Living Life...Boomer Style

Abby Travis Releasing New Singles for Abby Travis IV

2010-08-29T15:30:00.000-07:00


Abby Travis IV is a new series of digital singles.

“Imagine a smoky, mid-1920s speakeasy, a shapely alto crooning ironic love songs as she drapes herself along the length of the piano. Then she kicks you in the nuts.”

~Philadelphia City Paper

Abby Travis, singer, songwriter, and bass player has great news:

"I am going to release Abby Travis IV as a series of digital singles. A new song will be released...

[To Continue Reading...click here]

A Heartwarming Story And A Bangle-y Thankyou

2010-07-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

As many fans of The Bangles know, there are many friends of the band who help to make the Bangle magic sparkle ever brighter. One of these talented friends is Greg Hilfman, otherwise known as "Harpo", the mysterious funmeister who supplies his keyboard talents to the lovely band members Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, Debbi Peterson, and former member Michael Steele.

A few months ago, Harpo's beloved wife Cindi Hilfman became very ill and needed both kidneys replaced. The benefactor who came to her rescue was none other than Harpo himself who graciously donated one of his own kidneys to save his wife's life. Because of the intense cost of the surgery, medical bills, and post-operative care, Cindi is presently unable to work, so fans of The Bangles have joined their beloved band in organising a fundraising charity Helping Cindi Hilfman which aims to help provide the much needed funds.

On July 30, 2010, The Bangles are performing a special charity concert at the Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, CA. The proceeds will also go to helping the Hilfman family.

The news item on The Bangles website gives all the relevant information, including this snippet:

All proceeds raised from this concert will go directly to Cindi and Harpo - so we hope to see you there! Tickets are only $100 - and you'll get a fabulous dinner, wine and drinks, the chance to bid on amazing auction items, and then you'll enjoy an intimate one-of-a-kind concert with the Bangles - featuring solos from Harpo! It's sure to be a very unique evening that you won't want to miss!

Also, Vicki Peterson, lead guitarist for The Bangles recently sent a heartfelt letter of thanks to all the fans who were able to help in the various fundraising activities, and those fans who have not yet, but would like to do their part.

I wanted to take a second and thank all of you who’ve been involved with our drive to help raise money for Cindi Hilfman. Today was the big day when our Harpo went under the knife and donated a kidney to his lovely wife. I can’t say enough about the love that exists there; it is humbling and extraordinary.

The initial reports are that everything has gone well today. Harpo is being his silly, irreverent self and Cindi is recovering. Thus far the transplant (such a miraculous thing, really) seems a success, but let’s keep those prayers and thoughts-of-healing-white-light (or however it is you choose to trade in good vibrations) coming in for our Hilfmans.

And if you live anywhere near Topanga, CA, please join us on the 30th of this month for our very special night of celebrating Cindi (and ‘Po!). If you can’t make that show, please continue to help by donating any amount, or joining in on the special auctions, which we’ll continue to run into the foreseeable future.

This is such an exquisite love story: a tale of love, sacrifice, IV drips, and health insurance paperwork. Thank you for being a part of it and for helping in any way that you can.

We’ll keep you updated as the days go by...

With love, Vicki

Whoopi Ain't Breaking The Habit

2010-07-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hold on to your habits, sisters, Whoopi Goldberg is set to return to the convent, when she takes over the role of Mother Superior from Sheila Hancock, in the revamped London stage musical, Sister Act, of which Goldberg is also the producer. In the movie version from the early 1990's, Goldberg previously played the role of struggling lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (now played by Patina Miller) who is forced to hide out in a convent as Sister Mary Clarence after witnessing a murder. It is interesting that Goldberg will now be watching someone else play her iconic character, and boy will she have fun being a thorn in her side, much like the original Mother Superior (played by Dame Maggie Smith) was a thorn in hers.

In 1992, Touchstone Pictures approached The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler with a role they felt she would be perfect for. In the movie version of Sister Act, the story would focus on a rebellious lounge singer with a near-nonexistent career and a married boyfriend, who after seeing her guy waste a limo driver for squealing to the law, fears she will be next on his list. Christy Van Cartier (the character's original name) would be forced to hide out in a convent pretending to be one of the nuns presided over by the very stern and strict Mother Superior until she could testify against her mobster boyfriend. The movie would be a mix of comedy interspersed with musical numbers.

Midler, however, felt that nobody would feel she was very convincing as a nun, even in a comedy, so she turned down the role. Knowing they had a potential hit on their hands and wanting someone in the role who could handle comedy and sing up a storm, with Midler now out of the picture, the studio then had an idea that seemed even more incredulous, they turned to Whoopi Goldberg to see if she would be interested. They even changed the lead character's name to one better suited for Goldberg's personality. Christy became Deloris Van Cartier, and later Sister Mary Clarence when she was undercover. Goldberg is perhaps the only performer who can match Midler at her bawdy best, and like Midler, Goldberg had proved herself to be both a marvellous comedienne and a powerful dramatic actress. However, what nobody knew at the time was the answer to the all-important question, could Goldberg sing like Midler.

The answer is no. Nobody could sing like Bette Midler, but Whoopi Goldberg could sing like Whoopi Goldberg and that in itself turned out to be a fantastic revelation. At first, Goldberg was reluctant to handle the vocal duties, fearing that she might not be able to perform to a reasonable standard. However, at the urging of singer/actress Jenifer Lewis who played one of Goldberg's back-up act in the lounge singing scenes (along with Charlotte Crossley), Goldberg amazed everyone with her proficiency as a singer and gave her all to a performance which turned out to be perfection. So popular was Sister Act, that the following year gave rise to a sequel, Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit, which was as much a smash hit as its predecessor. Both films also provided a CD soundtrack album in which Goldberg once again shined as a singer. Another interesting fact is that Jenifer Lewis and Charlotte Crossley (better known now as Charlo Crossley-Fortier) were both one-time members of Bette Midler's Staggering Harlettes troupe. Another link between Midler and Goldberg is that they both worked with Kathy Najimy around the same time, with Hocus Pocus and Sister Act 2 both being made in 1993.

What I feel would be a great idea, and I am sure there are many Sister Act fans who would agree with me, is if Whoopi Goldberg were to make a third movie in the series and possible have Deloris Van Cartier/Sister Mary Clarence become the new Mother Superior for a new generation of nuns, after the emergency exodus of the Maggie Smith character (for whatever reason) from the first two movies. Complications could ensue when it is discovered that not only is Sister Mary Clarence unqualified for the position in either legal or theological respects, but she isn't even a real nun. There are so many great plot lines from this scenario, so hopefully someone may be interested in adapting this fantasy of mine.

The Heartfelt Harlette: Rhae Ann Theriault Helps Save The Leadwell Kitties

2010-07-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

She has shared the screen and stage with the Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, and even on her own she has given the world beauty and pleasure with her amazing talents in song, dance, acting, and comedy. Now, Rhae Ann Theriault has another mission in her life, one she feels as deeply and passionately as anything she has ever accomplished in showbusiness. Her latest endeavours may not see her name emblazoned in lights, but will earn her a place among the angels, and in the hearts of everyone who knows her.

Theriault's new project Save Leadwell Kitties came about due to a colony of cats she and other friends in the animal rescue vocation found in desperate need of rescuing. There are many cats (and dogs) living in substandard and appalling environments, and Leadwell Kitties is just one of many operations that Theriault has been personally involved in, together with friends like Eldad Hagar from Hope For Paws, another inspirational organisation.

This lovely feline pictured left is one poor individual that has made it important for Theriault to get the message across that treating animals like this is completely unnacceptable and must be dealt with.

Theriault states: "To the "rescuers" who abandoned these helpless animals...you should be ASHAMED of yourselves! Especially for obstructing my attempts to do something to REALLY help them!! If this colony was "under control" - as you put it - than how the hell do you explain the 51 cats & kittens that I've removed from there??? And I've yet to make a DENT in their population."

In regard to the specific Leadwell Kitties project, Theriault describes the work she does in her website's mission statement as such:

"Since January of this year (2010), I have been trying to get a large-scale cat hoarding colony under control. At the time of making the commitment, I had no idea what a huge undertaking it would be. The location is a run-down, abandoned apartment complex, overgrown with weeds, strewn with debris. This is home to some 50-60+ cats, kittens, and the property owner's daughter - who is mentally ill. The 'complex' sits one block over from where I currently live in Van Nuys, CA and has been a menace to the surrounding neighborhood for well over ten years. Police & Animal Control officers have served warrants, innocent cats & kittens have been seized & destroyed, & other rescuers have tried to intervene and help cut down the numbers. Unfortunately, without proper follow-up & support, this is only a temporary fix.

Without spaying & neutering the entire colony they continue to reproduce. Although I've rescued/removed approximately 45+ cats/kittens since February of this year, I’ve barely made a dent! There are many kittens that are now over 8 weeks-old and are not going to be socialized, adoptable, nor easy to catch. Once they reach 4-5 months of age, they will begin to reproduce - along with the countless other litters within the remaining colony. By the next “kitten season” their numbers will have gone right back up.

The mother (who owns the property & lives off-site) and daughter (who is extremely unpredictable & difficult to deal with) pick & choose which animals I can remove. The nights that I have trapped there is, typically, tremendous interference...if not a complete lack of cooperation.

Meanwhile, these innocent creatures live in deplorable conditions, & never receive any type of vet care. Dozens have suffered & died due to illness, disease, neglect, human cruelty, hit by cars, etc. It has gotten to a point where some of the surrounding neighbors have taken matters in to their own hands & are fed up with the overpopulation, stench, flies, feces, urine, debris, & general eye sores.

This is why I've embarked upon a large-scale TNR project with help from: Eldad Hagar (founder of Hope For Paws), Sarah Coatts, & volunteers: Hali Burton, Anna Raner, & Barry Preston. In the process I'm finding there are MANY tame/adoptable young cats & kittens. Foster homes are URGENTLY needed. Temporary housing is vital for me to remain focused on spaying & neutering. Can you HELP???"

To further show the horrors facing these cats, Theriault has a special YouTube site for hosting videos she has made of her rescue efforts. Many of these videos are disturbing in nature and will break your heart, but there is hope and inspiration offered by the people like Theriault who literally risk life and limb to save these unfortunate victims.

Here is another video link Theriault has added to her page, the situation is critical and as wonderful as she is, Theriault cannot do everything alone and will need help to make this project succeed.

Theriault has recently updated the crisis with new information about just how serious this issue is and how she faces opposition from some very despicable people:

"I'm hoping & praying to be able to pass this torch on to a foundation or entity with the legal power & resources that I, as a private citizen, do not have. When the media wanted to come in and do a story on this situation, 'certain' people in the rescue community did what they could to block that from happening. The same day I received a call from one of the local news stations, asking if I was willing to go on camera the following day - I also began receiving nasty, hateful emails & phone calls (from only a 'few') but their opinion was 'shining media attention on this will only get the animals euthanized.' Meanwhile, those 'rescuers' have not lifted a finger to help in any manner - not even so much as cross posting a plea or picking up a phone! ALSO, meanwhile, months of continued breeding, suffering, and dying has been going on - at an alarming rate - as it has been for YEARS!"

Watch this video & you'll get the picture:

or this one:

or this:

~Michael Holloway

Blast From The Past - "The Allnighter" Available On DVD - August 3

2010-07-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

Sun, surf, sex, and Susanna Hoffs. Sounds like a winning combination, doesn't it? Although the movie critics back in 1987 didn't think so, The Allnighter has a loyal fanbase, albeit mostly comprised of hardcore fans of Hoffs' famous band The Bangles.

This fluffy but delightful campus comedy, directed by Hoffs' mother Tamar Simon Hoffs was made a couple of years before The Bangles broke up in 1989, although they would regroup in 2000, release a much-loved album in 2003 called Doll Revolution and bid farewell to their longtime bass guitarist, Michael Steele, who retired from the music business a year later.

Now fans of this underrated and sometimes even forgotten gem can look forward to the movie's DVD release on August 3, 2010. I personally have seen this movie more times than I can count, so much so that my old VHS recording is wearing out fast, so the news of the DVD is a welcome one.

Hoffs plays Molly Morrisson, a shy young co-ed at (fictional) Pacifica College who yearns for that one earth shattering, everlasting college romance. She does have an on again-off again relationship with a hot blonde surfer CJ (played by John Terlesky - pictured left - now more at home behind the camera as a writer/director.) Molly laments that CJ spends more time with his best beach buddy Killer (James Anthony Shanta) than with her.

Molly's best friends are the aspiring filmmaker Gina (a hilarious performance by the evergreen Joan Cusack) and Val (Dedee Pfeiffer, the younger sister of movie legend Michelle Pfeiffer) who is engaged to - and incessantly mooning over - the man she thinks is "Mr Right" (Phil Brock). Molly tries to make CJ jealous by entering into an affair with the enigmatic musician Mickey LeRoy (Michael Ontkean) who only has eyes for her college counsellor Connie (Kaaren Lee). There is even a wonderful cameo for Pam Grier as a smart and sassy police officer who can spot a con a mile away.

