Friday, October 7, 2016

Benny Potter

Recent years show a sea change in Hollywood- the biggest movies come from the pages of comic books. These box office successes are driven by fans who love seeing their favorite heroes and villains from comics brought to life on the big screen, from Thor to Superman to Batman and Captain America, Wonder Woman and more. Baddies like Loki, The Joker and Lex Luthor only add to the fun. Welcome to the Golden Age of comic book movies and Comicstorians Benny Potter, Dan Rumbles and Jason Keen are here to help you understand why we these larger-than-life characters have captured the imagination of the world. When it comes to superheroes of the Silver Screen, nobody knows more than the masterminds behind the wildly popular Comicstorian YouTube channel. This definitive guide to comic book films divulges behind-the-scenes secrets and the hidden history behind these must-see movies including how, after very rocky beginnings, they shot to the top with DC and Marvel as two of the most important franchises in the industry. If you love The Hulk, The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man and are still laughing about Deadpool, look no further. With The Rise of Comic Book Movies, you’ll feel like you are on the film set, walking the halls of Valhalla and in your very own Fortress of Solitude with your favorite reads.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Sulome Anderson

THE HOSTAGE’S DAUGHTER: A Memoir of Family, Madness, and the Middle East (Dey Street Books; on sale October 4, 2016; $25.99) is the gripping blend of reportage, memoir, and analysis by a journalist and daughter of one of the world’s most famous hostages, TERRY ANDERSON. Daughter SULOME ANDERSON takes an intimate look at her father’s captivity during the Lebanese Hostage Crisis and the ensuing political firestorm on both her family and the United States—as well as the far-reaching implications of those events on Middle Eastern politics today! In 1991, 6 year old Sulome Anderson met her father, Terry, for the first time. While working as the Middle East bureau chief for the ASSOCIATED PRESS covering the long and bloody civil war in Lebanon, Terry had been kidnapped in Beirut and held for more than 6 years by a Shiite Muslim militia associated with the Hezbollah movement. As the nation celebrated, the media captured a smiling Anderson family joyously reunited. But the truth was far darker. Plagued by PTSD, Terry was a moody, aloof, and distant figure to the young daughter who had long dreamed of his return—and while she smiled for the cameras all the same, she absorbed his trauma as her own. Years later, after long battles with drug abuse and mental illness, Sulome would travel to the Middle East as a reporter, seeking to understand her father, the men who had kidnapped him, and ultimately, herself. What she discovered was shocking—not just about Terry, but about the international political machinations that occurred during the years of his captivity. Sulome tells moving stories from her experiences as a reporter in the region and challenges our understanding of global politics, the forces that spawn terrorism and especially Lebanon, the beautiful, devastated, and vitally important country she came to love. Digging into the past, Sulome recounts how she long held her father’s place in history at arm’s length. Despite her intelligence and talent, Sulome acted out her psychological pain throughout her adolescence, getting expelled from boarding school and embarking on a painful road of drug abuse and crippling self-hatred. Only when she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a serious mental illness, did the missing pieces of the puzzle fall into place. As she began to recover from her condition, she chose to pursue the same career as her father, in the country where almost seven years of his life were stolen, precipitating a dramatic return to the past. In her quest, Sulome interviews many of the key figures tied to the events, including her father’s colleagues at the AP as well as former U.S. government officials and intelligence agents. She interviews such figures as Oliver North and the shady Lebanese editor who broke the story about the Iran-Contra scandal tied to the hostage crisis. At the end of this intricate journey, Sulome’s reporting culminates in extended interviews with one of the men who played a role in her father’s kidnapping. She conducts meetings with shadowy figures in the back alleys of Beirut and a dangerous Lebanese prison, taking her digital recorder places that could get her killed. In the process, she grows to love Lebanon in all its damaged beauty and cultural complexity, and THE HOSTAGE’S DAUGHTER becomes an urgent call for an understanding of Lebanon, its tenuous peace, and the key role it plays in the region. However it is also meant as a reminder to politicians and political actors that their choices are not without consequences. The people caught in the crossfire of war are not chess pieces, and political decisions have long-term effects on individual lives.

Cary Elwes

From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes the New York Times bestselling account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film (now in paperback) filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner. The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories. With a foreword by Rob Reiner and a limited edition original poster by acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey, As You Wish is a must-have for all fans of this beloved film. "Fans who want to maintain a fairy-tale image of how 'The Princess Bride' was made will find that his gentle recollections serve this goal perfectly. Watch the movie all over again with newfound knowledge." — New York Times Book Review "An engaging memoir that charts the film's tumultuous journey from a project stuck in development hell, to charmed production, to flop, to classic."— Chicago Tribune “Cary Elwes' book recounts the wacky antics of Billy Crystal, Rob Reiner, and others behind 'The Princess Bride'… . [A] delightful remembrance of the three months he spent making the unsung movie that went on to become a family classic.” — New York Daily News “A tender, comical behind-the-scenes look at the 1987 classic.”— US Weekly “Designed to hit all fan-service sweet spots for folks familiar with the film, as it’s stuffed with photos, recollections, and interviews with relevant parties. The book’s dust jacket is even a Shepard Fairey print, for crying out loud. I never had a chance.” — The A.V. Club

Dave Kindig

Dave Kindig is a self-taught entrepreneur and top car designer. From his childhood passion for Hot Wheels, Legos and drawing, Kindig has built Kindig-It Design, a one stop, complete custom shop where autos are turned into spectacular works of art. Before launching Kindig-It Design with the support of his wife, Charity, from a small garage in 1999, Kindig worked at High Performance Coatings in Utah. In the last 15 plus years his shop has grown from 4500 square feet and a handful of employees to a massive 27,000 square feet and nearly 30 employees in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah. Guided by his imagination and keen sense of style, Kindig-It Design turns out some of the most creative, one-of-a-kind vehicles on the planet. Kindig always pushes the envelope on what is possible with car design and year-after-year his shop churns out coolest rides. Dave and Kindig-It Design have won a number of awards including: the 2012 Master Builder Award at the Boise Roadster Show; the 2012 Goodguys Trendsetter Award at the Hot Rod Industry Alliance; Utah’s Finest award at the Utah AutoRama in 2014; the 2015 Al Slonaker Award at the Grand National Roadster Show; and more. In Velocity’s BITCHIN’ RIDES audiences go inside Kindig’s sprawling business to experience how he and his team construct vehicles that make the car lover in all of us swoon. Working on all car types and periods, BITCHIN’ RIDES shows how Kindig and his team render, design, build and restore vehicles from the ground up before revealing the results to the car’s owner. In each episode, Kindig meets with clients, reviews the car, crafts a design plan, and then tears down, remakes and then reveals the stunning new car to its owner.

Mike Massimino

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find yourself strapped to a giant rocket that’s about to go from zero to 17,500 miles per hour? Or to look back on Earth from outer space and see the surprisingly precise line between day and night? Or to stand in front of the Hubble Space Telescope, wondering if the emergency repair you’re about to make will inadvertently ruin humankind’s chance to unlock the universe’s secrets? Mike Massimino has been there, and in Spaceman he puts you inside the suit, with all the zip and buoyancy of life in microgravity. Massimino’s childhood space dreams were born the day Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. Growing up in a working-class Long Island family, he catapulted himself to Columbia and then MIT, only to flunk his first doctoral exam and be rejected three times by NASA before making it through the final round of astronaut selection. Taking us through the surreal wonder and beauty of his first spacewalk, the tragedy of losing friends in the Columbia shuttle accident, and the development of his enduring love for the Hubble Telescope—which he and his fellow astronauts were tasked with saving on his final mission—Massimino has written an ode to never giving up and the power of teamwork to make anything possible. Spaceman invites us into a rare, wonderful world where science meets the most thrilling adventure, revealing just what having “the right stuff” really means. MIKE MASSIMINO BIO Mike Massimino served as a NASA Astronaut from 1996 until 2014 and flew in space twice: STS-109 on space shuttle Columbia in March 2002 and STS-125 on space shuttle Atlantis in May 2009 – the final two Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions. Mike became the first human to tweet from space, was the last human to work inside of Hubble, and set a team record with his crewmates for the most cumulative spacewalking time in a single space shuttle mission. Mike has a recurring role as himself on The Big Bang Theory; appears regularly on late night talk shows, news programs, and documentaries; and is a much sought after inspirational speaker. He received his BS from the Columbia University School of Engineering, and his two MS’s and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He currently lives in New York City where he is an engineering professor at Columbia and an advisor at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Jim and Amber Marchese

WE tv's Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars Returns with New Counselors, New Celebrity Couples and New Drama Season Six Includes the Series' First Same-Sex Couple and the First Three-Person "Throuple!" Speak with Jim & Amber Marchese, the Stars of Real Housewives of New Jersey, as they Undergo a Unique Brand of Extreme Couples Therapy In WE tv’s hit series Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars which returns for its sixth season on October 7, new counselors Dr. Venus Nicolino (“LA Shrinks”) and Dr. Ish Major (“Ex Isle”) have their work cut out for them as they attempt to mend the broken relationships of some of reality TV's biggest stars. Dr. V and Dr. Ish will push these couples to the limit with physically, mentally and emotionally draining exercises to see if their relationships are worth saving or if it's time to call it quits. This season includes stars from Bachelor in Paradise, R&B Divas: Atlanta, Mob Wives, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta and Real Housewives of New Jersey. Amber Marchese (Real Housewives of New Jersey) has been a lifelong resident of the great state of New Jersey, currently residing in the town of Colts Neck. She is married to a caring, supportive man, James Marchese, with a typical fiery Italian side to their marriage. The couple have four children, who keep them on their toes. Recently, Jim and Amber have been fighting about issues in the bedroom – Amber has lost her libido because of cancer treatments (she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31), and Jim gets frustrated. Additionally, Jim’s hot temper, control issues and overprotective nature are crippling their marriage.

