Happy Holiday's

Real Talk with Bobby Hardy Presents Orson Welles A Christmas Carol

Maikail Roberts in A Chicago Christmas Carol

Cocktail Hour with Jones & Hardy Welcomes Darryl F. Houston Keyboardist for Aretha Franklin & many other performers

Name: Darryl F. Houston
Craft: Musician

In Detroit where I grew up, the thing to do, back then, was to play music and take lessons. I can remember beating on the tables at home which I believed encouraged my parents to buy me a little piano at age 4. Soon, my older brother, [my only sibling], would put on a Jazz organist and dare me to play what I heard -- I did and it worked. This opportunity allowed me the ability to emulate the different commercials on television. By age 6, I expressed an interest to my parents to take lessons. Yet, most of my exposure to music peaked when the neighbors who lived next door, a family of three daughters and two sons sang and played with their mother. They were like my official babysitters, in addition to my parents who were members of the church choir. Before long, I began playing for the Sunday school church choir by age of 10. Then by the time I was 12 or 13 years old, I played full time for our church choir. Since then, I’ve been privileged to gain a lot of experience playing gospel music with greats like Rev. Charles Nixon, Rev. Donald Veils, Minister Thomas Whitfield, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Rev. James Cleveland -- a collaborative effort with him and Albertina Walker, The Williams Brothers and Shirley Caesar. Aretha Franklin came along in the late 80’s when I was on a local Detroit TV show with mainstream news anchor, Dayna Eubanks playing behind Millie Scott. During the Clinton Administration, I performed several times at the White House. Next, in 1991, I gained the attention of Jennifer Holiday by knowing Billy Meadows and we collaborated on Jennifer’s music video – “I am On Your Side.” I also knew Orethia Barnes and she had me to do some things with Sylvia Moy, when I began to get my feet wet with more industry people which is how I met Michael Powell. Michael Powell had me to perform with Oleta Adams and on a soundtrack for “Lethal Weapon” with jazz vocalist Randy Crawford. I was also honored to appear on many talk shows including Oprah, David Letterman and the Rosie O’Donnell Show.

Currently, two separate projects with Millie Scott and Gloria Ridgeway, as well as, Rodney Lee are in the works. Soon you can hear some of my work, visit: a new link being added to www.detroitemnews.com, click on: Darryl F. Houston and you’re there

Cocktail Hour with Jones & Hardy welcomes Avery sommers November 15th at 6PM

Avery Sommers recently costarred in LOST EVERYTHING her third movie in 2007 which was shot in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. She also filmed MYSTERIOUS in Eleuthera, Bahamas, which Starred James Brolin and Antonio Sabato Jr.. And HIDING VICTORIA in West Palm Beach in which she costarred with Anita Gillette. She was also Associate Producer.

Avery starred on Broadway in AIN'T MISBEHAVIN replacing Nell Carter and SHOW BOAT as Queenie. She toured nationally playing Jewel in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS with Ann-Margret and in CHICAGO as Matron Mama Morton with Chita Rivera and Joel Grey. Avery won the LA OVATION AWARD for her portrayal of Matron Mama Morton.

Some of Avery's other favorite roles include Mother Shaw in CROWNS, Bloody Mary in SOUTH PACIFIC, Alice in BIG RIVER, Katesha in THE HOT MIKADO and Power Woman in MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL.

Avery starred in BUT NOT FOR ME her one woman show which was created and produced by the Caldwell Theater Company in Boca Raton. She won a CARBONELLE AWARD as Best Actress for her performance.

She created the recurring role of Regina Dansby on the CBS soap, AS THE WORLD TURNS as well as the recurring role of Evelyn on the ABC Mystery Movie Series, B.L. STRYKER starring Burt Reynolds and Ossie Davis. She also costarred with Burt Reynolds and Reba McIntyre in the CBS Movie of the Week, THE MAN FROM LEFT FIELD

Avery Wrote, Directed, Staged and Choreographed THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE and is very proud of her cast of wonderful young performers from The Palm Beach County School System.

Nita Whitaker on Cocktail Hour with Jones & Hardy November 8th 2010 on blogtalkradio.com

It's difficult to put Nita into one category. Graced by gospel, trained in opera, honed in pop, Nita's voice is a remarkable instrument that's difficult to define. But when you hear her power chops and sweet bell tones, you know you are in the presence of greatness. Having recorded three independent CD's Nita continues to pull all the elements of her training together into a fusion of pop, soul/ R&B, with a dash of gospel. Nita has found a beautiful blend of music that soothes the soul, enhances the senses, and elevates the spirit.

A former Miss Louisiana, Nita took her southern roots, charm and talent to Los Angeles where her incredible voice carried her to Female Grand Champion on Star Search. With a vibrant and dynamic stage presence, Nita is comfortable singing in any setting, from an intimate club to the arena stages, as well as stage, television and movies. She has been the guest performer at The Freedom Awards honoring Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Dee and Paul Rusesabagnia, sang duets with Andrea Bocelli during his 2006 Winter Tour, and also has sung with Josh Groban. Having David Foster as one of her early mentors, she has performed and shared the stage with countless celebrities including Barbara Streisand, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Richard Marx, Stevie Wonder and Yolanda Adams. A work still unwritten, Nita continues to hone her song writing skills and continues to record and perform. Recently she performed highlights from "Porgy and Bess" with the Chorale Bel Canto Symphony as well as toured with jazz trumpeter Chris Botti. The best is yet to come.

ALERT!!!! LOOKING FOR INDIE ARTIST MP3'S TO PLAY ON MY PODCAST

If you are and Indie artist and would like your music played on my show please email me a Bio and MP3's of your music to yasbow @msn.com.


