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February 2003
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Just Within Reach
Celebrating 2 Years
back up
Source:
Velcrobaby.com
An interview with its founder and president, Kevin Richardson
By Linda Hughes
January 26th, 2003 marks a very important day in the life of Kevin
Richardson’s environmental foundation, Just Within Reach. It was on this
day two years ago that the foundation incorporated and to recognize this
anniversary Kevin Richardson very graciously agreed to answer some
questions that were sent to him via JWR Director of Public Relations,
Vicki Hanna. The questions were submitted by a number of people from
“Earth Loving Friends” and Kevin recently answered them via a phone
conversation with Vicki Hanna while in New York rehearsing for his
Broadway debut in “Chicago”.
Question: First of all, congratulations on the first two successful
years as the president and founder of Just Within Reach. What would you
describe as your greatest accomplishment so far? What are you most proud
of that JWR has done in the past two years?
Kevin Richardson: Well first off, let me thank everyone who has
supported and helped Just Within Reach to this point. It’s been a pretty
quick two years already and we know that we could not have accomplished
everything we have without the help of many people. So thank you. I
think our greatest accomplishment, besides just making a lot more people
aware of environmental issues, is the fact that we put mountaintop
removal coal mining on the radar screens of Congress and the Natural
Resources Defense Council. That is a big win for us and we’re proud that
we played a role in getting it on NRDC’s list of priorities for the
year. Now we just have to work to turn that into more direct action and
make sure that these companies are held responsible and accountable for
their actions. We need to pressure government agencies and our leaders
to uphold the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act and make polluting
companies clean up their acts. It is the law.
Question: How far back do you remember feeling a desire to make a
difference with respect to the health of the earth?
Kevin Richardson: I’ve wanted to do something to protect the environment
for quite a while. I can’t even remember when I first started thinking
about it, but I think it was when we first started touring. I’d come
back from a show and hang out in the hotel room and watch the news or
CNN, and I couldn’t believe all the stories of all the horrible things
going on out there. And I kept thinking, “Do people understand that
we’re killing ourselves with the way we live and the way we put poisons
in the air and water?” I thought a lot about it before I actually got
involved and started talking about it. And I’ve loved hanging out in
nature and the great outdoors since I was a kid in Kentucky.
Question: In October of 2000 you received a proposal from James and
Vicki Hanna outlining some of the things that you could do to help raise
awareness about the environment. What went through your mind when you
first read that proposal?
Kevin Richardson: At first I was just kind of surprised. I mean, out of
the blue, come these people who want to help me make a difference, and I
had never really even thought of some of the things they outlined for
me. It was overwhelming at first – and it’s still overwhelming at times
-- because they gave me a huge list of things we could possibly do. But
when I started to really think about it, I got excited and thought, “We
could totally do this and really have an impact.” I wanted to use my
celebrity to help improve the world and Jim and Vick wanted to use their
expertise and skills to improve the world. So we started with that and
built on it from there.
Question: Realizing that your "celebrity" status has opened certain
doors for you to reach the general public, to the opposite degree, how
do you feel that your "celebrity" status has hindered you? By this I
mean, those times where people mistakenly think you are only a
"figure-head" to your foundation?
Kevin Richardson: There are times when it’s appropriate to be a
“figure-head” of your organization. It’s okay to be the spokesperson and
allow your staff and volunteers to really do the grassroots work. Most
of the time it doesn’t really bother me if people don’t know if I’m
involved directly. I mean, I am involved with everything from the
scholarship program to fundraisers to what kind of paper our letterhead
is on. But that doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that the
organization does good work and educates people. That’s our mission.
Having “celebrity” status is good because it provides us access to the
media and other audiences so we can get the issues out to the public,
but on the flip side it’s frustrating because some people assume that
because I’m a celebrity, I don’t know anything. We’ve had experiences
where my message was downplayed because I’m an entertainer, which is
offensive to me. Just because I perform for a living doesn’t mean I
don’t know the issues and can’t have an opinion or work o make a
difference. What’s sad is that too often it takes someone with
“celebrity” status to get the media or politicians to pay attention to
the issues. When citizens of Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee
voiced their concerns about the condition of their water and air and the
destruction of their land, nobody listened. When I, as a Kentucky
native, showed up at a Senate hearing press conference, the room was
full of reporters and cameras. That’s how my celebrity status works for
the positive. Now if we could just get the media and Senators to focus
on the message instead of who is delivering the message, then we’d be in
business.
Question: If you were suddenly given the power to change ONE thing about
the environment and you knew for certain that you would wake up tomorrow
and it would be a reality, what would you choose to change?