P.J. Soles

40 years ago, visionary filmmaker Brian De Palma helmed the ultimate coming-of-age horror film with Stephen King’s CARRIE, a story both celebrated and revered by cinephiles and ultimate horror fans alike. To celebrate this landmark anniversary of the movie, non-profit cancer support center weSPARK and Theatre at The Ace Hotel, along with home entertainment brand SCREAM FACTORY, will mount a once-in-a-lifetime cast and crew reunion and screening of the brand-new restoration of the film, paired with a 1970s prom-themed party, at the historic Ace Theater in Downtown Los Angeles on Friday, October 14, 2016. The star-studded cast and crew reunion is set to include Carrie stars Academy Award™-nominated Piper Laurie (The Hustler), Nancy Allen (Dressed to Kill, Robocop), William Katt (The Greatest American Hero), P.J. Soles (Halloween), Academy Award™-winning editor Paul Hirsch (Star Wars: Episode IV) and Casting Director Harriett B. Helberg (The Jazz Singer). The cast will participate in a live Q&A moderated by Bryan Fuller (the creative genius behind NBC’s Hannibal, ABC’s Pushing Daisies and the upcoming series American Gods). In an effort to raise critical funds for weSPARK Cancer Support Center in which Carrie’s Nancy Allen is Executive Director, the event will see the Ace Theater transformed with prom-themed decor, during which attendees are encouraged to dress in their best 1970s formal attire or favorite character from the film for an opportunity to pose for a photo in a special photo booth and win Best Dressed “Carrie” character Costume contest. “I want a recount! I can’t believe “Carrie” is celebrating its 40th Anniversary! This movie changed my career much like weSPARK has changed my life, and to bring these two worlds together for good, only adds to the specialness of this celebration.” – Nancy Allen, Carrie’s, Chris Hargensen Tickets to the star-studded screening and Q&A will start at $25, with higher ticket tiers to include Scream Factory’s brand new 2-disc Carrie (Collector’s Edition) Blu-ray release with nearly 3 hours of bonus material, a specially commissioned original poster from a local artist, access to a private VIP pre-reception, and opportunities for photos with cast and crew. Ticket Tiers: $25 - General Admission including Prom-Themed After Party $75 - Preferred Seating + Exclusive Carrie Poster + New Scream Factory Blu Ray + Photo Op including Prom Themed After-Party (Limited availability) $125 –VIP seating + Exclusive Carrie Poster & Blu-ray + Photo Op with cast/crew including After-Party + Private Pre-Party (Limited availability) All proceeds will directly benefit weSPARK’s cancer support programs.

Michael Clarkson

Long before skydiving and paragliding, bungee jumping and zip lines, there was a far simpler way to get a thrill: barrel-jumping. Extreme adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers would cram themselves in a wooden barrel and launch themselves down waterfalls. And an even smaller group of dedicated thrill seekers would risk their lives going down America’s most wondrous, massive and dangerous waterfall: Niagara Falls. Through extensive research, Michael Clarkson’s THE AGE OF DAREDEVILS (Little A, on sale 10/1/16) reveals the thrilling true story of a the Hill family, a family that sought adventure at every turn – from secret marriages, heroic rescues and dangerous stunts, to the ultimate daredevil act: jumping down Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel in the summer of 1951. Incorporating family drama, action and adventure and love story, this true tale chronicles the lives of the men and women who devoted themselves to the extraordinary sport of jumping over Niagara Falls at the dawn of the twentieth century. Internationally known in the 1920s and ’30s for their barrel-jumping exploits, the Hills were a father-son team of daredevils who also rescued dozens of misguided thrill seekers and accident victims who followed them into the river. The publicity surrounding the Hills’s spectacular feats ushered in tourism, making Niagara Falls the nation’s foremost honeymoon destination, but ultimately set Red Hill Jr. on a death-defying path to surpass his father’s extraordinary leaps into the void. In 1951, Red Hill Jr. risked it all – goaded on by his lineage and a promise to his wife, he climbed into a barrel, and jumped down the falls in front of 200,000 spectators. Like the works of Jon Krakauer and David McCullough, THE AGE OF DAREDEVILS explores the primal forces of fear and the thirst for adventure that drive humans to the brink of death to see if, and how, they can somehow escape. Along the way, Clarkson reveals the lure of Niagara Falls – how it became the premiere destination for honeymooners in the mid-twentieth century and how it still remains one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders, ushering in more than 22 million visitors a year – and reveals the escapades of other daredevils like Annie Edson Taylor, Bobby Leach, Gene Lussier and Karl Soucek.

Phoebe Robinson

Phoebe Robinson is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress whom Vulture.com, Essence, and Esquire have named one of the top comedians to watch. She has appeared on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers and Last Call with Carson Daly; Comedy Central’s Broad City, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, and @midnight with Chris Hardwick; as well as the new Jill Soloway pilot for Amazon, I Love Dick. Robinson’s writing has been featured in The Village Voice and on Glamour.com, TheDailyBeast.com, VanityFair.com, Vulture.com, and NYTimes.com. She was also a staff writer on MTV’s hit talking head show, Girl Code, as well as a consultant on season three of Broad City. Most recently, she created and starred in Refinery29’s web series Woke Bae and, alongside Jessica Williams of The Daily Show, she is the creator and costar of the hit WNYC podcast 2 Dope Queens as well as the host of the new WNYC podcast Sooo Many White Guys. Robinson lives in Brooklyn, NY. Visit Phoebe online: www.phoeberobinson.com

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Ryan Devlyn

Many TV viewers recognize young actor Ryan Devlin from his roles on Veronica Mars and Jane the Virgin or as host of MTV’s hit dating show Are You the One. In addition to his acting career, Ryan spearheaded the launch of This Bar Saves Lives, a snack bar (found in Starbucks, Whole Foods, Target, etc.) with a worldwide life-saving impact. A few years ago, Ryan traveled to Africa for a humanitarian trip and saw the tragedy of severe malnutrition in children. Upon his return, Ryan and his co-founders (including his Veronica Mars co-star Kristen Bell) came up with one of the most direct life-saving efforts available. For every This Bar Saves Lives snack bar sold, a life-saving packet of food is sent to a child in need. Although 2.6 million children die of malnutrition each year, This Bar Saves Lives is having a direct impact on helping children, having sent well over a million food packets thus far.

Joan Embery

Joan Embery (born in San Diego, California) is an animal and environmental advocate. A Trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation, a professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and a member of the Advisory Board of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine's Wildlife Health Center, she founded the American Association of Zoo Keepers. The goodwill ambassador to the San Diego Zoo's Zoological Society of San Diego for 32 years, she has hosted educational series "Animal Express", "Animals of Africa", and "Baby Panda and Challenge to Wildlife Specials for Public Broadcasting". She has raised awareness of animals and wildlife conservation through her books, tours, projects, and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Entertainment Tonight, ALF, The Phil Donahue Show, Newhart, Hollywood Squares, Win, Lose or Draw, It's Garry Shandling's Show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Xuxa, Leeza, Kidsongs and PM Magazine. In addition to being an environmental activist, Embery is a skilled horsewoman who has won many awards. Embery studied zoology and telecommunications at San Diego State University before earning a bachelor of arts degree in communication at Eastern Illinois University. She lives with her husband Duane Pillsbury on Pillsbury Ranch, a 50-acre ranch in Lakeside, California home to show horses, wildlife ambassadors, native wildlife, and personal pets.

Monday, October 3, 2016

Kansas

The Prelude Implicit features 10 all new tracks written by the band and co-produced by Zak Rizvi, Phil Ehart, and Richard Williams. KANSAS's signature sound is evident throughout the album. It showcases Ronnie Platt's soaring lead vocals, David Ragsdale's blistering violin, Williams and Rizvi's rocking guitar riffs, the unmistakable sound of David Manion's B3 organ and keyboards, Ehart's thundering drums, and Billy Greer's driving bass and vocals.

Friday, September 30, 2016

Mike Love from The Beach Boys

October 10 th marks the 50 th anniversary of the release of one of popular music’s most iconic songs of all time, The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.” The Beach Boys and Capitol/UMe will celebrate the golden milestone with the worldwide release of “Good Vibrations” (50 th Anniversary Edition) on a 12-inch sunburst vinyl EP on October 7. Named the “Greatest Single of All Time” by MOJO magazine, “Good Vibrations” is a musical treasure for the ages. Recorded across several sessions at four Hollywood studios between February and September 1966, “Good Vibrations” was a revelation upon its release, wowing musicians, critics and music fans and rocketing to the top of singles charts around the world. A crown jewel of popular music, “Good Vibrations” has been called a “pocket symphony,” with its still-innovative production, lush, layered arrangements and range of instruments, including the world’s most celebrated use of the theremin. The “Good Vibrations (50 th Anniversary Edition) vinyl EP features the original 7” single version, an alternate studio take, an edit of the song with elements from various sessions, an instrumental, and a live version from a Honolulu rehearsal in August, 1967 that was originally intended for the lost album Lei’d in Hawaii, plus the single’s B-side, “Let’s Go Away For Awhile.” A pull-out lithograph of the single’s original Japanese cover art, with its “Good Vibration” title typo intact, is included in the EP package, which features the original 1966 U.S. single cover art on its front. Fans in North America and the U.K. are invited to share their “Good Vibrations” with The Beach Boys for a chance to be featured in a special 50 th anniversary tribute video. For more information, visit TheBeachBoys.com/goodvibrations. 2016 is a golden year for America’s Band. In June, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds (50 th Anniversary Edition) was released worldwide in several configurations, including a 4CD/Blu-ray Audio collectors edition presented in a hardbound book, featuring the remastered original album in stereo and mono, plus hi res stereo, mono, instrumental, and 5.1 surround mixes, session outtakes, alternate mixes, and previously unreleased live recordings; a 2CD and digital deluxe edition pairing the remastered album in stereo and mono with highlights from the collectors edition’s additional tracks; and remastered, 180- gram LP editions of the album in mono and stereo with faithfully replicated original artwork. Led by founding member Mike Love, The Beach Boys are on tour all year, celebrating the 50 th anniversary of “Good Vibrations.” Founding member Brian Wilson is also on tour, accompanied by founding member Al Jardine, performing Pet Sounds live for the last time. New memoirs by Love and Wilson will be published this fall. The Beach Boys continue to hold Billboard / Nielsen SoundScan’s record as the top-selling American band for albums and singles, and they are also the American group with the most Billboard Top 40 chart hits (36). “Good Vibrations” was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame® in 1994. ‘Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys’ has achieved triple-Platinum sales status and ‘The SMiLE Sessions,’ released to worldwide critical acclaim in 2011, was heralded as the year’s Best Reissue by Rolling Stone and earned a GRAMMY Award® for Best Historical Album. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and recipients of The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, The Beach Boys are a beloved American institution that remains iconic around the world. Preorder “Good Vibrations” (50 th Anniversary Edition): http://smarturl.it/GoodVibrations50