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bobbyhardy/2010/10/20/real-talk-wbobby-hardy

Cocktail Hour w/Jones & Hardy welcomes Charles Holt on Monday September 27 at 6:00PM

Charles Holt is an actor, songwriter, inspirational speaker, producer, recording artist, entrepreneur, and author. He has starred in some of the most celebrated and spectacular productions in American theatre history including Smokey Joe’s Café, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Lion King. He adds guest starring television and film roles in Law & Order: Criminal Intent, All My Children, the award winning independent film, Anne B. Real, and the thought provoking comedy, Ed’s Trip. He received national acclaim and rave reviews for his 20-character portrayal in the one-man play Black Boy based on Richard Wright’s autobiographical landmark, as well as The Smoke King, a one-man play based on the life of civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois. After releasing Charles’ debut album project, I Am, Agape Media International is set to release Holt’s highly anticipated sophomore album project, “Rushing Over Me” in September 2010.The Voice That Matters, Charles’ landmark manuscript, will be published in 2011

DANCE DANCE DANCE

www.blogtalkradio.com/bobbyhardy

Real Talk Radio presents Robert Bruggeman's Sports Arama Tuesday's at 5pm PST.

Amazing Grace Bobby Hardy

In this age of auto tune, Pro Tools, mixes and remixes, sometimes you need to stop and listen to an old time gospel hymn, sung flatfooted and with minimal instrumentation, like it used to be.

This is what Bobby Hardy of Hollywood, California gives us. Accompanied by piano and synth-strings, the film, stage and television actor delivers the chestnut of all hymns with appropriate dignity.

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy welcomes Jazmine Katrina & David Martinez 4pm PST Wednesday

Real talk will talk with Jazmine Katrina, Vocalist, Actress, Dancer and Vegas's Whitney Houston tribute Artist! We will also feature the music of David Martinez of Corpus Christi, Texas.

Cocktail hour w/Jones & Hardy welcomes John Minnis $100,000 Star Search Winner on September 13, 2010

John Minnis. He is a $100,000 "Star Search" Male Vocalist Grand Champion. He is an original member who sang lead vocals for the group Nice and Wild who charted on the Billboard with the hit "Diamond Girl".

He also sang with the group Stryke 5 who opened for Britney Spears and sang for Alonzo Mornings Summer Groove. They covered Barry Manillows "Mandy" ad Stevie Wonders "Superstition"

John currently sings with a much sought after top 40's band in South Florida entitled "Fusion", who recently opened at the "Hard Rock Casino" honoring Roberta Flack & Judge Hatchett among others.

John recently brought the house down with the national anthem at a "Florida Marlins" game.

Cocktail Hour w/Jones & Hardy welcomes Harrison White on Monday September 6th at 6pm

Harrison White – Was nominated for the 2009 NAACP Theater award for his co-starring role in the world premier of GULLS for Theatre @ Boston Court was last seen in SBCCLO productions of BARK, SUESICAL, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, THE FULL MONTY and MISS SAIGON for which he received 2008 LA OVATION Award nomination for his role as John. At the Pasadena Playhouse he performed in the world premier productions of RAY CHARLES LIVE (winner of the 2008 N.A.A.C.P. Award – Best Ensemble) and SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL as well as IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE and PURLIE (2005 OVATION Award winner - Featured Actor In a Musical also nominated for 2006 N.A.A.C.P. and the Black Theatre Alliance Awards). Other theater credits include Broadway and LA companies of THE LION KING. London’s West-end and CLO productions of SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ (nominated for London’s Lawrence Olivier Award). Broadway and National Tour of SARAFINA (winner, N.A.A.C.P. theatre awards, Best Musical). Pre Broadway: STARMITES. Off Broadway: A GOOD SWIFT KICK and ROMANCE IN HARD TIMES. Regional: FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE, AIN’T MIS’BEHAVIN and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (nominated – Ovation award). Film: co-starring in I GOT THE HOOK UP opposite Master P, featured in SE7EN opposite Brad Pitt & Morgan Freeman, and starring in DOOM ASYLUM opposite Kristen Davis. Soundtrack: TEARS OF THE SUN, THE POWER OF ONE and SARAFINA. Television: MODERN FAMILY, DAYS OF OUR LIVES & VIVA LAUGHLIN. Internet: Series regular on VENICE THE SERIES, Sketch comedy REPUBLICRATS for MSN.com and HOME PURCHASING CLUB for VH1.com

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy welcome's recording artist David Martinez of The David Martinez Band Wednesday Sept 8th at 4:00pm PST www.blogtalkradio.com

David Martinez, singer/songwriter, born and bred in Corpus Christi, Texas, will release his independent debut record this Summer. Music started at a young age for David, who was influenced by his father, a multi-instrumentalist. Influences at 4 years old, included Grand Funk Railroad, Kiss, Steve Miller Band, Led Zeppelin, and countless others.

At 15 years old, David's father purchased his first guitar and David immediately started learning chords and how to play to the likes of Zeppelin and Hendrix. Dave hooked up with friends from school and immediately started to song write. This is where a foundation was built and now results are starting to be seen.

In the summer of 2006, David hit the road with Jimmy Willden and Hope Cassity and toured the Western and Northern part of the US. This was an experience that was priceless and led to a meeting with one of David's main influences, Leroy. Leroy came out with his debut album in 2000 and was one of the few signed to Hollywood Records. Before that, Leroy fronted a band called HOG, which was part of the Geffen family.

After the tour ended, David returned and began working on songs he wanted to record and asked Leroy if he would produce. To his surprise, Leroy was ecstatic and excited to be working with someone he could mentor and take to the next level. Leroy has worked with the likes of Bob Cavallo Sr., Jack Joseph Puig, John Mayer, Steve Jordan, and Pino Palladino. In March of 2007, David flew to Los Angeles and recorded two songs at Leroy's Place in Hollywood, CA. One of the songs was "Can't Find You", which served as the catalyst to work on a record with Leroy and his great musician friends.

