Lands’ End FeelGood Collection and Campaign to Benefit Nation’s Homeless

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lands’ End FeelGood Collection and Campaign to Benefit Nation’s Homeless
Buy a FeelGood Sweaters and Accessories and Lands’ End
Will Donate a Pound of FeelGood Yarn to Volunteer Knitters

DODGEVILLE, Wis. – July 15, 2009 – Want to feel good about shopping and giving? This fall, Lands’ End will kick off the FeelGood Campaign, a fun way to shop and feel good about giving to homeless individuals and families across the country. Beginning on September 1st, for every Lands’ End FeelGood item purchased, the company will donate a pound of signature FeelGood yarn to One Heart Foundation’s Warming Families, a nationwide knitting charity. Lands’ End expects to donate thousands of pounds of yarn to Warming Families chapters where volunteers plan to knit up to 25,000 hats and other items to warm the homeless and displaced.

The new FeelGood collection from Lands’ End is made from proprietary yarn that is as soft as cashmere yet features the durability and price of cotton. The collection features a variety of sweater styles, gloves and scarves for women in rich autumnal colors such as Aztec Gold, Charcoal Heather and Winter Violet. The FeelGood sweater is available in a Cable or Striped Cardigan ($69.50) and Turtleneck ($59.50). Items from the FeelGood collection can be purchased online at www.landsend.com, by calling 1(800) 800-5800 and by visiting the Lands' End Shops at Sears. Yarn donations will be made to volunteer knitters throughout the season.

“With a simple purchase, anyone can give back this fall,” said Susan Sachatello, Lands’ End senior vice president of marketing. “We are thrilled to work with Warming Families and appreciate the hundreds of knitters donating their time and talent for this great cause.”
Vickie Howell, national knitting personality and host of the DIY Network’s Knitty Gritty is also working with Lands’ End to help instruct novice knitters as well as create hat patterns for the campaign. Vickie is creating a ribbed-knit hat pattern in an adult and child size, exclusively for the initiative. Lands’ End will share the patterns as well as provide additional information about how all knitters can lend a hand at www.landsend.com/feelgood.


About Lands’ End
Lands’ End® is one of the world’s largest retailers of casual and tailored clothing for women, men, children and infants around the world. In addition, Lands’ End offers an innovative collection of fine-quality goods for the home. Lands’ End merchandise can be purchased online at www.landsend.com, by calling 1-800-800-5800 and by visiting the Lands’ End Shops at Sears. Lands’ End is a proud member of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD). And, all high-quality Lands’ End merchandise is Guaranteed. Period.®

About Warming Families
Warming Families, a project of the One Heart Foundation, is a 100% volunteer project that delivers blankets and other warm items to the homeless and displaced while strengthening families through charity work. At the heart of this project are area volunteers who function to coordinate efforts and locate and supply local shelters and nursing homes.

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Osmonds in Layton for rare Utah show; Jimmy Osmond reflects on friend Michael Jackson

In light of recent events, Jimmy Osmond feels especially blessed to be performing with brothers Merrill, Wayne and Jay at Layton's Kenley Centennial Amphitheater this weekend.

As it so happened, he spoke to the Standard-Examiner the day after Michael Jackson's death.

Osmond can't help but see many similarities in the Jacksons and the Osmonds, especially during their glory years as teen idols in the '70s.

"I also used to work for Michael," Osmond said, speaking from his home in Provo. Among his many businesses, the youngest Osmond brother owns theaters and manages tour productions. It was through the latter enterprise that Osmond got to know Jackson well.

"Michael and I got an opportunity to be more than just 'hi-'bye' guys. I actually brokered his Asian tours when he did his 'Bad' album, and we stayed in touch after that. He was a friend and I will miss him. It is quite a shock.

"And I know how important his family was to him -- like mine is to me. His family was there for him during some tough times. Frankly, I think the Jacksons are a lot more intact than people give them credit for."

MORE: Standard Examiner

CMN Dedicates New Building

Jimmy Osmond was on hand today in Salt Lake City for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new building to house the Children's Miracle Network, a charity the Osmonds helped organize.

"I'm thrilled with the progress, and on behalf of my family I want to thank all of you that work so hard for CMN in helping 17 million people a year," Osmond said.

KSL.com

Join One Hearts in helping Homeless Families

PLEASE JOIN ONEHEART.ORG & WARMINGFAMILIES.COM!

We are teaming up to make cams to "Warm Homeless Families" before Christmas!
Kaye, our director says: "It doesn't matter, whether you crochet, knit, loom
or sew, you can create hats."
Join us at: http://warmingfamilies.ning.com and http://oneheart.org
Alan Osmond

Summer Song Favorite: 'One Bad Apple'

Watch The Osmonds Perform "One Bad Apple"

Redferns/Getty Images

Watch The Video

Watch The Osmonds Perform "One Bad Apple"

All Things Considered, July 2, 2009 - For the second in a series of summer songs, All Things Considered host Melissa Block spoke to author Ann Patchett, who wrote The Patron Saint of Liars, Bel Canto and Run, among others. Patchett shares what she calls "a deeply humiliating story" about the song she thinks of when she thinks of summer.

At a neighborhood party last weekend, as everyone was talking about favorite Michael Jackson songs, Patchett slipped up and named "One Bad Apple," which she thought was recorded by the Jackson 5.

But, no. That's The Osmonds, doing their best to imitate the Jacksons. Patchett says she has probably spent her whole adult life fooling herself into thinking she was cool back then, but her rural Tennessee upbringing almost surely means she and her friends only listened to the squeaky-clean Mormon brothers. "We worshipped them," says Patchett.

She remembers spending the summer of 1971 on a farm in Ashland City, Tenn., with her sister Heather and her two stepsisters, Tina and Angie. They didn't have a record player, so they spent most of their time dialing the local radio station, enduring the busy signal until they could finally get through to request "One Bad Apple," over and over again.

NPR

Be Thankful for Moisture

Some may call me crazy, but if you're following me on Twitter you've probably seen one or two comments about how much I love the rain. Let's just say, "we don't get much during Utah summers."

I realize Utahns don't have much to complain about when comparing weather patterns with Arizona or Nevada. But during these dry months, a little rain is pretty nice every now and then.

However, in Mormondum, rain isn't called rain. It's called moisture... and we're thankful for it. Come to think of it, the same can said about snow, sleet, fog, dew, etc. -- it's all moisture.

MORE:
MORMON TIMES

Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Marshalls in a Second Generation of Osmonds

The Osmond 2nd Generation and Their Parents, Alan and Suzanne Osmond, Will Be Grand Marshalls of the July 24th Pioneer Day Parade and Will Sing the National Anthem That Night at the Rodeo

OGDEN, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It’s no secret the Osmond family has always been a little bit country and a little bit rock ’n roll, but this July their country side will be on full display as The Osmond 2nd Generation and their parents, Alan and Suzanne, appear as Grand Marshalls at the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration.

