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November 11, 2007
RJ's Newsletter - October 18, 2006
RJ’s Newsletter—October 18, 2006
 
Welcome to RJ’s Inventive Productions Newsletter, which is written to inspire myself and others to live a “grand, heroic, life.”  (from a poem by Walt Whitman)
 
This week’s newsletter is dedicated to my youngest sister, Patty, who is in Iraq, as a Seabee with the US Navy.  She is very excited about the opportunity to serve her country, and she makes me proud.
 
 
Great Quotations:
 
“Keep your fears to yourself, but share your inspiration with others.” --Robert Louis Stevenson
 
“The man who views the world at fifty the same as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.” --Muhammad Ali
 
"A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist."  Louis Nizer
 
“In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.”  -Janos Arany
 
“The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”  -William James
 
The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind.”---Dr. Wayne Dyer
 
“Whenever you fall, pick something up.” --Oswald Avery
 
"You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay?" Jim Rohn
 
“Dance like no one is watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like no one is listening,
Live like it's heaven on earth.”
-William Purkey
"If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." --Maya Angelou
"Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one's ideas, to take a calculated risk - and to act." Maxwell Maltz
“The laughter of a child is the light of a house.”  --African Proverb
 
“I think of life itself, now, as a wonderful play that I've written for myself. ...And so my purpose is to have the most fun playing my part.”--Shirley MacLaine
 
“If you can't make a mistake, you can't make anything.” --Marva N. Collins
 
“Pray for a good harvest, but keep on plowing.” -Nancy Otto
 
“Originality exists in every individual because each of us differs from the other. We are all prime numbers divisible only by ourselves.”--Jean Guitton (1901-1999) Philosopher
 
“The older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune.”--Irish Proverb       

”Just remember, when you're over the hill, you begin to pick up speed.”--Charles Schulz
 
“An autobiography that leaves out little things and enumerates only the big ones is no proper picture of the man's life at all; his life consists of
his feelings and his interests, with here and there an incident apparently big or little to hang the feelings on.”-–Mark Twain
 
“If we ever see how we got here, we may know a little better where we are.”--­ Robert Martin Adams
 
“It's not only who gets the grandfather clock, but who was Grandfather?”-- Tom McMillan
 
 
Inventive Productions update:
 
1.    Veteran’s History Project.  We are proud to now be an official partner with the Library of Congress on a quest to help capture the oral histories of the American Veteran.  As a partner in this project, we have volunteered to interview at least 25 vets (FOR FREE) about their military experiences, and to send the interviews to the Library of Congress for archival.  If you know of a Veteran we should interview, please have them contact me for an appointment.  Here is a great website that shows some of the incredible stories that are just now being told.  http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/
 
2.    Association of Personal Historians Convention.  The APH held their 12th annual national convention in Portland.  It was a fantastic event that highlighted the national trend toward wanting to learn about preserving personal and family history on video.  To learn more about the APH, go to www.personalhistorians.org
 
3.    New PREVIEW COLLECTION DVD.  We have created a new free DVD compilation of short excerpts from several of our projects.  If you would like a free DVD sampler of our work, just email RJ@inventiveproductions.com and I will send it out to you.
 
4.    Seattle Times Article.  Our work on Video Biographies at Inventive Productions was featured in a cover page article in the Seattle Times on Friday September 29th.  You can still read the article at:
 
5.    Bremerton Sun Article.  Our work with the Library of Congress on the Veterans History Project was highlighted in an article in the Bremerton Sun newspaper.
 
6.    Fidelity Investors Article.  The Fidelity Investors newspaper did an article about the importance of using Ethical Wills to share your values.  Here is a link to the article:
 
7.    Dan Foley.  Last week I went to my 30th High School reunion in Fresno.  It is hard to believe possible that 30 years have gone by so fast.  I really enjoyed seeing friends from so long ago.  Sometimes we put our memories into some sort of filing system in our heads.  Going to the reunion brought back so many vivid memories of friendship and of good times.  While I was in Fresno, I met up with my former next door neighbor, Dan Foley.  I never knew it all these years, but Dan is a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient from WWII.  I am proud to have been able to interview a long-time family friend, Dan Foley, in Fresno last week.  Dan was in the 75th Infantry during World War II.  After the war he raised a nice family and enjoyed a long time career with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.  Today Dan is writing a book about his life.  He was very excited to get his story on DVD.
 
