Talking With Patty Duke!

At the young age of sixteen years old, Anna Marie Patty Duke became the youngest person to win an Academy Award for her portrayal of Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker". She followed that with becoming the youngest to ever have a Television show named after her "The Patty Duke Show". Her many years of triumphs on the screen were only disguising the troubles she was having in her personal life with manic depression. Today, she is a real survivor who continually helps others facing the same problems through her heartfelt work all over the country. Patty and her husband live quietly in Idaho these days with her large family around her. I had the great pleasure and honor to speak with Patty from her Idaho home....

MICK: How is life for you these days?
PATTY: Life for me these days is too quiet! I would love to be working but I guess with us older actresses, there are a number of us in line. And I think also since I moved to Idaho it gives the impression that I am retired. Please tell everyone that I am not!
MICK: Are there any films for you in the near future?
PATTY: Not that I know of! I have a couple of plays coming up. One is a very funny play and it is in Hawaii. A month's paid vacation in Hawaii! The other is in very early stages and we don't know what will happen. It's a one woman show about Mary Lincoln. It's wonderfully written. I'm already memorizing the lines because there won't be anyone out there to save me!
MICK: Wow that's great because Lincoln is very much into the mainstream now!
PATTY: That's right! There is much depth to Mary Lincoln's story and the things she did after the assassination.
MICK: Would you consider coming back to Broadway?
PATTY: Sure! Do you have a play for me? I have come, in my later years, to just love the theater. We have a number of regional theaters where we live
and every time I can, I play on their stages. It is so good for me working with young people who are not professional actors. They are as professional as anyone out there. I learn so much from them! It's been a lot of fun doing that.

MICK: Your work with mental health has been well documented in your books
"Call Me Anna" and "A Brilliant Madness: Living With Manic Depression" and the tremendous work you've done for the cause. Would you consider this your greatest achievement?
PATTY: No I think my greatest achievement was choosing my husband! But it certainly has been right up there as one of the most significant things that have been a part of my life. When someone says that my book has flipped the switch for them and they realize what's going on with them. How much more could you ask for in life? To help a stranger like that! I still travel and speak on the topic and that has become a wonderful way to relate to people who are so eager to demonstrate their love. It turns out to be a love fest! I get at least as much out of it as they do.
MICK: In your illustrious show business career, what would you consider to be your favorite moment?
PATTY: That's hard because I've had a lot of favorite moments. Certainly playing Helen Keller has to be right up there on the list. And mostly because of working with Anne Bancroft. We were a terrific team and I miss her terribly.
MICK: Was she your favorite costar?
PATTY: Now I don't want to insult anyone else! She was such a decent person. I wouldn't have known those words back then. She was very generous of her spirit with me. For instance, "half hour" as we talk in the theater, is a sacred time for people to get ready to go on stage. She always allowed me into her dressing room. We would kid around and tell jokes because Mel Brooks was there too! I knew as a child that she was real generous to let me do that but now as an adult who does theater, I know even more how precious that time is.
MICK: Did you ever get to meet Helen Keller?
PATTY: Yes I did! I was 12 years old and an actress, Katherine Cornell, was a neighbor of Helen Keller's. She came to see the play "The Miracle Worker" on opening night and said "Would you like to meet Helen Keller?".
I was tempted to say "No I am busy" but I didn't! So she arranged it.
I went to Miss Keller's house in Arcan Ridge, Connecticut. We had the most delightful day! It was awesome to watch her come down the stairs in her beautiful blue dress. She never touched the railing. She had a thread on the opposite wall and she would put her pinky on that thread and walk down the stairs in such a stately manner. After the great stately walk down the stairs, she became like a giddy girl! We had the best time. We must have spent the whole day there. She was eager to know how much I loved playing her. She wanted to come to the show but she had recently lost her second "Annie Sullivan", Polly. She was in mourning so she didn't want to leave her house. But our meeting was truly magical, mystical. I treasure those moments.
MICK: Do you keep in contact with your TV dad William Schallert?
PATTY: I sure do! He is 91 years old now and sharp as a tack and philly as he always was. I look very much to him for fatherly advise and comfort. He is always there to give it!
MICK: Do you still get lots of fan mail?
PATTY: I get lots of emails and Twitter and Facebook. I don't know how to do that so my husband tells me what comes in and I tell him what to say in reply! Someday I'm going to come into the Twenty First Century but not right away!
MICK: Are you a religious person?
PATTY: Not formal religion. Occasionally I find myself needing to go back to the Catholic Church almost for a booster shot. I consider myself a really good person who likes to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ but not necessarily be part of a congregation. It works for me!
We have a lot of nieces and nephews here and they are very Catholic. They always pray for me!
MICK: Which of today's actors and actresses do you admire?
PATTY: Anne Hathaway just took my breath away in "Les Miserable" and I sure hope she wins the Oscar. What a performance! She certainly deserves it! You have to run, don't walk, to see that movie. It is one of the most stunning times I ever had watching a movie or anything else for that matter.
MICK: Are you close to your children?
PATTY: Oh yes! The only problem is the distance geographically. But we are certainly in touch at least two times a week with the older boys. We have our daughter here and she has two little girls and Sean has three little girls. They're not so little anymore! The oldest one will be seventeen soon, the next one is eleven and seven. It's a nice big family and I always know that on the holidays. I never have enough table space or chairs!