At the end of May, David jumped in his car, drove from Corpus Christi, Texas to Los Angeles, California, and made it in time to start recording June 1st. Leroy enlisted drummer Kane McGee of The Northstar Session, Cha Chi who is a percussionist in the L.A area, Adam MacDougall, keyboardist, who is a current member of The Black Crowe's and has played with Leroy, Nikka Costa, Macy Gray, and The Jayhawks. This was an experience beyond belief and Leroy pushed David to the limit and summoned the untapped talent within himself. Leroy also played lead guitar, percussion, slide guitar, mandolin, harmonica, backing vocals, and acoustic guitar.

Cocktail Hour with Jones & Hardy welcomes Harry James Elston of Friends of Distinction Monday at 6pm PST www.blogtalkradio.com

Harry James Elston was born into a musical family in Dallas, Texas and grew up in San Diego, California.

In his mid teens Elston was part of a group called “Cel Foster and the Audios” which was chosen by the The Johnny Otis Rhythm & Blues Caravan in a talent search. (Otis produced Etta James’ first hit, “Roll With Me, Henry”, also known as “The Wallflower” and “Every Beat of My Heart”, first recorded by “The Royals” is his most famous composition which became a hit for Gladys Knight.)

In his mid twenties Elston worked as a limousine driver for “The Temptations” and in the early 60’s he LaMonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo together with Fritz Baskett, Rex Middleton, and Lawrence Summers formed the Hi Fi’s and went on tour with Ray Charles who produced the group’s single “Lonesome Mood”.

In the mid 60’s after leaving the Hi Fi’s, Elston and Floyd Butler joined with Jessica Cleaves and Barbara Jean Love, formed the legendary group “Friends of Distinction” a name which was suggested by Love.

In the late 60’s Hall of Fame football player Jim Brown, who became the groups manager, introduced them to RCA Records and in 1969 their first album, “Grazin”, was released.

The album included the song “Grazing in the Grass” which a top five on both Pop and Soul charts. The song was originally an instrumental composed by Philemon Hou, first recorded by the South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, produced by John Florez, arranged and conducted by Ray Cork Jr. Elston wrote lyrics for the song and sang lead on it. The single sold one million copies gaining the group their first gold record.

The other single was “Going in Circles.”, which earned the group their second gold record, which sold over one million copies and peaked at number five on the Top Ten pop and three on the R&B charts. “Going in Circles” was written by Jerry Peters and Anita Poree.

In 1970 the group recorded their third album, “Real Friends” on RCA Records with Charlene Gibson who replaced Barbara Jean Love. Jessica Cleaves left to join the R&B group Earth, Wind and Fire and later Parliament.

“Love or Let Me Be Lonely”, from the album, Real Friends, earned the group a second Top 10 pop hit, featuring Charlene as the lead. “I Need You” was also recorded by the group.

“The Friends were quite prolific from 1969-71, releasing 5 albums (a sixth appeared in 1973). They also released a number of great singles, including “Check It Out” (later remade by Tavares) and a terrific cover of Neil Sedaka’s “Time Waits for No One.” Their best cuts are excellently compiled in The Best of the Friends of Distinction, which was released in 1996.” Myspace.com/HarryElston

In 1975 the group separated and sadly, On April 29, 1990, Floyd Butler passed away.

Over the next 20 years the groups music was remade by the Gap Band, the late Luther Vandross, Paul Davis and Disney star Raven Simone.

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy presents Curb Creatures September 1 @ 4:00pm

Synopsis
Curb Creatures is the tragic story of a group of homeless people living in the streets of Hollywood in search of a dream and identity that was never found. Their path often next to an uncompassionate society is littered with addictions and mental illness that often turn the simplest tasks into arduous struggles. As they struggle to survive the harsh streets they call home, reality sinks in and slowly their twisted perception and denial begins to crumble giving way to the rude obscurity of the inhumane world they inhabit.

Biography
Writer, producer, director Carlos Manuel Aguilar's passion for non-fiction filmmaking is evident in Curb Creatures's intensity and energy. His experience in documentary filmmaking dates back twenty years. Later, he focused on biographical videos. Mr. Aguilar's earlier films used the Cinema Verite style to his best advantage creating intimate stories about unique people in living life fully in the Los Angeles area.

Blog Talk Radio Presents Cocktail Hour with Jones & Hardy Monday's from 6pm to 7pm

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy Wednesday August 18th at 7:00AM

My special guest on August 18 will be Mr Tony Jones of My girl 1 & 2 with (Dan Akroyde and Jamie Lee Curtis). We will also welcome Michelle Armenta a spokeswoman for working wardrobes. .Michelle Armenta remembers the three female volunteers who came into the room at the start of a Career Success program at Phoenix House in Santa Ana. "I thought to myself, these women are just going to get torn up," she said with a laugh. "But I listened to what they had to say, and what they had to say changed my life."

After her first arrest in 2005 on drug-related charges, Armenta was facing jail time. She was sentenced to spend six months in jail and six months in rehab.

During her stay at Phoenix House, she went through Working Wardrobe's career program. She received a job lead from Working Wardrobes and landed work in customer service.

"Working Wardrobes helps you with the whole process, even the simplest things, like setting up an e-mail address and a resume," she said. "The program just makes people look at themselves differently."

She credits Karen Lawson, a consultant for Clover Brands Marketing and a Working Wardrobes volunteer, for coaching her toward success.

"I still call her all the time to talk or for advice – even for small things like if my shirt will look good with something. I think that's how you can tell how effective this program is and how strong the bonds are that it creates," said Armenta, 40.

