Hollywood Daze

eXtasy Books and Devine Destinies Kindle Fire Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Tina Haveman is the founder and CEO of eXtasy Books and Devine Destinies. Tina was born in Europe, left there at age eight, then traveled to several countries with her parents, to finally settle in Australia for many years. She immigrated to Canada in 1973 where she has lived since. After raising a family of five as a single mother, she finally found time to concentrate on her writing. In 2000 she started her own publishing house with a partner but became too busy with eXtasy and Devine to continue her involvement and withdrew to focus entirely on eXtasy and Devine. Tina devotes all her time to her publishing house and authors and is grateful for the success her company is experiencing. “After many years of struggling to keep my head above water while raising five children on my own, I have much to be thankful for,” said Tina. “While the company affords me a comfortable living now and I have quite a staff aboard, I thoroughly enjoy what I do and won’t stop until someone up above tells me it’s time.”

About eXtasy Books

eXtasy Books first opened its doors December 2002 with a small website that was soon revamped into a more business like site. Within a matter of months, eXtasy outgrew that website and had to build another site to accommodate its growing catalog. Since then, the site has been revamped a number of times. Our imprint, Devine Destinies, started in 2008 to accommodate mainstream, YA, inspirational and children's books.

Since eXtasy’s birth, it has seen several upheavals, but with hard work, a loyal staff and a loyal stable of authors, eXtasy managed to survive them, along with the depression that hit our countries hard.

This past years has seen tremendous growth at eXtasy and we have moved our website to our own dedicated server to accommodate its growing readership.

We publish a wide variety of stories ranging from short stories to full books, pricing kept reasonable to accommodate our readers. Prices range from 1.59 to 5.99.

eXtasy Books has always been and is a devout supporter of e-books and e-readers. There are so many print books destroyed every year, it’s unbelievable. Go Green, is our motto. Save our forests! With so many new e-readers on the market, think about the ease of taking books along when traveling, getting rid of dust collecting books in your house, thereby making more room, being able to read a book on your phone or handheld while going to and from work on a bus or train. Think about the many books you can store on your computer. And think about the books you can hide from nosy relatives or children…

We have an attractive reward program in place. Receive 5 dollars on first sign up for an account that can be applied if you spend 20 or more dollars. For every purchase you receive 10% of your total in rewards. These rewards can be saved or you can use them when you come back to buy more books. We're always looking for new ways to make our site a great shopping experience. Come and visit us at http://www.extasybooks.com and/or http://www.devinedestinies.com

Follow eXtasy at Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/extasybooks.

Follow eXtasy at Twitter at ttps://twitter.com/#!/eXtasyBooks.

Follow Devine Destinies at Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DevineDestinies.

Follow Devine Destinies at Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/DevineDestinies.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and eXtasy Books are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Here's how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form throughout the tour. The Kindle Fire promotion will run from June 1 - August 31. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on September 1, 2012. Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Death Certificate of Natalie Wood Amended

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:40:00 +0000


Natalie Wood in the 1960's

The coroner’s office amends the death certificate of Natalie Wood from accidental drowning to drowning and other undetermined factors. Does this change anything in the premature death of Natalie Wood a little over 30 years ago? Was there any evidence to suggest that it was anything other than an accidental drowning? Did anyone really think that Robert Wagner or Christopher Walken had anything to do with her dying, even though the coroner's office reports that the two of them had been arguing? Would that make them capable of killing Natalie?

Natalie Wood was an American film and television actor best known for her screen roles in Miracle on 34th Street, Splendor in the Grass, Rebel without a Cause, and West Side Story. She was nominated for three academy awards in her lifetime.

Wood’s death on Thanksgiving Weekend, November 29, 1981 left many questions unanswered; what was she doing in the water, how did she drown, was someone responsible. These questions will always shroud her death in mystery, but maybe now she can rest in peace at least for another thirty years.

Dream Cast of Actors for A LEPRECHAUN’S LAMENT

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Sam Jenkins, the retired New York detective who became a police chief in the small Smoky Mountain city of Prospect, Tennessee: Mark Harmon. It’s tough finding a sixty-year-old actor still good-looking enough to attract the ladies. And Mark does a good job with police work on his series, NCIS. I assume he could put on a slight New York accent and portray the sharpest real cop around.


Mark Harmon

Kate Jenkins, Sam’s wife of many years: Patricia Richardson. I loved the way she played Tim Allen’s wife on HOME IMPROVEMENT. Like Kate, she’s attractive, smart and always ready with a clever remark. But she’ll have to let a little gray hair show.


Patricia Richardson

Special Agent Ralph Oliveri: Michael Imperioli. I needed the quintessential Italian-American cop for this ex-New Yorker. Imperioli is a fine actor who does all the right facial expressions at the right time.


Michael Imperioli

Rachel Williamson: Sasha Alexander has all the right stuff to play the beautiful news anchor at WNXX TV in Knoxville and friend of Chief Sam Jenkins. And I’ve been in love with her for years. But if Sasha wants the job, she’ll have to go back to her natural dark brown hair.


Sasha Alexander

Sgt. Bettye Lambert. This book is littered with pretty and smart women and Bettye is a top example. I’d like to see Canadian actress, Jessica Steen play her—she’s got the perfect look for a hot female cop.

Bridget Dwyer. Where do you find a thirty-five-year-old beautiful redhead with an Irish accent that could melt the Mendenhall Glacier? How about MAD MEN’s Christina Hendricks and hope she can do the accent, but really not care.

Sgt. Stanley Rose: Henry Simmons. Stan is a big, tough, and smart street cop. Henry was impressive and realistic as Det. Baldwin Jones on NYPD BLUE.

ABOUT A LEPRECHAUN’S LAMENT

A stipulation of the Patriot Act gave Chief Sam Jenkins an easy job; investigate all the civilians working for the Prospect Police Department. But what looked like a routine chore to the gritty ex-New York detective, turned into a nightmare. Preliminary inquiries reveal a middle-aged employee didn’t exist prior to 1975.

Murray McGuire spent the second half of his life repairing office equipment for the small city of Prospect, Tennessee, but the police can’t find a trace of the first half.

After uncovering nothing but dead ends during the background investigation and frustrations running at flood level, Jenkins finds his subject lying face down in a Smoky Mountain creek bed—murdered assassination-style.

By calling in favors from old friends and new acquaintances, the chief enlists help from a local FBI agent, a deputy director of the CIA, British intelligence services, and the Irish Garda to learn the man’s real identity and uncover the trail of an international killer seeking revenge in the Great Smoky Mountains.

ABOUT WAYNE ZURL

Wayne Zurl grew up on Long Island and retired after twenty years with the Suffolk County Police Department, one of the largest municipal law enforcement agencies in New York and the nation. For thirteen of those years he served as a section commander supervising investigators. He is a graduate of SUNY, Empire State College and served on active duty in the US Army during the Vietnam War and later in the reserves. Zurl left New York to live in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with his wife, Barbara.

Twelve (12) of his Sam Jenkins mysteries have been produced as audio books and simultaneously published as eBooks. His first full-length novel, A NEW PROSPECT, was named best mystery at the 2011 Indie Book Awards. A new novel, A LEPRECHAUN’S LAMENT, is on the coming soon list at Iconic Publishing and will be available in print and eBook in April 2012.

For more information on Wayne’s Sam Jenkins mystery series see www.waynezurlbooks.net. You can read excerpts, reviews and endorsements, interviews, coming events, and even see photos of the area where the stories take place.

An Artist’s Life for Me

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000

By Lindy S. Hudis

While in the process of promoting my latest book, “Crashers”, I thought I would speak a little bit about my “aspiring actress” past. Now, I was just an aspiring actress, mind you. I had tiny bit parts here and there. I was a dancing bimbo on Married With Children, and a nosey reporter on the daytime drama Sunset Beach. It was as interesting journey, being an actress wanna-be in Los Angeles, and yes, I have written a book about that, too. However, I will talk about that on my next blog tour – when promoting that book.

It was an exciting yet heartbreaking time, but it was also a time of self discovery. I discovered that I am much better suited behind the scenes, like writing. My husband, a Hollywood stuntman, and I have started our own production company, Impact Motion Pictures. We are in the process of producing out own scripts and projects. So far, so good. We have several horror projects that we are bringing to life – myself being a horror fan! Another interesting journey.

Living in Los Angeles, California is an adventure to say the least. The wild and crazy city has inspired all of my literary works, because of the sheer drama and power of such a huge metropolis. “Crashers” was inspired by all of the shenanigans that go on across the hectic and intimidating Los Angeles freeways.

This is what inspired my story. I was in a minor fender bender several years ago. One of the parties involved decided to pretend that she was seriously injured and decided to sue all the drivers involved. It was a very minor accident, no injuries or damage at all. Anyway, I was so mortified that somebody would actually try to pull this kind of a scam that I decided to channel all of that anger into a story. There are dishonest people out there that are ready and willing to do anything for money, people need to be very careful.

So, I have discovered on this journey called life that I need to have that creative artistic expression, or my soul will just wither away. I think all creative people need that. So, in any capacity, I feel very confident that an artistic life – and one full of inspiration – is the one for me. Please visit my at www.CrashersBook.com

Lindy S.Hudis is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied drama. She is a former actress, having appeared on such television shows as “Sunset Beach” and “Married with Children”. Her romantic murder mystery, Weekends, is currently available from Lachesis Press. She is also a filmmaker, her independent short film “The Lesson”, which she wrote, produced and directed, screened at the Seattle Underground Film Festival. She is co-owner of an independent production company called Impact Motion Pictures. She and her husband Steve, a Hollywood stuntman, have just completed the screenplay adaptation of Charmaine Hammond’s best selling book, “On Toby’s Terms.” She lives in California with her family.

Visit Lindy on the web at www.crashersbook.com.
To get your paperback copy of CRASHERS: A TALE OF CAPPERS AND HAMMERS by Lindy S. Hudis at Amazon:
To get your ebook copy of CRASHERS: A TALE OF CAPPERS AND HAMMERS by Lindy S. Hudis in the Kindle Store:
Visit Lindy S. Hudis’ publisher’s page: http://www.bettieyoungsbooks.com/authors/LindyHudis/index.htm
Like Lindy S. Hudis on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=736712042
Follow Lindy S. Hudis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Lindyscribe
Follow Lindy S. Hudis at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10311165-lindy-hudis
Like Lindy S. Hudis at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=17714000&trk=tab_pro
Visit Lindy S. Hudis film production company: http://www.impactmotionpictures.com/

DREAM CAST OF ACTORS FOR “LAST OF THE SEALS”

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000

The year is 1957 in San Francisco. Sam Slater is a lifetime minor league baseball player for the San Francisco Seals. The Seals have just one more season left as San Francisco is about to become a major league city. The Giants are coming to town in 1958 and the Seals will be displaced. Sam has come to the end of his baseball career and is going to join the private detective agency of his best friend. When his friend is brutally murdered, Sam must go it alone and try to find out why. Along the way he is swept off of his feet by a beautiful Elvis-obsessed TWA stewardess named Amelia Ryan. Sam and Amelia try to unravel the mystery together. Sam’s best friend, Jimmy inadvertently saw something he shouldn’t have. Sam and Amelia have pictures in their possession that have crime families in San Francisco and Chicago very worried. Then a young woman Sam has been searching for is found dead on the beach. Suddenly, Sam and Amelia find themselves in danger. On dark and foggy San Francisco nights, trouble is lurking just around the next corner.

Sam Slater - Sam is the male protagonist in the “Last of the Seals.” Sam is a San Francisco Seals baseball player as the story begins. He is at the end of his career in baseball and is beginning his career as a private investigator. Sam is a tough guy and was a war hero in World War II fighting on D Day and at the Battle of the Bulge. The best actor to play Sam would be Jon Hamm. He could portray a man who is admired by men and is attractive to women

Amelia Ryan - Amelia is the main female character in the “Last of the Seals”. She is a TWA stewardess and has fallen head-over-heels in love with Sam. Amelia has helped Sam unravel some mysteries and has shown a real knack as a PI. Amelia is 25 years old, blonde hair and big blue eyes. She is often told that she looks like Grace Kelly.

I think Evan Rachel Wood would be perfect to play Amelia. She’s beautiful yet can be tough when she needs to be.

Vince Marino - Vince is a seasoned San Francisco Police Detective and Sam’s best friend. He grew up in a tough neighborhood in San Francisco and is known for his gravelly voice and tough demeanor.

Bruce Campbell, who stars in the TV series “Burn Notice” as Sam, would be a great Vince. He certainly could be an intimidating, hard-boiled detective.

Bette Steele - Bette is the missing young socialite that Sam and Amelia are trying to find. Bette is eventually murdered and found on the beach one foggy night. Bette is trying to start her own life and escape her overbearing parents.

Kristen Bell would be a good Bette Steele. She is attractive, young but fragile.

Jimmy Jankow - Jimmy Jankow was Sam’s best friend. They met in England while preparing for the invasion on D Day. Jimmy and Sam were planning to become business partners until Jimmy is suddenly murdered. Jimmy was like a big brother to Sam and would be seen in a lot of flashbacks.

I love Simon Baker who was in the Mentalist series and in movies such as “The Devil Wears Prada.” He is perfect as a blonde pretty boy who can be a tough guy.

Santo “Fat Joey” Zito - “Fat Joey” is a mob hit man who is threatening Sam and Amelia, who are in possession of pictures that Zito wants. He will do anything to get them.

Why not get the very best. You want scary? You want an intimidating guy? James Gandolfini from The Sopranos

John and Kathleen Ryan - John and Kathleen are Amelia’s parents and preside over a large Irish Catholic family in their San Francisco home.

Brendan Gleeson, a great middle aged Irish actor, would be a good fit as John and

Blythe Danner would be good as the doting mother who is concerned about Amelia’s decision to delay marriage and children, so she can be a stewardess.

