If you (or anyone you know) is in a band now, wants to be in a band someday, was ever in a band during a previous lifetime or any combination thereof, you must BUY THIS BOOK! I’m not just saying this because author Marty Jourard is… a founding member of one of my all time favorite bands, a hit songwriter, a soulful sax man, an accomplished pianist, adorable, witty, brill. Nope. If you know me personally or have read my book or both -- you know I know the music biz. And I’m telling you this is a must read.

Forget categorizing yourself into that elitist blues… soul… jazz… rock… classical… whatever genre you may hide behind. Avoid taking it personally in any way. And heck! ignore the heartfelt “Foreword” penned by boyhood pal and compeer Tom Petty, if you’d like. But pay close attention to the wisdom Mr. Jourard has imparted in these pages, because there isn’t one of us who can escape his words unchallenged. Remembering and relating to his astute advice and personal reminiscences, I chuckled from cover to cover as he shared the following bits with accompanying antidotes.

Beginning with page one, Chapter One/The Basics he notes:

“A musician of average skill with a pleasing personality can always learn how to play better, but a musically gifted jerk will probably be, to put it politely, ‘moving’ from band to band.”

Chapter Four/Rehearsals And Rehearsal Space:

“Each instrument is part of the overall music ensemble. By concentrating on the entire sound of the band, you become aware of how your musical contribution fits in (or doesn’t fit in) with the overall musical arrangement.

A song is a living entity that deserves your attention as much as your ego! The main theme throughout this book can be summed up by this mantra: Worship the Song - Place No Other Gods Before It, Including Your Ego. Ultimately, the song is why we’re all here.”

Chapter Seven/How To Get A Gig:

“Don’t drop by unannounced and talk to bookers during business hours or when they are at the club working the show. Don’t call more than once a week or actually more than once a month when asking about a gig. Never promise a club you can bring in 500 people unless you really can.

It’s OK to be persistent in a polite way, but don’t be abusive. In short, nobody will book an asshole. Memorize these last five words.

Remember that a club owner or booker doesn’t owe you anything just because you sent in a promo kit and called a few times.”

Chapter Nine/Make Your Own Record:

“Bands often have a highly unrealistic view of what happens when they finally release their own record, feeling that the world and the media will beat a path to their door just because they put out a CD. Here is the all too common scenario:”

I’d love to give you Marty’s play by play here because I can think of… oh, a lot? of groups who’d benefit from this info right now! But I’ll sum it up with the following quote and know you’ll buy the book soon:

“…many bands think the record is going to do all the work for them. Developing a following takes talent and hard work. This leads me to state Jourard’s Rule: If you have a devout following of 1,000 fans, you should definitely make your own record, and quick! If you have a somewhat smaller or more sedate following, you might want to think about it for a while.”

Chapter Twelve/Mental Traps To Avoid:

"The I-Am-The-Real-Genius-In-The-Group Syndrome… aka The Tragic Burden of Greatness: This sweetheart is often the chief songwriter, but in many cases the best musician (drums, guitar, lead singer) ascends to this self appointed throne. Behavior traits include chronic lateness, intolerance for any practical or creative input whatsoever, a deep feeling that the other members are lucky to be working with The Gifted One, and… well, you get it.”

And so on and so on… from finding the right equipment, to songwriting basics, to successfully marketing yourself and your product, Start Your Own Band culminates in Five Stories/Interviews from the big time, to realistically inspire you onward.

Don’t let the title’s allusion to newcomers fool you, this book is for everyone! Originally published by Hyperion Books/New York, you can purchase Start Your Own Band online directly from Marty at www.jourard.com . Buy it. Read it. And please, share it with your peers!

His new book - The Marty Method - will be available sometime end of summer. Marty’s promised me if I sit down at a piano with this book as my guide, I will learn to play music.