The action takes place on the night before graduation, and for those who wonder what could possibly happen in one night, this film is a riotous romp which has all the answers. From hotel room trysts and hiding on top floor balconies, to spending a night in jail with prostitutes, a near drowning for one of the surfer boys, and the heartache and longing of making your crush realise you're even alive...this movie is packed with adventure, romance, a killer music score featuring songs like "No TV, No Phone," "Shangri-La," "Dangerous" (performed by Ronnie Spector with guest vocals by an uncredited but unmistakeable Susanna Hoffs), "Who's Gonna Dance With Me," "All In My Mind," "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades," "Never Thought", and even a little "Respect" by Aretha Franklin.

Here is just one of the many side-splitting scenes and quotes from the movie where Gina and Val (actress Dedee Pfeiffer pictured left) wind up in jail with some rather loose ladies.

Val: "Gina?"

Gina: "Yeah?"
Val: "What... what time do you think it is now?"
Gina: "It's time to ask about Brad again!"
Val: "Oh just FINE! FINE!"
Gina: "No, I don't mean that. I just mean, just ENJOY this! I mean Molly's gonna get us out of here. All we have to do is enjoy this. Look at this place... I mean would you look at that toilet? It's the most disgusting toilet I ever saw! What if you had to pee right now?"
Val: "Just shut up, I DO have to go pee right now!"

For a classic slice of 80's life from an eternally young point of view, you cannot beat The Allnighter for fun, frivolity, fizz, and frisking.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot: Pat Benatar Pens Her Memoirs

2010-06-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

One of the bestselling female rock artists of all time with megahits like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” Pat Benatar shares the story of her extraordinary career, telling the truth abut her life, her struggles, and how she won things her way.

Check out the latest, Between a Heart and a Rock Place.

Git Along Little Dogies...Suzy Bogguss Comes A-Courtin'

2010-06-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

She's a guitar-totin', banana-hatin', sassy helluva gal with beauty and talent that shines brighter than a prairie sunrise, who just happens to also have a degree in metallurgy. With a penchant for blue martinis and bluegrass tunes, Suzy Bogguss is a frontier firebrand whose every show is a barn-raisin' hootenanny from start to finish.

Bogguss is working on a fabulous new project that will once again fill hearts with the love and infectious joy of country rhythms with the future release of her latest slice of Americana, sure to set toes-a-tappin' and folks-a-hoppin' in a grand tribute to the nostalgic songs of the golden west.

Throughout 2009 and 2010, Bogguss has been compiling songs from her childhood and introducing them into her live shows, interspersing them with her own repertoire of original signature tunes. This has led her to rightfully believe that it is time that these songs should be given a fresh new lease on life, and in these troubled modern times, perhaps it is time that America (and the rest of the world) take a look back at a simpler era when lives were possibly less complicated and people treated one another better. In 2003, Martina McBride released a similar-themed album, Timeless which was an astounding success, so there is no reason why Bogguss' album will be any less spectacular.

Bogguss states that "schools have moved away from teaching many of the "heritage" songs that were once taught as part of grade school music programs which have also often fallen prey to program cuts over time. We also hope [the album] will inspire a renewal of interest in this wonderful music penned in a simpler time but no less relevant today."

Bogguss will be unveiling Wildwood Flower: A Collection Of American Folk Songs due for tentative release in the Spring of 2011, the collection will also feature a hardcover companion book filled with sheet music and a comprehensive history of the songs. The album is only being offered for sale at the live shows in the United States and United Kingdom and currently only has 10 songs, but the mainstream release next year will feature at least 17 songs. Some of the songs include the irresistably bouncy "Froggy Went A-Courting" and "Git Along Little Dogies", to the perennial favourites "Red River Valley" and "Shenandoah" (most previously covered brilliantly by Gia Ciambotti on her delightful children's/Americana songs hybrid album Snowflake.)

In the meantime, Brian Clough of The American Connection webcast series is offering Bogguss' fans a sneak preview of several songs from the forthcoming album which was nominated as Album Of The Week during the Taste Of Country series of shows.

Whether touring with chums Gretchen Peters and Matraca Berg as part of the delightful Wine, Women And Song trio, or square dancin' her way to solo stardom, Suzy Bogguss certainly deserves this glowing accolade from Brian Clough:

"From her first appearance at the Wembley International Festival of Country Music in London in the late eighties she has proved that she deserves a place in the great chanters league. With a voice as clear as a mountain stream she has provided us with a musical mix of traditional and modern country, crossover pop, blues, jazz, western swing and in the company of Chet Atkins some brilliant classic and contemporary songs. If you think you already know ‘the voice’… be it of any musical genre, treat yourself to a remarkable singer/songwriter who may change your mind forever. If you like a sprinkling of magic in your music, you will certainly not be disappointed after you’ve heard Suzy Bogguss."

Bret Michael's Custom Built

2010-06-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Pre-Order this phenomenal musician's album now...

Only $10.99 Plus, get a $1.00 Credit to an MP3 Download

The Album Release Date is July 6, 2010

Track Listings

1. Riding Against the Wind

2. Lie to Me

3. Nothing to Lose (featuring Miley Cyrus)

4. Wasted Time

5. What I Got

6. Every Rose (Country Version featuring Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down, Chris Cagle, Mark Wills)

7. Go that Far (Club Mix by Jason Miller of Godhead)

8. Driven (Rock Mix)

9. Open Road

10. Rock N' My Country

11. Nothing to Lose (Bret Only Demo)

12. I'd Die for You

Lady Robotika - Sex, Droids & Rock 'N' Roll

2010-06-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Can you guess the identity of Lady Robotika, the superhero cyborg?

Hint: She's been a famous rhythm guitarist with the Go-Go’s, a singing telegram girl, Joan of Arc, a choir singer, a voice actor and an alien. Her friends call her Jumping Jane Drano.

To read more and find out about this exciting new venture, click here.

Belinda Carlisle Lips Unsealed a Memoir

2010-05-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Lips Unsealed a Memoir is Belinda Carlisle's book, which you can pre-order now at Amazon.

Carlisle is one of the most enduring legends in rock and roll, and one of the pioneers of the 'Women in Rock' movement of the late 1970's and 1980's. As the lead singer of the first real all-female band The Go-Go's, Carlisle shares her rollercoaster of a life story with fans in Lips Unsealed: A Memoir due out June 1, 2010. The women of The Go-Go's are immensely talented and proved they had the stamina to succeed; they were wild women in a wild milieu where sex, drugs, and rock and roll ruled.

[To Read More on Belinda Carlisle, the book, and The Go-Go's Click Here]

Katherine Ketcham is Boomer Hot, Find Out Why She has Our Vote

2010-05-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

Click on any of the books in the slide show to read a few excerpts or to add to your reading library. Ketcham is an engaging writer who has the ability to take complex issues and share them so the layman can have a new understanding of what is really going on.

Besides authoring 14 books, some of which are on audio CD and Kindle, having a wonderful, incredible marriage, and being a great mom, as if that isn't enough! Ketcham has saved many lives and helped many families get back together, against all odds in the unspoken ravages that affects all classes, races, ages, and is an equal opportunity marauder on women and men, alike.

Learn more about Katherine Ketcham in the May issue of Living Life...Boomer Style Magazine.

Cyndi Lauper's New Album Out June 22nd See Her Recording and Pre Order Album Now

2010-05-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Get an inside look at Cyndi Lauper rehearsing Down So Low with Lester Snell, which will be on her new album Memphis Blues.

What a great way to celebrate the beginning of summer.

Lauper's Memphis Blues will be available June 22nd and can be pre-ordered at Amazon. We love pre ordering from Amazon because they get the new releases in your mailbox the day of the release, thus saving us time standing in line to get it.

Lauper's voice is even more beautiful today, it has texture, soul, and depth. Her voice hasn't aged, yet is distinctly Cyndi, the voice of an angel.

Susan Cowsill's "Lighthouse" - A Beacon Of Hope For New Orleans

2010-05-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

On May 18, 2010, Susan Cowsill, the youngest member of the much-loved and iconic 60s family band The Cowsills, will be releasing her second solo album, Lighthouse. This follow-up to her 2005 debut album, Just Believe It, will be an extremely profound and introspective journey into her feelings following the horrific onslaught of Hurricane Katrina which devastated New Orleans in 2005.

For Cowsill, the tragedy is even more personal because she lost her beloved brother Barry Cowsill, and much of her personal and emotional belongings in the aftermath of the storm. Another Cowsill brother, Billy, passed away from illness the same year.

As Cowsill states: “Lighthouse was written over the last four years during our recovery from Hurricane Katrina. As you might guess, the songs on this record are pulled from the very deep well of this most life changing experience. Having lost 99.9% of our material and emotional belongings, and one whole human being, my brother Barry Cowsill, there was much to say and feel and express. It has taken all this time to pull ourselves back together to even be able to form comprehensible sentences never mind full on songs.”

Despite the powerful emotions, Cowsill's optimism and spirituality have always been her way of overcoming the dark times and with her natural talent and hard work ethic, she has created some of the greatest songs ever collected on one album.

She has gathered some of the best musicians to help her remember and reflect the beauty of New Orleans with all its joys and sorrows. These include her own sister-in-law Vicki Peterson from The Bangles and Cowsill's other band The Continental Drifters. Peterson adds guest vocals on the song "River Of Love", penned by Barry, and joined by other Cowsill brothers, Bob, Paul, and John (Peterson's husband). Session musician Waddy Wachtel, who began his career playing with the Cowsill family in the 60's, also supplies his legendary guitar chops to the song.

Lifelong friend Jackson Browne is also on board, offering his generous talent and heart to "Avenue Of The Indians", while Cowsill (who also plays acoustic guitar throughtout the album) gives one of her finest performances to the Glen Campbell-Jimmy Webb penned tune, "Galveston". Other musicians appearing on the album are Cowsill's husband Russ Broussard (drums, percussion), Pete Winkler (bass), Jimmy Robinson (12 string guitar), Aaron Stroup (electric guitars), Jack Craft (cello, mandolin, cello, piano), Sam Craft (violin), Ted Armstrong (bass, vocal, acoustic guitar, hammond b-3 organ), and Alex McMurray (guitar).

With such talent on offer, it is easy to see that a lot of love, heart, soul, and passion have been poured into this album, which is fortunate because this is what is necessary to help rebuild New Orleans, both financially and physically as well as emotionally and spiritually.

Cowsill recalls: "Going through Katrina was most certainly like experiencing a death. The time in between the storm and the making of Lighthouse was the grieving period, and the recording of the music was the funeral, laying it all to rest, saying goodbye, and starting over. So here we are, in our new world. And this world is filled with beauty and light and excitement, and the new found knowledge that the present is really all that we have, because everything can change in the blink of an eye...hey...that sounds like a song comin' on...gotta go!"

With the help of loving fans who are ready and eager to purchase the album, together we can endeavour to help Cowsill and her band restore the city as best they can, and make it a world of beauty, light, and excitement once again.

In the meantime, here are some audio clips of two songs from the album, "Dragon Flys" and "Lighthouse".

Robert Pattinson, Hot, Sexy, but Can He Deliver?

2010-03-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

Robert Pattinson is one of the beautiful people. Does his performance in Remember Me make the grade? Shelli Carlisle shares her opinion of this film in her review. Its saucy!

An Invitation from Val Kilmer

2010-02-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

Val Kilmer will be making an unprecedented appearance in Boston, Feb 11, 2010. You can get all of the details at Val Kilmer the Real Deal.

Vote For Hope For Paws And Win Harlette Style

2010-01-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

As any Bette Midler fan knows, one of the most fascinating aspects of the Divine Miss M is the company she keeps, and in the case of her Staggering Harlettes, she is in fantastic company indeed.

Although the roster changes from tour to tour, the Harlettes are a multi-talented trio of singers, dancers, often fish-tail clad wheelchair drivers, comediennes, ukulele players, and poi ball twirlers, and that is only the tip of their talented iceberg.

One of the most amazing of these gorgeous Glamazons is the beautiful, talented, and downright wacky Rhae Ann Theriault, who I've been fortunate to be friends with for a while now. She is also one of the most compassionate people on the planet, and through her most recent endeavour, she has allied herself with other compassionate people to ensure positive outcomes for the less fortunate, especially her animal friends.

Together with Don Bradshaw, webmaster of the premiere Bette Midler web-blog Bootleg Betty, Theriault has sponsored a very huge online benefit to save unwanted, neglected, or abused animals worldwide. This is a global effort in honour of one of her dear friends Eldad Hagar, whose organisation Hope For Paws could be the recipient of a $1, 000, 000 grant, courtesy of Chase Community Giving, to benefit these animals.

On the Hope For Paws website, the issue is very clear as to why this is such an important mission for pets and people alike.

"Five million pets are euthanized every year. When we created the book, Our Lives Have Gone To The Dogs, about our experience rescuing and fostering dogs and other creatures; we did not foresee that it would make a profound impact on human beings. The book has reached beyond what we could have imagined with its photos and stories are of animals who overcame abuse, neglect, and abandonment to become loving pets, companions, and even therapy dogs. With its emphasis on adopting and treating our pets as family members versus objects, the book has both educated and touched people regardless of race, religion, and political beliefs all over America and in other countries. Individuals in hospitals, cancer patients, and seniors in assisted living have told us that these stories inspired them and gave them hope. The book has the ability to ease the pain and suffering of both humans and animals alike. The written word has the power to educate, enlighten, inspire, and change lives for the better."

By voting (all it takes is a free mouse click) at the following website you can help, and there is an added incentive, as Theriault will explain herself. By the way, the beautiful cat in the photo is named Lucy, she is the pet of Hali Burton, a friend of Theriault who nursed her back to health.