About the Author:

Greg Messel has written four novels and three unpublished memoirs. He published his premiere novel “Sunbreaks” in 2009, followed by “Expiation” in 2010 and “The Illusion of Certainty” in 2011. “Last of the Seals” is the first in a series of mysteries which are set in 1957 San Francisco. The second book in the series “Deadly Plunge’ will be published around Christmas of 2012. Greg grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and has had a newspaper career as a columnist, sportswriter and news editor. He won a Wyoming Press Association Award as a columnist while working for a daily newspaper in Wyoming. Greg also spent many years in the corporate world as a Financial Manager. He now devotes his energies to writing at his home in Edmonds, Washington on the Puget Sound just north of Seattle, where he lives with his wife, Carol.

To get your paperback copy of LAST OF THE SEALS by Greg Messel: http://www.amazon.com/Last-Seals-Greg-Messel/dp/0985485906/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1339973921&sr=1-1

To get your e-copy of LAST OF THE SEAL by Greg Messel at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Last-of-the-Seals-ebook/dp/B0083WCHOO/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1339973921&sr=1-1To view all books by Greg Messel: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Greg%20Messel

To learn more about Greg, go to his website: www.gregmessel.com

Visit Greg Messel on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gregmessel

Like Greg Messel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greg.messel

Dream Cast for Voluspa: A Magical World

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000

By Ray East and Sam D.

Emma Roberts

Amy is the main protagonist of the novel, Voluspa – A Magical World. She is a fifteen year old teenager who has had a rough start in life. She is a remarkable girl, with a core of steel. She faces whatever life throws at her with courage and spirit. She is no paragon of virtue; like every human being she has her foibles. The admirable part is, she does not let her own shortcomings, difficult circumstances or even evil adversaries defeat her without putting up a fight. At the same time the character of Amy is very real and believable. She is the girl next door. She is very easy to relate to, suffers from the usual teenage girl angst’s but at the same time is a very spirited young woman. She is someone who is brave and loyal, vulnerable but strong, someone who inspires epic love. Emma Roberts would be a charming ‘Amy’.


Landon Liboiron

Drake is the hero of this novel. He is the kind of boyfriend any girl would wish for. He can be a fierce protector one minute, a romantic companion the other. As a friend, he is exemplary, he would go to great lengths to protect the people he cared for. He is responsible, intelligent and honorable. What makes him absolutely irresistible is that he has just the right amount of ‘bad boy’ in him. He is a skilled warrior and morphs into a gigantic dog. Landon Liboironwould be perfect for this role.


Marisa Tomei

Helen – She is the closest thing to a mother that Amy has. Helen enters Amy’s life when her step father dies and acting as a friend of the family, escorts Amy to Savannah to live with her grandma. Once Amy arrives in Voluspa, she acts as her adoptive mother and gives Amy a home. She comes across as a warm, caring person who has strong ties to Amy and her family. She is fiercely protective of Amy and yet one gets the feeling that Helen is a woman with many secrets. Marisa Tomei would be perfect for this role.


Steven Strait

Jacek – He is Drake’s best friend and Amy’s half-brother. He, like Amy had a difficult childhood. He was abandoned when he was a baby and spent the first few years of his life in an orphanage. At the age of six he ran away from the orphanage and took shelter in the Forest of Skotos, with the Morphus tribe. He and Drake practically grew up together. When he morphs he takes the form of a giant Anaconda. He is portrayed as a brave and loyal friend. He is a man of few words, more of a loner. He and Amy share a strange empathy from the very beginning. Steven Strait would be suitable for this role.


Megan Fox

Sonja – She fancies herself in love with Drake. To begin with she is not too pleased to have Amy join the group of friends. Initially, she considers Amy as her rival and tries hard to keep Amy and Drake apart. Over the course of the novel, she realizes that her she just has a crush on drake but it is Jacek that she really cares about. This self-realization goes a long way in healing the rift between her and Amy and the two gradually become friends. She morphs into a huge Eagle and is a fierce warrior. Megan Fox would work in this role very well.

Lord Vali- He is the symbol for everything evil and is the main villain in the story. He is a monster with dozens of minions at his disposal. He is such a badass that.…Well we don’t want to give it all away! Ron Perlman would be the ideal fit for Lord Vali.

About the Authors:

Ray East and Sam D has moved to Voluspa and live in the Forest of Skotos with their 5 year old daughter and a pet Typhon. They visit Earth with the help of an Empath from time to time. Ray East did her masters in Phsychology from Univeristy of Sussex and has worked as a counselor for adolescents. Sam D used to teach at a SPJC before he moved to Voluspa.

Their latest book is Voluspa: A Magical World.

To get your copy of VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD by Sam D & Ray East at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/VOLUSPA-A-Magical-World-Sam-D/dp/0985681608/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1

To get your e-copy of VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD by Sam D & Ray East for your Kindle at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Voluspa-A-Magical-World-ebook/dp/B008BCZBTE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

Order your copy of VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD by Sam D. & Ray East at B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voluspa-a-magical-world-sam-d/1111523622?ean=2940014770675

To learn more about Sam D and Ray East, visit their website: www.magicalworldofvoluspa.com

Visit Sam D & Ray East on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/voluspa

Like Sam D & Ray East on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/worldofvoluspa

Follow Sam D & Ray East at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15592516-voluspa

About the Book:

Centuries ago, war between aliens and humans almost destroyed the world. To prevent such a war from happening again, a mighty ruler then formed a secret society of nine powerful humans and aliens called the Bramhas. These Bramhas each wrote a book imparting ancient wisdom and knowledge. The possession of these books could bring about untold power and success. The nine books were hidden but the desire to possess those books, still cause men to fight wars and turn against each other. One such war was fought in the realm of Voluspa decades back; the consequences of that war still resonate in this magical land. Two young lovers get caught in this tussle and it changes their destinies forever.

Amy’s humdrum life takes a complete 180’ turn with the death of her stepfather. She goes to live with her grandmother – her only living relative, though she hasn’t seen her in the last five years. Among her mother’s childhood memorabilia, she finds a book ‘Legends of Voluspa’ that captures her imagination. She becomes so engrossed in the book that she starts dreaming about the places in the book till one night she finds herself inexplicably transported to the new world – Voluspa, as described in the book. Here she meets Drake, who unknown to her is a shape shifter. Chemistry cackles between the two from the very first and as they discover that they share a lot in common, a tenuous bond forms between the two. ‘I’ll keep you safe’ vows Drake and he remains true to his word as he befriends her and saves her from various troubles that befall her over the next couple of months.

In Voluspa, Amy discovers a new way of life. It’s a magical world inhabited by primarily four clans – Empaths, Morphus, Mendens and the Pulchrous. The Empaths have the power of mind, the Morphus are the shape shifters, Mendens are the healers while the Pulchrous possess physical perfection and strength. With the help of an old family friend, Amy takes her rightful place in the Empath clan. This marks a new chapter in Amy’s life. She realizes her own powers and subsequently starts going to a school to enhance the same. With Drake by her side, she makes some wonderful friends. However, her life is not all smooth sailing; trouble comes when she learns the truth about her biological parents. She realizes that her very existence is against Voluspan law which forbids the union between individuals belonging to two different clans. History threatens to repeat itself as she realizes that her predicament was not that different from what her mother had faced, decades back. She is totally in love with Drake, who belongs to the Morphus clan.

The enchanting world of Voluspa is far from Utopic; it has barely recovered from a devastating war fought twenty years back when the peace of the land is once again threatened by Gangrels, the evil army of aliens. The two young lovers soon realize that besides contending with forbidden love, they have to deal with other impediments. Ancient enmities, a past war, a much coveted book, all conspire against the two lovers. Gangrels reappear in Voluspa and Drake falls in the clutches of one such evil being who would stop at nothing to realize his fiendish ambitions. Amy and her friends cross realms, face enemies, deal with challenges, solve riddles and brave possible destruction, as they set off on an adventure to rescue Drake. The ‘Force of Sutra’ clashes with the ‘Elemental Force’ of the Gangrels as Amy and her friends are faced with an indomitable enemy. They use strategic warfare, pit adversaries among themselves and use every last drop of strength, skill and courage as they take on warriors far more ruthless and skilled than themselves.

As Amy embarks upon a quest to save Drake, her love for him is tested at every turn but she never wavers from her objective. Braving imminent death she manages to reach Drake – only to find a changed person. Gone is the man she is in love with, instead a dangerous stranger stood in his place. This Drake was teetering at the edge between becoming completely evil and retaining his own soul. He almost harms Amy but stops himself at the very last minute. His love for Amy proves to be stronger than the evil entity threatening to overpower him. However when chips are down, Drake comes through. He sets aside his personal well-being in order to save Amy, one last time. Drake is perhaps lost forever but hope dies last – Amy is determined to get back Drake, no matter what the cost.

Book Trailer:
Watch on YouTube at http://youtu.be/1-y6YGFSDX8 Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

All the Making of a Truly Romantic Hollywood Romance - Book Two of the Moore Family Series Chapter Excerpt

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 22:02:00 +0000

This is a Hollywood story all the way through. Gorgeous hunk of a guy falls for a beautiful woman with a sparkling and sharp personality and it’s a love story made in paradise. As author Sara Kay Jordan states, this is the story of their beginning. Their first, heady, romantic, steps toward the incredible family they create together. A love story as remarkable as the family they become.

About Love And Genius: Book Two of the Moore Family Series

The Moore family is a unique group, full of special talent, blinding intelligence, and a love so strong they can survive every challenge, no matter how dangerous. But, how did they get there? Take a look back and see how it all began. This is the love story of Kathryn and Joe, their first steps toward the incredible family they build together.

Dr. Kathryn Archer is a brilliant woman and a well-respected scientist. She is also beautiful, strong and painfully isolated from the world around her. A dark past has taught her to guard her heart and it is a lesson she learned too soon and far too well.

Major Joe Moore is a handsome man, a soldier at the top of the army’s most elite group. As a single father, Joe is dedicated to his son and his career and he has put the pain and loss of his past behind him.

When Joe is charged with solving a military mystery he seeks out Kathryn’s expertise to help guide him. Their sparks fly immediately and it’s soon more than one puzzle they are trying to solve. Can they find the answers they are charged to seek when all they can feel is the heat building between them?

Chapter 1

Joe Moore would always consider the moment he met Doctor Kathryn Archer the most infuriating of his professional career. It was also the best moment of his life.

It began in the usual way, just a normal day that gave him no clue to the enormity of what was about to happen. He had managed to get his son to school on time, and surprisingly, with both shoes, a jacket and even his lunch all accounted for. That feat alone meant his day was a good one.

He had snagged the last hot donut from the break room for a perfect addition to his morning coffee. And now he was organizing his office in preparation for a brand new job. He liked the start of a new assignment. There was a feeling of anticipation, like beginning a journey, and that appealed to his sense of adventure. His days of rushing around the world for excitement and intrigue were over, and he took his thrills in smaller doses now.

A knock sounded at his door, and he looked up from the desk he was organizing to find the smiling face of Captain Kyle Harrison. “You getting all settled Joe?”

“Trying,” he answered. “My last assignment didn’t come with such a swank office, but I think I’m settling in.”

Kyle looked at the bare gray walls of a standard Pentagon office. He laughed. “Swank?”

“Yeah, well, I’ve been in the field or on the training grounds for years. Spending more time in the hot sun or wading through mud and water, than behind a desk, means having a place to hold my pencils seems like a luxury.” His buddy laughed at the joke as Joe tossed a handful of pens and pencils into a ceramic holder.

“What is that?” Kyle quirked an eyebrow at the vaguely cylindrical object that now held Joe’s writing implements.

“It’s a pencil holder, Captain,” Joe barked. “My kid made it.”

“It’s an excellent piece of sculpture, Major,” Kyle quickly corrected himself.

Joe looked at the present his six-year-old had given him last Father’s Day and smiled fondly. “Yes it is.” He dropped the last of his office supplies into a drawer and flicked it closed. “Did you need something?”

“Yeah.” The officer held out a file. “Your last assignment may have been in the elements, but you’ve moved on to command, all you’ll get around here is an avalanche of paperwork. Good thing this job is temporary.”

Joe reached out and took it. “I’ve been in a real avalanche,” he joked. “The paper kind might be more fun. And with my luck, the next assignment will have me in something worse than bad weather.” He flipped the folder open. “What is this?”

“The lab report you requested.”

“What does it mean?” Joe scanned the summary sheet.

“Hell if I know.” Kyle chuckled. “Those folks over at Quantum don’t speak human, just science.”

“What am I supposed to do with this if I can’t tell what it means?”

“Beats me.” His friend shrugged. “But you better figure it out. The Hill is watching this one. It’s bad enough to lose four soldiers in a training accident—it’s a shit storm when one of them is a Senator’s son. I saw another report on the news last night. Senator Pendleton isn’t going to let it go until he has answers.”

“So why not give it to JAG?” Joe wondered in a rare flash of insecurity. “I don’t have an experience as an investigator.”

“The old man thinks he needs a real soldier on the case—” Kyle leaned over and patted Joe on the shoulder, “—and you, my friend, are the best we got.” He stood up and headed for the door. “I guess that’s why you got the special assignment and the swank new office, so you can figure it out.”

“Don’t make me regret requesting you as an assistant, Harrison.”

“Never, sir.” Kyle stood at attention and saluted with overstated formality.

Joe’s exaggerated scowl quickly twisted to a smirk. They had been through too much, and been friends too long, for him to worry about Kyle taking his threat to heart.

Kyle paused in the doorway. “Hey, I’m up to grab a beer after work if you want to celebrate the new duty.”

“Thanks,” Joe answered without looking away from the file he’d begun reading. “But I can’t. I need to pick Parker up before six, he has a swim lesson.”

