Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Donny & Kym Dancing the Jive

Vegas Love - Donny & Marie

Donny & Marie's new single, Vegas Love, debuted today on this station (Radio 2) in England. Slide the cue line to approximately 1:25:00 to 1:27:00 to find the song.
Here's the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00mz53f/Chris_Evans_29_09_2009/

Don Osmond on MormonTimes.com: Life's war on a road hog

I love my motorcycle. Maybe that's why I'm still single — I already have the love of my life. It'll be hard to put it away when the snow falls. Of course, that's why I bobsled. There is always a need for speed.

I digress, but there's a reason for all this.

Have you ever watched a conversation between two passing motorcyclists on the road? Don't blink, because you could miss it. Almost in unison, the two will drop their left hands as a cordial salutation. The intended greeting can mean a myriad of things depending on the riders, but the overarching message is, "I see ya."

Read the full column on MormonTimes.com.

'Dancing with the Stars'' Donny Osmond: I Am Going to Dance Like a Teenager

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Even though Donny Osmond did well -- finishing second in combined judges' scores on last Monday's "Dancing with the Stars"' men's competition -- he says his sister Marie is keeping the sibling rivalry going!

"After it was all over, Marie turned to me, really excited about everything, and she said, 'I'm still a better dancer than you,'" Donny tells ET, who is exclusively with him at his Las Vegas rehearsal with partner Kym Johnson. He adds, "Thanks, Marie. I really appreciate that."

At 51 years old, Donny says his biggest competition is 21-year-old Aaron Carter and 30-year-old Joanna Krupa.

"Aaron has got energy for days, but I am going to dance like a teenager. I am. You watch," says Donny, who will be on the ballroom floor jive dancing tonight.

"There's so much energy in the jive and that is what we are going to bring across … just non-stop energy from beginning till end," he continues. "That is what the judges want to see. That is what I want the audience to see."

One thing that Kym and Donny won't be doing this week is theatrics, because judge Len Goodman criticized them for that aspect of their dance last week.

"We have three days to learn a new dance and this is what is going to happen, hopefully, until the finale if we are lucky enough to make it that far," Kym says. "We can't get lazy or look heavy in the legs, so I am going to be a drill sergeant."

Donny will have his own rooting section tonight with his wife Debbie, who viewers saw last Monday, and son Joshua, who will make his first appearance, in the audience.

"My little 11-year-old Joshua called me [last week] and said, 'Dad, you're cool,'" Donny says. "After the first dance, I had to go over there and kiss my wife. I had to do that because she's getting me through this whole thing, but Joshua is really looking forward to being there tonight."

"Dancing with the Stars" airs Mondays and Tuesdays on ABC.

ETOnline.com

Donny on Handy Manny for Disney

A primetime special for preschoolers and parents, “Handy Manny Motorcycle Adventure,” starring Wilmer Valderrama and guest-starring Kris Kristofferson and Donny Osmond, premieres SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 (7:00-7:45 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. In the vibrant special, Manny and his tools (stars of the hit Emmy and Imagen Award-nominated Playhouse Disney series) take viewers along on an eventful road trip to Manny’s family reunion. Renowned East Los Angeles rockers Los Lobos and Wilmer Valderrama each perform new songs in the special.

In “Handy Manny Motorcycle Adventure,” Manny and his tools — Felipe, Pat, Turner, Stretch, Squeeze, Dusty, Rusty and Flicker — head off on Manny’s motorcycle to his family reunion, but Pat gets separated from the group when he sets out, with Squeeze and Flicker, to find his own family. As Manny and the other tools work to find them, they are helped by a farmer (played by Donny Osmond) and gas station owner (played by Kris Kristofferson). In the end, Pat learns the importance of his family.

In addition to the songs by Los Lobos and Valderrama, the special also features the new song “Somebody Somewhere (Just Like Me),” written by Tom Kenny and Andy Paley and performed by Kenny’s character, Pat, and his sidekick Squeeze.

Deals

Donny Osmond launches online fundraiser to support children’s hospitals during dancing competition

SALT LAKE CITY — On Thursday Donny Osmond launched “Dancing for Miracles,” an online fundraising campaign for Children’s Miracle Network (www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org), an international nonprofit that raises funds for children’s hospitals.

