Jon & Richie Sighting

The Dynamic Duo were spotted leaving the Koi Restaurant the other night. Damn paparrazzi. Neither of them look thrilled to have flashbulbs in their faces (who would?) and if I might be so honest, neither of them are looking their finest.

But they're only human, right? ;)

"Do you ever feel like..."

For those of you who know Jen (Big Apple Jovi Girl), she posted this on her site first. And she was the one who found the media and highlighted it - so I'm really stealing her post here. lol. But I just had to share because I was so incredibly inspired by what she posted...

So one of my favorite Jovi songs ever is Someday I'll Be Saturday Night. There's just something about the feel-good, scream-out-loud, exhilaration of I CAN DO IT that always gets my blood pumping and my heart squeezing.

Well, I have about 13 versions (just counted! LOL) of this song in my music folder, but the one Jen posted was new to me. Live from Osaka, Japan in....no idea what year....Jon gives his famous little monologue between choruses. And it is the most inspiring and motivating one I have ever heard.

As I posted on her site - it was like he was speaking right to me. Like he knew what I've been going through and struggling with in life, like he knew that I have been worn thin and tired of being strong...like he was helping me, in his own uncanny special way. The way only he can. 

Give it a listen. And pay attention to his words, starting around 3:59ish. I've posted the youtube video (which is just a slideshow of pics set to the song) that Jen posted, as well as the audio version for you...and the words to Jon's monologue. 

Enjoy.



Do you ever feel like no matter what you did, no matter what you said, no matter how hard you try, nothing ever seems to work out right for you? Do you ever feel like your get up and go has got up and went?

Yeah, me too. I feel like that sometimes. It's true.

But when I do, I say, "Self, you've gotta just dust yourself off.  And I say, self, you've gotta put on the gloves, jump in the ring, and go in there for one more fight.  And I say self, we ain't gonna back down this time! Ain't nobody's gonna come and throw the towel in this time! Ain't nobody's gonna tell me that they's gonna save my ass this time! NO!

Tuesday Goodies

I woke up to a couple Jovi odds and ends today, which totally made my morning. ;)

Firstly, Jon was spotted on a stroll with Dot in East Hampton, NYC:

Mmm-mm, I do love a man in a hat and shorts!!

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Second, get your singing voice ready for BON JOVI KARAOKE this Thursday, May 28 at New World Stages in NY.

THEME: Bon Jovi Songs
JUDGES: Nancy Opel, Chris Cicchino, Nick Cordero and Matt Saldivar of The Toxic Avenger

Votes are based on audience participation so come on out and decide…who will be in your Top 5?

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Test your knowledge of the band at Parade Magazine's website - they have an interactive quiz set up by Peter Oberc from drycounty.com.

Pssst - it's pretty easy; I got 100%! ;)

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For you single home or apartment-dwellers (or for those lucky ladies whose husbands will allow shrines like this) - check this out:

A giant wall decal of - you guessed it - Jon Bon Jovi.

The small one is 70 x 152 cm - 139 EUR = 27.3 x 59.3" - $195 aprox.
The big one is 85 x 184cm - 168 EUR = 33.2 x 71.8" - $235 aprox

You pick the colors and everything. Guaranteed to last or your money back!

The website, unfortunately, is in Spanish, but if you speak it even conversationally, you can figure it out.

I don't know about you, but I personally find it cool. Creepy, in a way, perhaps, for a family...but for your own bachelorette pad, why the hell not? It would go smashing with my Jovi collection.

Live: Blood On Blood in Moscow

It's time for another from-the-vault live performance highlight. 

Maybe I'm just hormonal from the (unwelcome) monthly visitor due to arrive any time now, but I found this rendition of Blood On Blood especially poignant and emotional tonight. Jon's monologue introduction clung to my heart and literally sent chills down my spine as I listened; the music opened up as if from the shadows and cracks of long ago, bringing with it the nostalgia and gut-wrenching memories of youth. 

