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Jan 6 1973
Ave. of the Americas has released
a new single by Abraham's Children entitled "Gypsy." |
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Italian
Walk Of Fame |
 Jimi
signs the celeb wall. Listen to the
interview with Gord James on CHUM radio. Chum prepares to celebrate
fifty years of putting music in the airwaves. Check out the promo
ads for the Hollywood sold out concert. |
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 Songs are very much
like postcards. You attempt to say a lot within a small space.
Order your copy now. store |
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 BNOrecordingUSA our own label since 1996. Because
we wanted to keep our integrity.(order now) |
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I'm
not the best at remembering to take photos from set but here
is one from yesterday, day 9 - wrapping principal photography
for ?#?TheCostOfColor?. Thank you to @midtownjerkyco and @leaveyourmarksac
for the support. Thanks to all the cast and crew for the long
hours and hard work, your effort facilitates quality filmmaking. |
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Joe Mantegna |
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Hollywood - Joe Mantegna receives star on the Italian Walk Of Fame. - There
is no lack of imagination that continuously flows from the writers
of the TV hit crime drama Criminal Minds, a show now in its ninth
season that has hooked millions of fans around the world turning
them into addicts of the sleuth macabre. Joe Mantegna plays David
Rossi, a character who is comfortable with himself and who at
times displays an overdose of intellect, or at least that is
what we are let to believe.
I was 35 minutes early for my meeting with Joe. Actually, I wanted
to arrive early and so that I could indulge a Chicago hot dog
beforehand. Listen up, LA has its tacos but Chicago is all about
its dogs. "Taste Chicago" is a trendy little hangout
in a hip area of Burbank that allows even the Hollywood mega
stars to get down on some homemade Italian scoff. Yes, it is
owned by none other than Joe and his lovely wife Arlene. As I
made my way to his office, a small quaint bungalow not far from
the restaurant, I checked to make sure I didn't have any mustard
on my shirt. I was greeted by Dan, Joe's assistant. We conversed
while...(read more) |
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Gino Vannelli |
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Portland, Oregon - THE
MUSIC AND THE MAN... Over the years I’ve had the opportunity
to meet some incredible and influential musicians who have inspired
me.
I telephoned Gino at his home in Oregon and recognized his voice
immediately when he answered the phone. This was my first call
to him. “Gino, it’s Jimi. How are things?” We
exchanged greetings and started the interview by chatting about
Canada , our homeland, and an industry that now favors the young
and vampirish crowd, downloads, iTunes, apps etc. Fast forward
one week later…“Ciao Gino. This is Jimi. I have a problem.”
When I returned to LA and checked my recorder I noticed the cassette
tape had split,” I told him. “You still using tape?”
chuckled Gino. We rescheduled the interview time for another
day to try and recapture the enthusiasm of our original conversation.
I was familiar with his bio and tried hard not to carbon copy
the events of his career that appear in triplets all over the
internet. His music style in the early years reflected a genre
that was mature and at times intimidating, albeit in a good way,
to the listening ear. His vocals were large and sensual, touching
the core of human emotions in a very believable way. Born in
Montreal to a musical family it was clear at a young age that
music would be Vannelli’s creative path.
Like so many artists that get their fifteen minutes, Gino’s
time has been extended by years and not simply by moments frozen
in time. Now, as a mature adult with a family, his road to success...(read more) |
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NEWS Calgary Alberta -
Abraham's Children get busted with drugs in hotel room. It appears
that three RCMP's raided the bands room and found two rolled
joints of marijuna on the window sill. The band members denied
having anything to do with the dope and said it was probably
planted. |
 Robert Davi - Crushing Grapes - The 10 Freeway into Los Angeles has to be the
baddess freeway in the world. It was constructed by Satan. An
asphalt and concrete road of toxic hell that challenges the Angelino
raged raccoons and their metal monsters. Ok, I'm exaggerating
a bit. Usually my drive into town helps me prepare for the direction
of the conversation and to fine-tune the questions that continuously
dance in my clouded head. I say this because I have yet to ask
someone I have interviewed any questions that were actually prepared
well ahead of time. I was forty minutes late. I imagine this
would have been enough of an excuse for anyone waiting at the
other end to get up and bid the interview, and me, "hasta
la vista". Not so with Robert Davi, the "bad boy"
of Hollywood. I first met Mr. Davi in Toronto in 2008 at the
release of "The Dukes", a film in which he not only
starred, but also co-wrote and directed. I found him to be very
personable and extremely humble. Today I was meeting Robert in
Beverly Hills at Café Chez Marie, a charming little restaurant
in a circa 1935 French Normandy Cottage along the world famous
Route 66. I apologized profusely for my tardiness and proceeded
to set up my equipment on the small outdoor table where we were
sitting. I wasted no time. "You know what I want Robert,
stuff that's not on the internet." I switched on my 39.99
RadioShack Vox recorder and began our session as I nibbled on
a Ceasar salad topped with grilled shrimp accompanied by a bottle
of Perrier water. Every so often someone would walk by and give
us the nod, legitimizing... read more |
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iTunes - Postcards
and Musica If you haven't heard the music it's new to you.