"Hello Everybody,

An animal rescue organization that is very close to my heart, Hope for Paws, was voted among the TOP 100 charity organizations in the U.S. in the Chase Community Giving competition last month, and they won a $25,000 donation for the animals.

They are NOW in round two where they can win a ONE MILLION DOLLAR donation (the winner is based purely on number of votes we get online)! If you have a minute, please see some video of this dog they rescued this week (just to give you an idea of what they do):
Chase's Rescue Story

Here’s a video filmed YESTERDAY while rescuing an injured dog with a broken pelvis:

Rescuing Karma

I hope these videos convince you that they do awesome work for the animals and are worthy of your vote. They’re the ONLY pet rescue group in this contest!!

Rhae Ann Theriault (Former Harlette)"

As an added incentive, Theriault is offering her own original Divine Miss Millennium tour jacket as a prize for the person who can rally the most votes for the cause.

"If you get as many of your friends, family & co-workers to VOTE for "Hope For Paws" - you'll be entered to win an official Bette Midler tour jacket that I wore in the Divine Miss Millennium Tour!

Let's see... in order to be eligible to WIN you must try to get all your Facebook, MySpace, family, friends, & co-workers to vote. It only takes a mouse click and we need thousands of votes. One of the leading charities is in Turkey, I think. They must have people networking like crazy. We need to reach large masses of people - like at schools, universities, celebrity followers, and I'm not TWITTER-savvy!"

Don Bradshaw adds the following:

"After you’ve voted and rallied all your friends, family, co-workers, etc. to do so – and would like to ENTER TO WIN the Bette tour jacket: CLICK ON THIS LINK: Enter To Win and put
Hope For Paws Contest BootlegBetty.com in the subject line of the email. It will send me (Mister D) an email. *Simply enter your name, address, and zip code for the drawing!
Contest ends Friday, January 22 at midnight.
We can DO this! Please, Please Vote!!!!"

Travel Somewhere Down The Road With Amy Grant On March 30

2010-01-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

Amy Grant is one of the most positive and inspirational influences in music, from her strong faith to her refreshingly open-minded and compassionate love for all God's creations, without feeling the need to judge or condemn those who live or believe differently. To Grant, all are welcome in the House of God. Her life has been a series of journeys, through searching for faith, keeping faith despite life's hardships, and teaching faith to others to help them through their own tribulations.

On March 30, 2010, Grant will be releasing her new album Somewhere Down The Road which is actually not a "new" release, rather it is more a hybrid of original songs, new versions of popular favourites, and selected classic songs from Grant's repertoire. The six new songs are: "Better Than A Hallelujah," "Overnight," "Unafraid," "Hard Times," "What Is The Chance Of That," and "Come Into My World." We are also treated to two revamped songs from Grant's catalogue, "Arms Of Love" from Age To Age (1982) and "Oh How The Years Go By" from House Of Love (1994.) The album is completed with four unenhanced additions from classic albums: the first three of which ("Somewhere Down The Road," "Every Road," and "Cry A River") come from Behind The Eyes (1997), and "Do You Remember The Time" from Legacy: Hymns And Faith (2002.)

According to record label EMI, "Somewhere Down The Road" is like a travelogue for the soul:

"The theme for the album is stories and journeys. Amy has always been a great storyteller and many of her most impactful songs have come from her own journey as she sings about the honesty of life, it’s joys and struggles, and ultimately the hope she has found in faith and love. The songs on "Somewhere Down The Road" read like journal entries that will resonate with anyone who grapples with wanting answers to life’s toughest questions."

As such, specific themes that Grant explores on the album include learning to be honest with yourself and with God ("Better Than A Hallelujah",) the value of patience when waiting for answers to life's hard questions ("Overnight",) and learning to listen to people without judging them or feeling the need to "fix" them according to your own ideologies ("Come Into My World".)

Also, on March 30, there will be a few new compilations released concurrently with "Somewhere Down The Road", but anyone who already has the albums in question really won't need these double packs, although they are a good idea for new Amy Grant fans. Amy Grant: The Early Years comprises Age To Age and My Father's Eyes, Amy Grant: The Songwriter Collection comprises Lead Me On and Behind The Eyes, Amy Grant: The Pop Collection comprises Heart In Motion and House Of Love, and Amy Grant: The Breakout Years comprises Straight Ahead and Unguarded.

On December 29, 2009, Grant's 1999 Hallmark movie Song From The Heart was released on DVD. Grant proved herself to be as multi-talented an actress as she is a musician, and is breathtakingly beautiful throughout the film, and this beauty is radiated from the inside out. Grant's performance is on par with Val Kilmer's masterful performance as the blind massage therapist in At First Sight, also released in 1999.

In Grant's movie, she plays Maryann Lowery, a beautiful, blind cellist who lost her sight in a car accident as a child which claimed the lives of her parants. Maryann is the music teacher at the Milford Conservatory of Music, and she enjoys her quiet, comfortable life with her friend and widowed neighbor, Oliver (Keith Carradine). When world-famous musician Gregory Pavan (D.W. Moffet) visits the Conservatory to record an upcoming album, he sees undiscovered talent in Maryann, and promises her fame. He also convinces her to undergo a risky eye operation. As the two fall for each other, it will take a life-changing moment for Maryann to realize that sometimes, true love is waiting right before our eyes, waiting to be discovered.

In the meantime, Amy Grant's fans can rediscover their love for this amazing artist through her music and her movie, and one can only hope that she will return to acting one day, because Song From The Heart is a true gem.

~ Michael Holloway

Val Kilmer, "50 Cent" and a Big Ass gun!

2010-01-08T23:31:00.000-08:00

Why does Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson have a big ass gun and why is he holding in Val Kilmer's face. Get the latest buzz. Val Kilmer the Real Deal.

"Back To Love" - Beth Nielsen Chapman CD Release - January 25 2010

2010-01-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

The amazing singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman is set to dazzle her many fans with her new album Back To Love which will be released on January 25, 2010. The album will be released in the United Kingdom first (as has been the custom with Chapman's past albums) with US and international release dates to follow soon.

This will be Chapman's first mainstream pop album in six years. Her previous album Prism: The Human Family Songbook and the accompanying DVD If Love Could Say God's Name, both released in 2007, were beautifully spiritual and uplifting, but are not really considered a mainstream release. Back To Love features eleven new songs, some of which Chapman co-wrote with luminaries such as Michael McDonald (Doobie Brothers), Darrell Scott, Danny Flowers (Tulsa Time), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) and her close friend and hit songwriting partner Annie Roboff, who together with Chapman, co-wrote the popular hit This Kiss which was a big hit for singer Faith Hill, and was also featured on the soundtrack for the film Practical Magic.

As a prelude to the new release, Chapman released an EP featuring the single Shadows in late 2009, and has unveiled another song download which fans can purchase as a new teaser. Even As It All Goes By will be an iTunes UK exclusive until January 10, 2010.

Also, Chapman was a recent guest on inspirational spiritualist Deepak Chopra's radio show where songs from her new album have had the honour of being critically praised by Chopra himself, and one song, How We Love is displayed prominently on his website.

Chopra has been a lifelong friend of Chapman's, ever since her battle with breast cancer in the 1990's, and although Chapman had investigated all forms of traditional and alternative therapies, and had even considered looking internationally for medical aid, the advice given to her by Chopra helped her to realise a fundamentally important message. The following quote comes from Chapman quoting Chopra's advice.

‘You were born in the West. You are of the West. So it’s wonderful if you go visit India and take some herbs home and all that stuff, but your core soul is resonating with this place. So go to the best of the best of what that is, and then, add on to that what you can to improve it, using complementary and alternative medicine."

Chapman was given sound advice from fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John who put her in contact with her oncologist, who gave Chapman the contact details of oncologists in the Nashville area where Chapman lives. Chapman spoke to Dr. David Johnson, a past president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology who now resides as the deputy director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Dr. Johnson states that Chapman’s search for options is part of a rapidly growing trend. He says that probably 85% of his patients seek out information about alternative therapies.

According to Dr. Johnson, the danger in this approach is that "alternative therapies have the potential to cause problems if they’re not discussed with a patient’s oncologist and coordinated with treatment. Many patients are mistrustful of Western medicine, even though science has made enormous strides over the last few decades. The paradox is, the more we know, the less trustful we are of modern medicine. That doubt has in turn fueled a tremendous amount of hype about the results that patients can expect from alternative medicine."

Thankfully, Chapman's cancer went into remission due to a combination of radiation treatments and chemotherapy, and a healthy dose of her own spirituality, faith and a strong will. In many ways the new album's title Back To Love can be seen as both Chapman's expression of gratitude and her way of giving love back to the good friends who have helped her through her ordeals. Also, another underlying message is revealed in the knowledge that despite our trials and tribulations in life, when searching for solace and healing, we, as human beings, are always striving to simply get back to love.

Val Kilmer: A Blanket Of Hope And Comfort - Heroism Personified

2009-12-07T12:08:00.000-08:00

Val Kilmer is a man of many accomplishments, he is a powerfully intense and hardworking actor, a melodic singer/songwriter, and writes amazing poetry with depth, poignancy, and humour. Not to mention he is an active humanitarian, dedicated to human and animal rights, Native American affairs, youth orientated programs, and helping to end violence against women. This is just the tip of Kilmer's iceberg.

In recent years, these charities have been the recipient of proceeds from sales of Kilmer's original CD Sessions With Mick, featuring songs penned with friend Mick Rossi, and his poetry anthology entitled Jack's Gandhi, inspired by a drawing created by his son, Jack.

Now we can add blanket designer to his list of accolades.These beautiful works of art are also being offered for sale from Kilmer's website, with proceeds going to the charities as always.

Kilmer and Liz Lake have designed 250 beautiful Limited Edition Pendleton Woollen Mills blankets, into which Kilmer's own signature has been interwoven into the bottom right corner. There are two designs, Gourd People and The Dude. Each individual blanket has a commemorative label indicating the series number. Here are their descriptions taken from Kilmer's official website store where these blankets can be purchased:

Blanket #1: Gourd People

Gourd People is inspired by New Mexico petroglyphs: ancient rock engravings found throughout the magnificent cliffs and mountain faces that epitomize the raw beauty of the “Land of Enchantment.” These images are inseparable from the State’s cultural landscape and the spirits of the ancient people who created them.

Blanket #2: The Dude

The Dude is based on the buffalo skull hanging in Val’s New Mexico home. A family of buffalo call Val’s ranch their home and this blanket is named for a baby buffalo born on the ranch this past year.

Kilmer explains the history of these amazing blankets:

"The blanket is a symbol of the rich trade history of the American Southwest. A constant of Native American life, the trade blanket is emblematic of our nation’s past. Historically, the blanket is an important communication device of emotion, of individual and community identity and status, a poetic statement with both ceremonial and practical uses. The gift of a trade blanket is a way of showing friendship, appreciation, honor and celebrating commemorative milestones and achievements."

The following is just a short list of the charities Kilmer has worked with over the years:

http://www.operationcominghome.org/

Operation Coming Home is a team of veterans, homebuilders, and other volunteers that are dedicated to providing free housing in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area to severely wounded veterans of recent Middle East wars. They help make a wounded veteran feel "right at home" in the Triangle.

http://www.thewildlifecenter.org/

The Wildlife Center is a charity that I have donated to for over ten years. We have released over one hundred wild animals on our wilderness retreat that Dr. Kathleen Ramsey has PERSONALLY treated. Please check it out.

http://www.vday.org/main.html

I heartily support Eve Ensler's V-DAY efforts to help end violence against women and girls.

http://www.indian-affairs.org/

For 85 years, Associates on American Indian Affairs has been working to promote these goals and provide the critical elements that Native American Indian children and families need to live happy, healthy and productive lives.

http://www.warehouse21.org/

Warehouse 21: Our mission is to inspire youth to empower themselves thorough artistic expression and productivity.

http://www.amnesty.org/

Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognised human rights for all.

http://www.habitat.org/

Habitat For Humanity International seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Kilmer also has many exciting film projects in the works, all of them look interesting, but one of which in particular is the one I am most eager to see. As a major fantasy/sci-fi buff, I adored Kilmer as Madmartigan in Willow in the 80's, which is where I first became a fan.

In 2010, Kilmer will be returning to the fantasy genre when he stars in Tales Of An Ancient Empire, a story in which a princess is on a quest to unite the five greatest warriors to save her kingdom from a demon sorceress.

Also in the cast are Kevin Sorbo from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (which had an even more successful spin-off in the Xena: Warrior Princess series), and Christopher Lambert of Highlander fame. We can only hope Kilmer has only just begun his return to the fantasy genre and that similar projects may be under consideration. There is nothing more appealing than the idea that Val Kilmer and heroes are an appropriate fit.

~ Michael Holloway

Strength Through The Shadows: Beth Nielsen Chapman's Recipe For Peace Jam & More Delightful Treats

2009-12-02T07:08:00.000-08:00

Beth Nielsen Chapman is an amazing woman, not just for her beautiful music, but because she is a genuinely caring person who shares her faith with people to unify humanity in all its varying shades, rather than trying to use one particular doctine to force people to conform as certain religions are wont to do.