Kevin Richardson: If I were given the power to change one thing, I would
advocate for new technology so the United States would get its power
from alternative energy sources and no longer depend on fossil fels. I
think fossil fuels are going to be the death of us and if I could wake
up tomorrow and know that I could make the world run on solar, wind and
other green energy technologies, I would do that first. Fossil fuels
affect everything in one way or another – water and air quality, climate
change, health issues, foreign relations and world peace, you name it. I
only get “one” thing? I would need a lot more than “one.” I have a lot
of things I want to change. *laughter*
Question: After your experience on Capitol Hill, do you ever see
yourself running for an elected office?
Kevin Richardson: I don’t know that I’d ever run for office, but don’t
count me out for sure. I like the idea of doing good for a lot of people
and representing them, but I get tired of the political games that are
played and I don’t know how good I’d be at it. I don’t like to see
people hurt. I guess we’ll see what the future brings.
Question: What is the most difficult lesson you have learned in dealing
with politicians and those that make governmental policy?
Kevin Richardson: It amazes me that when it comes to making and
enforcing policy, too often our government agencies use the word of big
business lobbyists over science and common sense. I have a hard time
understanding how political leaders can put the health and welfare of
citizens behind greed. You watch the news. You see the corruption and
the lawbreaking that goes on. And it’s all for money and power and
greed. It doesn’t appear that anyone looks at our world in the
long-term; it’s all about the here-and-now and “what can I get out of
it?” I think it’s sad. While politicians and companies play with our
future, who gets the bad end of it? The future generations – the kids.
And no kid deserves to have his future stolen out from under him by
people who won’t be alive to clean up the messes they’ve made.
Question: Do you feel that being an "environmentalist" in the present
time has become any easier, or do you still feel that there is some
ridicule and misunderstanding among the general society?
Kevin Richardson: I think the stereotypical view of an environmentalist
is still there for some people. We’ve been called “tree huggers” and
“dirt worshippers.” Rush Limbaugh likes to call me an “environmental
whacko.” He can call me whatever he wants because I know the truth and
no label is going to change the truth. Before, the image of an
environmentalist was kind of a ‘hippie’ type person. But today, I think
environmental advocates are more than just the free-spirited,
free-thinking people. Today there are moms who care about their kids’
futures, religious leaders who see the value in protecting the creation,
companies that see that being environmentally-friendly not only reaches
different customers but also helps the bottom line. There are teachers
recycling pounds of paper in their classrooms, office workers starting
recycling programs, and little kids teaching their parents how to read
organic food labels. I think the sorry state of our environment is what
is making a larger variety of people get involved. We have to get
involved before it’s too late. The people who refuse to hear us and
continue to criticize what we do and falsely label us will do so for
whatever reason -- but I’m here to tell you, science doesn’t lie.
Next month I’ll be bringing you the second half of this wonderful
interview with Kevin Richardson, so stay tuned!!
-
Breakfast With Howie D
back up
Source: Dorough
Lupus Foundation
To say this has been one of the coldest winters in recent memory has to
be the understatement of the year. Especially the East Coast. Gosh, we
bet it's freezing right now.
With all this in mind, picture this scenario.
(Inserts Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" for dream-like sequence):
A hot, steaming cup of coffee with just the right amount of cream and
sugar. You can add as much sugar as you want. We won't tell.
Then, how 'bout a nice, warm plate full of yummy Baked Walnut French
Toast, positively DRIPPING with butter and syrup?
Maybe add some crisp bacon, scrambled eggs and red potatoes?
Or how does fresh fruit or a toasty raisin bagel with cream cheese
sound? Lite, if you're feeling a tad guilty.
And maybe then...scoot over a bit so Howie can sit down with his plate.
And we're only saying this last thing. With 150 limited V.I.P. tickets
available, we highly advise getting your ticket soon.
P.S.- Look for "Breakfast with Howie" in L.A. coming in March! Tickets
available soon.
You read it right. And even better, it's NOT a hallucination brought on
by a deep freezing frost-bite. It's about time we turned up the heat
this winter, DLF style. We present to you: "Breakfast With Howie D.," a
fundraiser in support of the Dorough Lupus Foundation.
Join us February 22 at the famous Jillian's, located in Farmingdale, New
York. You'll be sure to work up an appetite at Jillian's "Hi-Life Lanes"
Bowling alley, a million dollar, multi-media bowling alley sure to
please, playing pool in the "9 Ball Lounge" or even trying your hand at
some of the latest simulation games in the "Amazing Games Bar," if you
think you're skilled. Ever wondered what it would feel like running wild
in one of the biggest Jillian's in the country and NOT have to deal with
the outside crowd? Wonder no longer, folks; you'll have the place ALL to
yourselves, until 11am, when Jillian's opens to the public.
Not to worry, though. By that time you'll be safely ensconced in the
"Groove Shack," closed off from the public, eating an absolutely lavish
full-scale catered Breakfast Buffet while you're grooving to the tunes
of D.J. Howie D., who seems to have found a new calling behind the D.J.
booth. If you're not too full, get up and cut a rug even.