Kyle nodded. It had been a long shot. Single parents didn’t have much free time and Joe rarely agreed to any activity that would keep him from his son.

“Another time,” he said easily.

Joe called a good-bye and focused on the report. There were words on the page he couldn’t even hope to sound out, let alone interpret, and after ten minutes he sighed in frustration and snapped the file closed. “This is ridiculous,” he complained under his breath.

Standing, he jerked his uniform jacket from the back of his chair and hastily tugged it on. It fit snugly over his muscled arms and broad shoulders. Picking up the file, he rounded his desk and took long purposeful strides to the door. “I guess I’ll just have to ask,” he muttered as he pulled the door shut behind him.

The drive to Quantum Labs took little time. The state of the art facility had been constructed in an area of DC that had once been an embarrassment. The choice of location had been praised by the city leaders as a positive step to revitalize and energize the community, an effort by its wealthy benefactors to make a contribution to the city even as they pursued their own agenda.

Those benevolent aspirations were of little concern to him, but Joe was quick to appreciate the proximity to his new office in the Pentagon. He had been briefed on the capabilities of the research facility, and he had orders to cultivate a relationship with what was proving to be an invaluable tool to military and government agencies. Learning that he wouldn’t have to waste his work day commuting back and forth to the facility was a positive.

His military ID got him through the gate, but he chaffed at the delay when he was required to wait for entrance into the lab itself. When the guard finally confirmed that he was indeed the investigator assigned to the Pendleton inquiry, the buzzer sounded and he pulled the door open with an irritated yank. A second set of doors required he submit to a retinal scan, but the process took far less time than the guard’s confirmation. Annoyed by the delay but impressed with the security he moved into the lab proper.

He wasn’t sure what he had expected, but as he stepped inside he had to pause and gape. The place was everything he would have imagined at the words lab or high tech. The foyer in which he stood held a few green plants, and what had to be expensive art, that gave the small space a warm feel. But as he moved forward, it opened into a cavernous room with high ceilings, exposed metal beams and glass walls that gave it a sleek look. The place had a sterile, clean smell that was part hospital, part library, and there was a sense of quiet calm that made the thought and discovery that happened here almost palpable.

A series of raised platforms dominated the center of the room. Each had a metal exam table under heavy lighting, and Joe had a mental image of men in white coats gathered around in fascination as something like Frankenstein’s creature came to life. Shaking his head at the fantasy he looked around for some clue about where to find his new associate.

A small man crossed the room in front of him. To Joe he looked like the quintessential mad scientist with a curly mop of out of control brown hair and a white lab coat. Several days’ growth of beard darkened his chin and cheeks, adding to the impression he was too busy thinking to worry about such mundane matters. He was walking and reading through a large stack of paper, oblivious to anything around him, and he jumped when Joe spoke.

“I’m looking for Dr. Archer?”

The scientist recovered quickly. He turned, almost as if he were going to physically confront the question. “Who are you?” The mouse of a man demanded, with more authority than Joe had expected.

“Major Moore, special investigator for the Pendleton inquiry.” Joe tried not to sound as irritated as he felt over the question.

The scientist was still regarding him with suspicion, so he held up the file he couldn’t decipher. “I have a question about a report she sent regarding the investigation.”

“Jack Holmes.” The scientist identified himself, finally offering a handshake and a less confrontational tone. “Sorry, we try to limit Kathryn’s interruptions, and lately the requests for her time have been a bit intrusive.”

Joe’s memory quickly supplied the details he knew of the scientist. Jack Holmes was the money behind this operation. Like Archer, he held multiple degrees, but it was his family wealth which had allowed them to establish the lab in the first place. According to the dossier he was an excellent scientist, but he didn’t quite have the same brilliance as his partner. “Dr. Holmes, you’re Dr. Archer’s partner?” Joe asked.

“That’s me,” Holmes answered modestly. He turned and pointed across the large room. “Dr. Archer is in lab three. I’d introduce you, but I have something I need to attend to. Besides,” he added with a smirk, “You look like you can handle it.”

“Handle what?”

“A conversation with Archer,” Holmes said with a chuckle. “Good luck,” he called as he walked away.

Joe had never met a billionaire or a world’s leading expert on anything, but as he watched Holmes walk away, he wondered if the combination made the man so weird or if he just came that way.

Pushing thoughts of wealthy mad scientists from his mind he turned the direction Holmes had indicated and strode across the room with purpose. He had heard Archer was a tough nut, and Holmes’ attitude seemed to support that, so he mentally prepared himself as he stepped into the small lab. He had expected another strange academic like Holmes. He had expected the cold attitude he’d read about in the lab’s dossier. He had expected brilliance that threw out words like those on the report that had prompted this visit.

What he didn’t expect, was the strikingly beautiful woman who looked up when he entered.

“I’m busy,” she said dismissively and dropped her gaze back to the apparatus she was using.

Joe tried valiantly to ignore the reaction he was having. Damn, she was gorgeous. It was the only thought he could formulate. But when she summarily dismissed him without even a polite greeting his temper flared.

“Dr. Archer, I’m Major Joe Moore. I’m the investigator assigned to the Pendleton inquiry.”

She continued to ignore him and his temper spiked again.

“I need to discuss something with you.” His words came out a bit more harshly than he had intended and he grimaced.

Archer however, didn’t appear to be offended by his tone. “It will have to wait.” She maintained her focus. “As I already stated, I’m busy.”

“It’s about this report.” Joe waved the file in his hand.

“What about it?”

She still wasn’t looking at him, so he took a few steps forward. The action worked to draw her attention, but as she stood and lifted her beautiful blue eyes to his, he wondered at the suspicion he could see in them. He froze briefly under the intensity of her gaze then once again, he lifted the file.

Her eyes were incredible, and although he couldn’t look away from them, he ignored the thoughts they prompted. “I’m afraid I need some translation. I’m not sure what I’m reading.”

Archer rolled her eyes, breaking the lock he had with them, and spoke with exasperation. “Well you actually tried, that puts you up on everyone else it was sent to.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means the Army is woefully uninterested in facts, when they don’t fit their own agenda. I stand behind the report, Major. I mean every word of it.”

“That’s great,” Joe answered his tone slightly aggressive as he reacted to hers. “Now if I just knew what it said maybe I could clue the world’s leading military unit into what they’ve been missing.”

His retort reduced her reluctance to contrition. She lowered her eyes, seeming almost to turn inward rather than admit she had a change of heart. “Leave it. I’ll go back through it when I have time and dumb it down for you.”

“Well, you don’t have to say it like that.”

Her eyes snapped up again, and that willfulness was back. “Didn’t you just say you didn’t understand it?”

“Well, yeah, but it’s not like I don’t get any of it. I just need some help understanding the science.”

“Exactly. You need it dumbed down.”

She stared at him coolly and Joe fought for control. He wanted to shout at her. He wanted to demand she give this issue the kind of attention it deserved. He wanted to wipe that cold look off her face.

He wanted to kiss those damned red lips.

That terribly inappropriate thought brought him up short, and he took rigid control of his emotions. “I’d appreciate it if you could get back to me at your earliest convenience.” With quiet calm, he dropped the file on the table then turned. “The soldiers killed deserve our attention.”

Joe walked out with all the dignity his service and career had earned him. His back straight and his head high, he marched to the exit without a backward glance. He was boiling with an irritation that demanded an escape, but he would be damned if he gave that woman the satisfaction of knowing she had gotten to him.

But she had gotten to him. So, when he reached his car, he climbed inside and finally allowed himself the luxury of a response. “How can someone be so annoying in such a short time?”

Annoying was only the start. She was condescending and abrasive. She had dismissed him like some unimportant irritation, as if her time was far too valuable to bother with a conversation with the likes of him.

He closed his eyes, trying to gain control over this uncharacteristic turmoil he felt. He was an elite solider, he didn’t overreact, he didn’t get emotional. Except right now, he was definitely both of those things.

The moment his eyes closed, he saw her again, tall and thin but with the kind of curves that suggested a luscious body beneath that white coat. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a youthful, utilitarian ponytail, but he could image it spilling to her shoulders in warm waves if she released it. Her skin, pale and smooth—damn near perfect. The creamy complexion accentuated her eyes. Those eyes were what he remembered most. They were gorgeous, the most incredible blue he had ever seen. But it was more than the color. It was the sharp mind they revealed, and the strength that gave the impression she was made of steel, despite the soft body that said exactly the opposite.

Joe’s eyes snapped open and he rubbed a hand over his face. What the hell was wrong with him? He didn’t do this. He had barely noticed a woman, any woman, in over two years and he certainly didn’t objectify coworkers like they were some beauty pageant contestant. She was a scientist and a brilliant one if all he had heard was true. More importantly, she was his colleague. He was supposed to be cultivating a relationship between the Army and her lab, not ogling her. He was supposed to be using her expertise to reveal why four soldiers had died, not fantasizing about what she would look like with her hair down.

He took a deep breath and ordered his thoughts. He knew what to expect now, he would be prepared, he could control himself. Slipping his car into gear he headed back to his office, his mind firmly directed to the job that lay before him.

It worked fairly well. He was good at his job, and he had long ago acquired the kind of discipline necessary to avoid all types of outside stimuli—he could go days without food or sleep, could sit for hours in weather so cold or wet that his body tried to shut down and still he felt no discomfort. He could do what had to be done. The jobs the Army saw fit to burden on only a select few, he could do them without hesitation.

Keeping his mind focused on the investigation, and not those blue eyes, wasn’t the hardest thing he had ever done and he finished his day with an iron control on his thoughts.

One question, however, made his control falter.

“Hey, Bro. How was your day? Make any new friends?”

He froze for only an instant before taking the final step inside his house, but she saw it. His kid sister had always been far too interested in his personal life. She had followed him around when they were kids, spied on him when he was in high school, and she hadn’t lost her interest just because she was now a grownup.

“Joe?” she demanded with suspicion.

“It was a day, Charlie,” he answered evasively.

“A day?”

“Yeah, a day. I got up, I went to the office, I met some colleagues. It was a day.”

“What are you not telling me?”

He bit the inside of his lip trying to distract from the picture that had popped into his mind, trying to erase the image of those two blue eyes of steel and satin. “Where’s Parker?” He tried changing the subject for his own good. “We need to get going.”

Charlie waved toward the other room. “He’s changing clothes.” Her hair was darker than Joe’s, a coal black compared to his dark brown, but her eyes were the same chocolate brown and they revealed a hint of his same strength.

Those eyes were watching him now, with suspicion. She knew him too well and she wasn’t fooled. She stepped in front of her brother and looked him in the eye, squinting as she assessed his mood. “What’s up with you?”

“Nothing,” he scoffed. “It’s been awhile since I had a desk job, okay? I just need to adjust.”

“Okay,” she agreed, willing to accept that for now. She turned and called down the hallway as she walked toward the kitchen sink. “Parker! Your dad is home. Shake a leg, Bub.”

“He was good?” Joe flipped through the mail she had left for him on the counter.

“He’s the best nephew ever born.” She grinned. “Of course he was good.”

“You didn’t let him fill up on junk after school, did you?” he worried. “I don’t want him getting into bad habits.”

“What am I, a bad influence?” Charlie joked.

Joe leveled an accusing glare and she cracked. “Okay, I let him have a milkshake. But we were celebrating.”

“Celebrating what?”

She gave him an impish grin as she turned away from the now clean dishes that had been sitting in his sink. “We were celebrating the opportunity to have a milkshake.”

There was the sound of pounding footsteps on the wood floor, and then a small form in red swim trunks, and nothing else, came barreling through the doorway. Joe abandoned the lecture he wanted to give his sister and scooped up his son, as Parker leapt into the air. He held him close, feeling his tension fade, as two small tanned arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

Ruffling the long blonde hair, that was starting to curl wildly without a haircut to temper it, he kissed his son. “Hey, Bub. You ready for a swim?”

“Yep.” Parker crowed excitedly. “Charlie says it is a big pool!”

“It is?” Joe asked with enthusiasm. “I bet you can’t swim the whole thing.”

“I can too,” Parker giggled. “I’ll show you.”

“Do you have to make everything a challenge?” Charlie scolded with a laugh as she picked up her purse. “Honestly, Joe, it’s a swim lesson not a competition.”

“It makes it fun,” he answered, and Parker nodded in agreement.

Charlie rolled her eyes and shook her head, making her dark locks sway. “You are two peas in a pod,” she teased. Leaning in, she puckered for a kiss, and Parker dutifully responded, adding a quick hug as well. She dropped another quick peck on his forehead and then stood on her tiptoes to give Joe’s cheek the same treatment. “I’ll pick him up at school tomorrow, same time.” She headed for the door. “Have a good night.”

“Thanks,” Joe called after her.

Charlie paused in the door and gave him another long look. “You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” he growled in warning.

“Okay, okay, don’t get all green beret on me.” She laughed as she stepped through the door.

“I’m fine.” Joe repeated to Parker.

“Daddy, I’m ready to go.” He squirmed excitedly, a huge grin on his face.

“Okay.” Joe dropped him to his wriggling feet. “Let’s go little man, let’s see if you can swim that pool.”

“I can do it!”

Beaming, Joe opened the door and followed his son outside. “You are going to have to prove it, little man.” Thoughts of irritating scientists slipped from his mind—the joy he found in spending time with his boy was a better weapon against her allure than all his discipline.

August DVD and Blu-ray Releases

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Starting today all your favorite television shows are now available on DVD and Blu-ray from Twentieth Century Fox Entertainment. Enjoy the complete third season of Glee with bonus features and the adrenaline charged season four of Anarchy. Tv’s best new drama by critics everywhere, the award winning Homeland and television’s longest running sci-fi series, “Stargate: Atlantis.”