In 2007, she released her latest album Prism: The Human Family Songbook and an accompanying DVD, If Love Could Say God's Name, which incorporates a soul stirring concert with a church service so profound and inspirational with its message of unification. To understand where this depth and passion comes from, one only has to look at Chapman's life, and how she shares her joys and sorrows with the world to teach us a new way of living.

In 1994, Chapman's beloved husband Ernest lost his battle with cancer. Chapman herself has battled breast cancer and a brain tumour but has thankfully survived both, thanks to not only modern medicine, but also to her devout faith. Ernest had an MA in philosophy and was fascinated with the meaning of life and the relationship with God in all aspects of many different cultures and faiths.

Chapman states: "A few months before his death he wrote a letter and sent it to everyone he'd known and loved in his life asking if they would be so kind as to send him a brief note telling him what they believed happens when we pass out of this world."

The Chapman family's friends, who ranged from all cultures and religions from Christian to Muslim, all sent letters and prayers, including one particular (un-named) friend who was a devout atheist. Ernest had had many colourful arguments with this friend during the course of their lives debating all facets of faith, or lack thereof. The atheist friend had also offered this prayer upon receiving Ernest's request.

"I'm probably not, as you know, the best person to ask this question of at a time like this. Nothing has changed. I still feel the same way, still, because I love you, today I sent up for you the prayers of an atheist."

Ernest said to his wife "Wow. That would have to be the most powerful prayer to have had to travel so far."

Thus the inspiration for one of the central songs from the Prism album was born, Prayers Of An Atheist in which Chapman shares her belief that: "Whatever anyone's beliefs are we are born to love and create, which, to me has always been the greatest proof of God's existence. And even the prayers of an atheist have value as I can attest from the amazing grace it brought to my husband in the last days of his life. "

This became the cornerstone with which Chapman sought to find the universal thread in all faiths or non-faiths and weave them together to inspire people to look outside the doctrines of any one particular set of beliefs and try and understand and reflect the values of different cultures and ideologies. To further this crusade, Chapman allied herself with two very special and important organisations, PeaceJam and PeaceMala.

PeaceMala aims to promote "understanding, respect, friendship, tolerance and peace between all communities, cultures and enlightened, compassionate faiths. PeaceMala promotes global citizenship and invites all people to treat each other with respect and compassion regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexuality, ability, size or age.

PeaceMala was founded in 2002 by Pam Evans, former Head of the Department of Religious Studies at Coedcae Comprehensive School in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales. I personally have been fortunate enough to talk to Pam online, since she discovered one of my posts about this subject on the Jon Peter Lewis website/forums and other music sites I frequent. In fact, she specifically signed up to post on the JPL forums to chat more about this noble endeavour with my friends and myself.

PeaceMala arose from discussions regarding race relations after the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, and how one student in particular became a target for misplaced distrust and outright prejudice simply for being Islamic. Student Imran Sheikh states that: "I suffered from racist taunts and our local mosque was attacked following September 11 and that is when the Peace Mala all started."

Pam Evans gave up her position at Coedcae School in 2005 to focus on her work with PeaceMala. She was awarded the Noble Soul Award in 2006 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to challenging Islamaphobia in schools. The award was presented by RAHMA (Racial Attacks and Harassment Monitoring Association) on the International Day of Peace.

PeaceJam takes this ideal further with active charity events like an upcoming auction to be presented on E-Bay starting December 7, 2009, where five hand-painted guitars will be auctioned off and proceeds will go toward funding more PeaceJam events. Each guitar has been signed by the following Nobel Peace Laureates and supporters of PeaceJam: The Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Oscar Arias Sanchez, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi, Jose Ramos Horta, Adolfo Ramirez Esquivel, and Betty Williams.

The mission of the PeaceJam Foundation is to: "create young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities and the world through the inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates who pass on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody."

Also included with each guitar is a Letter of Authenticity from the President/Co-Founder of PeaceJam, Ivan Suvanjieff.

Another interesting project that Beth Nielsen Chapman has been working on (and which comes as a pleasant surprise to me) is a new limited edition EP which is available to purchase from her website store. The product is described as being a "New Limited Edition sneak preview featuring Shadows from the new BNC record."

Chapman's new album, Back To Love, will be released sometime in 2010, so this looks like an early treat for eager fans who (understandably) cannot wait for the new full-length CD release. She will also be touring the United Kingdom in the new year.

Another fascinating project Chapman is involved with is the I Heart Benefit For Cancer Schmancer hosted by fellow cancer survivor and spokesperson, the lovely and talented Fran Drescher from the hit sitcom The Nanny. The benefit will be held at The Million Dollar Theatre at 307 S. Broadway, Los Angeles on December 13 from 7:00 PM, although doors will open an hour earlier. Guests at the event will include: Jackson Browne, The Bird & The Bee, Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman, The Whispertown2000, Chris Pierce, Arrica Rose & The...'s (actual band name although I am unsure how to pronounce it,) Charlotte Martin, Caitlin Crosby, Vertigo Posse, Charlyne Yi, Mortified, and more.

More information and a direct ticket link can be found by clicking on the relevant links provided.

Leaving Out Christ for the PC Christmas

2009-12-01T02:08:00.000-08:00

Twas the Month Before Christmas

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away,

The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen

On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

not Happy Holiday!

annonymous

Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

The Bangles Help Keep The Light Alive For Lou Gehrig's Disease Sufferers

2009-11-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro are one of the most beloved songwriting teams in music history, their hits include pop-rock standards such as "We Belong," "Keep The Light Alive," "If You Loved Me Like That," "You Stay On My Mind," and many more.

Then sadly, Eric Lowen was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.) According to the Keep The Light Alive website, ALS is a "neurodegenerative disease that usually attacks both upper and lower motor neurons and causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord. First discovered in the mid 1800s and they still have no idea where it comes from or are anywhere near a cure. It is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time."

That is not even counting the many people worldwide who also suffer from the illness.

The music community immediately rushed to support Lowen by collaborating on an album of classic Lowen & Navarro tunes to raise money for research and proactive ways to fight this disease. Many artists came forward to offer their services, but only those who who made it clear they wanted to be a part of celebrating Eric Lowen's contributions as a singer, songwriter, and performer were chosen, and who could dedicate time and talent in equal measures to the project, including active promotion.

Artists who were chosen include The Bangles, Jackson Browne, John Ondrasik, Keb' Mo', Severin Browne, Joel Rafael, Andy Chase, The Refugees, Freebo, Eddie From Ohio, Phil Parlapiano, Charlie Wadhams, and Stonehoney.

Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, and Debbi Peterson are the main driving force behind The Bangles, with former bassist Michael Steele having left the band in 2004. Lending their celebrated and harmonic voices and formidable instrumental talent, the trio performed a cover of the Lowen & Navarro anthem "We Belong", which was also a huge hit for Pat Benatar in the 80s. Joining Hoffs (rhythm guitar), Vicki (lead guitar, keyboards) and Debbi (drums) are fellow musicians Abby Travis on bass and John Cowsill (husband of Vicki Peterson and brother of Susan Cowsill) playing the congas.

Hoffs, in particular, has known Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro since 1985, when Eric began dating her best friend Mary. She even remembers a night at Mary’s apartment when Lowen and Navarro had the spark of inspiration to form an acoustic duo.

Hoffs reminisces fondly: "We all fell in love with the blend of their distinct voices, Eric's angelic purity and Dan's resonant soulfulness. They wrote and performed song after beautiful song [and we] recorded a few of them - 'I'll Set You Free,''Something To Believe In,' and 'Everything I Wanted,' all co-written with Eric and Dan. Here [on the album] we offer our version of the lovely, fervent song 'We Belong' as a thankyou to Lowen and Navarro for so many years of heartfelt and gratifying music."

Three specific organisations that this project will directly benefit include Augie's Quest in honour of fitness entrepreneur Augustine "Augie" Nieto, who together with his wife Lynne are champions in the fight against ALS since Augie's diagnosis in 2005. The second organisation is the ALS Association Greater Los Angeles Chapter which aims to to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global, cutting edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. Then there is The Eric Lowen Trust which was created to offset the enormous costs of fighting his illness and helps support his family, which includes his wife and their five children.

As for The Bangles, they have some fascinating new projects in the works, according to Gracie, the esteemed webmistress of The Bangles Official Website and Return Post Forum, who also acts as an official liaison between the band and their fans.

Debbi Peterson will be collaborating with British singer-songwriter John Wicks by drumming on his new album with his band The Records. Fans are being invited to check out this project at Wick's website and even offer their input.

Vicki Peterson has saucily hinted at some big new project, which she refuses to elaborate on. Gracie hilariously states: "Last but not least (although certainly the most exciting/frustrating) is the news from Vicki that "there is something biggish on the horizon..." But despite Yours Truly's very best efforts to get the rest of the story out of her (bribing, begging, bawling...) she won't give one more peep on the subject! So, I guess we'll all just have to wait to hear what's up... in the meantime, maybe a few (hundred) emails to her inbox demanding the details will turn the tide in our favor? You never know."

Wish Upon A Star This Christmas With Gretchen Peters

2009-11-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

The fabulous singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters is as well-known for her humanitarian endeavours as she is for making beautiful music, and this year, she has quite a few projects which incorporate both.

Peters has collaborated on the second of two albums with an organisation called Bandaged Together with all proceeds going toward the UK based charity Children In Need.

Peters' contribution to Bandaged Together 2 is a cover of the Disney classic When You Wish Upon A Star, which was also beautifully covered by Petra Haden on her 2005 album Petra Haden And Bill Frisell.

On Peters' recording of this iconic song from Disney's Pinocchio, she is superbly joined by musicians Viktor Krauss on bass, Barry Walsh on glockenspiel, and Christine Bougie on lap steel.

Peters has also contributed to the Pudsey Bear project with the creation and E-Bay auction of an original Pudsey Bear (see the link for all the bears being offered for auction), with proceeds also going to Children In Need. The Pudsey Bear was created in 1985 by Joanna Ball and named after her hometown of Pudsey, West Yorkshire. Helen Bach, one of the spokespeople behind the Bandaged Together organisation states that:

"Pudsey represents the work done by BBC Children In Need, and [we ask the recipients] to remember, every time they look at their Pudsey, that it was a thank you to them for using their talent to help a child have a better life! That concept applies equally to all the people who have helped us in whatever way, they have put their particular talent to great use to help children in the UK have a better life! What better gift could they give. "

Another charity that Peters supports is Room In The Inn, a charity to provide shelter, food, and clothing for homeless people during the cold winter months. In 2008, Peters released a Christmas album Northern Lights, (available in our Amazon Affiliates store.) This album is a deeply spiritual and uplifting masterpiece, skillfully interweaving updated versions of standard carols with Peters' own lilting original compositions. She has the uncanny ability to make music which is simultaneously timeless in a classic sense, yet refreshingly progressive.

It is important to note that in 2008, Peters won a Just Plain Folks Award for Northern Lights (Best Holiday Album.) She also won awards for Best Songwriter Of The Year, Best Live Album (Trio), and Best Country Album (Burnt Toast And Offerings) bringing her a total of four awards, an impressive achievement indeed.

Other projects which Peters has released in recent years include her Circus Girl: The Very Best Of Gretchen Peters (which contains rare demos and previously unreleased songs and is a treat for all fans) , and her western themed One To The Heart, One To The Head, a vivid musical depiction of life, love, and heartbreak in the prairies and deserts of the American west. Peters collaborated to stunning effect with Tom Russell for this project.

Along with her award winning albums Trio (featuring a cover of Paul Simon's American Tune), and Burnt Toast And Offerings, as well as her classic trio of early albums (Secret Of Life, Gretchen Peters, and Halcyon,) you have a treasure trove of musical gems, eclipsed only by the lovely heart and soul of the woman who wrote and sang them.

~ Michael Holloway

Unconquered to play at The Santa Fe Film Festival

2009-11-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

Brian Beasley's award winning documentary, Unconquered; Allan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family, narrated by Val Kilmer, will be featured at the Santa Fe Film Festival. Get all the info at Val Kilmer The Real Deal.com

Susan Cowsill Is Covered In Vinyl Again

2009-11-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Susan Cowsill, the youngest of the famous musical family The Cowsills, has recorded a new album with her band (The Susan Cowsill Band), which is now on sale at her website.

"Live at Carrollton Station: Covered In Vinyl Series Volume 2" is the much-anticipated follow up to the first "Covered In Vinyl" album from 2007. Proceeds from the sales of these albums go toward the efforts to rebuild New Orleans after the Hurricane Katrina tragedy in 2005. Organisations that directly benefit from these sales include The Carrollton Station Fund and The New Orleans Musicians' Relief Fund.

Along with this collection, Cowsill is also preparing to launch her next album of original music, "Lighthouse," through Threadhead Records, which is set for mixing and post-production in December for a hopefully early 2010 release.

Cowsill states: "While we wait to mix our next CD Lighthouse in early December, we have completed mixing and compiling a couple CIV CDs to make available to y'all. VOL 2 has 1-4 songs from 6 different CIV shows over the last few years. The albums from those shows were Aerosmith's "Greatest Hits", The Beatles' "Revolver", David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust", Linda Ronstadt's "Heart Like a Wheel", Sly and the Family Stone's "Greatest Hits", and Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run". Truly live and full of fun, joy, and love. Hope y'all enjoy it. Y'all can purchase from our website store."