In his words, “If you have never played a note on the piano and don’t know a thing about scales, chords or even the names of the notes, this is the book for you. If you do know something about piano and about music in general, you too will benefit from working through each chapter and reviewing the contents. Who knows; you may even learn something new!”

I plan to hold him to this promise with a guest appearance or two when our Atelier opens. Stay tuned!

xo shar

hey pals...

thanks for checking and yes! the forums are back online. go on then. visit the beach cam, share your news, watch for the next "book of love" chapter/photo/tune cuz it's coming soon. yup it really is.

hugs,

shar

unbeknownst to me -- the forum provider i've had for the past 3+ years ( ezboard.com) decided to change all their url codes and -- whoops! oh so many forums around the world are currently not working!

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An Invitation to Gallery Atitlán
Tuesday - April 13, 2004 9:30 PM posted by shar

To my friends, family and comrades anticipating the opening of our coffeehouse here in Elliot Park (and hoping for a sneak peek at our progress), there’s a lovely new gallery opening right next door - next weekend!

And to those of you in Los Angeles etcetc, check it out! World renowned artist Edwin Sulca has shows all over the place!

Please support my lovely comrade Richard White in this noble endeavor. In his words, “Gallery Atitlán celebrates the imagery and spirit of the conquered cultures of the European “New World” with a focus on work produced by groups and individuals within indigenous cultures who seek to preserve the old ways.”

Read on… it’s a beautiful thing.

www.galleryatitlan

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What’s new or what news?
Sunday - April 4, 2004 11:00 AM posted by shar

Sorry about no news for a while… my life’s like that. You know. I get busy and just forget all about (perhaps - ignore?) everything that’s happening around me. Usually out of frustration… And sometimes other stuff is usurping my attention. This time I had that darned back surgery on 2/25 and though I’m happy to say I’m recovering nicely, it was a bit distracting. Here’s what it looked like a couple weeks ago. I know. I know. Sensationalism won’t win me any sympathy, but I couldn’t resist sharing… Ow!

Then there’s the renovation of our lovely Elliot Park Atelier scheduled to open right here in downtown Minneapolis sometime in June. If everything goes as planned. Speaking of planning, Diane & I recently spent 3+ hours down in City Hall (along with several lovely comrades/supporters from the hood) presenting our case to the Planning Commission to get the building rezoned for commercial use and - we won! Yes, the taste of victory is sweet though I remain basically clueless regarding the why and huh and so on. Thank you Kirk Mike Richard Gabby Katie David Tom et al.

Some of you know I like what I like and will  have my way at any cost. Our atelier or “artist’s studio” will be mighty fine. In fact, you’ll recognize it right off by the way it looks feels tastes smells sounds upon entrance whenever it finally opens. So. Believe it when I say we got a whole lotta work to do!

Here’s the before… Whadaya think of it so far?

And finally - a news alternative! If you're in LA, Portland, New York, or Chicago, (and ja… Minneapolis) please tune in to Air America the new liberal radio station featuring three hours of Al Franken on "The O'Franken Factor," plus Janeane Garofalo, Chuck D, Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on weekends! For local listings check out their website right now! (http://www.airamericaradio.com/)

Gentle hugs…
shar

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We are the news!
Saturday - January 17, 2004 11:00 AM posted by shar





Tuesday, January 13, 2004



New coffee gallery in Elliot Park


Art Enthusiasts will soon have another destination in Elliot Park. There are plans for a new art gallery and coffee shop in a two-story building at 609 S. 10th St., a space formerly occupied by Ubah Educational Services, which provides tutoring services for African immigrants. The Ubah school has moved to North Minneapolis.

The coffee shop and bookstore will be called EP Atelier, which is French for "artist studio." Shar Kanan, a staff member of the neighborhood group, Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc., received EPNI backing last fall for her business plan.

Kanan is partnering with Diane Ingram, who runs a music publishing company, and blues guitarist Lonnie Knight on the coffee shop and bookstore.