MICK: What advise would you give to an up and coming actress?
PATTY: On the negative side, I would like to prepare them as much as possible for what eventually will become a constant line of rejection. It's very hard to keep your energy going when that happens. You don't know why when you go in and audition and you don't know if you will get the part or not. Nobody ever tells you why you didn't get it. You spend a lot of time beating yourself up for what you do not know. The other thing I would say id be true to yourself. One of the most important things any actor has to do is to really listen, not just to the director but to what's going on around you. Even if you don't have a job at the moment, just observe people and observe the human condition. It's like putting money in the bank. It will be there for you when you need it.

For more information on Patty:
http://www.officialpattyduke.com/
Patty is now on your favorite social websites! The two best ways to communicate more directly with Patty are through Twitter and Facebook.

The Max's Kansas City Project

From the 1960's until the 1970's, MAX'S KANSAS CITY was the quintessential night club in New York City. Anybody who was anybody came to Max's..musicians, poets, artists and politicians all gathered there. Many of the era's great rock bands got their start at Max's. YVONNE SEWALL-RUSKIN is the widow of MAX'S founder Mickey Ruskin. She has seen it all and has established The MAX's KANSAS CITY PROJECT in memory of the her late husband. The project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, provides emergency funding and resources for individuals in the arts in crisis and empowers teens through the arts.
I had the great pleasure to speak with Yvonne recently from her Woodstock NY home...

MICK: When did you first meet Max's Kansas City owner Mickey Ruskin?
YVONNE: I met Mickey when I went for a waitressing job interview in the August of 1967. I graduated college from the University of Connecticut in 1967. That was the Summer of Love. I went out to Haight Ashberry in San Francisco to hang out on Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park. Then I hitchhiked back to New York because I was running out of money. I wanted to travel around Europe though my family wasn't wealthy and I grew up in Westport, Connecticut. Earning money to do some traveling before I started a career was important so I thought waitressing for a year would allow me time to save up the money. My friend, who had been going to Pratt Institute and was a photographer, told me about Max's.
Mickey and I became very enamored with each other over the interview. I think it was probably because we looked alike! There was a lot of electricity in the room. I went home and said I met the man who is going to be the father of my children! I didn't know he owned Max's and didn't know anything about him. I had seen him out on the street prior to the interview while I was waiting outside and thought to myself "Who is the Ichabod Krane type guy?". I think it was meant to be!
MICK: What would you consider one of your fondest memories of Max's?
YVONNE: Mickey!
MICK: I guess that is pretty obvious! Did you have a favorite celebrity who frequented Max's?
YVONNE: A lot of the big celebrities like Mick Jagger, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, people like that didn't come there all the time. Those type of people are very interesting. Then there was Abbie Hoffman, Allen Ginsberg, Andy Warhol. I was more of a music person so when the music started upstairs, I was more interested in someone like Lou Reed. I was always into music and Mickey was the art person. He introduced me to the art world and I kind of introduced him to the music world. He was very shy and I was very outgoing. It worked really well!
MICK: What would you consider the strangest thing you saw at the club?
YVONNE: I was only 21 when I first started working there. At that time, it was a world of denizen characters, transvestites, the Theater of the Ridiculous, the Warhol crowd. It was the cornucopia of the cross pollination of all of the arts. Being in the ladies room with a couple of transvestites and them talking about having their menstrual cycles was a little strange because realistically these were males. That was all new to me because I grew up in Westport CT. When I would visit NYC I would encounter that on occasion but now I was in the thick of it. It was a positive awakening and a growth experience for me in more ways than one!
MICK: How did you get the ownership of the Max's Kansas City trademark?
YVONNE: When Mickey passed away, we were no longer a couple. He was married to Kathy but we did have our children in common whom he did see all the time. When he died, there was a life insurance policy in the corporation's name. The will stated that the children would each get a share of the policy but it went to the corporation and we never got it. We were in a lot of pain because Mickey had died suddenly. There were a lot of vultures out there that were going to exploit the opportunity. So getting the trademark was more of a responsibility to the children and I was the only one with the children. A friend of mine said I should trademark the name so that is what I did to protect the family.