In 2005, Cowsill released her very successful debut solo album "Just Believe It" which has already been reissued twice to popular demand, and besides her early career with her family, she has also released five albums with her former band The Continental Drifters. Also in this band were Cowsill's sister-in-law Vicki Peterson from The Bangles, former husband Peter Holsapple, new husband Russ Broussard, Mark Walton, Carlo Nuccio, Robert Mache, and Ray Ganucheau and Gary Eaton (the latter two having left the band before their big breakthrough.) Although the Drifters officially split in 2001, they have recently put aside old differences and emotional turmoils to tour on and off again as a band, particularly for benefits to raise money for their beloved grass roots home, New Orleans.

In 2008, Cowsill became a part of a project called "Congo's Angels" whose purpose was to record a CD of interweaving themed songs to raise awareness and funding to help combat the rising abuse of women and young girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cowsill collaborated with a vast array of talented and compassionate performers including: Irma Thomas, Neko Case, Eliza Gilkyson, Caroline Aiken, Karen Protti-Bailey, Claire Holley, Kim Carson, Theresa Davis, Mary LaSang, Ruby Rendrag, Gospel Gossip, Sonia Tetlow, Herman Put Down The Gun, Karen Garrabrant, Dede Vogt, Caroline Herring, Janet Bean, and Leilani Rivera Bond.

Here are a couple of excerpts from the press release for "Congo's Angels."

"Women singers, songwriters, and poets have donated 20 tracks for this limited edition compilation CD to raise awareness about violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Congo Week is a global initiative led by students throughout the globe to raise awareness about the escalating violence against women and children in the Congo and provide support. Students and community organizers in at least 100 countries and 1,000 campuses are expected to organize an activity or event in solidarity with the people of the Congo. All proceeds from the sale of "Congo's Angels" will go directly into a special account, designed to offer transparency in accounting. Friends of the Congo,a U.S. based tax-exempt non-profit, will manage this account. No monies, except minimal distribution costs, will be taken from sales.

1.1 million people are displaced in North and South Kivu provinces and living in unspeakable conditions in refugee camps. 200,000 women and children have been raped and brutalised. It is estimated 1,200 people die every day, and it could be stopped tomorrow with enough international will say human rights groups. Anneke van Woudenberg, the Congo specialist for Human Rights Watch, has urged independent journalists to explore the reasons behind the violence. "Things have gotten worse in the last few months," she said. "We desperately need firsthand reports of what is happening here."

In the meantime, fans are eagerly awaiting a possible second volume of songs from these inspirational musicians, both for the brilliant music on offer, and for the chance to make a real difference in the lives of these women who are suffering, often in silence.

Abby Travis Seeks Producer For Album IV

2009-10-25T02:20:00.001-07:00

The sublime singer/songwriter/bass guitarist Abby Travis has an interesting project in the works, made all the more exciting by the fact that she is inviting fans to help mix and produce her fourth solo album, which is tentatively titled "Abby Travis IV" for now.

Travis recently wrote a message to fans:

"Are you interested in becoming an executive producer on my long awaited forthcoming album tentatively titled "Abby Travis IV"? I want to get this record mixed and I'm looking for funding! Become a patron of the arts. I'm totally serious about this request. Please reply to this email if you'd like to know more about the project and how you can help."

Without being signed to any specific record label, independent artists like Travis often have to seek other sources of revenue for funding their projects, and this seems to be a fun way to get fans involved. Anyone with an interest in the production side of the music industry would find an opportunity like this very appealing and beneficial to their career. Plus they would have the satisfaction of helping a truly gifted artist reach old and new fans alike.

Travis had a recent stint as a guest bassist in popular all girl band The Bangles, filling in for the now retired Michael Steele in live performances. This included a successful tour of Australia in 2005, which I was fortunate enough to attend. Travis has also appeared in many other bands, including: The Lovedolls, The Rails. KMFDM, The Meat Puppets, and El Vez, and has played bass for artists such as Kathy Valentine, Vanessa Paradis, Beck, Elastica, Michael Penn, Exene Cervenka's Original Sinners and Gibby Haynes & His Problem.

However, Travis' greatest contributions to the world of music are her three solo albums to date: The Abby Travis Foundation, Cut Throat Standards And Black Pop, and Glitter Mouth.

Now, she is ready to release her fourth album, but needs additional help with mixing and production. Along with her earlier message, she has also stated: "I'm so happy to be finally moving forward with this! If any of you are interested in helping the project by becoming an executive producer, please contact me! I'm able to mix this stuff with the help from my fans!!!"

Travis is also working with a fabulous group called Waterways and may be planning a solo Australian tour. Her fellow band members include: Gary Arce, Mario Lalli, Olive Lalli, Tony Tornay, Tommy Grenas, and Mathias Schneeburger.

In other news, Travis has recently guest starred as a character named Ondria in a fascinating new mystery/romance web series, produced by Justin Tanner, called Ave 43 on YouTube with a talented cast including: Todd Lowe (True Blood), character actress Jayne Taini (Mad Men, Cold Case, Six Feet Under), and Jonathan Palmer (House, CSI, Boston Legal.)

Travis encourages fans to check out the series:

"A new episode is posted every week or two. If you like what you see, please subscribe and rate."

A Journey To Fame With Giovanna Gattuso And Cynthia Gibb

2009-10-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

In July 2010, actress/singer Cynthia Gibb and renowned vocal coach/singer Giovanna Gattuso will be touring Italy for a reprise of their successful and popular Journey To Fame series of masterclasses, an intensive program of vocal workshops designed by Gattuso's and Gibb's Venice Voice Academy which has a campus in both Venice, California, and Torino, Italy.

Also, Gattuso has written a book about her innovative vocal techniques which she calls The Crossover Singing Method which is also the title of the book. The aim of the book and the masterclasses is to teach this complete method for all singers, choir directors, teachers, and students at every level, dedicated to vocal training from basic to advanced. The resources within are designed to develop and maintain a healthy, balanced, expressive voice with the coordination you need to sing all the various styles.

Gattuso herself states that she can "personally testify that a 'good and healthy' vocal technique allows one to sing anything. There is no difference between a classical technique, or a modern technique of this style or that one. To utilise the voice correctly, in my opinion, there is only one technique, and the limitations are not in the voice itself, but in the limitations that we as human beings place in front of ourselves."

There are several accolades offered by readers who have already benefitted from Gattuso's teaching, and one review by Garrison Fewell states:

"I found her to be among the finest vocalists in today's jazz world. Giovanna's technique is impeccable, her creativity shines in her recorded works and even more brilliantly so on stage, her compositional talents are truly outstanding and she is an excellent producer. Giovanna will surely continue to be a role model for female musicians everywhere."

Gattuso's last album, Jungle E Maree won her the Latin Female Singer/Songwriter and Best World Music Album at the 16th Annual International Los Angeles Music Awards in 2006.

She describes her album as being "inspired by my Mediterranean Sea world...the warm air of Southern Italy, the ancient smell of the Mediterranean Sea, Jungle E Maree is an exotic blend of brazilian and mediterranean influences."

Gattuso's partner in the Venice Voice Academy is the eternally fresh and sparkling Cynthia Gibb who has been working in the entertainment industry for at least 30 years, although to look at her, you certainly would not dream she has a child in college.

As gifted as she is an actress, one aspect I have always admired about Gibb is her musical talent, and after seeing her Golden Globe nominated performance in Gypsy (1993), opposite the legendary Bette Midler, I have always wished to hear more of Gibb's musical prowess. True, she has appeared in such productions as the 80s hit series Fame (for which she was nominated for a Young Artist Award in 1982), and has given stellar performances in The Karen Carpenter Story, but I am positive many fans would love to see the lady release a solo CD someday.

In the meantime, Gibb and Gattuso are soon to publish A Journey To Fame, a book which explores their journey together as two inspirational women who give their time, their talent, and their love for music to nurture and inspire greatness in future generations of musicians.

Jane Wiedlin - Bowling For Boobies To Fight Breast Cancer

2009-10-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

Jane Wiedlin is not only a superlative musician and actress, but she is also at the forefront of an inspirational movement to help fight one of the biggest threats to women today, breast cancer. This disease also affects men according to new studies, so everyone should get involved in some way to help fight for those who are suffering.

Wiedlin participates in an annual event called Bowling For Boobies which raises money for the women who are battling breast cancer who otherwise cannot afford medical expenses. The event also hopes to bring people from all over the world together in the spirit of togetherness and solidarity. This year's event is being held on October 27, 2009 at Jillian's Hi-Life on Universal City Walk in Los Angeles, California.

Each year, people can bid via E-Bay for a place on the team of whichever celebrity they would like to sponsor, and those who don't make the team or who cannot attend the event, for example those not living in the United States, can do their part by donating to the cause. Every celebrity, including Wiedlin, who participates has a Team Page on the Bowling For Boobies Site where fans can donate. The site is also affiliated with the Busted Foundation which exists to aid those in medically related hardships through financial or educational assistance.

The following is a personal message from Jane regarding a friend of hers, Edith Speed, who inspired Bowling For Boobies and who sadly has since passed away because she had been battling breast cancer which is why she started the yearly event, to help other people who were also battling cancer.

Hello close personal friends of mine,

This October 27, I'll be once again participating in the charity bowling tournament called "Bowling for Boobies". B4B was started in 2004 by my best friend Edith Speed, who was battling breast cancer, to raise funds for other cancer chicks, since stupid insurance companies of course never cover everything and people go into deep debt when they get ill. B4B gives money DIRECTLY to local women in need of aid while they are fighting breast cancer.

Sadly, my dear friend Edith passed away 2 months ago. In honor of her, this year my bowling team name is The Speed Demons.

I know it's a lot, but in the interest of preserving breasts, one of our greatest natural resources, I'm humbly asking you to donate to this worthy and necessary cause. If you can't, I understand!

There is a prize and lots of glory for the bowler who raises the most money. I'd like to be that player!

If you want to learn more about this event, go to bowlingforboobies.com
By the way, the non-profit organization that throws this party is the Busted Foundation. Gifts of swag and/or cash are tax deductible!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

A little background on Jane Wiedlin. She was a founding member of the pioneering all girl band The Go-Go's, writing much of the song content (along with Charlotte Caffey and Kathy Valentine), performing backing vocals and playing rhythm guitar. She still tours with the band semi-regularly and has had much success with her own solo music from 1985-2000. She also led a band of men for a shortlived project in 1996 called FroSTed which despite only producing one album, has a huge fan following. Wiedlin is still a vital part of the music world, having many fans who are eager to hear more of her music. Wiedlin is also an accomplished actress (live action and animated) and she "is a self-confessed sci-fi nerd" (hey, SHE said it...and the capitalised "ST" in FroSTed stands for "Star Trek".) Wiedlin also has her own comic book series, Lady Robotika. An avid animal lover and all round humanitarian, Wiedlin supports many charities and is as hardworking and devoted to these as she is beautiful and talented.

Here are just some of Wiedlin's charities:

Charities Jane works with:

Steel Bridge Songfest
Bowling for Boobies
Greyhound Adoption Center
Dane County Humane Society
Humane Society of the United States
Petfinder.com
est-care.net/" target="_blank">Chinese Crested Rescue
Almost Home Animal Rescue

The Bangles - Back In The Studio

2009-10-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

The Bangles, one of the great girl bands of the 80's are back in the studio, and fans are eagerly awaiting the collection of new songs and covers (Bangles always like to "mix it up" in their music selections.) Susanna Hoffs (left), and the Peterson sisters, Debbi (centre) and Vicki (right) will be working predominantly as a trio, since they are currently without a regular bass player following Michael Steele's departure in 2004, and a string of on-and-off fill-ins.

An update from Gracie, the moderator of Return Post (The Bangles message board) and webmistress of The Bangles Official Website , reveals tidbits from both Vicki and Debbi Peterson about their new project.

"According to Debbi, it's sounding great - and a little different in style than what you might be expecting. Vicki's also hinted that the album will contain a couple of covers - some new to the Bangles, and some that long-time fans may remember from 80's era concerts."

Also on the horizon is the exciting tidbit that Debbi Peterson has a side project in the works, since she has not had one of these since 1995 when she created Kindred Spirit, a double act she formed with Liverpool import, Siobhan Maher (formerly of the River City People, now known as soloist Siobhan Maher-Kennedy.)

According to Gracie: "A little birdie also told me that a certain beautiful blonde drummer will be doing some work on a side project in the very near future... can't wait to get the scoop on that!"

Regarding the new album by the band, The Bangles will be working with guest musicians, as has been the case with past projects, including the omnipresent yet always mysterious keyboard player known affectionately as "Harpo" and guest bassist Matthew Sweet. Any hardcore Bangles fan knows that the band has always shared the vocals between the members, there has never been any "official lead singer", and although they are known to accept songs from songwriters outside the band and to work with guests, they have always written the bulk of their own material and play their own instruments, namely Susanna Hoffs on rhythm guitar, Vicki Peterson on lead guitar, and Debbi Peterson on drums.

Sweet will be filling in for Michael Steele, who left the band in 2004, who was briefly replaced with the talented Abby Travis, who joined Hoffs and the Petersons on a tour of Australia in 2005 which I was fortunate enough to attend. Travis has since returned to her solo work and will be releasing her fourth solo album within the next year.

