It is vital that The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program gets off the ground this year with a healthy bank account to allow Lendon and the other Olympic Mentors to begin the process of nurturing our youth around the country in ways here-to-fore never done. Lendon’s vision of seeing our children on top ponies in large classes with real prize money is probably one of the greatest goals of the program. It is these classes which thrive in Europe as well as for the kids who ride hunters and jumpers in America and which give a tremendous leg-up to producing huge fields of up-and-coming stars as they grow into juniors, young riders and finally adults. The kids are given such solid foundations, both in their positions and their understanding of the basics, that making the next steps into the higher levels comes without a great deal of stress or lack of preparedness.
Look at the results of the Junior/ Young Rider Championships which just finished in Europe and compare them to those of the North American Junior/ Young Rider Championships and the difference in overall competence as well as the scores is extrmely telling. For our American kids to become internationally competitive, we have to finally “get it” as a nation and make the changes as Lendon is trying to do with the help of her friends. The reason the sport is so strong in countries like Germany is not just because of the strength of the adult teams and the shows which have so much more sponsorship, although this is exactly why The Global Dressage Festival must also get underway on the new show grounds in Wellington this winter. It is because, from the Pony division on up, the kids are taken seriously and produced like movie stars! And that must be our highest priority if we are ever to stand on the highest podium at the Olympics. This year, as I finished my work for the Canadian Team, I made up my mind that I would work toward two goals: 1) to help create The Global Dressage Festival and make it the richest series on one world-class venue anywhere. 2) to help Lendon with The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program to bring more effort to building our future Teams from the ground up by nurturing the children, 21 and under, from the Pony division through Young Riders. I am determined that both these efforts succeed and you know how I am when I’m determined about anything! :) So, once again, I ask you to PLEASE go to Dressage4Kids.com and click on the box that says,”The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program” where you will see applications for kids as well as contribution forms, and give whatever you can, even $5.00. Can you imagine if 50,000 people each gave $5.00? We would be on our way! So PLEASE do it today - - for our kids and our country!
Cheers!
RD
I don’t know about you, but I have been so disgusted by the ongoing stalemate between the Republicans and the Democrats in our U.S. Congress over the debt ceiling that, if I could, I would fire all of them who are standing in the way of compromise and replace them with new, reasonable people. The raising of the debt ceiling is not a new thing - it has been done 117 times and during practically every Presidency, regardless from which party they were elected. During the Reagan years, it was raised many times, just as it was during Clinton’s terms and George W. Bush’s.
So, why is all of this occurring now with President Obama? Politics…..and the worse kind at that! Those who would stand in the way of doing the right thing for America so that they may ensure the failure of this President at any cost. People like Michelle Bachmann, who is against equal rights for all citizens, against Health Care for all Americans, and against raising the debt ceiling no matter what it would do to the U.S. economy and the Global economy as well. Her quest is simple - to make sure that Obama is a one term President, even if it destroys our country and the lives of its citizens on the way. And those Democrats who are so far to the left that they just cannot figure out a way to find a compromise with the other side are just as guilty and should be thrown out along with their rivals.
At the end of the day, if we come down to the very last minute before our nation is thrown into a tail-spin from which it may take years to recover, President Obama can and must take the responsibility into his own hands and evoke the 14th amendment to raise the debt ceiling on his own. The American public will surely thank him for is leadership in preventing what would surely be a catastrophe and he will most certainly be re-elected for a 2nd term. Naturally, his job is to wait for Congress to direct him as they “should be’ being directed by their constituents. But I do not know one person who is happy with what is going on right now, while we should be having law makers who are dealing daily with the jobs and housing problems - in other words, the REAL ISSUES! If I were more computer savvy, I would create a petition on the Internet to tell Congress to vote immediately to raise the debt ceiling and get back to work on the true problems we Americans are facing. I would show a picture and high-lite each and every member of Congress who is standing in the way of a compromise and ask Americans to state loud and clear that they need to come to the center or they’ll be “out” come the next election. Sadly, I am not computer literate enough to accomplish this task, but if any of you readers are and you agree with my point of view, I encourage you to do it and put it up on Youtube.
Cheers!
