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Michael Douglas Michael Douglas is a multi-talented film and television actor, director and producer. Currently, Douglas serves as a UN Messenger of Peace and is very active in promoting peace and fighting for human rights. He is a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Santa Barbara's University of California in 1968. After his graduation, he moved to New York City to continue his studies with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse, and Wynn Handman at the American Place Theatre.
McGill reflects on his interactions with Douglas, "Michael Douglas is one of those rare individuals who has never lost sight of who he is, even in the face of his enormous celebrity. More than eleven years ago I met Michael through my correspondence. At that time in my life, Michael's generous words of praise about my poetry and writings were deeply inspirational and encouraging. He is just another of those remarkable individuals whose support helped me find the courage to follow my dreams and pursue my goals in the poetic arts. Thank you Michael."
Dr. Allan W. Eckert
McGill had the refreshing privilege and honor to study for many years under the epic author and thinker Dr. Allan W. Eckert, who along with editing his work, mentored to him in many areas of life. McGill related that working with Dr. Eckert was an awe-inspiring experience because Eckert's practical wisdom, and prolific diversity of knowledge makes him a genuinely rare renaissance man. Eckert is an historian, naturalist, novelist, poet, and playwright. The author of thirty-nine published books, he has been nominated on seven separate occasions for the Pulitzer Prize in Literature. Eckert was recipient of an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and is playwright of the acclaimed outdoor drama entitled Tecumseh! which, in 1997, celebrated its 25th year of production at the multi-million-dollar Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater at Chillicothe, Ohio, and which has been described as the finest outdoor theater production in America. In addition to his books, he has written and had published over 150 articles, essays, and short stories, as well as considerable poetry, and screenplays for several movies. Most noted for his historical and natural history books, Dr. Eckert's works have been translated into thirteen foreign languages around the world.
McGill recalls fondly the time spent with Dr. Eckert saying that he was one of his most valuable teachers. McGill and Eckert went on mining and research expeditions together, shared rooms at conventions and spent a good deal of time talking about life and philosophy. McGill even remembers falling asleep on Eckert's floor by his desk while working through the night together in Eckert's Ohio home on various projects.
McGill describes his experiences with Dr. Eckert, "Eckert was very hard on me; if not the hardest. He seldom had much good to say about my work, but when he did I knew he meant it. I remember once I gave him 12 pages of my writings to edit and received 17 pages of critiques back. It was often hard to hear what he had to say, but it was always for my own good. He is the only man I have ever met that I could not keep up with. He is a non-stop powerhouse of creativity and work, and a master of his craft."
Howard J. Ruff
Howard J. Ruff, author and financial advisor, has remained in the public eye for a quarter of a century. He is founder and editor of the The Ruff Times Financial Newsletter. Mr. Ruff's popularity is due to his ability to reduce complex financial subjects into easy-to-understand terms for Main Street, not Wall Street. That ability, coupled with his off-the-wall sense of humor, intellectual honesty, and his encyclopedic knowledge of business markets and the international political landscape make him a widely sought after speaker.
McGill comments, "I owe Howard a debt of gratitude. When I was younger and still trying to find myself, he helped me through some 'ruff' times. I visited in his home in Springville, Utah several times and met many of his fine friends and children. Howard's wisdom and generosity have stuck with me since then as an example to live up to. I learned from him that the blessings of material wealth start from within and come from helping others."
George Plimpton George Plimpton. A native of New York, Plimpton was born into society as a diplomat's son and was a Harvard man who seemed to know everybody: writers, actors, athletes. He sailed with John F. Kennedy, played tennis with former President Bush and rode on Air Force One with President Clinton. He had deep connections to the political world, dating back to childhood, when Adlai Stevenson - the two-time presidential nominee - was a family friend and Jacqueline Kennedy a debutante he would see at dances.
It is McGill's opinion that Plimpton's true strengths did not come from his position in high-society, but rather from his inner depth and character. Plimpton, praised as a "central figure in American letters" when inducted in 2002 into the American Academy of Arts and Letters was beloved among writers for The Paris Review, the literary quarterly he helped found in 1953 and ran for 50 years. The Paris Review made a name for itself by publishing the work of emerging authors and with unparalleled interviews in which Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, W.H. Auden and others discussed their craft. On a lighter side he acted in numerous movies, including Reds and Good Will Hunting and he even supplied his voice for an episode of The Simpsons, playing a professor who runs a spelling bee.