MICK: Please tell me about the Max's Kansas City Project!
YVONNE: I established the non profit in Mickey's memory. In 1996, the 30th anniversary of Max's, we did a very huge event for homeless people living with AIDS. It was an art auction/party. Gagosian and Castelli owned a gallery down in Soho that was empty and up for sale so they let us use their gallery for that event. It was a fabulous event with lots of artists who donated their works to be auctioned off. There was another gallery across the street where we had the party. That was very successful and the money raised was donated to The Friends House, a place that still exists and is for homeless people living with AIDS. So when I got ownership of the trademark, I decided at that point that I was given this name for a reason and I had to do something good with it. I established the non-profit 5013c in Mickey's memory to provide emergency funding for individuals in the arts in need.
MICK: How do you raise money for the Project?
YVONNE: We do fundraisers. I sold the trademark six years ago so I could give all the kids the money and pay off my mortgage but kept some of the rights for the film I am working on, the foundation and my book that I have out. Someone has actually just finished a screenplay based on the book. I worked with them for five years as a consulting producer. I made a deal with the company that bought the name that they donate so much money each year to the non-profit. That,the fundraisers and getting the word out seeking donations. That's how we keep it going! We really need some heavy hitter donors to come on board to keep this going! My documentary that I am now finishing on Max's is now in production and the will bring visibility to the Project. My big vision for the non-profit is to align with a global organization and then I won't have to be the big chief! I'd like to become a good will ambassador and travel to give talks to teens.
MICK: When do you think the documentary will be finished?
YVONNE: Soon! There's a lot of interest in it. There is a very good law firm that is representing it. There is a rough cut already. I just have to decide which way I will go with it now because there is an opportunity for a partnership. Realistically, it should be completed in around six months.
MICK: Do you keep in contact with any of the great bands that played Max's?
YVONNE: Yes I am in contact with a lot of people because of the work on the film and just in general because I like them! I'm friends with Lou Reed. Bruce Springsteen played Max's in the beginning but I don't really know him personally. He was part of a double bill at Max's with Bob Marley and the Wailers when he made his debut. We got in touch with his people about doing an interview for the film but his management declined. If I had been able to get in touch with him personally it might have been different. I'd still like Patty Smith to do an interview for the film.
There's a lot of fascinating stories. Sargent Shriver met Jackie Curtis (a transvestite) in the back room at Max's Kansas City! Anybody who was anybody came to Max's. Bobby Kennedy came there. The favorite of the waitresses was Cary Grant. He came regularly when he was in NYC working on a film.
MICK: These days, what do you do for fun when you're not working on the project?
YVONNE: I go to the theater. I just saw Matthew Broderick in 'Nice Work If You Can Get It". Great show! I go to the Bearsville Theater up here in Woodstock and they have some great bands there. I saw Joe Cocker at Bethel Woods with Bruce Hornsby opening up. I'm very active! I go to art openings, I go bike riding.
MICK: You live year round in Woodstock?
YVONNE: I live primarily in Woodstock but I'm in NYC pretty much every week. I have a house for sale up here when when that sells, I plan to come back to NYC part time.
MICK: What bands do you listen to these days?
YVONNE: I like Dylan's new album. I still love REM even though they are now broken up. I'm looking forward to Radiohead's new CD that will be coming out soon. I love Norah Jones and Sheryl Crow. I love Blondie!
MICK: Do you see a lot of concerts?
YVONNE: Yes I do! I see a lot of music because there's a big music scene up here. I'm been to several of Levon Helm's Rambles. I used to hang out with Levon in the 70's. After Mickey and I separated, I lived here in Woodstock with my children. That was from 1976-1979. Paul Butterfield was here and so was Eric Anderson. I hung out with all those greats!
Yvonne still hangs out with many of the greats and her Max's Kansas City Project continues to flourish through her valiant and thoughtful efforts. Long live Max's Kansas City!!

For more information, please check out:
www.maxskansascity.org
Max’s Kansas City Project PO Box 53 Woodstock, NY 12498

PSYCHIC'S PREDICTIONS FOR 2013- PART 2

Here are two more of our world famous psychics and their predictions for 2013. Their success rate is truly amazing and sure to astound you again this year!

JANET RUSSELL is a well known Long Island based Intuitive/Spiritual Medium/psychic. She is also the host of one of New York’s top cable access shows, “Beyond the Unexplained” which appears nationwide and locally on Channel 20. Janet is known for her accuracy, honesty and on the mark readings. Janet’s predictions for 2013 are:

EVENTS: Since we all didn't dissolve into the air in 2012, 2013 will open many more to SPIRITUALITY there will be less anger and more people will respect, many more Natural or old fashioned healing aspects to help, there will be many more children born that are called CRYSTAL,INDIGO OR RAINBOW CHILDREN, these children are our future, but they will be labeled, and I dislike labels, but since they are so SPECIAL, these children are gifted, yes they may be out spoken, but most are very old souls and they are great in ARTS, MUSIC,SPORTS,and most will be natural healers as well, they are unique and extremely Intuitive as well as high levels of Insight and Knowledge. Many may have handicaps as well, but they will prove to the world and the universe that they may be special but they are so gifted that the parents that have there children, will be proud of these kids as they should be.

CELEBRITIES:
LINDSEY LOHAN will have another close call and this time she may end up in a very difficult situation, she is crying for help, but No one sees it, they just use it as gossip, but I feel that 2013 will be a new awakening for her, and feel she will truly meet people that want to help her, not just to use her, I feel she is very kind, but confused.
RICHARD GERE will help many but will do it more in a private way, he is a very Kind, Sincere and Giving soul.
BILLY JOEL ,CRISTY BRINKLEY, and there daughter ALEXA will do so much more for those that lost so much with Sandy the hurricane. They are all True Long Islanders and may even do some more charity work here in Long Island.

WEATHER: Last year I predicted that we would have a horrific hurricane around Halloween and sadly that did happen
WEATHER FOR 2013:
I feel that we will still have some strange weather closer to March, feel that we will have some major snow storms ( hope I am wrong on this prediction) but feel that many will be stranded and home bound for at least a week or more, this will be a year of some major low temps and very high temps in June/July/August over 100 degrees, so get your air conditioners tuned up before the summer.

PSYCHIC NIKKI is known all over the world. Some of her clients include well-known movie stars, politicians, people from the sports world and business world, as well as the world of entertainment. Last year, Psychic Nikki predicted the death of Whitney Houston, the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and a sex scandal around Prince Harry.
For 2013, Nikki predicts...

