Together and with The Power of We, we can start a revolution. One Soul at a time... ~Jon Bon Jovi *** There's a Story on every street corner, my friend. All you have to do is open your eyes... ~Richie Sambora

Blood on the Ground

Monday, December 29, 2008

New song from Richie for the soundtrack to the not yet released movie DarkStreets. Found this video on Youtube and thought I'd pass it along to you. It's not a true video, just a compilation of pics set to the song, but the song itself is amazing!


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Is it Time for School Yet?

Saturday, December 27, 2008

It's only a few days in and already I'm looking forward to my son going back to school. He's not a bad kid, he just can't seem to sit down and relax for long. Always wants to be doing something. Right now he's watching TV and playing his DS. How does he do that?

Christmas was wonderful. Love being with the family. Had a lot of fun, ate and drank way too much! Tis the season tho, right? I'll staple my mouth shut after the 1st for a few days, that should help.

Ventured out yesterday, had to return one gift. That's pretty good for me. Dragged the hub and our son out too. It was kind of fun just meandering around, got a few good deals and was able to exchange my gift for something slightly nicer and in the right size. My hub tries, he really does.

Now, just gonna clean my house and try to get the space under the tree in order. That should be fun!

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Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

My baking is done, the packages are wrapped. It's time for Queenie to take a step back. It's time for family, its time for friends, its time for the workday to come to an end. I'm off to visit with said family and friends, a toast of good cheer to be shared with the women and men.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you, enjoy this time with your family and friends.

I'll be around after tomorrow. I'm off from work until January 2.

I'll be seeing ya!

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Toxic Avenger on Broadway?

Apparently the Toxic Avenger has found a new home. ..

Soon there'll be another ‘Jersey Boy' in town! The Toxic Avenger, a new musical by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) & David Bryan (Bon Jovi), with direction by John Rand0 (Urinetown), will begin performances on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street), it was announced today by the show's producers Jean Cheever and Tom Polum. Opening Night is set for Monday, April 6th.

You can read the rest of the article here.

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Hope IV Concert

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Here is a link to an article about the show last night. They raised a good amount of money and concert goers added a large amount of foodstuffs. Way to go!!!

Newsday

And here is that second video I promised. Enjoy!


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Hope IV Concert

Here is a link to some pictures from last night. I also found another video I'm going to add shortly.

Jonny B, Bruce and Friends

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Hope IV Benefit Concert

From the looks of this video, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Enjoy a little Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen... I'll put up others as I find them, if there are any.






And doesn't Jon look fabulous in that red t-shirt?! :)

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I Wish Everyday

Monday, December 22, 2008

Could be Like Christmas. Another song/video I love. Enjoy!


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Please Come Home For Christmas

Friday, December 19, 2008

I love, love, love, Jon's version of this song. And the video?! OMG, please tell me, who wouldn't want to trade places with Cindy Crawford in this video? In a heartbeat I would I tell ya, in a heartbeat.


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Holiday Video...

Thursday, December 18, 2008

My local radio station (yes I said radio, I do not have XM/Sirius in my car) has been playing this song and I just today found the video on youtube and I thought I would share. The DJ at said radio station wrote the song. I got a good chuckle out of it and I hope you do too. Enjoy!


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Philadelphia Soul...

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

From the Philadelphia Soul website

SOUL RESPONDS TO AFL'S 2009 SEASON SUSPENSION
15/12/2008 15:52

PHILADELPHIA SOUL RESPOND TO ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE’S ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING SUSPENDING PLAY FOR 2009 SEASON

PHILADELPHIA – December 15, 2008 – The Philadelphia Soul, in response to the Arena Football League’s decision to suspend play for the 2009 season, today outlined plans with its coaches and staff, and made available procedures for fans that already purchased tickets to receive refunds.

“We are disappointed that we will not be playing in the 2009 season, but we agree with and support the need for the Arena Football League to take this time to strengthen its financial foundation to ensure long-term success,” said the Philadelphia Soul President Ron Jaworski. “We are very proud of the achievements of the Philadelphia Soul over the last five seasons of ownership, and we remain committed to defending the Arena Bowl Championship title in 2010.”