Mellowtone

Mellowtone's music ranges from trip-hop to indie-rock, with elements of pop, psychadelic and ambient. these mellow tones are shaped by the strong voice of singer martina birbaum. the band was founded in 2008 and the second album «broken rooms» was recorded at the influx studios in bern during the summer 2015 with us-american producer slade templeton and was released in january 2016. (full album: mellowtone.ch/music) mellowtone.ch facebook.com/mellowtoneband twitter.com/mellowtoneband instagram.com/mellowtoneband youtube.com/mellowtonechannel

Mike Love from The Beach Boys

October 10 th marks the 50 th anniversary of the release of one of popular music’s most iconic songs of all time, The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.” The Beach Boys and Capitol/UMe will celebrate the golden milestone with the worldwide release of “Good Vibrations” (50 th Anniversary Edition) on a 12-inch sunburst vinyl EP on October 7. Named the “Greatest Single of All Time” by MOJO magazine, “Good Vibrations” is a musical treasure for the ages. Recorded across several sessions at four Hollywood studios between February and September 1966, “Good Vibrations” was a revelation upon its release, wowing musicians, critics and music fans and rocketing to the top of singles charts around the world. A crown jewel of popular music, “Good Vibrations” has been called a “pocket symphony,” with its still-innovative production, lush, layered arrangements and range of instruments, including the world’s most celebrated use of the theremin. The “Good Vibrations (50 th Anniversary Edition) vinyl EP features the original 7” single version, an alternate studio take, an edit of the song with elements from various sessions, an instrumental, and a live version from a Honolulu rehearsal in August, 1967 that was originally intended for the lost album Lei’d in Hawaii, plus the single’s B-side, “Let’s Go Away For Awhile.” A pull-out lithograph of the single’s original Japanese cover art, with its “Good Vibration” title typo intact, is included in the EP package, which features the original 1966 U.S. single cover art on its front. Fans in North America and the U.K. are invited to share their “Good Vibrations” with The Beach Boys for a chance to be featured in a special 50 th anniversary tribute video. For more information, visit TheBeachBoys.com/goodvibrations. 2016 is a golden year for America’s Band. In June, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds (50 th Anniversary Edition) was released worldwide in several configurations, including a 4CD/Blu-ray Audio collectors edition presented in a hardbound book, featuring the remastered original album in stereo and mono, plus hi res stereo, mono, instrumental, and 5.1 surround mixes, session outtakes, alternate mixes, and previously unreleased live recordings; a 2CD and digital deluxe edition pairing the remastered album in stereo and mono with highlights from the collectors edition’s additional tracks; and remastered, 180- gram LP editions of the album in mono and stereo with faithfully replicated original artwork. Led by founding member Mike Love, The Beach Boys are on tour all year, celebrating the 50 th anniversary of “Good Vibrations.” Founding member Brian Wilson is also on tour, accompanied by founding member Al Jardine, performing Pet Sounds live for the last time. New memoirs by Love and Wilson will be published this fall. The Beach Boys continue to hold Billboard / Nielsen SoundScan’s record as the top-selling American band for albums and singles, and they are also the American group with the most Billboard Top 40 chart hits (36). “Good Vibrations” was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame® in 1994. ‘Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys’ has achieved triple-Platinum sales status and ‘The SMiLE Sessions,’ released to worldwide critical acclaim in 2011, was heralded as the year’s Best Reissue by Rolling Stone and earned a GRAMMY Award® for Best Historical Album. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and recipients of The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, The Beach Boys are a beloved American institution that remains iconic around the world. Preorder “Good Vibrations” (50 th Anniversary Edition): http://smarturl.it/GoodVibrations50

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Cassandra Michaels

With talent that was once discovered in a closet at a Christian school in small Midwestern town, Cassandra Michaels’ world is so much more lively, passionate, dignified, and virtually amazing since she decided to step outside of her comfort zone to truly embrace herself. Once known to her 200,000 plus fan base as an adorable pop princess, Cassandra is now coming into her truth as she matures along with her music, style, and audience. She’s always had the talent, as her songs were a thoughtful reflection of her youthful existence. With her girl-next-door innocence she was able to capture the hearts of those seeking pop perfection. With a new project on the horizon, Cassandra is no longer thinking; she is living. While the music is still pop, the feeling is now imperfection, truth, sensuality, boldness, and everything else that defines the essence of womanhood. Working with the likes of producers Tommy Brown, Ryan Tedder, Michael Foster, and songwriter. Njomza, Cassandra is ready to take her place on the throne amongst music’s royalty. While artists like Banks, The Weeknd, and Tove Lo esonate with Cassandra, she is very much her own artist. As she so eloquently stated, “The music is darker and grittier. That was important to me because I’m not some sweet little girl that can be walked over and I couldn’t be more opposite. I’m a force to be reckoned with. I don’t just hope for things to happen, I make them happen. I’m all in.” With Cassandra being “all in,” fans old and new will begin to not only hear her heart, but they will also feel her soul. While the songs are still very much pop records they are of another universe compared to her older material. Passion and truth now serve as her creative canvass. Her new song “Drive” serves as the poptastic yet classic cruising down the PCH anthem. Mimicking Cassandra’s personality, it’s cool, carefree, and clever. “Toxic” is the anti-romantic feel good groove with an edge. “Let’s Go “is that killer club song that forces you to lose control and do exactly as the song suggests. Just as Cassandra has learned to let go, take more risks, and just live, her music has also come to life in a way that breathes liberation. Singer/Songwriter still illuminates from her spirit, passion has always been her persona, and the girl-next-door is now the fearless femme fatale. These elements combined with the unwavering support of an A-List team have placed Ms. Michaels on a path toward perfect imperfection. Ever since she made the leap to live her life on stage, her fans have always witnessed the pop princess. Now it’s time for the world to know Cassandra Michaels.

Christopher Darden

(In Contempt was a NY Times Best Seller originally published in 1996 and has been re-issued and currently on sale as an ebook and paperback.) For more than a year, Christopher Darden argued tirelessly for the prosecution, giving voice to the victims in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. In Contempt is an unflinching look at what the television cameras could not show: behind-the-scenes meetings, the deteriorating relationships between the defense and prosecution teams, the taunting, baiting, and pushing matches between Darden and Simpson, the intimate relationship between Darden and Marcia Clark, and the candid factors behind Darden's controversial decision for Simpson to try on the infamous glove, and much more. Out of the sensational frenzy of "the trial of the century" comes this haunting memoir of duty, justice, and the powerful under

Monday, September 26, 2016

Slim Jim Phantom

I wanted to get a more in depth conversation with one of the most prolific artists of the 1980's and life moving forward. Slim Jim has appeared on my more albums because of his passion. But importantly his true connection to Rockabilly. It's that sound that earned him spaces to place his signature. We go well beneath the level of the backstage. Roaring past the root and going straight for the seed.

Redd Returns

One of the most dynamic writers with a creative heart attached. Then he goes into the studio and brings music to life. I had to get closer to his creative process. To break down the lyrics. To see if what he's singing is what he's been living. We laugh a lot and I learn as he explains.

Tom Dreesen

Johnny Carson defined late-night television. For over 30 years, America watched together, laughed together, and sang together on the couch with the Original King of Late Night. Now, this fall, home audiences will be able to enjoy the very best of late night, any night, with THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: THE VAULT SERIES. The singular collections, new to retail and available in multiple configurations, feature Johnny and the inimitable Tonight Show crew in full episodes fresh from Carson’s vaults – including commercials! Available on October 4, THE VAULT SERIES gives viewers the opportunity to relive the incomparable magic of a night with Johnny, Ed and Doc. These collections feature some of the best and most requested episodes from over 30 years and 4,000 shows -- including material not seen by the public since the original broadcasts! Among the many highlights are the 10th and 11th anniversary shows and Johnny’s birthday episodes, a week of shows from March 1976, visits from Carnac the Magnificent and the Mighty Carson Art Players, and Johnny singing Rhinestone Cowboy astride a donkey. Carson is also at his best bantering with famous friends including Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Richard Pryor, Muhammad Ali, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Sean Connery, John Denver, Peter Fonda, Charlton Heston, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Paul McCartney, Burt Reynolds, Don Rickles, Orson Welles, Tom Dreesen and many others. Hours of highly-entertaining bonus features are also included on the multi-disc sets, and feature bonus monologues, in-depth interviews, and additional clips with Lucille Ball, James Brown, Rodney Dangerfield, David Letterman, Joan Embery and her wild animals, the beloved Aunt Blabby, and a Hollywood stuntwoman demonstration. THE VAULT SERIES retail DVD configurations includes a single disc release (2 shows; $14.95srp), a 3-disc collector’s set (6 shows + nearly an hour of bonus features; $39.95srp), a 6-disc collector’s set (12 shows + two hours of exclusive extras; $59.95srp) and a 12-disc deluxe edition collector’s set (24 shows + over 4 hours of exclusive extras; $99.95srp). Additionally, prior to the general release of THE VAULT SERIES, on September 13, Costco will debut an exclusive 6-disc set featuring 12 complete shows and over 2 hours of bonus features. For over 30 incredible years, Carson paved the way for a late night TV revolution that will never be equaled. And THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: THE VAULT SERIES will give Carson fans, TV historians and late night aficionados alike the chance to once again watch an amazing talent and true American icon at the height of his powers.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Rodney Perry