The fundraising campaign will last as long as Osmond remains on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” a reality show that has him competing through dance against other celebrities.

Supporters are asked to visit Donny.com, where they can make a one-time donation or pledge an amount for every week Donny continues competing with his dance partner via national television.

All of the money raised will benefit Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the United States.

“Children’s Miracle Network is an organization I have always believed in,” said Osmond. “I know my supporters will be willing to help a cause that reaches children in every community.

“I’ll keep dancing, if they’ll keep raising funds for the 17 million children treated each year at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.”

The Osmond family has been involved with Children’s Miracle Network since its inception in 1983. The charity, which began as a telethon housed in the Osmond studio, has since grown into an international nonprofit organization, which has raised more than $3.8 billion for children’s hospitals in the past 26 years.

In addition to the intrinsic benefits of donating to a children’s charity, donors and others that enter are given the chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas, Nev., with tickets to see Donny and Marie perform at the Flamingo.

Complete rules and regulations are available at www.Donny.com.

Does Donny Have an Unfair Advantage?


  • Kym Johnson and Donny Osmond
  • La Toya Jackson talks with Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson after ‘Dancing With the Stars’ on September 22, 2009
  • Kym Johnson and Donny Osmond
  • Kym Johnson, Donny Osmond

It didn’t take Access Hollywood’sDancing With the Stars” guest correspondent La Toya Jackson long to uncover some dirt on this year’s new crop of “Stars.”

Following Tuesday night’s show, when the ladies took the ballroom floor for the first time, La Toya spoke with several of the contestants, including Donny Osmond, who had danced the night before.

And as it turns out, Donny may have an unfair advantage over the competition this season, as a source has told Access that Donny has been using a dance coach in Utah for the past year.

“Rumor has it that you’ve been rehearsing for a year with a private trainer in Utah. Is that true?” La Toya asked him on Tuesday night.

“No, that’s not true,” Donny initially replied.

However, the Osmond brother then changed his tune about his ballroom background.

“I will clarify because I have been taking dancing lessons to learn ballroom for the dances that we do in Vegas,” he continued, referring to his Las Vegas show with sister Marie, who previously competed on the show. “That’s part of the choreography, but it’s a whole different thing than what we’re doing here.”

When contacted by Access Hollywood, producers for the show were not immediately available for comment on Donny’s ballroom training.

On Monday night’s show, when the men made their “Dancing” debut, Donny earned a 20 out of 30 points with partner Kym Johnson, third highest total among the male competitors.

Waltzing Women of 'Dancing with the Stars'' Talk to Marie Osmond after Their Debut

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The women embarked on the long road leading to the mirror ball trophy in part two of the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars." ET's special correspondent Marie Osmond spoke to all of the dancers backstage after the show.

Singer Macy Gray won over the hearts of the audience--and Marie--with her debut routine and personality. She brought the audience, even her male opponents, to their feet. Lost in the whirlwind of emotions, Macy didn't even realize the response she had earned. She appreciates the commitment of her partner Jonathan Roberts, saying, "The thing about Jonathan is…he loves dancing, so it's really infectious and you kinda get excited about it with him."

One-time rocker chic Kelly Osbourne morphed into an elegant ballroom dancer. She told Marie, "If you would have seen the person that I was a year ago compared to now, I don't even think I was capable of doing anything like this or becoming this. That's what's so great about this show. It allows you to become this person that you've always been frightened to be."

Kelly has grown into just that person. She goes on to explain, "I was named after Grace Kelly. I've watched women like Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, wanted to emulate Marilyn Monroe and I've never been girly enough."

The experience was very emotional for Kelly and she is grateful she was able to share it with her "mum" and dad, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne who were sitting on the edge of the dance floor.

Kathy Ireland, joined by partner Tony Dovolani, said that participating in this competition is "right up there with childbirth. It's so hard." However, it is all worth it for the new skill of dancing that she is acquiring.

She said, "How many people in their life get to learn how to dance from a world champion?" Modeling has taught her to accept rejection, so she is ready to take the harsh criticism that the judges may send her way.