Earlier today, the Arena Football League announced that its owners had voted to suspend play for the 2009 season, opting to focus their efforts on strengthening the league for 2010 and beyond. The owners agreed that by implementing long-term structural and financial improvements, the league will be able to expand its unique brand of football to more fans in the future.

Philadelphia Soul fans who have already purchased tickets for the 2009 season will receive full refunds. Each season ticket holder will be contacted by a Soul representative and more information will become available on the website for fans with questions. Fans with any other questions that are not answered on the site are encouraged to call the Soul at 215-636-0421 extension 197, leave a message and a Soul representative will return their call within two days.

Philadelphia Soul coaches and staff were notified today of the suspension of play for the 2009 season. “We have a very talented group of associates, and we are sorry to see them go,” acting General Manager Paul Korzilius said. “We look forward to the opportunity to work with many of them again next season.”

The Philadelphia Soul were the 2008 National Conference and Arena Bowl Champions and finished the season with a 16-3 record. The Soul celebrated their fifth anniversary season in 2008 with a 59-56 win over the San Jose SaberCats in the Virgin Mobile ArenaBowl XXII. The Soul drew a total of 131,817 fans last season, their largest number since the inaugural 2004 season, averaging 16,477 fans a game.

The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, though an extension of the community service agenda of the Philadelphia Soul, is an independent 501(c)(3) charity and will continue to operate despite the suspended season. While the AFL works towards its solutions to its financial concerns, the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation will continue to work on solutions to the issues of poverty and homelessness to which they are dedicated.

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AFL 2009 Season Canceled

Monday, December 15, 2008

Well, it's true. They did it. The season is canceled. Damn...
Here's the story from ESPN...

NEW YORK -- The Arena Football League canceled its 2009 season Monday pending an agreement with its players union. The decision throws the future of the 22-year-old league into question just days after it said next season had not been suspended.

The AFL's owners voted against playing next year during a conference call Sunday night. It was unclear what had changed since the league issued a statement Wednesday night that said the 2009 season had not been suspended "despite rumors and reports to the contrary."

The league said in Monday's statement it was "developing a long-term plan to improve its economic model."


"Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the league, the game, and, most importantly, the fans," acting commissioner Ed Policy said in a statement. "Owners, however, recognize that, especially in light of the current unprecedented economic climate, the AFL, as a business enterprise, needs to be restructured if it is to continue to provide its unique brand of this affordable, fan-friendly sport."

Last week's statement came after a meeting of the league's board of directors and did not say the AFL definitely would play next year.

The AFL's woes come at a time when the world of sports, once thought to be largely recession-proof, has felt the economic chill. The NFL has said it would cut 150 jobs, while the NBA and NASCAR also have laid off dozens of workers. The NHL is in a hiring freeze while the Internet operation for Major League Baseball also has trimmed positions.

The AFL had been in limbo for weeks. With rumors swirling about its viability, the 16-team league delayed indefinitely the start of free agency, the release of next season's schedule and a dispersal draft to award players from the defunct New Orleans Voodoo.

The AFL has not selected a permanent replacement for longtime commissioner David Baker, who abruptly resigned from the 22-year-old league two days before the ArenaBowl in July.

"These are trying economic times," rocker Jon Bon Jovi, co-owner of the ArenaBowl champion Philadelphia Soul, said in a statement. "The revamping will ensure that the AFL continues to provide value to its fans and not only survives but thrives in the years to come."

Jim Renacci, the Columbus Destroyers' co-owner and vice chairman of the AFL executive committee, will lead the restructuring process.

Since November 2007, the AFL's board of directors has been looking into various ways to bolster the league's finances.

"Although it is disappointing to suspend the 2009 season, the Arena Football League and its owners feel it is essential to reevaluate the current business model to ensure the livelihood of the AFL in the future," Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, co-owner of the Colorado Crush, said in a statement.

ESPN has a minor, nonmanagement financial interest in the AFL.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Arena Football?