Download
it now. It's a ll good. |
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Bomb! Burning Fantasy- Actor
Nick Mancuso stars in a film about the poetry of the Beat generation
poet Gregory Corso. He was one of the most important poets in
the late twentieth century. |
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2016 IWOF
2016 IWOF
2016 IWOF
2016IWOF
2016 IWOF
2016 IWOF
2016 IWOF
2016 IWOF |
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GET TICKETS
EARLY |
CIAO |
www.tunecore.com/music/jimibertucci |
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The star of Criminal Minds Joe
Mantegna and Jimi caught up in Rancho Mirage, California, at
the 2012 Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational.
Barbara and Frank Sinatra founded the Foundation in 1988 to raise
funds for the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center at Eisenhower
which opened in 1986. photo by John Rowlands
(read more) |
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La Petite Italie a
maintenant sa promenade des célébritésToronto |
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Par Vincent Muller - Semaine du
15 septembre au 21 septembre 2009 |
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Nous ne sommes pas à Hollywood
mais bien sur la rue College à Toronto qui, depuis lundi
7 septembre, possède sa promenade des célébrités,
composée pour l'instant de six étoiles. Dans ce
quartier de la ville il ne pouvait s'agir que de célébrités
italiennes! Situées devant la radio CHIN, les étoiles
honorent des personnalités d'origine italienne. Les organisateurs,
Jimi Bertucci et Marisa Beaco Lang ...(more) |
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Little Tony - Bigger
Than Life
(1941-2013)
The
70's was a decade filled with purple haze and strawberry fields
forever, accompanied by the raw sounds of the Grateful Dead and
a free love movement that changed the scope of reality in a self-righteous
society. Music was beginning to influence the daily activities
of individuals who believed in real freedom of speech and a conscious
social awareness. Four talented musicians would rise from the
ashes of conformity and explode onto the scene like clashing
rapids of power.
Abraham's Children were gifted young musicians who followed their
instincts and composed a string of hits that still echo today.
They were the first Canadian pop band to have one of their songs,
"Goodbye Farewell", on both the ethnic and English
radio stations at the same time. The song had been translated
into Italian and the band would find their hit quickly running
up the charts in Europe, Canada... (read more) |
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 Always
Fresh - The
orange skies and balmy evening brought a melancholy rush to my
body as I strolled down Santa Monica Boulevard towards the water.
I noticed a long line of enthused patrons holding Starbuck coffee
cups and chatting while waiting to get into the theater. My eyes
happened to turn upwards to the marquee that read "Il Postino".
Of course being a transplanted Italian to the city of Los Angeles,
I was intrigued by the large crowd waiting to see this artsy
film. I continued towards the sound of the dark ocean which was
relatively quiet in its stillness. The sand was warm between
my toes and the occasional breeze that blushed over my face reminded
me why I was here. I can't remember the last time I went to see
a movie and, even then, I likely had to be persuaded to go. I
made my way back to the theater just as they were letting everyone
in. The worn purple velvet seats of the old deco theater had
definitely seen their share of films. Most likely I was one of
the few viewers who could actually understand the film . From
the outset one is captivated by the beautiful Italian island
and vibrant scenery. I have always had a thing for attractive
Italian women in the cinema. They seem to jump right off the
screen only to plant themselves in your head. Beatrice Russo
played by the stunning Maria Grazia Cucinotta in "Il Postino"
is a breath of fresh air. She puts the "quirky" in
this unforgettable romantic story and leaves us wanting more.
I was hypnotized by her beauty and her playful demeanor. This
Sicilian bombshell made me a fan instantly. In her role as the
sexy assassin in The World is not Enough, she convinced me that
this hot mama is a serious actor. Her skills are without limits,
whether it's a short role on the Sopranos or an intense workout
in "The Rite", she can rock with the best of them.
