Tue Oct 13, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com


Dacre Stoker "Dracula: The Undead"
Dacre Stoker is the great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker. He lives in South Carolina with his family. At last--the sequel to Bram Stoker's classic novel Dracula, written by his direct descendant and a Dracula historian. Bram Stoker's Dracula is the prototypical horror novel, an inspiration for the world's seemingly limitless fascination with vampires. Though many have tried to replicate Stoker's horror classic- in books, television shows, and movies-only the 1931 Bela Lugosi film bore the Stoker family's support. Until now. Dracula The Un-Dead is a bone-chilling sequel based on Bram Stoker's own handwritten notes for characters and plot threads excised from the original edition. Dracula The Un-Dead begins in 1912, twenty-five years after Dracula "crumbled into dust." Van Helsing's protégé, Dr. Jack Seward, is now a disgraced morphine addict obsessed with stamping out evil across Europe. Meanwhile, an unknowing Quincey Harker, the grown son of Jonathan and Mina, leaves law school for the London stage, only to stumble upon the troubled production of "Dracula," directed and produced by Bram Stoker himself. The play plunges Quincey into the world of his parents' terrible secrets, but before he can confront them he experiences evil in a way he had never imagined. One by one, the band of heroes that defeated Dracula a quarter-century ago is being hunted down. Could it be that Dracula somehow survived their attack and is seeking revenge? Or is their another force at work whose relentless purpose is to destroy anything and anyone associated with Dracula? Dracula The Un-Dead is deeply researched, rich in character, thrills and scares, and lovingly crafted as both an extension and celebration of one of the most classic popular novels in literature.


Adam Penenberg "Viral Loop"
Adam L. Penenberg is a journalism professor and assistant director of the Business and Economic Program at New York University. He has written for publications that include Fast Company, Inc., Forbes, the New York Times, Slate, Wired, The Economist, and Mother Jones. He lives in Brooklyn. Here's something you may not know about today's Internet. Simply by designing your product the right way, you can build a flourishing business from scratch. No advertising or marketing budget, no need for a sales force, and venture capitalists will flock to throw money at you. Many of the most successful Web 2.0 companies, including MySpace, YouTube, eBay, and rising stars like Twitter and Flickr, are prime examples of what journalist Adam L. Penenberg calls a "viral loop"--to use it, you have to spread it. After all, what's the sense of being on Facebook if none of your friends are? The result: Never before has there been the potential to create wealth this fast, on this scale, and starting with so little. In this game-changing must-read, Penenberg tells the fascinating story of the entrepreneurs who first harnessed the unprecedented potential of viral loops to create the successful online businesses--some worth billions of dollars--that we have all grown to rely on. The trick is that they created something people really want, so much so that their customers happily spread the word about their product for them. All kinds of businesses--from the smallest start-ups to nonprofit organizations to the biggest multinational corporations--can use the paradigm-busting power of viral loops to enable their business through technology. Viral Loop is a must-read for any entrepreneur or business interested in uncorking viral loops to benefit their bottom line.


Sherry Paprocki "CIG to Branding Yourself"
Sherry Beck Paprocki is an award-winning writer and editor. She edits Columbus Monthly Homes and she has written for Preservation magazine, InStyle's Black Book section, the Chicago Tribune, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Los Angeles Times. A brand new look at a time-tested business practice. Using powerful techniques refined in the heat of business competition, this book guides readers in defining and building a personal brand that is distinctive, relevant, and consistent. It includes: • An in-depth understanding of the principles of successful brand building-in any context • Practical tools to build and manage powerful relationships • Strategies for aligning personal brand values with an employer's brand values, and making brand-building a successful endeavor for both • Advanced techniques to continually refine your unique personal brand.


Anthony Bozza "Why AC/DC Matters"
Anthony Bozza is the author of four New York Times Bestsellers, including Whatever You Say I Am: The Life and Times of Eminem, Slash, co-written with Slash and the #1 bestselling Too Fat to Fish, co-written with Artie Lange. Bozza was a staff writer and editor for Rolling Stone magazine for seven years, during which he profiled a diverse range of artists from Eminem and the Wu-Tang Clan to Trent Reznor and U2. He lives in New York City. Australian rock giants AC/DC have sold more records in the U.S. than Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, and than the Rolling Stones, yet have always been undervalued and unappreciated by mainstream rock music critics. In Why AC/DC Matters, former Rolling Stone staff writer and New York Times bestselling author Anthony Bozza addresses this inequity, penning a just tribute to these monsters of rock. Brimming with fascinating stories and insights from musicians, fans, music scholars, and the author himself, Why AC/DC Matters is an overdue homage to arguably the greatest rock and roll band of all time.


Writer/Director Robbie Bryan "IMURDERS"
A mysterious love triangle leads to a tragic shooting. Months later, eight members of a Myspace chat room are being gruesomely murdered in the privacy of their own homes. What is the connection? Sandra Wilson is a good place to start. The intelligent, 30-ish professional woman has a haunting past that may hold the key. The chilling truth however is that any one of the Myspace lurkers may hold the answer as to who is responsible for the grizzly killings taking place in this cyber world. Just in time for Halloween, Anchor Bay Entertainment – the undisputed leader in cult and classic horror home entertainment – will release the star-laden shocker iMurders. Street date is October 13, 2009. Pre-book date is September 10, with an SRP of $19.97. From the Producers of the cult hit "Jerome Bixby’s The Man From Earth" comes a horror thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. When the members of an online social networking website are brutally murdered in succession, one person's past holds the key to the gruesome mystery. As the number of survivors decreases, they begin to believe that the killer might be one of the group. This killer thriller features a star-studded cast including Gabrielle Anwar (“Burn Notice”), William Forsythe (The Devil’s Rejects, Rob Zombie’s Halloween), Emmy Award® nominee Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi), Scream Queen Brooke Lewis (The Sinatra Club),Tony Todd (Candyman, “24”), Saturn Award® winner Margaret Colin (“Gossip Girl,” Independence Day), Tony Award® winner Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Rent, “Medium”), Frank Grillo (“Prison Break,” “The Shield”) and two-time Academy Award® nominee, nine-time Emmy Award® nominee and Golden Globe Award® winner Charles Durning (Dog Day Afternoon, Tootsie). HorrorSociety.com called iMurders “a must-own film for those who like the suspense mystery flavor of horror movies!” The film marks the directorial debut of Robbie Bryan (producer and screenwriter of The Stand-In, co-producer of Jerome Bixby’s The Man from Earth) and has been screened at the Eerie Horror Film Festival, Shriekfest, the Big Apple Film Festival and the Downbeach Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award.



Fisher DeBerry "The Power of Influence: Life-changing Lessons from the Coach"
As head football coach for the United States Air Force Academy, Fisher DeBerry won three conference championships and led the Falcons to 12 bowl games. He has the most wins of any coach in the history of service academy football with a 23 year record of 169-109-1. DeBerry was named national coach of the year and was a three-time Western Athletic Conference coach of the year. So what is the secret of his success? The Power of Influence is a book that is full of top-flight testimony from more than 30 players and coaches from the remarkable Fisher DeBerry era of Air Force football. Contents include chapters by Chad Hennings, retired Dallas Cowboys star, Troy Calhoun, current head football coach at the Air Force Academy, Jim Bowman, one of the pillars of Air Force Academy athletics, and many other contributions from active duty and retired Air Force officers and those who transitioned into civilian life. In The Power of Influence, Coach DeBerry shares his coaching philosophy hinged upon the life-changing lessons and character values he strove to instill in his players. Faith, family, and football—these are the priorities that Fisher DeBerry worked so hard to impart to those under his care. With his down-home Southern humor and practical wisdom, DeBerry will prompt you to reflect on your own power as a role model and ponder the legacy you will leave behind. “Success in coaching is not measured by the number of wins and losses,” says Coach DeBerry. “Real success in coaching is measured by the kind of people your players become. I hope you love this book and enjoy reliving some great memories of Air Force football with many of the terrific players, coaches and staff members.” Proceeds from the sale of The Power of Influence will go to the Fisher DeBerry Foundation, dedicated to the support and education of kids from single-parent families. See more information at the website, www.fisherdeberryfoundation.org.

Tue Oct 06, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Gordon Zuckerman "The Sentinels: Fortunes of War"
Gordon Zuckerman, a graduate of Harvard Business School, has studied banking, international finance, and history extensively, focusing on how wealth and governmental machinations can advance private agendas that conflict with public interest. He lives with his wife in northern Nevada. In this riveting amalgam of political intrigue, poignant romance, and bare-knuckled action, six friends risk everything to thwart an international Nazi conspiracy. In the financial devastation of the 1930s, a greedy, power-hungry group of German industrialists plot to usher in the National Socialist Party in order to rearm Germany and reap the financial rewards. Thus rises Hitler. With Hitler in power, the Six Sentinels, graduates of an elite American doctoral program, uncover the industrialists' plan to hoard hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal war profits. Using their financial and familial connections around the globe, they work to foil the machinations of the financiers of the Third Reich. In a daring strategy of Robin Hood style thievery, the sentinels put their lives on the line to serve justice--and thus become embroiled in a dangerous and violent international conspiracy. A gripping story that escalates at every turn, The Sentinels: Fortunes of War is the first in a series that follows the Six Sentinels as they continue to alter the course of history.