Brilliantly talented by way of endlessly creating. He's not afraid to take that leap. Once out there. The rest of us serve as the wind beneath his wings. It's all about the fun and laughter.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Mindy Weiss

Weddings may be timeless, but trends and technology change. These days, social media, Uber, and even drones can all play a part on the big day, and “megastar wedding planner” (People) MINDY WEISS is here to show you how to manage it all with THE WEDDING BOOK: AN EXPERT’S GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR PERFECT DAY—YOUR WAY (Workman Publishing; September 2016)—the most comprehensive wedding guide on the market, revised for a new generation of brides- and grooms-to-be. Mindy Weiss is the most visible and trusted name in the business, with frequent appearances in the media and a roster of A-list celebrity clients. She is also ahead of the curve—and this timely update incorporates everything that’s fresh and exciting in weddings and wedding planning, no matter how big or small your budget. Discover: How to get the most out of Etsy, Pinterest, Instagram, and other social apps and websites in your wedding planning How to use hashtags during your wedding and all wedding-related events, such as bachelorette parties How to use services like Uber for guest transportation New etiquette, including managing food sensitivities and keeping costs down for bridesmaids The latest on digital photos, wedding albums, and videos New destination wedding ideas Nontraditional wedding cake options Insight into details unique to same-sex marriages—one of the fastest-growing sectors of the wedding business Updated to reflect today’s trends, this book remains as exhaustive, informative, and indispensable as ever (whether used alone or in tandem with Mindy’s wildly popular The Wedding Planner & Organizer), ensuring that every couple can have the wedding of their dreams, regardless of their budget, style, or personalities. About the Author: MINDY WEISS is one of the most sought-after party planners in the country, working with celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres and Sofía Vergara. She is regularly featured in magazines and newspapers including People, US Weekly, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Times. She is also the author of The Wedding Planner & Organizer and The Baby Keepsake Book and Planner. She lives in Los Angeles and online at mindyweiss.com—and posts frequently on Instagram for her 160,000 followers @mindyweiss

David and Alex Graham

Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution was organized by the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles. Featuring iconic psychedelic concert posters, rock memorabilia, photographs, films, and ephemera, the exhibition explores the momentous cultural transformations of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s through the lens of rock & roll. The exhibition includes more than 200 objects from lenders across the country—many being shown in public for the first time, including Janis Joplin’s tambourine, a handwritten note from Donovan to Graham, Pete Townshend’s 1968 Gibson SG Special used during a performance of Tommy, and Graham’s personal scrapbooks. Treasured photographs and artifacts from Graham’s early life and career are loan from the Graham family, many on view to the public for the first time. Also for the first time ever, preparatory drawings and the original artwork of several iconic Fillmore concert posters will be on museum display, revealing the signature visual styles and creative process of poster artists Bonnie MacLean, Wes Wilson, David Singer, and Greg Irons. A New Year’s Eve themed concourse takeover featuring Graham’s famous Father Time costume will be featured, as well as an installation of “The Joshua Light Show,” the trailblazing liquid light show conceived in 1967 by multimedia artist Joshua White, which served as a backdrop to many Graham-produced concerts. Unique to NMAJH’s run of the exhibition will be a number of items from Philadelphia’s Live Aid concert and the city’s music scene. Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution will be complemented by several public and education programs to be announced at a later date. Bill Graham and the Rock and Roll Revolution is organized and circulated by the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, in association with the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation, and made possible by the support of Alex Graham, David Graham, and Danny Scher.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Rudy Parris

Being from Bakersfield California you do all you can to keep the roots of that sound alive and growing forward. Rudy's got a new album and tour. What you're going to get caught up in is traditional rhythms and riffs that he hopes will one day lead him to The Grand Ole Opry.

Miss America Savvy Shields

Savvy Janine Shields of Fayetteville, Arkansas, graced the Miss America stage and wowed the judges with her confidence, poise, and talent on September 11th, 2016, when she took home the title of Miss America 2017 and a $50,000 scholarship award. Savvy is a 21-year old senior at the University of Arkansas where she studies Art with a minor in Business. Savvy will travel the country on a year of service to promote her personal platform, “Eat Better, Live Better,” which aims to educate people on how the foods we eat make an impact on our lives as a whole. During her year, she will also serve as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Savvy hopes to use her time as Miss America to advocate for change in the mindset of people across our land by encouraging them to embrace a lifestyle that can drastically improve their health.

Shep Gordon

Shep Gordon is a talent manager, film agent and producer who has worked with and befriended some of the biggest names in entertainment — from Alice Cooper to Bette Davis, Raquel Welch to Groucho Marx, Blondie, Luther Vandross to Jimi Hendrix — and is credited with inventing the “celebrity chef.” Praise for Shep Gordon’s THEY CALL ME SUPERMENSCH “Reality has never seemed to important in the 50 years Shep and I have been working together. When we need something to happen, Shep just works his magic to simply MAKE it a reality. I’m still not sure how he does it—he just has that natural ability to create scenarios and relationships that help to get you where you need to go.” –Alice Cooper "The amazing, incredible, unlikely-but-true story of the man who's done everything, been everywhere, and was at seemingly every important moment in musical and culinary history. He's a one-man history of cool. And through it all, he's somehow managed to remain a mensch. Shep Gordon is a legend." –Anthony Bourdain “Shep's memoir is a testament to the human capacity for adventure, survival, and kindness. This is truly the most interesting man in the world, not to mention one of the most generous and loving. Luckily for us, his lust for life is contagious. If I had to be stuck in a prison cell for the rest of my life, my only requests would be this book, and an annual meal prepared by its sensational author.” –Olivia Wilde "When you realize what Shep has done for the world of rock and roll, Hollywood and artists at large, you will be floored. What you don't know is that he also single handedly created the movement of ‘celebrity chefs’ and not only changed the profession forever but also the entire perception of food; he created a culture. Not only is Shep my dear friend, he's one of the greatest humans I know and the journey this book takes you on will expose all the reasons he is truly a supermensch." –Emeril Lagasse “Shep Gordon loves life, and They Call Me Supermensch is his joyful, soulful, and hilarious account of how he found some purpose for his own life. One for the good guys.” –Michael Douglas "Snoop said I was the only one to smoke him under the table. But I remember more than once when the pot party ended, Shep and I were the last ones standing. Let's burn another one soon, Shep.” –Willie Nelson " ‘Supermensch’ is an understatement. I've known Shep Gordon for over 40 years He's the real most interesting man in the world!" –Sammy Hagar “Far from a walk down memory lane, Shep’s memoir is like a rollercoaster highway ride through the greatest decades for food, celebrity, and entertainment—and it made me smile and laugh at every turn. Throughout Shep’s career, he’s mastered the art of giving people a great show. From Hollywood to Cannes, dabbling in food, music, and all things entertainment, this book is no exception.”–Daniel Boulud, Chef/Owner, The Dinex Group “At a time when people feel compelled to revel in and share their excesses-and Gordon does share a few of his-it’s refreshing to find a story in which the search for meaning trumps the search for mischief.” — Publishers Weekly

Monday, September 19, 2016

Jackyl

Few rockers are as multi-talented as Jesse James Dupree. Without question, he is a jack of all trades - the singer who has fronted Jackyl for decades is also a part of the popular reality television show ‘Full Throttle Saloon,’ and has founded his own brand of alcohol, Jesse James Bourbon. As a result, Jesse is never at a loss for a good/colorful story - which makes him the perfect candidate for television talk show appearances. But first, some background info… Jesse James Bourbon, 100,000 plus cases have been sold in just a little over three years sales (the normal bench mark is 100,000 in five years), available in honey, space, and regular Kentucky bourbon flavors. The ‘Full Throttle Saloon’ TV show has run strong for six seasons and is always in the top-3 of all cable channels. Despite the bar burning down, Jesse and company are retooling a new show for a new network. And of course, there is Jackyl - southern rockers who scored a massive MTV hit with “The Lumberjack,” have scored gold and platinum albums, and will be unleashing their eighth studio album overall, ‘ROWYCO,’ on August 5th via Mighty Loud Records (and prefaced by the single, “Rally”). Jesse is also lined up to appear at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) speaking convention, where he will give a lecture on branding to all major radio company owners, and the GMS Research Platform, which was created for the first ever real time research available for radio and TV (that has been trademarked for custom vertical and horizontal aggregation of dada, and consolidates a la carte serves for radio and puts the program directed and sales department hands together). Also upcoming is the Throttle Fest - a tour package that Jesse created, which is a four-day traveling music festival - partnered with the House of Blues and Live Nation in South Carolina, with dates lined up include the NASCAR track in Kansas City and Toyota Park in Chicago (Jesse manages to take a piece of Sturgis to each town with a full throttle brand!). And the aforementioned Mighty Loud Records has been the home label to Jackyl since 2010, and has also issued albums by varied artists (everyone from Powerman 5000 to Eve to Adam and Tanya Tucker), while Jesse also oversees and serves as general manager to Kiefer Sutherland’s record label, Ironworks.