Maria's radiancy reminds us of those early screen divas like
Gina Lollobrigida, only a dash more daring. JB |
|
 Sentimental Nostalgia - I entered the Greenpark temple and
was escorted to a large office filled with drafting designs,
scattered papers...and more drawings. In the corner of the room
sat a detailed sculpture of Father Pio who was venerated as a
saint in the Catholic Church. The off-white walls were not cluttered
with exotic art or collectable artifacts. Perhaps I had expected
to see awards and statues of praise and accolades for this construction
icon. But none were present.
Mr. Baldassarra sat across from me. This man was clearly at peace
with himself. I could see on his face the years of love and labor
for his trade. My first question was the torpedo, or at least
I thought it was. I asked Mr. Baldassarra if he was a religious
man. He paused for a second to collect his thoughts and, in a
gentle manner, responded, "Yes…I believe that my faith
has brought me to where I am today. One must have some form of
spirituality in his heart to help him succeed." I continued
by asking him what kind of music he had been exposed to when
he was a teen. "This is a more difficult question…Claudio
Villa. Yes, I enjoyed him immensely...and Domenico Modugno. His
conversations, to my pleasant surprise, were not limited to his
respective field.
As he leaned back in his chair I noticed his eyes mist up. "I'll
tell you a short story. When I was 19 I was hired by this man
named Ottavio. He nicknamed me 'Junior'. I was never sure why.
In less than a year I was in charge of a crew of 30 workers,
most of them from northern Italy. I was the only one from the
central part of Italy". I felt drawn in emotionally as he
continued to tell the story of a lost friend who gave him the
opportunity to develop into a respectable individual. His eyes
spoke volumes, displaying his innermost feelings. Sentimental
nostalgia rolled over my body as this generous, casually-dressed,
philanthropist wiped the heat of the day off his brow. How does
an empire of this magnitude sustain itself without being compromised
or threatened by an unstable economy? When asked this very question
he crossed his arms and, shaking his head, explained how a recession,
or high interest rates, all play a huge part in the housing market
and every other facet involved in its final product. He went
on to say that one anticipates the market and hopefully makes
positive choices. "Like the choice you made when you met
Angela on St. Clair Avenue, before she became your wife?"
I asked. The brave young Italian approached Angela's father for
her hand in marriage and was (drum roll)…turned down. Such
a blow did not deter this persistent young caballero. In 1963
the two were married. He often gives Angela much of the credit
for Greenpark's success in particular. Her constant encouragement
and wise perspective on business convinced the 'shoes of steel'
that this partnership venture was an opportunity to reach another
level in their business. The man before me displayed a full range
of emotions which left me wondering if his personal journey up
the concrete beanstalk had, in any way, ossified the ebb and
flow of an individual determined to succeed no matter what. There
was no evidence to suggest that the challenges encountered along
"la strada" had hardened Carlo. Mr. Baldassarra has
it all. He's a family man who tailors his moral fabric with a
simple philosophy - work hard and love what you're doing. JB. |
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 The Italian Walk of Fame on College Street By Concita Minutola - Originally
Published: 2009-09-13 "From now on, I'll have another reason
to take a walk along College Street," says a fan waiting
to get a glimpse of Giancarlo Giannini on the red carpet at the
inauguration of the Italian Walk of Fame in front of the CHIN
building in Little Italy on Monday, Sept. 7.
Along with the Giannini star are those dedicated to hockey legend
Phil Esposito, singer Connie Francis, OPP Commissioner Julian
Fantino, entrepreneur Rudy Bratty, and a star in commemoration
of Johnny Lombardi.
On a sunshine-filled day, Giannini shook hands with fans and
complimented the Italian community "for its enthusiasm and
vitality," acknowledging in Italian-Canadians the same joie-de-vivre
he possesses. Kneeling before photographers, Giannini kissed
the Toronto sidewalk that will commemorate his international
artistic career.
Among the first in line to see the stars - camera in hand, history
album tucked under his arm, and pen and paper in hand ready for
autographs - was Harold Vigoda. He was there especially to see
Connie Francis, who did not hold back complimenting the city.
"I adore all the Little Italys in the world," she said
with a dazzling smile.
"My father would be very proud today," said Lenny Lombardi,
who also thanked his mother Lina who was present among the participants.