In 2007, she went back to Working Wardrobes to volunteer as a success coach. She now works as a sales representative: "I'm so grateful to Working Wardrobes, and I'm so happy I was able to bring this program to other women."

DONATE TO WORKING WARDROBES: http://www.workingwardrobes.org/pledge.htm or call
(714) 210-2460

Noel Stein's Restaurantuer (Book)

In a story embracing America's obsession with food and restaurants, Noel Stein recounts his days in the industry, beginning with his dishwashing stint at Brooklyn's legendary Garfield's Cafeteria. His charming, hilarious anecdotes include building Playboy Clubs worldwide and turning Manhattan's Bice into a multi-million dollar restaurant. Stein gives readers cogent, captivating insights into the restaurant world, offering tips and tales that will charm both passionate chefs and average diners alike.

Real Talk w/Bobby Hardy blogtalkradio.com/yasbow Wednesday's @ 7:00AM

DRAKE LOPEZ


Real talk with Bobby Hardy is a show that deals with everyday life. Bobby is a published poet, Recording artist, stage and film actor (He was a quiet man with Christian Slater, Elisha Cuthberg and William H Masy & Smokey Joe's Cafe the 5th Avenue Seattle). Bobby will interview celebrities and many other interesting guest. The main topics will be, Music, karaoke, celebrity talk, bobby hardy hollywood, i'll take you there.

My First Guest: Mr. Drake Lopez

The first show is an introduction too Bobby Hardy, the singer, the actor and poet. Bobby will also welcome Drake Lopez to the show to discuss the recent news regarding Prop 8. Drake is a California native and resident graduating from USC where he studied Theatre to pursue his life-long dream of being a performer. As a performer for Disney Character's and Parade Departments, Universal Studios Entertainment Division, and dancer for local clubs. He's been able to fulfill his dues as an entertainer. Currently, he's gracing the local karaoke stages where he met me. performing as a flautist and Choir member at Hollywood Lutheran Church, he's able to reach out to his community as an activist since the onslaught of California's Proposition 8, volunteering for Vote For Equality where he diligently canvassed and phonebanked to reverse the effects of Prop. 8. And now is celebrating the victory!

The Black Gospel Blog: "Amazing Grace" - Bobby Hardy

The Black Gospel Blog: "Amazing Grace" - Bobby Hardy: "“Amazing Grace” Bobby Hardy Available on iTunes (2010) www.bobbyhardy.com In this age of auto tune, Pro Tools, mixes and remixes, sometimes..."

New Single Release I'll take you there

Bobby Hardy has release a new single (I'll take you there)previouly recorded by the staple singers. This guy really has something special. Why are we just hearing from him? The voice is very rich and you really understand every word sung, unlike many other artist. This song is sure to be a hit!

Linda Hopkins (Diva)

Linda Hopkins was born to be an entertainer...she comes alive on stage, her smile and spirit infectious as she rouses her audience to join her onthis blues journey. She's simply sensational. It was great seeing you last night at the Spotlight Bar Hollywood for karaoke!

Linda Hopkins: Deep in the night!

Deep in the Night, features the soulful vocals of Jazz and Blues singer Linda Hopkins. Hopkins fell in love with Blues music after seeing Bessie Smith perform. She has starred in Broadway musicals such as Jazz Train, which celebrated the success of African-American music, Black and Blue, a tribute to Harlem s famed Cotton Club, and Inner City, for which she won a Tony Award. Hopkins also created two famous tribute musicals; Wild Women Blues was performed alongside Maxine Weldon & Mortonette Jackson as a tribute to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bessie Smith, and more famously her one-woman show, entitled Me and Bessie, which she created in honor of her idol Bessie Smith. The Ad Lib Series, now available on DVD for the first time, is a collection of 46 concert TV programs presenting the best Jazz, Pop and Blues artists showcasing their skills with a Jazz flair. Seen on TV internationally, Ad Lib (filmed in 1980) was the first musical television series recorded in Stereo. Each DVD features 2 episodes of the acclaimed Ad Lib Series. Also featuring special guests Jazz Pianist Paul Smith, longtime pianist & Musical Director for Ella Fitzgerald, & acclaimed & versatile Jazz saxophone innovator Eddie Harris, Linda Hopkins: Deep in the Night, is the definitive DVD of Hopkins legendary voice!

Boston judge: Federal ban gay marriage unconstitutional

A Boston judge has fired the latest salvo in the battle for gay marriage, ruling Thursday that a federal ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional because it violates states' rights.

U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro ruled in favor of gay couples' right to marry, the AP reports, challenging the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on the ground that it interferes with a state’s right to define marriage.

Same-sex unions have been legal in Massachusetts since 2004, but the state argued that DOMA discriminated against gay married couples by denying them access to the same benefits as heterosexual married couples.

Tauro agreed, ruling on two separate challenges to the law that the act forced Massachusetts to discriminate against its own citizens.

"The federal government, by enacting and enforcing DOMA, plainly encroaches upon the firmly entrenched province of the state, and in doing so, offends the Tenth Amendment," Tauro wrote in a ruling. "For that reason, the statute is invalid."

In a second case, filed by Gays & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Tauro ruled that DOMA also violates the Constitution's equal protection clause.

Advocacy groups embraced Tauro's ruling Thursday. "We've maintained from the very beginning that there was absolutely no basis for this law treating one class of married Massachusetts couples different from everybody else and the court has recognized that," said Gary Buseck, GLAD's legal director.

Supporters of same-sex marriage also took to Twitter to cheer on the ruling, posting tweets like "Yessssss!!!!!!!", "RIGHT ON!", and "Holiday, celebrate! So, U.S. Judge in Boston rules that a federal gay marriage ban is unconstitutional... Party in Boston!"