In my Google Alerts I found articles stating that Arena Football has canceled the 2009 season. The Goddess posted an article on her blog this morning too. So, being curious about all the rumors that have been flying around, I went right to the Arena Football website (Arena Football) to find out what was what. This is what I found...


Board of Directors does not suspend 2009 season

Courtesy: Arena Football League Release: 12/10/2008


NEW YORK – Despite rumors and reports to the contrary, the Arena Football League Board of Directors has not suspended the 2009 season at this time. The Board met via conference call this evening.

The Board will continue to meet regularly to examine any and all long-term structural improvement options for the AFL.


I think I'll wait and see what comes this week before I decide to be disappointed.

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Palm Beach's newest Charitable Foundation...

Friday, December 12, 2008

Tico Torres Children Foundation...

We have a very exciting announcement! The newest Palm Beach County charity, The Tico Torres Children Foundation. Tico's 501 c 3 has been approved and is ready to kick off the Tico Torres Classic 2009!, Sunday, April 5th and Monday, April 6th. The Be A Star Foundation will be the benefactor of the tournament.

You can check out the rest of the article and, if any of you out there are golfers, get the information for the Tico Torres 2009 Classic here .

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According to Billboard Boxscore...

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Bon Jovi had the highest grossing tour in 2008! (We knew that already though, didn't we?)

Here's the link to the full article...

Billboard

Whooo hoooo, way to go guys! :)

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So, I got this E-mail...

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

and I just had to share it. ;)

YOU CAN'T STEAL MY CHRISTMAS



I don't know who "they" are
Saying I can't greet the crowd
The way that I want to
Can't say CHRISTMAS out loud.



I walk into a business place
See things that I rather not see,
But dare I not say CHRISTMAS
And ask for a 'holiday' tree.



What happened to freedom of speech and living in the land of the free?
How can "they" take my CHRISTMAS money
But can't say MERRY CHRISTMAS to me.



Men and women have given their lives
So we could still go free
I wonder how they would feel at saying 'HOLIDAY' TREE.



Come on AMERICA let's wake up
Don't let our freedom escape
If "they" get by with doing this
What else will they take.

This is starting to get out of hand,
And I've begun to keep track
Well I've just about had enough
I'M TAKING CHRISTMAS BACK.



So MERRY CHRISTMAS AMERICA
I hope this gets all over the net
If we all stand united and take freedom back
'Twill be our best CHRISTMAS YET!




MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

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Deck the Halls

Monday, December 8, 2008

Well, we did it. The tree is up, the lights are on and we are slowly adorning said tree with the ornaments and tinsel. Hey, when you both work full time and have a son that keeps you hopping several nights a week, you do the best you can. At least the tree is up and we got the lights on it without killing each other. Be thankful. :)

We (the hub and I) had a minor disagreement as to whether it was Angel's turn for the top or Star's. Guess who won? Yup, Angel is sitting prettily atop our tree this year. Next year I suppose I'll have to let him have his star. It's only fair, right? We'll see.

So, the shopping is almost done, the wrapping awaits and the cookies need to be baked. So much to do, so little time to do it. At least the shopping is almost done and, speaking of shopping, if you shop online (yours truly has been there and done that more than once) I found these two sites that have couponcodes for discounts to a multitude of online retailers.

Coupon Cabin

and

Retail Me Not

Check them out. Hey, a few dollars saved now is a few dollars more toward that beach vacation in the dead of winter!

Happy Holidays!!!

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Out and About...

Friday, December 5, 2008

Apparently Jon and Dot were caught heading to lunch yesterday... here's the link for a slideshow of photos.

Jon and Dot

They look a little cold if you ask me. :)

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Rock in Rio 2008

So, in my Google Alerts this morning I find this link Rock in Rio

At the bottom of the track list is the link to download this show.

Merry Christmas to me!

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Hope Concert IV

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Even with Live Earth cancelled, our Jon still finds a way to help out a good cause...