The boys crashed the girl's night on the dance floor and joined them for the post-show interviews. Aaron Carter, with partner Karina Smirnoff, joined their fellow scoreboard toppers Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough as they spoke to Marie. He even expressed adoration for the skills of pro-dancer Derek. Aaron said, "I look up to him. I have a lot of respect for you on the dance floor." But he warned, "I'm coming to get you."

The final installment of the "Dancing with the Stars" season premiere is Wednesday night. The lowest scoring male and lowest scoring female will be eliminated after the judge's scores and viewer's scores are combined. For a complete recap of Tuesday's dances, click here.

Donny DWTS Week #1

Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson had good chemistry on the floor and Osmond has been performing since he can remember. He's determined to finish higher than Marie Osmond's third. Their foxtrot was more showy than stately.

Performing to "All That Jazz" from the musical "Chicago," Osmond was in a white shirt with long sleeves and a black vest and black tie. Despite his "Osmond slouch," he looked like he was having fun, hammed it up a bit and played to the audience.

Bruno said, "Donny you can play an audience like a master" but your "shoulders were bad," and "your posture wasn't as good as your theatricality."

Carrie Ann said because this is ballroom, we want to see the hold.

Len, of course, didn't like the theatricality. He commented, "What you did you did very well," but the performance was "too theatrical," and had too much razzmatazz.

Osmond's score was 7-6-7. Osmond was third before the relay dance.

(These are the results of week #1)

DonSense: Same beat, different song

What does it take to sell a million albums?

Nothing! These days, publicity sells us anything from the garbage heap.

Music is no longer about talent; it's about marketing.

Oh, the irony. "Don't worry; we can Milli Vanilli the voice if they're really bad." (It's funny how that has become the standard.)

This is the reason why I don't go to concerts. Listening to the real voice of some artists just ruins the music -- yes, I'm guilty of liking cookie-cutter, overproduced, synthesized beats. We all embrace the facade of MP3s.

Music is fun to listen to, but only because it is digitally mastered to the point where no flaw can be heard.

So, where is the real talent? You know, the concerts we walk away from in awe after witnessing the most amazing show -- not the "wow" factor of lights, crowd surfing and deafening noise levels.

Or, have we all become so desensitized to the point of pathetic passiveness that we can't differentiate between real talent from a marketing overhaul?

Truth be told, I've got music in my iPod that is too embarrassing to even write on this blog for fear of ridicule. Why? 'Cuz it ain't cool.

Isn't that unfortunate. It's a shame we can't appreciate talent for talent's sake. We're a society purchased by the ploys of marketing and spin doctors who create the appearance of talent-laden celebrities.

Maybe the next time we are about to turn our backs on uncool music, we'll take a second look (or another listen) and consider the talent therein.

We may just open our mind to a new genre of music, or dare I say -- the ballet?

Nah!

Mormon Times

Branson's Osmond Show

September 18th, 2009 by Gary J. Groman
Jay, Jimmy and Wayne kicking the show off.

Jay, Jimmy and Wayne kicking the show off.

If ever God has ordained that two entities should meet somewhere in the great Cosmos of his creation it has to be the Osmond Brothers and Branson. Both symbolize family and entertainment and both are celebrating their 50th anniversary of entertaining America. They are together again as the Osmond Brothers return to the Osmonds Theatre in Branson for the rest of Branson’s 50th year celebration season.

The Osmond Brothers, Jimmy, Jay and Wayne are back from a world tour and just wowed the crowd at their September 11th show. They have the ability to relate to their audience and get them involved in the show. How do you not love the Osmonds? They are “entertainment” and their Branson show and audience reaction is proof positive of why they have been so successful for so many years.

As one would expect the singing and their harmonies are great. The program features the brothers singing audience favorites like “Old Man Auctioneer,” “It’s Going To Be A Heartache Tonight,” “Down By the Lazy River,” “One Bad Apple” “Yo-Yo” and many more. One musical highlight was when the brothers did a medley of songs made famous by other “Brother” acts such the Gatlin Brothers, Righteous Brothers and the Blues Brothers.