Hoffs and Sweet recently had success with the July 2009 release of "Under The Covers 2," a collection of tributes to songs from the 70s, which in turn is a sequel album to their 60's tribute from 2006, entitled "Under The Covers 1." Some of the popular favourites from these albums include covers of Linda Ronstadt & The Stone Poneys' "Different Drum," Neil Young & Crazy Horse's "Cinnamon Girl," and The Zombies "Care Of Cell #44" from the first volume; and The Grateful Dead's "Sugar Magnolia," Mott The Hoople's "All The Young Dudes", and Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," for the second. This last song was also performed superbly by Anna Waronker & Ze Malibu Kids for their 2002 album "Sound It Out."

Stay tuned for further news on The Bangles new album and Debbi Peterson's mysterious side project in future updates.

~ Michael Holloway

Bette Midler's Birthday Fundraiser - She'll Never Forget It You Know!

2009-10-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

"I will never forget it, you know! I was having tea with my girlfriend Clementine, and suddenly the doorbell rang. I answered the door, there was a delivery boy with two dozen roses.

The card read 'Love, from your boyfriend Ernie."

I said to Clementine, "Do you know what this means? For the next two weeks, I am going to be flat on my back with my legs wide open!"

Clementine says to me "What's the matter with you, ain't you got a vase?"

So what do you give the Divine Miss M for her birthday? A vase?

Umm no, not unless you are planning on wearing said vase.

"Just a little "yoke"... **** 'em if they can't take a joke," as Midler herself would say.

Fortunately, there is a much better - and safer - idea.

The honorable Don Bradshaw, webmaster of premiere Bette Midler themed blog Bootleg Betty and his fellow Betteheads worldwide have planned a special project for Midler's 64th birthday which is being celebrated on December 1, 2009.

Between now and November 28, 2009, Don and Bootleg Betty are hosting a special fundraiser for our Divine One, in honour of her amazing work with the New York Restoration Project. Fans are being invited to send donations to Midler care of Kristen Dougherty from the NYRP, along with a card to wish her a Happy Birthday and any other loving sentiments we feel. It is important to reiterate that this is not a "Send fan mail to Bette" project, this is a fundraiser which is designed to benefit the NYRP in Bette's honour. Fans can send cards of course, but are expected to donate a minimum of $35.00 minimum to the charity if they wish to participate.

According to Don's blog regarding the event, these are the official rules:

Starts: October 1, 2009 through November 28, 2009

Minimum Donation: $35.00 then to the moon(if you can’t make the minimum, then just give what you can. It’s okay. The economy sucks….)

1. Purchase a birthday card or make your own

2. Enclose your check or money order (credit card info below)

3. Important-Make the check out to NYRP. Write on the check where there’s room….”Happy Birthday Bette – BLB” to let her know it came from the BLB group so they can tally how much money we raised. Write this on the check and the back of the envelope…make sure you follow this part carefully or your donation won’t get counted nor will it make it into the box being presented to Ms. Midler.

4. Beginning on Oct 1 through Nov. 30 Mail the check to (make sure to write Happy Birthday Bette – The BetteHeads on the back of the envelope….very important)

5. You may also use their Credit Card page. Beginning in September they will be rolling out a new design. You may choose one of the already allotted donations or ‘Other’ and make up your own. When you get to the end of the process a Comment Box should appear – just write “Happy Birthday Bette – BLB” to let them know to count your donation with the Bootleg Betty group. You can still send a card. However, don’t send anything or use credit card until Oct 1, 2009.

6. For Cards with Enclosed Checks start sending beginning Oct 1 through Nov. 28th. Keep everything positive. Please send to:
Attn: Kristen DoughertyNew York Restoration Project254 West 31st Street,10th FloorNew York, NY 10001

7. Bette will be presented the birthday cards and donations in a Handmade Memory Box on her birthday or close to it.

8. Then NYRP will tally the totals.We need a lot of participants, so start saving up or raising money. The birthday card will give you a chance to express some of your feelings. So let’s make this successful and maybe make this a yearly thing. At least we tried. Pass this along to your other Bette friends and get them involved, too.

9. All donations are tax deductible!

Here is a look at the lovely Memory Box, designed by Mary Russell, with which Midler will be presented on her birthday containing all the donations and cards. See more images here:

So, let's make Bette Midler's birthday such a special one that she "will never forget it, you know" and help clean up the environment in the process and have fun working together for the greater good.

~ Michael Holloway

Rhae Ann Theriault's Heart Of Gold

2009-10-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

Recently gathered at the BraveHeart Awards were the following luminaries and celebrities such as presenters Courteney Cox, Mariel Hemingway, Marla Maples, Loni Anderson, Frances Fisher, Rolonda Watts, Siedah Garrett, and Stefanie Powers. Recipients included Maya Angelou, Carol Channing, Delta Burke, Kate Edelman Johnson, Dr Michael and Rickie Byars Beckwith, and Mary Fanaro. All of these inspirational people won awards for exemplary humanitarian work they have done, and deservedly so, yet there was someone in the audience who surely should have won an award too.

The young lady is Rhae Ann Theriault, an unsung heroine in animal rescue, whose amazing work with her 2TheResQ organisation is dedicated to rescuing neglected and or abused animals and finding good and loving homes for them. Theriault has been working in animal rescue for over twenty-five years. Born in Chicago and raised in the suburb of Glenview, Illinois, and now living in California, she has had a 'soft spot' for animals since she was able to walk and talk.

"It first began when I started bringing home abondoned field mice and injured birds. This soon grew in to a life-long love affair with creatures big and small, domestic and wild, furry and winged (or anything in between.")

She is currently writing a mission statement and working towards becoming a 501 non-profit in Los Angeles County.

One of Theriault's most inspirational stories regards a dog named Charlotte she has since adopted and given a loving home to. This is Charlotte's harrowing story in Theriault's own words:

"Charlotte, a sweet, young, American Staffordshire Terrier, had been sitting in a cold, damp, concrete cell at Downey Animal Shelter for seven long months while a court case for her abuser dragged on. She had been beaten and used as a bait dog by her previous owner. Then, after all these months of waiting, as fate would have it; she was scheduled to be euthanized. I simply couldn't allow this to happen. My friend, Hali, joined me on the long journey to the Downey Shelter. We pulled her out of there before it was too late. The staff members had gotten to know her so well after all, she'd been there longer than any animal, only kept alive due to the on-going investigation. Officer Sherman and Gacey's eyes welled up with tears when they realized the day they thought would never arrive was here! The sad dog that they allowed to run off leash in building 2, walked daily, and played with, was getting out, about to embark on a new journey, a new life, where she would be loved and allowed to be the happy dog she was meant to be! Charlotte is an unbelievably sweet, affectionate, loving dog who kisses everyone she meets well, all humans, that is. Unfortunately, she has "issues" with other dogs - due to her horrific past. Two weeks ago, Charlotte was brought to "Green Dog," a wonderful boarding facility in Los Angeles. There she is being socialized with other dogs and learning to be in a pack! UPDATE May 17th, 2009: I just hung up the phone with Marcus ("Green Dog" founder) who said he is going to be sending video footage (which I'll be posting) of Charlotte PLAYING with other dogs! He was on his couch, watching the Laker's game, with Charlotte's head on his lap and three other dogs... just hangin' out!! I'm doin' a Happy Dance!"

The following was just now received by me as an update from Theriault regarding Charlotte's life and future:

"Regarding Charlotte, she was transported up to Sacramento, several months ago, to join her new adoptive home. It didn't work out because she still had some agression towards other dogs (due to her severe abuse). She is now at Camelot Animal Sanctuary (outside Seattle) where she is further being socialised for permanent adoption. Her guardian angel's name is Sandi. I miss her so but am confident she is living a happy life, fully expressed!"

Theriault's talents are not limited to the care and nurture of animals however, she is also an accomplished singer, dancer, and actress who worked with The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, and fellow Staggering Harlettes, Carol Hatchett and Melanie Taylor during much of the 90's. It was because of the quartet's fantastic performance in the 1997 concert DVD "Diva Las Vegas" that I first came to know Theriault online and I was immediately entranced with this beautiful and talented lady's immense wit, outrageous humour, and compassionate heart, for both animals and good people who are also committed to making the world a better place. Theriault's good deeds and amazing talent cannot remain hidden in the shadows, the world needs to meet this amazing person and get involved with helping her achieve her aim of helping the world's animals.

It is little wonder that Rhae Ann Theriault has been nominated as one of the Boomer Hot Women Of 2009 at "Living Life...Boomer Style" magazine.

~ Michael Holloway

Belinda Carlisle Has A Go-Go At Writing Her Memoirs

2009-10-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

On May 11 2010, Belinda Carlisle will be publishing her memoirs after much deliberation over the years as to whether or not she ever would. Both the autobiography and the accompanying audio CD will be entitled "Lips Unsealed: A Memoir". Note, this is not a new music album by Carlisle, rather it is the audiobook version of the memoirs. Although she is working on a new album, no further details have been released by Carlisle or her record label about this, except other than to say that the new album will be in English.

Carlisle won the hearts of audiences all over the world when she struck gold with iconic 80's band The Go-Go's in 1981 with their debut album "Beauty And The Beat" which among other gems, yielded the pop hit "Our Lips Are Sealed", penned by fellow band member Jane Wiedlin. After a successful run of subsequent albums, The Go-Go's went on hiatus while the various members worked on various solo projects, to varying degrees of success.

Carlisle was the most successful, and released six solo CDs between 1986 - 1996, during which time she briefly reunited with her band in 1994 before fully reuniting with them from 2000 onward. The Go-Go's are still a tour deforce as a touring band, and the members still do their own thing. Carlisle released an album of french chansons entitled "Voila" in 2007, and is about to embark on a fascinating new project.

After years of tossing around the idea of writing her memoirs from her days with The Go-Go's (including Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Gina Schock) , and presumably reminiscing through her days as a flame haired rock goddess, and her recent sojourn as a french chanteuse, Carlisle has at last penned her memoirs, aptly titled "Lips Unsealed: A Memoir".

As to what stories will be included in the memoirs, these have not been revealed, although anyone familiar with The Go-Go's spicy reputation and sometimes even sordid punk lifestyle from the late 70's and early 80s should be aware that the material might not be suited to those who are easily shocked.

To give you an idea as to what might be in the book, in one story, elaborated further in my own feature article for The Go-Go's, Carlisle stated:

"At least fifty punks were living at the Canterbury. There were a few homeless street people hanging out there too, but there was music coming from every room. You'd walk into the courtyard and there'd be a dozen different punk songs all playing at the same time. It was an incredible environment. When heroin came into the scene, that was the great divide. Either you did it or you didn't. In the beginning, they were my friends, but the heroin thing kind of scared me. At the Canterbury, there were pills and lots of booze, there were these girls bringing in Demerol. That got really icky, everybody nodding out."

So, if you want to know more about this amazing band, you'll have to wait until May 2010 for the rest of the juicy details.

~ Michael Holloway

Chris Isaak: Mr. Lucky

2009-05-23T23:49:00.000-07:00

Chris Isaak released a new album back in February and it is doing well. On Amazon.com it is ranked #112 in music--of all genres. There are 53 reviews and most of them are very positive; with over 50% of the reviewers giving this a Five Star review.

Chris Isaak, the epitome of modern musical cool, is back with Mr. Lucky, his first non-holiday studio album since 2002. Filled with his distinctive, sweetly moody, slyly sexy retro-pop, Mr. Lucky debuts alongside the television premiere of 'The Chris Isaak Hour', a weekly music-and-talk series on A&E's Bio Channel. Isaak's fans will consider themselves fortunate that new music from their Mr. Lucky has finally arrived. This description is from Amazon.com where you can listen to the tracks of this release and download the MP3s.

Dancing with the Stars and American Idol Judging Stinks, Boring, and on My Last Nerve

2009-05-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I probably shouldn't watch them both in the same night with the judges on these shows. I have been pretty quiet about this, but I can't remain mum tonight. Is it just me or do you think the judges are full of it?????

I mean, for instance, on Dancing with the Stars could they shove their noses any further up Gile's butt? And, the disdain for the other dancers--could it be any clearer? Especially Melissa--to me, she is a fabulous dancer and they don't give her the credit, in my opinion, she is due. I like Shawn, too--and their score for her...a bit limp on the second dance she did last night. And, Melissa, got screwed for both dances.

Here are a few points, she started two days before the show, everyone else had four weeks on her. The dance steps are much more intricate for the women than the men. And, like Ginger Rogers is credited to having said--they do every step the man does, and more, plus, they do it backwards and in high heels.

Now, don't get me wrong, I think Gio is a good dancer, I like him--I like all of the dancers, but the judges get on my nerve with their critiques and biases. They are wearing thin with me. I think I'll start fast forwarding when they talk their jibberish...and enjoy my evening just watching the beautiful dancing.

What are your thoughts?

Now for Idol--do you think they want Adam to win????? I didn't like the way he did his first song tonight--but again, after the judges got done critiquing him--they too had their noses brown all the way to their necks. The second song Adam did I enjoyed, but my fiance' didn't recognize the song! And, he does know the song...it was just a bit too much changed up in the middle.

I don't know about you, but I miss Allison. How bout you?

