Mon Aug 31, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

National Safety Council Senior Director of Transportation Initiatives Dave Teater, whose 12-year-old son was killed four years ago by a driver talking on a cell phone
As millions of people prepare to drive to their Labor Day destinations, the need for drivers to be cautious and attentive is at its greatest! An alarming 1.2 million people worldwide are killed every year in automotive accidents, resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths every day with 500 of them being children; and 50 million people worldwide are injured in auto crashes every year with 15 million of them being seriously injured. Thus, it is crucial that drivers take all of the proper precautions (including proper vehicle maintenance, proper maps and/or navigational devices, wearing of seat belts, driving at safe speeds and with the proper head and tail lights, driving without the influence of alcohol, driving without being drowsy, and driving without the use of cell phones or other distracting handheld devices) to ensure the safety of themselves, their family and friends, and everyone else who takes to the roads this year

Thu Aug 27, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Matt Rossell "In Defense of Animals"
Our mission is to end animal exploitation, cruelty, and abuse by protecting and advocating for the rights, welfare, and habitats of animals, as well as to raise their status beyond mere property, commodities, or things. Founded in 1983, In Defense of Animals (IDA) has long been at the forefront of the fight for animal rights. Our efforts over the years have resulted in some exceptional accomplishments and achievements both at home and abroad.

Jess Weiner "A Very Hungry Girl and Life Doesn’t Begin Five Pounds from Now"
The increasing pressure girls face to do it all and do it perfectly is causing girls to pursue unattainable “super girl status” that is stressing them out and causing their self-esteem to plummet. In fact, seven in ten girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, according to a Dove Self-Esteem Fund report. Parents can make a difference during the back-to-school period by helping girls navigate difficult issues around body image, boys, and the pressure to do well in school. While the top wish among girls is for their parents to communicate better with them[1], many parents just do not know how to start the conversation. The Dove Self-Esteem Fund has collaborated with Jess Weiner, best-selling author and self-esteem expert, to create tips to help parents tackle some of the toughest subjects teen girls face today. Jess can discuss these tips and identify ways that parents and mentors can talk to girls about tough subjects and make a difference in their lives to build their self-esteem.

Joey Vento "Geno's Steaks" Philadelphia (Cheese Steaks)
Geno's Steaks owner, Joey Vento has devoted his entire life to building his Geno's Steaks, leaving him little or no time for any outside interests. That is, until recently, when he decided to get involved in biking. Well, like everything else Joey does, he gave it his all.
After getting professional training and obtaining his license, he bought his first Harley. Not too long after that, he graduated to a larger bike and then went on to purchasing a third bike. All the bikes are housed across from Geno's, leading people to believe that he also runs a Harley business. Having the bikes close to his business affords him the opportunity to take off and ride with his friends after putting in his usual 7 Day a Week, 4am to 11am schedule.
It's a time to relax and unwind and when people kid him and say he's having a second childhood, he explains that's not the case; this is his first childhood. He was too busy working when he was younger, and only now, can he take off a little time to enjoy himself. Geno's Steaks was started by Joe Vento back in 1966. He figured that if he was going to sell a steak, he had to be where they were already eating them....at the "X" shaped intersection of 9th & Passyunk in South Philadelphia. Joe learned the cheese steak business from his father who in the early 1940's opened "Jim's Steaks". In 1966, Joe started "Geno's" with $6.00 in his pocket, 2 boxes of steaks and some hot dogs. His competitors all gave him six months to succeed and Joe laughed at them. As a twist of fate, there was already a Joe's Steak Place and Joe had to come up with a new name. He noticed a broken door in the back of his store on which a neighborhood boy by the name of "GINO" had painted his name. Joe liked the name but at that time, there was a food chain by that name and he did not want to confuse his business with that chain. So, he simply changed the "I" to "E" and decided to name his store GENO'S. In 1971, when their son was born, Joe and his wife Eileen decided to name him after their business. His son Geno works along with his father in a managerial capacity as well as handling many of the "behind the scene" tasks helping to make the business such a success. Since those days, Geno's has offered the best of cheese steaks. The ingredients are simple, exacting and never greasy thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese, oven-fresh baked bread and delicately grilled onions. Awaiting your piping hot sandwich on the counter outside are ketchup, mustard, relish and Joe's choice hot sauce. Be prepared and know how to order, because the service is fast and the line keeps moving. For example, on a cheese steak with onions specify which kind of cheese you'd like (Provolone, American or Cheese Whiz). By the time you have given your order, your money will be taken and your sandwich will be out the window nice and hot! At the next window you can pick up your soda, fries and coffee. Geno's is open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a week. There is no indoor dining, but there are tables under canopies on the sidewalk for those who wish to enjoy sandwiches on the premises rather than drive off with them. Stop by when you're in town and see why Geno's Steaks has become a Philadelphia tradition.

Wed Aug 26, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com
Peter Greenberg - Travel News Journalist
Peter Greenberg is Americas most recognized, honored and respected front-line travel news journalist. An Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and producer, Peter is the consummate insider when it comes to reporting the travel business as news. No other journalist brings his extensive level of expertise and experience to the travel process. Travel Weekly named Peter one of the most influential people in the travel industry, along with Bill Marriott and Richard Branson. He is host of the nationally-syndicated Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio Show, broadcast each week from a different remote location around the world on more than 150 stations and Sirius/XM radio. Peter spent seven years as travel correspondent for ABC's Good Morning America, followed by a 14-year stint as Travel Editor for NBC's Today Show. He is also a frequent guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as on CNN News and CBS. His latest book Tough Times, Great Travels, offers his expert advice and insight on how to travel efficiently during tough economic times. His travel news Web site, PeterGreenberg.com, is one of the fastest-growing travel news sites in America. Shares Insider Tips And Tricks on Getting the Most out of Your Travel Dollars With airlines cutting service and one of the most unstable economies this country has seen, the thought of taking a trip might seem completely out of reach. But how can we become smart travelers without breaking the bank? Peter Greenberg, Americas most recognized, honored and respected front-line travel news journalist, will be available to talk about his latest New York Times best-selling book, Tough Times, Great Travels. He will share his secrets on where to look for a bargain, when to buy and how to negotiate a deal. He will offer insider tips and tricks including the best days to purchase airline tickets, how to find free activities in more than 30 cities and where to look for remarkable travel deals, ranging from Europe to Hawaii (both destinations that in the past have been anything but bargains)

DR. SAM NUSSBAUM EXEC VP & CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER - WELLPOINT INC.
WellPoint, Inc. agrees that health care costs are sapping our nation’s economic vitality, and that the financing of this system is unsustainable. But for meaningful health care reform to occur, the debate should not “villainize” any one player, because it is the responsibility of everyone in the industry to develop a higher-performing, lower cost health care system that is accessible to all Americans. Dr. Nussbaum is available to dispel some common misperceptions about the causes of rising health care costs and insurance premiums and discuss where he thinks the health system needs fixing. In this interview, Dr. Nussbaum will share what the latest research shows to be the “key drivers” of health care premium increases and outline those factors he feels are missing from the current debate.