Justin Beiber secret marriage Selina Gomez.
A kidnapping around psy gangham style.
Marriage for Oprah.
A split for Jennifer garner and Ben Affleck.
A split Julianne Moore.
Daniel day lewis will be nominated for an Oscar for "Lincoln".
A marriage for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. And more children. Adam Levine of Maroon Five has to be careful of car accident. Babies and marriage for Jennifer Anniston.
Danger around Howard Stern.
Jack Nicholson hospitalized.
Cher has to watch health as well as her son Chaz. A famous late night show will be cancelled.
George Clooney will play James Bond in a commercial could replace Danial Craig in the future.
Another Hollywood hunk will follow Brad Pitt as a spokesperson for a perfume company for women.
The lone ranger film will be good for Johnny Depp. There is still grave danger for Johnny Depp.
A sex scandal around a comedic actor
Seattle, Washington in ruins after large earthquake.
A major car company will go bankrupt.
An escalator accident in New York city many people killed. A huge earthquake in the Caribbean.
Tragedy at a golf course when lightening hits many golfers. Turtles get loose on a plane disrupting a flight.
A bunny ranch in Nevada will burn down.
Experimental monkeys will escape from a lab in Europe causing a pandemic. Breakthroughs in the cure for lupus.
A super snowstorm in New York, Boston, and Toronto brings 25 ft. of snow.
Fish will evaporate all over the world.
Terrorist attacks London, New York, Chicago and Toronto. Iran and Israel will attack each other.
North Korea will attack South Korea.
Explosion and a plane going into the CN tower in Toronto, Canada.
An earthquake in Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec.
A major earthquake in Russia.
Danger around president Obama.
A gigantic earthquake in St Louis, Missouri, Chicago and Tennessee. An earthquake in the Middle East.
An earthquake in Egypt destroying parts of pyramids

PSYCHICS PREDICTIONS FOR 2013- PART 1

As we enter the new year, thoughts of what may happen cross all of our minds. For the third year in a row, I have asked some of the world's most famous psychics for their predictions for 2013. Here is what they foresee...

NANCY BRADLEY is one of the top ten psychics in the world today. She is a regular on GOOD DAY SACRAMENTO # 31 CBS, and is seen on many national shows. She is the author of five best sellers including WORLD ACCORDING TO NANCY and INCREDIBLE WORLD OF GOLD RUSH GHOSTS. NANCY ’S predictions have the highest accuracy rate in the world. She predicted the death of many stars last year, including Whitney Houston’s. She predicted ALL of the major earthquakes that have happened in 2012. NANCY is known as the CELEBRITIES PSYCHIC because of her huge celebrity clientele. She currently lives in Northern California. Nancy's predictions for 2013 include:

1. Another death in Kennedy family officially ends the old dreams of Camelot!
2. We will be at war again shortly.
3. Repeat of many earthquakes already listed including expecting some cluster quakes in the U.S.
4. Watch for hidden nuclear facilities in Arab countries, North Korea, and China . U.S. better take notice!
5. ANOTHER major earthquake in Japan and other disasters in the same region, flooding, tornadoes.
6. Earthquakes around nuclear energy sites, and the damage they are doing should be proof enough that they should ALL be dismantled and their sites made as secure as possible for future leakage which will harm future generations. ALL governments should re-evaluate what has happened so far with this horrible technology. They are extremely dangerous to the world in general, and over 50% of aquatic life in the ocean is now contaminated because of radiation, and should not be eaten. Aquatic life is morphing into strange mutants as well because of man’s stupidity. When the oceans die, WE do also! IN ADDITION, ALL OFFSHORE OIL DRILLING must stop at once. This is also contributing to destroying the oceans of the world.
7. A male actor with a B. in his name will die as well as 2 comedians, 3 singers and two more actors within 6 months.
8. Some MORE repeated earthquakes within the next two years in: all of Mexico, BAHA in particular, the Philippines, Colombia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Mid-east, Nicaragua, Fiji, Peru, North and South Korea, Canada, Australia, the Cayman Islands, many of the small islands, Pakistan, Africa, Russia, Japan, Taiwan, Turkey, Greece, Guam, England, China, Spain, Venezuela, Indonesia, New Zealand, El Salvador, Ecuador, Chili, Iran, Argentina, Panama, and New Guinea. NORTH SUMATRA should be on continuous alert! All earthquakes will be over six points in intensity. IN THE UNITED STATES: Hawaii, Alaska, Eureka, Oregon, San Francisco area, Washington State, Arizona, Nevada, Southern CA. will have cluster quakes, some sizable. Caution to people living around San Simeon, Oakland , and Davis . Strangely, there will be other sizable quakes in and around Pennsylvania , New York . New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, Nevada, Colorado, Arkansas, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho,
Virginia, New Mexico, Delaware and Puerto Rico. All of New England should be on alert. Some very heavy OFF SHORE earthquakes, Pacific and Atlantic Ocean , and all across the world’s seas.
9. Significant climate changes across the world, global warming, tornadoes, floods, deeper details next issue.

Reality TV Star MICHELLE WHITEDOVE was crowned "America's #1 Psychic" by Lifetime TV. She proved her supernatural abilities on the competitive reality show "America's Psychic Challenge" where she was awarded this title of distinction. Worldwide the Psychic Challenge Franchise has achieved great success because of the ever increasing interest in psychic phenomena, authentic spirit communication, and the paranormal.
As an expert in her field, Whitedove has been featured on ABC, CBS, FOX, WGN, PBS-TV, Telemundo, City TV, and NPR. For more than ten years she has worked as a professional psychic medium, and spiritual teacher. There's a series of books that she's written about her adventures, and her insights into the journey of the soul to help you the spiritual seeker expand your personal truth. For 2013, Michelle predicts...

Prince William and Kate
I predict that this will be a very difficult pregnancy for Princess Kate. I ask that everyone send their prayers, love and healing thoughts to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge . I ask that the world respect their privacy during this time as Kate’s health is fragile and she deserves the love and support. I predict that this child will be a girl and then the second child will be a boy.