The Justice Department argued that the federal government has the right to set eligibility requirements for federal benefits such as Medicare - including requiring that those benefits only go to couples in marriages between a man and a woman, the AP reported.

The lawsuit challenges only the portion of the law that prevents the federal government from affording pension and other benefits to same-sex couples.

Congress put DOMA on the books in 1996 when it seemed that Hawaii was on the brink of legalizing gay marriage, and opponents feared that the movement would become a nationwide trend.

Police make arrest in 'Grim Sleeper' killings

Today's arrest in the "Grim Sleeper" serial-killing case demonstrates how the sins of the father can be found out through a son's DNA - and why the technique can be controversial.

A 57-year-old one-time LAPD garage attendant named Lonnie Franklin Jr. was arrested in Los Angeles in connection with the string of 10 murders, committed between 1985 and 2007. The killer was nicknamed the "Grim Sleeper" because there was a 14-year break within that string, from 1988 to 2002.

The case puts an unorthodox forensic tool known as familial DNA analysis at center stage. The method is specifically allowed only in two states - California and Colorado - and it's specifically banned in Maryland. New York is OK with using the method, but only if it's an "inadvertent" side effect of a more rigorous data search. The FBI currently has no firm policy on familial DNA matching but is willing to let states share their DNA data for use in the procedure.

Now that familial DNA analysis has come up with a high-profile match, you'll probably be hearing much more about whether it should be used more widely.

Not-quite-perfect match
Why is the technique so controversial? It's because investigators look for not-quite-perfect matches between the DNA left behind at a crime scene and DNA markers taken from a wide sampling of people who may or may not have committed a crime themselves. The goal isn't necessarily to find the suspects, but rather the potential relatives of suspects. If there's a close match, investigators could focus their search on close relatives of the person who matched up - in hopes that the trail will lead to suspects who haven't left a DNA trail themselves.

It's basically a crime-lab variant of the tests widely used to trace your genealogy, but these would be relatives you might not want to feature on your family tree.

Familial DNA searches have been done in Britain for years, and California Attorney General Jerry Brown gave investigators the go-ahead to do the same in the Grim Sleeper case two years ago. A database search came up with a partial but significant match between DNA collected during the investigation and a routine sample taken from Franklin's son. Brown said the son was given a cheek swab after his conviction on a felony weapons charge. LA Weekly reported that the results of the DNA analysis "lit up like a Christmas tree."

The investigators followed up by snagging DNA samples from Franklin himself. A relative of one of the Grim Sleeper victims who was briefed by police said that the sample was left on a restaurant cup, while the Los Angeles Times reported that the DNA was recovered from a discarded piece of pizza. The most likely scenario is that forensic sleuths tested the pizza, the cup and any other items that Franklin might have put to his lips while dining.

District Attorney Steve Cooley told the Times that the arrest "shows the legitimacy" of using partial DNA matches and promised to provide more details at a Thursday news conference.

If the arrest leads to a conviction, the feat will take forensic genetics to a whole new level. But it could raise a whole new crop of questions about genetic privacy as well.

Lifetime genetic surveillance?
In California, for example, the DNA samples are collected after every felony arrest, and may be retained even if the suspect later goes free. That has sparked a legal challenge from the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU noted that about a third of all those arrested for felonies in California are not convicted of any crime, and said that "thousands of innocent Californians will be subject to a lifetime of genetic surveillance because a single police officer suspected them of a crime."

The ACLU also said the system could have a "huge racial impact" because a disproportionate number of people of color are already represented in California's criminal justice system, which serves as the main channel for the state's DNA sampling flow (at a rate of roughly 25,000 samples per month). The latest figures show that California has the biggest statewide DNA database in the country, with more than 1.5 million samples. ACLU calls it the third-biggest forensic DNA database in the world, behind the FBI's nationwide CODIS system (which includes the California samples) and Britain's national data bank.

We're right in the midst of a massive crime-lab experiment in DNA collection. The federal government and all 50 states require those convicted of felonies to provide DNA samples, but California is just one of the 23 states that require DNA for felony arrests. Congress and several states, including New York and North Carolina, are currently talking about widening their DNA collection programs to cover arrests as well as convictions.

Proponents of wider DNA testing say that such measures will prevent crime, save lives and provide more protection to the innocent. Opponents say that such measures will put more of a burden on the innocent, and that familial DNA analysis could turn even distant relatives into "genetic informants." I say that the Grim Sleeper case will increase the pressure on lawmakers to bulk up DNA databases across the country, and will lead to wider use of familial DNA as well. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?

Mel Gibson Rant Reportedly on Tape

NEW YORK (CBS) Mel Gibson reportedly was caught on tape using a string of racist and derogatory remarks in a profanity-laced argument with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.

Internet reports state that the audiotapes were made by Grigorieva. She and the actor are currently in the midst of a custody battle over their 7-month-old daughter, Lucia.

Radaronline.com reports that Gibson is heard on the tape using the N-word and other derogatory phrases in the argument with Grigorieva, along with threatening to burn down her home.

According to TMZ.com, the tapes have been submitted to the judge in the couple's custody battle and are under seal. The website also reports that Grigorieva kept a number of "incendiary emails" that Gibson sent to her.

Grigorieva's attorneys declined to discuss the reports to People magazine on Thursday, while Gibson's rep said, "I have no comment on, and furthermore no knowledge of, the credibility or authenticity of any alleged audio tapes."

In 2006, Gibson unleashed a now-infamous anti-Semitic tirade to police following a drunk driving arrest. He later apologized for his "despicable" comments and "out of control" behavior.

Eclipse Review!

Summary (from the book jacket)
"BELLA?"