Esposito, Bratty, and Fantino were welcomed by applause as they
uncovered their sidewalk stars to the flashing of cameras. "With
this initiative on College Street," said co-founder of The
Walk of Fame (TWOF) Marisa Beaco Lang during the inauguration
ceremonies, "we also hope to commemorate the exceptional
achievements of Italians in the world of future generations,
and to give them a source of inspiration." Emphasizing the
history of Little Italy on College Street and the efforts of
many Italians to achieve excellence were Walk of Fame co-founder
Jimi Bertucci, co-chairs Dominic Campione and Sam Ciccolini,
MP Joe Volpe, and MPP Mario Sergio. Also present, among others,
in welcoming the six stars were Italian Consul General Gianni
Bardini, Senator Con Di Nino, and MPP Laura Albanese. The ceremony
ended with a gala, with a portion of the proceeds going to Abruzzo
earthquake. Tandem Newspaper |
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 TORONTO - Film and Television
star Nick Mancuso known for his hit tv series Stingray and pop
rocker Jimi Bertucci enjoying a cappucino at the landmark cafe
Ill Diplomatico in Toronto's Little Italy. Jimi and Nick have
been friends for some time. Both were born in Calabria, Italy
and arrived in Canada around the same time. They recently hooked
up in Los Angeles to discuss their upcoming project that will
see their native land as a cultural film center. When we spoke
to them in Beverly Hills, they told us that plans were in the
works to turn Serra San Bruno, Jimi's birthplace, into a center
where Europe and all countries could meet and present their works
in a film festival setting. Actors, directors and producers such
as Frank Mancuso, Francis Ford Coppolla, Martin Scorsese, Robert
DeNiro, Al Pacino, Ben Gazzara, John Travolta and other Italian
decendants will guest the events with hopes that their insight
to the industry will deliver a postive message and encourage
young actors, filmmakers and directors to explore a wide spectrum
to making and marketing movies. n |
 BLACK ON BLACK: The legendary Johnny
Cash was much more than a mere country crooner. He was as innovative
as such artists like The Beatles, Elvis, Sinatra and others that
helped pave the way to a musical spectrum of change. For over
50 years he entertained us with his black persona, but underneath
that dark fashion was a gentle and caring man. His music represents
the simple individual coping with life's everyday struggles to
maintain a sane existence. Despite his compassion for the ordinary
man, he will always remain elevated, at least in the sense of
musical history Receiving 11 Grammys and writing 48 single records
to reach the American Top100, he created a perfect blend of country,
folk and pop styles. Each of his five children have performed
on stage with him at one point or another during the 38 years
he spent touring the globe. His talents as an entertainer go
beyond music; he collaborated on several films over the course
of his life, as well. His voracious spirit and strong influence
will not go unfelt after his passing from this world n |
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THE KILLING
ROAD (continued from
u-tubio)
...boys were jamming on stage.During one of our rock-steady nights,
this elderly man with a voluptuous woman wearing an extravagantly
large, maroon, velvet hat was silently watching us play. He approached
us after our first set and proceeded to hand me a business card.
"Call me tomorrow, I've got big plans for you guys,"
he said nonchalantly, before leaving the club. He was right,
he did have big plans for us...As our marketing team was busy
designing and distributing memorabilia to the masses,  the band was racking
up sky miles and every other day we would arrive in a different
destination. The fan base was getting bigger and demand for the
band was beginning to take its toll. We would sometimes do as
many as 55 cities in 60 days; this would include meet-and-greet
sessions, radio interviews, in-store appearances and how can
we forget those special gatherings that promoters put together
for after the shows. These theatrical events would consist of
that old cliché, S, D & RnR, and if you've heard anything
about this traveling carnal zoo, 99% of the dirt is probably
true. For many years I lived the life of a rock star, within
my own outrageous bounds. My sweet clairvoyant Mama would save
every postcard I sent and review or newspaper clipping about
the band, as she mailed off our popular 45-records to her relatives
in Southern Italy. By this point I was in need of a passport,
more countries, more concerts, more everything. The overindulgence
became monotonous and practically routine. I was a sequined soldier,
defending my public persona by means of gratifying my supporters.
At times it seemed that even the simplest form of stability was
a luxury. The revenue I was collecting afforded me the ability
to drive a great car, to have a recording studio built into the
mansion on the hill, and all the material goods one could drink,
but no sooner than I would sit down to enjoy a quiet brunch on
my patio overlooking the shore, I would receive a phone call
notifying me of the next scheduled tour. No time to soak up the
sunlight or read a good book, I had to hit the road again. It felt good knowing that our faithful
followers found some satisfaction in our egocentric endeavors.