Prediction: Princess Kate will be favored by the Queen Mother. She and Prince William will be next in line for the throne. Kate will follow in the footsteps of Princess Diana, but will succeed even further. Kate is good soul who is very compassionate and wants to help those that are less fortunate. William and Kate are truly soul mates and when they leave this planet the world will weep.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
As I write this 12/6/2012, I see that they are arranging their wedding. They ARE getting married; they promised their children and made a commitment to each other. I predict the wedding will be very private and held in secret: I see it during the Holidays.

In 2013, I predict that Angelina will gear up for more movies. Brad will step back and be more family minded. After they marry, he will do more writing and producing. Brad will be more behind the scenes – much like Clint Eastwood’s career. Brad’s other focus will be humanitarian projects for the needy and poverty stricken: funding, building and fundraising too. He will be the catalyst to get other A list celebrities involved in good works. I also see that Angie will coax Brad into another adoption and working with an orphanage or building one. They are scoring brownie points in Heaven for all of their humanitarian deeds and the money that give to these charitable projects.

Tyler Perry
I see that Tyler Perry is a man of God. He is a humble humanitarian doing work for children. I predict continued success with Tyler Perry. and his movies with positive messages. This is his true mission and calling. Tyler will not marry in this life. He is truly a gentle giant.

Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart
Forget the break-up rumors, I predict that the Twilight stars will be married in 2013 and I see a pregnancy too! Kristen will take many types of roles; she is much more diverse that she is given credit. My prediction for Rob, he will continue to be a sought after star and box office draw.

Paris Jackson
Michael Jackson's first born will follow in her father’s footsteps. I predict that Paris Jackson will go on to become a multi-gifted star: modeling, movies, and singing. Michael taught her well, she is humble and yet very talented. She is truly a good person and she will stand up for what is right. Eventually, Paris will go up against the family for control of Michael’s legacy and estate.

Barack Obama
I predict that President Obama will do good things for the pro-choice movement, same sex marriage and the legalization of marijuana. His presidency is mostly ineffective when it comes to Jobs and the US economy. He’s a man of eloquent speeches; not a man of action. I see that his security team has again increased. His life is in grave danger.

Lady Gaga
In 2013 Lady Gaga has an identity crisis but she will continue to bang out the hits! She’s a diva and a chameleon and will do whatever it takes to continue her success. I predict that she will do more branding and product lines and this will make more money than her music. I see that she is over scheduled and this will lead to a health crisis and hospitalization in 2013: there’s an autoimmune disease and drug use and a suicide likely in the coming years. Like many great artists, she falls into depression about her talent.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez
In 2013 Selena Gomez will split with Justin Bieber. His next serious romance will be will a blonde starlet. I predict that Justin Bieber will constantly reinvent himself as he gets older. In his future I see music, movies, producing and clothing lines too much like Justin Timberlake. It’s a Bieber world.

Russell Brand
When I look into his soul I see that he’s a genius, a mad scientist, a court jester and Rock and Roll Jesus – that’s a lot of personalities for one body! In 2013 I predict a super successful world tour for Russell Brand with his humorous social commentary filled with global consciousness and preaching love. I also see a scandalous relationship: a quick marriage or a runaway groom scenario. I predict a baby out of wedlock by someone that wants to use his fame and fortune. He’s super smart but Love and Drugs are his weakness. I see Rehab for Russell in 2013 also.

Johnny Depp
2013 is a year of midlife crisis for Johnny Depp. His career takes a bit of a nose dive because he is bored with his odd-ball character roles. He feels he’s played out. This year is about enjoying the earthly pleasures, girls, girl, and more girls. I predict that Johnny Depp will father a child with a fling.

Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez
Halle wants out of the rat race, she wants to move out of the country and raise her daughter far away from Hollywood . I predict in 2013 she will marry Olivier Martinez and with this new marriage she will become very selective with her movie roles. I see Berry and Martinez with a new addition to their family in the future.

John Travolta
2013 will be a comeback year for John; he’s ready to perform again! 2013-2014 I predict that the family will grow with another child.

Marie Osmond
Unfortunately Marie Osmond cannot bear the loss of her son and her career in Hollywood has not gone as planned. The joy has gone out of her life. I see that she is in a deep, deep depression, bipolar and on suicide watch. Marie could leave this earth before her time. Pray for her.

Andy Cohen
He’s spreading his wings and branching out. I predict a prime time talk show for Bravo executive Andy Cohen 2013-2014.

Whoopi Goldberg
I predict that 2013 will be a great year for Whoopi. I see her producing comedies and educating the poverty stricken from behind the scenes. There’s no diva here, Whoopi likes to be treated like a normal person, she’s down to Earth and humble. Go Whoopi!

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
Tom has already made a decision to go for custody of Suri, the plot has already begun. I predict that Katie and Tom will be back in court and he will stop at nothing to have Suri by his side...he might even denounce his religion. This will be an epic legal battle but public opinion will be with Katie. After all she left him so that Suri would not be brainwashed with Scientology and Katie will spend her last dollar fighting him. She out maneuvered Tom before lets pray that she can do it again. Katie has balls and her popularity will skyrocket to Tom’s dismay.

Bette Midler
2013 is Bette’s year! I predict that she will be working towards her own TV talk show. I’m seeing more movies and a new CD coming too!