RD
I just read about the latest accident involving a taxi and a Horse Carriage in New York City and once again, I am voicing my considered opinion that unless major changes are made, the industry should be banned there. The changes I refer to include a permanent right of way for horses which is unobstructed by other traffic - a lane inside the park, if you will for horses only. This, as well as the other points I have made in past posts, is absolutely necessary to avoid further accidents with even worse outcomes than the most recent one below. Here are the details:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/07/26/2011-07-26_central_park_horsedrawn_carriage_smacked_by_taxi_cab_four_people_hurt.html?r=ny_local&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nydnrss%2Fny_local+%28NY+Local%29
RD
I am very excited to be adding an additional “Special Guest” on Dover’s World tomorrow evening during my 2nd hour from 7:05pm to 8:00pm EST on WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at DoversWorld.com - Mike Williams. Mike is running for Congress in Connecticut’s 5th district and when I tell you that he is both brilliant and accomplished, it is a true understatement! The fact is that Mike has been educated both at home in the United States and abroad in both Germany and London at the sound advice of his mentor, then Senator (now vice-President) Joe Biden, who told him to acquire a truly global education and bring his wisdom back to America to be of the very best service to his country. I LOVE IT! Mike, though still a young man, has accomplished an enormous amount for his home state, America and the world. And as an openly gay person, he brings honesty, sincerity and a total commitment to equal rights for all our citizens - period! To read about Mike and his campaign for Congress before the show, go to www.mikewilliams2012.com. Trust me, it’s worth it!
I am thrilled to have Mike on my show tomorrow evening and hope you will tune in and call in with your questions or comments to 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267! It will be all horses with Guenter Seidel too so I know it’s going to be a great show!
Cheers!
RD
I am very excited to have one of my best friends, three time Olympic medallist, Guenter Seidel, on my radio show tomorrow evening from 6:05pm to 8:00pm EST on WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at DoversWorld.com. Guenter and I will discuss his recent trip to Europe to compete his two horses, U2 and Sunday Boy and I want to know how he felt about his rides as well as those of our other Americans at Aachen and exactly where he feels we are standing a year out from the London Olympics. This is a great chance for you to call in and speak directly with one of the U.S. “Stars” of the equestrian world and ask him (or me) your questions at 561-884-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267. I know that Guenter would really appreciate hearing from his fans and friends as would I, so PLEASE DON’T BE SHY!!!
And my 2nd hour is all about anything my listners have been wanting to ask me but have been afraid to ask. :) How’s that for opening up any can of worms that may be on your mind? Whether it is horse related or about your thoughts on Gay Marriage (now legal in New York since Sunday, July 24th!) or absolutely anything else, I guarantee you my honest opinions and answers to any and all respectful questions (Whack Jobs calling to tell me that all Gays are going to hell will be dropped instantly, FYI). Remember, this show is for and about my world, which means YOU, so PLEASE don’t let me down - CALL IN! Again, the numbers are 561-844-6167 and toll-free to 1-800-889-0267. Let’s talk and change our world for the better, one chat at a time!
Cheers!
RD
Boats were coming into the Fire Island Pines harbour with horns blowing and streamers flowing and written on the sides of the windows - JUST MARRIED! Cheers everywhere as same-sex couples walking through town showing off their new rings were greeted by friends congratulating them on this, the first day on which marriage for gay people is the law. And best of all, not only is the general population of New York still unharmed, life is actually completely unchanged for the straight community which needless to say, will thrive perfectly well. Amazing, right?
So here’s the thing. If once again it is proven that Gay Marriage will not undermine the health and productivity of a state such as New York, one of the most populace in America, it stands to reason that others will follow suit and hopefully, one day, we will see our country have truly equal rights for all its citizens. Because even though we are now able to marry in New York, we still do not share the over 1500 rights and privileges enjoyed by straight couples. There is still a huge amount of work to be done by everyone desiring equal rights in our country and we will not stop until it is a reality. In the meantime, let the wedding bells ring! 
Cheers!
RD
America has spoken repeatedly in polls that their top news anchors are none other than two comedians, Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert. What??? You mean to tell me that most of our citizens look to these two guys on Comedy Central for their news, believing that they are both “telling like it is”, whether by saying it clearly or through an almost even funnier kind of “opposite pseudo-conservative sarcasm”? That is exactly what I’m saying and I happen to agree with them wholeheartedly!
They are smart, not swayed by one party or the other as they go after the truth, and hysterical while they are laying out everything clearly and cleverly. And while they are doing this, they show us just how ridiculous the mainstream news shows and their anchors tend to be, especially on what I love calling “Faux News - Fairly Unbalanced!” (Fox News). Here’s the thing about Fox - I actually like it. It brings us amazing shows like American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Glee and so many other fantastic, forward thinking programs that it makes it even more apparent that Fox News and its horrendous, idiot reporters are kept on because of the simple reason that they are such clowns that America watches just to get mad, or even worse, to agree with their nonsense. ( Welcome the the lowest common denominator - middle America/ Bible belt) Fox News is actually more of a comedy show, not to be taken seriously, then are The Daily Show or The Colbert Report. For Gods sake, in the minutes after Bin Laden was killed, they reported that “Obama was killed by a bomb”. Can you get any dumber than that?