The featured female singer on the show is Babbette Young has been singing with the Osmonds ever since they came to Branson. It becomes very evident why she has been selected as “Branson’s Female Vocalist of the Year” when she sang “That Will Be the Day” and worked with Jimmy through two sets of songs. The first set was a rock and roll versus country duel with Jimmy and Babbette competing against each other trying to win the audiences approval. The second was a medley of famous duets.

The shows band, “The Dropouts,” is made up Gene Puckett, guitar; Bryan Lawson, bass; Greg Frazier, guitar and percussion; Scott Taylor, Keyboard and Steve Mason, drums and percussion. They travel with Jimmy all over the country, did a great job playing throughout the show and wowed the audience with their rendition of “Lonesome Loser.” Jimmy introduced Tamara Tinoco who, along with her husband Joe, headlines the other show in the Osmonds Theatre, “The Magnificent Variety Show.” Tamara did a wonderful job on the old Ray Charles standard, “Cry.”

Jay Osmond, in addition to being a singer, is a world class drummer and was “named one of the top drummers in the country during the 1970s. During the second half of the show, Jay took off his jacket, got behind the drums and beat out a demonstration of his drumming prowess that delighted the audience.

Then there’s Wayne Osmond. What can one say about Wayne, who, in addition to singing, adds the comedy to the show? Wayne’s is a constant comfortable comedy which is a mixture of one liners and short jokes, expressions, and interaction with the brothers during the performance that just keeps the audience laughing and wondering what he’s going to come up with next. Wayne also does a serious magic trick that is funny and will just bowl you over.

To this writer, at least from the entertainment perspective of this show, it is Wayne who personifies the Osmond personality. In addition to his jokes, his interaction with Jimmy and Jay during the show is the innate ingredient evoking the audience involvement in their performance that makes the Osmonds show the extraordinary entertainment experience it is.

Except for the October 23 through October 3, the Osmonds will be performing in the Osmonds Theatre in Branson, Missouri Monday through Saturday until December 12. For additional information or tickets on the Osmonds Show or other Branson shows, attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourisimCenter.com.



Don Osmond: Irresponsible accountability

"You are so lucky!" a married friend said to me. "You can do whatever you want; no responsibility."

Although I agree with half of that statement, lucky is hardly the word I would have chosen to describe "no responsibility."

However, he's right. Single people are accountable to no one but themselves. If we want to make a large purchase, we buy -- even on credit. If we want to travel to Europe, we set the e-mail auto-response message to "away." Sky's the limit.

Sounds like the life, right? (Every married person is daydreaming right now.)

Unfortunately, a lack of outward accountability creates a problem. There is no definitive sense of consequence, not necessarily to be taken as a negative connotation.

Accountability creates drive and reason for projects we set out to do. For example, when starting a new business, that person reports to investors to make sure the business is profitable.

Changing pace, and without getting too personal... a couple months ago, I set goals for myself: bobsledding, personal finance, self improvement. I kept these goals to myself, and didn't share them with anyone, figuring I could do it on my own.

Unfortunately, those deadlines are coming to term at the end of this month, and it's looking like most of my goals will not come to fruition.

The only person to blame is myself.

If I had only informed a friend or family member of my intentions, a better sense of accountability could have encouraged me to work harder on obtaining my goals.

Oops! Lesson learned.

So, to my married friend, even the irresponsible need to be accountable. It's by those "small and simple things... great things" can be accomplished.

OSMOND DANCES THROUGH THE PAIN FOR TV TALENT SHOW

Donny Osmond

Caption: Donny Osmond (Picture) is announced as a new competitor taking part in season 9 of 'Dancing with the Stars' on the television show 'Good Morning America' New York City, USA ....

DONNY OSMOND is putting himself through hell in the run-up to his stint on DANCING WITH THE STARS - he is rehearsing his moves on a fractured bone.