Dr. Lisa Hark PhD, RD Family Nutrition Expert
It’s hard to believe the new school year is here considering it feels like yesterday the summer started. So it’s that time again to think about your child’s nutrition while they are in school and of course when they come home. As simple as it sounds, the question is, are you making sure your child is eating healthy? From the popular cable series, Honey, We’re Killing the Kids, Dr. Lisa Hark will be on hand to answer those questions and make sure you and your family is getting the most out of their meals. Dr. Lisa Hark is an internationally recognized expert on children’s nutrition and is perhaps best known as the host of TLC's "Honey We're Killing Our Kids." Dr. Lisa has written several books for both consumers and medical professionals on nutrition and is a medical school professor and is a frequent guest of national morning talk shows. Her website is www.lisahark.com.

Jay Johnson "The New and Improved Republican: Look Out, Washington! The GOP is Coming Back with a Vengeance! We are living in “strange” times America. If our founding fathers could come back to life for just one minute they would not recognize the country they gave their lives to build. Our country has been hijacked by Barack Obama and his radical comrades in congress. He is spearheading the biggest "power grab" in U.S. history. We are rapidly becoming a dictatorship under the Obama Administration. This insanity must be stopped..... NOW! It's starting again, America. Can you feel it? A revolution is coming soon. This time it’s going to come from young, conservative Republicans. They have power like you wouldn’t imagine. That power is going to be “unleashed” very soon. They will become an unstoppable force in the fight for the survival of America. I will be leading them. Who are they? They are The New & Improved Republicans. Who am I? You will know soon enough? I will use every weapon in my "arsenal of truth" to form an army of "New Republicans" that will speak with thunder throughout the U.S.A.I’ll let you in on a little secret. This time you won’t recognize us. We will conquer the Left with stealth and precision. Our determination will be sharper than a laser cutting through steel.We’ll have a polished, sharpened message and we’ll “play for blood.” If you're a liberal socialist, you better hide. The New & Improved Republicans are ready for the mother of all political battles. The stakes? The United States of America. Go ahead, try to take it from us again. We’re baacckkkk!! Jay Johnson, author of the previously released book Wake Up America! You Are Being Destroyed By The Liberal Left, currently runs Johnson Better Care Facility, an assisted living facility that has remained in the Johnson family for over 30 years. Johnson and his wife enjoy helping the disadvantaged and the elderly, and are recognized in their community for their humanitarian services. Prior to taking over the family business, Johnson ran a variety of businesses, from a beauty salon in Miami, Florida, to owning a real estate/mortgage company in North Dublin, Ireland, for three years. Johnson also served in the United States Army from 1987 to 1993. He currently resides in Dunn, North Carolina, with his wife and four daughters.

Tue Aug 25, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Steve Watson has been the host of the TV Show, “Don’t Sweat It.” He has also appeared on CNN, The Tyra Banks Show and The Today Show. While More And More Women Are Arming Themselves With Hammers & Drills, How Do They Know If They’re Taking On More Than They Can Handle? Recent surveys show that more than half of women homeowners say they enjoy maintenance and repair projects around the house. And these days, with so many people on tight budgets, do-it-yourself projects are becoming second nature for many. But while remodeling a closet is one thing - tiling your bathroom can be quite another! Steve Watson was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn., the son of a bar owner and an ultra-cool mom. As a teenager, Steve learned a little something about swinging a hammer. While working part-time doing construction, he learned the tools of the trade that would keep him fed while pursuing a career in entertainment. Later, he started his own remodeling business, focusing on residential home improvement. Basing himself on the East Coast, Steve worked steadily in the mid '90s. He worked with legendary actor Carroll O' Connor in the CBS drama In the Heat of the Night and starred opposite Emmy Award winner Sharon Gless in the MOW Separated by Murder. Other television credits include To Dance With the White Dog with Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn, The Hazel Brannon Story with Jane Seymour, and the TNT Civil War drama Return to Andersonville.In 1998 Steve relocated to Los Angeles and focused on stand-up comedy. He has performed at all the major comedy clubs including The Improv, The Ice House and The Comedy Store. He also spent four seasons as the host of Discovery Channel's Monster House and currently hosts HGTV's Don't Sweat It.

Neil Zlozower - "Motley Crue: A Visual History, 1983-2005 "
Neil Zlozower has been photographing bands for more than 30 years over a long and storied career and is the author of Van Halen: A Visual History and Fuck You: Rock and Roll Portraits. He lives in Los Angeles.Nikki Sixx is a founding member of Motley Crue and the author of the best-selling The Heroin Diaries. He lives in Los Angeles.

Chris Byrne - "The Toy Guy"
Chris Byrne has more than 28 years experience in the toy, entertainment and children's industries. He is content director for www.timetoPlayMag.com and editor-at-large for leading industry publications Toys & Family Entertainment and Royalties. His toy reviews, research and parenting articles are eagerly sourced by consumers and the media and can currently be found at www.TimetoPlayMag.com .

Alex Goldfayn - The Technology Tailor
In his trademark entertaining and educational style, Alex L. Goldfayn, The Technology Tailor, demystifies technology for millions of consumers each week. He hosts The Technology Tailor Show on WGN Radio, which is heard in 38 states and Canada. It’s a low-tech talk show about the latest in consumer electronics. Every Saturday Alex talks live with moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas, about shopping for and getting the most out of technology. Alex also co-hosts Good Day Technology Tailor with Dough Stephan. It’s an hour-long Saturday morning program explaining technology in the simplest terms possible. On November 1, 2008 Alex launched The Technology Tailor Minute, a syndicated short-program airing on over 320 U.S. radio stations and heard by more than 3.25 million listeners weekly. At least 40 times per year, Alex appears live on television in the largest markets in the U.S. with his top product recommendations. For over five years, he wrote the Chicago Tribune’s My Tech column, profiling how people use technology in their every day lives and work. It was distributed to over 300 publications internationally by McLatchey-Tribune News Service. Alex’s first book, Going Digital: Simple Tools and Techniques for Sharing and Enjoying your Digital Photos and Home Movies was published in 2006 by HarperCollins. It's that time of year again...back to school. With the new academic yearcome new activities both on-campus and off, new schedules and new friends.Whether the students in your life are in college or high school, it's easier(and more important) than ever to keep them connected to friends and family back home.