8.    Terry & Ted K—it was a real pleasure to meet and capture the life stories of this fabulous couple.  Married for over 60 years, it was inspiring to see them holding hands during our interview.  Ted worked for over 30 years with Boeing and Terry was born in Italy.
 
9.    West Coast Investors—we are creating a TV commercial for this real estate mortgage company in Portland.
 
10.           Mara Williams.  We are pleased to be helping Mara to create a series of Dance Party DVDs.  Mara is famous for her expertise and insight on how to put on the perfect dance-themed party.  To learn more about Mara, go to http://www.havingaballevents.com/aboutus.html
 
11.           Greg Shaw.  We are producing a TV Commercial for Greg Shaw, a Top Producing Realtor from Magnolia.  To learn more about Greg go to his website:  http://www.searchmagnolia.com/about/about.php?l=about
 
12.           Emerald City Smoothie.  We are happy to help Emerald City Smoothie communicate through their in-store flat screen TVs.  They have these TVs in Smoothie stores.  Our goal is to create a five to ten minute loop tape that will help put these big screens to work, allowing Smoothie customers to be entertained, inspired, and educated while waiting for their Smoothies to be made.  To learn more about the incredible smoothies at Emerald City Smoothie, go to http://www.emeraldcitysmoothie.com
 
13.           It is hard to believe there are only 66 shopping days until Christmas.  Video Greeting Cards and Christmas Cards are a terrific way to express your feelings to a loved one.   Call me if you want more details on how we can create a custom Video Christmas card for your family.  Here is a sample of a great Video Christmas Card created by producer Dan Morken http://www.goldmedalfilms.com/christmascard.html
 
14.           We are very grateful for the personal referrals we are receiving from our clients, friends, and family.  Thank you so much.
 
15.           Better Business Bureau.  We are pleased to have been accepted as a member of the Better Business Bureau.  According to the BBB, “Members of local BBBs are businesses and firms which meet tough BBB membership standards, agree to follow the highest principles of business ethics and voluntary self-regulation, and have a proven record of marketplace honesty and integrity.”  We are dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction here at Inventive Productions.  For more info about the Better Business Bureau, go to www.bbb.org
 
16.           Letip Power Breakfast.  We are happy to have secured the contract to produce a special DVD based on the upcoming Letip Power Breakfast, scheduled for October 31 & November 1st at the Marriott at the Redmond Town Center.  We are also proud to be a member of the Washington Letip organization.  It has been a fantastic experience to meet so many fine folks.  You can learn more about this group at www.washingtonletip.com
 
17.           Inventive TV Commercial.  Watch for our new Inventive Productions TV commercial that is airing across the Seattle area.  Here is a link to it:  www.inventiveproductions.com/samples.html
 
18.           Television Commercials:  We are now creating TV commercials for other people and companies.  If you have ever thought of getting a 30 second TV commercial created for your company, now is the time to do it.  Call for prices.
 
19.           In May, the Kiplinger letter wrote a great article about how Americans are starting to catch on to the Video Biography idea.  Let me know if you want me to email you a copy of the article. Earlier this year there was an article in the Wall Street Journal, and just a couple weeks ago another article in the San Francisco Chronicle.  Yes, Video Biographies are on the verge of becoming a main stream product that every family will want.
 
20.           Free DVD—we have created a short DVD that explains “How to Create a Video Biography”—call or email for a free copy of this DVD.
 
21.           A “Breaking News” tab has being added to our website.  You can see this new feature on our website at ( www.inventiveproductions.com )
 
22.           SPECIAL QUESTIONS—one of the reasons why people like our Video Biography system at Inventive Productions is our unique custom questionnaire program.  We use a teleprompter or cue card system during our interviews to help you feel comfortable on-camera.  Our questions are specially designed to help you tell your life story in an easy, professional way.
 