JOHN COHAN is universally known as “The Psychic to The Stars. He started as a child and his career has spanned more than four decades. His Exclusives and Yearly Predictions to Cindy Adams New York Post have been 25 years in a row.
“Catch a Falling Star” is the new tell all book written by Celebrity Psychic John Cohan. For 2013, John predicts:

1. Katie Holmes gets a new mate and gets pregnant. Tom Cruise leaves that religious group to get a new life for himself.
2. Mamie Van Doren gets a seat at the UN as "Ambassador of Love" to the World.
3. Connie Stevens has to sell her house because of money issues at hand also an investigation of the whereabouts of her former Boy Toy Lover Charlie Roberts and his disappearance.
4. Tracey Bregman of the Soap "Young and the Restless" is given the pink slip and boyfriend and her break up after he's caught with a younger girl.
5. Kristen Bell becomes a major movie star with great success.
6. Sally Kirkland gets a nervous breakdown but from the pain she gets the gain.Recovery.
7. Michelle Stafford of the Soap Opera starts a bitter feud with Tracey Bregman where a lot of dirty laundry is aired.Behind the scenes dirt revealed.
8. Todd Fisher and Catherine Hickland happily married after many past mistakes with love.
9. Joely Fisher and Chris Duddley have a legal separation making the way for a divorce very close.
10. Jess Walton of the Soap Opera is let go after many years there. Age plays a factor.
11. Mary Jo Slater the big Maven of casting at the Soap's will be in a tell all book about her.The book gives definition to "The Casting Couch" myth being very real.
12. Barbra Streisand great comeback in movies. Fab results. Her son Jason makes it big.


For more information on NANCY BRADLEY: www.nancybradley.org/
For more information on MICHELLE WHITEDOVE: michellewhitedove.com
For more information on JOHN COHAN: http://www.facebook.com/people/John-Cohan/100000005552238

CELEBRITIES NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2013

As we come to the close of another year (and it didn't end after all!), we often reflect on what has past and try to look ahead with optimism and high hopes. Once again, I have asked some of our favorite celebrities for their New Year's resolutions! Here is what they have shared with us...

WABC Eyewitness News Anchor BILL RITTER says "My resolution: to spend more time with my family, and to spend more time at work. and I can do it if I cut back my sleep to 3 hours a night. Shouldn't be too hard, right?" Good luck with that Bill!

Actress KATHY GARVER, best known as Cissy on the classic TV sitcom "Family Affair" states "My New Year's resolution is to accept what I cannot change in politics and work for the things I can!"

Legendary musician BOBBY WHITLOCK, from Derek and the Dominoes: "My New Year's resolution is the same one that I have always had~"Never make myself any promises that I can't keep". Right on Bobby!

American singer PETER LEMONGELLO: "My New Years resolution is simple. "Take an inventory of your life and the people who are important to you, and do all you can to make them happy". You'll be amazed at how it comes back to you!"

American singer and actor MEL CARTER, best known for his 1965 million-selling recording, "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" has vowed "To Stay as active as I can and make more beautiful music--God Bless!" God bless you too Mel!

BUTCH PATRICK, who played Eddie Munster on the classic 60's sitcom "The Munsters" is not one for resolutions "Don't make em! But if I was to make one, it would probably be to maintain my sobriety and be of service to others".

American comedic actress, impressionist and singer MARILYN MICHAELS: "I think I've given up on "resolutions" because, if I don't keep them, it's
another thing to feel guilty about!! Then I worry that I didn't keep the
resolution! So I'd rather call it a "wish list".
That would be... lose 10 pounds... stop worrying, and of course get the
musical comedy I wrote with my son, film critic, Mark Wilk, called...
"ALYSHA", produced in the new year!" Some greats goals Marilyn and hope they come to pass!

Argentinian actress OLIVIA HUSSEY-EISLEY, who became famous for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's Academy Award-winning 1968 film version of "Romeo and Juliet" shared: "My New Years resolution for 2013 is to make a point to take everything with a grain of salt! Enjoy every single day..and feel peace and bliss in my heart..it takes a lot of discipline to feel good inside all the time..but it can be consciously done! My New years resolution is to do this!" Bravo Olivia!

American southern rock and country singer/songwriter HENRY PAUL, who was a founding member of the Southern rock band "The Outlaws" told me "Honestly Mick I don't have a new years resolution...... but I can always commit to dropping a few pounds!!!!" Sounds like a plan Henry!

Renowned sports radio and television broadcaster ANN LIGUORI said "My New Year's resolution is to spend even more quality time with my loved ones and plan even more visits with my Mom, sister Jean, brother Dan and niece Madison and nephew Christian whether we get together on the East End of Long Island, in Florida where they live, in Ohio where we grew up or anywhere we can meet to get together. With our hectic schedules, this takes a lot of planning but family is foremost!" Such wonderful thoughts Ann!

American actress, writer, novelist, comedienne, blogger, and talk-radio host LYDIA CORNELL, famed as Sara Rush on the ABC television situation comedy "Too Close for Comfort" says "My New Years' Resolution is to finish the book and movie I'm writing. And to stop dating, marrying and doing business with sociopaths. And to stop seeking the approval of Neanderthals!" Wishing you my success with all of that Lydia!

Lets hope all of these resolutions come to pass and my hopes that yours will too!
Happy New Year!

For more information on our special celebrities:
http://www.kathygarver.com/bio.htm
www.bobbywhitlockandcococarmel.com
plemongello.com
marilynmichaels.com
www.henrypaul.com
www.annliguori.com
http://lydiacornell.com/

OUR FAMOUS SOUTH SHORE FRIENDS AT CHRISTMAS

Having grown up in Bay Shore, NY, local history has always intrigued me, especially the history of celebrities who called this area home. Many of these South Shore celebrities have shared their talents in the Yuletide season through their work in movies, television and music.