The Osmond 2nd Generation, known for singing, dancing and harmonizing around the world, will reinforce the theme of this year’s celebration “A tradition, make it yours” by providing good, wholesome family entertainment.

“We want the 75th Anniversary Celebration to be a memorable event for years to come and being able to include The Osmond 2nd Generation with the other activities we’ve planned really is the icing on the cake,” said Desiree Cooper-Larsen, Ogden Pioneer Days Committee Chairwoman. "We want people to start planning their schedules now, so they don’t miss out on all the activities we’ve got planned for this year’s celebration."

As Grand Marshalls the Osmonds will participate in well over 50 events and activities during the 75th Anniversary Celebration, including:

* July 18~10:30 David Osmond at the ribbon cutting of the Children's Treehouse Museum Exhibit "How The West Was Fun"
* July 18~8:00 David Osmond and the Osmond 2nd Generation Concert at the Stewart Amphitheater. Tickets are available at Smith’s Tix and range in cost between $10.00 and $18.00.
* July 19~6:30 Alan and Suzanne and David Osmond Community Interfaith Fireside at the Ogden City Tabernacle
* July 24~9:00 Osmond Family Grand Marshalls for the OPD Parade
* July 24~7:30 David Osmond and the Osmond 2nd Generation singing the National Anthem at the OPD Rodeo

The Osmond 2nd Generation consists of Alan Osmond’s eight sons, Michael, Nathan, Douglas, David, Scott, Jon, Alex and Tyler. The group began performing together in the mid-1980s when the four oldest brothers performed on a Bob Hope TV special. Since then, the group has performed at state fairs, Disneyland, TV specials, Broadway plays and musicals and has even recorded a number of albums, including their most recent CD entitled “I Love America.” They have had 4 top 20 hit records and David Osmond was a recent finalist on American Idol. David Osmond’s current single, “Last Day,” is available exclusively on iTunes.

“A lot of people don’t realize it, but the Osmonds have a long history in Ogden and many of the Osmonds, including Donny, were born in Ogden,” said Alan E. Hall, Honorary Chairman of the 75th Anniversary Celebration Committee. “This will be a bit of a homecoming for the Osmonds and we’re thrilled to have them join us and participate as Grand Marshalls and know that their talents will be enjoyed by all who attend the parade and rodeo on the 24th of July.”

In addition to the rodeo, the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration events and activities will also include a Pioneer Day parade, a concert by the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Ogio FMX Motorcycle Flyers, National Day of the American Cowboy celebration, fireworks shows, a huge pancake breakfast, the Traces of the West art show, 61 life-sized ceramic horses that are displayed around the city and more.

About Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Celebration

Established in 1934 Ogden Pioneer Days celebrates 75 years of western life, bringing real meaning to the slogan “A tradition… make it yours.” Nominated “The Best Rodeo in America” by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration combines the excitement and heart-pounding.

Source

Don Osmond NEW blog on DesNews

Don is going to be doing a new blog for the Desert News, in addition to the one he does for Mormon Times. Check out this new entry titled: DonSense: Who's Your Daddy.

http://www.deseretnews.com/blogs/1,5322,10001039,00.html

4th of July Tea Party

This Saturday is July 4th, America's Birthday. The Patriot's Day Tea Party is a gathering of Americans from all walks of life, from all parties, all organizations, all with one goal...the restoration of the Republic and the Constitution reinstated as the rule of law. We are speaking up for America. Americans uniting in a single voice in defense of our nation.

Lakeridge Junior High Football Field
951 South 400 West
Orem, UT
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Doug is listed as a both a speaker and musician for this celebration of our country.

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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.

MORE MORMON TIMES

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."

MORE MORMON TIMES

Osmond News!

Finally! The Osmond Brothers will perform in Layton on July 11. Here's a much-anticipated press release about the concert:

LAYTON, Utah—The Davis Arts Council is bringing the Osmond Brothers to the Ed Kenley Amphitheater on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 8 p.m. This concert is part of the Summer Nights with the Stars concert series at the DAC.

In 1962, the Osmond Brothers were seen by Andy Williams’ father singing in Disneyland, a gig they attained after being discovered by a talent scout. The boys auditioned for the Andy Williams’ show and eventually became regulars singing their barbershop quartet music.

In 1971, with help from their younger brother Donny, the Osmond’s acquired nine gold records – the most any other recording act has received in a single year, surpassing the Beatles and Elvis. To date, the brothers have sold more than 77 million records and have over 30 gold records. In 1992, the brothers bought and began performing at their own theater in Branson, Missouri. Now Wayne, Merrill, Jay, and Jimmy are coming back to Utah and will perform at the Ed Kenley Amphitheater in Layton for one night only.

The Osmond Brothers join the line-up of stars for the Summer Concert Series at the Davis Arts Council. The brothers perform on Saturday, July 11. The amphitheater gates open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $24 with discounts available for seniors and children.

For more information please call the Davis Arts Council at 801-546-8575 or visit http://www.davisarts.org

Source

Ogden Pioneer Days to feature Osmonds 2nd Generation

OGDEN — The Osmonds 2nd Generation and their parents, Alan and Suzanne, will appear as grand marshals at the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration parade on July 24.

The parade begins at 9 a.m.

The Osmonds 2nd Generation, known around the world for singing, dancing and harmonizing, will reinforce the theme of this year's celebration, "A Tradition, Make It Yours," by providing good, wholesome family entertainment, according to a news release from event organizers.

The family will participate in more than 50 events during the celebration, including:

July 18, 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting at Chidren's Treehouse Museum exhibit "How the West Was Fun."

July 18, 8 p.m.: Osmond family concert at Stewart Amphitheater. Tickets cost between $10 and $18; available at Smith's Tix.

July 19, 6:30 p.m.: Alan, Suzanne and David Osmond perform at a community interfaith fireside at the Ogden Tabernacle.

July 24, 9 a.m.: Osmond family serves as grand marshals during parade.

July 24, 7:30 p.m.: David Osmond and Osmonds 2nd Generation singing the national anthem at the rodeo.

For more information about the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.ogdenpioneerdays.com.

Donny Osmond recalls old friend

Their last conversation was about 18 months ago. Close friends throughout their iconic careers, Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond stayed in touch by telephone over the years.

"We met when we were about 13," Osmond recalled Friday, a few hours before taking the stage for the Donny & Marie Show at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
The teen idols bonded over an uncanny number of coincidences: Both were members of famous musical families before they reached their teen years. Both were from families with nine children. Both were the seventh child.

"Our mothers were even born on the same day," said Osmond, "and our fathers were both extreme disciplinarians, although my father was not a Joe Jackson."

At 14, Jackson had his first No. 1, "Ben," in 1972. It was written for Osmond, but he was later told they couldn't reach him because he was touring.