Jason Garner - CEO - 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. Mr. Garner began his career in concert promotion booking bands at a local San Jose, California flea market while still in high school, eventually becoming Northern California’s dominant Spanish language concert promoter. As the air turns chilly across the U.S. and touring artists begin to move indoors, Live Nation is set to announce next week that they will ring in the Fall by launching its first-ever 2 for 1 ticket deal on more than 100,000 club concert tickets to over 350 concerts in 29 of its club venues across the country. Available only at LiveNation.com on Wednesday, fans will get two tickets for the price of one to see an eclectic variety of artists including Hanson, Colbie Callait Trey Songz, Mario, The Bravery, The Used and Moby, and many others. The 24 hour 2 for 1 super sale begins this Wednesday beginning 12:01 a.m. local time on October 7, 2009 only at Livenation.com This 2 for 1 concert experience is available only at Live Nation club venues in the U.S

Christopher Andersen "Barack & Michelle: Portrait of An American Marriage"
Christopher Andersen is the critically acclaimed author of twenty-eight books, which have been translated into more than twenty-five languages worldwide. A former contributing editor of Time magazine and senior editor of People magazine, Andersen has also written hundreds of articles for a wide range of publications, including Life magazine, the New York Times, and Vanity Fair. They exploded onto the world scene and within a matter of a few short years captured the ultimate political prize. In so doing, they became a First Couple like no other: He—the biracial son of a free-spirited Kansas-born woman and a mercurial Kenyan father who abandoned him at an early age—was raised in Hawaii and Indonesia, educated at Columbia and Harvard, and launched his political career in America's heartland. She, by contrast, was the product of a solidly middle-American family with roots planted firmly in Chicago's working-class South Side—paving the way for her to achieve her dreams of an Ivy League education and a position at one of the nation's top law firms. By the time they claimed the White House in one of the most hotly contested presidential races in modern history, Barack and Michelle Obama were seen by millions around the world as the new Jack and Jackie Kennedy—brilliant, attractive, elegant, youthful, exciting. Accompanied by their two young daughters, Malia and Sasha, the Obamas would arrive at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with the promise of a new Camelot all but assured. Given the obvious historic significance of what they have accomplished together, the marriage of Barack and Michelle stands as one of the great personal and political partnerships in American history. Yet, incredibly, the true nature of that relationship has remained a mystery. Until now. In the style of his No. 1 New York Times bestsellers The Day Diana Died and The Day John Died, as well as his bestselling books about the Kennedys, the Clintons, and the Bushes, author Christopher Andersen draws on important sources—some speaking here for the first time—to paint the first complete, compelling portrait of America's first black First Family.

Brad Klinge, President/Founder Everyday Paranormal
Barry Klinge, Vice President/COO Everyday Paranormal
"Ghost Lab" Discovery Channel
With the help of the latest technology, two brothers have uncovered someof the most intriguing results in supernatural research to date —including a possible recording of Civil War soldiers talking. Meet Bradand Barry Klinge, Texas natives who in 2007 founded Everyday Paranormal,an investigation team that has explored more than 70 locations and hasgiven a new twist to paranormal research. The Klinges and their team ofinvestigators are featured in the all-new 13-part series “GHOST LAB”, topremiere Tuesday, October 6, at 10:00 PM Eastern/Pacific on DiscoveryChannel. The Klinge brothers tackle what are thought to be some of America’s most haunted locations with sophisticated equipment housed in a decked-out travelling “ghost lab.” This 24-foot car hauler is capable of providing 200,000 watts of electricity to power audio, video and photo analysis stations; flat-screen televisions; and an interactive touch-screen smartboard. The lab also houses surveillance video cameras capable of shooting 300 feet away in total darkness with a 180-degree peripheral view; temperature, humidity and dew-pointdata-loggers; various digital cameras, including thermal imaging ones; audio recorders; and more than 8,000 feet of video cable. This on-site high-tech lab enables investigators to analyze data on the premises in real time, helping them to more narrowly focus their investigations on suspected “hot spots.” The team also consults with some of the world’s foremost specialists in science measurementsto devise and test theories during their investigations. Is there more “ghost activity” around water? Are spirits attached to specific items or locations? Is there aparallel universe? Some of the locations that the Klinge brothers investigate on “GHOST LAB” include Tombstone, Ariz., home to some of the most violent deaths in history; Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, where Elvis got his start; andGranbury Opera House, where, according to legend, John Wilkes Boothchanged his name to John St. Helen and performed Shakespeare afterassassinating President Lincoln.

Jeff Michaels Contestant "Dating in the Dark"
Are reality shows irresponsible in selecting their contestants? One would get that impression when we were horrified with the murder of Jasmine Fiore - a model, stripper, and Playboy representative, by her husband, Ryan Alexander Jenkins, who was a contestant on “Megan Wants a Millionaire,” on VH1. Jeff Michaels, who appeared on the finale of Dating in the Dark on ABC is scratching his head in disbelief over this tragic turn of events. “I was subjected to a grueling month-long evaluation process prior to being selected,” said Michaels. After he was asked to audition for the show, he was first interviewed for over an hour by a panel including the casting director, producer and representatives from the production company. “I was on camera the entire time and the panelists were watching on laptops to see how I appeared on “‘screen” and if I could manage the pressure of the interview.” Following this, Michaels was required to pass a psychological evaluation by a psychologist, a drug test, and a complete physical examination including a panel of blood tests. Why was the process so rigorous? “To see how well we would handle the pressure cooker atmosphere on the set,” said Michaels. The episode was shot at a remote Los Angeles County mansion and for four days he was sequestered with two other contestants. “We were complete strangers, who were put through their paces from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. We were on camera continuously, which meant we had to be in performance mode at all times. We literally fell into our beds at night. There were even cameras in the bedroom.” The production company had to be careful in its selection process because of the rigorous workout the contestants endured. By the way, Michaels was able to find “love in the dark” and drove off in a chauffeured Bentley into the proverbial sunset with his date.

Thu Oct 01, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Kurt Busch "Nascar Operation Homefront "
Championship driver and current Chase-eligible racer Kurt Busch. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2000, Busch moved to NASCAR’s top series full time in 2001, and posted his first Cup victory at Bristol in March 2002. He won three more races that season, finished in the top-10 in 20 of the 36 races and was third in the final point standings. Two years later, Busch celebrated a championship by winning NASCAR’s inaugural Chase for the Nextel Cup. Busch made the Chase in 2005, his last year with Roush Racing. During the season he signed with Penske Racing South to drive the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge in 2006. After a disappointing 2006 season, Kurt bounced back in style during the 2007 season to post two wins, six top five finishes and 14 top 10’s. Using a big boost from the attention of new crew chief Pat Tryson, who joined the team in June, he mounted a charge to make it into the Chase for the third time in four years and finished seventh in the final point standings. He is on pace to make the Chase in 2008 He did not make Chase in ’08 but is on pace for ’09. Kurt Busch knows a thing or two about racing cars, evidenced by his current sixth place position in the Sprint Cup standings. A third-generation race car driver, Busch won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship in 2004, the first season using the Chase for the Cup points format. During this year’s Chase, capturing top-10 finishes will not only help Busch contend for a championship but he’ll also be helping our nation’s veterans thanks to a partnership between his sponsor, Miller Lite, and Operation Homefront. In this radio interview, Busch will talk about his quest for his second Cup championship and what he will do to capture the top spot in the Chase. He’ll also discuss his latest involvement with Operation Homefront and how listeners can support our veterans by simply enjoying Miller Lite.

Andrea Kane DRAWN IN BLOOD
(William Morrow; On Sale: September 8, 2009), New York Times bestselling author Andrea Kane’s highly anticipated follow-up to last year’s “no-holds-barred thriller” (Publishers Weekly), TWISTED. Carefully crafted from her extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the FBI and their renowned Art Crime Team, Kane takes us on a worldwide treasure hunt, where nothing is as it seems: friends become traitors, lovers become strangers . . . and the battle lines are DRAWN IN BLOOD. Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank has seen her share of danger. She's faced down a serial killer and survived life-threatening injuries . . . but she never expected that danger to invade the lives of her family. When her mother is viciously attacked in the posh Manhattan apartment her parents share and it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary robbery. The thieves were too clever, too knowledgeable, and so obviously after something of her father's. But what could a respected art dealer have done to merit such violence? When a mysterious message is left for him, Sloane knows her father's in over his head. Determined to find out the truth, Sloane discovers a deadly secret buried in his past that has made him the target of a power-hungry mobster with a lethal agenda and nothing to lose. Sloane is desperate to save her father, but to do so she must hold on to secrets of her own—especially from FBI Special Agent Derek Parker, the man she has grown to love deeply. She knows she must tell him everything, but how can she betray her father's confidence? Can a couple who's faced so much survive this ultimate test of trust? Will they survive at all? As the decades-old secret claims the lives of her father's oldest friends and the killer closes in on him, Sloane finds herself in foreign territory: alone, facing escalating personal danger, and hunting a moving target in a world where memories are long and loyalties are drawn in blood.