I loved Steven Colbert’s report yesterday on how our country is going to destruct because “Gay History” is about to be taught in California schools (Hopefully, the rest of the country will follow suit along with Gay Marriage!) He gets his point across that such classes will do a lot to dispel misunderstandings and lies while humorously making himself sound completely against it. And every day, Jon Stewart does an amazing job of keeping Americans in the know as to the real truth behind political issues and his amazing Demonstration in Washington made evident he is a force to reckon with. Plus the fact that he practically single-handed was responsible for getting the “First Responders” to 9/11 their money they so rightly deserved and desperately needed.
Sadly, other than Brian Williams, who I like a lot, there seem to be no more Brokaw’s, Rather’s or Cronkite’s to deliver non-biased news. I admit to watching CNN International or BBC when I want to hear “hard news reports”, but for the most part I will stick with Stewart and Colbert.
Cheers!
RD
It’s been very warm up in the New York area. As a matter of fact, the entire north-east is under a heat advisory warning, but here in “paradise”, otherwise known as Fire Island, it is breezy and quite cool. The ocean is extremely powerful looking today with waves worthy of top surfers and I must say that living here on the beach has truly made me respect the enormous strength nature can unleash from hour to hour. I love getting home from work in Riverhead and feeding and then taking Simon for a run on the beach. He is a wild man and loves to get completely covered in sand while acting like he’s going to swim until each wave comes in at which point he high-tales it in the other direction.
Yesterday, I heard from Guenter Seidel and am hoping he will come on my radio show, “Dover’s World”, this Tuesday to discuss his European Tour, especially Aachen, and give his views on where America stands heading toward the London Olympics. It should be very interesting, but I admit that I told him I would not trade my life of working 2 days a week plus one weekend a month to go back into the arena, even for another medal. I am so loving this, the least stressful summer of my adult life! And It’s not like I am just laying around on the beach every day; I seem to constantly be working on one project or another that takes up my days and part of most of my evenings. But even working on my website or radio show while looking at the gorgeous ocean through my living room window make life seem to slow down and allows me to simply “be”.
If you have never been to Fire Island, whether you are straight or gay, I would highly suggest taking a trip here. When I tell you there is no other place like it on earth, I guarantee it to be true. The only problem is when you have to leave to go back home to reality - but let’s not think of that. OK?
Cheers!
RD
Don’t forget to tune in to WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches andLIVE around the world right here at DoversWorld.com from 6:05pm to 8:00pm EST this evening for another great show! Other than my usual “suspects”, I have the FABULOUS Jamie Krauss in my 1st hour to talk about everything from her horsey life to her work in Public Relations andthe social scene around the world. Jamie is Joan Lunden’s daughter and we’ll talk about her amazing family as well.
And in my 2ndhour, 2 legends of Fire Island Pines, Realtors and life-partners, Jon Wilner and Bob Howard will join me and if you think these two guys don’t have outrageousstories to tell, then you don’t know them or Fire Island! LOL! I promise you will get a kick out of them. I hope you will call in to speak to me and my guests at 561-844-6167 or toll-free from anywhere to 1-800-889-0267. I LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!
Cheers!
RD
As you ll know, I have been experiencing more than a few technical difficulties in trying to bring you my radio show, “Dover’s World”, from Fire Island. The signal which is carried by Verizon down to West Palm Beach studio, WBZT, has been far from consistent and I dropped off 6 times last week. I explained to my manager how frustrating this is for me - I am a perfectionist in everything I try to do and producing a high quality show for my listeners and sponsors is my top priority. So, the other day I decided to postpone my show until I return to Wellington in September, but my manager thought there might be another solution using the phone line and a small “box” which allows me to still use my mixer and two microphones for “Special Guests” appearing in person here on the island. And so I have decided to give it one more try this coming Tuesday evening from 6:05 to 8pm EST and I really hope it goes well because I LOVE my Guests this week!
Jamie Kraus, who was supposed to be on the show 2 weeks ago but for my failed line, will be on the show to talk about everything going on in her fabulous life - from her family ( Jamie is the daughter of TV Star, Joan Lunden, who has two other adult girls as well as two sets of young twins! Amazing!), her career as an equestrian on both coasts, Public Relations specialist, and all-around “DIVA extraordinaire”! If you want to know more about Jamie, tune in to WBZT(AM1230) in the Palm Beaches and LIVE around the world right here at DoversWorld.com and call in and speak to her yourself at 561-844-6167 or toll-free to 1-800-889-0267. We would both love to hear from you!!!
My “Special Guests” in the 2nd hour are none other than the Real Estate Team of Jon Wilner and life-partner, Bob Howard. These guys have been together for years while each having their own businesses here in The Pines. They know every house and every person in them and the stories they can and will tell are both hilarious and extremely interesting when it comes to renting or buying here in “Paradise”. Again, please call in to the numbers provided above and don’t be afraid to ask anything. This is, after all, “Dover’s World”, right?
Cheers!
RD
