DonSense: Many congratulations to Dad

When "Dancing With The Stars" began more than two months ago, 16 couples jockeyed for a finalist spot. Now, after 10 weeks of rehearsals, performances and eliminations, this week's spotlight rested upon Mya, Kelly Osbourne and Donny Osmond.

Monday night's performances kept the heat on the dance floor as the competition came to a close. Looking at the finalist lineup, all three were deserving of the coveted mirror-ball trophy, but for different reasons.

Throughout this season, Mya displayed continually her dancing prowess with grace and elegance. Her unwavering ability to execute sophisticated routines week after week proved what an amazing dancer she is. And, how could we forget ... how did judge Len Goodman put it? Her "Tutti-frutti what a booty" moves. She definitely proved to be a veritable opponent for Kelly and Donny -- both of whom have stories so different that they're nearly opposites.

MORE @ MORMONTIMES

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.

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

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

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

Nathan Osmond Wins First Runner-Up in Mormon Times Summer Showcase

Hey you guys,

I am proud to announce that I won first runner-up in the Mormon Times Summer Showcase last night and took home $2,000!!! Woo Hoo!!! Abby Paulsen won second ruuner-up and Brett Winn won first place. Congratulations to Cameron Nichols, Rachel Sonderegger and Jesse Lacko for a contest well-played. I was honored to share the stage with so many talented young people. We all had a GREAT experience and in my book, we're ALL winners. (To see a video of the awards ceremony, go to http://qik.com/nathanosmond. It was shot on my cell phone camera).

Thanks to ALL of you who voted for me. I have been blown away with the amount of support that has been shown towards me and my music. I am definitely doing what I LOVE and music is my full-time gig. This contest has helped me to get the word out about what I am doing. In fact, just yesterday I received a phone call from Show Dog Records (Toby Keith's Label) and they spent a good hour on the phone with my manager. I have several labels taking a serious look at me right now and so be sure to stay tuned to www.nathanosmond.com.

It's actually 5:20 AM right now and I'm sitting in the Salt Lake International Airport heading to Louisville, KY. I'll be there over the weekend doing a private event.

I will also be doing a concert in Payson, UT coming up on the 3rd of September (read the last posting on my blog) and a show on the 15th at the Tahitian Noni Theater in Provo, UT. I will be posting my performance schedule on my official website, www.nathanosmond.com.

Thanks again to ALL of you who were so kind to vote for my song. I am so blessed to have such loyal fans and friends. This is just the beginning of things to come. I am pouring the money from this contest back into my career. You are going to see some really cool things coming out of the Nathan Osmond camp this year...In fact, I wanted to break the news about something HUGE!!!

I have recently partnered with Donald Trump on a NEW business venture. I have worked with "The Donald" on many occasions. I am also very good friends with his kids, Don, Ivanka and Eric. I just received a letter from Donald the other day, which you can read in my photos on Facebook. They are fighting over my CD right now in his office. I know that there are many people out there who are struggling right now financially. Maybe you and your family are going through some tight times right now as we are in a recession. Many people have written to me on Facebook saying they have recently lost their jobs or have experienced pay-cuts. Perhaps you are one of these persons and you're doing all you can do to stay afloat financially during these difficult times. Well, I want you to know that there is hope! I am helping to opt families out of the recession with what I'm doing with Mr. Trump. If you are interested to know what it is, simply go to http://www.trumpconferencecall.com and watch the webinar I just shot. If you are serious about knowing more about how YOU can join ME on this amazing venture, simply go to http://www.trumpnetwork.com/NathanOsmond and click, "I want to start my business." If you are SERIOUS and have questions, you can CALL ME at 801-850-6668 and I will be sure to help get you Rockin' as well. Be sure to take a serious look at what I'm doing and if you are ready to opt yourself out of the recession, Please, give me a call.

Thanks again for your amazing friendship and for helping me to get the word out about my album, "Feels Like Heaven". Donald Trump may even have me come down to the launch of our new venture in Miami in November to do some of my songs. I will keep you posted on that. Take care and I will talk to you soon.

All the best,

Nathan Osmond

Last Chance to Vote in Semi-Finals

Hey you guys,

Today's the day! Today marks the last day of the semi-finals for the
Mormon Times Summer Showcase. If I make it into the finals, there are
only 8 more days to vote.
http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=1093&nocache=1

There was a song back in the 90's sung by a group called Alias. It was called, "I Need You Now (More Than Words Can Say)". That's my theme song today!Ha! Thanks for ALL your support throughout the contest. When I commit to something I like to give it 100% of my effort. I plan on winning, because I've got YOU on my team.