Everything imaginable was available to us, meaning the abundance
of candy and promiscuity was part of our daily menu. Our intrigue
was not limited only to musical fans. Our collective group of
admirers ranged from gay politicians to bored rich brats looking
for kicks with rock bands. The subtle, unrecognizable torment
we sometimes faced was stored deep underneath the layers of laughter
and eye-piercing facades. We wanted the fame, we demanded the
attention, only to find ourselves weighed down by a burden of
responsibility. Luckily, time has a way of slowing down the fast-paced
highway of popularity; a good thing if you're caught up in the
redundant ruckus. In the end, we can reflect as mature connoisseurs
of our self-appointed space and smile, knowing we slayed many
dragons along the killing road. From Ciao Magazine n |
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 SCOTT CARPENTER - ICON DJ I took a drive up Yonge Street while visiting
Toronto last summer, only to notice that the monster CHUM sign
was absent. Staring at the remains, I took in a deep breath of
nostalgic air. What had once been the radio king of a bubblegum
nation was now just another brick and glass building blending
in with a city that had, at one time, craved music to dream by.
When I spoke to Scott Carpenter I wasn't only speaking with an
icon of radio, but also with a musician and somewhat of a modern
day entrepreneur. The spinmaster, now retired and living in Fredericksburg,
Virginia, is enjoying mocha lattes, the Carribean and his musical
family. Scott, also known as the "Boogieman" on the
most influential radio Station in Canada , has seen his share
of rock stars, one hit wonders and an ever-changing industry.
My predictable question came as no surprise to the airwave giant.
"Where is radio going I asked." He paused and in his
retired dj voice explained, "I think we're probably going
to see more consolidation. Let me put it another way. I think
we are going to see two tiers of radio. One tier will be the
consolidation stations like Clear Channel and others, and the
other tier will be the local and smaller group ownership stations.
Those will be where most of the creativity will come from."
The New Radio, as it's known, is now a reflection of old radio.
When rock n roll was discovered in the fifties it blasted onto
the scene and never looked back. "We have come full circle
in many ways," added the Boogieman.
As a touring musician I enjoyed visiting radio stations in small
towns, hanging out with their crew and experiencing that personal
touch that was part of the romance of radio. The impersonal times
we have now hurts the artist in many ways. Who really suffers
from this cyber environment?...Bands and artists who at one time
depended on airplay royalties are now required to be creative
and resort to live tours more often to make a decent living.
There is no accountability, or very little, for internet royalties
at present. This is a mission that would require a budget of
millions of dollars to track downloads, streaming, looping etc.,
a challenging task that will no doubt happen in time. Scott went
on to say that music and radio have become distant relatives.
"Some of the top air talents have gone back to the smaller
and medium markets and they tend to like it there, so I think
that's going be the breeding ground for whatever happens in the
next phase of radio. I was a musician too and I was on the road
before you were. I spent a couple of summers touring with the
Dick Clark caravan and I couldn't wait to get the hell out of
that and get back into doing smaller clubs and things of that
nature back in Flint, Michigan...that's where the creativity
was." He added with a little chuckle in his voice, "You
know Jimi, when I was a kid I used to make as much money going
out to the Detroit recording studios and only doing demos."
Over the years he has often told his two sons, who are professional
musicians in a smoking hot band called The Sandbox Kings, "
just get the music out there and forget about record companies
as they don't exist in the same fashion anymore. Build your audience,
create a following and follow up with your fans." These
ceaseless efforts to find one's vocal platform reinforce the
very essence of what live performances are all about. Our society
is a reflection of its creative domain, and the artistic messages
abound with colourful splendor. The reverse is also true, as
we reflect society and our humanness through all conduits of
artistic freedom.
Scott Carpenter is a realist. He left radio in 1999 to explore
the IT field and feels very comfortable in his new-found career.
His days at CHUM and WPGC are now memories of a glorious past
that allowed him to be a part of radio and music history. JB
watch the video http://youtu.be/DRgTftj0nNc |
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Go ahead and make a statement..
Fashion to soothe the mind. |
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Bear
State Coffee |
THE ONLY ALL-INCLUSIVE SUBSCRIPTION
Select a gear and coffee bundle from our boutique and get the
right coffee brewing gear to go along with that great coffee.
There’s no use paying so much for good coffee if you have
substandard gear. |
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Coco Chanel
I like fashion to go down to the street, but I can't accept that
it should originate there. |
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DYK that Jimi is one of the founders of the Italian
Walk Of Fame. Located in the heart of Little Italy in Toronto,
Canada. |
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TORONTO SUN Seventies-era Toronto
bubble-gum pop band Abraham's Children are reuniting tonight
for a show at the George Weston Recital Hall at the Toronto Centre
for the Arts. The performance...(more) |
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THE BLOG |
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Blogger "Wow how easy it is to
say that joy is drinking nonfactual kool-aid, when elisabeth
is clearly going off the same facts not to mention miss quoting
everything people say to get her lying point across yes she is
a pure republican. She gets upset when someone says something
positive about barack obama and start yelling over everyone including
barbara ....(order
the book)
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