Bon Jovi, Southside among cast for Hope Concert IV
by Jay Lustig/The Star-Ledger
Tuesday December 02, 2008, 7:17 AM

SAED HINDASH/THE STAR-LEDGER

Jon Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny will be among the performers at the Hope Concert IV, the latest in a series of benefits at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Other performers will include Gary U.S. Bonds, Bobby Bandiera and his Jersey Shore Rock-N-Soul Revue, Nicole Atkins, Brian Fallon (of the Gaslight Anthem), and Tim McLoone and the Shirleys. The show takes place at 8 p.m. Dec. 22, and tickets, priced at $100-$500, go on sale Dec. 3 at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds will go to the Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank.

Tickets will be available only by phone, at (973) 842-9000, and through the theater's box office, at 99 Monmouth St. There will be no Internet sales.Previous Hope Concerts, with different beneficiaries, took place in 2003, 2006 and 2007. Bruce Springsteen appeared at the first two, and Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny, Bonds and Bandiera have performed at all three. Springsteen's participation is possible, even though he's not on the official list of performers (he often isn't at benefits like these, but shows up anyway).

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Christmas Shopping...

I discovered last night that Monday night is a good time to shop. I was not one of the millions that fought her way into the stores at a ridiculous hour of the morning on Black Friday. Nor did I attempt any shopping over the weekend. I went out last night. It was fantastic. I didn't wait in any lines, I found good parking spots, I even found just about everything I was looking for. I'm going to have to remember this for next year.

Can I just tell you that I LOVE Target. I got about half my shopping done last night because they had everything. Between there and J.C. Penney, I made a huge dent in my list. Whoo hooo!

Now my other problem is hiding and wrapping. It's a good thing my 11 year old doesn't like the basement. Tho, keeping the big kid (the hub) from snooping, that's another story. My trunk has become the hiding place of choice for a while now. My car is parked in the garage here at work or in the driveway at home and when I'm home, he's home so he can't snoop. I swear my hub will never grow up.

Thank goodness. :)

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December 1...

Monday, December 1, 2008

It has begun. My 11 year-old started his countdown to Christmas. We have the advent calendar at the ready and when he gets home from school today he will pop out the chocolate and that will be that. Our outside lights went up this past Friday and our tree will go up this week. It seems as if we just packed all that stuff away and here we are, dragging it all out again. Where does the time go?

I have a few gifts bought, but I was not one of the many thousands who were in line at o-dark-early on Friday morning after Thanksgiving try to get a I-just-have-to-have-that item. I didn't feel the need to drag my turkey-stuffed self anywhere on Friday. So, I'm going out tonight after work. Do you suppose there is anything left in the stores now?

There are Christmas Cards to write, cookies to bake, packages to wrap. It seems as though the to-do list gets so much longer this time of year. I wish there were more hours in the day, but I manage to get everything done. Usually. A missing tag on a package, a card that didn't get in the mail soon enough, a missing cookie recipe. Eh, no big deal. I'm not perfect. I try my best to get everything done and if something slips through the cracks, the world won't come crashing to an end. At least it hasn't yet.

So, I'm starting today. I have a blank sheet of paper and a fresh pen. I'm making my to-do list for the month. I think I may need a second sheet of paper.

I hope my pen doesn't run out of ink.

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Biker Bash for Charity...

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Ft. Lauderdale Harley-Davidson Biker's Bash for Charity
American Rider


HOLLYWOOD, FL (Nov. 2008) – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Bruce Rossmeyer’s Fort Lauderdale Harley-Davidson are bringing four non-stop days of police escorted rides, entertainment and fun to South Florida with the 10th Annual 2008 “Bikers Bash” – a weekend of motorcycling fun in the sun from December 11th – 14th. Attending the Friday night Bikers Bash – the premiere VIP motorcycle event of the year – will be Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora, legendary singer/songwriter Richie Supa, Supermodel Niki Taylor, country star Big Kenny of Big & Rich, NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, country music singer/songwriter Brett James, singer/songwriter Shelly Fairchild and acclaimed songwriter and producer Stephony Smith. This will also be the final stop of the 2008 Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour, a national touring attraction that recognizes custom motorcycle builders from around the country. The schedule of events for the 2008 Bikers Bash is as follows:

Thursday, December 11th (4:00PM – 7:00PM)

Kick-off Celebration at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Sunrise Harley-Davidson

All sponsors and weekend guests will have an opportunity to pick up their weekend credentials and Bikers Bash gift bag before the “rush.”