DANNY PUDI ("Abed" on NBC's "Community")
Danny Pudi stars as Abed, a pop culture junkie, in the new NBC comedy series "Community." Pudi, an actor and comedian originally from Chicago, graduated from Marquette University. He was the first Chris Farley Scholarship Award winner, and completed the Second City Chicago's Conservatory program. On the small screen, Pudi’s credits include NBC’s "ER," "The Bill Engvall Show," as well as recurring roles on "Greek" and "Gilmore Girls." He can also be seen in the upcoming films "Road Trip 2: Beerpong" and the independent film "Thunder Geniuses" directed by Michael Clancy. Pudi’s Los Angeles stage credits include "Huck & Holden," NBC's Diversity Showcase, "Token City" and the staged readings "Loyalties" and "Air Guitar High." He is also a founding member of Siblings of Doctors, a trio of Indian-American comics that perform sketch comedy and improv at various comedy festivals around the country. When he’s not working, Pudi is an avid runner and enjoys playing Yahtzee, vacuuming and drinking coffee. He currently resides in Los Angeles.

Dr. Debra B. Luftman Dermatologist
Dr. Debra B. Luftman is a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Board of Dermatology. Luftman recently co-wrote the book, The Beauty Prescription, which emphasizes her personal philosophy that beauty is more than skin deep. She brings 11 years of broadcast experience, including appearances on “Good Morning America”, “EXTRA TV” and National Public Radio. Dr. Luftman received her undergraduate degree at the University of California San Diego and graduated medical school from Tufts University. She completed residency in internal medicine and dermatology at UCLA and also retains an academic association, teaching skin surgery and general dermatology at UCLA. Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Luftman has always felt that there is an important link between overall health, skin health and emotional well being. Her mission is offering cutting-edge medical care while retaining the art of medicine—always communicating with her patients."We should be concerned and aware of what is happening to our skin because it is the largest living organ of the body," comments Dr. Luftman. "Our overall health is reflected in the condition of our skin." Dr. Luftman began developing her interest in science and aesthetics while an undergraduate at the University of California San Diego, where she majored in biology and minored in art history. She then traveled to Europe to pursue her artistic interests and study under a fellowship at St. Andrew University in Scotland. After returning to this country, she attended and graduated medical school at Tufts University and completed her residency in internal medicine and dermatology at UCLA. She has been board certified in Dermatology since 1996.

Wed Sep 30, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Dr. Benjamin Taimoorazy " Before You Go Under"
Fans and family recently marked Michael Jackson's 51st birthday as the inquiry into the singer's death officially became a homicide investigation. The Los Angeles County coroner's office ruled Jackson’s death a homicide and said he died of "acute propofol intoxication”. Jackson’s tragic death has spurred much controversy over the use of the anesthetic Propofol and raised fears about the overall safety of going under. Noted anesthesiologist Dr. Benjamin Taimoorazy, author of Before You Go Under, says that although Propofol is a drug to be reckoned with it remains one of the most commonly used. He says Jackson’s death was very preventable and shares the facts and the myths about this drug and why it generated controversy even before it was thrust into the spotlight. Hey Doc, How do you know that I am adequately anesthetized? I have claustrophobia. I get really sick after anesthesia. These are some of the questions and concerns echoed every year by 30,000,000 Americans and millions of other people around the world as they face the unknown world of anesthesia. During my 14 years of practice as an anesthesiologist, I have come across people from all walks of life. A common denominator in all of them is a deep concern and even apprehension when confronted with the question of anesthesia required for their surgical procedure. It is abundantly clear that there is a genuine need for an educational material that would alleviate concerns and would provide you with the peace of mind that going under anesthesia is safer than ever. This material could also potentially increase the safety of anesthetic and surgical procedures. For the average reader, books currently available on this subject are either very technical or too lengthy and confusing. Therefore, I felt compelled to work on a manuscript that in simple terms would answer the most commonly asked questions and would clarify the misconceptions related to the anesthetic experience. BEFORE YOU GO UNDER is the result of this effort.

NEAL BAER (EP, NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit")
Dr. Neal Baer is executive producer of the hit NBC television series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Now in it’s 11th season, this hard-hitting and emotional series from NBC chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. "SVU" has collectively received eighteen Emmy nominations, including this year’s nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Mariska Hargitay and last year’s win for Leslie Caron in Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series. Hargitay won an Emmy in 2006 for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe in 2005. Prior to his work on "SVU," Dr. Baer was executive producer of the NBC series "ER." A member of the show’s original staff and a writer and producer on the series for seven seasons, he was nominated for five Emmys as a producer. He also received Emmy nominations for Outstanding Writing in A Drama Series for the episodes "Hell and High Water" and "Whose Appy Now?," the latter of which also received a Writers' Guild of America nomination. Dr. Baer’s other work includes "Warriors," an episode of "China Beach," nominated for a Writers' Guild Award for best episodic drama, and the ABC After School Special "Private Affairs," which he directed and wrote. The Association of Women in Film and Television selected the program, dealing with sexually transmitted diseases, as the Best Children’s Drama of the Year. He wrote "The Doctor Corps," a feature film for Twentieth Century Fox; "Outreach," a pilot for the WB Network, which he also produced; and "The Edge," a pilot for CBS. He currently has several pilots in development with Universal Media Studios. Dr. Baer graduated from Harvard Medical School and completed his internship in Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles. He received the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Scholarship from the American Medical Association as the most outstanding medical student who has contributed to promoting a better understanding of medicine in the media. The American Association for the Advancement of Science selected him as a Mass Media Fellow. Dr. Baer's primary medical interests are in adolescent health. He has written extensively for teens on health issues for Scholastic Magazine, covering such topics as teen pregnancy, AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, and nutrition. Dr. Baer taught elementary school in Colorado and also worked as a research associate at USC Medical School, where he focused on drug and alcohol abuse prevention. Dr. Baer graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in political science from Colorado College. He holds masters degrees from Harvard Graduate School of Education and from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in Sociology. Before working in television, he spent a year at the American Film Institute as a directing fellow. In 2000, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Colorado College. Dr. Baer serves on the boards of many organizations related to health care, including the Venice Family Clinic, RAND Health, Children Now, the Huckleberry Fund of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). He is a trustee of the Writers Guild of America Health and Pension Fund, and a member of the Board of Associates at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. Dr. Baer received the Valentine Davies Award for 2004 from the Writers Guild of America, West for "public service efforts in both the entertainment industry and the community at large, bringing dignity to and raising the standard for writers everywhere." He has also been awarded the Loop Award from Lupus LA, the SHINE Award for Best Dramatic Episode, the Socially Responsible Medicine Award from Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Image Award from First Star for Children’s Rights, the VOICE Career Achievement Award, the Larry Stewart Leadership & Inspiration Award from the EIC, the Frances M. Wheat Community Service Award from the Alliance for Children’s Rights.Dr. Baer lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Gerrie Smith, and his son Caleb. NBC’S ‘LAW & ORDER: SVU’ RETURNS FOR 11TH SEASON WITH GUEST STARS WENTWORTH MILLER, ERIC MCCORMACK, CHRISTINE LAHTI, SCOTT FOLEY, ROSIE PEREZ, STEPHEN REA, AND GARRETT DILLAHUNT ‘SVU’ PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (9-10 P.M. ET)

Rabbi Irwin Kula (Roman Polanski Capture)
Irwin Kula, the host of Simple Wisdom, is not your typical rabbi. Known as both a provocative religious leader and a respected spiritual iconoclast, Irwin Kula has inspired thousands nationwide using Jewish wisdom in ways that speak to modern life. A renowned thinker, teacher, and rabbi, he is the author of Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life (Hyperion, Sept. 2006) winner of a "Books for a Better Life" award, and selected by Spirituality & Health magazine as one the "10 Best Spiritual Books of 2006" and was featured in a national public TV pledge special, "The Hidden Wisdom of Our Yearnings." A leader of religious pluralism, Kula says that the "freedom and openness of America invites us to bring our traditions to the marketplace of ideas. The challenge is to translate these wisdoms into accessible American idioms that inspire and improve our personal and public lives." A regular on NBC-TV’s The Today Show, and co-host of the popular weekly radio show, Hirschfield and Kula: Intelligent Talk Radio, airing on KXL in Portland, OR - one of the top 25 markets nationwide, Kula offers a perspective often missing in the media. Named by both Fast Company magazine and "Religion and Ethics Newsweekly" (PBS) as one of the new leaders shaping the American spiritual landscape, he was ranked two years in a row (no.8, and no.7, respectively) in the "Top 50 Rabbis in America," in Newsweek. In 2004, he wrote and was featured in Time for a New God, an acclaimed documentary shown at film festivals nationwide. Filmed as a moving monologue along the beaches, wharves, and roller coasters of Coney Island, he offers religion as a "giant tool box" for personal and social transformation. In 2003, he hosted a first-ever 13-part public TV series produced by JTN Productions, “Simple Wisdom with Irwin Kula,” using Jewish wisdom to explore such life issues as relationships, money, work, and sex. Kula is the President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, a leadership training institute, think tank and resource center. A popular media spokesperson, he has appeared on "The O’Reilly Factor" (Fox News), was a repeat guest on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," and was featured on "Frontline" (PBS) on the anniversary of 9/11, among many others. A panelist for the Washington Post/Newsweek - "On Faith" online column, he was a regular on the Hallmark Channel’s New Morning show. A nationally recognized educator and lecturer, Kula serves as a consultant to both corporate and family foundations, as well as to religious and philanthropic institutions and non-profit agencies on leadership development and institutional change. A sought-after speaker, he has worked with such luminaries as the Dalai Lama and Queen Noor on compassionate leadership, and has traveled and taught Jewish wisdom in places as diverse as France, Italy, Bhutan, and Rwanda. He is in great demand by leaders from such diverse fields as business, technology, relationships, and religion. Kula is the co-editor of The Book of Jewish Sacred Practices: CLAL’s Guide to Everyday & Holiday Rituals and Blessings (Jewish Lights, 2001), and co-founder of the Aitz Hayim Center for Jewish Living in Chicago. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Columbia University, his B.H.L. from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTSA) in NY, and his M.A. in Rabbinics and Rabbinic Ordination from JTSA. He has served as rabbi of congregations in St. Louis, MO; Queens, NY; and Jerusalem, Israel. Email: ikula@clal.org