Glee: The Complete Third Season on DVD and Blu-ray

Season Three of the electrifying, award-winning series finds the Glees headed for the Nationals – and graduation! As younger members join New Directions, others are about to begin exciting, if uncertain, lives outside it. Featuring some of television’s most enthralling song and dance numbers, including memorable hits from the legendary Michael Jackson, Glee continues to earn its place in the hearts of viewers around the world.

Bonus Features:

Disc 1:

**Glee Music Jukebox

Disc 2:

**Glee Under the Stars

**Glee Music Jukebox

Disc 3:

**The Spanish Teacher

**Santana's "Santa Baby" Music Video

**Glee Music Jukebox

Disc 4:

**Glee Give a Note

**Glee Music Jukebox

Disc 5:

**Props

**Glee Music Jukebox

Disc 6:

**Welcome to the Class

**Making the Finale

**Sue Addresses Her Fans

**More Sue's Quips

**Glee Music Jukebox

Sons of Anarchy Season 4 DVD and Blu-ray

Ride full-throttle with the Sons of Anarchy into the most intense, adrenaline-charged season ever! Out of prison and back in business, SAMCRO faces a powerful new nemesis as they forge an unlikely alliance and head in a dangerous new direction. As a deadly internal power struggle rocks the club to its very core, Jax struggles with the legacy of his father and makes plans for the future of his family amid chaos, corruption, betrayal, and murder. Action-packed with electrifying extended episodes, Sons of Anarchy Season Four will take you for the ride of your life!

Disc 1:

**SOA Gear

**Deleted Scenes

**Dorylus - Extended Scenes

**Commentary on Out

Disc 2:

**SOA Gear

**Deleted Scenes

**Brick - Extended Scenes

**Family Recipe - Extended Scenes

Disc 3:

**SOA Gear

**Kiss - Extended Scenes

**Commentary on 'Hands' with Peter Weller

**Commentary on 'Hands' with Kurt Sutter, Katey Sagal, Maggie Siff

Disc 4:

**SOA Gear

**Deleted Scenes

**Gag-Reel

**Pineys Farewell

**The Fans of Anarchy

**Anarchy at House of Blues

**Commentary on 'To Be - Act 1'

**Commentary on 'To Be - Act 2'

Homeland Season 1 on DVD and Blu-ray

Hailed as TV’s best new drama by critics everywhere, the award-winning HOMELAND* delivers compelling characters, thrilling twists and breathtaking suspense. Carrie Mathison (Golden Globe® winner Claire Danes), a brilliant but volatile CIA agent, suspects that a rescued American POW may not be what he seems. Is Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody_(Damian Lewis) a war hero...or an Al Qaeda sleeper agent plotting a spectacular terrorist attack on U.S. soil? Following her instincts, Mathison will risk everything to uncover the truth — her reputation, her career and even her sanity. Packed with multiple layers and hidden clues, Season One offers something new every time you see it...watch carefully.

*2012 Golden Globe® Best Television Series — Drama; Claire Danes, Best Actress in a Television Series — Drama

Bonus Features:

Disc 1:

**Deleted Scenes

**Audio Commentary

Disc 2:

**Deleted Scenes

Disc 3:

**Deleted Scenes

Disc 4:

**Deleted Scenes

**Under Surveillance - Making Homeland

**The Visit: A Prologue to Season 2

“Stargate: Atlantis” Seasons 1-5

Continuing the journey of “Stargate: SG-1,” television’s longest running sci-fi series, “Stargate: Atlantis” explores the great city of Atlantis built thousands of years ago by the Ancients and the new home base for an elite expedition team from earth. Overflowing with exciting quests and surprises, fans will experience every captivating, and spine-tingling mission of the Intrepid Team from their first hostile encounter to their last rescue mission. Available as individual season sets for the first time ever on Blu-ray beginning August 28 exclusively at Best Buy, the compelling ensemble cast includes Jason Momoa (Conan the Barbarian, “Game of Thrones”), David Hewlett (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Joe Flanigan (Ferocious Planet), Rachel Luttrel (Imposter) and Torri Higginson (The English Patient).

○ Commentary by cast and crew on individual episodes

○ Mission Directive Featurettes spotlighting individual episodes

○ Actor Profiles

○ Deleted Scenes

○ Blooper Reel

○ Multiple Behind-The-Scenes Featurettes on the Making Of “Stargate: Atlantis”

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world

Malibu and Its Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:07:00 +0000

Malibu is well-known for its many beautiful beaches. However, dogs are not allowed on almost all of them, not even if the dogs are on leash! That’s because, according to one of our community police officers, people have been irresponsible about cleaning up after their dogs. As a result, dog policies in the city of Malibu have become very strict.

To me, a dog running on a beach is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. You can see how much they love being on the sand and in the water! If I want to see that now, I go to the Montecito/Santa Barbara area, which is much more dog-friendly than Malibu and is only about an hour north of where I live. I especially love Butterfly beach, which is directly across from the Biltmore Hotel in Montecito. Butterfly is a wonderful beach, where not only are dogs allowed but they’re also free to run. And this beautiful hotel even allows dogs to stay, although they charge a little extra for that.

However, this is not to say that Malibu is no place for dogs, not at all the case. There are many, many dog lovers in Malibu, and we often talk to one another about our dogs when we’re out walking. I love doing that, and of course, I love petting every dog I see.

Yesterday morning, for example, I saw a guy I’ve seen a number of times walking his two extremely smart Shelties. One was carrying a very large plush ball almost its own size, which the two Shelties began fighting over. Shelties fighting over a ball! That surprised me, because Shelties ordinarily wouldn’t be interested in a big ball like that. Their owner told me that, at heart, Shelties like to harass. He’s had Shelties for over thirty years, so I’d assume he knows what he’s talking about.

Then there are these two men with their bulldog. All three look as though someone pushed them out the door. They all walk so slowly, the dog usually out of breath, clearly not happy with this walking activity. Then there’s the couple who go on marches with their very well-behaved German Shepherd. A disciplined group! So early in the morning, and yet that whole little family is so alert. Then there’s the really big Husky, who looks so intimidating but who really is so sweet. She and her master walk very fast. Sometimes I get to pet her, but most of the time I can tell they’re on a mission.

Wonderful dogs, and so many different kinds. And regular folks just out walking them, no celebrities, as far as I can tell, although, I probably wouldn’t recognize a celebrity even if one were right in front of me.

ABOUT CHARLIE: A LOVE STORY

Charlie: A Love Story tells of the beautiful love between Charlie, a Golden Retriever, and the author, Barbara Lampert. It takes place in Malibu, California. When Charlie turned eleven years old and started having some health problems, a journal Barbara was keeping about her garden quickly became mostly about Charlie. Charlie: A Love Story is an intimate look at an incredible connection between a canine and a human. And as a psychotherapist who specializes in relationships, Barbara brings that sensibility and understanding to Charlie’s story as well. Charlie was Barbara’s loyal confidante and best friend. He was indomitable, had a zest for life and an uncanny emotional intelligence. Charlie: A Love Story is about devotion, joy, loss, and renewal, about never giving up or giving in. But mostly it’s about an extraordinary dog and an extraordinary relationship.

Barbara Lampert is a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in relationships. She’s been in private practice in Brentwood, California for over twenty years. She considers her work a calling and loves what she does. She has a doctorate in medical sociology and two master’s degrees – one in psychology and one in sociology. Barbara has adored dogs her whole life. They’re her passion! She notes that for many people, their dogs are their best friends. She loves helping people know that’s ok – that a soul-satisfying relationship may be found with any being and needs to be treasured. Besides her love of dogs, Barbara is an avid gardener and finds herself gardening in much of her spare time. She sees her garden as a work of art. She loves being in nature – the miracle of growth, the ever-changing landscape, its beauty. Today Barbara lives happily in Malibu, California with her husband David (married twenty-eight years!) and their six-year-old Golden Retriever, Harry. Barbara hopes that Charlie: A Love Story will be a tribute not only to a magnificent dog but to all dogs everywhere. You can visit her website at www.charliealovestory.com.

The Muppets Get A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 05:25:00 +0000

On Hollywood Boulevard, just outside of El Capitan Theatre is the newest Hollywood star, that of the Muppets. Miss Piggy, Kermit, Gonzo, Animal, Fozzie and all the other famous furry Muppets received a star on the Walk of Fame, today, Tuesday, March 20, 2012. For more information about the Muppets, check out online puppetry courses to find classes that can teach you about the Muppet's long history and beginnings in 1954.

Today, also marks the release of the DVD and Blu-ray of the latest Muppets movie.

The Muppets came together under the idea of Jim Henson. Here's a great page for more information on the Muppets.


Miss Piggy and Kermit

David Grant: Charlie Sheen is a Super Hero

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Is there anything Hollywood loves more than an actor who falls from grace and then redeems himself? Do you remember last year at this time when Charlie Sheen was being fired from his hit television show, "Two and Half Men?" It seems that he had super powers to keep us glue to the tv according to author David Grant. Read about it here at Hollywood Gossip, but be sure to come back and take a look around Hollywood Daze.

David Grant joined us earlier this week at Hollywood Daze with his guest and book excerpt.

Blood The New Red - Guest Post and Author Excerpt

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:01:00 +0000

Today’s guest is David Grant, author of a number of books including Hollywood Ending and now his latest literary novel, Blood: The New Red, takes a look at the fashion industry in New York City. Reading this guest post and book excerpt, I felt, that even though I have never been to New York it sure feels eerily familiar to a place I know so well, that of Hollywood California. If you’re familiar with Hollywood see if you can pick up on the similarities and then let me know in the comments.

New York, A City of Inspirational Characters

By David Grant

New York City has always been an inspiration for literature. Jack Kerouac, Don DeLillo, and Norman Mailer are only a small sample of famous writers that have used New York to produce timeless prose.

When someone says “Baltimore” you have an image in your head, same for “Portland”, or any city. For me “New York” brings images of compact streets, cobblestones, and non-descript store fronts. For many, this “view” may bring words and motivation; however, if you’re really looking for inspiration, you need to look at what is going on inside. Here you will find the three D’s: determination, debauchery, and desperation; this is where you will find New York City. Diversity breeds stories you can’t ignore.

Walking through the city you come in contact with nuns, teachers, and felons, often all in the same block. Here’s a question, which of the following New Yorkers are more dangerous? A) Drama Queen Fashionista B) Nervous Homeless Man C)Coked out Marketing/Ad Man or D) Wall Street Broker? A true New Yorker knows (answer at the end.)

About Blood: The New Red

My new book, BLOOD: The New Red takes a look at the fashion industry running along Seventh Avenue and therapist offices across the city.

Blood: The new Red begins at an after party where Mickey, and ex-adult movie star turned supermodel, is aligning himself with one of top Designers of Seventh Avenue. While trying to land a job on the runway Mickey is thrown into the center of a scene where sex is often the motivation, the wine is served by year, and cocaine is back in full force. Juanita, Mickey’s girlfriend is having difficulties staying sober, fully clothed, and off of her famous boyfriend.

Mickey goes to work for Fashion icon Paul Johnson, one of the two top Designers in NYC. The other is Sandy Johnson, another Designer who will stop at nothing including murder to guarantee victory. A runway exhibition has been scheduled for the two to compete in and find out who truly is the best Johnson. Mickey will be Paul’s top model, and Sandy has found a homeless person nicknamed Kung Fu Master to show his line.

In addition to getting his new line in place, Paul Johnson is also buying chain saws, the louder the better, to put the special in this special event.

Did you know that you can’t be sentenced to prison if actively seeking help at a mental facility? Paul Johnson knows this.

Somewhere between the girls, counting Vicodin pills, and show preparation Mickey has grown a conscience and no longer likes what he sees. He believes (and his psychiatrist agrees) that he has the power to change what’s happening around him.

Days before the show Kung Fu Master turns up dead and there is an attempt on Mickey’s life. After a brief period of unconsciousness Mickey is back, is told that Juanita and brother Cheeks are now also dead and that he must continue with the show. After all, what would Steven Tyler do?

The night of the show is laced with celebrities and models on the runway as well as one particular popular day-time talk show host that may or may not be murdered on the runway.

In the end only one Johnson will walk away, although this is temporary as Mickey has the last word.

Right before he pops his last Vicodin.

New Yorkers feed off the creativity and energy that fuels the streets. There is a guy who has a “Love Truck” on Wall Street, blasting music from the sixties while serving coffee and smiles all day long. Just steps away a doorman for a luxury apartment building is chatting it up with a tenant about his new motorcycle and how much “ass he pulls in” from his new ride, and two doors down, a pizza deli where they only speak Italian and serve the incredible slices. All of this occurs within one block of New York City. My point is, you don’t have to look far to find characters, they are part of the moment.

Answer: D) The Wall Street Broker, they are always more stressed out and coked up than the average New Yorker.

About David S. Grant

David S. Grant is the author of ten books including “Corporate Porn”, “Bleach|Blackout”, “Hollywood Ending”, and “Rock Stars”. His latest novel, “Blood: The New Red”, is now available. David lives and writes his weekly rock, travel, and NBA columns from New York City. For more information go to http://www.davidsgrant.com Twitter: @david_s_grant

BLOOD: The New Red in Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-New-David-S-Grant/dp/0984173854/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327246788&sr=8-2

BLOOD: The New Red via Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-The-New-Red-ebook/dp/B006NZRWLG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1327246788&sr=8-3

BOOK EXCERPT

Always look like a rock star. This is the number one secret on how to be famous. I’m wearing chains, lots of chains. Eye shadow, lots of eye shadow. I wouldn’t say my pants are tight, but then again, my balls might disagree with you at the moment.

I’m standing on the second level of the Grand Hotel, overlooking the bar area. My manager tells me this is where I need to be standing. In five minutes I will move across the room and stand next to a long mirror where one of the Hiltons will walk by and notice my reflection. A photographer will be close by and be sure to get the picture. This mirror has been placed here for this sole purpose. My manager tells me not to stare at the mirror. If you asked me to list my weaknesses, this may be my number one fault.