Animal Acres is a farmed animal sanctuary and compassionate living center located just 45 minutes from Los Angeles. Animal Acres works to promote compassionate living through its farmed animal rescue and refuge efforts, public education and outreach, and advocacy projects to prevent cruelty to farmed animals. Since we opened our doors in 2005, thousands of people have visited the sanctuary and learned that farmed animals need protection, and love, too. Animal Acres is "Home Sweet Home" to rescued cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep, goats, and other "country critters. We invite YOU to become a member of our sanctuary family too! Members contributing $25 or more annually receive our quarterly newsletter and FREE ADMISSION TO SUNDAY TOURS so you can visit your farmed animal friends as much as you'd like. An Animal Acres membership is the best way to keep our doors open to needy animals, and educate your friends and family about compassionate living choices. Here are a few more ways you can help... Recycle & Reuse for Farmed Animals! Donate items to our Thrift Store.
Pitching in for our daily farm chores. Volunteers are needed every day of the week to help us clean barns. Feeding and caring for a rescued farmed animal through our Adopt-a-Farmed Animal Project. Your sponsorship saves lives. Bringing your friends and family to Animal Acres - public tours are held every Sunday. Our beautiful sanctuary is also available for weddings, birthday parties, and other special events. Having a barn stall in your name by becoming a member of our Gandhi Society, the Animal Acres distinct donor club.
Teaching children to be kind to all animals by bringing your school or youth group to Animal Acres for a fun and educational learning experience. Placing our banner on your web site to let others know about L.A.'s new farmed animal sanctuary and compassionate living center (click here for details). Join the Animal Acres eNews & Alert list and become an active advocate for farmed.

Mon Aug 24, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Jim Dratfield's - "Petography"
Jim is available for photo shoots in the Tri-State area most of the year. Upcoming Spring and early Summer 2009 travel dates include: Southern California (including Santa Barbara, L.A. Orange County, Palm Springs and San Diego) April 16th - 26thWashington DC and within 50 mile radius June 8-14th. Future dates for 2009 to be announced later this year /might /include: Bay Area, Texas, Cleveland and Atlanta as well as other cities.
Please give us a call to schedule a shoot when we're in your area! (800)738-6472

Freeman Hall "RETAIL HELL: How I Sold My Soul to the Store, Confessions of a Tortured Sales Associate" Freeman Hall (Los Angeles, CA) is a retail survivor who began slaving in retail at the age of twenty at Macy’s. His most notable retailicious experience was with specialty clothing store Nordstrom, where he spent fifteen years as an award-winning handbag manager and salesperson. Check out RetailHelltheBook.com for his blog, videos, sounding board, and more. “I think you left these behind,” I said, handing them to her. This happens all the time when women try to return bags they’ve used. Tampons, lipstick, coins, Tic Tacs, and condoms are the top treasures found.

Eric Jerome Dickey "RESURRECTING MIDNIGHT"
Eric Jerome Dickey is the author of sixteen novels, eleven of which have been New York Times bestsellers. Also the author of a six-issue miniseries of comic books for Marvel featuring the X-Men’s Storm, Dickey lives on the road. International assassin Gideon spilled blood for the first time when he was seven years old, with a single shot to the head of a man who was attempting to kill the woman Gideon had known as his mother. The victim was none other than his own father, a man of unspeakable evil. This pivotal event shaped Gideon throughout his life, made him who he is, one of the fiercest, most feared hired guns in the world.And one of the most hunted. After nearly losing his life in Antigua during a mission that went terribly wrong, Gideon trusts no one. But when a former lover and grifter, Arizona, resurfaces in need of his skills, she reminds him he was indebted to a man who had once saved his life: the son of the legendary con-man Scamz. Gideon is forced to take on an assignment which will lead him to Argentina in pursuit of a briefcase containing one part of a larger puzzle. The "package" contains material that another group of assassins – the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – will kill to obtain and protect. One of the leaders of the Four Horsemen has a connection to Gideon that neither man is aware of -- a connection that will be exposed when they meet face-to-face and gun-to-gun. Each member of The Four Horsemen is a world-class killer, each with a dark and dangerous past, and nothing will stop that team of renegades from completing their mission. As Gideon struggles to keep promises and uncover information about his past, he finds himself at the center of the ultimate double-cross and he is forced to do what he must to protect himself and those closest to him. Set amidst the exotic and vibrant streets of Miami and Buenos Aires, Resurrecting Midnight is an action-filled, pulse- pounding thriller from bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey.

Thu Aug 20, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Josh Dorfman - "The Lazy Environmentalist: Your Guide to Easy, Stylish, Green Living" host of The Lazy Environmentalist television series on Sundance Channel. From 2006 to 2008, Josh was the creator, producer, and host of The Lazy Environmentalist national radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio. His website, www.LazyEnvironmentalist.com, serves as a green consumer hub offering advice and reviews of today’s best green products and services. As a green living expert, Josh has appeared on The Martha Stewart Show, The Big Idea with Donnie Deutsch, the Sundance Channel, ABC, NBC, Bravo, and numerous other television networks.

Sam Hornish Jr., NASCAR Sprint Cup driver of the #77 Mobil 1 Dodge
opportunity with Hornish to discuss the “Show Your Mobil 1” challenge, the current season and the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Sharpie 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway on August 22. In the “Show Your Mobil 1” challenge, fans are invited to shoot their own Mobil 1 commercial that expresses the strong connection between NASCAR and the official motor oil of the motorsport.

Karen Davidson - Granddaughter of Harley-Davidson
Karen Davidson, creative director of general merchandise for Harley-Davidson and daughter of Harley-Davidson styling legend Willie G. Davidson, is available to talk about the growth of the sport among women, the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, how interested listeners can get into the sport, as well as the reasons why women ride.

Wed Aug 19, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Jim Randel "The Skinny on Real Estate Investing"
I have watched Jim invest for twenty years ... he is a very smart, clever, and a disciplined investor ... the guy I would want in a fox hole with me. --Jeff Gage, Managing Director, Jones Lang LaSalleJimmy Randel is the real deal. He knows how to combine market timing with his expertise to create incredible returns. He was my mentor 25 years ago when we did our first deal together and I treasure his advice to this day. --Jim Fagan, Managing Director, Cushman Wakefield Product DescriptionThe Skinny on Real Estate: An Introduction to the Subject (Part 1) is the first in a three-part series of books about real estate investing. This book gives you an overview of the topic, outlining questions to help you determine if real estate investing is right for you. In this book you will learn the basics as Randel sets the foundation for investment strategies. This quick read will prepare you for a lifetime of investing!