Mon Sep 28, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Stuart Tomc - Former Consultant Chief Medical Officer World Health Org
With over twenty years experience in the field of Nutritional Medicine, Stuart Tomc is an authority on evidence-based dietary supplements. He is a respected consultant to the World Health Organization and integrative physicians worldwide having traveled the world as an educator and trainer for over 10 years. With an accomplished background in media appearances, Stuart is adept at educating, entertaining, and delivering a powerful message on important health subjects in today’s changing world. In addition, he was a contributing writer in Dr. Perricone’s Seven Secrets to Beauty, Health and Longevity. Stuart currently serves as National Educator and Spokesperson for Nordic Naturals. Stuart has been interviewed on over 2,000 radio interviews including NPR, “The Willner Window,” “Healthy Talk Radio,” and “Let’s Talk Nutrition” with Dr. Garko. He has also been a frequent co-host for the past five years on “To Your Health” with Dr. Chris Greene. In addition, he has appeared on almost 50 television shows and exhibited at over 150 natural health and product shows. Stuart is well known for his print interviews and articles in trade and health publications. If your child is struggling with class assignments, having problems concentrating at school, or winding up too frequently down at the principal's office, a nutritional educator suggests you begin supplementing his/her diet with Omega-3 fatty acids studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids can assist learning by increasing attention span, improve brain function, and even raise IQ," says Stuart Tomc, a former consultant to the World Health Organization. "Many learning problems and behavioral disorders, even Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, are classic symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency and can be successfully treated simply by adding fat-and-oil rich foods and supplements to the diet," says Tomc. Tomc says that food makers, in a misguided attempt to market their products to "health conscious" consumers, have been removing the essential (meaning 'vital for life') fats from foods for years. We're starting to see the damage caused by years of fatty acid deficiency, especially in children who have been fed low fat foods from infancy," says Tomc. Tomc says many studies show that eliminating fats from the diet is very unhealthy. Luckily, this trend to remove dietary fat is beginning to reverse. "When good fats are removed, we not only see reduction of brain function and learning ability, but also a deterioration of general health, including growth retardation," says Tomc. "This is why scores of food makers, like Tropicana, are beginning to add omega-3 into their products.

Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour - Marti Rulli
Marti Rulli has held executive positions in printing and media. She runs her own advertising business and is a long-time freelance writer.Natalie Wood was a Hollywood icon, beloved by millions for her performances in such classics as Miracle on 34th Street, West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause. Married for the second time to actor Robert Wagner and the mother of young children, Natalie had everything to live for. Her bizarre death on or near the yacht Splendour on a chilly November evening in 1981 has been shrouded in mystery. In his recent best-selling memoir Pieces of My Heart, Robert Wagner told his version of what happened on the yacht Splendour on the night his wife died. But is Wagner’s version accurate? Who knows the truth? Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour is the result of a decades-long investigation by journalist Marti Rulli and Dennis Davern, Natalie’s friend, confidant and captain of the Splendour on that controversial night. Painstakingly researched and written from the heart, here is an in-depth examination of Natalie Wood’s life—and death.

Tom Paxton - "The Marvelous Toy"
Folk Legend Reaches New Generation Through Publishing - In the 1960's Tom Paxton’s music defined a generation of protest and promise. In a career spanning nearly 50-years, the folk icon’s songs have been recorded by an eclectic group of musicians ranging from Simon & Garfunkel to Placido Domingo, Johnny Cash to Neil Diamond. His style of music is a staple choice of notable country music stars such as Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, and recording artists that span the globe (and the range of musical genres) look to music to evoke emotion and provoke thought. And interestingly, as Paxton gets older (and better!) his audience has become younger. Tom has devoted a great deal of the past 20-years to writing and recording children’s music; captivating and entertaining young audiences while also awakening their spirit to learn and inspiring their awareness of the world in which they live. Now, along with fellow folk legend Peter Yarrow (or Puff the Magic Dragon fame), Paxton has combined his musical and story-telling skills to publish a series of children’s illustrated books. The first, The Marvelous Toy, publishes this fall. The book, based on Paxton’s hit song of the same name that was once used as the morning greeting for the space shuttle astronauts, visualizes Paxton’s witty, upbeat lyrics in a way guaranteed to spark a reader’s imagination. A devoted advocate for literacy and family, Paxton hopes the book will inspire families to read together with its story of a boy’s fascination and joy with a mysterious new toy given to him by his father that he later passes on to his own child. Through his music and his writing, Paxton seeks to bridge the generation gap between children, parents, and grandparents, and instill pride and confidence in children. “Giving children a sense of accomplishment, and fostering an environment where their feelings and ideas matter are what encourages and empowers them to learn, form opinions that matter, and take action to make positive change in the world” says Paxton. TOM PAXTON is one of the world s best-known and loved singer/songwriters. In 2009, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy (The Grammy Awards). His newest CD, Comedians & Angels, was also nominated for a Grammy and his first six albums have been rereleased. Paxton s influence on folk music has been inestimable: his songs have been recorded by several major artists including Pete Seeger; Peter, Paul, and Mary; Joan Baez; Arlo Guthrie; and Johnny Cash. His best-known tunes include The Last Thing on My Mind, Ramblin' Boy, Bottle of Wine, and Goin' to the Zoo. Many address social concerns such as political injustice, inequality, and ecology, but others celebrate the bonds of family and friendship, and the joys of childhood. He has been richly honored: the ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award, four Grammy nominations, and the Martin Guitar Company has even named a guitar after him. He is a true musical treasure. STEVE COX began his career working in design and character merchandising, eventually handling all the licensing and product design for Count Duckula, one of the most popular animation series on Thames TV in England. However, he decided to return to art, and has since illustrated hundreds of children s books, including complex pop-ups. Cox s first picture book was Pigs Might Fly for which he won a Red House Children s Book Award. His other books include The Diary of a Killer Cat, Short and Sweet: The Life and Times of Lollipop Munchkin, and Ants in My Pants as well as many others. For nearly half a century, The Marvelous Toy composed by the legendary singer/songwriter Tom Paxton has enchanted children and adults alike. A simple tale about a mysterious, magical, and mystical toy that a father gives to his son and that eventually gets passed down to the next generation it celebrates a child s sense of wonder. The witty, evocative lyrics spark the imagination. No surprise, then, that the song has been recorded by countless major artists, from Peter, Paul, and Mary to the Chad Mitchell Trio to John Denver, and won legions of fans through the years. Paxton s marvelous song has finally become a stunning picture book oversized, wonderfully packaged, and complete with a CD offering three songs sung by Tom himself plus a music-only version of The Marvelous Toy to sing along with. Featuring incredible and wildly imaginative art by Steve Cox, illustrator of the award-winning Pigs Might Fly, the story is now as amazing to look at as it always has been to listen to. Parents, grandparents, friends, and family will remember this classic from their own youth and joyfully share it with their own children. And just like the boy in the song whose eyes nearly popped right out of his head, young readers will give squeals of glee at the magic of the music, the artwork, and this one-of-kind tale

Mon Sep 21, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Noel Estenson "Be Still and Know"
Science has taught us that there are five senses- touch, taste, hear, see, and smell. Anything beyond that is not proven to exist. However, most people believe in some type of creator or God that is not accessible to our traditionally defined senses. To become closer to a higher power, many rely on prayer or meditation. Noel Estenson, author of Be Still and Know, believes that there is an additional sense that allows us to tap into a higher realm. Estenson, a former CEO of a Fortune 500 Company, reveals that there is a sixth sense in all of us that often remains untapped. A must read for every Christian?and anyone who wants a deeper relationship with their creator. Highly recommended. ?Robert L. Veninga, PhD, Author: A Gift of Hope: How We Survive Our Tragedies An incredible hunch is something you know is a message from a higher power?from God, the Holy Spirit, the universe, the source, or however you refer to your higher power. Sometimes incredible hunches are a series of hunches?maybe because you weren?t listening the first time or wouldn?t believe the first or the second hunch. The hunch that put me on the track to writing this book was about the subconscious mind. In fact, I thought that?s where hunches came from. Then as I started researching and writing, more hunches came to me. I began to realize the hunches I was receiving fit together like pieces of a puzzle. When together, the puzzle became an incredible hunch. I always thought my mind and subconscious mind existed only in my brain and that my mind?inside my brain?was really my essence. But Be Still and Know has taught me that I?m not my brain; I am my spirit. And about the time I thought I was done writing, I learned something else: I have an ?intelligent? heart (it?s not just a blood pump), which is part of the process of creating incredible hunches.