Thursday, December 11th (7:00PM – 9:00PM)

After Glow Party

Head over to East City Grill in Weston for an After Glow celebration hosted by Rebecca & Jamie McDonnell IV

Friday, December 12th (9:00AM – 3:00PM)

Police-escorted ride from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Registration will begin at 8:00AM at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The weekend will then officially kick-off with a police-escorted ride along-side the beaches of beautiful A1A to the Quarterdeck Restaurant in Boynton Beach for great food, great company and lots of fun. POLICE ESCORT LEAVES PROMPTLY AT 9:15AM. MUST RIDE WITH ESCORT FOR GUARANTEED VIP PARKING.

Friday, December 12th (6:00PM – 11:00pm)

Bikers Bash

Continuing this amazing weekend will be the Bikers Bash Premiere VIP motorcycle event of South Florida. The evening includes a seated dinner and live entertainment along with a live and silent auction to benefit the children of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Guests also have the opportunity to win a 2009 Sportster 1200 Nightster. Raffle tickets will be $20 each or 6 for $100. The night doesn’t end here. Guests can enjoy complimentary and cocktails in the VIP section at Pangea of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for the official After Party.

Saturday, December 13th (10:00AM – 3:00pm)

Police-escorted ride from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Registration continues at 10:00AM followed by the ride at 11:00AM. The beginning of the ride will include a police escort to Jim & Jan Moran Boys & Girls Clubs for a visit where there will be photo opportunities with some of the members. In addition, there will be sign-ups for the BAGC’s Adopt a Child program. The ride will conclude at The Cove Restaurant for lunch, refreshments and entertainment.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14TH (7:30AM)

Toys in the Sun Run

VIPS riders can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast at Aero Toy Store and then line up for a police escorted ride to the Pompano Race Track where thousands of riders are gathered for the parade. The SFPC’s 21st Annual Christmas Toys in the Sun Run, Presented by The Seminole Tribe and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino parade will be shortly thereafter with Bikers Bash VIP’s helping to lead the world’s largest motorcycle parade along Interstate I-95 to I-595 to Markham Park, where the festivities of the day will take place. A VIP catered tent will provide the home base for Bikers Bash participants to enjoy food, VIP parking, live music, vendors, and a bike show, along with several other festivities for all ages. THE RIDE WILL BEGIN AT 8:30AM SHARP. THERE WILL BE NO AVAILABLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR LATE-COMMERS TO CATCH UP FOR THE PARADE AND NO AUTOMOBILES ARE ALLOWED. Riders are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or board game to the parade; toys will be donated to local children. No stuffed toys, please.

“This is going to be a phenomenal weekend for all motorcycle enthusiasts and Boys & Girls Clubs supporters,” said Bruce Rossmeyer, CEO of 15 Harley-Davidson locations including the World’s Largest Harley-Davidson Dealership. “The events lined up for the Bikers Bash are shaping up to be the best we’ve ever had – from fun rides to great entertainment, this weekend has something for all participants to enjoy.”

The cost to participate in Bikers Bash weekend is $400 per rider for the weekend; $300 per passenger for the weekend; and $250 per person for Friday Night’s Bikers Bash only. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information visit the web at www.BikersBash.org or call Kerry Becker at (954) 537-1010.

Bruce Rossmeyer currently owns 15 Harley-Davidson® locations, including the famed Ft. Lauderdale and Daytona Beach locations and the new Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Harley–Davidson located in Ormond Beach at Destination Daytona, the World’s Largest Harley-Davidson dealership. In January 2007, the new Graceland® Harley-Davidson location opened in Memphis, TN on the property of Graceland and in 2006 Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson opened in Horn Lake, MS. At the Harley-Davidson® dealerships owned by Bruce Rossmeyer, the dealers are the lifelines to the customers. Employees at the stores provide clients with the knowledge, service and information necessary to get riders on the road. Bruce Rossmeyer, the World’s Largest Harley-Davidson dealer is located at 1637 North U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL, 32174. For more information, please call (386) 671-7100 or visit www.BruceRossmeyer.com


Whew... Richie on a Harley... please, if anyone gets pics of this, I'd be forever grateful if you'd share... Queenie

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A Time to Give Thanks...