British Style Mavens Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine
MAKING OVER AMERICA WITH TRINNY AND SUSANNAH Premieres Friday, August 21 at 10 PM (ET/PT) on TLC After 15 years of styling thousands of women around the world, Trinny and Susannah are ready to makeover America! Traveling from state to state these British style gurus get a healthy dose of Americana while meeting the women who make this country great. Armed with their no holds barred opinions, a healthy dose of tough love and a special box of tricks they’ll stop at nothing to help American women look and feel better about their bodies. Each one-hour episode begins with Trinny and Susannah receiving nothing more than a name, an address and a cry for help from a style challenged woman. The race is on for these makeover mavens as they have just four days to get to know and completely transform the life of their fashion victim. Before they begin to change any shoes, however, they must walk in them first! Spending a few days living the life of the participant, Trinny and Susannah work side by side with each woman and spend a day with her family, so that they can really understand the life of the individual they are trying to help. Starting from the bottom up Trinny and Susannah help women embrace their shapes and not focus on size. Their mantra is never about diets or designer clothes, these ladies are here to help women look good - right now! Complete with entire closet overhauls, heart racing shopping challenges and getting stripped down to their knickers, these fashion “femme fatales” will go to any length to help America’s hardest working women realize their true potential. MAKING OVER AMERICA WITH TRINNY AND SUSANNAH shows how style can be had just outside your door, as Trinny and Susannah take on local stores, local hair salons and beauty parlors for a transformation that anyone can manage in their hometown. First episode description -- Richmond, VA VIRGINIA CHEERLEADING COACH.

Charlie Barrett - "Charlie Looks into It"
Charlie Barrett famed Hollywood publicist and form "Tonight Show" Exec it out for Erik & Jack - Today the History of the Donut".

Sara Williams "One Big Itch"
Mystery novelist Sara Williams demonstrated a distinct knack for writing breathless page turners when her first novel, The Don Juan Con, was optioned in Hollywood by producer Robert Evans for Paramount Studios. Sara’s latest riveting thriller, One Big Itch, proves to be no exception. Set in Hawaii , it portrays a unique culture that the author found endlessly fascinating in her decade of living in the Hawaiian Islands . Sara makes a capti vating speaker and audiences love to share in her adventures. One Big Itch is set in Honolulu, the playful tropical city that's also haunted, as Detective John 'Oluhana Maalaea Spyer well knows. Too bad Spyer is a hapa haole (ha-pa how-lee), a half white, and so pays only half attention when Madam Pele herself warns him off the Randolph Haverhill case. No decent Hawaiian ever says no to an old friend, which makes Spyer the quintessential "soft boiled" detective. Despite Madame Pele's warnings, Spyer investigates the death of his childhood pal Randy Haverhill, opening his own psychic wounds and putting the love of his mainland girlfriend Maya to the test. Spyer is soon privy to a frightening tale of obsessive love. Trouble is, Randy became too popular with the ladies for his own good. It appears that one of Randy's crazed lovers shot Randy on his doorstep. So why do the police persist in the notion that Randy was murdered by his own son?

Amy Bruni SyFy's "Ghosthunters" Wednesday's 9 PM PT/ET
Amy Bruni is a good example of what happens when a hobby turns into a passion, which in turn becomes a way of life. Like many in the paranormal field, Amy grew up in a very haunted house. Yet, unlike most in that situation, Amy's family embraced it. Her father was an amateur paranormal investigator and routinely, he and Amy would investigate haunted sites. Understandably, at a young age, she was reading and absorbing everything paranormal related she could –- and as she grew to adulthood, that didn't change. Amy initially began investigating with a local paranormal team in Sacramento, California. As soon as she stepped foot in the field professionally, her pursuits took off. Her lifetime of supernatural knowledge drew the attention of Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson of The Atlantic Paranormal Society and the Syfy show, "Ghost Hunters." She now produces their syndicated weekly radio broadcast, "Beyond Reality Radio" and is a member of the TAPS team. In her quest to spread knowledge of the paranormal nationwide, Amy started organizing paranormal conferences, and again with Hawes and Wilson, started the company, Beyond Reality Events. More recently, Bruni has been using her connections in the field to conduct important research on the nature of group dynamics in the paranormal, and she's begun lecturing on ghosts and the supernatural. Her goal is to work across the paranormal community with the hope that serious field research can occur and can be shared within the community.

Tue Aug 18, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

USS Cole Commander Kirk Lippold
Commander Kirk S. Lippold, USN (Ret.), was the Commanding Officer of the USS Cole (DDG-67) on October 12, 2000 when the ship was attacked and bombed by Al-Qaeda terrorists during a refueling stop in the Yemeni port of Aden, killing 17 U.S. sailors. Lippold assumed command of the Cole on June 25, 1999 and served until he was relieved on March 9, 2001. Kirk S. Lippold, Former USS Cole Commander and Senior Military Fellow at Military Families United, released the following statement concerning the breaking news that Mohammed Jawad, an al Qaeda operative who attacked American troops in Afghanistan in 2002, will be transferred and released from Guantanamo Bay in up to three weeks. “No coherent policy in the war on terror. No comprehensive plan in place to deal with the future of Guantanamo Bay detainees. No accountability for terrorists who attack and wound our brave fighting forces. Now, in a strikingly familiar political decision, the Obama Administration has announced it plans on releasing Mohammed Jawad, a terrorist who attacked and wounded two U.S. soldiers and an Afghan citizen in a grenade attack. Provided with a fresh opportunity to return to the battlefield, this potential release demonstrates the Administration’s capitulation to the interests of activist organizations such as the ACLU. They have chosen to prioritize the ACLU’s interests over the lives of our troops, the national security of our country and the freedom that we as Americans enjoy. This terrorist release announcement comes only days after the Administration failed to meet its self-imposed deadline for a developing a comprehensive plan to deal with GITMO detainees. It is just the latest example of a dangerous pattern of piecemeal decisions made to keep an ill-advised campaign promise. Military Families United has been urgently calling for the President to develop a plan to keep America safe and bring justice to these terrorists. If the President’s solution to this problem is to release terrorists, he can no longer claim he is keeping America safe. He is purposefully putting our troops in greater danger and setting a precedent that will result in more American troop deaths. Jawad’s actions already wounded three individuals. How many more terrorists does the President need to release before he realizes the threat they pose to our troops? Our country and the brave troops that protect it should not be put at greater risk because vital national security decisions are being made to meet arbitrary deadlines and repay campaign debts to the ACLU. Americans deserve better and the country needs an effective, coherent strategy to deal with War on Terror detainees. We cannot allow terrorists to slip through our fingers because of misplaced and untrue political perceptions about Guantanamo Bay.”