The Puppy Love crooner is following in the footsteps of his sister Marie by appearing on the hit U.S. celebrity talent contest's forthcoming season.
But the rehearsal period has not been easy - the singer is pushing himself to the limits to ensure he is ready to cause a stir on the dancefloor.
He tells Britain's Daily Express newspaper, "I'm dancing on kind of a fractured bone. I was doing some knee turns and hurt my right knee. All my body is in pain. Like last night I did a show in Vegas. After six hours of rehearsals I could barely get through the show."
And the star admits it's been hard taking advice from his sister, who was on the show in 2007.
He jokes, "Marie will be my toughest critic because she said, 'I've been there, you've got to do this, you've got to do that.' I said, 'Marie will you just shut up? Shut up.'"

Don Osmond: Musical medicine

Paolo Nutini's song, "New Shoes," played on my car radio the other day. It was just what the doctor ordered: driving the open road, singing to my heart's content with the windows down.

Can life get any better than this? I submit that it cannot!

However, four hours earlier, my day was ... well, let's just say it's what Daniel Powter calls a Bad Day. Too many thoughts weighed heavily on my mind; burdened with projects needing to get done, and dealing with life's expectations.

On top of all that, a friend called me up just to say he heard a song that reminded him of me -- "Desperado" by The Eagles.

Thanks! I needed a reminder. (sarcasm intended)

Despite feeling sorry for myself, the radio provided musical medicine that helped rebuild the sense of optimism that had previously left me.

It's obvious that music runs deep in my blood, and that I have an affinity toward it. Music reverberates deep within the soul and is a powerful instigator of emotion.

We all experience different songs throughout life. Sometimes all we need is to sing to a good song -- just let it all out.

Now, if you don't mind, I've gotta get back to singing in my car ...

"Life is a highway; I want to ride it..."

Mormon Times

Marie's New Album

Marie Osmond's Inspirational New Album

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ET's with Marie Osmond for the dish on her upcoming album of inspirational music.

"I'm turning 50 this year, and so I wanted to celebrate," Marie tells ET about recording her latest collection of songs.

"I've been so blessed. To be a woman in my business for over 40 years and to still be here -- and to be working consistently for that time -- is a great blessing," she says.

What kinds of music can fans expect on the album? And what inspires Marie? Click the video find out!

DonSense: Role reversal

Parents often dote upon their children's endeavors, giving the youths hope for success.

Between soccer practices, band performances and extracurricular activities, parents cheer along the sidelines and lose themselves by living vicariously through their kids.

Even within my family, my parents are extremely supportive of my ventures -- including the worldwide Antarctica blogger's competition; my mother thinks I'm crazy.

The point is, when we are supported by our parents, we have a stronger sense of perseverance and dedication in everything we do. As a result, we feel as though success is more obtainable.

But, what about our parents? Who supports them in their endeavors? It seems odd to have the roles reversed. Just picture a youth soccer match with the parents playing the game, and the youths cheering while capturing the moment with cameras.

Well, as funny as that sounds, this fall is looking to be a lot like that scenario. This week, my father, Donny Osmond, announced that he will be on the upcoming season of "Dancing With The Stars."

Because of this, I've received a few e-mails asking if I'll be watching the show, voting, or even going to the tapings.

Of course! This is exciting. I don't want to miss it.

This time, it's my turn to cheer for him along the sidelines.

Sure, I'll get a little over-zealous about voting for my father, but I'll do my best to curb enthusiasm and keep the excitement on Facebook ... and Twitter ... and my blog.

Best of luck, Dad! I'll bring the water cooler with the after-the-game treats.

Disney Cashes In On the Osmonds Family Act Formula!

Articles

Disney, the empire that Walt Disney built back in the early 1940's-50's has really hit its stride lately. With the success of their Disney cable channels and hit shows to boot (That's So Raven, Hannah Montana, The Wizards of Waverly Place, The Jonas Brothers) they've been knocking them out of the park for the past ten years or more now. but what's really surprising is the success of their radio stations Disney radio and recording artists to boot. With Hannah Montana, The Jonas Brothers, and Zack Ephron just to name a few Disney is raking in millions of dollars annually throug their record sales. A lot of the credit goes to their formula in packaging good clean family entertainment while keeping up with the current trends in fashion and music. They've done very well at it for a while now but I can't help drawing comparisons to an older act that Disney helped to laung onto the world-stage a while ago; and they were the Osmonds.