That made 'em even. "One Bad Apple," The Osmond family's' No. 1 hit in 1971 (when Donny was 14) "was written for Michael."

The similarities continued. Donny and Marie had a TV show. So did Michael and Janet, briefly.

"Michael said he hated every second of it," said Osmond.

Jackson was living in Las Vegas when they last talked.

During that last conversation, Osmond remembers asking Jackson, "Where are you?

"I can't tell you," said Jackson.

"You can't tell me?" said Osmond, gently chiding his longtime friend.

"Please don't tell anyone," said Jackson.

"I rented a motor home and I'm down in Arizona. I just want to hide. I want to get away from people," said Jackson.

Osmond invited him to drive up to Utah. Jackson said, 'I'm going to take you up on that."

But that was it. "He shut it down after that," said Osmond. "He isolated himself after that. His life was in shambles," from financial setbacks and scandal.

Jackson, 50, died of cardiac arrest Thursday at home in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles.

"It's been a tough day," Osmond said Friday. It was audible in his voice. In a matter of days, three show business people he knew had died. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Jackson.

He recalled another telephone call, maybe three or four years ago. This one came from Stevie Wonder, who invited Osmond over to his recording studio.

When he got there, they chatted, and Wonder cut to the chase.

"What I really wanted you here for is to get closer to Michael because he really needs some help," Wonder told him.

Osmond did a cover of Wonder's 1976 No. 1 hit "I Wish" and took it to Jackson's Neverland Ranch to play it for him. That was the kind of friendship they had.

When Jackson's megahit "Thriller" came out in 1984, "I went to see him to see if he could help me get my career back on track.

"I asked him, 'How do I get back on the charts?"

"Change your image," said Jackson, "and your name."

SOURCE: Las Vegas Review

Osmond family reacts to Michael Jackson's death

SOURCE: ABC 4 Utah

OREM, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Despite all his problems and pain, the self-proclaimed "King of Pop" is getting a lot of credit for his impact on the music world. Alan Osmond, a member of the Osmond family tells ABC 4 that Jackson's troubles won't diminish his legacy.

Osmond says his death is sudden, shocking and most of all sad, especially since Jackson was only 50 years old. "I admire Michael for the way he handled his life as far as an entertainer," says Osmond.

More

Jimmy Osmond recalls friendship with Jackson

Deseret News

As they rose through the various stages of stardom in the '70s, the Osmonds and the Jacksons were often seen as competitors. But Provo native Jimmy Osmond says the two families were "always friendly."

"It's a huge loss for every one of us," he said regarding the Thursday death of Michael Jackson.

Osmond said his only regret is not keeping in contact with Jackson after the 2005 court trial in which Jackson was acquitted of various sex abuse allegations. "But I relish the days I did have an association with him."

After their first introduction at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, the two families of singers — which showcased much the same dynamic then — vied for the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Osmond said "One Bad Apple," one of the greatest hits of his brother, Donny Osmond, was actually a tune that the Jackson family passed on. But Donny still grew to be good friends with Michael Jackson, sharing a stage with him at the fist American Music Awards created by Dick Clark in 1973.

Over the years, Jimmy Osmond, now 46, said his family kept in touch with Jackson, who occasionally offered them professional advice, but always respected them and their own track to fame.

"Michael reached a whole different level of celebrity," Jimmy Osmond said. "He did things that were so revolutionary and so on the edge. We've never gone there."

The youngest Osmond brother recalls playing soccer with the Jackson Five "in the halls of a hotel, while 5,000 girls were outside screaming in hysteria." He remembers going swimming at the Jackson home in California decades ago, and remembers the King of Pop as having a "huge heart."

"The entertainment business can be such a phony, fake business, but as a human being, he was wonderful," he said.

Jackson later accepted one of Osmond's brokering deals when his album "Bad" was released overseas in 1987. The move bolstered the relatively young broker's career, giving him even more opportunity than he believes he would have had without working with such a popular man or event.

"Because he took a shot with me in the past, and took a couple of my deals, he really blessed my personal life," Osmond said. "He opened up a whole world of credibility for me, not only being a performer but brokering other high-end deals for performers."

Osmond said he would often defend his showbiz friend when others would criticize various actions or habits lit up by the media. He always believed Jackson was "severely misunderstood."

"He is a good person," he said. "He was in a weird business where sometimes you've got to create something unique to get attention for a specific project. Michael was just who he was. He was a media magnet, and he knew how to do things that were fun for him but yet were so out of the ordinary that he created such a stir. But he had the talent to back it up."

Osmond, who just finished a long run of theatrical performances in England, said Jackson's career epitomized the "perfect combination" of being media-savvy, talented and having the ability to move and also to see a trend and go with it.

"He just had it all."

Donny Osmond Reminisces about Michael Jackson at The Insider

Donny Osmond Reminisces about Michael Jackson at The Insider

Shared via AddThis

Alan Osmond on the Death of Michael Jackson

I was shocked to hear that Michael Jackson passed away so quickly! We will miss him. My condolences go out to Michael and to his family!

The Osmond family got to know the Jackson Family as we grew up in the entertainment business at the same time. There were 5 brothers in the Jackson 5 and 5 brothers in the Osmond Brothers. Michael and Donny were the only two unchanged voices on the radio at the same time.

Dick Clark promoted both of our groups and tour dates. We would often pass each other on the road and in the airports. We¹d call each other on the phone and try to get together, but it was difficult. Michael and Donny phoned each other quite often and we older brothers got to know each other and even challenged each other to a basketball game. We decided to make it football so we stood a chance of winning! Ha!

Our music had a lot of harmonies, and we both even had 1 sister, Marie and Janet. (The Jacksons had other sisters, but they weren't touring at that time like Marie was with ours.)

The Teen Magazines detailed our lives so much that we would laugh about them and how similar our lives were with theirs.

Michael stood out as a great entertainer! A Master of dance and song, he commanded the stage. Michael was a perfectionist, hard working, creative master entertainer.

Even in visiting with friend, Elvis Presley, we had some conversations where we talked about Michael¹s talents.

My heart goes out to the Jackson Family because of the love that families have!

Michael was a kind and generous person and like Elvis, had very little privacy.

We are better people for having known him and his family.

Our prayers are with them.

We will see him again, someday!

Alan Osmond

Donny on Facebook

In case you're not aware, Donny is on both Facebook and Twitter. If your on either or both social networks, be sure to add Donny as a friend or someone you follow. Here's his message from this morning:

Donny Osmond I finished another song last night for the D&M album. It's our first one together in about 31 years. I love the way it's turning out.

Keeping Up with David Osmond

Hey Everybody,

Wanted to update you on some cool stuff I have been doing. I just got back from Pittsburgh doing Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Pittsburgh CLO. It was so much fun, and had a blast working with the cast there. Here is a link from YouTube about it. So much talent there.