DJ Shingles, the newest (which means hottest) DJ, is playing on a middle level between the first and second floors. There is barely enough room for him let alone the overflowing ashtray and oversized stocking cap. Rumor has it this is his last show, despite this being his first. There is talk that he is moving into production and will be working with a major player in the hip hop industry, depending on who is hot at the time. DJ Shingles is wearing an Armani black button-down shirt with the sleeves ripped off. Very last year, but this is more a statement than a miscalculation on his part. Last season is the new season.

My manager signals for me to make my way across toward the mirror. A reporter from GQ is following me and asking me questions about who I’m going to sign with and whether or not my past will affect my future. I get her number, tell her I’ll call her later, and then blow her off as I approach the mirror. Always leak your press, never tell. This is secret number three on how to be famous.

Four widescreen televisions are fastened to the wall behind the bar. All are showing TMZ. An orange haired girl wearing a Betsey Johnson dress sees me staring at the television sets. She walks over and whispers in my ear, “It’s the new CNN.”

A waiter carrying a tray of wine from 1980 is walking by. Every 15 minutes another waiter, another tray, another year will walk by. Welcome to the world of fashion parties. Ten percent content, ninety percent presentation.

A man who goes by the name Dontay hands me a coffee cup that is full of scotch. My manager tells me to sip it and not cheers anyone. Any buzz that insinuates I’ve been in rehab and have put my porn career in the past is good press and can only help my modeling career. As scheduled, I’m approached by someone with the last name Hilton.

The Hilton is wearing a blouse that is considered the color Ocean, the new blue, but since Aquamarine blue was in fact the new blue for last season and last season is in this season, no one should be caught dead in Ocean. Unless of course she is being ironic. If so, she will have to mention this to at least three people during the course of the evening.

“Mickey, you’re back! I mean, uh…” Hilton looks at the coffee cup. “Welcome back!” She tips her coffee cup to me.

I glance around at the guest list, wondering who has the most juice at the party, but am distracted by the waiter walking through with wines from 1990.

“Good year for cabernets,” Hilton says, then grabs her blouse. “Last season is the new season, huh? Fuck that.” She laughs and looks fidgety as lights pop around us. At one point Hilton puts her arm around me and kisses me on the cheek. FLASH. Mission accomplished.

“I miss you, Mickey. We should get together sometime, you know, have a cup of coffee, fuck, or something.”

Sure, I tell her and then she leaves because she has a rule about spending over forty hours a week on the Lower East Side and this season many Fashion Week parties have been in LES, the new SoHo.

According to my manager, I need to make my way to a reserved table next to the bar where Paul Johnson is sitting. My manager also says to ignore the temptation of champagne. I have a job to do tonight.

When I approach, Paul gets up from his table and gives me a hug. “Welcome back, Mick. We’ve missed you.” I tell Paul great show and congratulations on the new line, then look at the table and see they are all drinking 1986 chardonnay and there’s a small mountain of cocaine in the center of the table. Paul looks at my cup and asks me if I need another coffee and I tell him I’m okay and then he proceeds to introduce me to the guests at his table, which include Lindsay Lohan, Jay Z, John Stamos, and four models I’ve never met but have bumped into during my previous job. One is a brunette with piercing blue eyes that I may have even shot a scene with but am not positive since I never saw much of her face. I pull out a pack of Camel non-filtered cigarettes and light one up. Paul asks me to join them. My manager agrees, so I grab a seat. The brunette tells me I look familiar, John Stamos says the same, and I grab a random razor from the ashtray and cut a line for myself.

Paul follows my lead, does a line and then lifts his head. There are still remnants of powder on his nose, but judging from his smile, he doesn’t care. “Mickey, I want you to be my feature model, and I want to use you for my next project. What do you say?”

No one has ever turned down an offer from Paul Johnson, one of the top two designers in New York City. I consider saying no, just to make history, but my manager doesn’t agree with this decision, so I put some cocaine on the razor blade and turn toward the brunette. On cue she lowers her dress, revealing her left nipple. I dump the coke onto the top of her left breast, move in, and snort it. She giggles and then says, “Now I remember you.”

I excuse myself from the table because my manager has me scheduled to bump into Sandy Johnson near the men’s restroom in three minutes. On my way to my spot, Dontay walks past and hands me a full coffee cup and slips me the number of John Stamos, “Just in case,” he says.

Sandy exits the bathroom with his fly unzipped, hand in hand with Stan, his boy toy for the night, laughing and then flagging down a waiter holding a sign: 2002. My manager has strategically placed me between Sandy and the waiter so Sandy notices me and walks over. “Mickey! My God, you look fabulous!” Sandy gives me half-hug and cups my buttocks, then mentions that he has heard a lot of rumors involving me and the porn industry. I just laugh and tell him there’s nothing wrong with franchising my body.

“Amen to that.” Sandy turns to Stan and tells him to fetch him a glass of 2002 because he needs to talk business. Sandy surveys the scene and leans in to me. “Fabulous, isn’t it?” I nod and then Sandy says, “Just murderous!”

Sandy moves next to me and puts his arm around my shoulder. “Did you see my show today?” It was great and congratulations I tell him but am cut off as he tries to say something, pauses, then finally says, “So I see you were talking with Paul.”

I take a drink of Johnnie Walker and then say, “Yeah, actually he just offered me a job.”

Sandy grabs his heart. “Oh, the betrayal! I think I’m going to faint.” Stan appears out of nowhere with a chair for Sandy to sit down in and hands him a glass of wine. Sandy takes a drink and agrees that it is indeed 2002 and this seems to settle him. “Mickey, baby, we go way back. Your first runway, I believe. Honey, you need to come work for me, not that…” Sandy flickers over toward Paul, “beast!”

My manager tells me that I need to step outside because Juanita, my girl, can’t get inside because she refuses to wear shoes and has just put out a joint on the bouncer’s arm.

I tell Sandy thank you, and he says he’ll be in touch. I lean into his ear and let him know his pants are unzipped and he says, “I know, it’s the new sign.”

I finish my cup of scotch and walk outside where Juanita is not only not wearing shoes but is also not wearing any pants, only a light purple Versace thong. The bouncer notices me and tells me that he doesn’t have a problem with the thong, but there’s a policy regarding the shoes. I let him know I understand and then buy a gram of cocaine off of him. I put Juanita in my limo and give her the gram to keep her busy. “I need to go inside and finish some business. I’ll be right back,” I tell her but she doesn’t hear a word, already ripping open the gram and cutting three lines. “Thanks baby!” I hear her yell as I shut the door.

Back inside, my manager wants me to be on the right side of the bar because the glow from the light accentuates my features best. I look over and see Paul Johnson telling a story that I’m guessing involves a Hollywood movie star, too much champagne, and no panties while he decides which two models he is going to take home tonight. On the other side, Sandy Johnson is whispering into the ear of Stan and undoubtedly outing many of the stars here tonight. Presently, in between sips of three-hundred-dollar glasses of wine, they are pointing at Andy Garcia and nodding.

Paul Johnson versus Sandy Johnson, the two top designers in the city, fighting for the top spot. Fashion Designer of the Year. Earlier today Paul introduced a new line of furs despite the protest of PETA outside their tents at Bryant Park. At the end of the show Paul had all of his models come out onto the stage wearing nothing but fur and had a man with a wiry mustache throw goat blood all over all of them as Paul screamed, “It’s the new red!”

Meanwhile, across the park, Sandy Johnson displayed his new men’s line on the runway by having his male models hold the garments as they strutted naked and hard. Rumor has it there was no “fluffer” required. Sandy Johnson can be hands-on when required.

Both shows received standing ovations. The debate over which show was better continues. Paul versus Sandy, good versus evil, although in this case it is not clear who is playing which role. There was talk at one point that for Paul’s next line, Eternal, a model would be executed on the runway.

As I light a Camel, my manager notifies me that Paul is approaching. “Mickey, be in my office first thing tomorrow.” When Paul says tomorrow, he means 8AM tomorrow.

Too quick for even my manager to notice, Sandy comes up and asks me if I’m seeing anyone and I mention Juanita, which leads to a disappointed face and he tells me to stop by in the morning to discuss working for him. When Sandy says tomorrow morning, he means never.

My manager is noncommittal but pleased. We have accomplished our goal for the night. I glance over at Paul Johnson, then over at Sandy Johnson, the two kings, bitter rivals and not related. Simply known around the city as The Johnsons.

Walking out of the Grand, I look over at my limo. The window is rolled down and Juanita appears to have passed out. I walk over to my driver and tell him to take her home. As I turn back toward the club there is a TMZ camera in my face. “Mickey! Mickey! Who are you going with?” I light a Camel, remove my aviators, and look into the camera. “I’m going with Johnson! You can use that!” FLASH.

I reach into my pocket and grab the number of the GQ reporter and call her. We agree to meet at Lucky Sevens at Rivington and Stanton.

After we talk, she sends me a text message that reads: CAN’T WAIT TO GET MY LIPS AROUND YOU.

I go back to the doorway of the Grand (where I can hear “Mama Said Knock You Out” over the speakers), score another gram, stop off in the bathroom for a line, and then catch a cab to Lucky Sevens. In the cab the song “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis is playing. I cut a line and offer it up to the cab driver, who can’t snort it fast enough. I do a line and sit back, smiling.

Act like you’ve lived this moment a hundred times over. This is the forty-third secret on how to be famous.

My Days on “Tonight” with Newcomer Jay Leno - The Barrett Company Tour and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:01:00 +0000

By Hollywood Book Publicist Charlie Barrett of The Barrett Company

Long before I became a book publicist…I was Jay Leno’s very first publicist at NBC’s

“Tonight Show” when he was named guest host in 1987 for Mr. Johnny Carson. In those days of my career in Hollywood, I served as the network’s staff PR director for

“Tonight.” Monday was Mr. Johnny Carson’s day-off from the “Tonight Show” and for years NBC had numerous guest hosts “fill in” for Johnny. In 1987, Jay shared the duties as “temp” Monday night guest host with Gary Shandling (“The Larry Sanders Show”) -- after the abrupt departure of Joan Rivers, who for years was the show’s permanent Monday night guest host.

Lately, I have been reading and re-reading Jay’s most popular book, “Leading With My Chin.” It is a very funny, curious and sometimes painfully honest account of his early life in Massachusetts, his parents and how he made it big in the entertainment biz after years and years of struggling. For a good read, I totally recommend this book (with co-author Bill Zehme) from Harper Collins publishers. See www.amazon.com for copies.

I found Jay in those late 1980’s days at NBC to be very easy going, always eager and ready to do whatever media interviews I asked him to do. That worked out well for me since Mr. Carson rarely did any media interviews whatsoever. Jay was as quick-witted as they come and, as many of you may recall, a comic Mr. Carson invited on the show many times before he became a guest host. Jay’s wry and sharp-witted sense of humor that he has developed so well over the years has served him well as evidenced by his continued long run and late night popularity as host of “Tonight.”

When Mr. Carson retired, Jay assumed the late night throne on “Tonight” in 1992. Jay eagerly invited my new PR client - Mr. Ed McMahon - on the show in 1993, just before Ed and I were scheduled to cross the USA in Ed’s specially-equipped tour bus to publicize his series “Star Search” which was produced at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Jay was so gracious, warm, respectful and hospitable to Ed that day when he returned to

“Tonight.” Ed even started to tear-up a bit, since the last time he sat in that “famous chair” next to “the desk” was the night of May 22, 1992 when he and Mr. Carson bid their audience good-bye after nearly 30 years at NBC. Since those days I have returned to the “Tonight Show” green room (the back stage lounge) numerous times to watch Jay and his guests even if I did not have a client with me as a billed performer.

I particularly recall one very humorous incident in 1990 with Jay. His alma mater, Emerson College sent an emissary to the show to present Jay with a citation for being a “famous alumni.” When the NBC photographer took the photo of Jay and the Emerson man for the college newspaper, Jay quipped, “My professors at Emerson told me I should forget show biz….hmmm.”

# # #

~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Barrett Company are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

This giveaway is part of the Barrett Company Hollywood Publicity Tour hosted by Pump Up Your Book. There are a lot of great blogs participating in this Kindle Fire giveaway. After you enter, check out the other stops on the Barrett Company Hollywood Publicity Tour and enter there too!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below.
The Kindle Fire promotion will run March 5 – 23, 2012. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on March 24, 2012.

To find out who else is participating and more chances to win, visit http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/02/09/the-barrett-company-hollywood-virtual-book-publicity-tour-march-2012-kindle-fire-giveaway/.

Contest is only open to U.S. and Canada residents.
Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Barrett Company:

Media expert & advisor Charles Barrett formed The Barrett Company in 1991 as a full service media relations and media marketing/communications agency. The Los Angeles headquartered firm offers 21^st century integrated media outreach and media marketing expertise with an emphasis on the entertainment and leisure time industries serving authors/publishers, Hollywood celebrities, motion pictures, and television. Since inception, TBC has served such companies as Simon & Schuster, Globe Pequot Press, Norton Publishers, Warner Brothers Studios, American Movie Classics cable channel, ABC TV, CBS TV, Fox Television, self-published author publishers such as Xlibris, Author House, I-Universe and numerous celebrities from Johnny Carson to Ed McMahon to Kevin Costner to Oprah Winfrey (Oprah’s Big Give television series on ABC).

The Barrett Company also assists attorneys and their clients, managing media coverage in civil and criminal cases from California to New York in both state and federal courts.

Mr. Barrett formed the firm after serving in top public relations positions with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) for more than ten years, where he was in charge of media relations for The Tonight Show and Today, among other well-known NBC shows such as Unsolved Mysteries, Fame and numerous highly-rated NBC specials, including The American Film Institute Awards and The American Movie Awards.
Mr. Barrett has also held executive media relations posts with 20^th Century Fox Film Corporation in New York and Capitol Records in Hollywood, New York and London, where he helped launch recorded music by The Beatles, The Band and many other music artists.