"IF IGNORANCE IS BLISS, WHY AREN'T THERE MORE HAPPY PEOPLE? "
John Lloyd was the producer of the television shows Not the Nine O'Clock News, Blackadder, and Spitting Image for which he earned a lifetime achievement award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). He is the creator of the hit BBC show QI.

John Mitchinson is from the world of books. As Managing Director of Cassell he published the Beatles, Michael Palin and Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Now he writes and researches for the television program QI and drinks in the same North Oxfordshire pub as John Lloyd.

Mon Aug 17, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

General Tony Zinni "Leading the Charge:
Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom"
Former chief of CENTCOM and special envoy to the Middle East. Currently, General Zinni serves as the Chairman of the BAE Systems, Inc. Board and Acting President and CEO of BAE Systems, Inc. (BAE is the 3rd largest global defense company). Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom was developed while the General was on the lecture circuit. Audiences would frequently ask Zinni about the qualities needed for a successful leader and examples of current day good leaders. Although recent leadership in American business and politics has been questioned, Zinni knew there were successful leaders both here in America and abroad. So, he set out to highlight those leaders and the qualities that made their leadership successful.

Chris Byrne - "The Toy Guy"
Chris Byrne has more than 28 years experience in the toy, entertainment and children's industries. He is content director for www.timetoPlayMag.com and editor-at-large for leading industry publications Toys & Family Entertainment and Royalties. His toy reviews, research and parenting articles are eagerly sourced by consumers and the media and can currently be found at www.TimetoPlayMag.com .

R. S. Moore - "Dickfish"
Rock music is not just music. It is the soundtrack of our lives. Rock and roll lyrics can reflect not only our emotions but our political and religious views as well. In his new novel, DICKFISH, author R. S. Moore laces iconic rock and roll lyrics with the indulgent and decadent lives of six young D.C. professionals. A former D.C. lobbyist and self-proclaimed "rockaholic," Moore provides a peek into the ways rock music shapes our lives and feeds our souls.

Laura Rowley "Budgeting for Holidays"
Laura Rowley is an author and journalist specializing in money and values. She writes the weekly "Money and Happiness" column for Yahoo!Finance, which receives 42 million unique visitors a month. The column is based on her book, "Money & Happiness: A Guide to Living the Good Life," which shows readers how to align their finances with their values. Rowley also writes a blog and teaches a course in values at Seton Hall University. She is a former reporter/producer for CNN Business News, and the author of two other business books. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Self, Parents, and other publications, and she has been interviewed by The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNBC, Fox Network, and dozens of other media. She is married with three daughters and lives in New Jersey.

ROCK & ROLL LEGEND - SAM COOKE (1931-1964)
Cooke died at the age of 33 on December 11, 1964 at the Hacienda Motel at 9137 South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, California, which has since been torn down. Bertha Franklin, manager of the motel, told police that she shot and killed Cooke in self-defense.

Wed Aug 12, 2009

On Today's Show: http://www.crntalk.com/



Stuart Schultz, founder and CEO of www.Gradspot.com
with business partner Chris Schonberger – two enterprising twenty-something’s – founded Gradspot.com, a premiere, online destination for life after college. They are super-impressive young professionals, having graduated from Harvard and Emory respectively and boasting work experience in the finance, technology and publishing industries. The backbone of Gradspot.com is made up of Survival Guides organized into five categories: Apartment, Career, Lifestyle, Money and Health. Stuart is also the co-author of The Gradspot.com Guide to Life after College. There are lots of books out there for new college graduates who have just crash-landed in the real world, but this book is a refreshing addition to the genre, mainly because it’s clever without being silly or snarky. Gradspot.com was featured on WNBC-TV’s (NY) Today in New York in May 2008 as a top online resource for college graduates.

Kent Healy editor of "Extraordinary Teens"
Kent Healy launched his first business, published five books, started a publishing company and toured the country speaking to teens all before the age of 24.Kent was one of 10 contestants on “The Messengers,” a reality series on The Learning Channel (TLC) where he competed for the title “America’s Next Great Inspirational Speaker.” Kent is currently working on more books, creating audio programs and organizing tele-courses. Now 25 years old, he is a columnist for several newspapers and magazines across the country, a personal life coach, an entrepreneur, a popular speaker at high schools and colleges and, in his spare time, works in real estate.

Eric M. Lamond, is the Director of Marketing for C3 Entertainment, Inc.
Eric brings 25 years of corporate marketing management experience to C3 from the financial services and high tech fields including work with TGI, a global provider of high-speed satellite services, Transamerica and served as President of the California Health Maintenance Association’s Administration subsidiary. His association with The Three Stooges is both personal and professional, as he is Larry Fine’s eldest grandchild. His first screen credit was in 1955 in the Andy Clyde two reeler SCRATCH SCRATCH SCRATCH , directed by Jules White, and starring Dorothy Granger (who appeared in The Three Stooges short Punch Drunks). Eric worked with The Three Stooges throughout his youth, appearing in their feature films and in several of the live action filmed wrap arounds used in the 1965 animated Three Stooges cartoon series. His acting work mainly focused on television commercials until his mid teens. There were also several appearances with the Stooges on The Three Stooges Show Starring Don Lamond on KTTV in Los Angeles. Don Lamond is Eric’s father and was married to Larry’s daughter Phyllis. Mr. Lamond received Journalism and English degrees from the UC system and also studied at the University of Vichy in France.

Jason Garner - CEO of Global Music - Live Nation
Jason Garner, Chief Executive Officer of Global Music oversees Live Nation’s concert promotion and venue activities worldwide. He also oversees the company’s House of Blues division. He has worked for Live Nation and its predecessors since 2003, when he joined the company as the lead booker for its Latin division, Vivelo. He quickly rose to the position of General Manager of the Latin division and eventually moved to the company’s Los Angeles headquarters to oversee the Live Nation’s North American Touring Division and the following year its North American Amphitheatre programming. Mr. Garner most recently served as Chief Executive Officer, North American Music at the company.

Tues Aug 11, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

David Arnold Pokemon
Hundreds of the best players from around the globe will be gathering on august 14th and 15th for the first ever Pokémon Video Game World Championships, and the 2009 Pokémon Trading Card Game World Championships. Amongst the many competing for the title of world champion is twelve year old David Arnold of Frankford, Illinois.