Edward's soft voice came from behind me. I turned to see him spring lightly up the porch steps, his hair windblown from running. He pulled me into his arms at once, just like he had in the parking lot, and kissed me again.

This kiss frightened me. There was too much tension, too strong an edge to the way his lips crushed mine—like he was afraid we had only so much time left to us.

As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob—knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?

The Review
Eclipse is the third novel in Stephenie Meyer’s popular Twilight series. You really want to have read Twilight and New Moon (in that order) first before reading Eclipse, because the author doesn’t spend too much time expounding the story-lines of the previous novels but rather drops the reader straight in to the story. You also want to read Twilight and New Moon because they are both excellent novels and, trust me, you are missing out if you haven’t read them.

Eclipse carries on not long after New Moon left off. Bella’s high school graduation is approaching and she will soon be leaving Forks forever, ostensibly to go to college - but in reality she is planning to join her boyfriend in his vampire existence and will therefore be unable to return home, due to being dead and possessed by a terrible blood lust for the first few years. Not that the reader is actually taken that far in this story, we make it through graduation but then the dangerous vampires from Seattle come to Forks and dealing with them dominates the rest of the novel.

This is only one part of the story though. Eclipse is primarily a romantic saga, so Bella and Edward’s relationship is the primary focus of the novel. Or as I should say Bella, Edward and Jacob’s relationship - because there is a love triangle in the plot of this novel.

Bella and Jacob have always been friends, at least they were - right up until Jacob became a werewolf. Then the enmity between vampires and werewolves put a huge strain on their friendship. Besides which, Jacob is in love with Bella, who is in love with Edward so this is going to make things awkward between them.

At this point, Eclipse descends into soap opera territory – Bella has found her soul mate in Edward but Jacob is the soul mate she should have / could have / would have had if Edward didn’t exist. She loves him too but not as much as Edward. Why she loves Jacob is beyond me – he knows that she loves Edward but Jacob still tries to make her feel guilty that she can’t love him like he wants her too. Blatant emotional blackmail is unattractive whatever way you serve it up and it detracted from his otherwise fine character. Worse, it lead to a large proportion of this book being devoted to teenage angst and with this book being 628 pages long that a substantial amount of angst!

To be fair, Eclipse is written for the young adult market so I really shouldn’t complain about the teen angst and the drama but for me it meant that this book lacked the magical quality that made Twilight stand out from the crowd of vampire romances available in bookstores today. Don’t misunderstand me - Eclipse is still a really good read. The book didn’t feel like it was over 600 pages long, I literally flew through the pages and had to make a conscious effort to slow down my reading so I didn’t finish the whole book in a couple of sittings.

For teens already hooked on the series, Eclipse is another solid instalment of Forks goodness. Adult readers may be put off by the teenage relationship angst in this novel but if you have already enjoyed the author’s previous offerings I think there is still plenty here to entertain.

It will be intriguing to see where Stephenie Meyer takes the ideas and characters in this series next. Writing for the Young Adult market always means that there is some expectation for the author to set a good example for impressionable young minds yet criticisms that Bella’s character is too dependent and needs to set a better example for young women seem unfair. This is romantic fantasy

Beauty queen Carrie Prejean has tied the knot.

The former Miss California USA, 23, wed Oakland Raiders quarterback Kyle Boller, 28, Friday at The Grand Del Mar hotel in San Diego, her hometown.

The 25-minute ceremony was "beautiful," a witness tells E! News. "They had cocktails on the lawn right after. Everyone seemed really happy."

Prejean wore a gorgeous one-shoulder mermaid-style gown, according to E!, while Boller and his fellow

Carrie Prejean WedsUSMagazine, July 3, 2010
Related: News, Carrie Prejean
Controversial beauty queen Carrie Prejean has tied the knot.

The former Miss California USA, 23, wed Oakland Raiders quarterback Kyle Boller, 28, Friday at The Grand Del Mar hotel in San Diego, her hometown.

The 25-minute ceremony was "beautiful," a witness tells E! News. "They had cocktails on the lawn right after. Everyone seemed really happy."

Prejean wore a gorgeous one-shoulder mermaid-style gown, according to E!, while Boller and his fellow
groomsmen donned black tuxedos.

After bidding farewell to her six bridesmaids, she and Boller were whisked away in a white Rolls Royce Phantom, E! reports.

The two got engaged this past February.

Prejean made headlines last April when pageant judge Perez Hilton asked her if she supported gay marriage. "In my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman," she replied. "No offense to anybody there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be, between a man and a woman."
Her response outraged Hilton and others in the Miss California community. Hilton launched a crude attack against her. Organizer Keith Lewis even released a statement: "As co-director of the Miss California USA, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss California believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman."

Prejean only continued to irk her enemies when she began working for the National Organization for Marriage.

Scandal returned a short time later when semi-nude photos of her began hitting the web.

She almost lost her crown, but Donald Trump, who owns the Miss USA and Miss Universe organizations, allowed her to keep her title because he said "the pictures taken were fine."

On June 10, however, Prejean was fired for violating her contract and "unwillingness to make appearances on behalf" of the organization, according to pageant officials.

But in an in interview with Access Hollywood, Prejean claimed otherwise: "None of this would be happening right now if I just said, 'Yeah, gays should get married. You're right, Perez Hilton.'"

First runner-up Tami Farrell replaced her as Miss California USA.

The Spotlight Bar Hollywood California!