When earlier basing in New York City, Mr. Barrett assisted major publishers with publicity campaigns for a number of New York Times best-selling authors, serving such publishers as Scribner’s, Simon & Schuster, Norton, John Wiley & Sons, Warner Books and Golden Books, among many others.

The Barrett Company serves major publisher and self-published authors with Harper Collins, Little Brown, Penguin Press, i-Universe, Oxford University Press, Viking Press, Xlibris, Random House, Holm Press, Ben Bella Books, Author House, SMU Press, NYU Press, creating and performing a range of publicity services and media outreach for both fiction and non-fiction book releases.

Charles Barrett began his media career as a reporter with The Associated Press in New Haven, CT and later served on the editorial staffs of both The Hollywood Reporter in Los Angeles and Billboard Publications in New York. He has also authored numerous articles for magazines and newspapers on the performing arts and travel as well as appearing as a contributor on major U.S. radio talk shows discussing celebrities, films, television and books. He was voted the Book Publicist of the Year award by the Southern California Book Pub Society recently. Charles is a member of The Publishers Association of Los Angeles, The Academy of TV Arts and Sciences (Emmy Award) and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (The Oscars ®).

The Barrett Company is well known and regarded among the world’s media outlets for its credibility and creativity. Through years of client assignments we have developed remarkable and successful campaigns for our wide range of authors/publishers, Hollywood creatives, companies and celebrities, which have paved the way for us to produce media, consumer and trade events of all descriptions both in the United States and overseas, from Book Expo to NATPE (the renowned annual television program executive conference) to Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, The Frankfurt Book Fair to filmdom’s Show West as well as MIP in France, The Beverly Hills Film Festival and The Cannes International Film Festival.

TBC’s experience, skills and knowledge in various professional disciplines have enabled the company to offer programs we are proud of, including trade and consumer publicity campaigns, Internet publicity campaigns, crisis communications management, new company and celebrity launches, trade show media awareness, marketing communications solutions, and consultancy to in-house publicity firms in publishing, film and television. No assignment is too big or too small. TBC possesses a keen awareness of the workings of the global media – - including but not limited to print, broadcast and digital – - and has demonstrated over the years the ability to create stunning and effective media outreach models for valued clients, be they well established, or start-ups, or beginning careers as authors and celebrities.

Barbara Wall, a specialist in media marketing and media research, serves as Vice President of TBC. She has accomplished extensive assignments, ranging from technology to entertainment to printing/publishing and has working relationships with a wide circle of book media contacts including reviewers at major US newspapers to Internet book reviewers including NY Times, USA TODAY, Midwest Book Review, BookPleasures.com, BookReview.com, writers at select men and women’s’ magazines and online social media bloggers covering authors and publishers. Ms. Wall formerly served as an executive in two Fortune 500 companies (Xerox, Experian) and has worked with a range of clients including BMG Music Service, The Fox Network, Eddie Bauer, Levi’s, Starbucks, and Jamba Juice. She holds both BA and MBA degrees and formerly taught high school English in Colorado.

A key professional on The Barrett Company team is Vice President John Michaeli, who offers international and domestic public relations/communications expertise with a proven track record of developing, implementing and directing strategic marketing campaigns. Mr. Michaeli is a crisis communications specialist, having served many studios and networks dealing with a range of public issues in both personnel to products areas. Mr. Michaeli has held senior management posts with PR agencies and companies in the entertainment, technology, new media, network TV and public relations industries, including Walt Disney Studios, Fox Family Channel, Warner Brothers, Pax TV and Hanna-Barbera, the renowned animation studio in Hollywood where he served as VP of Marketing.

Representing TBC in New York is publicist and author Ward Morehouse III, who served as media contact at NBC for NBC Nightly News and was also was a Vice President at Jack Raymond & Associates, a top New York public relations firm. Mr. Morehouse has authored several books on the world’s top hotels from The Plaza to The Waldorf Astoria and most recently released his latest book, London’s Grand Hotels. He also created and maintains the New York City web portal www.broadwayafterdark.com.
TBC is proud of its association with renowned film marketing professional Jerry Pam. Mr. Pam’s accomplished film marketing career ranges from his days with The Beatles on their hit films, A Hard Day’s Night and Help, to films like Chocolat, Cinema Paridiso, Cider House Rules, the Oscar ® winner Shakespeare in Love and Good Will Hunting, among many, many other pictures. He earlier created remarkable film marketing campaigns for Apocalypse Now, Last Tango in Paris, American Graffiti, The Conversation and Midnight Express. Jerry has represented numerous screen and television personalities, including Michael Caine, Roger Moore, Jaclyn Smith and Robert Stack, in addition to well known authors such as Sidney Sheldon, Jackie Collins, Judith Krantz and Morris West. His corporate clients have ranged from Rolls Royce to Mouton Cadet Wines, and Faberge to General Mills.

Books…
The Barrett Company represents author Carla Malden (who co-wrote her father Karl Malden’s biography When Do I Start?) for her forthcoming book Afterimage from Globe Pequot Press. TBC created the media marketing campaign for film producer/agent Marty Jurow (Breakfast At Tiffany’s, The Pink Panther and Terms of Endearment) and his tales of Hollywood’s Golden Age — Marty Jurow Seein’ Stars: A Show Biz Odyssey, a hardbound work published by Southern Methodist University Press. In his book, Mr. Jurow tells riveting vignettes and stories about Jack Lemmon, Karl Malden, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn, Marlon Brando, author Truman Capote, Katharine Hepburn, Elvis Presley and Gary Cooper, among others. Mr. Malden said about the book, “Anyone who wants to know what happened behind the scenes in theatre, film, and TV during the 30s, 40s and 50s must read this book.” Other author clients include Julie Sinatra author of Under My Skin, entrepreneur Gary Fong’s The Accidental Millionaire and Do You Really Need Back Surgery by noted Santa Monica neurosurgeon Dr. Aaron Filler to Before You Say I Do Again by California family law and divorce expert attorney Ben Berkley.

Motion Pictures…
In motion pictures, The Barrett Company’s numerous client accomplishments include media outreach for the Showcase for Oscar ® Nominated Shorts that played to full theatres in Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., as well as publicity for movie openings and key industry awards for top feature films from Warner Brothers, MGM (Tomorrow Never Dies with Pierce Brosnan)), Paramount, Sony, Universal and Columbia Pictures. TBC as also served national theatre chains, feature film distributors and alternative cinema theatres with special regional movie openings and promotions including The Kids Are Alright, September Dawn, It’s Complicated, The Scoundrel’s Wife, Million Dollar Baby, Insomnia, The Aryan Couple, Master of the Game, Never Again, Blair Witch Project, multi film festival winner Smoke Signals and many film festival winners in various award categories.

TBC has served filmmakers at a wide variety of film festivals, including The Cannes Film Festival, The New York Film Festival, The Hollywood Film Festival, The Sundance Film Festival, The Toronto Film Festival, The Sarasota Film Festival, and the San Diego World Film Festival. TBC introduced the world media to the inaugural Beverly Hills Film Festival in 2001 with director/author Henry Bromell (Panic with Donald Sutherland).

Television…
Our notable TBC television projects include campaigns for reality-based TV productions such as Oprah Winfrey’s Oprah’s Big Give on ABC and CBS’ The Amazing Race to shows on American Movie Classics (Mad Men) to Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker to NBC’s Unsolved Mysteries to Paramount TV’s Wild Things to Fox TV’s Cops and numerous other productions. We also launched the success of Ed McMahon’s Star Search at Walt Disney World in 1995. Our PR campaigns for various television productions resulted in across-the-board media attention and awareness in a wide range of outlets from USA Today to the New York Times as well as The Wall Street Journal, Daily Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Multi Channel News, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, E! TV, Today, Good Morning America and The Tonight Show just to mention a few.

Take George Clooney Home With You on Blue Ray or DVD March 13

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 21:28:00 +0000

TAKE GEORGE CLOONEY HOME

IN ONE OF THE YEAR’S MOST CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FILMS

Experience the Heartbreak and Humor When the

Academy Award® and Golden Globe® Winner

Comes to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD March 13

From director Alexander Payne creator of the Oscar® winning Sideways comes one of the Best Pictures of the year, THE DESCENDANTS, featuring a stunning cast including Best Actor nominee George Clooney (Ides of March) and Shailene Woodley (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) in her Golden Globe nominated and Independent Spirit Award winning role. Take home this wonderfully warm and witty film and go behind the scenes of THE DESCENDANTS with all-new exclusive content on Blu-ray Disc Combo Pack and DVD March 13 from Fox Searchlight and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Students of film classes at online universities love the cinematography and storyline of this movie.

Based on the best-selling novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings and set in Hawaii, THE DESCENDANTS is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family’s land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries.

Nominated for five Academy Awards® and winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, THE DESCENDANTS is a must-have on Blu-ray and DVD. The release is packed with must-see deleted scenes, behind the scenes extras and exclusive featurettes to bring you even further into the story.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Seventeen Timeless Films Make DVD Debut This Month

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:01:00 +0000

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Announces Film Classics Available Through Online Retailers

During the Month of March

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s “manufacturing on demand” (“MOD”) program continues to expand with the newest selection of films as part of MGM’s Limited Edition Collection. These 17 films will be available through major online retailers in March. This group of releases features classics from 1957 to 2002 including performances by Hollywood’s greats –Frankie Avalon, Buster Keaton, Jane Kaczmarek, Martin Sheen, and Beastie Boy Adam Horovitz, to name just a few.

***

Enjoy your favorite movies from across the decades including:

1950’s and 1960's

Pharaoh’s Curse (1957) - Archaeologists in Egypt discover one of their crew has been turned into a blood-sucking mummy after they unintentionally unleash a three thousand year curse by entering Pharaoh's tomb. Stars Mark Dana, Ziva Rodann, Diane Brewster. Directed by Lee Sholem.
Vice Raid (1959) –1950's "sex bomb" Mamie van Doren plays a hooker who is called to help frame a cop whose good work has been giving the mob a tough time. Things get more interesting when her younger sister is thrown into the mix. Stars Mamie Van Doren, Richard Coogan. Directed by Edward L. Cahn.
Sergeant Deadhead (1965) – Girl-shy/accident-prone Sgt. Deadhead (Frankie Avalon) accidentally goes into orbit with a chimp! When they return to Earth after their orbit, it is discovered that the chimp has the brains of the astronaut, and the astronaut has the brains of the chimp. Complications ensue. Stars Frankie Avalon, Deborah Walley, Cesar Romero, Fred Clark, Gale Gordon, Eve Arden, Reginald Gardiner, Buster Keaton. Directed by Norman Taurog.

1970’s

Pieces of Dreams (1970) – A young Catholic priest begins to have doubts about the Church when he meets a social worker and falls in love. Stars Robert Forster, Will Geer, Lauren Hutton. Directed by Daniel Haller.
Underground (1970) – An American intelligence agent attempts to kidnap a top Nazi general. Stars Robert Goulet, Daniele Gaubert, Lawrence Dobkin. Directed by Arthur H. Nadel.
The Million Dollar Rip-Off (1976) – Comedian Freddie Prinze plays an ex-con who happens to be an electronic genius. Along with four young women, he sets out to rob the Chicago Transit Authority payroll. Stars Brooke Mills, Freddie Prinze, Christine Bellford. Directed by Alexander Singer.

1980’s

Cocaine: One Man's Seduction (1983) – In a frightening portrait, Dennis Weaver plays the man-next-door who gets trapped in the insidious web of cocaine addiction. As his dependency takes over his entire life begins to crumble. Stars Dennis Weaver, Karen Grassle, Pamela Bellwood. Directed by Paul Wendkos.
Pray For Death (1985) – A gentle Japanese immigrant endeavors to quietly run a business in America. When gangsters refuse to leave him alone, he reveals that he is in reality, a highly skilled Ninja master. Stars Sho Kosugi, James Booth, Donna Kei Benz, Norman Burton, Parley Baer, Kane Kosugi, Shane Kosug. Directed by Gordon Hessler.
Modern Girls (1986) – Three young ladies who are looking for love begin to realize that their friendship is more important than romance. Stars Cynthia Gibb, Virginia Madsen, Clayton Rohner, Daphne Zuniga. Directed by Jerry Kramer.
Right of the People (1986) – When the wife and daughter of District Attorney Christopher Booth are among ten victims shot to death during an attempted robbery of a restaurant, the citizens are stunned and outraged. As a result, the town votes to allow a mass arming of the community. Stars Michael Ontkean, Jane Kaczmarek, Billy Dee Williams, John Randolph, M. Emmet Walsh, Jamie Smith Jackson. Directed by Jeffrey Bloom.
Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story (1986) - Mitch Snyder, portrayed by Martin Sheen, successfully convinces city officials to deal with the problems of the homeless. Stars Martin Sheen, Roxanne Hart, Cicely Tyson. Directed by Richard T Heffron.
Saving Grace (1986) - A down-to-earth Pope tries to balance bureaucratic duties of his position with the secular world. Frustrated with his lack of freedom he flees to the Italian countryside to get in touch with real people and get back to helping them out one-on-one. Stars Tom Conti, Fernando Rey, Edward James Olmos, Giancarlo Giannini, Erland Josephson. Directed by Robert M. Young.
Viper (1988) - A young woman's husband is murdered by a band of Middle Eastern terrorists. However, her investigation uncovers a CIA military plot against an Arab nation tied to his death. Stars Linda Purl, James Tolkan, Jeff Kober, Chris Robinson, Ken Foree, David Sterling. Directed by Peter Maris.
Lost Angels (1989) - Beastie Boy Adam Horovitz plays a troubled teen who is sent against his will to a psychiatric clinic which is filled with kids who are in much worse shape than he is. Donald Sutherland plays a compassionate psychiatrist who is the sole sympathetic voice in this teenage "snake pit." Stars Donald Sutherland, Adam Horovitz. Directed by Hugh Hudson.
The Siege of Firebase Gloria (1989) - Sergeant Major Hafner leads his recon patrol on a hellish trek through enemy territory, encountering the Viet Cong and fighting for their lives as they wait for rescue from the army. Stars R. Lee Ermey, Wings Hauser, Robert Abevalo, Gary Hershberger, Albert Popwell. Directed by Brian Trenchard Smith.