Back in the 70's the Osmonds featuring Donny Osmond were touted as the white version of the Jacksons but they had been in the business for a long time paying their own dues in Utah even as Michael Jackson and his brothers were paying theirs in Indiana. They worked as hard as the Jacksons to develop their own unique family act that finally hit pay-dirt in the early 70's. With a string of hits under their belt they were popular and known for their sunny disposition, wholesomeness, and family oriented entertainment (all the things

Disney demands of its music acts now). Oh and I forgot those Osmond smiles! yes, they should have done lots of toothpaste commercials for they were famous for their pearly whites! But also there was no dnying they had talent for they danced, sang, and played all their own instruments. Me and my friends always enjoyed watching them (though many of them would never admit it) for they always put on a really good show. Disney was responsible for giving them their first bit of national exposure in the 50's on the Mickey Mouse Club when they were just kids and from there they grew into a great self-styled family act. In them I see the prototype for the current milieu of pop and tv stars coming out of Disney lately a formula with which Disney has achieved great success.

Hannah Montana, Raven Symone, The Jonas Brothers, Corbin Bleu, Zack Efron, and Vanessa Gomez remind me so much of the original Osmond brothers act it ain't funny. For the Osmonds have always maintained a fairly positive public image staying away from the Hollywood scene opting instead to live in their homestate of Utah and all as far as I know are still practicing Mormons, something that keeps them grounded I believe. Their music reflects their sunny disposition even as they passed it on to I believe Alan Osmond's sons who formed a music group and had a lot of success overseas as the new Osmond Brothers in the 90's. I saw them a couple of times and they were really good too. Eitherway, all of those mentioned above Disney acts also seem to have for the most part avoided a lot of negative controversy (Disney demands it!) and most of them dance and sing songs you're not afraid to let your kids listen to. I believe the Osmonds had a big influence on that.

Now the Osmonds have been dismissed in so-called 'serious' music circles as a fluff act and purveyors of mediocre pop music in their heyday but that's truly an unfair assessment. Just because they didn't court scandal and sing the blues didn't mean that they weren't serious or talented musicians and performers. Everytime I saw them perform in the 70's I can honestly say I enjoyed the show and so did thousands of others who LOVED their music. They still draw crowds to Branson with their country act (now I don't like their country show) and Donny continually tours drawing fans from all over the world to see him. But the Osmonds legacy is set for they left their mark on just about every Disney act you can think of as well as performers like New Kids on the Block, N'Sync, the Backstreet Boys, Dream Street, and others who dared to be a boy-band. Like the Jacksons the Osmonds can look back with pride and know honestly that they were the first and that without them as the prototype for Disney's acts their house of music would have never gotten off the ground or would have fallen a long time ago.

DonSense: License, registration, autograph, please ...

Last week's blog got me thinking about a recent funny experience.

I was pulled over for speeding through BYU campus the other day. Seeing those blue-and-red flashing lights in the rear view mirror conjures up one of the most gut-sinking feelings on the planet.

A husky figure got out of his tailgating patrol car, and from my mirror, I watched him adjust his sunglasses as he prepped himself to deliver the standard lecture.

"License and registration, son."

As if being pulled over is not humiliating enough, he assumed an overbearing fatherly disposition to put me in my place.

"Do you know how fast you were going?"

I sat there thinking snidely ... Fast enough to get your attention.

Knowing better than to mouth off, I politely responded, "It was a little too fast. I apologize, officer."

After gathering my effects, he moseyed back to his squad car, still flashing lights in a blaze of glory. The victor was waving his banner for all to see as he basked in the grandeur of his afternoon kill.

Five minutes later, the conversation became interesting.

He loomed over the driver's side window and asked, "Are you related to THE Osmonds?"

Hmmm, do I lie and get this over with, or ...

"Yes, I am."

"Really? Can you get me an autographed picture of Marie?"

I considered this an opportunity to barter my way out of getting a ticket, but knew the officer wouldn't budge.

He kept me there for a solid 15 minutes where I answered trivial questions about purple socks, white teeth and puppy love.

That afternoon, we both left the side of the road disappointed; me with my ticket, the officer without an autograph.