TTYS,

Nathan Osmond

P.S. I'll be on 101.5 FM The Eagle this coming Tuesday at 8 AM. Be sure & tune in to listen: http://1015theeagle.com/ just click the red Listen Live button at the top right corner.
P.P.S. COOL FACT: The porch I'm sitting on in the attached picture is the same porch used in Rascal Flatt's latest music video, "Here Comes Goodbye" Check out the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Uq3nI11w4g


Help make a difference for YOUR favorite charity by joining my uPlej
Network at www.uPlej.com/NathanOsmond

Vote for Nathan

Hey Friends,

Sorry this is so generic! I REALLY need your help by getting NOIZ over the next 3 weeks!!! As you may know, I am in the semi-finals for the Mormon Times Summer
Showcase. If I win 1st place, I win $5,000. This is something I truly want to accomplish, but I can't do it alone! I NEED YOUR HELP!!! Please go to
http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=1093&nocache=1 and vote once a day everyday till August 24th when the contest ends. If you have blogs, social networking sites, websites of any kind and can help encourage your contacts to vote and do the same, that will truly help me out. I am very excited to have made it this far! There is some great talent this season, but I think I have a good shot at this thing. Thanks for your love and support and I will be sure to return the favor.

TTYS,

Nathan

To vote, you must create a profile on mormontimes.com

Don Osmond: Simplifying celebrity

Events within the entertainment industry hit my family pretty hard during the past couple months. Untimely deaths often give reason for reflection, especially when they involve those whom we've had a close relationship with.

Most everyone knows my family associated with the Jacksons throughout the years, as well as entertainer Danny Gans, who co-produced the Donny and Marie show in Las Vegas. However, when a celebrity is lambasted by the limelight of media attention, sometimes the simple things they do go unnoticed.

Interestingly, when our time is up, it's the kind and simple things we are remembered by.

MORE: MormonTimes

Answering the call when something is at stake

Don Osmond

Have you ever gotten the "call"? You know what I'm talking about. The phone rings with an unknown number, but curiosity gets the best of you and you answer it.

The voice on the other end says, "Hello, this is President Harold from the stake."

That's about the time your heart sinks to the bottom of your gut. Butterflies don't even begin to compare to the anxiety that engulfs your body. Autopilot kicks in, and you systematically go through every potential question he could ask.

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Summer Showcase: Nathan Osmond

Even though Nathan Osmond grew up taking tour buses and making TV appearances with his family singing group, "Osmond Second Generation," he says he feels honored to be counted among the semifinalists of the MormonTimes.com "Summer Showcase" music contest.

"I'm just one of many talented people in this mix," Osmond said. "There's a lot of talent in this church. I'm just honored to be numbered among the talent that's out there."

Osmond is pursuing a career in country music and just released his first album, "Feels Like Heaven."

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'Speaking of singles wards...'

Speaking in church is never easy, and just about everyone has a fear of public speaking. If I'm not mistaken, glossophobia out ranks necrophobia (or the fear of dying). And as the joke goes... "When attending a funeral, a majority of the people would prefer to be in the casket rather than giving the eulogy."

Well, I spoke in church last Sunday.

Two weeks before my pulpit pontification, I was corned near the bishop's office by one of his counselors: "Brother Osmond, you've been on our radar for the past month, and we would still like you to give a talk in church."

MORE MORMON TIMES

A dating quandary -- what to do with the chicken?

By Don Osmond

For Mormon Times

Monday, May. 04, 2009

Mormon culture never ceases to amaze me. And nowhere in the world is there a more defined Mormon "bubble" than Provo, Utah.

Between teenagers coming up with crazy, creative ways of asking a girl out to a high school dance and provident living food storage, there is bound to come a point when the two collide; little did I know I'd be living in it.

MORE: MORMON TIMES

Last Day to Vote for Brandon!

Today is the LAST DAY to vote for Brandon!!! http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?id=2384&nocache=1 Let's get NOI-Z!!! Ha!

Brandon in the Semi-Finals Round at Mormon Times

His older brother Don has asked us to let everyone know that Brandon has made it into the Semi-Finals round at the Mormon Times competition and needs everyone to vote for him during the next two weeks: Feb 16 through Mar 2.

This is a place for singers/songwriters to share their music. Brandon was chosen as one of the top four semi-finalists out of more than 30 contestnats in round one.

Don shares these instructions:

"If you don't all ready have an account with Mormon Times, you'll need to get one set up. CLICK HERE! (Don't worry. You don't need to be a Mormon to sign up, and they will not send missionaries to your home. Everyone I've talked to has said they have never received any unsolicited information or spam from the Web site -- I was worried about that, too!)

After you've signed up and logged in, go to this link -- CLICK HERE!

Everyone gets one vote per day, so make sure you go back as often as you remember and vote for him.

THANK YOU!!!!"