1990’s and 2000's

Vietnam, Texas (1990) – Father Thomas McCain learns that he fathered a child during his tour of duty in Vietnam, and she’s in the custody of the most powerful gangster and drug runner in Houston's Little Saigon. The priest goes up against a brutal network of thugs, pushers and killers to reclaim his daughter. Stars Robert Ginty, Haing S. Ngor, Tamlyn Tomita, Tim Thomerson. Directed by Robert Ginty.
Fish Don't Blink (2002) - A young couple, on the run from the mob, take refuge in a run-down desert restaurant. However, they soon find out that the crazy dysfunctional family running the place is worse than the Mafia! Stars Lea Thompson, Richard Grieco, Wil Wheaton, Tonie Perensky, Dee Wallace-Stone. Directed by Chuck DeBus.

Important Note: These films have been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available and have not been remastered or restored specifically for these DVD releases.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com .

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March Movie Releases to Blu-ray and DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:01:00 +0000

America's past-time is watching movies and for all those movie buffs some of these are a fans favorite. Below is the list of releases to either Blue-ray, DVD or both released in March. As the famous movie critic duo of Ebert and Roeper, "We'll see you at the movies."

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Brick Road & Bloomin' Berry Garden - Releases on DVD March 6

Immortals - Releases on Blu-ray and DVD March 6

Tooth Fairy 2 - Releases on Blu-ray and DVD March 6

Wizards – Releases on Blu-ray March 13

The Killing Season 1 – Releases on DVD & Blu-ray March 13

Breakout Kings Season 1 – Releases on DVD March 13

The Sitter – Releases on DVD & Blu-ray March 20

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked – Releases on DVD & Blu-ray March 27

If Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys Let Them Be Nick Barkley

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:45:00 +0000

Actor Peter Breck

Actor Peter Breck, who played the hot headed, rough cowboy personality of Nick Barkley on the television show The Big Valley, has passed away at the age of 82.

He was one of my favorites on the television show and when he entered a room the room seemed to become smaller. He was a big man with an even bigger personality on The Big Valley, always coming in from the ranch that he managed for the family in his leather jacket and gloves. Many times, he would go head-to-head with his brother, Jarrod Barkley, played by Richard Long, over what he thought was the right way to go about doing something. On the television show, Nick was a man of his word and lovingly respected his mother, Victoria Barkley played by Barbara Stanwyck, the widowed matriarch of the Barkley clan. He loved to tease his sister Audra on the show, played by the beautiful and talented Linda Evans, who later starred in televisions night-time drama show Dynasty, playing opposite Joan Collins.

The Cast of the Big Valley

Breck was one of those men that played the part of the cowboy with ease. It was the 1960’s the era of television cowboys. My brother and I watched Westerns that had gone into repeats during the 1970’s, it was certainly a welcome change from the wholesome goodness of The Brady Bunch. These included Bonanza, The Virginian and all the John Wayne movies we could find. Willie Nelson sang in his song, “Mama don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys,” but an exception could be if they grew up to the highly talented, respectful Nick Barkley.

Whitney Houston Dies in Beverly Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:18:00 +0000

Just like Princess Diana, and Elvis, Ricki Nelson, Natasha Richardson, Gilda Radner and so many others the news of their death came as a shock. It is no less shocking to hear the news that Whitney Houston has died. Her career and her troubled marriage were fodder for the tabloids, but she left a powerful legacy for many to follow in her footsteps. Accredited online music schools should also be able to teach you how Whitney Houston's powerful voice changed the music industry. As Elton John sang in his tribute to Princess Diana at her funeral, so I imagine the same words for Whitney, "the candle blew out long before the legend did." Rest in peace Whitney, We Love You!

To Kill A Mockingbird - 50th Anniversary Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:08:00 +0000

Oscar^® Winner Gregory Peck Gives the Performance

of His Career in the Timeless Classic Available on Blu-ray™

for the First Time

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

50^TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Digitally Remastered and Fully Restored with Over Three Hours of Bonus Materials Including Two Full Length Documentaries

On Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack,

Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD

Available January 31, 2012

To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the screen’s most beloved and critically acclaimed films, celebrates its 50^th anniversary with a commemorative Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack as well as on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment on January 31, 2012. The powerful and poignant adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel hits the half-century mark, digitally remastered and fully restored from high resolution 35MM original film elements, plus more than three-and-a-half hours of bonus features chronicling the making of the cinematic masterpiece.

The Limited Edition Collector’s Series Combo Pack of To Kill a Mockingbird: 50^th Anniversary Edition will include a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy of the film, packaged in a hardcover book featuring exclusive movie memorabilia including script pages with Gregory Peck’s handwritten notes, storyboards, poster art and much more.

Released theatrically in 1962, To Kill a Mockingbird won instant accolades for its nuanced performances, splendidly crafted narrative and bold endorsement of racial tolerance, fairness and honor, a combination that still resonates with audiences today. It earned eight Academy Award^® nominations and three wins including a Best Actor statuette for Gregory Peck in one of his most iconic roles asthe principled Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction. The prestigious American Film Institute lists To Kill a Mockingbird as one of the 100 Greatest American Films and also names Atticus Finch as the No. 1 Film Hero of All Time. Accredited online film colleges can teach you what makes this classic film a masterpiece. A timeless, enduring classic that remains as relevant and impactful today as it was at its release, To Kill a Mockingbird’’s appeal continues to span generations.

Click the link below to view the official trailer for the To Kill a Mockingbird 50^th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ release:

http://universal.wiredrive.com/r/p/?presentation=de63fe7c0c348f500d6a2a476a96a02d

Blu-ray™ and DVD Bonus Features:

Fearful Symmetry— A feature-length documentary on the making of To Kill a Mockingbird with cast and crew interviews and a visit to author Harper Lee's home town.
A Conversation with Gregory Peck— An intimate feature-length documentary on one of the most beloved actors in film history with interviews, film clips, home movies and more.
100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics— An in-depth look at the film restoration process
Academy Award^® Best Actor Acceptance Speech— Gregory Peck's speech after winning the Academy Award^® for his performance as Atticus Finch.
American Film Institute Life Achievement Award— Gregory Peck's memorable remarks upon receiving the AFI Life Achievement Award.
Excerpt from “Tribute To Gregory Peck”— Cecilia Peck's heartwarming farewell to her father given at the Academy in celebration of his life.
Scout Remembers— Actress Mary Badham shares her experiences working with Gregory Peck.
Feature Commentary with Director Robert Mulligan and Producer Alan Pakula
Original Theatrical Trailer

SYNOPSIS

Experience one of the most significant milestones in film history like never before with To Kill a Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Edition. Screen legend Gregory Peck stars as courageous Southern lawyer Atticus Finch - the Academy Award®-winning performance hailed by the American Film Institute as the Greatest Movie Hero of All Time. Based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel about innocence, strength and conviction and nominated for eight Academy Awards®, this beloved classic is now digitally remastered and fully restored for optimum picture and sound quality and boasts hours of unforgettable bonus features. Watch it and remember why “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

Working as an Extra on Cosby Mysteries Television Series with Bill Cosby

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:01:00 +0000

By Alexia Fraser

In 1995, I worked with an agency that sent me out on calls for extra work on television shows and movie sets.

I enjoyed working as an extra at first. However, over time, I enjoyed less and less the long hours spent waiting around for scenes to be shot. I wanted to be a principal actor. Then, I wouldn’t have minded the wait. And since I had a full-time job at the time, my availability was more constrained than most of the other extras that were devoting full time to their acting careers.

The agency sent me to do extra work on television shows like “New York Undercover,” “Central Park West” and of course “Cosby Mysteries.”

“Cosby Mysteries” was an American television series that starred the one and only Bill Cosby. It was the first television series to star Cosby since the “Cosby Show” (Wikipedia). Bill Cosby played the lead character Guy Hanks, a criminologist, who worked for the New York Police Department.

I remember always watching the weekly series and wishing that I was a member of the cast. The character I envisioned playing, besides playing Guy Hanks sister-in-law, was his secret stalker who lived in the same apartment building just across the hall from his apartment. He would see me every day in the hallways or on the elevators and would say hello, but had no idea that I was his secret stalker. I would watch him and follow him whenever I could. I had my character’s lines all written in my head. J

You will then understand my shock upon learning from my agency that I was to report to the Cosby Mysteries set to work as an extra. I could not believe it! This was a dream come through. I started thinking out loud what I would say to Mr. Cosby on the set. There was a burning question that I just had to ask him. It was simultaneously an unbelievable and believable moment for me. JUST AMAZING!!!

I was very excited to go on set. I packed my bag with my change of clothing for the different scenes the night before. I was always organized and ready. I do not remember the title of the episode. I do remember that the actor Paul Anthony Sorvino was in the episode. The scenes were shot in lower Manhattan at the City Hall Building.

In one of the scenes, Bill Cosby had to walk by me to get to his location and I remember staring at him because I had that question to ask him. Cosby apparently felt my penetrating stare and looked at me, smiled, lifted up his right hand, pointed and shook his index finger at me and said “youuuuuu” with a smile. I looked at him and smiled back. Oh Boy! The pressure mounted. I wanted to ask my question but did not. I was afraid to approach him. Actually it was not allowed. So I was told. It was overall a great, memorable experience. Mr. Cosby was fun to watch, he took his work seriously.

The question I had for Mr. Cosby was how does someone like me get to be a regular on the show? I missed my opportunity.

I am so happy I am able to write about it now. Unbelievable! Life is truly a circle.

Alexia Elizabeth Smart-Fraser was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica. After marrying her high school sweetheart Edward, she migrated to the United States. She is the proud and loving mother of two children, son Sean and daughter Paige. Alexia studied acting at H.B. Studio. She worked as an extra on the set of “Cosby Mysteries” with Bill Cosby, “New York Undercover” with Malik Yubo, “Central Park West” with Lauren Hutton, and the series “Prince Street” with Mariska Hargitay. As well, Alexia Fraser has written and produced three original non-fiction one act plays both off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway. “The Ryans,” “Dope the Endeavor” and “Blind Trust.” Her fourth play “Our God is Awesome” is not yet produced, but will be in the near future. Alexia is the original founder and partner of her production company, Paige Unlimited, LLC (www.paigeunlimitedllc) of which she is the Creative Arts VP. Memories of Mom is Alexia Fraser’s first published book. She was driven to share her story after seeing her mom suffered unacceptable nursing home and hospital care. Her second book is already partially scripted. “Write what you know” is what she believes.
Visit her website at http://www.alexiafraser-memoriesofmom.com.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Lulu | Barnes & Noble

About Memories of Mom

Memories of Mom (M.O.M.) is a poignant story about an extraordinary mother, written by a daughter who loved and cared for her during her last lap of life. This story is written from the heart, and will inspire love and affection in millions of daughters and sons who will someday be caring for their elderly parents or loved ones. It is about undying love, unyielding sacrifices and compassionate role reversal. The circle of life.

Body Parts Found at Hollywood Sign

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:54:00 +0000

Lights! Camera! Action!

The last few days at the Hollywood Sign could easily have been mistaken for the filming of an episode of any one of the CSI television shows. Unfortunately, the discovery of a human head at the sign on Tuesday, January 17, followed with the hands and feet a day later do not belong to any script, this is a real life homicide. Cadaver dogs were brought to the scene after the discovery of the head, which was reported by a hiker. The dogs found the hands and feet a day later, January 18 not far away from the head.

Not since the discovery of the body of Broadway actress Peg Entwistle, in September 1932, who committed suicide by jumping off the Hollywood Sign has there been such horror at the sign.

Hollywood Children Celebrate Birthdays in Tinseltown

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:04:00 +0000

Birthday wishes go out to two very famous children of Hollywood. Our first birthday wishes goes to former Full House Star Jodie Sweetin. Sweetin, age 30, was the middle sister Stephanie Tanner on this sitcom Full House. Set in San Francisco, the show chronicles widowed father Danny Tanner, who, after the death of his wife, enlists his best friend Joey Gladstone and his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis to help raise his three daughters, D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle. The show originally ran in primetime from September 22, 1987 to May 23, 1995 on ABC. After lots of ups and downs with career, marriage and drug addiction Sweetin seems to look better than ever. She seems to have overcome the Hollywood downfall of a lot of child actors succumb to.

Our second birthday wishes goes out to Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise’s adopted son, Conner, now 17. Connor and sister, Bella, adopted at birth spent the night celebrating at Staples Center. It was in the younger days of Cruise and Kidman that I can remember them being photographed in Tinseltown with the kids. Now, at 17 and 19 both children seem like well adjusted successful adults. Cruise and Kidman divorced after 10 years of marriage and each re-married, Cruise to Katie Holmes and is now proud papa of the best dressed 5 year old Suri. Kidman married country singer Keith Urban and have two daughters.

Author Braxton Cosby Gives Thanks to Uncle Bill Cosby for Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:01:00 +0000

By Braxton Cosby

Thank you for hosting me on this interview with Hollywood Daze. I want to share with you some of things that inspired me to write The Star-Crossed Saga: Protostar and what it has been like being one of the “Cosby Kids” growing up.