I also just got back from Boise, Idaho, doing a Summer Fun Fest where I judged a competition of vocalists, kind of like American Idol. It was fun, and same thing, very surprised by the talent there.

I have been busy working on my full-length album, and it is coming along great. Working with some producers out of L.A. & Nashville that have worked with some huge people.

My little girl Saffron is doing so well, and growing so much. She went to her first day of church yesterday, and her outfit was the best part! Valerie definitely loves being a mom, too. Even though there is lack of sleep, it all seems so worth it.

I am doing some cool charities coming up, and fairs locally here in Utah. Check out my Facebook page to keep up with everything I am doing. Life is good. Busy, but good... Can't wait for the USANA convention, and doing plans for the stage performance. I am actually going to record the reprise of the theme song. Hope all is well, and USANA forever!

Editor's Note: David will be performing a free concert with the Jets and American Idol contestant Jackie Tohn on July 3 in Provo, Utah. USANA is proud to be a sponsor of the event. Look for more information on this blog next week!

SOURCE

Donny & Marie Star Wars Finale

Rialto announces 2009-10 season - Osmond Brothers

The Rialto Square Theatre announces its 2009-10 season, including Broadway musicals, family entertainment and concerts by first-class musicians and bands.

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. June 19.

Tickets may be purchased at the Rialto Box office located at 102 N. Chicago St., or by calling 815-726-6600 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or between 9 a.m. and noon Saturdays.

On performance days, the box office remains open until the completion of intermission.

Visit www.rialtosquare.com.

Shows include Charlie Daniels Band, Roy Clark, RAIN -- A Tribute To The Beatles, Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, Queensryche, Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet -- The Nutcracker, That's Amore -- Dean Martin & Friends, Kansas, Osmond Brothers Christmas Show, Cirque Dreams Illumination and It's A Wonderful Life -- Live Radio Broadcast through the end of 2009.

SOURCE

Miss America meets with Donny & Marie Osmond

Miss America Katie Stam, center, with Donny & Marie Osmond. (Miss America Organization Photo)

There are perks to being Miss America.

Miss America 2009 Katie Stam met with Donny & Marie this week backstage at the Flamingo Hotel, where the brother-and-sister duo perform.

Katie also signed autographs at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and met with Robin Leach before flying to West Virginia for the Miss West Virginia pageant.

SOURCE

The emergence of necessary luxuries

While preparing a talk for church a couple of weeks ago, a thought sneaked into my mind. The talk was on sacrifice, and I was trying to come up with items we purchase but don't really need to have. My hope was to help everyone consider living within their means -- a topic that frequently comes up during every general conference.

Enter my sneaky thought ...

Isn't it interesting how quickly we, as a society, will transition luxuries into necessities? The cellphone is a perfect example.

To read the rest of the article, visit:
Mormon Times

David at WAMS in Connecticut

'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

Donny Osmond Supports Susan Boyle

Deadline Scotland

SEVENTIES crooner Donny Osmond is to help stressed out Scots star Susan Boyle – by making a get well call offering his support.

Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan has been staying at top London clinic The Priory after claims she threw a backstage tantrum when she lost out to Diversity in the Britain’s Got Talent final.

Friends and family say she is simply exhausted and just needs support and reassurance that she hasn’t let everybody down.

And now she’s set to get some words of wisdom from her childhood idol – after Los Angeles radio host Billy Bush organised the call from the Osmond.

Susan’s brother Gerry, 55, revealed: “One of the radio stations in Hollywood has organised for Donny Osmond to call Susan to wish her well and calm her down.

“Donny is a big fan of Susan and wants to reassure her that even though she did not win, she still has a career ahead of her and people still want to hear her sing.

“This will absolutely make her day.

“She was a lot younger when she loved the Osmonds, but everybody has a childhood hero and to get a telephone call from that person will just be phenomenal for her.

“His posters were all over her walls when she was younger.

“She would lock herself in her room and play the records over and over again singing along as loud as possible.

“It used to drive me mad when I would hear it start up for the hundredth time. But our mum would say ‘Leave her alone, it’s all she’s got’.

“It’s really something that he wants to get in touch and have a chat with her.”

And Gerry hinted that Donny might even be interested in performing with Susan or recording a duet with the shattered star.

He said: “If they did sing together, the Americans would go absolutely wild for it. The Osmonds are like American royalty and Susan is so popular over there.

“We really appreciate all the support she’s been getting from fans there – it’s like a real-life fairy tale for Susan.”

Brandon Osmond Photography - The Insider

So I've been getting more and more emails and messages about the family photo that I did for my family because supposedly there are a lot of people that didn't get to see that coverage on the insider. So here is the photo of my great family (at least I think there great)... The photo is small because the blogger template column is not very wide and the picture is pretty panoramic so I'm sorry about that.

The story of this picture is that my family wanted to do a new picture now that we have two new additions to the family, Shelby and Emery. So we went to this field and I saw these weeds and I thought "this is perfect!" but I think that my family thought I was a bit crazy. We got out and I put the camera on a tripod but I forgot my remote to get the camera to take the picture so I had to run back and forth for the 10 different shots we took like this. I'm sure it was kind of funny to see if you didn't know what was happening. Despite the embarrassment of running back and forth it turned out great and it even had airtime on the insider.

Left to Right

Me (Brandon), my HOT wife (Shelby, The best addition to the family by a long shot), Don, Dad (Donny because you dont know him as dad only I do haha), Mom (Debbie...ditto), Josh, Chris, Emery, Melisa, Jeremy, Dylan

SOURCE

Don Osmond: Stay true to yourself

I watched Disney's Mulan the other night. The final scene concludes with a song titled "True to Your Heart." Listening to the words got me thinking. "Am I being true to my heart?" Or, in other words, "Am I being true to myself?" This question isn't unique to me, we all have outward pressures to be what we think the world expects of us.

Nowhere is this more true than in the singles' scene. First dates are riddled with getting-to-know-you questions, and if you've been blessed to experience your 100th first date, you've probably got answers polished with quips. You are a connoisseur of conversation; a wizard of wit; a dater debonair.

But, I talked with a few of my friends about the continual monotonous meetings, be they casual or fancy. Sometimes you may feel as though you've lost your identity by trying to pretend to be someone you are not; responding to questions with answers just to cater to the interests of someone else. How often have we tried to change ourselves just to get someone to like us? How often do we look upon the outward appearance rather than our hearts?

MORE: MORMON TIMES

Susan Boyle says she’s appearing at the Flamingo with Donny & Marie

Vegas Deluxe

Posted May 24, 2009 • 1:58 p.m.

Donny and Marie Osmond.

Photo: Harrah's

Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond might be teaming up with British singing sensation Susan Boyle, and today she’s told Britain’s Daily Mirror tabloid that he’s invited her to the Strip and that she’s accepted and plans to be here next month.