It was beautiful. And though I've heard it before, and rank it as one of my favorite - if not THE favorite - version of this song, tonight I deem it worthy of its own spotlight. 

Have a listen yourself - and don't just turn it on in the background while you work. Stop what you're doing, and listen to Jon's words. Take them in. Understand the meaning of what he says in both political and social terms. Grasp the weight of the theme of friendship. Close your eyes and let the nostalgic guitar chords fill your heart - Jon's raw voice course through your blood. Remember what it was like in the 80's - at the height of 'good, God-blessed rock and roll'.

Hope that one day, we will all live our lives with love, friendship, and a "blood on blood" loyalty to our sisters and brothers...until kingdom come. 

Enjoy.

Summer Cleaning...Save the Pics!

Well folks, it's time for my frenzy of summer cleaning - both physically and electronically. I'm "cleaning out" my computer and reorganizing the hard drive, deleting, grouping, reordering, etc. and it's gonna take awhile. 

Because photos and media take up about 80% of my hard drive, I am also doing extensive back-ups...on my external hard drive as well as in online interfaces. One of the projects -- Photobucket. I have numerous sub-albums and duplicated files and it's just a mess in there, so I'm going to completely overhaul it. Start anew. Deleting everything, clearing it all out, and then re-uploading my entire Jovi photo arsenal (if I can get 16,000 files in one PB account) so everything is in order, like it should be. 

That said, you tech savvy people know that this means the photos I have posted/linked from PB will no longer be available. I usually post pics for your viewing pleasure after a Jovi event, so this means quite a few posts will now have broken pic links.

I'm just giving fair warning, that if you want to snag any pics from my site and have yet to do so, you should do it now. I'll be clearing things out in the next few days. 

Just a head's up. :)

Calendar Updated

So I posted the link to my ongoing online Jovi Calendar of Events back in...February? And then I proceeded to completely neglect it. LOL. Sorry about that! I've been running it since 2005, and yet I still forget sometimes to change the theme every month and add every event I hear about. I have now updated it through the end of June, but if I am forgetting anything, PLEASE let me know. I always advise all the followers from 2005 and onward to email me if there's something I forget - because Lord knows, there will be.

Thanks!

The calendar is here

Another just because moment...

Do I REALLY need a reason to post this?

Time for SUMMERTIME!

Oh my Lord, I just had to share. I took my last exam today and am finally DONE with my classes! *cheers* This brings a grueling year to an end...and a hopefully relaxed, easy-going, FUN summer.

I cannot express how much I need this. I have to house/pet-sit this weekend, so I will have a place all to my own and I plan on basically hibernating and sleeping for about 3 days straight. I'll get up to feed the animals, but then it's back to bed! LOL I'm bringing my laptop, an arsenal of Jovi DVDs and my music, and I am just going to veg. You have NO idea how utterly amazing that sounds. Like, I seriously might never come home.

After that, I have one month before I jet off to Europe again for adventures in the Netherlands (again) as well as Paris, France (!!!) and hopefully, Germany to visit an old friend! 

But until then, I am going to fully enjoy my free time (aside from work in the afternoons) and will spend it sleeping, relaxing, seeing friends when they come home, and of course...writing. ;)

It's SUMMERTIME BABY!

In honor of the season...




(I will SO be doing that a lot the next three months.)

This "Just Because" moment brought to you by...

I was farting around with my arsenal of 15,000+ Jovi pics and suddenly got in the mood for some Jonny boogie. 

And this pic...it just...you know - I really...oh my gawd - seriously...*sigh*

Gives new meaning to his infamous phrase - Swing it, Mister DJ!

And in Cute News...

I saw this in my Google alerts and nearly died.

An elementary school teacher in Michigan was featured on the community news website for her "Movie Star Day" - a day for the students to dress up as their favorite celebrities. It's one of several ways the teacher rewards the kids for their hard work.