Giles Martin

Apple Corps Ltd. and Universal Music Group are pleased to announce global release plans for The Beatles: Live At The Hollywood Bowl, a new album that captures the joyous exuberance of the band’s three sold-out concerts at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl in 1964 and 1965. A companion to The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years, Academy Award®-winner Ron Howard’s authorized and highly anticipated documentary feature film about the band’s early career, The Beatles: Live At The Hollywood Bowl will be released worldwide on CD and for digital download and streaming on September 9, followed by a 180-gram gatefold vinyl LP on November 18. The album includes a 24-page booklet with an essay by noted music journalist David Fricke, and its cover art features a sunny photo taken on August 22, 1964 by The Beatles’ then-U.S. tour manager, Bob Bonis, as John, Paul, George and Ringo boarded a chartered flight from Seattle Tacoma Airport to Vancouver, BC for their first concert in Canada. Documenting The Beatles’ Hollywood Bowl concerts on tape was no easy feat, as producer Sir George Martin explained in his album notes for 1977’s The Beatles At The Hollywood Bowl: “The chaos, I might almost say panic, that reigned at these concerts was unbelievable unless you were there. Only three track recording was possible; The Beatles had no ‘fold back’ speakers, so they could not hear what they were singing, and the eternal shriek from 17,000 healthy, young lungs made even a jet plane inaudible.” While The Beatles: Live At The Hollywood Bowl references the long out of print 1977 album, it is an entirely new release, directly sourced from the original three track tapes of the concerts. To preserve the excitement of the shows while unveiling the performances in today’s best available clarity and quality, GRAMMY Award® winning producer Giles Martin and GRAMMY Award® winning engineer Sam Okell have expertly remixed and mastered the recordings at Abbey Road Studios, including the thirteen tracks from the original album produced by Giles’ father, plus four additional, previously unreleased recordings from the momentous concerts.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Squeeze

21st Sept – Scottsdale, AZ 22nd Sept – Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA 23rd Sept – Spotlight 29 Casino, Coachella, CA 24th Sept – Music Tastes Good Festival, Long Beach, CA 27th Sept – Arlington Theater, Santa Barbara, CA 28th Sept – Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA 30th Sept – Elsinore Theatre, Salem, OR October 2016 1st Oct – Revolution Hall, Portland, OR 2nd Oct – Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA 3rd Oct – Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC 6th Oct – Egyptian, Boise, ID 7th Oct – Depot, Salt Lake City, UT 10th Oct – The NorVa, Norfolk, VA 11th Oct – 9:30 Club, Washington, DC 13th Oct – NJ Performing Arts Centre, Newark, NJ 14th Oct – The Keswick, Glenside, PA 15th Oct – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY 16th Oct – The Paramount, Huntington, NY 17th Oct – The Wilbur, Boston, MA 19th Oct – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Phoebe Waller Bridge

Get Ready to Laugh (and Possibly Cry) ’Til it Hurts! British Import Phoebe Waller-Bridge Stars as an Angry and Rage-Filled Single Woman Trying to Navigate Life and Relationships in London in the Hilarious Comedy… Fleabag The series is a funny and poignant window into the mind of a dry-witted, sexual, angry, grief- riddled woman, as she hurls herself at modern living. Award-winning playwright Phoebe Waller-Bridge writes and stars in Amazon Prime’s, Fleabag, about an unfiltered woman trying to heal, while rejecting anyone who tries to help her and keeping up her bravado all along. Unfettered, unfltered, and based on the play that won the Fringe First Award at Edinburgh, Fleabag is the thoroughly disarming confessional of a woman so totally detached, she’s utterly lost. PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE is a multi-award winning writer and actor. She graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and is now co-Artistic Director of DryWrite Theatre Company. Her debut play, Fleabag, won a clutch of awards for both the writing and her performance in the one-woman show. Fleabag also garnered a 2014 Olivier Award Nomination and received a Special Commendation from the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize in 2013. Waller-Bridge also has many theatre, television and film credits to her name.

Adam White

The story of Motown has proved dependably compelling through the decades — a rags-to-riches tale regularly revisited in documentaries, books, even a Broadway musical. Through it all, one important voice was rarely heard: that of Barney Ales, the Detroit-born sales chief and Berry Gordy confidante who helped propel Motown’s music onto the mainstream airwaves and record shelves. Ales’ memories from behind the scenes are now the heart of “Motown: The Sound of Young America,” a visually rich, 400-page volume set to hit stores on Tuesday, several months after its U.K. release.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Jack Tempchin

Considered the co-architect of the “Southern California Sound,” Jack Tempchin has contributed five multi-platinum hits with and for the Eagles, including “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” and co-writer of “Already Gone.” Tempchin also solely composed the Billboard Top 10 track "Slow Dancing (Swayin To the Music),” which provided Johnny Rivers with a Top 10 hit in 1977, as well as co-wrote the Glenn Frey hits "Smuggler's Blues" and "You Belong to The City" for the 'Miami Vice' TV show soundtrack. Tempchin has written music for a variety of artists that includes George Jones, Randy Meisner, Glen Campbell, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, and many others. He has also co-written with a who's who of American roots, rock and country composers that embraces Tom Waits, J.D. Souther, Bobby Whitlock, Jim Lauderdale, and Beth Nielsen Chapman.

Friday, September 9, 2016

UMXY

Hailing from Saskatchewan, Canada, UMXY is the amalgamation of two artists: Ursa Maja x Yoast. The duo recently released their debut 6-song Connecting Flights EP. Full of dogmatic themes and fresh sounds, Connecting Flights is essentially a musical expression of the Millenial Condition, and is sure to resonate strongly with any who are passionate about truth—no matter how beautiful or how ugly that truth may be. As a solo artist, Ursa Maja has released several projects, and contributes raw and imaginative lyricism to each and every song. Yoast is an up-and-coming producer who works tirelessly to find and combine new sounds for his unique beats. As UMXY, the duo aspires to push the boundaries of hip hop music with their refreshingly authentic style.

Shola Richards

Author Shola Richards had reached the end of the road: after nearly two years at a soul-sucking job, he felt numb and suicidal. So he quit and devoted himself to nothing less than transforming the workplace, turning it into a space of respect, courtesy, and endless energy. Making Work Work focuses on inspiring current and future leaders to start a movement that will banish on-the-job bullying, put meaning back into work, and enhance coworkers’ happiness and engagement. Richards, whose popular blog has a worldwide following, explains why inaction is insane, why we must move forward with positivity, and why the “abc” employees (asshats, bullies, and complainers) are so destructive. This motivational guide will stay in readers’ hearts and minds long after they finish reading it. “My mission was clear: I needed to fix the problems facing the workplace. As quickly as I came up with my new mission, I came up with the solution: We need to treat each other better. Period.”

Vicky Lawrence

During the late-'60s, CBS was "The Carol Burnett Show" network, a joking reference based on the program's widespread popularity and huge ratings. Yet the first five seasons have never resurfaced- no reruns, streaming video, DVDs or other formats-until now. Time Life introduces “The Lost Episodes,” which bring back many unforgettable moments from the show's groundbreaking years. Finally, fans can restore their CB connections and tune in to rediscover what made the program tick and stick around as one of the best hours on TV. This 7-DVD set features 15 UNCUT episodes, as they originally aired on television, and showcases some of the most acclaimed and beloved moments from The Carol Burnett Show, including: classic sketches "The Old Folks," "The Ham Actors," "Carol and Sis," "Alice Portnoy" and “As the Stomach Turns,” TV and movie parodies including Valley of the Dollars, Bony and Clod and Guess What's Coming to Dinner?, guest stars including Jonathan Winters, Joan Rivers, Sonny & Cher, Paul Lynde,Art Carney, Betty Grable, Mickey Rooney and many others and hours of bonus

James Andrew Miller

POWERHOUSE: The Untold Story of Hollywood’s Creative Artists Agency is an astonishing—and astonishingly entertaining—history of Hollywood’s transformation over the past five decades as seen through the agency at the heart of it all, from the #1 bestselling co-author of Live from New York (on SNL) and Those Guys Have All the Fun (on ESPN). The movies you watch, the TV shows you adore, the concerts and sporting events you attend—behind the curtain of nearly all of these is an immensely powerful and secretive corporation known as Creative Artists Agency. Started in 1975, when five bright and brash employees of a creaky William Morris office left to open their own, strikingly innovative talent agency, CAA would come to revolutionize the entertainment industry, and over the next several decades its tentacles would spread aggressively throughout the worlds of movies, television, music, advertising, and investment banking. Drawing on unprecedented and exclusive access to the men and women who built and battled with CAA, as well as financial information never before made public, author James Andrew Miller spins a tale of boundless ambition, ruthless egomania, ceaseless empire building, greed, and personal betrayal. It is also a story of prophetic brilliance, magnificent artistry, singular genius, entrepreneurial courage, strategic daring, foxhole brotherhood, and how one firm utterly transformed the entertainment business. Here are a few of the classic “only in Hollywood” moments revealed in the book that Jim could discuss in an interview: · Trying to get traction in Hollywood, the then-little-known nineteen year old Tom Cruise crashed at Sean Penn’s place and had to borrow Penn’s sport coat for a lunch meeting with his future CAA agent. · Sylvester Stallone was originally offered the lead role inBeverly Hills Cop, and when he went against his CAA agent’s wishes on rewriting the script in a direction the studio didn’t want, he was replaced by Eddie Murphy. · When CAA agents met with their client Prince they were instructed not to look him in the face and have no eye contact. The pop star sat in a different part of the room with his back to the group. · One CAA agent displayed his influence at the studios by turning his martial arts instructor—a man named Steven Seagal— into a huge action star, following a brutal show of physical force during a “demonstration” for studio executives. · In order to ensure that a producer made his flight to Paris, a CAA assistant once had to delay the flight by calling in a bomb threat to Air France. · CAA didn’t commission a new TV show so a dear friend and former mentor could serve, along with his partner, as producers. The show wasSeinfeld and the “favor” cost as much as $400 million in lost earnings. · A CAA agent, after reading the original script forRain Man, fought to change Dustin Hoffman’s brother from an older one to a younger one so the film so Tom Cruise could play the role. · A CAA agent found an old rejected movie script in the agency library which would go on to be the pilot for ER, one of the most successful television shows in history. · A very resistantSarah Jessica Parker had to be talked into accepting the lead role by her CAA agent for the TV seriesSex and the City. · A CAA agent was part of a global search for client Chris Farley after he disappeared on a Los Angeles bender, only to be eventually located days later in Southeast Asia. · Cher acknowledged her CAA agent “tricked" her into taking the lead role inMoonstruck, which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. · A star CAA agent once claimed to have been carjacked and held hostage as a cover up for his own multi-day cocaine binge and likely assault by angry dealers. · CAA came up with the famous Polar Bear/Coca-Cola commercial, one of the most successful branding efforts in history. Just how influential is CAA in movies, TV, music, sports, advertising, investment banking and Silicon Valley? · In film, CAA represents more 2015 Academy Award winners than the next three agencies combined. CAA clients took home Oscars that year for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Foreign Film, and Best Song. They have recently brokered some seventy movies per year, more than all its competitors put together, and its clients produce many of the fattest, most fruitful franchises: Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, Transformers. · For television, CAA pulls off the trifecta (that is representing the executive producer, director, and star) for the number one show on broadcast TV (Empire), the number one show on pay cable (Game of Thrones), and the number one show in basic cable (The Walking Dead). · Billboard has named CAA Music the Agency of the Year for nine of the past twelve years, andPollstar,the leading music touring trade publication, named CAA music the booking agency of the year for twelve times in thirteen years. At the Grammys, artists represented by CAA won more awards over the past three years than any other agency. · Of all the productions opening on Broadway in the 2014/15 season, 73 percent were written, directed, or designed by CAA clients. · Forbesnamed CAA the Most Valuable Sports Agency of 2015, with $6.4 billion in contract value under management. · For four years in a row, a CAA agent was one of the most must successful investment bankers in the entire country. · Both CAA and their chief competitor WME are headed toward IPO’s that promise to be among the biggest business stories in the history of the entertainment industry. JAMES ANDREW MILLER is an award-winning journalist and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN; Live from New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests, which spent four months on the New York Times bestseller list; and Running in Place: Inside the Senate, also a bestseller. He has written for The Washington Post, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and many others. He is a graduate of Occidental College, Oxford University, and Harvard Business School, all with honors.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Gene Simmons