Then sit down and finish the morning/afternoon off with a private DLF
auction, filled with Backstreet memorabilia, chances to bid on private
games with Howie, even special surprise V.I.P. packages. You guys who
went on the annual DLF Lupus Cruise know what that means!
Here's the vitals:
Date: February 22, 2003
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00pm
Who's Invited: YOU
Location: Jillian's
Address: 261 Airport Plaza Blvd, Rte 110, Farmingdale, NY
Phone: (631) 249-0708
Cost: $200.00 per person. (includes sit-down, buffet breakfast,
Jillian's game card, and access to Private DLF Auction)
So enough talking already, how do I get tickets, you're asking? Well,
that's easy.
-
Pop Singer Richardson
Tackles Politics
back up
Source: Associated Press
By: JUSTIN GLANVILLE, Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK - "You don't want to get me started on this," Kevin
Richardson warns, shaking his head and pushing aside his lunch. "I could
go on all day."
The status of his band, the Backstreet Boys? His job as the latest Billy
Flynn in the Broadway version of "Chicago"?
Neither. Richardson is all worked up about mining in the Appalachian
mountains — an environmental travesty, in his book.
"Dude, I'm telling you, if the public could see what was going on, there
would be an uprising," he says. "It looks like a war zone. I mean, the
entire tops of mountains — gone. Generations and generations of families
that have lived there forced out."
In this era of boy band diversification — Nick Carter and Justin
Timberlake have solo albums, Lance Bass is acting — Richardson has
chosen a most unusual side career: that of political activist.
It's not that he's left the entertainment industry. On the contrary,
there is a new Backstreet album planned for this fall, and he's
currently starring in "Chicago," playing the corrupt lawyer who helps
exonerate a murderer. He'll be in the show through March 9 at the
Ambassador Theatre.
But these days, you're almost as likely to see Richardson on Capitol
Hill as on stage.
He was in Washington two years ago to lobby for more cancer-research
funding. And last June, he testified before Congress about the ills of
mountaintop removal — a type of mining in which the tops of mountains
are displaced to extract coal.
"People think I'm some kid," he says. "But we (Backstreet Boys) have
been touring for eight years, all over the world, and I've been soaking
everything in. I'm a 31-year-old man who's seen a lot — a lot of things
that have disturbed me. And instead of ... not doing anything about it,
I thought I'd use my voice to express my concerns and try to help."
Not everyone appreciates Richardson's activism. His mining testimony
ruffled the feathers of Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, who — in a
protest against what he called Richardson's lack of expertise —
boycotted the hearing.
"That was sad," Richardson says. "He was saying, 'Music has no place in
politics.' Politics is for everybody. We all have a right to speak our
minds."
Anyway, Richardson says, he ought to know a few things about Appalachia.
He grew up in Lexington, Ky., practically next door to Daniel Boone
National Forest. His grandfather was a miner.
"I grew up in the heart of coal mine country," Richardson says. "I was a
hike leader, a camp counselor — I did all that. I love nature."
He loves it so much that he has set up a nonprofit organization, Just
Within Reach, to educate young people about environmental issues. Its
Web site features photos of a pensive Richardson looking out on pristine
mountainscapes, along with a newsletter, links and an online store.
He also has some strong beliefs about American foreign policy — and
those beliefs, too, have gotten him into trouble.
Most notoriously, on Sept. 12, 2001, Richardson said the previous day's
terrorist attacks should serve as a wake-up call to Americans that some
of its policies were resented abroad. "I just think we are a little bit
of an arrogant nation and maybe this is a little bit of a humbling
experience," he said in a television interview.
The media jumped on the comment, and Richardson partly recanted.
"I think it was the timing of it," he says now, reflecting on the
episode. "I think it was perceived as being insensitive because it was
right after the attacks happened."
So what's with all the politicking? Isn't Richardson content sticking to
music and acting?
In a word, no. He wants people to see beyond the pop songs and the
pretty face.
"I realize there's a perception of me as a Backstreet guy, and I don't
want people to only think about me as that," he says. "I want people to
know I like to do a lot of things."
Richardson hasn't talked much about his political views during
rehearsal, according to Scott Faris, who is directing him in "Chicago."
However, Faris, who usually directs the international companies of
"Chicago," says Richardson's extracurricular interests are reflected in
his personality.
"Somebody with outside interests is usually more well-rounded," says
Faris. "So when you deal with them as an actor, they have a greater
sense of their place in the world. He's a smart guy."
As opinionated as he is, Richardson manages to come across as thoroughly
easygoing. His green eyes — the subject of many a young fan's daydream —
are unwavering, serene. His speech is Southern-twangy and surprisingly
folksy, full of dropped g's and a few ain'ts — the exact aural opposite
of Backstreet's slick urban sound.
He seems like the kind of guy who would be comfortable just about
anywhere he went.