Chanel Notes, Entertainment Writer
Living Life…Boomer Style
Tea Party Updates
Most Obnoxious Blog

AC/DC in Concert

2009-05-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

foxborough massachusetts east rutherford new jersey san diego california grand rapids michigan tacoma washington east rutherford san jose anaheim vancouver bc edmonton ab winnipeg

AC/DC are in concert and if you're lucky, their coming to a town near you. They have had great reviews on their concerts and Slow Ride continues to be one of the crowd favorites. Yes, mine too.

Check out their schedule, listen to some bangin' tunes, and grab your concert tickets now, before they are sold out.

Dawn Bonner, Editor in Chief
Living Life…Boomer Style
Tea Party Updates
Most Obnoxious Blog

Update from Beth Nielsen Chapman on Her Recent Brain Surgery

2009-05-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

First and foremost...I want to say that I'm so beyond grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers I've received during my recent brain surgery. I'm so happy to be typing and feeling completely connected and functional with regard to my "language center" of my brain. Swelling is down...black eye is almost presentable and I'm filled with joy as I'm writing this.

All of the benign tumor was successfully removed and again, I was very lucky for the early detection thanks to an unrelated inner ear virus that came up a couple weeks ago. I'm doing really great. Fluctuating between euphoria to be on the other side of this, and the desire to clean the whole house (partly steroids I know).

I am moving about for a few minutes followed by, "I'd better sit down now" exhaustion because a couple days ago they drilled a hole in my head! But I'm feeling better every day...My brain is working in a most wonderful way. It's too early to know if it's partially an effect of the anti-seizure medication I'm on for the next several days, but I wrote half a lyric yesterday morning and I have to say it was a euphoric experience, considering my prior fear of waking up with any damage to my "poetry center" which is where all the action has been.

All I know is, for someone with a lifelong ADD challenge (which I, in the past have sometimes considered in part to be a gift when searching for the 'right word' while writing) I had a very different, comfortable, and quiet few moments of lyric writing that were downright focused and very reassuring!

I had a most profoundly talented brain surgeon at Vanderbilt Hospital, Dr. Reed Thompson, who delicately and elegantly performed the surgery. I feel certain he was held in light and surrounded by the prayers coming from so many friends and loved ones around the world. Although it turned out to be a little more involved as some tiny vessels seemed to have begun to attach the tumor to my brain, all appears to have been removed and the scans look excellent. There will be some further studies of the tumor for any indications that it could be "atypical" but even in that case the prognosis is very good though more frequent monitoring would be in order. But since it's all been removed I'm in a good place for a full recovery.

Thanks again for the love and support!!

~Beth Nielsen Chapman

Beth Nielsen Chapman Has Brain Surgery

2009-05-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Here is Beth's news:

*Note she is talking about a recent tour of hers

****You'd never know from the smile on my face that I was still recovering from a rather strange inner ear virus (all gone now thank goodness) that caused me to have some very weird hearing problems and balance issues the week prior to the performance.

The lucky thing is, in the course of spending the previous week going through tests and MRI's to determine what was going on with my hearing, a small brain tumor was discovered that appears to be growing. The doctors seem to all agree that although it appears to be benign, it is a good idea to have it removed.

So I'll be going in for brain surgery on April 30th. I already know there are "Angels By My Side" since they obviously arranged for this inner ear virus to cause me to have an MRI, etc. etc....so I have every reason to feel confident that there will be a full recovery for me.

I've had to cancel a few shows but I should be up and around within a few weeks, and hopefully I'll be tap dancing again soon!

Hopefully I will come through my surgery and healing will no complications. Please keep me in your prayers. I look forward to being on the other side of this as I've got a lot of songs to finish!****

It's wonderful that she's so positive, although I suspect deep down there is more than a little worry there (I know I am worried even though I'm not the one going through this), and the album that Beth proposed for January 2010 is keeping her spirits up and the work she has yet to complete for that will inspire her to get better.

Click here for more on Beth and her life.

Cheers, Michael

Living Life…Boomer Style
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►Will Desperate Housewives Latest Kill Hurt the Show?

2009-04-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Well, after a few years of rumors, it has finally happened. Desperate Housewives finally killed off Edie Britt.

When the was news of her demise was spinning around a few months ago, my wish was...this cannot be true, hopefully just another rumor; but when she was left on the ground after being electrocuted, it seemed they were bent on killing her off.

Hope against hope, they did.

Buddy TV has a poll about this and 72 percent of the people who took the poll feel the same way, very disappointed that she's leaving the show.

Since, she began on the show it was always my hope they would give her more airtime and Fellicity Huffman's character, Lynette Scavo, less time. One of my wishes came true. To me, Nicolette Sheridan's character, Britt really helped to make the show fun, edgy, and humorous.

Britt and Gabrielle Solis, portrayed brilliantly by Eva Longoria, are my two favorites, followed closely by Bree Van De Kamp, played by Marcia Cross.

I love how they styled Sheridan this season, so well groomed and elegant, very stylish with such of a smart fashion sense. Reminiscent of back to the 40s with elegance and yet contemporary for today. The fashion was upped this season from previous seasons and, for me, was rivaling Sex and the City for the consummate look at boomer women and fabulous fashion. And, Britt was one of the major fashion icons on the show.

The show has now lost some of the enchantment with her gone.

I am hoping they realize what a big mistake they made by killing her off and make it into someone's bad dream and bring her back.

What are your thoughts on this?....Will Wisteria lane hold as much attraction for you with the Edie Britt character ousted?

My fears are we will have to endure more of Susan Mayer's neurotic character and the boring and predictable manipulations of Scavo. Edie Britt vamped it up, played off the other characters beautifully and added the common sense the other characters needed to keep them from going too far over-the-top.

Dawn Bonner, Editor in Chief

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►Jerry Hall: Super Model in Demand

2009-04-23T17:15:00.001-07:00

The woman Mick Jagger wrote Missing You for has signed a contract with Ford Modeling agency. The 52-year-old gorgeous blonde used to work with the Ford Agency and now, she's back again. Better and stronger than ever.

Finally, we boomers have models we identify with instead of anorexic 16 and 17 year olds. We applaud you Lagerfeld.

The mother of four has just completed a huge Chanel campaign photographed and designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Her popularity is undeniable and her looks; smoldering hot. Tssszzzzzt.

Hall, who will be 53 on July 2 was born in Gonzales, Texas and currently lives in London with her children.

The super model trend of women out of their teens and signing major campaigns is Claudia Schiffer (38) who is doing campaign work for Bally and Christie Turlington (40) is in the latest Yves Saint Laurent ads.

Dawn Bonner, Editor in Chief

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►Susanna Hoffs Under the Covers 2

2009-04-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

In 2006, Susanna Hoffs fom the band, The Bangles, teamed with longtime friend and fellow 60s music enthusiast, Matthew Sweet, to record an album of covers from their favourite 60s tunes. Three years later, they have joined talents once again to record Under the Covers 2, which will pay homage to the music of the 70s. It will be released on July 21 2009.

Here is a sneak peek at the proposed track listing and the original artists who performed the songs.

Under the Covers 2

1. Sugar Magnolia (The Grateful Dead)
2. Go All The Way (The Raspberries)
3. Second Hand News (Fleetwood Mac)
4. Bell Bottom Blues (Derek & The Dominoes)
5. All The Young Dudes (Mott The Hoople)
6. You’re So Vain (Carly Simon)
7. Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers)
8. I’ve Seen All Good People: Your Move/All Good People (Yes)
9. Hello It’s Me (Todd Rundgren)
10. Willin’ (Little Feat)
11. Back Of A Car (Big Star)
12. Couldn’t I Just Tell You (Todd Rundgren)
13. Gimme Some Truth (John Lennon)
14. Everything I Own (Bread)
15. Maggie May (Rod Stewart)
16. Beware Of Darkness (George Harrison)

The first album was an instant success with selections ranging from Hoffs tender Who Knows Where The Time Goes (Fairport Convention) and Different Drum (The Stone Poneys with Linda Ronstadt), Sweet's sprightly The Kids Are Alright (The Who) and his gentle The Warmth Of The Sun (The Beach Boys), and the awesomely rocking duet Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young & Crazy Horse).

They were given extra tang with covers of songs by: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Velvet Underground (featuring Lou Reed), The Zombies, The Bee Gees, The Left Banke, The Mamas And The Papas, Love, and The Marmalade.

Image of Susanna Hoffs at the Borat movie premiere. Photograph by Richard Chavez.

Michael Holloway, Music Editor

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►Phil Spector Found Guilty of Second Degree Murder

2009-04-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

The verdict is in and music icon, Phil Spector, was found guilty of second degree murder of actress Lana Clarkson. It only took six years for this verdict--but it is finally here. Today at 1:30 p.m. the verdict was handed down.

According to CNN, "The six men and six women began their deliberations on March 26. They deliberated for about 30 hours."

This jury came to their decision unanimously and declared Spector as guilty of murdering Clarkson in his Alhambra, Calif. home; not that she committed suicide as Spector said. His crime is punishable with up to 15 or 18 years in prison. It puts an end--perhaps--to a court case that has become a spectator sport.

After the verdict came in from the first trial, Spector sued his attorney for the one million dollar fee he paid to Robert Shapiro. Another day, he came to court with a ferocious do. And, his wife, Rachelle Spector, had to be gagged by the judge for her outbursts and arguments with the judge during the 2007 mistrial. Plus, she was also leaking emails to the press during the first trial and doing press interviews all designed to sway the jury--the judge said before gagging her.

Now, we have a verdict, at last. The music icon who won two Grammy Awards, was known as the Wall of Sound, and his flattery of Howard Hughes in becoming a recluse, will now enter another phase in his life. One of being a prisoner and making new friends in small spaces.

He was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 for his work with the Ronettes' Be My Baby, the Righteous Brothers' You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling and Ike and Tina Turner's River Deep, Mountain High, the Beatles' Let It Be album, John Lennon's Imagine and the Ramones' End of the Century.

It is sad, that after all his talent, the above feats are almost forgotten and he is now known as the man who liked to play Russian Roulette with women, and the killer of Clarkson, the sixth woman he played with and the one who lost the game.

Dawn Bonner
Editor in Chief
Living Life...Boomer Style

►Johnny Depp Filming New Movie

2009-04-07T01:36:00.001-07:00

Great News, we are going to get to see Johnny Depp up on the big celluloid screen again. Been to long, Johnny, we're jonesing for you, buddy.

Anyway, this looks to be a good one. They are making Bruce Robinson's The Rum Diary in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. No, it's not anything to do with Captain Jack's rum.

This is a film set in the 1950s centered around a newspaper office. Depp plays Paul Kemp and from what I hear, looks great in 1950s era clothing.

No surprise there.

No word yet on when it will be done and released, but they haven't been shooting too many days.

Depp said he loves Puerto Rico, everyone is very friendly and helpful. Welcoming.

Aaron Eckhardt is also in The Rum Diary.

TTFN,
Chanel Notes
LLBS, Entertainment Writer

Back to Living Life...Boomer Style

►Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney

2009-04-07T00:04:00.000-07:00

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr played a date Saturday night, April 4th, 2009. Yes, you read that correctly. They performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York for the David Lynch Foundation.

Starr went onstage first and played a couple of tunes--Yellow Submarine, Boys, and It Don't Come Easy. There were other singers, such as Sheryl Crow who sang My Sweet Lord by George Harrison.

About three hours into the speeches, comedy routines (Denis Leary), and performances, McCartney finally got on stage. Now, McCartney was the headliner--so, apparently Lynch didn't want to rush things. Perhaps he thought he would raise more money--by people trying to buy their way out of there.

McCartney played 12 songs and then introduced Starr as Billy Shears--Starr's pseudoname in the late 60s. Starr and McCartney sang With a Little Help from My Friends and then Starr played the drums with McCartney's band for the last few songs.

They had not played together since performing together at a concert honoring Harrison in 2002. Let's hope this isn't the last we see of the two of them.

BTW: Yoko Ono was also at the fund raiser.

Here's a video of Starr and McCartney on Larry King Live, Ono and Harrison's widow joined them later on another video edition of the Larry King Live show, which aired today.

Enjoy,
Chanel Notes
LLBS, Living Life...Boomer Style

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►Farrah Fawcett in LA Hospital-Stable Condition

2009-04-06T23:27:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite angels was admitted to the hospital over the week end due to a blod clot. Farrah Fawcett has cancer--she has been treating it for a few years now. She found out recently the cancer is also in her liver.

An agent said Fawcett was doing fine, that the early news reports stating she was in a coma were not true. And, that she will be released to go home in a few days. The spokesperson for Fawcett also said she did not get stem cell treatment in Germany for her liver cancer--it is a much more sophisticated and scientific treatment she received. Which may have been the cause of the internal blood sac she needed care for. It is one of the side effects of the treatment she received.

According to the spokesperson and a friend of Fawcett's, she is doing remarkably well. That's our angel, she's a fighter.

The other angel's Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson are with her, as well as Ryan O' Neal and her father. They have stayed by her bedside all week end.

Her son, Redmond, was also with her at the hospital until yesterday when he was busted with drugs at a jail parking lot. Apparently, he was visiting someone and got caught with drugs. Too bad...but that's another story.

Fawcett celebrated her 62nd birthday on February 2.

We send you prayers, dear one.