Karaoke every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday night from 9pm to 1am, and man it is one of the best karaoke bars in Hollywood. The one and only Gay Bar in Hollywood Ca. Established in 1963 and still standing. The Spotlight Bar is owned and operated by the original owner Mr. Don Samuels. Since the beginning... Boys have been arriving in Tinsel Town. The Spotlight is Where they all wanna be. We get em all, The Straights, The Curious, The Bi's, The Queens, The Drag Queens, The Grand Queens, The Tattoo'd Rockers, The Mohawks, and yes, Show People

Girls rule Forbes Top 10

Women's-rights advocates can pack up and go home. The playing field is now level. In fact, it has been nuked and upended and now tilts in favor of powerful women -- if you believe Forbes magazine, that is. Forbes' release of its "Celebrity 100" list contains the names of more women than men. Six women dominate the list's top-ten celebrities in the world including Oprah Winfrey as No. 1. Forbes describes the list as the "ranking of the richest and most powerful actors, actresses, and musicians."
Oprah is followed in the top ten by:
Beyoncé Knowles (OK, I guess)
Lady Gaga (puh-leeze!!!)
Britney Spears (no comment)
Sandra Bullock (power via being cuckolded?)
Madonna

Before we wipe our brows and sigh, "Sheesh, that was easy," a bit deeper examination is called for here. For one thing, Forbes' definition of power, even in the bizarre world of celebrity, is somewhat skewed and reads more like a ranking of a star's ability to self-promote than anything else. Forbes' definition of the list is based on a weird agglomeration ". . . of a star's ability to generate five precious commodities: money, film and TV appearances, media coverage, web traffic, and friends or followers on social networking sites."
I agree with Forbes that money is power and self-promotion becomes both money and power in our material world. But I still cling to the notion that true power is more than just money -- it's influence, it's clout, it's the ability to lead and to make the world a better place. It is not just the ability to sell a bunch of DVDs, movie tickets or start a clothing line with nothing particularly new or different or better about it other than an extension of the already cluttered world of eponyms.
Still, Forbes calls the new list progress for women:
"In the entertainment industry, women are gaining ground. While most of the ladies on the list owe their fame to on-screen or on-stage personas, many have built their fortunes through smart brand extension."
"Smart brand extension." Now there's progress for women, eh? That's not exactly what the suffragists or the leaders of second-wave feminism had in mind when they fought for the right to vote or the right to work or the right to equal pay for that work, and so on. They were trying to make the world a better place for themselves and their sisters.
Granted, some of those on the list do good things for other women. Oprah is renowned for her philanthropy for African girls, for example. But if these women used the power Forbes vests in them, why isn't Hollywood a more female-friendly place?
According to San Diego State University's Institute for the Study of Women in Television and Film: "In 2009, women comprised 16% of all directors, executive producers, producers, writers, cinematographers, and editors working on the top 250 domestic grossing films. This represents a decline of 3 percentage points from 2001 and is even with 2008."

Is this what we call progress? It does not sound like progress to me. And if women now command so much clout in Hollywood, why aren't they using it to improve America's commercial entertainment product instead of extending their self-centered, self-promotional brands? Is that even a fair question to ask stars to take on the dual role of do-gooder in today's material-girl world?
I believe it is. But if it's a fair question, the answer is a disturbing no. Women are not using their entertainment muscle to improve the quality of American film and TV, because study after study shows sex, violence and violent sex are increasing in all media, not diminishing. This latest study by the Parents Council on TV on violence against women in TV released this year is typical:
"The Parents Television Council observed a significant increase in the incidence of female victimization; an increase in the depiction of teen girls as victims; an increase in the use of female victimization as a punch line in comedy series; and an increase in the depiction of intimate partner violence (i.e., violence committed by a current or former partner or spouse; a sexual relationship is not necessarily implied)."
So I return whence I began. Are women gaining power and clout in the entertainment industry? By some extremely superficial measures, yes. Does that translate to progress for women generally? I'm afraid that so far the answer is no.

Madonna & Lady Gaga Cat Fight!!!

MADONNA thinks Lady GaGa is a great big copy cat!

According to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, the Holiday hitmaker gets irritated when she sees a clip of the Poker Face singer performing.

“It just bugs Madonna that Lady Gaga uses fashion and her performance style in a way that has so many people calling her ‘the new Madonna,” a source revealed.

“Madonna thinks she is unique and there cannot be a younger version of something that is unique.

“I know,” added the source with a laugh. “Ego, ego, ego.”

GaGa has previously revealed that she’d like to work with Madonna.

“Madonna is great. And I guess I could say we are friends,” she said last year. “I love her daughter Lourdes.

“She is such a lovely young girl. She came to my show with her mom and we got along famously. We got along fine and we did the skit together on SNL and helped the writers. So who knows?”

'Twilight' Eclipses

'Twilight' Eclipses Record with $68.5M Debut

The latest "Twilight" movie breaks another box office record with $68.5M, largest ever for Wednesday debut

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Fans are over the moon for "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," which pulled in $68.5 million in its first day to set a new record for a movie debuting on Wednesday.

The third installment in the vampire romance surpassed the previous Wednesday record of $62 million set last year by "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

But "Eclipse" fell short of the all-time best opening day, a record held by its predecessor, last November's "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," which took in $72.7 million. "New Moon" opened on a Friday, typically a busier day at theaters than weekdays.

"Eclipse" opened in a record 4,416 theaters and expands to 4,468 cinemas Friday for the Fourth of July weekend, one of the biggest box-office weekends of the year.

With so much money already in the bank and a long holiday weekend ahead, distributor Summit Entertainment hopes "Eclipse" can top the $200 million haul for "Revenge of the Fallen" in its first five days, a record for a movie opening on Wednesday.

"It certainly is a target for us," said Richie Fay, head of distribution for Summit. "I'd be real hesitant to say that we will break that. We would love to and are striving to. We have the location and screen count that could get us there. But if the weather isn't in our favor, if people are out barbecuing and looking at fireworks Sunday night, we may not get there."