Susan, who is now in the semifinals of Britain’s Got Talent, admitted that she used to sing Donny Osmond songs in her bedroom as a teenager to practice her singing skills. The 47-year-old never-been-kissed and unmarried Scottish lady won over Simon Cowell, his fellow judges and Britain when she performed, for the first time, “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. Click HERE in case the below YouTube embed has been disabled.

I Dreamed a Dream by Susan Boyle - from YouTube.com

There’s been great interest on Donny’s part,” I was told by a high-placed Flamingo executive this afternoon. “He was trying to fly to England and surprise her on his days off here. He talked about doing a duet with her on a new album. I know he’s very interested in working with her."

Today’s Daily Mirror reported that Donny had sent Susan an invitation for her to be his guest here in Las Vegas and sing onstage at the Flamingo. Click HERE for that story.

Photo: Britain's Got Talent

Susan Boyle of Britain's Got Talent.

“That would be a real coup,” the Flamingo executive said. “We’ll roll out the red carpet for her. We’re delighted she’s telling people in England she’s coming to Las Vegas next month.”

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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Jimmy still loves performing live

THE NEWS

Anyone remembering Jimmy Osmond as the three-year-old new recruit to his all-singing, all-squeaky-clean, all-American family is likely to be surprised to hear him now – all deep and gravelly-voiced.

But the person himself seems to have changed surprisingly little. To use a simple, old-fashioned word, he is nice.

And it's no mean feat to stay grounded after more than 40 years in show business with legions of adoring fans.

Aged just five he scored his first gold record with My little Darling. At nine he achieved the biggest selling solo single in the family with Long Haired Lover From Liverpool. By the time he was 15, 'Little' Jimmy had developed and supervised most of the Osmonds' merchandising business.

As a teenager, he also launched a successful advertising agency while, as part of his family band – the Osmonds, Jimmy sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

In 2004, he hit the UK theatre scene, performing in Boogie Nights in Blackpool. The show broke box office records and spurred him on to a West End debut in Grease in 2009.

Now, Jimmy, who has previously visited Portsmouth for a Christmas show at the Guildhall, will play smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn in hit musical Chicago at the Kings, Southsea.

'I have been in musicals before but never one as classy as this,' he says of his new show. 'It's an amazing production and everybody is so proud to be part of it.'

Of his fellow cast and orchestra, he says: 'They are so fit, and the music is amazing.'

Jimmy recalls his 'first real gig' on the Andy Williams shows as a three-year-old singing Red Roses For A Blue Lady, and says he hasn't stopped since.

'I had a hit record in Japan – in Japanese – when I was five, and life has been a whirlwind, a big blur.'

Of life in a family band, Jimmy says: 'I have been so grateful to be part of a family that was close.

'We have had so many wild experiences together, in so many big arenas in the 1970s, it's scary.

'To be able to do it with a support system around me was really lucky. Today you don't have a lot of that.'

Jimmy attributes the Osmond's success part to luck, part to talent and skill and part to marketability. He says: 'We were at just the right time of life – a unique commodity, a family who performed and harmonised together.'

What about his solo successes such as Long-Haired Lover From Liverpool, which made him the youngest ever person to top the singles charts in 1972? 'That was part of the ride,' he says. 'It came out of nowhere. I didn't even know where Liverpool was.'

Jimmy admits that, at the time of that song, he lacked perspective: 'I got to a stage where I took myself too seriously, which we never should.

'I was playing Wembley with my brothers and the whole arena was singing it because they were ticked-off because we weren't doing it.
'I thought then: "It's not about me but being part of people's memories." And we were.

'Now I'm 46 and I'm grateful I was part of a song like that – one that everybody knows whether you like it or not.'

As well as pop and theatre successes, Jimmy has taken part in all manner of TV shows, including I'm a Celebrity..., Celebrity Family Fortunes and Celebrity Come Dine With Me. He is an accomplished cartoonist, has places on the boards of numerous charities at home and abroad, is involved with a number of organisations in his home town of Branson, Missouri, and has his own production company.

But does he get as much satisfaction now as an entertainment-industry entrepreneur as from performing?

'The truth is no. There's nothing like being able to perform live. That inter-reaction with a live audience is something you can't replace.

'Making it happen for other people is exciting but money isn't my motivation.' \

DONNY OSMOND HONOURS GANS AT MEMORIAL

DONNY OSMOND was among the mourners who spoke at late Las Vegas entertainer DANNY GANS' memorial service in Sin City.

The singer's Vegas revue was producer by Gans, who died on 1 May (09), and the two stars became close friends. Osmond conducted one of the showman's final TV interviews.
Speaking at his pal's memorial on Thursday (21May09), Osmond said, "I know he's entertaining everybody in heaven. He was such an angel on earth."

MORE: CONTACT MUSIC"

Susan Boyle to duet with Donny Osmond in Las Vegas

BGT superstar Susan Boyle is to duet with Donny Osmond – the Seventies’ pop idol whose posters still adorn her bedroom walls.

Music legend Donny, 51, has invited angel-voiced Susan to be guest of honour at the Las Vegas review show he promotes with his sister Marie.

And star-struck Susan, 48, who honed her show-stopping vocals by singing along to Donny’s records as a teenager, can’t wait to appear onstage with him, possibly as soon as next month.

An insider said: “Donny has written to Susan inviting her to duet with him and she can’t wait. It’s a dream come true.

“She idolised him as a girl and still has all his records. He’s a genuine hero and inspiration to her.”

MORE: MIRROR UK

A day for the often- remembered-seldom- seen relative

By Don Osmond

For Mormon Times

Monday, May. 18, 2009

Mother's Day was no more than a week ago, a great time to gather and celebrate our mothers. And for good reason, you wouldn't be here without her. Father's Day is just around the corner, and we'll soon be honoring them.

But, what about the family members you think of often (are even grateful for), but rarely get the opportunity to see? You know what I'm talking about. You never call; you never write. They're probably wondering if you are even alive.

MORE: MORMON TIMES

David Osmond - Sizzle Reel

JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Opens At Pittsburgh CLO 5/26

Hitch a rainbow ride through ancient Egypt when Pittsburgh CLO kicks off its 63rd Summer Season with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Cheer for the kid in the coat May 26 through June 7 at the Benedum Center in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District.

This colorful retelling of the story of Joseph, his coat of many colors and his amazing ability to interpret dreams is a musicAl Blockbuster of Biblical proportions. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's award-winning musical parable features a delightful array of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, entertaining young and old alike with such hits as "Go Go Go Joseph," "Close Every Door" and "Any Dream Will Do."