Chris Byrne - "The Toy Guy"
Chris Byrne has more than 28 years experience in the toy, entertainment and children’s industries. He is content director for the major consumer Web site www.timetoPlayMag.com and editor-at-large for leading industry publications Toys & Family Entertainment and Royalties. His toy reviews, research and parenting articles are eagerly sourced by consumers and the media and can currently be found on his website, www.TimetoPlayMag.com.

TOPIC: BACK-TO-SCHOOL TOYS THAT ENTERTAIN AS THEY STIMULATE THE BRAIN
Who says learning can’t be fun? The Toy Guy® Chris Byrne lets you know about the hottest learning toys that are not only fun to play with, but sharpen the minds and hone the learning skills of kids as they head back to school. School may be just weeks away, but there’s still lots of fun—and learning—for kids to look forward to. Moreover, the Back to School shopping season has emerged as the third largest toy buying time of the year, with parents looking for the best in everything from creative play to educational toys—all of which are critical to kids’ development as they build skills and reinforce learning.

Sandra Brown "SMASH CUT"
SANDRA BROWN is the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers--including most recently Smash Cut, Smoke Screen, Play Dirty, Ricochet, Chill Factor, White Hot, Hello, Darkness, The Crush, and Envy. She is the recipient of the 2008 Thriller Master award. She and her husband live in Arlington, Texas.


Jack R. Nerad Exec Editorial Dir & Market Analyst - Kelley Blue Book
Many people feel completely out of their element when it comes to auto related issues involving maintenance and purchasing vehicles. They dread the idea of having to take their car to the auto shop or making a new car purchase. Some may delay much needed maintenance and auto care that can lead to bigger problems or some often delegate the responsibility to others. Similarly, many put off that new or used car purchase just to avoid the hassles when it’s actually time to replace a vehicle. Either way, it’s never a safe bet to drive a car that needs to be serviced or replaced. And with a little education and some quick reminders from an industry expert, it goes a long way. Jack Nerad Will Provide Insights on things such as: Maintaining the value of your vehicle for practical purposes as well as safety New and Used Car buying Tips Perspective on online resources that offer guidance on maintenance and car purchases

Cat Schwartz - eBay Gadget and Toy Director
Cat Schwartz is one of the leading tech experts inthe country. She started her TV career at TechTV and soon become widely known for her electric commentary on the hottest gadgets. , Cat continues to educate consumers onthe latest tech and toy trends. These days, kids – from adolescents to teens – are spending more andmore time online and immersed in the latest technologies. But as thenew school year fast approaches, how can we keep our kids excited about not only the recreational side of these tools, but theeducational value, as well? As much fun as they may be, some of thelatest tech trends can stimulate learning inside and outside the classroom.

Mon Aug 10, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

"Lance" - John Wilcockson
Why does someone, a multimillionaire approaching the age of 38 and a cancer survivor besides, come out of three years' retirement to try to win the world's most demanding sports contest? The "someone" is, of course, Lance Armstrong. "Ah well, he's having fun," answered Christian Vande Velde, a former teammate of Armstrong's and now a rival, in a chat this spring. Some fun. Looking determined, if sometimes strained, Armstrong has ridden through rain, cold, and long climbs to remain, if improbably, within striking distance of victory in the Tour de France. It would be his eighth, three more than anybody else in the 105-year-old history of the race. And if that's not enough, he said Tuesday that he would be back again next year. Another answer, fully documented, wide-ranging and reasoned, is provided by John Wilcockson, a veteran Tour watcher (he received an award for 40 years' fidelity to the race this month) in his book, "Lance".

Steve Gradman EXPO Global Marketing
By definition, a teacher is extraordinary. But EXPO®, maker of dry erase markers, boards and accessories, is launching a new multi-channel marketing campaign to recognize teachers who go the extra mile, including one special "EXPO Extraordinary Educator" who has made all the difference. The campaign, which launches this week with TV ads in select NBC markets, is EXPO's way of saying thanks to America's best educators while also helping offset the money teachers spend each year out of their own pockets on school supplies. According to a 2001 study by the National Education Association, on average, teachers in large and medium school systems spent $523 and $465 respectively of their own money to meet the needs of their students. EXPO's new TV ads feature Kyle Chandler, who stars as Coach Eric Taylor on the popular NBC TV series "Friday Night Lights." His message in the new spots is clear: Teachers deserve a break, and EXPO is here to help.

Robert Franek, VP / Publisher, The Princeton Review
Robert Franek, VP / Publisher, The Princeton Review and author of "The Best 371 Colleges," or one of the book's senior editors can discuss: the rankings of specific colleges; the two honor roll lists: Financial Aid and "Green;" and how and why Princeton Review annually surveys students about the quality of life on their campuses.

Edge of Forever - Jeff Chimenti
Despite his busy Houston practice, Jeff Chimenti, board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat physician and surgeon has found time to write not just one book but two: The Edge of Forever and the upcoming sequel, The Edge of Forever: Brink of Extinction. Both books draw on Chimenti's scientific background that brings scary realism to his action packed stories

Strange But True - Rock History
The St. Louis white R&B revue Bob Kuban and the In-Men had one big hit to their name: their 1966 single 'The Cheater.' A catchy, horn-driven blast of blue-eyed-soulish pop that made it to No. 12 on the charts, it featured the gruff, powerhouse lead vocals of Walter Scott, who in the band's cautionary tale warns listeners to "Look out for The Cheater/He's gonna build you up just to let you down." Little did Scott suspect that a couple of real-life cheaters, including one he shared a bed with, would be instrumental in letting him down -- into the cold, damp ground.

Thu Aug 6, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Joe Szabo Administrator Federal Railroad Administration
Cliff Stayton, Director ofPublic Safety, CSX Transportation
Joseph C. Szabo, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration Nominated byPresident Barack Obama on March 20, 2009 and confirmed by the United StatesSenate on April 29, 2009, Joseph C. Szabo is the twelfth Federal RailroadAdministration (FRA) Administrator. As Administrator, Mr. Szabo isresponsible for overseeing the operations for the eight hundred plus personorganization. This includes managing a comprehensive railroad safetyassurance program and regulatory initiatives; enforcement of railroad safetylaws and regulations; development and implementation of national freight andpassenger rail policy and financial assistance programs; and oversight ofwide ranging advanced research and development projects in support of improved railroad safety. Cliff Stayton, Director Community Affairs and Safety, CSX Having joined CSXPublic Affairs in 2005, Cliff leads the Public Safety Awareness Team of 11system-wide in all aspects of grade crossing safety awareness efforts,community relations and system grade crossing closure efforts, both publicand private. Prior to his position at CSX, he was a Trainmaster in Danville,IL, where he was responsible for terminal and line-of -road operations andsafety for 150 employees. Cliff is a member of National Operation LifesaverProgram development council.