And whom should be "present" in the classroom that day but Jon Bon Jovi - 3 of them, in fact!

Good behavior turns first-graders into stars

When LuAnn Englehart took attendance Thursday, she found the likes of NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, rock stars Jon Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, adventurer Indiana Jones, Miley Cyrus and her alter ego, Hannah Montana, several Disney princesses and even a fairy godmother sitting in her students' desks.

Jeremy Fuchs was one of three Bon Jovis in the classroom. Almost seven years old, he had the tattoos, the rolled-up shirt sleeves and sunglasses, not to mention a (Guitar Hero) guitar to play the part.

“Bon Jovi's cool and I like him a lot,” said Jeremy.

Englehart has been doing Movie Star Day with he students for seven years. She uses a marble jar to determine rewards for good behavior and Movie Star Day is one them. The students also have earned a Movie Day, a pajama party and Hawaiian party. Next week they'll be going to the Detroit Zoo.

The tattoo may not be anything like Jon's real one, but OMG how friggin adorable. And there was more than one kid (or mom) who wanted to be JBJ?? Something tells me Guitar Hero has quite a lot to do with that, but hey, I'm not complaining. Something's gotta get the band into the next generation. ;)

Non Jovi: Earth is in trouble.

This isn't a regular Jovi news or reflection post, but it is much more important. 

So in my Marine Biology class, we not only study taxonomy and behavioral habits of marine organisms - we delve into the bigger picture of ecology and human impact on the oceans and environment.

For an extra credit assignment, my professor had us visit this website and take a quiz to calculate our ecological footprint:

http://www.myfootprint.org/en/visitor_information/

You answer a series of questions about your lifestyle, and it calculates your footprint based on your consumption habits.

I must say, my family has always been pretty environmentally conscious and we do what we can to conserve energy and water, etc. But apparently, we're not doing enough, because my results SCARED ME. According to my footprint results, if everyone on the planet lived like me, we'd need MORE THAN 6 EARTHS to sustain us!

I thought it would be really interesting to see what everyone else discovers about their own habits and lifestyle, so I figured I'd post this. The good part is that the website has a ton of information and advice on how to reduce your footprint and be more eco-friendly, which I am DEFINITELY going to try to follow.

We have GOT to do something NOW to save this planet - because we are the ones destroying it. Every person can make a difference, and together we can make an impact. But being aware of the impact you currently have, and educated on how it affects the earth, is the only way to really induce real change.

So...what is your ecological footprint? And what are you going to do to reduce it?

Always Bon Jovi...

So tonight I gave up on trying to do ten million chores and errands, or trying to bully my brain into studying for finals, or doing anything on my to-do list that consists 99% of things I DON'T want to do (pay bills, do laundry, the like).

And instead, I grabbed my Jovi scrapbooks and the growing pile of magazine scraps, pictures, cutouts, and other various Jovified items, stuck the Live From London DVD in the player, plopped down on the living room floor, and proceeded to spend two whole glorious hours staring at a These Days era Bon Jovi rock the stage to 100,000 fans. 

Aside from being extremely therapeutic, it was one of those Jovi moments (or hours) that get you all introspectivey and pensive about your love for the band and the music...and makes you all mushy inside. Now I of course have seen the LFL DVD before, and the 'Always' performance remains my absolute favorite of that song EVER.

But tonight, for some reason, because my hectic and chaotic lifestyle has rendered me stressed and stretched thin, with no time to even think about Bon Jovi, let alone let myself get lost in their music again, I was moved to tears as I watched. I stopped everything I was doing and watched the man on the screen croon and pour his heart into the song, while the living room and quiet house around me slipped away. I became thoroughly absorbed in every single thing Jon did in his performance - every crinkle around the eyes, every bent finger reaching out to the crowd, every soft groan in between lyrics, every bead of sweat that dotted his face.