Sean Phillips - Executive Producer Yahoo! Movies
Sean Phillips, the Executive Producer of Yahoo! Movies and a film industry expert, delivers insights on the box office and film industry. "Movies are transformative experiences and these are certainly the most transformative movies," said Sean Phillips, executive producer, Yahoo! Movies. "Our hope is that Yahoo! users will post this list on their refrigerators and cross the titles off one by one. These films will entertain, inform and move you, but you'll need to see them before it's too late!" (Talking about "Top 100 Movies You Must See Befor You Die" released earlier this year by Yahoo. Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo! is focused on powering its communities of users, advertisers, publishers, and developers by creating indispensable experiences built on trust. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, visit www.pressroom.yahoo.com .

Randy Grimm "Stray Rescue of St. Louis"
I am often asked how I started Stray Rescue of St. Louis. I ask myself that, too. I never devised a game plan or had a vision; I guess it was born out of necessity. I hated my job as a flight attendant. I figured there had to be more to life than saying, "chicken or beef." Little did I know that this career move would one day evolve into two no-kill shelters with a legion of 200 volunteers, and have an impact on the stray dog crisis in America. I love the dogs I save. I feel their pain, so I keep up the act of "Dog Man" or, as a homeless man calls me, "Coyote Man," so those canines don't suffer and die. That's pretty much why I became the founder of Stray Rescue. I suffer from social anxiety. I have some phobias. I am gay. I am a shy, private kind of guy - by no means a hero. I have been thrust into the dog limelight from a previous book about my work. It forces me to try to be more outgoing and confident. You know, exude that Rambo-type of confidence. In 1990 I learned the fine art of cutting dog hair. It's not something I really wanted to do, but I thought it would at least point me in the direction of my dream of working with animals. I'd see stray dogs - some in packs - pass by the Lafayette Square grooming shop where I worked. In an effort to get them off the streets, I'd make the normal calls to the local shelters and government agencies, only to find out that these dogs simply are out of luck. I started to think of ways to catch them, and before long I invented some wacky capture methods. I also enlisted friends to help save these poor guys. Each year, this makeshift organization grew as I overloaded everyone I knew with a stray dog. Stray Rescue officially was born in 1998 as a full-fledged non-profit organization and shelter. I still have no idea how I did it, except that I had no choice. Stray Rescue has received numerous accolades from the American Red Cross and also has received national media attention from Animal Planet, National Geographic, the Weather Channel and Forbes Magazine. Now with Quentin on board, his story has been featured in People Magazine and on It's a Miracle television show. In the National Geographic feature, Mary Ann Mott wrote: "In St. Louis, Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue, is out on the streets every day feeding 50 or more mutts. If these wild dogs don't die of sheer starvation, he said, diseases such as parvovirus, heartworm, or intestinal parasites usually kill them. Their average life span is one to two years. Many of the animals he sees were once "bait dogs" - smaller, passive animals used to train fighting dogs. Great Dane puppies are commonly used, he said, and wire is twisted around their legs to hold them down, so they can't run while being mauled during training sessions. "If they live, they are just discarded onto the streets," said Grim. The animals are recognizable by their missing limbs, and scars from the brutal attacks. Since starting in 1991, I am credited with saving 5,000 feral dogs, all of which - through months of gentle, loving care - have been turned into house pets and adopted by new families. Some have even gone on to become therapy animals, bringing joy to people in hospitals and nursing homes." Animal Planet's "Wild Rescues" television show featured Stray Rescue in action, saving dogs and cats from abuse and neglect from a dilapidated abandoned puppy mill in Cuba, Mo. More than 17 lives were saved, but the woman responsible never was prosecuted. Since 1998, more than 45 households have participated in the Stray Rescue foster family network. These generous people take in sickly, traumatized animals and, with time and the support of professional animal trainers and behaviorists, give back healthy, loving companions ready for adoption. Stray Rescue's foster network is the largest and most effective program of its kind in the St. Louis area. Stray Rescue has made a significant impact and become a voice for stray animals everywhere. With fabulous volunteers, veterinarians, trainers, behaviorists, shelters and programs, I continue to be amazed at how this organization has evolved. But there is so much more work to do because these poor animals continue to suffer. Some days it feels as if I'm fighting a never-ending battle, but it's a battle that I must wage - for their sake.

Phillip Done "Close Encounters Third-Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood"
A twenty-year veteran of the classroom, elementary school teacher Phillip Done takes readers through a lively and hilarious year in the classroom. Starting with the relative calm before the storm of buying school supplies and posting class lists, he shares the distinct personalities of grades K-4, what he learned from two professional trick or treating 8-year-old boys, the art of learning cursive and letter-writing, how kindergartners try to trap leprechauns, and what every child should experience before he or she grows up. These charming, sweet, and funny tales of Mr. Done's trials and triumphs as an award-winning schoolteacher will touch readers' hearts and remind them of the true joys of childhood. We all have that one special, favorite grade school teacher whom we fondly remember throughout our adult lives - and every teacher also has students whom they will never who is looking for a lighthearted, nostalgic read. Phil Done is a 20-year-plus veteran of the California school system and has received the prestigious Charles Schwab Distinguished Teacher Award, was nominated for the Disney Teacher of the Year Award, and has been honored as a Teacher of the Year in California. (2009)

Thu Sep 17, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Jeremiah Smallchild / Gideon Lamb "God's Pottery"
Christian singing duo Jeremiah Smallchild and Gideon Lamb, aka "God's Pottery," didn't just leap onto the comedy scene – they strummed, sang, and smiled their way on! In 2008, the indomitably positive musicians captured the attention of millions on NBC's Last Comic Standing with hits such as "The Pants Come Off When the Ring Goes On" and "Jesus, I Need a Drink!" Now this hit comedy duo is bringing their humor to the literary masses in WHAT WOULD GOD'S POTTERY DO?: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Your Teens and/or Being Successful! (A Three Rivers Press Original; September 8, 2009). WHAT WOULD GOD'S POTTERY DO? is a teen survival guide for the Youth of Today. Through a combination of essays, diagrams, photos, and stage-ready skits, Gideon and Jeremiah do their darnedest to steer adolescents in the right direction. They've poured their unique blend of comedy, people skills, and Biblical know-how into every page. And WWGPD? isn't just for Teens! People of all ages will find helpful nuggets of information, such as why old people have value! WHAT WOULD GOD'S POTTERY DO? is not just for Christians either, as Jeremiah and Gideon root their advice in common experiences that plague all adolescents, such as:● Sibling Rivalry: When you feel like you and a sibling are about to resort to fighting, a good trick is to "channel" that aggression into other competitive activities, such as "Who can pet the cat the best?" or "Who loves Jesus more than anyone else?"* (*Be careful with this last competition… We have found it can get out of hand quickly.) ● Branching Out: (Bullies: The Silent Killer) You see, most Bullies have a good person inside, like (SPOILER ALERT!) how Anakin Skywalker was hiding inside Darth Vader's robot suite the whole time!* (*Sadly, SPOILER ALERT! Anakin died as soon as he took off the robot helmet. Perhaps this is why Bullies are so scared to "let their guard down.")● Pubescence: Now, you may not know this, but one of the major differences between males and females, aside from the kinds of careers they will have and their likelihood to get hysterical, is a completely different set of "Downstairs Areas." Bob Dylan once sang, "Life is a highway...I want to ride it all night long." Jeremiah and Gideon know that the Youth want to ride that highway too, but until Jesus returns, they're going to need a chaperone! Who better than God's Pottery? Gideon Lamb and Jeremiah Smallchild have starred on television both in the United States and abroad, most recently as finalists on NBC's Last Comic Standing. When they're not on tour, Jeremiah loves to spend time with his Shetland pony-dog, Zaccheus, while Gideon loves to read about magical places and then imagine he's playing pick-up basketball with Jesus in those places.

Andrew Weil, MD - "Why Our Health Matters"
Andrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of natural health who has devoted the past thirty years to developing, practicing, and teaching others about the principles of integrative medicine. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Weil has dedicated a lifetime to practicing integrative medicine, giving him a unique approach to health acre, encompassing body, mind and spirit. Healthcare is no longer just a public issue; for millions of Americans it is now a crisis on their own doorstep. Cost of medical care today are a leading cause of personal bankruptcy. Although policy makers have weighed in on all sides, in this book, bestselling author Andrew Weil, M.D., identifies the root of the problem. He shows us exactly how we have become embroiled in the present situation and provides a solution that will not only make healthcare affordable, but will also put each one of us on the road to optimum health. Dr. Weil states that we have a right to good healthcare that is effective, accessible, and affordable. Many Americans would be surprised to know that our national health is far from the best in the world, even though we spend more money on it than any other country. The World Health Organization recently rated America thirty-seventh in health outcomes, on par with Serbia. Tackling head-on the Three Major Myths of American Medicine, Dr. Weil shows how medical schools fail to give future doctors the education they need to care for patients, how insurance companies have destroyed our opportunity to get excellent care, and how pharmaceutical companies have come to rule our lives. The solution involves nothing less than the creation of a completely new culture of health and medicine in this country, one that we can each start building today.