Legendary comedian RODNEY DANGERFIELD was born as Jacob Cohen in Babylon, Long Island in 1921. When he started out in show business, he used the name Jack Roy. That remained his legal name for the rest of his life. In 1952, a club owner gave him the name Rodney Dangerfield after Ricky Nelson used the name in an episode of “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”. In 1968, Rodney appeared in a Yuletide TV movie “Our First Christmas”.
BOB KEESHAN, beloved as TV’s Captain Kangaroo for over 30 years, was a longtime Babylon resident who lived on Mulberry Lane. He was a member of the board of education in West Islip (1953-1958) and was on the board of directors at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip. One of his audio works that is still available is “Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas With Captain Kangaroo”.
In 2006, Bay Shore born LL COOL J starred with Queen Latifah in the uplifting Christmas comedy “Last Holiday”.
Grammy Award winning singer composer PATTI AUSTIN grew up in Bay Shore and graduated from Bay Shore High Scholl in 1968. Her godparents are Quincy Jones and Dinah Washington so music was truly her destiny. In 2008, Patti released a digital Christmas EP “An Inspirational Christmas”. The three songs featured a sublime “I Really Don’t want Much For Christmas”, a dramatic version of Bill Wither’s “Lean On Me” and her original “By The Grace Of God”.
DAN LAURIA, who went to Lindenhurst High School and is best known as Jack Arnold on the hit TV series “The Wonder Years”, has signed to play radio icon Jean Shepherd in “A Christmas Story- The Musical” at the Lunt-Fontaine Theatre Nov.5 through Dec. 30.
Copiague resident JERRY TUCKER is one of the last surviving members of The Little Rascals. He was “the rich kid” in the Little Rascal shorts from 1931-1938. He was also one of Mother Peep’s children in the 1934 Laurel and Hardy holiday classic “March Of The Wooden Soldiers”. You can still see this each year on TV 78 years after it was released!
Sayville’s MELISSA JOAN HART (TV’s Sabrina the Teenaged Witch) has been in several Christmas movies. Her first was in 1986 “Christmas Snow”. In 2000, she was the voice of Molly in “Santa Mouse and the Ratdeer”. Her most recent holiday movie was “Holiday In Handcuffs” in 2007.
Watch for world famous jazz vocalist, Oakdale’s JANE MONHEIT, on classical violinist Mark Connor’s new Christmas album “An Appalachian Christmas”. The Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times have already chosen the album as one of the best albums of the season in 2012!
BRIAN SETZER, who was born in Massapequa, has once again returned to the Island with The Brian Setzer Orchestra doing the 9th annual "Christmas Rocks Extravaganza" at the NYCB Theatre At Westbury. Since the early 2000's, Brian's rockabilly Christmas albums and tours have become a tradition here and around the world.
Norman Vincent Peale once said “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” Our local celebrities have done just that and we are proud and thankful. Try to enjoy some of their holiday offerings this year and share the magic with your family and friends.

THE MEDAL- Kerriann Flanagan Brosky's new novel!

She became a well known, award winning author with five nonfiction books, including "Ghosts Of Long Island" and "Ghosts Of Long Island II". Now KERRIANN FLANAGAN BROSKY has written her first fiction novel "THE MEDAL" and though it has just been released, it is getting rave reviews from around the world. The inspiring story that Kerriann has written involves lovable characters whom we all can relate to, Padre Pio ( one of today's most revered Saints) and a miracle that will not only surprise you but warm your heart at the same time. I spoke with Kerriann recently prior to the books release...