Somewhere within the chapters of Rock n Roll there has to be a list of the most recognized musicians and artists to date. While Elvis and the Beatles might hold down the top two spots. Gene Simmons has been part of a conversation you've had a long the way. So much has been written about the man. But how many fans have truly listened to source of energy that keeps Gene Simmons endlessly moving forward? From KISS Kruises to brand new businesses including restaurants and fashion. How and why? He'll tell you, "Because this is America..."

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Xavier Samuel

A fresh and witty take on the classic Jane Austen novella Lady Susan, the critically-acclaimed comedy LOVE & FRIENDSHIP debuts on digital August 16 and on Blu-ray™ and DVD September 6 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Academy Award® nominee Whit Stillman (Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Metropolitan, 1990) directs Kate Beckinsale (Underworld franchise) and Academy Award® nominee Chloë Sevigny (Best Supporting Actress, Boys Don't Cry, 1999), in the scintillating tale of Lady Susan Vernon (Beckinsale), who is determined to find a suitor for her daughter -- and herself too, naturally. Dubbed a “charming, effervescent comedy” (Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press) and “laugh-out-loud funny” (Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service), LOVE & FRIENDSHIP also stars Xavier Samuel (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), Emma Greenwell (“Shameless”), Morfydd Clark (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), Jemma Redgrave (Howard’s End), Tom Bennett (Shadow Dancer), James Fleet (“Outlander”), Justin Edwards (The Duchess), Jenn Murray (Testament of Youth) and Stephen Fry (The Hobbit franchise). Blu-ray, DVD and digital extras on LOVE & FRIENDSHIP include the making-of featurette “Behind-the-Scenes: Love and Friendship,” where the cast and crew describe their experiences filming this humorous adaptation of the Jane Austen classic. Synopsis: LOVE & FRIENDSHIP is an adaptation of Jane Austen's novella Lady Susan in which a beautiful young widow Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) visits her in-laws’ estate while waiting for social chatter about her personal indiscretions to pass. While there, the intelligent, flirtatious, and amusingly egotistical Lady Vernon decides to secure a husband for herself and her rather reluctant daughter, Frederica. Enlisting the assistance of her old friend Alicia (Chloë Sevigny), Lady Vernon attracts the simultaneous attention of the young, handsome Reginald DeCourcy, the rich and silly Sir James Martin and the divinely handsome, but married, Lord Manwaring, complicating matters severely. LOVE & FRIENDSHIP was written and directed by Walt Stillman, produced by Walt Stillman, Katie Holly and Lauranne Bourrachot and executive produced by Nigel Williams. LOVE & FRIENDSHIP has a run time of approximately 94 minutes and is rated PG for some thematic elements.

Terry McGowen

With a Foreword by Bill O’Reilly, THE SILENCE OF WAR: An Old Marine in a Young Marine’s War is the incredible memoir of a former Marine who returns to combat in Iraq and Afghanistan three decades after leaving the Corps. Terry McGowan had been a beat cop, a Marine captain, and a Special Agent for the FBI before retiring at the age of fifty. But when tragedy struck the United States on September 11th, 2001, Terry felt an undiminished sense of duty to protect and serve his country. McGowan became a Special Advisor to the Marines and was immediately put to use on the frontline of battle in Afghanistan. He later celebrated his 59th birthday dodging bullets at a Marine base nicknamed “the Alamo.” Please let me know if you would like an interview with Terry McGowan. Phone Interview Opportunity with TERRY MCGOWAN Tuesday, August 23rd Because his age prevented him from technically reenlisting, Terry joined an elite squad of high ranking retired and active duty military working for the highest level of Marine military intelligence, which sent him to Iraq. His success in Iraq led to a position that was tailor-made for Terry – he became a Law Enforcement Professional (LEP) with the Marines in Afghanistan. There he found himself the oldest member of a platoon on the front line; a platoon that was understrength and under fire. It was Terry’s job to teach the young Marine’s skills he had picked up over his decades-long career. While an eighteen-year-old Marine can't look at a crowd of Afghans and pick out the guilty party, with his years of experience in law enforcement, Terry had developed an eye for the "felony look". His experience and encouragement helped his younger fighting companions endure a little better than they might have otherwise. While his training as a Marine Officer combined with his experience as an FBI Agent made him a unique asset as he struggled to keep up with young Marines while they humped over the mountains. In THE SILENCE OF WAR, Terry recounts the many trials of his life of service, providing an intimate glimpse into the horrible realities of modern military conflict. He presents a unique voice, point-of-view and opinion on a modern war that readers rarely hear about in memoirs. As we approach the 15th anniversary of September 11th, the timing is perfect for THE SILENCE OF WAR as we remember the courage and selflessness so many displayed that day and in the many days after.

Adam Nimoy

A one-of-a-kind documentary sure to unite trekkies worldwide, For the Love of Spock tells the life of Star Trek’s Mr. Spock and the actor who played him, Leonard Nimoy, for nearly fifty years. The film’s focus began as a celebration of the fifty-year anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series, but after Leonard passed away in February 2015, his son, director Adam Nimoy, was ready to tell another story: his personal experience growing up with Leonard and Spock. Adam not only shares details on the creation, evolution, and universal impact of Mr. Spock, but also about the ups and downs of being the son of a TV icon. For the Love of Spock is laden with never-before-seen footage and interviews of friends, family and colleagues that include William Shatner and the original Star Trek cast, Zachary Quinto and the new crew of the Starship Enterprise, filmmaker JJ Abrams and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Kathrym McCormick

Kathryn is a brilliant actress and one of the industry’s leading dancers. She has starred in films such as Step Up Revolution, Dance-Off, and recent indie drama, Lift Me Up. Kathryn is also known for her work on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, on which she has appeared as a contestant, mentor and returning all-star. She has been invited to guest perform on multiple television and stage shows, such as Dancing with the Stars, The Academy Awards, and the Emmys. She has been featured in multiple music videos with artists like Christina Perri, Neyo, and Muse.Kathryn is a motivator and a bold voice of hope for the next generation. She has travelled the country as a featured speaker on the Revolve Tour. ABOUT HER FILM LIKE AIR Like Air is c urrently available on iTunes and digital platforms. The film documents three high school dancers from across the country compete for the National first place prize in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina battling fears and insecurities along the way and their mentor Kathryn McCormick does her best to teach, guide and inspire. What the girls discover is the true meaning of artistry through dance. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwae-cIvQlA

Rob Reiner

Famed actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner was born Robert Norman Reiner on March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, New York. The son of comedic genius Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner has enjoyed great success in the entertainment industry, both behind and in front of the camera. He spent his early years surrounded by show business personalities such as Sid Caesar and Mel Brooks, while his father worked on hit television program Your Show of Shows in the early 1950s. Reiner also spent time on the set of his father's next successful series, The Dick Van Dyke Show, starring Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore. According to family friend and legendary producer Norman Lear, Reiner showed great comedic promise as a child. He moved to California with his family when he was 13 and attended Beverly Hills High School, where he became friends with future actors Albert Brooks and Richard Dreyfuss. Wanting to pursue a career in comedy, Reiner started a group called The Session with some friends. After high school, Reiner attended the University of California Los Angeles and continued to work with improvisational comedy groups, landing some small television roles. In 1967, he made his film debut in Enter Laughing, a romantic comedy written and directed by his father. He also worked as a writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Reiner got his first taste of success as Mike "Meathead" Stivic on the popular sitcom All in the Family. Stivic and his wife, Gloria, lived with her parents—bigoted curmudgeon Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O'Connor) and flighty Edith (played by Jean Stapleton). Premiering in 1971, the show surprised audiences with its confrontational humor. All in the Family, created by Norman Lear, showed that comedy could tackle the issues of the day, including racism. For seven years, Reiner played "Meathead," a liberal intellectual who frequently clashed with his father-in-law. He won two Emmy Awards in the best supporting actor in a comedy category, first in 1974 and then in 1978. Reiner left the show after the 1977-78 season to pursue other opportunities, including starring on the short-lived show Free Country, which ran during the summer of 1978. Reiner's next big break, however, came from his work behind the camera in 1984. Movie audiences were delighted and probably a bit confused by This Is Spinal Tap, a comedy disguised as a rock documentary. At the heart of the film was the dysfunctional heavy metal act known as Spinal Tap (played by actors Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer). Reiner served as the film's director as well as one of its writers. He even appeared on screen as the band's documentary maker Marty DiBergi. While critics responded positively to this hilarious spoof, it was not an instant hit. Since its release, however, it has become a comedy cult classic.