Bryan Berg - Guinness World Record Holder Cardstacker
Bryan Berg broke the Guinness World Record for the World's Tallest House of Cards in 1992 at the age of seventeen, with a tower fourteen feet, six inches tall. His latest record-holding structure in the category is over twenty-five feet tall. In 2004, Guinness created a new record category for the World's Largest House of Cards to recognize a project Berg built for Walt Disney World--a replica of Cinderella's Castle. He continues to hold both records. Touring regularly, Berg has stacked cards in virtually every major US and Canadian city, Japan, Denmark, and Germany.Berg has appeared on CNN, 20/20, MTV, VH1, Showtime, The Discovery Channel, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Ellen Degeneres, Martha Stewart Unsifted, Guinness Prime Time, CBS This Morning, and various foreign television. His work has been featured in nearly every major newspaper nationwide in addition to publications such as Wired, Reader's Digest, Men's Health, USA Today, Games Magazine, Maxim, The National Enquirer, National Geographic For Kids, Time Magazine for Kids, ESPN Magazine, ASK Magazine, and 321 Contact. He has also been featured in publications across Europe, Asia, and South America. Berg's clientele have included Lexus, Walt Disney World, Star Wars, San Francisco Opera, Neopets/Wizards of the Coast, Fuji Television Japan, Post Cereal, Pinnacle Brands, Topps, Baseball Hall of Fame, DMG World Media, and Procter and Gamble. Projects have also been produced with organizations such as Warner Brothers, Beijing Olympics, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, American Airlines, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League.

Kevin Skinner "America's Got Talent $1 Million Winner
Kevin Skinner flew the coop with the grand prize on "America's Got Talent." The singing chicken farmer from Mayfield, Ky., was awarded the NBC talent competition's $1 million grand prize and a headlining spot at a Las Vegas show. Skinner received the most viewer votes on Wednesday's season finale, overcoming runner-up Barbara Padilla, an opera singer from Houston, and eight other finalists. The win brought Skinner to tears. "I've always loved to perform," he said. "I want to go out there, and give 'em the best show I can." The humble country singer will headline an "America's Got Talent" show at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino hosted by Jerry Springer in October. Skinner beat out music quartet Recycled Percussion from Goffstown, N.H.; crooning trio the Texas Tenors from Houston; and singing sibling act Voices of Glory from Highland, N.Y., to win the show's fourth season. Earlier in the evening, half the finalists were dismissed from the talent competition: breakdancer Hairo Torres from Grants Pass, Ore.; crooner Lawrence Beamen from Walnut Creek, Calif.; power tap-dancing sisters the Fab Five from Morgan, Utah; singer-guitarist Drew Stevyns from Sykesville, Md.; and 75-year-old comedian Grandma Lee from Jacksonville, Fla.

Jud D. Hale Sr - Editor - Old Farmer's Almanac
In Sept. 15, 2009, Judson D. Hale Sr. begins his 52nd year with The Old Farmer's Almanac and Yankee Magazine. He joined Yankee Publishing Inc. in 1958 as an Assistant Editor. Later he became Associate Editor, then Managing Editor, and, in 1970, Editor of both publications. (Incidentally, Hale was only Yankee Magazine's second Editor since 1935 and The Old Farmer's Almanac's twelfth Editor since 1792.) In 2000, Jud became Editor-in-Chief of both Yankee Magazine and The Old Farmer's Almanac. In his capacity as Editor-in-Chief of The Old Farmer's Almanac and Editor of Yankee Magazine, Hale has appeared each fall on radio and television shows throughout North America, including "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "CBS This Morning," and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." "I always work to further the mission of The Old Farmer's Almanac, which is to be useful with a pleasant degree of humor," explains Hale. Hale is the author of Inside New England and his autobiography, titled The Education of a Yankee. He has also edited a number of books, including The Best of Yankee Magazine, The Best of The Old Farmer's Almanac: The First 200 Years, and, more recently, The Old Farmer's Almanac Book of Everyday Advice, published by Random House. He has also written a book about his autistic brother. Born in Boston and raised on a dairy farm in Vanceboro, Maine, Hale graduated from Dartmouth College (Class of 1955) in 1958. He also served with the Third Armored Division as a tank commander from 1955 to 1957. He is married to the former Sally Huberlie of Rochester, New York. They have three married sons, Judson Jr., Daniel, and Christopher, and seven grandchildren.

Wed Sep 16, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

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. Enter Freeman Hall, an aspiring screenwriter who sets out to realize his Hollywood dream, but instead plunges into the seventh circle of Retail Hell when the rent comes due, selling animal-hide Hobos and overpriced clutches to Lookie-Loos and Picky Bitches—but always with a sunshiny smile. Freeman toils in the handbag (that’s handbag, NOT purse) department of the Big Fancy department store, where he sees, hears, smells (and unfortunately, feels) it all! Here, he provides a true—and truly shocking—account of life from the other side of the handbag display. From early-morning RA-RA RALLIES to the craziest crazy-lady customers, Freeman’s horrific and hilarious workday tales redefine Juicy Couture.

Karina Smirnoff "Dancing with the Stars”
One of ”Dancing with the Stars" most famous faces, dancer Karina Smirnoff~who has graced the dance floor with Mario Lopez, Billy Ray Cyrus, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Rocco DiSpirito, singer Mario, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak~has delighted more than 30 million viewers throughout the nation every week! Having been ranked the second best dancer in the entire world, Karina, who has appeared on the hugely popular television series “Hannah Montana” with Miley Cyrus and in the feature film “Shall We Dance” with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere, is a five-time U.S. National Champion, and has won the prestigious dance championships of the U.S. Open, the Asian Open, and the UK Open! Born and raised in the Ukraine and then later raised in New York City, Karina, who is an enthusiastic participant in charity work and events, began dancing at the young age of five and studied gymnastics, ballet, figure skating, piano, and ballroom dancing. Karina is currently writing a book and developing a set of three DVD exercise videos that incorporate her passion for dance, exercise, and wellness to be marketed toward children, teenagers, adults, and expectant mothers. Why is ADHD an important health subject for adults? Based on a survey of 3,199 adults aged 18 to 44, an estimated 4.4 percent of adults may have ADHD. When you consider the full U.S. population aged 18 and older, this adds up to almost 10 million adults. Although ADHD can affect people of all ages, the core symptoms of the disorder (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) may manifest differently in adults than in children. In adults, hyperactivity may manifest as inner restlessness and inattention may present as a lack of focus and organization and an inability to finish tasks.

Christopher Hodapp "Freemasons For Dummies"
At last, a plain-English guide to Freemasonry - the secret society that's at the center of bestselling author Dan Brown's forthcoming novel "The Lost Symbol!!" With Freemasonry featured prominently in The Da Vinci Code as well as the hit movie National Treasure, it's no wonder that more and more people are curious about this ancient organization, and interest is sure to intensify when Dan Brown's new blockbuster appears on September 15. Freemasons For Dummies (Wiley, $19.99), written by Freemasons expert, Christopher Hodapp, is a balanced, eye-opening guide that demystifies the organization, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rights to the veiled symbols and their meanings. For anyone who wants an evenhanded overview of Freemasonry's past, present, and future, Freemasons For Dummies is the key! Hodapp will discuss• Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol, and the role of freemasons in it• the Freemasons philosophy• how this fraternal order operates and degrees of Freemasonry• famous Masons throughout history including many of America's Founding Fathers and prominent politicians and business leaders• the many controversies and conspiracy theories that swirl around the organization and highlights changes to the Craft
Like all For Dummies books, Freemasons For Dummies concludes with "The Part of Tens," including "Ten Groups of Famous Masons," "Ten Amazing Conspiracies, Anti-Masons, and Hoaxes," and "Ten Cool Masonic Places." A helpful "Cheat Sheet" gives definitions of a dozen and one important genetics terms, the structure of DNA, important ratios to recognize and more. About the author: Christopher Hodapp is a Mason who has traveled extensively, reporting on Masonic practices in Great Britain, France, and elsewhere. He is currently a Past Master and a Master of his lodge. He's the author of Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C., and co-author of The Templar Code For Dummies. He has also written for Templar History Magazine, Masonic Magazine, The Scottish Rite Journal, The Indiana Freemason, and Indianapolis Monthly, and he's a monthly columnist for Living Naturally First magazine. Chris has also spent more than 20 years as a commercial filmmaker.