And I started to cry. Cry! I couldn't explain why even as I watched, but it seemed as though my passion, my devotion, my deep-seated indescribable love for all that is Bon Jovi came surging to the forefront of my heart and mind, and for the first time in endless months of thrashing through the muck of real life, I was home. 

Cheesefest? Absolutely. But don't even try to pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. I could sit here for hours racking my brain to find the right words powerful enough to illustrate the emotions we all feel, but if you just dig deep in your heart, and remember the last time you too, were moved to tears because of the band, you'll know just what I mean. 

I won't go on and on, but I will just say that I truly cannot imagine my life without Bon Jovi. In the years since I first discovered them, I have been sent on adventure after adventure, met absolutely wonderful people and formed unforgettable friendships, and been on one HELL of a ride.

And I am damn proud to call myself a fan.

Enjoy.

Starting at 4:42, oh my, just...just watch.

***

And you can download the mp3 of the song from my SkyDrive:

(I also have the entire Live From London setlist in audio if anyone wants any other songs.)

Greatest Hits Volume II - Your Pick?

So with the rumors flying about a second greatest hits album from the band, there's been a lot of talk about what songs would make it this time around. They've come out with some great stuff since Cross Road was released in 1994 - after all, nothing from These Days onward was - or could have been - featured. And the music business, consumers, top-selling lists, and plain ol' revenue have proven that there are have been bonafide HITS in the last 15 years. 

So I'm curious - if a second greatest hits album came out and YOU could pick the track listings, what would you pick? There's a discussion about this on Backstage, and I thought it was interesting. 

I'd personally go for a two-disc set featuring every hit from 1983-2008, plus some special bonus collector's material, including off-album tracks, singles, etc.

Disc 1 (1983-1995)

1. Runaway

2. In & Out of Love

3. Wanted Dead Or Alive

4. You Give Love A Bad Name

5. Raise Your Hands

6. Livin' On A Prayer

7. Born To Be My Baby

8. Lay Your Hands On Me

9. Livin' In Sin

10. Blood On Blood

11. I'll Be There For You

12. Keep the Faith

13. In These Arms

14. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead

15. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night

16. These Days

17. Something To Believe In

Disc 2 (1996-2008)

1. Radio Saved My Life Tonight

2. It's My Life

3. Captain Crash & the Beauty Queen From Mars (I am one of the few that LOVES this song!)

4. Thank You For Loving Me

5. One Wild Night

6. Bounce

7. Everyday

8. Have A Nice Day

9. Last Man Standing

10. Who Says You Can't Go Home

11. Welcome To Wherever You Are

12. I Am

13. Lost Highway

14. We Got It Goin' On

15. Whole Lot of Leavin'

16. (You Want To) Make A Memory (okay, actually not that fond of the song, but it WAS a top single)

17. I Love This Town

Collector's Bonus Disc:

1. Hallelujah (live)

2. Mister Sambo (hey, Richie should get a spot since Jon's got Always and Blaze all over the place)

3. Tumblin' Dice (as should David...)

4. Waltzing Matilda (did you forget Teek?)

5. Twist & Shout live (again, LOVE this one)

6. IBTFY or These Days (live w/ Richie on vocals)

7. Memphis Lives In Me (David)

8. Last Man Standing (original version from boxset)

9. I Get A Rush (live)

10. If I Can't Have Your Love (Richie)

What would you pick? You don't have to create a 2-disc set or collector's edition, just list whatever you'd like to see on a second greatest hits album and leave a comment on the site. 

Thanks! :)

Richie & Ava at NBA Playoffs

I think I'm late in posting, as per usual. LOL.