David Wessel - "In Fed We Trust"
David Wessel is economics editor for The Wall Street Journal and writes the Capital column, a weekly look at the economy and forces shaping living standards around the world. He is responsible for overseeing coverage of the Fed and the Journal's daily coverage of the macro economy, global trade and economic trends. He appears frequently on National Public Radio. David has shared two Pulitzer Prizes, one for Boston Globe stories in 1983 on the persistence of racism in Boston and the other for stories in The Wall Street Journal in 2002 on corporate wrong-doing. He is the co-author, with Wall Street Journal reporter Bob Davis, of Prosperity, a 1998 book on the American middle class.

Clinton Kelly Host "What Not To Wear"
Summer Stains and Summer Style. What’s in this summer. How long can you wear white for (after labor day?), how to get bbq sauce out of the brand new white shirt your wife bought for you or the popsicle stain off your kids clothes etc. Also, since OxiClean can be used around the home as well, Clinton has a number of home entertaining tips.

Nancy McBride- Nat Safety Dir - National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Back-to-school time is an exciting time for the whole family, but it’s also a time for parents to be thinking about child safety. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) believes back-to-school is a smart time for families to review their child safety strategies because it is a time when children are interacting with new and different people outside their homes. NCMEC National Safety Director Nancy McBride – who has participated in numerous national media interviews as the child safety expert commenting on high-profile cases including Carlie Brucia in Sarasota, Fla., in 2004, Natalie Holloway in Aruba in 2005, and Sandra Cantu in Tracy, Calif., in 2009 – will be sharing crucial back-to-school safety tips with your viewers and recommending free resources that can help parents facilitate the important back-to-school safety conversation with their kids.

Wed Aug 5, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

David G. Foys "Essential Innocence"
Have you ever been in love-with a person you didn't know, had never met, and had never seen in person? This seems impossible to most people, but to a troubled 16-year-old boy, this scenario was not only possible, it became a reality.The kidnapping, rape and murder of 7-year-old Melissa Ackerman of rural Somonauk, Illinois, in June, 1985, was a crime which shook the entire community, and brought forth the dark and evil side of human nature. Whereas most people were outraged and saddended by the crime-and then were able to move on to the next news story-one young man found himself so consumed by these emotions that his entire life-and the lives of those around him-would be changed forever. I am that young man.Essential Innocence chronicles my struggles to cope with this tragedy. With a simple, diary-like format and clear, concise style, it also focuses upon other difficulities of youth-personal relationships, sexual feelings, and my own brother's murder a few years earlier. Controversy is ingrained in the story, which also covers topics such as child molestation and suicide.Essential Innocence will be a fascinating book for those of us who remember youth as a confusing and painful time, to teenagers as a guide of hope, and to anyone touched by death who seeks the answer to one question: Why? David Foys is a Chicago native, who currently resides in suburban Westmont, Illinois. He attended Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology, with a minor in Political Science. Essential Innocence is his first novel.

Ray Smith - Dancer - "American Bandstand"
Ray Smith danced on the original American Bandstand from 1956 to 1959. Now he is a member of the Move Free Dancers, a recreational performing dance troupe of active adults, 50+. The Move Free Dancers’ mission is to inspire people of all life stages to keep moving, maintain strong and healthy joints, and do the things they love to do, at any age. Calling all 50+ dancers! The American Bandstand is turning 52! To celebrate, the Move Free Dancers are hitting Philly, the home of the Bandstand, to show the city that it’s easy to keep moving and grooving at 50+!
If you are a Bandstand fan who has what it takes to keep grooving at 50+, join original Bandstand Dancer Ray Smith and his crew of Move Free Dancers as they lead a master class in everything from rock ‘n roll to lindy hop, just like they did way back when. But that’s not all: each participant in the master class will learn the contemporary Move Free dance and receive the Move Free Dancers’ tools of the trade: a 7-day starter pack of Move Free Advanced daily supplement for joint health and a “Keep Moving!” t-shirt.


Eve Marie "Waiting For You"
1. The Bells Sang Our Song
2. I'll Take A Picture
3. I Know You By Heart
4. The Way You Look Tonight
5. Lost Soul Today
6. You Made Me Love You
7. Where Did You Go?
8. Songbird
9. Temptation
10. Waiting For You

Frank Keating, President and CEO of American Council of Life Insurers
The high cost of long-term care is a looming crisis that threatens Americans’ retirement and financial security and is putting significant strains on government entitlement programs, such as Medicaid.

Colleen Lerro Consumer Electronics Association
Colleen Lerro is a communications specialist for the Consumer Electronics
Association. Colleen has been with CEA for two years and manages promotions
for the Accessories and Digital Imaging divisions, and also handles internal
communications and media monitoring. Most of us think of personal tech accessories as just a way to add our favorite colors and unique style to our electronics, but they also do so much more. Accessories enhance the use of the core product, increasing its functionality, performance and power, while also helping gadgets connect more smoothly and making them easier to take with us. No matter what electronic device you use on a daily basis, there is an accessory to compliment and enhance it.

Tue Aug 04, 2009

On Today's Show: http://www.crntalk.com

Ronald Probstein "Honest Sid: Memoir of a Gambling Man "
If you're going to live outside the law, you'd better be honest. This seeming paradox was the operating principle of Sid Probstein's life. Guileless and endlessly optimistic, he was known as Honest Sid around his stomping ground of New York's Broadway. Sid wasn't a tough guy, or even a bad guy. He just never had the patience for the "straight" life, grinding out a living at some monotonous desk job. He was the quintessential American dreamer, always sure that the good life was just one big score away, a man who never stopped believing in his own good luck, even when the evidence said otherwise. He had all the tools, he was charming, good-looking, quick-witted and decent, but he had an obsession he couldn't escape. Honest Sid is the story of an American archetype as seen through the eyes of his son, Ronald, who loved him, and who almost lost him. It follows Sid's adventures in the world of bookies and bettors, fighters and fixers, players and suckers set against the often-romanticized backdrop of Depression-era New York. It is also the passionate tale of the great and tempestuous love between Sid and his wife Sally, and of his son Ronald whom he idolized.