In a single day, "Eclipse" took in a fraction more than the $68 million the movie cost to produce.

Fay said "Eclipse" followed the pattern of "New Moon," whose audience was 80 percent female. With generally better reviews on "Eclipse" than its predecessors and a marketing campaign that played up the movie's action, Summit executives hope the latest sequel will draw in more males as the weekend progresses, he said.

"Eclipse" continues the story of brooding teen Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), caught in a love triangle involving her vampire boyfriend (Robert Pattinson) and her werewolf pal (Taylor Lautner). The new movie forces vampires and werewolves to set aside old rivalries and unite against a band of ravenous newborn bloodsuckers.

The franchise concludes with a two-part adaptation of "Breaking Dawn," the final novel in Stephenie Meyer's best-selling series. Part one of "Breaking Dawn" is due in theaters Nov. 18, 2011.

New Release (Amazing Grace) Bobby Hardy

The new single Amazing Grace by Bobby Hardy is now for sale on Itunes, Amazon, Emusic and many other music download sites. The single is for $0.99 a copy

The rendition of this song is so beautiful and fresh. Bobby's voice is so rick and smooth with a very noticeable anointing.

Michael Jackson TV Guide Documentary June 25th 2010

Conceived as a follow-up to Halperin’s 2009 New York Times #1 best-selling book "Unmasked: The Final Years Of Michael Jackson," Gone Too Soon, a new TV Guide documentary to air on June 25th, will examine the end of music superstar Michael Jackson’s life.

The story will be told by the people who attended to him each day, including his doctors and personal help staff. In addition, Halperin goes undercover in the film with some of Jackson’s closest advisors to uncover what their secret thoughts and feelings may reveal about his untimely death. TV Guide claims this documentary is exhaustive in its research and material in an attempt to get to the real answers of what when on in the King of Pop's final days. Gone Too Soon is drawn from more than 300 hours of footage shot before and immediately following Jackson’s death. The film also includes exclusive audio and video of Jackson himself.

Coming one year to the day of his death, the subject matter inside this documentary may prove too much for some fans and friends who are still grieving. Halperin claims to have predicted Jackson's deaths six months prior to his actual demise and also spent five years researching the man behind the magic.

What do you think about this new project? Too much, too soon or hard-hitting expose that is relevant and important at any time in history? Will you watch? Voice your opinion in the comments!

Oprah Winfrey biography (Kitty Kelley) False

Kitty Kelley's unauthorized biography of Oprah Winfrey, in which the author spends more than 500 pages offering up reasons the megastar is "not all that" (as a teenage girl and maybe Oprah herself might say), is turning out to be something similar: not all that interesting. This book should not have been released, because I don't believe a thing in the book. And, the jealous friend Erica Jong was never a true friend in the first place. You don't throw your friends in the fire because you've had a disagreement. Erica get a life.

It's a letdown: not enough dish. But part of what makes a big Oprah expose so difficult is the fact that Winfrey has already done much of the heavy lifting in that department. Whether she's publicly charting her fluctuating weight or speaking up about her traumatic past, including being sexually molested as a child and having a baby at 15, Oprah is a testament to the self-protective properties of telling your story on your own terms before someone less than benign does it on theirs. Like all talented confessors, she knows that if you slip on a banana peel, you're a fool, but if you tell people you slipped on a banana peel, you're a hero.

For all of her formidable confessional skills, Oprah is perhaps most virtuosic at the art of conveying intimacy while, in truth, keeping much of the world at arm's length. She may punctuate interviews with teary anecdotes of her own foibles, but to hear Kelley tell it (and this isn't big news), most of Oprah's private self is perhaps not as available, let alone as warm and fuzzy as the best girlfriend she appears to be.

Everyone who works for or around Oprah (and reportedly this includes upholsterers and dog-walkers) signs a confidentiality agreement. That's not unusual among celebrities as big as Oprah. Kelley tells us, however, that Oprah also abruptly drops friends who offer up any criticism, has exaggerated the poverty of her upbringing to infuse drama into her life story, and likes being left alone so much that she won't even supply her own mother with a direct phone number (though she's provided her with handsome financial assistance).

In case you're interested, former Oprah friend Erica Jong recently took the liberty of discussing her friendship with Oprah -- and its demise -- in the Huffington Post, writing: "When everyone thinks they know you, it's hard not to be guarded … [but] when you make people sign confidentiality agreements … you may start to think you're the queen."

With friends like these, you'd better have a confidentiality agreement.

Bret Michaels (Poison)

Bret Michael's the Poison frontman is in critical condition at an undisclosed Los Angeles-area hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage late Thursday, People reports.

Poison's rep declined to comment on his condition, but a source close to Michaels' camp told People that the 47-year-old singer complained of an excruciating headache and was rushed to the hospital just before midnight. Doctors discovered a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage—bleeding at the base of his brain stem.

The bandanna-sporting rocker was placed in intensive care under "intense observation" and his doctors are "running several tests to determine the cause," the source said.

Michaels had an emergency appendectomy in San Antonio on April 12 and stayed in the hospital a few extra days under his personal doctor's supervision before moving to a rehab clinic specializing in treating diabetics.

The White House says the answer is "no," despite all the chatter in Washington today.

"The president thinks Secretary Clinton is doing an excellent job as secretary of state and wants her to remain in that position," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said.

The comments come after Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, created a stir earlier today when he told NBC's "Today" show that he believed Clinton was among the possible candidates to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

"I even heard the name Hillary Clinton today," Hatch said. "That would be an interesting person in the mix."

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs further tamped down on the idea, saying this afternoon, "The president is going to keep her [Clinton] as his secretary of state."

Gibbs added that while the White House appreciated Hatch's addition to its list, he preferred to highlight something else the Utah Senator said this morning.