Steve Wilkos "The Steve Wilkos Show"
Steve Wilkos is the host of NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution's nationally syndicated series "The Steve Wilkos Show." A native of Chicago, Wilkos served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for almost seven years before joining the Chicago Police Department. For almost 12 years, he kept the streets of Chicago's volatile 14th District (Shakespeare) safe while moonlighting during his off hours on television. Wilkos retired from the police force in 2001 and now devotes himself full time to his family and his show. Prior to starting a show of his own, Wilkos filled in for Jerry Springer as host of the long-running "Jerry Springer Show" on more than 50 episodes, using his law enforcement background and no-nonsense style to create his own identity as a talk show host. Touted as a man of and for the people, Wilkos’ popularity has skyrocketed and his sincerity and moral fiber have made for a very diverse fan base that includes people from all walks of life. When not watching cartoons with his two young children, Wilkos makes time to catch his favorite show of all time, "The Simpsons," for which he lent his voice for a cameo on a past episode (a milestone he proudly calls "the highlight of my career so far.") Wilkos has also appeared in several TV shows and films, including the hit motion picture "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." In 2008, Wilkos became a national spokesman for USA CARES, a charitable organization dedicated to providing financial guidance to post 9/11 active duty U.S. military service personnel, veterans and their families. “I am honored to be associated with USA CARES, and fully support their vision of providing the tools to sustain military personnel and their families,” says Wilkos. A huge sports fan, Wilkos can be spotted at various professional sporting events in his free time, such as baseball, basketball and football games. Wilkos and his wife, Rachelle Wilkos, who is executive producer of "The Steve Wilkos Show" and "The Jerry Springer Show," have two young children and live in Connecticut. THE STEVE WILKOS SHOWNational Syndication (Check local listings)

Rabbi Irwin Kula "Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life"
Irwin Kula, the host of Simple Wisdom, is not your typical rabbi. Known as both a provocative religious leader and a respected spiritual iconoclast, Irwin Kula has inspired thousands nationwide using Jewish wisdom in ways that speak to modern life. A renowned thinker, teacher, and rabbi, he is the author of Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life (Hyperion, Sept. 2006) winner of a "Books for a Better Life" award, and selected by Spirituality & Health magazine as one the "10 Best Spiritual Books of 2006" and was featured in a national public TV pledge special, "The Hidden Wisdom of Our Yearnings." A leader of religious pluralism, Kula says that the "freedom and openness of America invites us to bring our traditions to the marketplace of ideas. The challenge is to translate these wisdoms into accessible American idioms that inspire and improve our personal and public lives." A regular on NBC-TV’s The Today Show, and co-host of the popular weekly radio show, Hirschfield and Kula: Intelligent Talk Radio, airing on KXL in Portland, OR - one of the top 25 markets nationwide, Kula offers a perspective often missing in the media. Named by both Fast Company magazine and "Religion and Ethics Newsweekly" (PBS) as one of the new leaders shaping the American spiritual landscape, he was ranked two years in a row (no.8, and no.7, respectively) in the "Top 50 Rabbis in America," in Newsweek. In 2004, he wrote and was featured in Time for a New God, an acclaimed documentary shown at film festivals nationwide. Filmed as a moving monologue along the beaches, wharves, and roller coasters of Coney Island, he offers religion as a "giant tool box" for personal and social transformation. In 2003, he hosted a first-ever 13-part public TV series produced by JTN Productions, “Simple Wisdom with Irwin Kula,” using Jewish wisdom to explore such life issues as relationships, money, work, and sex. Kula is the President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, a leadership training institute, think tank and resource center. A popular media spokesperson, he has appeared on "The O’Reilly Factor" (Fox News), was a repeat guest on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," and was featured on "Frontline" (PBS) on the anniversary of 9/11, among many others. A panelist for the Washington Post/Newsweek - "On Faith" online column, he was a regular on the Hallmark Channel’s New Morning show. A nationally recognized educator and lecturer, Kula serves as a consultant to both corporate and family foundations, as well as to religious and philanthropic institutions and non-profit agencies on leadership development and institutional change. A sought-after speaker, he has worked with such luminaries as the Dalai Lama and Queen Noor on compassionate leadership, and has traveled and taught Jewish wisdom in places as diverse as France, Italy, Bhutan, and Rwanda. He is in great demand by leaders from such diverse fields as business, technology, relationships, and religion. Kula is the co-editor of The Book of Jewish Sacred Practices: CLAL’s Guide to Everyday & Holiday Rituals and Blessings (Jewish Lights, 2001), and co-founder of the Aitz Hayim Center for Jewish Living in Chicago. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Columbia University, his B.H.L. from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTSA) in NY, and his M.A. in Rabbinics and Rabbinic Ordination from JTSA. He has served as rabbi of congregations in St. Louis, MO; Queens, NY; and Jerusalem, Israel. Email: ikula@clal.org

Tue Sep 15, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Dr. Richard A. Kahn - Chief Medical Officer - Building Healthier America
Approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million obese, and 9 million severely obese – and these numbers have continued to increase. Interestingly, the prevalence of being overweight is higher for men (67 percent) than women (62 percent). As the number on the scale gets higher, men need to know the High Five: testosterone, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar/glucose and diet. For an overweight man trying to lose weight, low testosterone (or Low T) – a chronic condition with symptoms like fatigue, decreased energy and reduced lean body mass – could have men spinning their wheels, impacting energy levels and sabotaging their efforts to lose weight. The High Five campaign launched by Building Healthier America – a new organization joining in the fight against the overweight/obesity epidemic in the US – aims to empower men who are willing to take control of their health in spite of their growing waistlines. This initiative also encourages men to have informed conversations with their physicians to determine if the High Five factors are affecting their overall efforts.

Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker - "Health & Nutrition Tips for Your ‘Best Friend"
Loving a dog is the easy part. Knowing how to care for a dog is a bit more challenging. Most Americans worry about feeding their pet quality ingredients and need guidance on how to help their furry friends grow from puppyhood to more mature dogs. Dr. Marty Becker is teaming up with the makers of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® Dog Food to provide interviews on health and nutrition tips for canines of all ages. • Diet Right!: How can you tell your dog is eating right? • Common No-no’s: What are some foods that dogs should stay clear of?• Basic to Breed: Which health tips are helpful for different breeds?• From Young to Old: Keep your dog healthy throughout its entire life. Dr. Marty Becker is an author, lecturer and popular veterinarian contributor to shows like Good Morning America, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, Animal Planet, and other national network, cable TV and radio shows. He is co-author of the fastest-selling pet book in history, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul. When he isn’t practicing at the North Idaho Animal Hospital, Becker enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, daughter, son and the family dogs, horses and cats at Almost Heaven Ranch in northern Idaho.

Saul Rubinek-"Warehouse 13" SYFY RENEWS SUMMER HIT FOR 2ND SEASON
Saul Rubinek was born in a refugee camp in Germany after WW II where his father ran a Yiddish Repertory Theatre company. Saul started his professional career as a child actor in theatre and radio in Canada. He was a member of the Stratford Shakespearean Festival Company in Stratford, Ontario and later was a co-founder, actor and director of Theatre Le Hibou, Theatre Passe-Muraille, and Toronto Free Theatre. Rubinek started working in the U.S. in the late ‘70’s as an actor at the Public Theatre in New York, and he divided his time between theatres in both countries for several years. Saul Rubinek and his wife Elinor Reid live in Los Angeles with their children Sam and Hannah. Penguin Books published Rubinek’s non-fiction book So Many Miracles, an account of his parents’ survival growing up in Poland during World War II. Rubinek also wrote and produced an award-winning documentary of the same title for CBC and PBS, which chronicled his parents’ reunion with the people who saved their lives during the Holocaust.

Dennis Haskins “Mr. Belding” Saved By The Bell
Released a one-of-a-kind, first ever celebrity CD/DVD karaoke package on titled Karaoke With Your Favorite Principal Dennis Haskins A.K.A. ‘Mr. Belding.’ This CD/DVD combo package contains an audio CD with 7 karaoke songs. The purchaser can choose to sing along with Dennis, or sing solo to the additional instrumental tracks. The CD can be placed into a CD-G karaoke machine and lyrics will appear on the screen. The DVD contains interviews with artist and producer Dennis Haskins and behind the scenes footage of recording the project with co-producers Cody McCarver, new country artist and producer, and Mike Yarworth . Karaoke With Your Favorite Principal Dennis Haskins A.K.A. ‘Mr. Belding’ will be available at www.amazon.com, www.dennishaskins.com and other retail and digital outlets. Haskins learned the music business during his four-year stint as Entertainment Chairman at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga . The relationships he built booking bands and promoting local concerts gave him the opportunity to continue to work in the music business with such ‘70s and ‘80s greats as Gregg Allman, Leon Russell and The James Gang. With acting as his professional goal he seized the opportunity to perform in any and every show available including numerous musicals. He has a true love for great music and a passion for singing. Haskins says, "I love to sing and have been doing karaoke for the past six years. Karaoke is about having fun and I hope everyone will have fun singing along with me or on their own with our karaoke CD/DVD!" Haskins portrayal of the beloved ‘Mr. Belding’, principal of Bayside High School for 11 seasons, helped pave the way for “Saved By The Bell” to be in 87 countries around the world and to be NBC’s #1 Saturday Morning Show. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, the show is now being seen by a third generation not only in the U.S. but worldwide. While he still continues to guest on television and appear in films Haskins has found time to continue to participate in numerous charity events. For the past five years he has visited U.S. and Canadian colleges with his “Mr. Belding on Campus” tour.