Gabrielle Clark, a real estate agent working on the deal, said she expects the gallery and coffee shop to be open this spring.

Local artist Richard White will run the art gallery and plans to feature a range of indigenous art.

-- Sarah McKenzie


That’s it folks. Stay tuned… Yip!

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Love and Marriage and Congress…?
Wednesday - January 14, 2004 11:00 AM posted by shar


Y'all really should read the New York Times! Seriously. There's no end to what you can learn by previewing the daily headlines. Like this story for example… Yup. No further comment necessary or for that matter possible.

January 14, 2004

Bush Plans $1.5 Billion Drive for Promotion of Marriage
By ROBERT PEAR and DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 - Administration officials say they are planning an extensive election-year initiative to promote marriage, especially among low-income couples, and they are weighing whether President Bush should promote the plan next week in his State of the Union address.

(read on in the forums)
http://p208.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=38.topic

Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company

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cheers!

virtual lady's aide society

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a heartfelt thanks...
Friday - December 21, 2003 12:45 PM posted by shar

a big thank you for your participation in the joy filled celebration at the Learning Center goes out to: e-fetus the loft outsiders & others val monson -- blues on stage forum david tannen -- blues on stage forum kristin kanan -- vivendi/universal games tom reid -- epni katie hatt -- epni lonnie knight productions the new primitives karen fraser - jennifer dechant dds glenn graham dick ratcliff -- the rave-ons jennifer & lisa corsiglia -- jennifer joyce studios/santa monica vito rococco publishing brian glascock keith zimmerman linda cox --- ramsey county courts in gratitude... shar & di the virtual lady's aide society and The Heartfelt Foundation

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Light a Candle for Paul Pashibin...
Friday - December 5, 2003 10:00 PM posted by shar

Paul Pashibin, VLAS webmistress Diane Ingram's father, passed on last Friday November 28th, from what is believed to have been an allergic reaction to blood pressure medication. Paul was a passionate first generation Russian and Polish American, a WWII veteran, a hard-working railroad man and an avid collector. Mr. Pashibin enthusiastically exercised his freedom of speech by regularly writing to his congressmen, often sending news clippings with comments in the margins.

Our condolences to Paul's wife Lorraine, his children Paulette, Connie, Diane, Harvey, Paul, Gary & their families, as well as many other family members, friends and neighbors.

1/9/1925 -- 11/28/2003

Rest In Peace…
The Virtual Lady's Aide Society


(please click here to read Diane's forum post)

http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm8.showMessage?topicID=126.topic

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I Wrote the Book of Love...
Monday - November 24, 2003 2:00 AM posted by shar

Yup, I did. Write the book. For the answer to these age old questions... visit the Virtual Lady forums and read the chapters, view our photos and listen to the tunes heading each chapter title! Click here for the forums! Post your comments. Sign the guestbook. Send webmistress Diane an email thanking her for adding the music. You'll enjoy it, I promise! xo

Baby, baby, baby
I love you, yes I do
Well it says so in this Book Of Love
Ours is the one that's true

Oh, I wonder, wonder who, mmbadoo-ooh, WHO

(Who wrote the Book Of Love?)

Monotones/1958
(by Warren Davis, George Malone & Charles Patrick)

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“It took 500 pounds of clay…”
Sunday - November 2, 2003 1:30 PM posted by shar

Jennifer Joyce Corsiglia (founding member of the Virtual Lady’s Aide Society) studied most every art form one can imagine, including dance with Martha Graham, before settling on clay. And what more appropriate time to discover clay, than just after the '94 earthquake! "The process of creating my work is a combination of storytelling, dreams and fantasy. Working with clay has given me endless possibilities and reasons to create. Every day in the studio is a new adventure and it's exciting to share that passion with my students."