Well, first of all I must give all the credit to God for the vision he bestowed upon me with Protostar. I got the inspiration one Sunday during a church service. My Bishop was preaching and said that God was speaking to him and said there was someone that He wanted to do a great work in but that nobody was asking for the vision. I immediately began to pray and ask God is He wanted me to do anything for Him. Once I was finished, I heard a voice tell me to write a book. I laughed at the idea at first because I’ve been through three college degrees and never once thought of writing, much less creating an original story.

As I began to have a conversation with God, I asked Him what I should write about and He told me to create a series that entails Science Fiction (which I love) and also Romance. I started to sketch out the plot right there in church. I went home that night and started o research exactly how this “publishing thing” worked. I was overwhelmed by the process and somewhat discouraged, but I continued to hear a voice tell me to “just finish the book”. So I did.

Three months later, I was staring at a 99,000 word transcription and wondering what to do with it. I submitted query letters to multiple agents and finally directly submitted the first five chapters to a local publisher here in Atlanta name Firefly Publishing and Entertainment. They liked it, offered me a contract and the rest is history.

Protostar has been book an amazing testimony for me and a blessing for many others aspiring to do great things. I’m so grateful to be used by God in this process and it is only the beginning. I’m currently working on another series separate from The Star-Crossed Saga while Protostar continues to gain momentum.

On the flip side, my uncle Bill has been such a motivating force in my life. It’s crazy growing up as a youngster and seeing your relative on television, winning awards and inspiring so many people to achieve their goals. His commitment to learning and dedication to education has helped encouraged me to strive for better things than just the hand that life deals you. I have always had to deal with the question of “Are you related to Bill Cosby?” when people see my last name and half the time I just say no. Especially since most people don’t believe you anyway. I think that I would’ve had a hard time believing someone as well, so I don’t blame them one bit. Now, all of his service and words of wisdom have come full circle and we are currently planning co-book signings on his book tours for my first novel and his new release: I Didn’t Ask to Be Born: (But I’m Glad I Was). Everyone, please keep your eyes open for dates in 2012. The first two are planned for Harlem, NY and Durham, NC this month. Please check my website at www.braxtonacosbygodson.com for details. Thank you.

About Braxton A. Cosby

Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer with a vision of continuously evolving and maximizing the untapped potential of the human spirit. Braxton received a lot of his inspiration from watching the accomplishments and exploits of his famous uncle, comedic legend Bill Cosby. A physical therapist by background, Braxton received his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate from the University of Miami. Braxton’s fascination of science grew into an obsession of Sci-fi and on one unassuming Sunday, this self-proclaimed romantic decided to pursue a “calling” to create a new genre of writing; Sci-Fance- mixing science fiction and romance. Braxton lives in Georgia with his wife and two children. He believes that everyone should pursue joy that surpasses understanding and live each day as if it were the last.
His latest book is the young adult science fiction novel, The Star-Crossed Saga: Protostar.
You can visit his website at www.braxtonacosbygodson.com or connect with him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cosbykid84 or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000215860223.

About The Star-Crossed Saga: Protostar

It Starts With Choice! What would you choose: love or irrefutable duty?
On the brink of Civil War, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his Council, King Gregorio Derry has agreed to send his only son on a mission to restore honor to his family. Bounty Hunter Prince William Derry has crossed thousands of light-years to planet Earth, in order to fulfill this age old prophetic practice. The quiet days of Madisonburg, Tennessee are officially over as Sydney Elaine now knows the full meaning of the phrase Be careful what you wish for when she is confronted by this strange visitor. As an unforeseeable event delays his assassination, William decides to study his target more closely and begins to form a connection with Sydney that challenges his inner being. But this conflict is the least of his problems, as a conspiracy back on his home planet Fabricius threatens the lives of those he loves and his father s royal legacy. Along with that, he must unravel a hidden menace here on Earth that seeks to secure a vested interest that threatens both his and Sydney s safety. Will William be able to complete his mission or will he choose love, sacrificing everything he stands for?

How Writers Can Benefit From Participating In Community Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:41:00 +0000

by Glen C. Strathy

These days I think of myself as a writer. Commercial writing has been my main source of income for the past decade. I have co-authored two non-fiction books, one of which was a bestseller, and most recently I published a children's novel, Dancing on theInside.

However, there was a time in my life when my primary interest in life was the theater. I won't bore you with the reasons I did not become a world famous actor or director (and there are several good reasons for that). However, as a young man I performed in a lot of plays – in community theater, university theater, and professional non-union companies. I also directed a few plays and spent a brief time in theater school. Overall, I managed to do around seven productions a year over the course of roughly fifteen years. So that's over 100 shows under my belt.

Looking back on that period, I have sometimes felt that I had made a huge detour in my life. Maybe I should have spent all those evenings and weekends writing instead of rehearsing and acting in shows. Maybe my writing career would be a lot further along by now and I'd have finished more some more books.

On the other hand, I feel that the time I spent treading the boards has helped my writing in several ways.

First, it exposed me to a wide range of stories. University theater was especially good for that. Most of the plays at my university were put on by the English Department. We did outstanding works from every literary period from pre-Shakespearean drama to modern plays by writers like Pinter, Beckett, and Tom Stoppard. My community theater work naturally included Broadway plays. And I also worked with some noted Canadian playwrights such as James Reaney and R. Murray Shaefer.

Of course, one can also familiarize oneself with stories by reading. But there's something different about standing up and speaking the lines over and over. They sink in a little more profoundly. You develop a feeling for good dialogue, scene structure, and conflict. I feel that this awareness has made me a better writer.

Acting is also a good exercise for your imagination. Learning to take on a character and see the world through his or her eyes helps you imagine how the people in your novel would think and feel.

Theater also gives you the chance to meet a lot of people on whom you can base characters. Like many writers, I am somewhat shy by nature. I found that working in community theater expanded my list of friends and acquaintances exponentially. Community theater is unlike many workplaces or clubs where you see the same people everyday for years. In theater, a cast will come together to work on a production for only a few months at a time. Then you're on to the next show and the next cast, so you're always meeting new people. If you do several shows a year, you will spend a lot of time hanging out backstage with many people of differing ages, backgrounds, and occupations. The environment is more social than most workplaces as well, so you see more of people's true personalities.

Directing plays is also valuable, because it teaches you to look at the big picture. When you read a novel, it's easy to get lost in the minutiae of good prose. But as a director, you have to focus on the overarching dramatic structure. You must think about how each scene transitions into the next, how the conflicts and emotional tensions build, how to satisfying crisis and conclusion. You get to experiment doing scenes different ways with live actors. This is especially true if you are developing a new play. It's similar to how a writer will re-write a scene different ways, except that you get to see each version acted out before you. You have the creativity of the other people and their sense of emotional truth to help you decide on the best version.

Most importantly, in theater you get immediate feedback from the audience. Whether you're on stage performing, working backstage, or (if you're directing) sitting in the house, you can hear the audience's emotional reaction to what is happening at each moment in the performance. You know if the story is grabbing them or not. You seldom get that level of feedback as a novel writer, but it teaches you a lot about what works and doesn't work in a story.

Okay, maybe you don't have to do seven shows a year. Maybe you're not ready to direct. But if you want to be a writer, I suggest you give theater a try. Take a little acting course. Perhaps volunteer for a minor role in something. If nothing else, it will give you a break from the keyboard and a chance to meet other creative people. And it could even inspire you to try writing a play yourself.

About Dancing on the Inside

Ever since her grandparents gave her a DVD of Swan Lake, twelve-year old Jenny Spark has wanted to be a dancer. But on her first day of ballet class, she suffers a panic attack and makes a horrifying discovery. She’s terrified of dancing in front of the other kids, and as for actually performing for an audience? Forget it.
Yet Jenny refuses to give up her dream. With determination and a little ingenuity, she finds ways to observe ballet classes without actually participating. She trains in the safety of her room, while hiding the truth from her parents. Then Jenny meets her exact opposite: Ara Reyes, an outgoing, spontaneous, and accident-prone girl who loves dancing but has always been overlooked.

The girls’ friendship blossoms as they help each other uncover their real talents. Ara’s dancing takes a leap forward and Jenny discovers she has an amazing gift for choreography. With the support of the school’s newest teacher, Jenny’s original ballet might just make it on stage … but will she?

Book Excerpt:

As she was getting ready for bed that night, Jenny bent down and picked up a pair of pyjamas that had fallen on the floor—without bending her knees. Straightening, she suddenly realized that, two months ago, she couldn’t have done that. She looked down at her legs, which had been firmed by hundreds of rélevés. She had changed in these past two months. And yet, she was just beginning. How much more was there to discover? How much further could she change if she had the chance?

There was something missing in her. A hole that dance promised to fill. It had called to her that first time she saw the DVD of Swan Lake, and it was calling even more strongly now.

Jenny decided that somehow she had to get back into that studio, and with her parents blessing next time. She didn’t know exactly how to do it. She just knew she would.


Author Glen Strathy

Glen C. Strathy started writing stories when he was 11 years old and too shy to have a life. He eventually found a life when he started acting in community theatre and met other writers, actors, dancers, and artists. He discovered that the best thing about performing arts (and other arts too) is that they give people more freedom to be who they want to be. After spending time as an actor, teacher, and freelance writer, he returned to his first love, fiction and wrote Dancing on the Inside, a novel for ages 9-12.
Glen earned an M.A. in English from the University of Western Ontario, and graduated from the Artist in Community Education program at Queen’s University, Kingston. He co-authored two non-fiction books, one of which (The Coming Economic Collapse, Warner Business Books, 2006) became a New York Times Bestselling Business Book. He belongs to the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). His website www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com provides advice to budding authors.

Glen lives with his wife, fellow writer Kaitlin Rainey, and their daughter in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
You can visit his website at www.glen-c-strathy.com. Visit him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/glencstrathy and Facebook at www.facebook.com/Glen.C.Strathy.author.

A Global Hollywood by Nancy Stewart, author of Sea Turtle Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Our guest Nancy Stewart author of the children’s picture book, Sea Turtle Summer, talks about her adventures seeing movies in exotic places. She is on virtual book tour from December 5 - 16, 2011 on her second virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

Nancy’s web and blog sites are: http://www.nancystewartbooks.com and http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

About Sea Turtle Summer

Bella and Britt think living by the beach is the coolest thing ever. When they discover a Loggerhead Sea Turtle laying her eggs in broad daylight, the girls go into action to help.

No one, though, seems to care about the nest. The beach is a busy place and is getting busier by the minute on such a beautiful summer day. What can they do? Who will help, and what do they learn about themselves?

As a bonus, Sea Turtle Summer contains kid appealing facts about sea turtles.

A Global Hollywood

From Capetown to Morocco and Paris to Tel Aviv, I’ve been a film fan and have seen movies in those places and many others. Today my mission is to speak a bit about my travels and films I’ve seen along the way.

I’ve been fortunate to have been around the world and back again. I’ve also had the great good fortune of living in London for eight years. So, where do I begin? London.

The UK in general and London in particular, have played a huge role in my adult life. We loved to go to the Odeon Theatre in Leicester Square, heart of London’s entertainment world. Another great movie house we attended was the Odeon Marble Arch. Our favorite, though, was in Whitley’s mall in Bayswater. So many Sunday afternoons, we’d see a film with our dear friends, the Elliotts, there; great memories.

One of the most memorable films I’ve seen is Out of Africa. The film was good, but where we saw the movie made it spectacular, Nairobi, of course. There was something magical about viewing it there, within almost walking distance of the suburb of Karen, named for Karen von Blixen, heroine of the true story. The film came alive for me and I cannot see it without reliving the magnificent experience of Kenya.

Another memorable film was The Green Mile. We saw it in a movie theater in the Galilee area in Israel. It was a wee day, and we were the only people in the theater. In the middle of the showing, the film suddenly stopped. My husband and I thought there must be a problem with the projection. Within a few seconds, a woman walked down the aisle and stood facing us in the row of seats ahead and smiled. She politely told us it was Intermission, and they had a full range of refreshments. Of course, we went out, got a Coke Light and popcorn and returned to our seats. Within a few minutes, the same woman came down the aisle, stood where she had before, and said the film would be resuming. Ever since, I’ve had a soft spot for The Green Mile. I can’t say I particularly enjoyed the film, but the experience was fantastic!

The Lives of Others is a marvelous German film about the Stasi and the Cold War. We were fortunate to have seen it in Berlin. Again, what a backdrop for a film about the secret police in a time before the Berlin Wall fell. The movie was a masterpiece, perhaps all the more so, as later that evening, we walked down the Unter den Linden Boulevard and through the Brandenburg Gate, where so much German history has occurred.

These are but a few of the film experiences my family and I have had over the years, as we’ve traveled this beautiful planet. In my blog, http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com I address many places I’ve been and the impact they’ve had on me and others.

In writing children’s books, I try to incorporate travels and the education I’ve received from being a citizen of the world. I always call it “coinage in my head.” Once the experience is there, it grows and becomes part of the collage of other travel memories. And that becomes part of the whole person, ready to be visited to make a richer book. How marvelous is that!

About Nancy Stewart

After having been both an elementary school teacher, a university professor of education and a consultant for New Options, Inc. in New York City, Nancy Stewart writes children’s books full time. She, her husband and three sons, lived in London for eight years, where she was a consultant to several universities, including Cambridge.

Her travels take her extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. Nancy is US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education.

Nancy is the author of the Bella and Britt picture book series, One Pelican at a Time, Sea Turtle Summer, Bella Saves the Beach and Mystery at Manatee Key. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing. Pelican was nominated for a Global eBook Award. Pelican also won the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

She was featured in the PBS Tampa (WEDU) series, Gulfwatch. It concerned the writing of One Pelican at a Time: A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill.

She and her family live in St. Louis and Tampa.

Nancy’s web and blog sites are: http://www.nancystewartbooks.com and http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com