Robert Greene "THE 50th LAW"
Author of three bestselling books: The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, and The 33 Strategies of War. He attended U.C. California at Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he received a degree in classical studies. He has worked in New York as an editor and writer at several magazines, including Esquire; and in Hollywood as a story developer and writer. Greene has lived inLondon, Paris and Barcelona; he speaks several languages and has worked as a translator. He currently lives in Los Angeles. In The 50th Law, hip hop and pop culture icon 50 Cent (aka Curtis Jackson) joins forces with Robert Greene, bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power, to write a -bible- for success in life and work based on a single principle: fear nothing. With intimate stories from 50 Cent's life on the streets and in the boardroom as he rose to fame after the release of his album Get Rich or Die Tryin-, as well as examples of others who have overcome adversity through understanding and practicing the 50th Law, this deeply inspirational book is perfect for entrepreneurs as well as anyone interested in the extraordinary life of Curtis Jackson.

Monday Sep 14, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com


Dan Sanders - President - Highland Museum and Lighthouse
Cape Cod Highland Light is the oldest, tallest and the strongest light on the Cape. Originally built in 1797 and replaced in 1853, the current structure was completed in 1857, 510 feet from the cliff. By the early 1990's it stood 128 feet from the edge of the cliff. In July 1996, Cape Cod Light was moved back 453 from the eroding cliff where it will be safe for another few hundred years. Highland Musuem and Lighthouse Incorporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Cape's first lighthouse. Fees from lighthouse tours, gift shop sales, fund raisers and donations pay for the ongoing upkeep of Highland Light. Recent "Great White Shark" sightings have brought back memories of 1975 and the movie "Jaws", which was filmed nearby.

FLASHBACK - "Ringo" - Lorne Greene 1963
Born in Ottawa, Canada, on February 12, 1914, Lorne Greene was best known as Ben Cartwright in the long-running Western TV series Bonanza (1959-73). Greene started his radio career in the 1930s at radio station CBO in Ottawa. During World War II he was the "voice of doom" reading the news on the national network. Greene made his first Broadway appearance in 1953 in The Prescott Proposals opposite Katherine Cornell. After starring in a few movies - The Silver Chalice (1954), Peyton Place (1957), and The Buccaneer (1958) - he was offered the part as Ben Cartwright. In the 1960s he turned to recording, with his best known hit, Ringo, charting "number one" on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1964. When Bonanza went off the air, he worked on CTV's Lorne Greene's New Wilderness for five years. He later starred in two short-lived TV series, Battlestar Galactica and Code Red. Greene died on September 11, 1987 of complications from an operation for a perforated ulcer. - Encyclopedia of Canadian Rock Pop & Folk Music; Rick Jackson; Quarry Press Rock Books

Sep 10, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

Charlie Barrett - "Charlie Looks into It"
Charlie Barrett famed Hollywood publicist and former "Tonight Show" Exec .
Today the "Remembering Hollywood Legend Army Archerd".

Chris Leary, Technology Expert/TV& Radio Personality
Broadcasting LIVE from Atlanta, GA, location of the 2009 CEDIA EXPO, will preview the latest in Home Tech for everyone. Some of the technology Chris will show includes:
Bringing movies of your choosing right on to your TV w/out a computer.
The newest tech in TV is LED, not LCD (LG)
Affordable technology - music in their PC on a bigger stereo system.
Home Security Systems that allow us to remotely grant entry Star in Your Favorite Movie – New technology that comes complete w/greenscreen, high-grade web cam w/built in dual microphones and remote control and PC compatible software so that you can play opposite your favorite screen star! Chris will underscore how all of these devices will help consumers SAVE $$ in this difficult economy!!!

Joe and Dave Herbert - "Super Bowl Winners"
This past Super Bowl two advertising amateurs became overnight sensations winning $1 million for their fan-favorite, user-generated Doritos Super Bowl spot. They’re the regular guys who crashed the Super Bowl! Their hilarious homemade commercial entitled “Free Doritos” was so good it appeared during the big game AND won them $1million! Now Joe and Dave Herbert are back to talk about their adventure…AND about the new “Crash the Super Bowl” contest for Super Bowl XLIV.

Hank Kaplan - Mentor Interactive
Hank has over 25 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur in the children's interactive entertainment industry. He was co-founder and CEO of two New York City based children's interactive entertainment companies that developed and marketed children's “edutainment” computer/ video games on a global basis. He was responsible for general management with emphasis on relationships with major entertainment licensors including Disney, Sesame Street , Nickelodeon, Sony Computer Entertainment and Microsoft.
Hank has also maintained close relationships with key retailers and distributors on a global basis. Additionally, he has worked in a large corporate environment, serving in a variety of capacities at CBS including Executive Vice President of CBS Software and Vice President for Corporate Planning. Henry has a BA from Hunter College and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Mentor Interactive based in Colorado is launching their first product on the Nintendo DS platform called My Virtual Tutor- Reading which gives kids Pre-K through 2nd grade a jump start on learning how to read, with Reading Comprehension.
Hank can has has over 25 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur in the children's interactive entertainment industry. He can talk about Mentor Interactive, how they came about, the launch of their first product called My Virtual Tutor Reading (I sent you a demo of it) and how it helps children Pre-K- 2nd Grade conquer reading and why they chose Nintendo DS as the first platform. He can also talk about what platforms they are planning on next.

Sep 9, 2009

On Today's Show: www.crntalk.com

John Lennon: The Life - Phillip Norman
A volatile and violent hippie, family man, junkie, humorist, artist, and a phenomenally wealthy advocate of no possessions, John Lennon was a man of contradictions, loved the world over and yet misunderstood by the millions that idolized him. Now, building on more than three years of in-depth, exhaustive research and exclusive interviews, award-winning novelist and biographer Philip Norman brings to life the portrait of this complex man in the fascinating and definitive new book, JOHN LENNON: The Life, the must-read book for all Beatles fans. With a post-script from Sean Lennon, who has never been interviewed on record about his father before, and dozens of never-before-seen photos and documents, JOHN LENNON explores every facet of Lennon’s life—from his childhood in Liverpool, the early years of the Beatles playing all-night in Hamburg, and Beatlemania at its height to his first LSD trip, the band’s infighting during his Yoko years and the lead-up to the evening of his murder in 1980. Going back to the beginning of the story, as he did in his bestselling book Shout!, Norman disregarded everything previously written about Lennon, even by him. He drew on unprecedented access to Lennon’s photos, art work, and diaries, as well as hundreds of interviews with Paul McCartney, family including Yoko, his son Sean and cousins in Britain , and Beatles’ roadies and producers. With unparalleled insight into Lennon and McCartney’s creative partnership, JOHN LENNON tells the story behind some of the Beatles biggest hits. “Paperback Writer” grew out of a comment by a friend of theirs in 1960 who remarked that his only aspiration in life was to be a paperback writer; “Help!,” much more than just a title song to a Beatles movie, was really John’s cry out to his friends; and, “In My Life” was written at a time when his aunt Mimi moved out of his childhood home. Norman first covered the Beatles in 1969 from the Apple building in Mayfair , where he had front row seats to the band’s break-up and the looting of their business empire. Back then, he spent a morning with Yoko one day in John’s office, and later, after his publication of Shout!, he was invited to meet her at the Dakota, only five months after John’s death. He interviewed her several times over the years until, in 2003, he persuaded her that a “real” biography on the scale of Nelson Mandela or John Keats was needed. The result is a portrait of a far more damaged, insecure and obsessive John than most people have ever imagined, but one that will not make fans love him any less. An extraordinarily detailed and vibrant account of a legendary musician, JOHN LENNON is destined to be the final word on a man who continues to inspire millions more than two decades after his death. Much like Norman ’s Shout!, which was praised as “the definitive biography” of the Beatles, JOHN LENNON is a must have for every fan of the Beatles.

Julie Davis - Parentgiving.com
Parentgiving.com was created to help time-starved caregivers provide better care for their aging parents by providing: in-depth information and helpful checklists about a variety of caregiving topics; on-call professional care managers who possess the expertise and experience necessary to help navigate through the maze of caregiving; and a more enlightened shopping experience at the Shop Parentgiving store, where family caregivers can learn about and shop for the products and supplies that best fit their aging parents’ needs. So whether yu are a new caregiver or have been caring for your aging parent for years, Parentgiving.com is here to answer your questions, streamline your time, reduce your stress and simplify your life.

Ben Schwartz - "Why is Daddy in a Dress"
From the authors of the wickedly loveable Grandma’s Dead, comes a new book of postcards filled with precious baby animals asking life’s most awkward questions. By Amanda McCall & Ben Schwartz Some questions in life are just too awkward to ask out loud. Fortunately, the brilliant authors of Grandma’s Dead have the solution: precious baby animal postcards that will do the dirty work for you: WHY IS DADDY IN A DRESS? Asking Awkward Questions with Baby Animals (Harper; Trade Paperback Original; On Sale : August 18, 2009; $9.99). These fuzzy little kittens, puppies, ducklings, and bunnies will ask the questions you’re too afraid (or too polite) to ask yourself. Asking your girlfriend to shave your back is simple when there’s a cute little kitten doing the dirty work. And your friend will be too busy cooing over a precious puppy in a flower patch to notice that he just agreed to give you his kidney. Some other awkward questions include: Can we stop cuddling?Mom, did you smoke my pot?Why is there a body in your bathtub?Is this herpes?Are you screwing the boss?Why are you naked?Can I have a kidney? Mommy, what’s a blowjob?