David Osmond (Joseph) returns to Pittsburgh CLO, reprising the role he performed in Pittsburgh CLO's 1998 production. He most recently advanced to the "Hollywood Round" of "American Idol." Mr. Osmond and his brothers played to sold-out stadiums and arenas worldwide in the 1980s and 90s. He later became his Uncle Donny's understudy in Joseph during various North American National Tours of the musical that ran from 1992 through 1997. He then continued as Joseph in a National Touring Company of the musical, produced by Pittsburgh CLO.

Shoshana Bean (Narrator) makes her Pittsburgh CLO debut. She has previously starred in the Broadway productions of Wicked and Hairspray and the National Tours of Wicked and Leader of the Pack. Ms. Bean has been a back-up singer for superstars such as Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, Usher, 'N Sync, Ray Charles, Britney Spears and Michael Jackson.

Peter Matthew Smith (Pharaoh/Levi) also makes his Pittsburgh CLO debut. A Point Park alumnus, he has performed on Broadway in Cry Baby, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray, Rent and Mamma Mia. He will be recognizable to local audiences thanks to his numerous Pittsburgh Musical Theater and Point Park University Playhouse credits.

Gene Seracini (Jacob/Potiphar/Guru) is a veteran of 22 Pittsburgh CLO productions, including West Side Story in 2008. He has performed locally for Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre and City Theatre. He toured North America in Shakespearean repertory and is Professor Emeritus of Theatre after a 37-year academic career at Seton Hill University.

This production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat also features 75 current students at Pittsburgh CLO Academy in the children's choir.

Richard Stafford (Director/Choreographer) returns to Pittsburgh CLO having choreographed Mame in 2008. He also directed and choreographed Cats in 2007. His Broadway credits include choreographing In My Life (Music Box Theatre), serving as associate choreographer for Aspects of Love (Broadhurst Theatre) and dance supervisor for Cats (Winter Garden Theatre). Mr. Stafford won the Barrymore Award for outstanding choreography for La Cage Aux Folles at the Walnut Street Theatre.

Craig Barna (Music Director) has conducted on Broadway, in Los Angeles and for prominent regional theaters across the country. Mr. Barna was last seen at Pittsburgh CLO in 2008 as the music director for Peter Pan and Smokey Joe's Café. He conducted the National Tours of Grease, Singin' in the Rain and Cats, and touring and Broadway companies of Jesus Christ Superstar and Peter Pan. Other career highlights include TV appearances on the "Today Show", "CBS This Morning" and the 1999 Tony® Awards.

In the summer of 1967, Andrew Lloyd Webber and his friend Tim Rice began writing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The first performance was held on March 1, 1968, in England, lasting just 15 minutes. It was such a success that a second performance was arranged two months later, when critic Derek Jewell of The Sunday Times saw the show and wrote a favorable review.

After securing additional financial backing so they could continue to write, Lloyd Webber and Rice began work on several projects, including Jesus Christ Superstar.

The success of Jesus Christ Superstar enabled Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to continue to grow.

The first amateur production in America was in May 1970 at the College of the Immaculate Conception in Douglastown, New York. Huge interest followed from colleges and schools and after various professional productions, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat finally hit Broadway on January 27, 1982, starting a run of 749 performances at the Royale Theatre.

The show was restaged in 1991 at the London Palladium, where it first incorporated the children's choir as an intergral part of the production, and later enjoyed a North American Tour with Donny Osmond in the title role from 1992 through 1997. The production has played worldwide during the past two decades, highlighted by a return to Broadway in 1993 and revivals on London's West End in 1991, 2003 and in 2007 - when the current production premiered.

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber (Composer/Producer) is the composer of The Likes of Us, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, By Jeeves, Evita, Variations and Tell Me On A Sunday (two works that were later combined as Song & Dance), Cats, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, The Beautiful Game and The Woman in White. In 2004, he produced a film version of "The Phantom of the Opera" and in 2009 he will premiere Love Never Dies, his sequel to Phantom. In 2006, he oversaw a new production of Evita in London, a unique version of The Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas and pioneered casting for musical theater via TV with the hit BBC series "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?," which searched for a Maria in the London revival of The Sound of Music. He repeated his success with Any Dream Will Do, which cast the lead role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for the current West End production. Knighted Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1992, his awards include seven Tonys®, three Grammys®, a Golden Globe®, an Oscar®, two International Emmys®, the Kennedy Center Honor and The Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theater presented by Pittsburgh CLO.

Tim Rice (Lyrics) began songwriting in 1965, the same year he met songwriter Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose musical ambitions were in theater rather than rock or pop. They teamed up and wrote four musicals together from 1965 to 1978, including The Likes of Us (1965-66), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1968), Jesus Christ Superstar (1969-71) and Evita (1976-78). Mr. Rice then went on to write Blondel (1983) and Chess (1986) in collaboration with Abba's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. In the 1990s, he worked primarily with Disney, contributing lyrics to the films "Aladdin" and "The Lion King" and to the stage productions of Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aida. He is currently reworking an operatic musical he has written with Alan Menken titled King David, and on new treatments, for both stage and screen, of Chess.

Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat start at just $18.50 and are available online at pittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of 10 or more may call 412-325-1582. Half-price tickets sponsored by Giant Eagle are available for children ages 3-14 for select performances in the second tier, including the 8 p.m. showings on May 27, May 28, June 2 and June 3, as well as the 1 p.m. matinee on May 28.

ORIGIN

Don Osmond: Where's my wingman? You need one at a party

This one goes out to all my brothas in da quorum. (And that's just another fine example of a white boy trying to act gangsta'.)

Talk about a week of parties and celebrations. Last Monday was Happy Star Wars Day with people texting, "May the Fourth be with you!" Tuesday was Cinco de Mayo -- I've never seen so many Utahns embrace their Mexican heritage. Wednesday: a birthday party -- Happy Birthday, Lyndee! Thursday ... OK, nothing happened on Thursday. It's kind of an odd day of the week. Friday: Does anyone need a reason to celebrate the return of the weekend?

With all of these shindigs, you would think one would get tired and take a day off to recoup from constantly partying. Well, that's one of the blessings about being Mormon: no binge drinking. In fact, no drinking at all. No alcohol, no hangover. No hangover, more parties!

MORE: Mormon Times

In Honor of Olive Osmond on Mother's Day

What a great woman!

Are You one of the 1,200?

Alan is on Facebook and he already has 1,200 friends. Are you one of his friends? He hopes to use his presence of Facebook and GetNoiz.ning.com to spread the good news about the importance of families. If you'd like to help strengthen families, then join him there!

Little’ Jimmy’s still all smiles after 40 years

By Marion McMullen

THE famous mega-watt Osmond smile beams across Jimmy Osmond’s face and is even more devastating experienced at close quarters.

The Long-Haired Lover From Liverpool is charming, funny and has a first-class business mind ticking away.

His entrepreneurial skills extend to managing the careers of several members of his family, producing and promoting concert tours, commercials, TV production and running theatres.