Chanel Notes
LLBS, Entertainment Writer

Back to Living Life...Boomer Style

►Eric Clapton New Album Live at Madison Square Garden

2009-04-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood's new release is coming out May 19, 2009 and already it is rising the lists at number 383 out of all the music to purchase. As the date gets closer for the release imagine we will see it rocket to the top.

Not only do they have a CD--they are also releasing a DVD of the concert they played together at Madison Square Garden. You can pre-order the 2 CD set now and the DVD. Get a taste of what to we have to look forward to by seeing the reviews below.

And, more great news if you can believe it. On March 01, 2009 Winwood and Clapton announced a 2009 Summer Tour in 14 venues across the United States. Now, that's groovy. Clapton is 64 and Winwood is 60--and their voices are still as strong as ever, their appeal-HUGE. Just goes to show you, Boomer's are like fine wine--we get better with age when we keep rockin.

Reviews:

I saw both Cream's reunion at Madison Square Garden in 2005. While i was delighted to revel in Cream's light, I was utterly blown away by Clapton/Winwood's performance. Hearing Little Wing seque into Voodoo Chile brought a tear to my eye & a chill up my spine. I cant wait to see this!
R. Alboher

I saw the Thursday night show more than a year ago now and I still get chills thinking about it. They shined. Winwood's voice, if possible, was better than ever. Together they are unbeatable. I can't wait to own this. Snippets on YouTube aren't enough. L. Beatty

This reunion yields one of the most emotive moments in rock'n'roll history. Almost forty years after their Blind Faith gig at Hyde Park, this shows made sigh lots of souls over the world. It's a must for anyone who love classic rock.
Julio A. Jimenez Rodarte

Image above: Eric Clapton at Hard Rock Calling concert, Hyde Park, London, June 28, 2008
By the way, Clapton just celebrated his birthday on March 30--happy birthday Eric. We love you.

Chanel Notes, LLBS Entertainment Writer

Back to Living Life...Boomer Style

►U2 in Concert, Get Your Tickets Now, Second Show in Chicago

2009-03-31T16:24:00.001-07:00

U2 sells out Soldier field, announces second show Sept. 13

U2 sold out 65,000 tickets to its Sept. 12 Soldier Field concert in a matter of minutes Monday, and then announced a second Soldier Field show Sept. 13.

Tickets ($250, $95, $55, $30) for the second show will go on sale at 10 a.m. April 6, via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets for the first show were popping up on secondary ticket sites, selling for as high as $3,000.

Besides Chicago, the Irish quartet sold-out concerts in New York (82,000 tickets) and Boston (72,000), setting the largest single-day attendance record in each city, tour producer Live Nation said in a statement.

Chanel Notes
Entertainment Writer, LLBS

Back to Living Life...Boomer Style

►Keith Urban in Concert - Get Your Tickets Now!

2009-03-31T01:18:00.001-07:00

Billed as one of the best concerts, Keith Urban leaves it all out there on the stage. Here is a great profile of Urban, where you will learn about him and see why his concerts are life changing. This feature is so good, author Jeff Apter gave it kudos. Check it out and let us know what you think of it.

Chanel Notes,
LLBS, Entertainment Writer

Back to Living Life...Boomer Style

►Video from Lance Armstrong Regarding Post Surgery

2009-03-27T01:28:00.000-07:00

Lance Armstrong recorded a video to all of his well wishers about his crash, the pins in his shoulder, and thanks you. What a sweet and thoughtful man. Again, our prayers go out to you.

Exclusive Post-Op Interview with Lance -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

►Five Killers in Theaters June 4, 2010

2009-03-26T20:32:00.001-07:00

Five Killers finished its first day of filming today in France. And, you are going to be excited with what I have to tell you next--Tom Selleck will be on the big screen, oh baby. The action comedy stars Ashton Kutcher as a hit man who falls in love with Catherine Heigl. As usual, the love of a good woman always changes a man's life--for a little while at least. Until Kutcher's character finds out there is now a hit on him. Selleck and his wife, played by Catherine O'Hara are Heigl's very concerned parents. Martin Mull is also in the cast.

The screenplay was written by Bob DeRosa who said, "I sat down to write the script 34 months ago. Believe it or not, that's a quick journey."

His script is in the care of fab director Robert Luketic who has brought together an incredible crew for this movie. Apparently, he is as happy as DeRosa after his first day of filming because he tweeted, "Thanks Bob. Thanks for writing the script!"

By the looks of the photos Luketic took--it was a beautiful day of filming--great crew in good spirits, gorgeous day, the water was azure blue, and the sky heavenly blue.

(Photo Above: Rob Luketic the morning of filming. He looks so Hemingway, doesn't he?)

Fun Facts: Kutcher is so funny--he is a hard worker, smart guy, clever, and wise. But, when it comes to waxing--well, here are his words."Oh no! My stunt double waxed his chest. Oh good god nooooo! Brb, I'm in the middle of a debate as to how to avoid doing the same. Son of a ... I think I'm gonna have to bite the bullet. Never done this before. So scared. May have to film it. Stay tuned," twittered Kutcher.

Always one to keep the humor intact no matter how frightened he is.

In response, his director, Luketic said, "Sorry we had order the chest hair be blitzed. We can bring back the 70's fur pelt on the next show."

Hotlanta--watch out, they're coming to your town next, y'all are sooo lucky.

TTFN,
Dawn Bonner, LLBS
Editor in Chief

►Demi Moore's Two New Movies: The Joneses and Bunraku

2009-03-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Ask and you shall receive. We asked for it a few days ago (see blog Demi Moore's husband) and yesterday the beautiful Moore said in a twitter, to those of us who asked, that she has two new movies coming out:

The Joneses with David Duchovny and Amber Heard with Derrick Borte as director. The plot sounds really fun and fresh--it is about three people (Moore, Duchovny, Heard) who live together in a beautiful suburban neighborhood, posing as the perfect American family. But, there real job is to promote luxury products to their neighbors--keeping up with the Joneses, so to speak. There are twists as Moore starts having real fealings for her fake husband and Heard just wants to find herself a rich husband. I don't know when this movie is coming out--except sometime in 2009. Looking forward to it.

Bunraku also will be coming out sometime in 2009 and also looks to be very promising, interesting, and filled with a bit of Oriental mystical magic. Moore plays a vamp who is the love interest of an evil Warlord played by Ron Perlman (omgosh, he is so hot and fabulous in Sons of Anarchy), looks like her character is no innocent, either.

Josh Hartnett plays the good guy who is a loner that rolls into the popular bar Horseless Horseman Saloon of the crime ridden town. Woody Harrelson is the bartender of this comic book type watering hole--and is a wise man--who guides Hartnett and his partner in vanquishing the Warlord and several other criminals.

Guy Mosh wrote the screen play and directed the movie with a sense of comic book, video games, and fantasy type ambiance. Nothing is as it seems in the landscape.

Sergiu Teleuta was one of the set directors for the film. He has several photographs of the bar on his website if you'd like to take a peak.

Fun Facts FYI: Moore's favorite movie she has done is G.I. Jane.

Another little footnote is her daughter is acting and will be on an episode of The Medium next.

My personal view of Moore: It is absolutely amazing to me how this baby boomer, Demi Moore, keeps getting better and better with age. She is one of the most beautiful women in the world--her and Courtney Cox, in my humble opinion. Moore's beauty is inside and out. She really is the epitome of Boomer Hot--living life full-throttle, creating something bigger than yourself (a great mom, actor, spiritual consciousness, wife, friend), doesn’t take herself too seriously and has a wonderful sense of humor.

Boomer Hot is the whole package--and that she is, what a package.

Chanel Notes
LLBS, Entertainment Writer

Update on Lance Armstrong

2009-03-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Lance Armstrong went in for surgery on his collarbone. He handles things with grace and honesty. He sent this photo via Twitter with a message:

"About to head in. See y'all in a few. Livestrong."

Armstrong also said his manager would let us know how he was doing as soon as the surgery was done and Higs did update us immediately. He said, "All went well. Lance is in recovery. Same guy just 12 screws in his collarbone."

You know, you can't keep a good man down because yesterday afternoon Armstrong twittered, "Howdy folks. Made it thru. Took longer than we thought. Playing with my kids right. Making me feel A LOT better."

This morning is a tough day for him, "Surgery/anesthesia/jetlag = hurtin' like hell."

Hang in there Lance, our thoughts and prayers are with you for a healthy, speedy recovery. God's blessings to you, dear one.

Chanel Notes,
LLBS Entertainment Writer

►Marina McBride, Yanni Voices, U2, Diana Krall & Keith Urban Top Selling Releases

2009-03-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

Out Today

Martina McBride's new album Shine is out today. It is already ranked number 12 in the general music category and higher in the country category.

Another new release out today is Yanni Voices. It is already ranked as number six in music at Amazon. Wow, way to go Yanni.

Not a new release, but worthy of attention is U2's No Line on the Horizon is ranked number one in music.

Coming Out March 31st

Diana Krall's new album, Quiet Nights, isn't even out yet and she is ranked number 2 in music overall and number one in jazz, pop, and Broadway.

Keith Urban's new release, Defying Gravity, is also due out March 31 and it is already at number 18 in the music category and number 5 in country music.

Wow, the baby boomers still dominate the music industry after 5 decades. The pre-orders for Krall's CD and Urban's CD are pushing them up the charts. What do you think is going to happen when they debut next week?

Happy Listening,

Chanel Notes
LLBS Entertainment Writer

►Val Kilmer as the Next Rooster Cogburn?

2009-03-23T23:18:00.000-07:00

Could Val Kilmer Be the Next Rooster Cogburn in the Coen Bros. new Film?

We think yes. According to Entertainment News Ethan and Joel Coen will be remaking the classic movie True Grit. The directors will be telling the story from the 14-yr-old girl's point of view. Knowing the Coen brothers—with their earthy sense of humor, this could be very interesting.

No cast has been announced yet, but we at Living Life…Boomer Style Magazine would love to see the role of Rooster Cogburn go to Kilmer.

Cogburn was originally played by John Wayne for which he won an Academy Award. It seems to me, that Kilmer could brilliantly fit into Wayne's shoes and because the film is from a different point of view, Kilmer could definitely make the role of Rooster Cogburn his own.

Not only is Kilmer talented, our readers voted him as the #1 Boomer Hot Male of 2008. Congrats Val.

Share your thoughts...

Shelli Carlisle

Assistant Editor

*** Please leave your name and where you are from. Thank you.

►Eddie Izzard is Brilliant

2009-03-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

So is Minnie Driver and the two of them together, along with the rest of the cast, created something very special in The Riches. I asked Eddie Izzard today when the series was coming back on the boob tube.

And, Izzard said, "We're hoping to do a film of The Riches. Unfortunately, the TV series ended. But we liked us!."

It surprises and saddens me about the series ending. This was a truly fresh, interesting, intriguing, and fun show with incredible writers, acting, and fresh new subject. Yes, I am talking about a TV show.

The good news is the talk of a movie The Riches. Let's hope so.

BTW, Eddie Izzard made it onto our Men's Top 100 Boomer Hot list for 2009. The list comes out in August to celebrate the hot August nights, but you can check out 2008's Boomer Hot list.

Lastly, The Riches, Season 2 comes out tomorrow.

Enjoy the tidbit and folks let's put it out there, we want a movie of and
bring back our TV The Riches series, please.

TTFN,
Dawn, LLBS
Editor in Chief

►Lance Armstrong in Spain

2009-03-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

Lance Armstrong on his bike Image by Annie Leibovitz (one of my faves)

Sorry to hear about Lance Armstrong breaking his clavicle. He will not be finishing the race in Spain. He said he is fine...tonight he was at a friends house watching the sunset and is in bed resting now. Good luck Lance, heal well, heal fast, and get back on the wheels soon.

Dawn, LLBS
Editor in Chief

►Demi Moore's Husband

2009-03-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Ashton Kutcher is on his way to Germany then on to Monaco for principle photography for his next movie. Can't wait to see it. Five Killer's is being directed by Rob Luketic and Tom Selleck will star in it, too.

He and Demi Moore are a fun and humorous couple, sure enjoy their essence together. Wonderful to see loving people who get along in this industry.

Now, the big question is Demi when is your next movie? We want to see you up on the silver screen again, soon.

BTW, if you want to see some great images of Demi, see her in Living Life...Boomer Style's Top 100 Boomer Hot Women. She is so gorgeous.

TTFN,
Dawn, LLBS
Editor in Chief

Jeffrey Katzenberg Brings a New Dimension to Film Making

2009-01-16T20:53:00.000-08:00

"I've been at this 35 years. This is the most exciting development I've ever seen."

~Jeffrey Katzenberg

Possibly the New Wave of the Future

Dawn Bonner

"I love going to movies. I really love the movies, don't you? That is why I got into this business," said Jeffrey Katzenberg as he started sharing of a new technique he was about to show us on the big white screen in San Francisco on January 15. To say he was thrilled to be talking to us seems trite. Proud like a new father--more to the point.

►John Trudell ~ An Unsung Hero

2008-10-20T19:23:00.001-07:00

Living Life...Boomer Style magazine is featuring this month, John Trudell, A Native American Poet, Activist, Musician/Lyricist. Read his incredible story of courage and grace and while you are there, you can hear some of his music and check out his new book, Lines from a Mined Mind.

Get our complimentary newsletter and you could win an autographed copy of Lines from a Mined Mine.

Shelli Carlisle, LLBS
Assistant Editor