John Wilcockson "Lance"
Family members—including his adoptive father speaking publicly for the first time—recall Lance’s humble origins in the backstreets of Dallas, the father he barely knew, his single mom’s struggle for survival, and her second marriage that brought a move to the suburbs and new opportunities. His childhood friends and early mentors remember how he moved on from Little League baseball and football to excel at swimming, running, and triathlon, while living the life of a teenager who loved fast cars and pretty girls. They also describe the circumstances that eventually led to his taking up cycling. As Lance’s fierce ambition drove him from the dusty plains of Texas to the snowy peaks of Europe, he was both admired and derided. He intimidated his rivals, earned the respect of his teammates, and astounded everyone with his extraordinary deeds. But his achievements have consistently been dogged by allegations of doping and secrecy, and questions of how triumph on such a grand scale could even be possible. So how did Lance become the supreme champion of his sport? He didn’t do it alone. His compelling story is intertwined with the stories of those who helped shape his life and career, including his mother Linda, ex-wife Kristin, and one-time fiancée Sheryl Crow, along with those of his mentors, coaches, and friends. Their voices, along with those who helped him expand his cancer foundation into a worldwide movement, are integral to his unique story. Lance also reveals details, many for the first time, of how Armstrong’s legendary training, near-fatal bout with cancer, repeated doping allegations, and hostile European media all pushed him to reach the pinnacle of his sport and rightly claim the title of the world’s greatest champion. John Wilcockson has written for Outside and Men’s Journal, among other publications. He is the author of 23 Days in July, one of ESPN’s “Top 10 Sports Books of the Year,” and lives in Boulder, Colorado.

NASCAR® Driver Elliott Sadler
“rooftop racer” CHALLENGES fans to help Elliott sadler cross the finish line without spilling his coke zero Sadler Stars In Online Game, New Coke Zero Ad Campaign There are driving games, and then there’s “Rooftop Racer,” the NASCAR®-themed online challenge from Coke Zero. “Rooftop Racer” adds a unique twist to taking the checkered flag. Imagine driving a race car while balancing a 20-oz. Coke Zero bottle on the roof. Unconventional? Yes. Easy to do? Absolutely not. But that’s exactly the predicament Elliott Sadler finds himself in when he exits pit road and leaves his ice-cold bottle of Coke Zero on top of his racecar. The premise of the “Rooftop Racer” online game – available at www.cocacolazero.com – is to help Sadler cross the finish line without spilling a drop. Fans can test their skills for bragging rights or enter the Coke Zero Rooftop Racer Cup, a contest that gives fans the chance to play and win every week. Prizes will vary from T-shirts and autographed Sadler merchandise to a grand-prize trip to the season-ending Ford 400 at Miami-Homestead.


KFC GRILLED CHICKEN WINNERS - TWICE A WEEK ERIK & JACK WILL GIVE LISTENERS A CHANCE TO WIN GREAT TASTING KFC GRILLED CHICKEN JUST BY SENDING AN EMAIL WITH YOUR NAME ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER TO KFC@CRNI.NET .YOU CAN BE A WINNER FROM CRN DIGITAL RADIO. WINNERS ARE DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM ALL ENTRIES. TODAY'S WINNER IS SHEILA DELL , DOW, MA, . CONGRATULATIONS!

Mon Aug 03, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Saskia Shakin "More Than Words Can Say"
In l979, I struck out on my own with an MA from Columbia University Teachers College in Linguistics, and several years of teaching & consulting under my belt. When I started my own consulting business, Plain English, Please!, I had no idea where it would take me. But never did I dream it would take me into the inner circles of corporate America (American Express, Marsh & McLennan Co.); or to the premier economic consulting firms (Nera, Cambridge Economics); and least of all to some of the oldest and largest law firms in the country (Milbank Tweed; Ropes & Gray). Then came the artists: Theatre people, authors, performing artists and others who needed to use words to convey their vision, whose art needed to be talked about -- whose ideas need to be as effective as their art. Often, an Expert is too close to his material to be able to see the proverbial forest for the trees. In the words of a favorite client, "We're now so embroiled in the trees, we can't even see the leaves!" Keeping an open mind and open ears, I've come to understand which traits can serve and which can derail a speaker; I've come to appreciate that listening between the lines is as vital as listening to the words; and, most of all, I've come to value silence and attention -- for we convey far more through our presence than through our words alone. Having worked both as a Consultant and as a Communications Coach for many years now, I have come to appreciate the subtle distinction between the two. A good consultant will often tell you what you need and help you acquire it; a good coach will elicit from you what you desire and help you achieve it. My clients have referred to me as their coach . . . long before coaching became the vogue. And so, I've adopted the title, The Keynote Coach.

Grant Hallstrom "Emotional Black Holes"
Shhhh, Listen! Do you hear that vacuum sucking people down? A severely depressed 16-year-old youth broadcasts his suicide on a webcam via the internet, in front of hundreds of horrified onlookers; a third grade elementary school child shoots a parent in cold blood; a public servant is arrested for lewd conduct and solicitation of a gay sexual encounter in a public restroom; a sports legend is found dead of an overdose; political and entertainment celebrities, as well as private citizens are booking themselves into rehab centers in record numbers. Despite a collapsing economy, the neon signs of gambling casinos and parlors still glare brightly over the boulevards across our nation as people, desperate for a ‘kiss from Lady Luck,’ gamble away their paychecks. Each one is another life once full of promise, hopes, and dreams falling into another voracious and soul-devouring emotional black hole. Have you ever said any of the following to yourself? No one loves me. I can do it all myself. I’m all alone. I can’t do it all by myself. I hate him. I am so frustrated. I hate myself. I wouldn’t even be missed. I want to hide. Somebody help me. I’m trapped. If people knew who I really was. No one appreciates me. People are so incompetent. I’m disgusting. I never do anything right. I need a drink NOW. I want to run away. No one understands. It’s useless. People are so stupid. I could hit someone. I’m stupid. I just have to have it. I don’t trust anyone. If they’d only notice me. I don’t trust myself. Don’t bother me. I’m worthless. I’m ugly. I can’t stand the pain. I deserve to be unhappy. I want to die. I’m ruined if they find out. I’m so exhausted. I just want to sleep forever. I don’t feel anything. I’m invisible. No one knows my pain. I’ll never measure up. If you said yes to any of these, then you need to read this book. Emotional black holes like these impact the lives of at least five people you know. Individuals seek to fill their emotional emptiness with everything from drug abuse to an excess of even so called good things, like work, exercise, and yes, even religion. These temporary distractions do not avoid the devastation that awaits us while we continue to be drawn even faster into deeper emotional black holes. There is hope. There is a way to heal the wounds. Emotional Black Holes is one author’s very personal experience and invitation to step, as he did, out of the emotional blackness of deep and painful holes that snuff out life and move back towards the light and a life of fulfillment, love, and joy that we were all meant to experience. Step through the doors of these pages, and you too will share in the author’s journey as you also discover the TRUE way to escape from your emotional black holes.