Friday, September 2, 2016

Frank Hammon from Tesla

In an interview with My Global Mind, Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon talked about Collen coming on board to produce the new LP, which they’re recording during stops on Tesla’s summer tour with Def Leppard and REO Speedwagon. “He has such a passion for Tesla and he’s a fan of the band,” enthused Hannon. “We’ve had a great relationship with him as we have been friends for 30 years since the Hysteria Tour.” Explaining he’s wanted Collen to work on a Tesla record since the group’s reunion in 2000, Hannon added, “It’s like you have a great team but if you don’t have the right person motivating the team, the team doesn’t do well. Phil is that right coach.” Asked for details about what might be different about the band’s music with Collen at the helm, Hannon said fans can expect a “more focused” version of their usual “guitar rock and roll” — with a potentially bluesy twist. “He brings creative ideas, energy, and his sense of melody. He also brings openness trying not to limit us. For example, some of the guys in the band would never consider playing blues, but Phil suggested that we try a blues jam and it came out great,” said Hannon. “It’s that type of open-mindedness that he brings as a musician. When you have a guy like that working as your producer, it helps foster more creativity.” Def Leppard Albums, Ranked Worst to Best Read More: Phil Collen Producing Next Tesla Record | http://ultimateclassicrock.com/phil-collen-tesla/?trackback=tsmclip

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Jamie Kahler

This Labor Day, American Heroes Channel (AHC) will run a day-long marathon of its popular series America: Facts vs. Fiction starring former naval officer turned comedy actor Jamie Kaler. The show aims to shed light on some surprising little known facts about our country and its history, while also setting the record straight on many commonly held misperceptions. As listeners start to put away their suntan lotion and gear up for Back to School season — Jamie Kaler (My Boys, Parenthood) can discuss the show, how he went from naval officer to TV comedy star, dispel some common U.S. history myths, and if you’re game, even give you a quick America: Facts vs. Fiction pop quiz. A brief highlight reel about Jamie is available here: https://vimeo.com/120088743. Would you let me know if this may be of interest for Thu, 9/1?

One Big Love In The Fish Bowl

Sitting in front of a panel of interviewers can't be easy. You don't know the direction behind each point of view. One Big Love took on the challenge of discussing lyrics, love and politics.

Linda Thompson

Unforgettable relationships have shaped Linda Thompson’s life—two breathtaking love stories that this refined Southern Bell has kept private, until now. Born and raised in a small suburb of Memphis, Tennessee, Linda was determined to make it as an independent woman in the 1970s American South. Using the scholarships she won with beauty pageant titles, the brainy beauty queen attended Memphis State University. Only twelve credits shy of her degree, she met Elvis Presley. For the coed and the King, it was love at first sight. While Linda became Elvis’ muse, he encouraged her to devote herself to her songwriting—a passion that would blossom into an award-winning career. For nearly five years, these creative soulmates lived happily in Graceland, raising Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie. But Elvis’ drug use and erratic behavior eventually split them apart, just eight months before his death. Moving to Los Angeles, Linda nurtured her music career and became a star on the long-running variety show Hee Haw. She also found new love with a man she’d long-admired, Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner. To the world, this beautiful couple shared an idyllic life. But a secret would ultimately devastate their marriage; a confidence that Linda carefully protected for thirty years, until her ex-husband opened his heart to the world. Difficult as this end of her marriage to Bruce was, her search for love was not over, eventually leading her to the legendary music producer and musician David Foster to whom she was married for nineteen years. Compassionate yet candid, filled with compelling details and sixteen pages of color photos, Untitled lovingly recounts Linda’s incredible journey and offers fascinating insight into two legendary men. ABOUT LINDA THOMPSON Linda Thompson has been nominated for an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, and won an Emmy Award for writing some of the most recognized songs of a generation. She starred on the long-running hit television series Hee Haw for fifteen years, as well as the reality show Princes of Malibu with her sons, Brandon and Brody Jenner. Today, she works with her foundation PULSE, which is dedicated to helping those who cannot help themselves. She lives in Malibu, California.

Steve Spurrier

Steve Spurrier is a former football coach and player. He played at the University of Florida, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1966. He went on to play in the NFL for nine years, and then worked as an assistant coach before he became head coach of the USFL's Tampa Bay Bandits in 1983. He went on to coach at Duke University, and then Florida, where he le d the Gators to six SEC Championships as well as a National Championship in 1996. From 2002 to 2003, he coached the Washington Redskins, and, from 2005 until his retirement in 2015, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. He was named SEC Coach of the Year seven times.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Harry Shum Jr

Glee star Harry Shum Jr. is making the jump to digital in a new series for YouTube Red. Single by 30 comes from New Form Digital, the production company backed by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Discovery, and YouTube channel Wong Fu Productions. Singer Kina Grannis also stars alongside YouTube star Eric Ochoa, Hillary Anne Matthews and Alexandra Metz. YouTuber Ryan Higa guest-stars. Created and directed by Wong Fu's Philip Wang and Wesley Chan, Single by 30 tells the story of two high school best friends who promise to get married to each other if they're still single by 30. Now that their 30s are fast approaching, Peter (Shum) reunites with Joanna (Grannis), and their attempt at upholding that high school promise goes in an unexpected direction. "For Single by 30, it was important for us to cast a diverse group of actors to reflect the culture of Los Angeles, where the story is set, but to also show that being a single adult at 30 will almost always provoke nudges from friends and critiques from moms regardless of where you're from," said Chan. The series launches August 24th. NewForm's Kathleen Grace and Melissa Schneider are executive producing alongside Wang and Chan and Untitled's Kendall Rhodes and Jason Newman. Todd Waldman serves as head writer on the eight-episode rom-com. Single by 30 joins a growing roster of originals available on Red, the $10-a-month ad-free streaming service that YouTube launched last year. Red recently debuted high school-set Foursome, documentary A Trip to Unicorn Island and horror-themed reality series Scare PewDiePie, among others. Here’s the first episode of SINGLE BY 30: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=989uhlXyrD

Greg Lake

BMG will kick off an Emerson Lake & Palmer re-issue programme next month, which spotlights ELP’s nine studio albums, as well as their live recordings and compilations. Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer enjoyed massive ‘prog’ success throughout the 1970s and have sold over 40 million albums worldwide. The albums will be reissued across different formats, including CD and newly cut vinyl LPs and HD digital downloads. The group’s first three albums, Emerson Lake & Palmer (1970), Tarkus (1971 and Pictures At An Exhibition (1971) are scheduled for re-release first, alongside a new 39-track, three-CD Anthology with material approved by all three band members. The Anthology is presented in special ‘casebound’ book packaging with detailed sleeve notes by Chris Welch, illustrated with rare band photographs. The two-CD deluxe of the 1970 debut comprises the original album and the 2012 Steven Wilson stereo mix, with bonus tracks. This is the same as the 2012 reissue without the surround sound DVD. However, according to BMG, the vinyl LP edition is newly cut for the first time from 24 bit/HD 2012 remasters. Similarly, Tarkus mirrors the 2012 deluxe (original and SW remix+bonus tracks) and the vinyl LP version is newly cut from the 2012 remaster, with original gatefold sleeve and artwork faithfully reproduced. CD 1 (and the LP) of Pictures… is a new remaster from the original master tapes, with bonus tracks. CD 2 has another live performance of the work, recorded at the Lyceum Ballroom, London, on December 9th, 1970, complemented by live performances of ELP favourites The Barbarian, Knife Edge, Rondo and Nut Rocker. Interestingly, following a ‘special request’ from Greg Lake, the LPs will be presented on 140g vinyl to ensure a superior high quality sound. Apparently, Mr Lake doesn’t buy into the 180g-means-it-must-sound-better school of thought. His reasoning is explained on the LP inner bag! These are all released on 29 July 2016. Later in the year BMG will reissue Trilogy (1972), Brain Salad Surgery (1973) and the live album Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends (1974).

Margaux Bergen

An inspiring, piercingly honest user's guide to life, written for the author's daughter and given to her on her first day of college, reflecting tough lessons about family, work, and marriage. Margaux Bergen began writing this book when her daughter Charlotte turned nine and gave it to her right after graduation from high school, when she was setting off for her first day of college. "I am not writing this to groom or guide you to professional or academic success," she writes. "My goal is rather to give you tools that might help you engage with the world and flourish.” You learn a few useful things in school -- the three Rs come in handy, and it's good to know how to perform under pressure and wait your turn--but most of what matters, what makes you into a functioning human being, able to hold your own in conversation, find your path, know what to avoid in relationships and secure a meaningful job, no teacher will ever tell you. In NAVIGATING LIFE: Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me, Bergen shares her own lessons learned in hopes that her trials and errors might benefit her daughter as she set off for college and prepares to navigate life for the first time on her own.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Molly Moore

Molly Moore continues to connect with music fans with her latest release Just A Dream. With so much instrumentation and brilliant lyrics to match. It was time to take it beyond IMDB and break down the lyrics.