Richie and gorgeous daughter Ava were spotted at the NBA Western Conference semi-finals - LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Not only am I in love with these pictures, but I am kicking myself for not taking up my friend's offer to go WITH HIM TO SEE THIS GAME LAST NIGHT. He must have been completely oblivious to the hordes of celebs spotted at this game, because I never got any texts from him last night - so I will hound him for details later. ;)

Jon Performing @ 9/11 Remembrance Benefit

From the Island Records site:


Legendary Rocker to Join President Clinton at Annual Fundraiser

NEW CANAAN, Conn., May 11, 2009 – Jon Bon Jovi, the acclaimed American rock legend, songwriter, actor and philanthropist will perform at the Voices of September 11th (VOICES) second annual Always Remember Benefit, to be held at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York City on June 8, 2009. According to the organization, his performance will follow President Bill Clinton’s remarks. All proceeds from the event will benefit VOICES’ 9/11 Living Memorial Project, a digital archive documenting the lives lost and the stories of those who survived.

“We are honored and grateful that Jon Bon Jovi is adding his voice to our cause, as his inspirational music mirrors the resiliency of our nation in the days following 9/11. His artistry and tireless philanthropy defy all boundaries and convey a global message of unity and shared humanity. Bon Jovi’s performance will capture the spirit of renewal and hope that VOICES is conveying through its 9/11 Living Memorial Project,” said Mary Fetchet, founding director.

Self-reliance, optimism and community are key concepts Jon Bon Jovi refers to, not just in his music, but also when articulating his desire to aid Americans. Shortly after 9/11, Bon Jovi comforted family and friends who lost loved ones by performing “Livin’ on a Prayer” at the Tribute to Heroes concert.
“Every American remembers where they were on the morning of September 11, 2001,” says Jon Bon Jovi, “On September 12, we promised to never forget. I’m proud to continue to lend my voice in the support of this event to build a meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives.”

The 9/11 Living Memorial Project grew from the needs of those impacted to memorialize their loved ones, and the obligation of the nation to document the history of that day. This content, being created online at www.911livingmemorial.org, will be a core component of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to be built at Ground Zero. The digitized photos of each victim’s life, along with missing person posters, memorial programs, and photographs of treasured mementos, will be the human face of the physical museum.

President Bill Clinton will give the keynote address at VOICES second annual Always Remember Benefit. A cocktail reception and silent auction will be followed by President Clinton’s remarks and Bon Jovi’s performance. The combination of President Clinton’s comments and Bon Jovi’s performance will make for a very meaningful and inspirational evening. President Clinton has been a strong supporter of the 9/11 Living Memorial Project, which was recently featured in the Clinton Global Initiative.

To purchase tickets, log onto www.voicesofsept11.org or call 203 966 3911.

Superbowl Halftime Show? *snort*

This is what, the fifth time they've been rumored to headline during the Superbowl Halftime show?

________

Bon Jovi at Super Bowl XLIV in 2010- Singer to Perform in Miami?
By Daryl Deino
May 11, 2009

Sources within the Bon Jovi camp tell me that the band has been asked by NFL officials to perform at the Superbowl XLIV Halftime Show in 2010. Having Bon Jovi perform may give the Halftime Show some ounce of respect after this year's Bruce Springsteen debacle, when he 'performed' what seemed to be a Bruce Springsteen Vegas parody act while 'singing' like he was being pleasured with finger knives.

There has been no official response yet from Bon Jovi, but I’m inclined to say that they would accept, especially since this type of performance guarantees exposure. Many acts actually turn down the Superbowl Halftime Show because they are afraid if they give a bad performance, the exposure would be as well.

Besides the Bruce Springsteen debacle this year, Janet Jackson had her career ruined – unfairly so – when she exposed her breast at 2004’s show.

If Bon Jovi does perform, I would like to see them perform what I think are some of the best written and produced songs ever: Livin’ on a Prayer; Living in Sin, I’ll Be There For You, and Who Says You Can’t Go Home. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a Bon Jovi Superbowl performance next year.
________

Yeah. They're also crossed for a private backyard concert. We'll see which one happens first!