McGill remembers Plimpton, "I was fortunate enough to be introduced to George by one of his long time friends back in 1994 and communicated with him on-and-off for almost a decade. Then, I did now know how much I would come to respect and like that man. I remember the last time I spoke with George. He was as amiable and affable as usual; forever the accommodating host. I credit George with helping me to realize that all things are possible. He was a remarkable spirit and true adventurer. If you got to know him and could look through his seemingly impeccable manners and Patrician accent, you would see a modest and down to earth optimist who never took life or himself too seriously. George encouraged me to publish and I would always say, but they [my poetry] need more revision. He related to me that he could open a few doors for me, but I would have to waltz through them. George did point me in the right direction and encouraged my continued efforts. Occasionally, I would read my work to him over the phone and bounce an idea off of him. He not only opened doors for me, but he also opened my mind. I will remember George as someone who knew how to live and have fun, and as anyone who has ever attended one of his famous parties at his 72nd Street literary salon, overlooking the East River will tell you, being around George just made you feel good."
Jennifer McGill, Actress, Singer and Songwriter Known worldwide by millions as a lovable and radiant one-time "Mousekateer", Jennifer McGill is one of those all too rare shining talents of great diversity and passion. Actress, vocalist, songwriter, Broadway singer, advocate, and teacher, "Jenn" as her friends know her, is also a person of rich depth who graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Ever pressing her skills forward, she has been developing her own innovative musical styles and teaching methodologies. Working with Touchstone Pictures and Disney as a former soloist on the album MMC, she has performed in the US and around the world in Canada, Scotland, England, Iceland, and Germany sharing her gifts with others. With a more mature and seasoned voice, Jennifer is currently working with Paramount Records to produce a new CD of fresh, movingly original sound that critics will no doubt acclaim as her best work to date.
Bryant McGill comments, "Jenn is more than just a talented voice or actress, she is more importantly a nice person. I have no question about the source of her remarkable success, for it is unquestionably her down to earth kindness; a kindness that she never lost sight of for a minute in the glare of the lights of celebrity. When you you talk to to her you can tell she wants to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and that is the only true hallmark of success."
Anders J. Ohlsson
Anders J. Ohlsson was born in Sweden and graduated with his masters degree from Stockholm's Royal Institute of Technology. He was recruited by Borland International and has lived in the States ever since. Anders serves Borland in the area of Developer Relations, is a guest speaker around the world, a technical editor, and an advocate of technology and Borland products. Known world-wide in the developer communities Anders is a dedicated and brilliant contributor to the ever-changing landscape of computer science.
McGill comments, "I met Anders back in 1996 and we fast became friends. Anders spent a lot of time sharing his vast programming knowledge with me so that I could become a better programmer. Soon after we met, I was hired at Borland as an Engineer. Anders and I had great times together working on projects and thinking of was to improve the developer community for Borland, and we had tremendous influence and success. Today, Anders and his beautiful wife are dear friends, and I will always cherish their unique personalities and friendship."
Michael Workman
Workman, is a major American contemporary tonalist painter of what he calls, "Spiritual Landscapes." His work seeks to bring out the underlying spiritual essence in the world around us and the poetry found in nature. Michael's art is represented by the Meyer Galleries in Santa Fe, NM and Scottsdale, AZ; Claire Oliver Fine Art, New York, NY; and Jenkins Johnson Gallery, San Francisco, CA. He has also had his work featured in magazines such as Southwest Art, Focus/Santa Fe Art Talk, Art of The West, and Utah Business.
McGill recalls his time spent with Workman, "When Michael and I first met in his studio, we discussed philosophies of art and poetry and we immediately recognized that we saw many things in the same light. We discussed at great length our understandings and beliefs and had a great time. His intention and vision is pure, deep and soulful. What impresses me most about his works are the powerful metaphorical parallels between nature and the human condition his art envokes. I believe in his vision and am invigorated, yet weakened by the weight of the profound thoughts and spiritual metaphors provoked by his visual poetry."
Ormond McGill, World's Most Famous Hypnotist The legendary Ormond McGill, The Dean of American Hypnotists, is on the Board of Advisors of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. In the field since 1927, he received international acclaim beginning in the 1940's for his excellent books, including those integrating hypnotism and meditation and exploring creative hypnotic strategies. Now in his eighth decade in the field, he has written 21 books, including several classics. Ormond McGill has made many of his greatest insights in recent years. He has combined his profound mastery of many hypnotic techniques; his deep personal understanding of Eastern systems of meditation, mysticism, wisdom and healing; and his creativity, vision, compassion, humor and life experience. Also, Mr. McGill co-teaches a workshop each year with HTI Co-Director Marleen Mulder at the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners' International Hypnotherapy Conference in Glendale, CA. He has given hypnotherapy seminars periodically at conferences in the United States and in Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand.
Dan Fogelberg Dan Fogelberg is among McGill's favorite artists, and particularly because of his lyrics. Dan Fogelberg is a musician, poet, philosopher, photographer and artist. His works are prolific and you have likely heard his music before. Bryant ardently recommends that you buy his CD's and visit his website to learn about this great American artist.