23.           D.R.W.—we are excited to be producing a surprise video biography for a woman’s 50th birthday.  Her family doesn’t want her to catch on to the surprise, so we are being super discrete.  We always are dedicated to total confidentiality and sensitivity to our subject’s needs.
 
24.           Al F.—we are nearly finished editing on the Video Biography on this grandfather in Sherwood, Oregon.  Al has led a very interesting life.  He was in the Merchant Marines during WWII and had a super successful career in the Insurance business for over 40 years.  Now he is limited a lot by a stroke he had a couple of years ago, but you sure can feel his enthusiasm for life.  He is a very inspiring fellow.  He really looks forward to seeing his children and grandchildren when they visit.
 
25.           Dean E—we are editing a Video Biography on a nice grandfather from Edmonds.  He has led a Wonderful Life.  It was very interesting to hear about his World War II experiences--he was there when the Americans liberated the Dachau concentration camps. 
 
26.           Bob & Jackie P—We are editing a great Husband-Wife Video Biography for a unique couple.  Bob & Jackie have been together for over 50 years.    
 
27.           Jan W—We have scanned nearly 20,000 slides as part of the first stage of the production of a heroic Video Autobiography of Jan.  Jan has led such an interesting life.  She led an expedition of white water rafters down the Yangtze River in China, and that is just the tip of the iceberg on this story. 
 
28.           Shirley M—We have completed the editing phase on Shirley’s production.   Shirley is such a positive person.   To hear her tell hilarious stories of her Mother and Father and her childhood is priceless.  I think it is awesome to be able to laugh so much about your childhood.
 
29.           Jim Z —We are in the final stages of post production on Jim’s biography. 
 
30.           Bill & Dorothy S—The new footage of Dorothy turned out great, so we are now almost done editing this wonderful love story of two people who met at a USO dance during World War II.  We received another box of photographs from Dorothy.  The film is coming along well.
 
31.           Gordy G—The short Promotional Biography DVD was presented to Gordy and his team.  Gordy is a nationally known motivational speaker and author who helps individuals and organizations cope with and make Changes.  He is known as the “Change Agent.” (www.ggco.com )  Our promo DVD will be used to help promote his speaking engagements.  You can see the video online at www.inventiveproductions.com/samples.html
 
32.           Steele Heart Documentary—Our team is producing a fun documentary about a remarkable group of musicians, the Steele Heart Band. (www.steeleheart.com ).  These musicians are actually RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) law enforcement officers who play Country Western Music in their RCMP uniforms at charity concerts all across America, Canada, and other countries.  Steeleheart is celebrating their 20th Anniversary as a musical group.  Our documentary is about how they got started, why they do these charity concerts, and about the people they help.  After seeing our interview footage, all I can say is:  these guys truly are humanitarians.  They have a great sense of humor and are world-class entertainers.   Steeleheart can get a crowd to dance, too.  It is awesome to see how they use their talent, music, sense of humor, and caring sense of community to help raise money for charities.   Our goal is to create a moving documentary that will help Steeleheart tell their story in their own words. 
 
33.           Bill E—How many lives does one man live?  Here is story of a Seattle-area man who has led several lives in one lifetime.  Here is the story of a veteran from WWII, a broadcaster who started on a small-watt radio station in Bend, OR, a children’s TV-show personality from the 60s in Seattle, a dedicated TV producer who captured exciting moments of the early years of NASA at Cape Canaveral, an author, a businessman, a pilot, and a grandfather, father, and husband.  I feel very fortunate to be able to help Bill tell his life story in his own words.   He has terrific stories to describe, and tons of great photos, home movies, and other materials that will help make this DVD a real treasure and heirloom for his family.  One of my favorite stories is about his trip across America with another WWII vet in a restored US Army Jeep.
 