More of Jon & Dot at the White House

Came across more photos of Jon and Dot last night - damn, that man looks FINE in a tux. *swoon*






Oh, and for the love of all things gorgeous, CLICK THIS LINK.

Happy Mother's Day!

Whether you're a mom yourself, are celebrating with your own mom, or even just KNOW a mom -- Happy Mother's Day. :)

And a special wish to a special mom who gave us a very special gift in this world: Jon's own mama Carol Bongiovi. Hope you're having a wonderful day with your sons, Mrs. B!

JBJ at President's Dinner

As you probably know, Jon dined with the rich, famous, and political tonight at the White House. I came across some pictures of him mingling with other celebs, and of course his lovely wife:

"Bon Jovi Saturday" at Jazzfest

Well DUH! LOL I would only have gone for Jovi, and I know lots of others did too.

From Billboard.com:



Bon Jovi Helps Boost Jazzfest Attendance
May 08, 2009 - Touring | Jazz

By Ray Waddell, Nashville

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival drew more than 400,000 this year, up from the approximately 375,000 reported last year, according to festival producers. The event’s final Saturday (May 2) drew a crowd of 90,000. Jazzfest was held April 24-26 and April 30-May 3.

"Bon Jovi's enduring appeal manifested itself in one of the biggest days ever at Jazz Fest," said Randy Phillips, CEO of AEG Live, co-producer of the event with Festival Production of the final Saturday.

Phillips said of the 90,000 in attendance on May 2, "probably 60,000-65,000 were in front of Bon Jovi's stage." Other artists playing Jazz Fest this year included the Dave Matthews Band, Kings Of Leon, the O'Jays, Joe Cocker, Wynton Marsalis, Drive-By Truckers, James Taylor, Wilco, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ben Harper & Relentless7, Emmylou Harris, Sugarland, Tony Bennett, Bonnie Raitt, the Neville Brothers, Neil Young, Buddy Guy, and scores of other artists, most representing the musical heritage of the Big Easy.

Phillips credits the strong run for Jazz Fest 2009 to "the strength of the brand, the fact that we widened the demographic with an artist as gigantic commercially as Bon Jovi, and the weather. We had two stars on that Saturday. Bon Jovi headlined and Mother Nature supported."

"Will that be a one-way ticket or round trip?"

Okay, now THIS is funny. Odd, yes, but random news is my favorite.

From my Google alerts this morning:

DALLAS, May 8 (UPI) -- Officials with a Texas commuter rail line said a news release typo led to a flood of phone calls from people seeking Bon Jovi tickets.

The Trinity Railway Express, which operates in Dallas and Fort Worth, said a news release for the Magnetic Hill Music Festival in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, mistakenly listed a number that links to the railway's dispatch center as the number to call for tickets to see Bon Jovi, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star Telegram reported Friday.

Bill Farquhar, chief operating officer for the Trinity Railway Express, said dispatchers have been receiving calls from eager fans for days.

"The operation of the railroad is being disrupted by fans calling for tickets," he said.

Perhaps I should give them a call too. ;)

Bon Jovi Encyclopaedia available on Amazon

The book's been slated to release for at least a year, and has finally gone on sale at Amazon.com.

From Amazon:

The ultimate reference to one of rock's most popular bands, this comprehensive reference documents more than a quarter century of Bon Jovi's A-to-Z history, including entries on every recording and bootleg, all current and former members, books, DVDs, concerts and tours, associated bands, and industry professionals that worked closely with the band. Additional entries include articles about the group, exclusive interviews, and hundreds of photographs, making this the most complete Bon Jovi fan book available.


About the Author
Neil Daniels is a writer who has contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers, including Fireworks, The Guardian, MediaMagazine, Powerplay, Record Collector, and Rock Sound. He is the author of The Story Of Judas Priest: Defenders Of The Faith and Robert Plant: Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page & The Solo Years.

It's not an official publication, but reviews I've heard say it's interesting, at the very least.

Check it out.