Monday, November 24, 2008

I had the best experience over the weekend. Saturday morning I was fortunate enough to be able to deliver Thanksgiving baskets (dinner for Thanksgiving Day plus a multitude of other items). It was an eye-opening experience and one that made my heart smile when I was finished.

As most of my friends know, my husband lost his job earlier this year. He has since found other employment, but for a while there we weren't sure what we were going to do. Sad to say, I found on Saturday that there are many others worse off than I.

The smiles, hugs and heartfelt thanks we got from delivering to someone a dinner they wouldn't otherwise have had, that just makes everything else seem so unimportant.

I, for one, will be giving thanks on Thursday for all that I have been blessed with in my life, my husband, my son, my family, my friends (on-line and in RL). We will be gathering at my sister's this year. It will be the first time in five years that we will all be together for the holiday. It will be a loud boisterous food and fun-filled day, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

As for you and yours, I hope your holiday is as blessed as mine is shaping up to be. And that you don't OD on turkey and have a hangover the next day.

~Queenie

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Out and About ...

Friday, November 21, 2008

Apparently our favorite front man and his wife were at the Museum of Natural History last night...

Jon and Dot

Damn, no pocket square this time. :(

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Rock the Holidays...

Thursday, November 20, 2008



ROCK IN THE NEW YEAR WITH BON JOVI
Bon Jovi wants to make your Holiday season ROCK & here’s how...

25TH ANNIVERSARY BON JOVI ALBUM COVERSHOT GLASS COLLECTORS SET

Hey all you shot glass collectors!!(or you fans that simply like to have a good time) Here is your chance to own all 12 album cover shot glasses in this commemorative 25th Anniversary shot glass collectors set. LIMITED QUANTITY — GET YOURS TODAY

AUTOGRAPHED ESP RICHIE SAMBORA MODEL GUITAR
Check out this ESP Richie Sambora Model guitar personally signed by all four members. This is available for the first time ever to Bon Jovi’s most valued fans.We know these won’t last long since we only issued a very limited quantity. (Click the link at the bottom of this post to see pic)

VERY LIMITED QUANTITY


25TH ANNIVERSARY SLIPPERY WHEN WET PENDANT
One of our most popular items of 2007 is now available in 2008. This is the 2nd exclusive offer of these SWW Gold Pendants. THESE SELL QUICK SO DON’T DELAY


25TH ANNIVERSARY LEATHER JACKET


Keep warm this winter with this classic Bon Jovi 25th Anniversary Leather Jacket. LIMITED QUANTITY



25TH ANNIVERSARY BON JOVI ORNAMENT

Rock out your tree Bon Jovi style with this 25th Anniversary Silver Ornament.

For more details, click here.
Hmmmm, Queenie may have to go do a little shopping for herself!

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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Touring Conference & Awards: Who Says You Can't Go Home
Jon Bon Jovi And The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation Honored With Humanitarian Award

RAY WADDELL

At the Billboard Touring Conference and Awards, Billboard's Humanitarian Award recognizes the philanthropic efforts of a touring professional. Few charitable endeavors could be deemed more "humanitarian" than providing an affordable home for a family in need, which is why Jon Bon Jovi and the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation have been chosen as the 2008 Humanitarian Award honorees at this year's conference, taking place Nov. 19-20 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York.

Bon Jovi's mission to provide affordable housing to those in need began even before he and the ownership group of the Arena Football League's Philadelphia Soul decided to establish the nonprofit Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation in October 2006. The effort is ongoing; just last month, 51 units of housing, developed in partnership with HelpUSA, were announced for Newark, N.J. This project will bring the number of affordable housing units that Bon Jovi and the foundation have been involved with since 2005 to 140.