And that's pretty much his philosophy of life, he says: Go with the
flow.
"So far, just by being prepared when opportunities have presented
themselves, I've done pretty well for myself. I've always had a dream
for entertainment and the arts — I've always been drawn to it, and I
always want it to be a part of my life."
But he doesn't have a grand plan for his career. His role in "Chicago,"
for example, isn't a bid to become a serious actor — although he says
he'd be thrilled to do more theater or movies. He just thought it would
be a worthwhile experience.
"This opportunity came along, and it was perfect, and here I am," he
says.
-
Together for one purpose: Golf
back up
Source:
The Desert Sun
Unlikely pairs share stage at Hope tourney
By: Nancy Yang
Shock rocker Alice Cooper sharing the same stage as Darius Rucker of
Hootie & The Blowfish?
Believe it, because it actually happened.
The stage was Indian Wells Country Club, where the two singers played in
the same foursome Wednesday.
Of course, the two of them probably wouldn’t be here together if it
wasn’t for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.
Celebrities in town for the tournament -- A.J. McLean from the
Backstreet Boys or Aaron Brown from CNN, among others -- could pop up
anywhere.
But, of course, they’re just as star struck as their fans are because
they’re getting to golf with some of the sport’s best players.
A.J. McLean, singer Backstreet Boys
A new feud has started within the intense boy band rivalries -- all
thanks to McLean. He was the first in a pop group to fully embrace golf
(as well as play in the tournament). Now look at what he’s done: Justin
Timberlake plays, along with O-Town’s Penick. What trend will he start
next?
Question: Do you come to Palm Springs often?
Answer: I do. I’ve been here for the Bob Hope Classic in the
past, and I also come here often to golf. I’ve been here like a thousand
times because my new addiction is golf.
Question: What do you do here besides golf?
Answer: Sleep. I really don’t do much. But the area has a good
nightlife. I sometimes go to a few area clubs.
Question: What’s the appeal of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic?
Answer: It brings in a wide range of fans to the world of golf.
It draws new fans -- fans who may not know anything about golf -- and
new fans who are young and old alike.
Question: What do you think of Palm Springs in general?
Answer: It’s a lot like living on a beach, but without the beach.
And it is hot! My stupid-ass self wore all black (Wednesday), but I can
promise you I will not be wearing black tomorrow!
Question: And the people?
Answer: I really think everyone here is very sweet.
Trevor Penick singer, O-Town
In the world of boy bands, he’s known as the one with the afro -- or the
one who cried like a baby when he won a spot in the group. But as a
golfer? The idea probably raises the eyebrows of some, but not as much
as the victory dances he performs each time he sinks one in.
Question: Do you come to Palm Springs often?
Answer: I’m actually from Rancho Cucamonga. It’s not too far
away, so I’ve been here a lot. I try to come as often as I can.
Question: So what do you like to do when you’re here in Palm
Springs?
Answer: Play golf. Swim. Play more golf. I don’t really go to too
many places, although I did go to Bananaz on (Tuesday) night.
Question: Are there any celebrities or pro golfers you’re excited to
see or play with?
Answer: All of the pro golfers. They’re pro golfers, man. When do
you get to play with pro golfers?
Question: What’s the best part about playing in the Bob Hope
Chrysler Classic?
Answer: Being able to play on a course that was designed for a
tour event. I mean, this is a course that tour pros play on, and I get
the chance to play on it. Plus, the camaraderie, meeting different
people every day. That’s the best part about it.… It’s fun. This is all
play.
Question: Do you plan on coming back next year?
Answer: Definitely. I’m going to ask to come back ... and maybe
try to get someone else from O-Town to come with me.
Alice Cooper, singer
He’s the heavy metal rocker who became famous (or rather, infamous) for
beheading himself. But to spectators at the Bob Hope golf tournament,
he’s the man who is famous for being one of the most polite and non-gag
inducing celebrities -- ever.
Question: Do you come to Palm Springs often?
Answer: Yes, I do. I live nearby in Scottsdale, Ariz., and I also
used to play two to three tournaments here a year. So I’ve been here
quite a few times and still come by, so I know my way around pretty
well.
Question: What do you like to do when you’re here?
Answer: I got to a lot of movies. I go to one every night. I
highly recommend going to see "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." I used
to know Chuck Barris. I also like going to No Da Te in El Paseo, and I
recently just went to Adriatic Restaurant and Fleming’s Prime
Steakhouse. Those places are kind of (my) haunts.
Question: What’s the best thing about the Bob Hope Chrysler
Classic?
Answer: Everyone here is really golf conscious. They know a good
shot from a bad shot. And it’s also a low-pressure game, unlike the AT&T
games that I’ve played, which are always high pressure. You play on the
toughest courses in the worst weather. So because of those things, it’s
always fun to play here.
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