He wasn't seriously thinking about scoring an autograph, was he?

Mormon Times

Osmonds Hit the Studio

Singing siblings Donny and Marie Osmond are set to delight fans by releasing their first joint album in 31 years. The brother and sister duo enjoyed chart success in the 1970s before pursuing their own solo careers.

But after continuously selling out their Las Vegas variety show Donny & Marie, which opened at the Flamingo hotel in 2008, the pair has decided to head back into the studio to record a CD.

And Flamingo President Don Marrandino, who reunited them for their Sin City concerts, is convinced the new release will be a huge hit. He says, "(The album) definitely has a lot of hits on it. It features a lot of love songs. What resonates is that it's so young, hip and good." Donny, 51, is engineering the album, scheduled to hit shelves later this year.

http://www.planetradiocity.com/musicreporter/news.php?newscatid=1&newsid=1365

My two cents of $4,500

My two cents of $4,500
By Don Osmond
Saturday, Aug. 08, 2009

Last week, I thought about trading in my ol' clunker for something a little nicer. Why not? The government is handing out money in a billion-dollar car allowance program. Did I hear "free cash"?

Sweet! Not only is my trade-in worth the government's $4,500, but the dealership will throw in the car's scrap value. That's some money guaranteed.

Buying new cars -- that should help stimulate our economy, right? Not to mention, purchasing a more fuel-efficient car is environmentally conscious. Who wouldn't want to drive more miles on less gas, and save the planet?
Well, not to burst the perfect bubble, but I think this is the equivalent of putting a Band-aid on an injury requiring a tourniquet.

I'm all for being environmentally friendly and energy aware (and that's the over-arching message of this program), but how can people expect to purchase a new car while foreclosures loom?

Maybe we should be a more concerned about creating jobs rather than finding experimental ways to spend credit. Logic would conclude; if we make money, we'll spend money. Not vice versa.

Speaking of ridiculous spending, $1 billion started this program, and we've tapped that out in about a week. Now the government wants to throw in another $2 billion. Does money finally grow on trees? I love deficit spending. (Sarcasm.)

I can see the political cartoon already: Grown men sitting around the dinner table eating cars, and in the background, a toddler reviewing the bill.

Obviously, this only scratches the surface. Remember the old axiom: If something looks too good to be true ...

It may be free now, but we'll all pay for it later.

Editor's note: Don Osmond is participating in a worldwide competition to be the official blogger for an Antarctica expedition. He is currently ranked near the top of 400 entries. If you wish to help him on his way, go to:

www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/356

MORMON TIMES

Woman of the Year

Flamingo headliner Marie Osmond will reign as "Woman of the Year" at the Nevada Ballet Theatre's Black & White Ball on Jan. 23 at Paris Las Vegas. After debuting on "The Andy Williams Show" at age 3 with her brothers' act, The Osmond Brothers, she had a No. 1 hit at age 13 in 1973 with "Paper Roses." A year later, she teamed up with brother Donny on "Leaving It (All) Up to You," which reached No. 4 on Billboard's music charts. Bette Midler received the honor for 2009.

On the Set With David Osmond

USANA HEALTH SCIENCES


As you know by now, we have the privilege of having recording artist David Osmond performing at this year’s annual convention singing our new theme song No Limits (listen to the theme song) and other songs.

Yesterday we were on the set all day with David and his wife, Valerie, shooting the music video for the new theme song which you will get to see in the Opening Session. They even brought their new baby girl to hang out with us.



David is amazingly talented and fun to watch perform. As we were shooting he shared with me his experience with the USANA product that he has been taking now for several years.

As you may or may not know, David has been battling MS for the past several years and to help him feel his best he rarely misses a day taking the product. He told me it gives him the energy he needs to maintain his vigorous recording schedule. He absolutely loves these products and can’t imagine keeping up with his crazy schedule without them.

As much as David is a fan of USANA’s products, we are fans of his and grateful that he is part of the USANA family. It is great to work for a company that attracts the best of the best — from Olympic athletes to leading health care professionals to world class entertainers like David and Valerie.


Tuesday, September 22, 2009