"Jon's leadership and vision has been amazing, and he truly has leveraged his celebrity status to the benefit of many homeless and low-income individuals finding themselves in an economic crisis involving housing," foundation director Mimi Box says. "Although our mission is broad-helping people in economic distress-our funding priorities have been directed toward those experiencing a lack of affordable housing for themselves and their families. We have met an incredibly large number of folks who just need a little help to stabilize their living situation."

Using an oft-heard but heartfelt phrase in philanthropy, Box quotes Bon Jovi as saying the foundation's goal is to offer "a hand up, not a handout."

Bon Jovi's passion for the foundation is "enormous," according to Jack Rovner, the band's co-manager at Vector Management, and his approach is creative. "Jon's model of combining corporate, private and government monies has yielded over 100 homes in the last three years," Rovner says. "Being part of that has been enormously gratifying, and to find new ways and new projects to initiate it is absolutely a great feeling."

Asked why this particular cause resonates with him, Bon Jovi says, "When you look at the number of families and children that on any given night in our country do not have a place to call home, it strikes a chord-no pun intended-with me. Homelessness hits more people than you can imagine: 3.5 million people, 1.35 million of them children, are likely to experience homelessness in a given year."

Homelessness "is an issue we can address without the help of science," Bon Jovi adds. "One of the causes of homelessness is lack of safe, decent and affordable housing-[which] is a crisis we can tackle, but it will take money, patience and perseverance. So, I've found the challenge which has spoken to me, and I'm trying to make a difference in the lives of these people who want to help themselves but just need a little help."

Bon Jovi says he is "extremely pleased" with the foundation's growth. "And in efforts like this, no one can do it alone," he adds. "Support from all sectors in the communities in which we have built has enabled us to accomplish so much in the first two years of our foundation's existence. Without support from the private sector as well as the many individuals throughout the country that support our mission, we would not have been able to work with our nonprofit partners [Project H.O.M.E., Habitat for Humanity, HelpUSA and others] in providing over 140 units of affordable housing. It has also afforded us the opportunity to be a voice for the low-income and formerly homeless populations who, in some cases for the first time, are achieving the American dream of home ownership for their families. There is a great need in our country for affordable housing, especially in today's economic environment."

Companies including Saturn, ICAP, Kenneth Cole, Coty, Comcast, Condé Nast and SAP have been big believers in the foundation's mission and have supported it financially and with volunteer labor, Box says.

Bon Jovi's star power and dedication to the cause have also "exponentially increased" local support and facilitated involvement with such partners as Project H.O.M.E., HelpUSA and Habitat for Humanity.

Bon Jovi has seen plenty of packed houses in his career, including 99 of them on the band's 2007-08 Lost Highway tour, a finalist for the top tour and top draw awards this year. But it seems a different kind of full house can be highly rewarding as well.

"I've seen what a miraculous thing it is to hand someone the keys to a new home," Bon Jovi says, "not only a beautiful home that they can be proud to own, but a home that they have invested their own time, sweat and resources in."

Longtime band manager and tour director Paul Korzilius knows firsthand Bon Jovi's dedication to this cause. "Throughout my long association with Jon I've always been amazed and impressed by his commitment to the community," he says. "This foundation has allowed it to be a bit more formalized, but this is not a newfound passion, it is lifelong passion. I've seen it every day for over 20 years."

Previous Humanitarian Award winners include Clear Channel Entertainment for Hurricane Relief (2004), Dave Matthews Band's Bama Rags foundation (2005), Music Rising (2006) and Kevin Wall/Live Earth (2007). -Ray Waddell


And he wonders why we love him? When I hear about things like this, it makes my heart smile.

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Christmas Shopping?

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Apparently Mr. Jon likes to shop! He's a guy, how did that happen? Never to early to start the ole' holiday shopping I suppose.

Home from the Store


Hmmmm, wonder what he got for me? :)

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Safe at Home Foundation

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Last Friday, November 7, Jon performed at Joe Torre's Safe at Home Foundation fundraising gala.

Hip Celebrity

Does the man ever rest? :)

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I am and always have been a Bon Jovi fan. This blog is just my obsession taken a step further, my imagination in high gear if you will. I love to read and decided to see what would happen when I took that love of the written word and ramped it up a bit.

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