why they came and most often they said because they had fun, stayed involved with issues of interest, and of course always benefited from their involvement with AARP.
As I was heading back to the press room to write one last blog entry, I had the opportunity to catch the last of a press conference with Shirley MacLaine. Looking polished and sophisticated as always, she discussed her disappointment with Hollywood’s uncertainty in dealing with or casting older actors, especially women.
She also mentioned that our culture is pushing Hollywood to drift toward a focus on wickedness and evil in film today–that audiences are more interested in the effects and animation that studios are capable of rather than the type and quality of stories they produce.
One of the elements of the AARP Expo is to offer films targeted at an older age bracket before their release. Two are showing during the conference, today Greg Kinnear’s new film Flash of Genius and tomorrow a film based on the story of a Massachusetts choir whose members are in their later years singing hits from today called Young at Heart.
Jim Coulter on NBC4!
August 28th, 2008
I was wrapping up for the day, when I got an e-mail from the NBC4 producer who received the e-mail with Jim Coulter's photo. He apologized for not letting me know, but NBC4 ran the photo on the 4 p.m. news!
Press Release Approved
August 27th, 2008
Now that the Web site is up, the press release has been approved. There’s no sense in any explanations, so I’ll just include the press release.
For Immediate Release:
Aug. 28, 2008
Contact:
Jason Connors
Public Relations Manager
jconnors@erickson.com
(703) 923-4690
12 Months, 15 Hunks
Men of Greenspring Retirement Community Strip Down for Charity
(SPRINGFIELD, Va.) — Last year, 11 women wore smiles — and little else — for the 2007 “Ladies of Greenspring” calendar to benefit the retirement community’s Benevolent Care Fund. This year, it’s the gentlemen’s turn.
Answering the challenge put forth by the women, 15 men — make that “hunks” — who live at Greenspring shed their clothes for the 2009 “Hunks of Greenspring” calendar. Much like the anonymity that surrounded last year’s calendar, the men, who range in age from 66 to 92, wish to remain nameless until the calendar is available. The exception is Jim Coulter, 66, the first hunk photographed. Coulter’s photo is the official promotional shot for the calendar.
“On behalf of all of the hunks, we are glad to help such a good cause,” Coulter said. “Nobody twisted our arms or coaxed us into it. If the lovely ladies from last year were brave enough to do it, how could we turn it down?”
Coulter, a self-described wine connoisseur, is April’s hunk, toasting the camera with a nice, mellow red. The other eleven months feature a variety of settings and props.
For more information and to order calendars, log onto www.erickson.com/hunks. The cost is $15 per calendar, plus shipping and handling. All proceeds benefit Greenspring’s Benevolent Care Fund established to support residents who, despite careful planning, outlive their financial resources. The “Ladies of Greenspring” calendar raised more than $40,000 for the Benevolent Care Fund, and the men have hopes of beating that amount.
In December, the Hunks will host an autograph signing and surprise movie event for everyone who purchased calendars.
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May I Take Your Order?
August 27th, 2008
The Hunks Web site is now live meaning that the general public can now pre-order "Hunks of Greenspring" calendars. Log onto: www.erickson.com/hunks.
We Can See You!
August 27th, 2008
Corporate showed up this morning to complete their behind-the-scenes Hunks of Greenspring filming. The morning schedule consisted of filming about five Hunks in a controlled (I guess you can call it "staged") environment. Due to human error, the room that we had booked was scheduled for Friday, not Wednesday. We quickly found another room, but with windows facing the hallway — and the need for privacy — I handed several newspapers to Zach and the rest of the corporate group to cover the windows. I left them to their work.
About two hours later, someone from Philanthropy paid me a vist, telling me that the window coverings are not offering any privacy. I went to check it out.
There was about three female Greenspring residents staring into the room through a two inch gap between sheets of newspaper. When they left, I peaked through, myself. There amidst the cameras and lights were five Greenspring men stripped down to their underwear. I'm also told that all morning, flocks of Greenspring women were stopping by the room to check out the festivities.
So much for anonymity!
Heads-up to the Media
August 26th, 2008
I sent a heads-up to contacts at WUSA and NBC4 about the Hunks. Not a big deal, just a "hey, this is coming your way, soon." I e-mailed Jim Coulter's promotional shot to NBC4. I did like the response: "Well that's hilarious …. thanks for sending."
"New One for the Trib"
August 23rd, 2008
Apparently, the Erickson Tribune has never published a photo of a naked man toasting readers with a glass of wine, but as they say, there's a first for everything.
I received an e-mail yesterday from an Erickson Tribune staffer asking for the Hunks of Greenspring promotional photo for an upcoming article. I sent it.
The response was great: "Thank you. 
This certainly will be a new one for the Trib."
Ho, Ho, Ho
August 22nd, 2008
The corporate team arrived bright and early to begin filming. They filmed our committee meeting, today's Santa photo shoot and the oldest and youngest hunks.
I was working on other assignments, so I only caught a glimpse of the Mr. December Hunks of Greenspring photo shoot. All I have to say is, "Wow! This was the most creative photo shoot yet." Although, if I saw this Santa climbing down my chimney, I might be tempted to call 911. Last I remember, Santa showed up fully clothed!
Speaking of the chminey, the one used on the set, created by Greenspring resident Verna Finley out of cardboard, looks real! Her work (she also creates foam puppets) is amazing. She has created puppets for ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham.
Naughty or nice, it doesn't matter. It's all for a good cause.
True Patriots
August 20th, 2008
Wednesday's photo shoot just wrapped up. Three Greenspring residents were involved, but one really stood out.
Two of the three came in shorts, but the third was in a speedo. I knew he'd be the life of the party. Nobody was disappointed.
As they were setting up for the patriotic theme (this photo is for the month of July), the speedo man dug into the box of props, pulling out a small American flag. Holding it a few inches in front of his waist, he uttered one of my favorite Hunks of Greenspring lines: "Guys, this isn't going to cover it."
But he wasn't finished yet.
Taking a flute out of its case, he held it vertically. "This won't cover it, either."
I can't wait to see this calendar in print!