Alysia Reiner

Alysia recently finished filming season 4 of ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, won a SAG award for her role as “FIG,” the tough as nails assistant warden as part of the amazing ensemble cast, and can be seen in seasons 1, 2 and 3 now on NETFLIX. She is currently filming season 1 of BETTER THINGS for F/X, brought to you by the inimitable Louie CK & Pamela Adlon, and season 4 of MASTERS OF SEX for SHOWTIME. Additionally you can catch her as D.A. PARKS in Shonda Rhimes' breakout hit HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, Lilian Izikoff on ROSEWOOD, and Fiona in Michael Showalter's new series SEARCH PARTY. Equity was Alysia's 7th independent feature as an actress shot in 2015, but her first feature as actress and producer. SPEED GRIEVING the award winning short film that Alysia created, produced and stars in, had it’s world premiere at The Hamptons International Film Festival, has screened at over a dozen more film festivals, and is now used as a grief counseling tool in every Cancer Support Community center in the country. Her first SAG ensemble award winning foray was playing Christine in the Oscar winning SIDEWAYS and later this summer she will be filming Whitney Cummings' feature directorial debut THE FEMALE BRAIN. Alysia loves working as a change maker for women, and has been invited to the White House, the UN and Cannes to speak about un-stereotyping women and women in entrepreneurship. She has spoken for the Geena Davis Institute and will be at #SHESUMMIT later this year. Additionally she was awarded the Sarah Powell Huntington Leadership Award by the Women’s Prison Association, was recognized as an Intelligent Optimist in Ode Magazine and profiled by New York Women in Film and Television as a woman to watch. Passionately committed to protecting the environment, Reiner is a champion of all things eco-friendly. Her completely green Harlem brownstone renovation has been featured on “World’s Greenest Homes,” “Home & Family,” and “Renovation Nation,” as well as in various magazines including Dwell, Gotham, and The Nest. She is also a celebrity spokesperson for Best for Babes and Healthy Child Healthy World. She is a celebrity contributor to the Huffington Post and Maria Shriver’s website, and has been featured on CNN,People.com, Celebrity Baby Scoop, Stroller Traffic, Healthy Child Healthy World, Family Focus Blog, Today I ate a Rainbow, Your Green Baby, and others. Additionally, Reiner is involved with many other charities including The Cancer Support Community, Actors for Autism, The Young Women’s Leadership Network, GLAAD, Amnesty International, SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young, Bent on Learning, and Safe Kids Worldwide. She lives in Harlem, with her husband (actor David Alan Basche, an actor and associate producer on the film) and daughter Livia Charles, who is named after Alysia's father Charles - who inspired her to produce this film.

Miss Krystle

Arizona pop artist, Miss Krystle, plays on the darker side of summer songs, remaking the 1984 smash hit “Cruel Sumer” by Bananrama, and we love the result! The perfect way to close-out summer 2016, the new single highlights our favorite parts of the original song, including the stacked female chorus, staying true to the melody and overall energy. Bringing the song into mainstream pop today, the production (by That Orko ) incorporates a variety of vocal pitches, stutters, and other ear candy treats! Following the release of her Cruel Summer (Bananarama / The Karate Kid remake) last week, Miss Krystle follows up with an unusually sexy music video, not only transforming Miss Krystle into a car mechanic, but also making watermelon look sexy as hell! The new music video highlights some throwback moments from the original music video, and introduces some fun and creative new concepts. Following up the recent release of her Woman In Motion album last month, which was added to 62 radio stations across the U.S., holding debut spot at #2 in Wisconsin, the summer may be close to over, but things are just heating up for Miss Krystle!

Monday, August 29, 2016

Caroline Wright

There is a cake soulmate out there for every person and every moment, if you just know where to look. Take chocolate. A purist savors its pristine richness, yet for others chocolate is best enjoyed married with fresh mint, bourbon, caramel, coconut, chiles, or perhaps just a hint of salt. If cake is a canvas to paint our flavor fantasies upon, then a cookbook that treats its endless variations and delightful possibilities with the proper reverence is long overdue. Ingeniously applying a Choose Your Own Adventure–style methodology to the art of baking mouthwatering cakes for every taste, CAKE MAGIC! Mix & Match Your Way To 100 Amazing Combinations is an utterly new, highly-visual kind of cookbook that showcases beautiful color photos of every cake in the book to choose from in the front, followed by core recipes in the back. And, to ensure that everyone really is able to have their cake and eat it, too, Wright includes gluten-free and vegan variations for nearly every cake, syrup, and frosting in the book. She also shares indispensible tips on adapting the method to all pan shapes, measuring ingredients, making substitutions, troubleshooting wonky cakes, freezing baked cakes, and extremely simple frosting and decorating techniques. Armed with a plethora of delicious flavor adventures to choose from and easy-to-follow instructions for how to get there, the cake’s destination is up to you. CAKE MAGIC! just offers 100 great reasons to make the trip. Introducing an innovative and remarkably easy new way to make 100 delectable, flavorful cakes, author CAROLINE WRIGHT shares a simple five-ingredient homemade dry mix that forms the foundation for every cake in the book. From there, it’s just a matter of mixing and matching a batter, a flavoring syrup (the professional baker’s secret weapon that imbues the cake with additional flavor and moisture), a frosting, and the occasional topping. By following Wright’s mix-and-match method, it’s possible to introduce nearly endless changes on the same basic cake batter just by switching up the flavoring syrups and frostings.

Slim Jim Phantom

In June 1980, 19-year-old James McDonnell (known as Slim Jim Phantom) boarded a plane from New York City to London with his childhood friends and bandmates Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker. In less than a year, they went from being homeless, hungry, and living in punk rock squats to the toast of the London music scene. The Stray Cats developed a signature sound and style that swept across the world, released multiplatinum albums, and were embraced and befriended by classic rock acts like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, as well as original punk heroes such as the Sex Pistols, the Damned, and the Clash, and rock-and-roll originators Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. After ten years of marriage to actress Britt Ekland, Slim Jim moved down the hill to Sunset Strip, where his son was raised and he owned the world-famous rock-and-roll bar Cat Club while continuing to play with a host of well-known musicians. Slim Jim, a veteran of the London and LA music scenes, recounts in his memoir not just the Stray Cats' rise but a different type of life spent in the upper echelon of rock-and-roll stardom. SLIM JIM PHANTOM FULL BIO Slim Jim Phantom has secured his place as a true rock-n-roll icon. As the legendary drummer for the Stray Cats, Phantom, alongside band mates Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker, spearheaded the neo-rockabilly movement of the early 80s. With a love for 50s rock-n-roll the Stray Cats took inspiration from that bygone era and mixed with their youthful energy and aggression produced the updated hard-edged rockabilly sound that saw them conquer London, Europe and later the U.S., gaining fans among the likes of Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Robert Plant along the way. Born in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City, Jim grew up listening to his parents’ jazz records and by the age of ten took up the drums. Immersing himself in the art of drumming and the world of music, Jim took lessons with Mousie Alexander (who played with Benny Goodman), which included the study of jazz and working through books by Jim Chapin and Ted Reed. By the late 70s Jim was playing in bands with school friend and bassist Lee Rocker and they soon joined forces with guitarist Brian Setzer. The rest, as they say, is history. The Stray Cats had numerous hit singles in the early 1980s, their classic album “Built for Speed” went double platinum, and their song “Rock This Town” is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of “The Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.” Summer 2008 saw Jim and the Stray Cats reunite for an extensive tour of Europe. In February 2009 the band headed to Australia and New Zealand for the first time in 18 years - a tour which was eagerly anticipated by Australasian fans. In addition to the Stray Cats Jim has worked with some of the world’s top artists and has played a part in many successful groups – notably Phantom, Rocker and Slick (featuring long time David Bowie guitarist Earl Slick) which produced two popular albums; The Swing Cats featuring guitar ace Danny B. Harvey; and Dead Men Walking, an all-star affair which has boasted original members of The Sex Pistols, The Cult and Big Country among the rotating line-up. Jim also enjoyed a stint playing with The Killer, rock-n-roll originator Jerry Lee Lewis, and even performed in a now-mythological band called The Cheap Dates with acting legend Harry Dean Stanton, a long-time pal of his. Jim has worked on numerous other projects including his own explosive self-named roots-rock trio, and HeadCat, co-starring Lemmy Kilmister and Danny B. Harvey. In addition, 2009 saw the launch of Slim Jim’s musical project The Forgotten Saints, a band co-founded with old friends, and former Dead Men Walking bandmates Captain Sensible and Mike Peters. A changing guest role for a fourth band member added an exciting dimension to an already prodigious line-up. In the last several years, Slim Jim has continued to work with diverse friends and true artists, including Sex Pistol Glen Matlock and Earl Slick. He’s also partnered with British guitar ace Darrel Higham under the band name Katmen; the pair released a critically acclaimed rockabilly record on Decca records, toured extensively and appeared on the British TV show Later … with Jools Holland. This year finds Jim working again with Dead Men Walking, a punk super group that currently includes long time collaborators Mike Peters and Captain Sensible, plus new members Duff McKagan from Guns N’ Roses, Chris Cheney from The Living End and long time fan and fellow Long Islander Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live and Portlandia. Jim is deeply committed to charitable works, too: he climbed both Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro for Love Hope Strength Foundation (an organization co-founded by Mike Peters of The Alarm that benefits cancer research) with fellow rockers Peters, Robin Wilson from the Gin Blossoms, Cy Curnin from the Fixx and Glenn Tillbrook from Squeeze. The treks were filmed for a National Geographic documentary which was shown on National Geographic channel and VH1. Over 30 years and millions of record sales later and Slim Jim Phantom continues to inspire and excite audiences worldwide. With a sound, style and image that remain as fresh today as they ever were, Phantom has cemented his place among rock royalty. Considered by many as the coolest drummer in rock-n-roll, Phantom’s influence is still clearly felt on today’s music scene with countless rockabilly drummers imitating his pioneering stand-up style.