MICK: You've had great success writing non fiction books. Is fiction something you've always wanted to do?
KERRIANN: Yes it is something I've always wanted to do! I thought that having the background with non fiction would help further my career and people would take me seriously as a writer. I wanted to do a story that would be a good transition from what I was doing with ghost books and with Padre Pio it works well. His story adds mysticism. He had bi-location, he was psychic even though the church doesn't necessarily use that word. Based on my own knowledge from what I've read, he could read hearts, he could have that sense of knowing what people are thinking. So this story is a great progression for me. I combined a lot of history in this book as told from the character of Jimmy, in his language and his words. He talks about the life of Padre Pio. So this combines my love of history and my love of the paranormal that I worked into the novel.
MICK: When did you first learn about Padre Pio?
KERRIANN: The book is based on a lot of things that have happened to me. I have had a lot of paranormal experiences and I've had a lot of religious experiences too. My father had passed away seven years ago after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. I was born and raised as a Catholic and had a very religious background. When my father got this disease, I was thinking "Why? Why my father". This is a question that a lot of people ask in times like this. After seeing this illness taking over every once of his body and cutting his life short with my mother and the family. He was only 48 when he was diagnosed. My mother is three years younger. I started losing my own faith and starting questioning and doubting God. I became so upset that I said I wouldn't go to church anymore and just stopped believing. I never believed in miracles. The very next day, I was in a store in town and I ran into this man that I did not know. Out of nowhere, he said to me "Do you believe in miracles?" I'm now thinking that I was losing my mind. He started saying "Do you have someone in your life that is in need of help that is suffering with an illness?" Why is he asking me this? All of a sudden he started telling me about Padre Pio. I had never heard of him before. He told me to start doing research on him which I did. As time went on, every time I was suffering or had doubts, this man would sort of appear in my life. He gave me a medal of Padre Pio, a very old silver medal that has a relic in the back. He told me to give this to my father and have him wear it. My father wore it for three or four years. It helped him as much as it helped me. Every time he was in the hospital, there were several times when he almost died and pulled through. As time went on, my faith started to improve. My fathers condition would sometimes even get better! It was more about me at that point than it was about him. The book is written in the perspective of the caretaker. There are so many books that are about people that have the illnesses, and of course that is the most important thing. But so many overlook the role of the caretaker.
I was told by many people that it was a whole journey that I had been on.
I knew that it was still ultimately up to God if someone doesn't get cured. So when my father eventually did pass away, there was a miracle that took place in my life.
Two years later, I was in the same store where I met that man and he was suddenly there again! I had only written my first "Ghosts of Long Island" at that time. He told me "Mark my words, one day you will write a book about me". I had no idea what he was talking about. So as time went on, I started picking up things that I had to write a book on this subject. In "The Medal", the main character is Bethany Fitzpatrick and she is based on what I had experienced and what my mother had experienced, as the caretaker, in relation to my father's illness. In the book, Bethany's family came from money, they lived in Northport and had the perfect kind of family. She had gone to the culinary institute to become a pastry chef. She had this great job lined up in Manhattan and then her mother gets very sick. So she had to forego that to go home and care for her father. She ultimately opens a bakery and has to run it. But she's only in her late 20s and also has to care for her father, whom she loved beyond comprehension. It's not a normal life for someone that age and I have that conflict in the book. Her two friends have a totally different life and the character of Bethany doesn't fit in. Her friends go blank when it comes time to talk to her about her life because they don't understand. This is common for people who are caretakers. No one understands them; no one knows what to say. People say the wrong things or they ignore you. In the book, I am trying to stress that caretakers are not alone in feeling that every day you wonder what is going to happen, that they've given up their own life. She gets to that point in the book where she's given up and has a breakdown in her bakery. All of a sudden, this stranger appears who is reminiscent of a character from the Godfather. The bakery was locked so she doesn't know how he got in. He starts telling her about Padre Pio and the story unfolds from there.
MICK: Since this book has more of a universal appeal, will you be traveling around they country for book signings?
KERRIANN: I would like to. I've always been a Long Island girl and an author on Long Island. Last year, I came in third to Nelson DeMille in "the best of Long Island" for authors. With this book, it does have the potential to move outside of this area. So far, people of all ages and genres are raving about my book. I've already got two five star reviews from two totally different people whom I do not know!
MICK: When we spoke recently, you told me that you met a man here on Long Island that had a first hand encounter with Padre Pio.
KERRIANN: Yes I did and that was a huge turning point for me as well. I was learning about Padre Pio and things would come in my path unexpected.
One day, I went to a religious store to buy a communion gift. I paid for it and was looking around as she wrapped it up. When I got home, I opened the bag and with the gift, there was a flyer in there about this man Anthony Fuina who was doing a presentation in Bayville. It was about Padre Pio and it was a healing mass. I could not believe it was in my bag! I had to go! So I went to see this man and listened to his amazing story. His miracle with Padre Pio is one of the reasons that Pope John II declared Padre Pio a saint. There are a certain amount of requirements for a person to be made a saint. Anthony's was one of them. I not only heard him speak but also attended the healing mass. I was always very reserved about my religion and this was more of a charismatic experience. I was taken back by the whole thing with people falling back on the alter. I thought that is not going to be me! But it happened to me! I saw bright light and heard them speaking
in tongues. It was an amazing experience!
I woke up and there I was looking up at the ceiling in the church!
But Anthony Fuina is a very interesting man. He is alive and well all these years later and his life's work now is devoted to Padre Pio.
MICK: Have you ever seen that mystery man from store again?
KERRIANN: Yes I have. And the book is dedicated to him! He is very excited! I often wonder about him because he's an unlikely person but I owe him so much! He lifted me up many times when I needed lifting. He is also very Italian so I had a lot of fun making the character of "Jimmy" in the book because of the lingo and the language.
MICK: Are there any more fiction books in the future for you?
KERRIANN: I would hope so! I keep several journals with different story lines and it is things that are not necessarily paranormal or spiritual. It is definitely something I would like to continue. I often get asked if I will be writing a third "Ghosts of Long Island" book but as much as I would like that, I want to be able to move on and do something a little different. I have my radio show that keeps me in with the paranormal so that satisfies that need that I have. I really love non-fiction because I love the research and I love going out in the world interviewing and meeting people. It's a big change doing fiction because it is very reclusive. For "The Medal", I did have some research but it was nothing like what I had been doing. It was an adjustment. The book went through four revisions and three professional edits. The one thing I really enjoyed was I could create my own story and my own characters and I still found a way to include my interest with history to put that in with the life of Padre Pio. After doing five non-fiction books, I really want to move up into the fiction world. I think this is the book that can do it!
This book is more of a natural progression from non-fiction to fiction because of the subject matter. My fans expect this of me with books coming out in October so the timing of this could not have been better!
MICK: When will "The Medal" be officially released?
KERRIANN: The official release date was on September 23. We were at the Church of St. John the Baptist and that was Padre Pio's feast day! I did well. I sold 41 books in between Masses. I was really taken back emotionally by the whole day. People were coming up to me telling me the most amazing stories. One woman broke down at my table and reached across and started hugging me for writing the book. People were requesting the book in Spanish, French and Polish. Other people would come by my table, pick up the image I had on display of Padre Pio, kiss it and walk away. It was all quite overwhelming. The church was packed! I've gotten some incredible responses on Facebook and some Amazon reviews too!

On Friday, October 19, 2012,at 7:00pm Kerriann Will be at the BOOK REVUE
313 NEW YORK AVENUE HUNTINGTON NY Huntington, NY 11743 to discuss "The Medal

" and sign books. Don't miss this this wonderful evening with one of Long Island's most gifted and loved authors!

www.kerriannflanaganbrosky.com/
http://www.padrepiomedal.com/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Medal-Kerriann-Flanagan-Brosky/dp/1457514001