It’s no wonder he comes off stage and immediately starts working on his business interests in the States. But, at heart, the youngster member of the Osmond family is a born performer. After all, he’s been entertaining audiences since he was three and is still packing out theatres and winning TV fans with shows like I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Celebrity Come Dine With Me and Celebrity Family Fortunes.

MORE: Coventry Telegraph

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

Donny Osmond Calls Danny Gans Passing 'A Shock'

Donny Osmond talks to ET about the loss of Vegas legend and colleague Danny Gans, who passed away Thursday night.

"The unexpected passing of Danny Gans is such a shock to everyone here at Donny & Marie. He was not only our producer but also a good friend. I would call him for advice and direction regarding our show. We've lost an amazing entertainer. His friendship, charisma and talent will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his wife, Julie and their 3 children. God bless you, Danny Gans."

http://www.mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/guest_blog/?id=7453

What once was a reason for despair has turned into a status symbol. (Probably more true if you're single, rather than married.) Let's be honest, losing your job is a traumatic experience.

It's almost daily that we hear of another person being laid off from his or her job. Just last week three of my friends were let go from their jobs; the reason, company down-sizing to stay afloat during these tumultuous economic times.

Regardless of what may or may not have been communicated during the exit interviews, I'm willing to bet that the reasoning behind being let go had very little, if nothing, to do with my friends' work ethic. It may have just been the "un-luck" of the draw.

MORE: MORMON TIMES

One date wonder

Have you ever been on a date you just know is going to end with him on one knee, and a ring in hand? You know the type; the over-complimenting date who can't stop staring at you with googly eyes. But it's not only the men; ladies are just as guilty.

Once in a blue moon the scenario works out perfectly; engaged one week, married the next and a "happily ever after."

MORE

Mormon Times

Madonna's Got Nothing on Marie Osmond

For most people, turning 50 is a moment for reflection — and a massive party. But not
Marie Osmond — she’s too busy. The iconic entertainer and Dancing With the Stars
alum stars in a sellout Las Vegas show with her brother Donny, has an upcoming TV talk show and has written a new book called Might as Well Laugh About It Now. Marie, a NutriSystem spokeswoman, tells OK! about being a mom to eight kids, her inspiring weight loss and why Madonna ain’t got nothing on her.

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Marie Osmond stops by Good Things Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Utah's own Marie Osmond took a break from her Las Vegas show and stopped by Good Things Utah Friday, to talk about her new book.

It’s called, Might As Well Laugh About It Now, and Marie is hoping her sense of humor will be just what the doctor ordered for fans.

The entertainer who's been charming audiences for almost 5 decades had tips on everything from lip gloss (she's used a red sharpee before) - to fitting into those teensy tinsy "Dancing With The Stars" costumes.

MORE

Shhhh! Let's listen in on Marie Osmond's phone call

Marie Osmond stopped signing her new book, "Might As Well Laugh About It Now," to take a cell phone call from her attorney last week at the Mall of America.

Those Osmond fans, gushing over how cute she looked and repeatedly asking her to "Say, hello to Donny for me," would have waited forever. The phone call did take awhile, but fans could watch as Osmond conducted the private conversation in plain view, while walking around the back of the stage.

MORE

Be sure to watch the attached video from the event.

VIDEO

She owes it all to singing along to Donny Osmond

HOW SONG SENSATION SUSAN TRAINED UP HER VOICE

Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle owes her dazzling voice to a teenage obsession with Donny Osmond, her brother reveals today.

Susan honed her show-stopping vocals - which have taken the world by storm and turned her into a superstar overnight - by singing along to Seventies heartthrob Donny for hours on end, her brother Gerard says.

And when it wasn't Donny - whose 1972 hit Puppy Love she knew off by heart - she was driving her family berserk by repeatedly blasting out the soundtrack to Grease - especially You're The One That I Want.

Gerard - the first of her six siblings to be interviewed - tells how bullied Susan would lock herself in her room with her record player because she had no friends to play with.

MORE

Marie in Utah TONIGHT to promote her book

Marie will be reading from her new book, Might As Well Laugh About It Now, at Desert Book, 1110 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale, UT, at 6:00 p.m. Friday April 17th. The event is free.

Osmond just might get the last laugh

rom an outsider's point of view, Marie Osmond's life as an entertainer is still a whirlwind.

It's a life path that began as she trekked out of Utah to all points glamour and glitz as a preteen member of the singing Osmond family. But the only Osmond sister, who now lives in Las Vegas, quickly points out she is still a homebody as much as high roller -- a mother to eight kids, a woman who struggles with her weight, time management, career choices and choosing a partner.

"I really don't think my life is all that interesting," said Osmond as she boarded a plane to sign her new book, Might as Well Laugh About It Now, for fans at Minnesota's Mall of America. "But I am flattered by the people that have read it and identify with it."

Photos and MORE at The Salt Lake Tribune

David and Valerie features in Elan Woman

To read the article about David and Valerie, click

Elan Woman.

Marie Osmond's new book funny, moving

By Emiley Morgan

Deseret News

Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2009

Great! I'd recommend it

A good read, informative

Just OK

Not compelling enough

Didn't interest me at all

A September house fire in 2005 left Marie Osmond watching as the portion of her home that housed her office -- and years worth of journals -- went up in smoke. A few years later, at the urging of her friend and one-time co-author, Marcia Wilkie, Osmond decided to write down some of her favorite memories and important life lessons for her children to read later.

To read the rest of the article, click MORMONTIMES/DESNEWS

Don Osmond: Where have all the cowboys gone?

Don Osmond: Where have all the cowboys gone?

By Don Osmond

For Mormon Times

Monday, Apr. 13, 2009

A'ight boys; this one's for us. It's a topic mentioned recently on my personal blog, but I thought it's important enough to share here as well.

A couple of months ago, I was chatting with a girl friend of mine (a friend who happens to be a girl; don't be getting any ideas), and during the conversation she asked me, "Where have all the cowboys gone?"

Holding back a smirk, I responded with, "You do realize we live in the city, right?"

And without missing a beat, she said: "I'm speaking metaphorically. Where is chivalry in the world today?"

To read the rest of Don's column, click MORMON TIMES.

Might As Well Laugh About It Now

Nearly all of entertainer Marie Osmond's life has played out publicly. The mother of eight and best-selling author lets readers in on her thoughts and insights in her new book, "Might As Well Start Laughing Now."

View the video from Good Morning America and read more about this story on ABC.

Marie Osmond Gets Candid About Life After Divorce

Marie Osmond sits down with our own Mary Hart to talk about life after divorce -- a topic she delves into in her new book Might As Well Laugh About It Now. Plus, she reveals what major movie role she turned down in the past, and why!

"Things in our lives that happen, they don't turn out the way they're promised," Marie tells Mary about being divorced twice. "You know, life is life, and you can either let it get you down or you can choose to move forward in it."