34.           The Pacific Institute—we are producing a History and Culture series for the The Pacific Institute. Our mission is to create a mini-series of documentaries that will chronicle the history and culture of this incredible organization.  To learn more about the Pacific Institute, go to www.pac-inst.com  
 
35.           Stroke Victim DVD--In this short documentary, Gordy Graham explains his remarkable recovery from having a stroke, using visualization techniques to speed up his recovery.  You can see this short documentary at our website www.inventiveproductions.com
 
36.           Your Own Autobiographical Website—we can now create your Autobiography on the Internet with your own Custom Autobiographical Website.  Using the information you give us in our interviews, we can create a professional website with pictures, video, and more.
 
37.           Coffee Table Books & Movie Posters--We can now create a beautiful hard-bound coffee-table Picture Books & Movie Posters. 
 
38.           DEMENTIA--50 FIRST DATES--Experts have testified that Biographical Videos can greatly enhance and help in the care of people with memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and amnesia.  Have you seen the movie 50 FIRST DATES?  By watching a video DVD of their life, a person with memory loss can help remember who they are and feel better about life.  Dr. Richard A. Wyckoff  told me that Biographical videos really do help people with memory loss remember their identities.   Check out his website www.geroservices.com  
 
39.           Are you too young?  Many people think they are too young to have a Video Biography created on their life.  We have one client who had his Video Biography created when he was 23 years old.  Now he is 28 years old.  His goal is to update his biography every five years of his life.  He feels that his Video Biography helps keep him focused on his life goals and to remind himself of his values.   Why not start capturing your life on Video today? 
 
40.           Packages and Prices—our packages and prices are now available in the BREAKING NEWS area of our website at www.inventiveproductions.com
 
41.           Financing Available—we are pleased to be able to offer financing if needed.  Call or email RJ for exact details.
 
42.           Ship of Miracles.  Over the past few weeks, I have received feedback about the rough cut of my documentary SHIP OF MIRACLES from people all across the world.  Based on this feedback I am making modifications and creating the final version of the film.  To learn more about the SHIP OF MIRACLES, go to www.shipofmiracles.com
 
43.           Writing. I am pleased to have received my first box of my new book “BONUS TIME AND OTHER SHORT STORIES”.  Email me if you are interested in reserving a signed copy.  My first two novels are available on AMAZON.COM.    Just go to www.amazon.com and do a search for RJ McHatton.  You will be able to see my first novel, “THE DIRTY DEED,” and my second novel “MY KIDS.”  My fourth book, “THE BRILLIANTS AND OTHER SHORT STORIES” will be available early next year.  You can learn more about my writing at www.whiteknuckles.com
 
44.           Umatilla Film.  My award-winning documentary, UMATILLA, is now available on DVD on Amazon.com.  Just go to www.amazon.com and do a search for UMATILLA.  You will see my DVD there.  You can learn more about this project at www.whiteknuckles.com
 
45.           Family. We have TWO new batches of miniature dachshund puppies.   You can see pictures of our puppies at www.astoriaweenies.com   
 
46.           Home for Sale. Now that the family has moved all together, we are selling our home in Astoria, Oregon.  It is a restored 1900’s Victorian with awesome views.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in this home, please tell them to see pictures of the home at www.astoriaview.com  
 
47.           Joke of the week:
Q.  What do you call a pig that does karate?
A.  A pork chop.
                   (Joke submitted by my son Jason)
 
Would you like to read some of our old RJ’s newsletters?  Go to:  www.myspace.com/inventiveproductions
 
Thanks for reading my email newsletter. 
 
If you have any questions or suggestions, please email RJ@inventiveproductions.com
 
To learn more about Inventive Productions, go to www.inventiveproductions.com
 
Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and family.
 
Have a great day.
 
RJ McHatton
Inventive Productions LLC
3625 132nd Avenue, S.E.
Suite 100
Bellevue WA 98006
Studio office 425-747-4538
cell 503-470-0728
 
If you would like to be added to or removed from this email list, please email RJ@inventiveproductions.com
 
 

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