Marie goes on to say that her children are proud of her for her decisions, adding, "I know I did everything I could, and there's nothing wrong with saying, 'It's wrong, and I'm moving on.'"

Mary also asks Marie about turning down Olivia Newton-John's iconic role in 'Grease.'

Based on how the role was originally pitched to her, Marie says she disagreed with the message of a woman changing herself for a man.

"I don't think we have to lower ourselves as women to get anything," she says. She also says she's anything but naive, and didn't want her children to see her in that light by playing the role.

Marie writes about moving forward and rising above life's twists and turns in her new book.

Might As Well Laugh About It Now is in stores now.

ET ONLINE

Don Osmond is Cresting '30'

If you've been a long time Osmond fan, you might remember those days when Donny wore photos of his first-born son on the back of his vest and invited everybody to 'sign-up' for his fan club.

Well, that cute little baby isn't a baby anymore (although he IS still cute!) Now he's a writer who works in the field of public relations., when he isn't racing bobsleds.

Don has written about himself, and his upcoming 30th birthday, in the current issue of Mormon Times. If you'd like to read his guest blog, visit Mormon Times.

Join Alan's new Social Network

Alan is inviting everyone to join his new Social Networking site: http://getnoiz.ning.com

David and Nathan are already there. How about YOU?

David Visits Idol Radio Show

David was the special guest on last night's Idol radio show. You can read all about his visit at:

http://who-went-home-on-american-idol.com/idol-radio-show-4109

David Visits Archuleta Concert

Vestiges of "American Idol" were all around the E Center during David Archuleta's concert Friday night: this season's contestant David Osmond was mobbed in the aisles before the show; one of Archuleta's songs was penned by "Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi; and one fan's shirt bore the words, "I voted for David Archuleta."

Salt Lake Tribune

Video of Jimmy in South Devon, UK

Click on this link to see a review of Jimmy's performance in Chicago, and be sure to click the video link on that page to watch a piece on Jimmy while he was there.

http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/entertainment/Shimmering-Chicago-serves-goods/article-844317-detail/article.html

Pop singer turned country star Dan Seals dies at 61

CBC News

Dan Seals, right, and Marie Osmond, shown on Oct. 14 1986, accept the vocal duo of the year award during the Country Music Association awards show in Nashville, Tenn. (Associated Press)

Pop singer turned country star Dan Seals has died of complications of cancer. He was 61.

Seals died Wednesday at his daughter's home in Nashville, after a battle with lymphoma.

The brother of Jim Seals of Seals & Croft, Dan Seals sang under the name England Dan in the 1970s in a duo with John Ford Coley.

They had several hits, including I'd Really Like to See You Tonight, Nights are Forever and Love is the Answer.

Seals and Coley met in Dallas in 1968, playing in a rock band before perfecting their soft pop sound. The duo disbanded in 1980.

Seals then began a solo career, climbing the country charts with hits such as God Must Be a Cowboy, My Baby's Got Good Timing, Bop, and You Still Move Me.

His duet with Marie Osmond, Meet Me in Montana, was a chart-topper in 1985 and earned the pair a Country Music Association Award for best vocal duo.

Seals enjoyed a successful country career throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, but his soft country sound fell out of fashion in the 1990s and his popularity waned.

He continued to tour and released his last studio album, Make It Home, in 2002.

Born Danny Wayland Seals on Feb. 8, 1948, Seals grew up in a music-oriented family in McCarney, Texas.

He learned to play bass and both his brothers — Eddie and Jim — became musicians.

Our condolences go out to the Seals family at this time of loss.

A little bit rock 'n' roll - Stephen Craig

Times Daily.com

Music legacy produces a new heir

Daniel Giles/TimesDaily

Stephen Craig has been working on a new album at Noiseblock Studios in Florence. Craig is the son of Marie Osmond.

By Shelbia Brown
Staff Writer

Published: Friday, March 27, 2009 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 5:21 p.m.

Pop/rock artist Stephen Craig never went to senior prom and didn't play organized team sports like most boys.

But he said his life, which is deeply rooted in a musical legacy, was completely normal.

Craig, the 25-year-old son of Marie Osmond and nephew of Donny Osmond, released his debut album "That's What You Get" in 2003 in Japan. The album was recorded in the Shoals at Noise Block Studios in Florence.

Almost six years later, Craig came back to Florence for a sophomore album, which is currently untitled, that will be released first in the United Kingdom by late spring/early summer.

Craig now resides in Los Angeles but said he keeps coming to the Shoals for one main reason.

"I really like it here, genuinely," Craig said. "You can kind of come here and get away from everything."

He said the small-town appeal is conducive to a musical atmosphere.

Craig, who also plays acoustic guitar, said the second album is unique because

he had more involvement in the production and mixing phase.

"The writing was a big thing," he said.

Gary Baker, producer and owner of Noise Block Music Group, has known Craig since he was a child and traveled with Marie Osmond as a band musician.

"I kind of became his road dad," Baker said.

He also co-wrote the songs for the album. According

to Baker, the 12-track album includes two songs, "I Don't Want to Be a Hero" and "Sex, Politics and Money," that will be hits.

"They both have single potential," Baker said.

Throughout his 20-year, Grammy Award-winning career, Baker has worked with acclaimed artists including LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey and All-4-One.

Though they work in a

professional capacity, Baker said Craig is more than just another artist in the studio.

"This has been a lot of fun because he is like an extended family member," Baker said. "He's like a son."

Craig credits his mom for helping him establish a sense of faith. The Osmonds were reared in a Mormon household, and Craig said those principles lead him in making decisions concerning

his music career.

"I try to adhere to all the rules of my faith," Craig said.

The Osmonds reached a pinnacle in their career in the 1970s, even recording at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals.

Craig said though his family offers help, he will not allow them to hold his hand.

"It's important, I think, to be your own person," he said.

Brandon is the WINNER!

Brandon Osmond came out the winner last night at the Mormon Times Showcase concert at the Covey Arts Center. Congratulations, Brandon!

A special Thank You to photographer Jeremy Hall who is allowing us to use his photo. To find out more about Jeremy and his photography, please visit his website: www.whatsgottastay.com

For more information about the event, visit Mormon Times:
http://www.mormontimes.com/arts_entertainment/music/?id=6824

Photo Copyright 2009 Jeremy Hall & Great Projects. Please do not redistribute, copy or republish in any manner without prior permission.

(Permission for use granted to the Osmond Family Blog: Strengthening Families from Jeremy Hall, 3/20/09)

David Osmond - Last Day

Sorry, I can't figure out how to turn this video the correct way! Thanks once more Laura H. for sharing your videos with us.

Second Generation Bein' Boys/Second Generation

Another shout out to Laura H.!

Second Generation Any Dream Will Do

Another video from Laura H.