Full story in the forums…
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=34.topic

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Light a candle for Maxie…
Friday - October 24, 2003 6:00 PM posted by shar

and condolences to his “wife” Lucy… Our dear pound pup passed on suddenly from cancer yesterday. He was loved by many and will be missed by all… Love, Kris, Samantha, Jake, Brian & Grammy Shar & a myriad of pals

dogs are miracles with paws

a dog's nose in the palm of your hand can cure almost anything.
dogs are made of love and fur.
let your dog take you for a walk.
dogs are a sure thing.
some little known dog secrets: dogs have no secrets.
dogs are like vanilla ice cream: reliably delicious.
dogs are wise agents directly from heaven.
if you had a tail, wouldn't you wag it?
there are no bad dogs. be your dog's best friend.
dogs like dancing, drive-in movies and dreaming.
god made dogs and spelled his own name backwards!
dogs make great therapists.
kiss your dog all the time.
some dogs are nap dogs.
dogs invented unconditional love.
dogs are party animals.
apply dog logic to life:
eat well,
be loved,
get petted,
sleep a lot,
dream of a leash-free world.
live your dog's life!

by: sark

http://www.campsark.com/

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aaacccckkkk!!!
Thursday - October 16, 2003 11:00 AM posted by shar

Los Angeles Times
October 16, 2003

General Casts War in Religious Terms

The top soldier assigned to track down Bin Laden and Hussein is an evangelical Christian who speaks publicly of 'the army of God.'

”I knew my God was bigger than his. I knew that my God was a real God and his was an idol.” -- Lt. Gen. William G. ‘Jerry’ Boykin, speaking about battle with a Muslim warlord

Full story in the forums...
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=33.topic

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He's Back...
Sunday - October 12, 2003 9:00 PM posted by shar

OK. Read this! See? I don't even need to create news… Reality is so bizarre it speaks for itself. I will say this however… if all the decent Christians are hearing this stuff day in and day out on their Christian television network… under the guise of supporting the president of the United States of America, exactly who is it I'm supposed to fear?

State Department Decries Robertson Nuke Quote

Full story in the forums...
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=32.topic

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Ready for Anything!
Sunday - October 5, 2003 9:30 PM posted by shar

Let's face it… becoming a writer is not something any of us chooses. It is… rather, a lifestyle that chooses us. It is probably the most solitary, least lucrative profession known to humankind. And yet we persevere… because we must.

Fortunately, for the sake of commiseration, I have many close comrades. Several of us have been published, some of us are good and a handful of us actually earn enough money to pay the rent. However, the one thing we all have in common is the influence David Allen's philosophy has had upon our lives. Known as a productivity guru and best-selling author by those in the corporate world… I know him as a dear friend, colleague and mentor.

Full story in the forums...
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=31.topic

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Wake up California! …all the rest of you too!
Saturday - September 27, 2003 2:00 PM posted by shar

The '90s were a tough time for those of us living in Southern California… oh it's not as if we moaned about it or even noticed it much cuz those of us who spent any time at all in SoCal know "stuff happens." But we had more than our fair share of catastrophes putting us on the front-page headlines beginning with the precursive magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck the Bay Area on October 17, 1989 just before the third game of the World Series at Candlestick Park.

Full story in the forums...
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=30.topic

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My new hero!
Saturday - August 30, 2003 1:00 PM posted by shar


I was all set to write about -- EP Atelier -- the wonderful used bookstore/coffeehouse project I'm doing here in downtown Minneapolis along with pals Diane Ingram and Lonnie Knight… as well as adding a bit about the VLAS events page currently highlighting a few of the haps from my Elliot Park neighborhood over the past month or so. But I just couldn't seem to get that together. Stuff needed to be said and I couldn't figure out how to say it and then - this appeared! I don't know Jimmy Breslin personally and I don't think I know anyone at Newsday, but the article below (reprinted in its entirety) is what I would have said if I was able to.

Full story in the forums...
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=29.topic

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Oh, Lord, Won't You...
Sunday - July 20, 2003 11:00 PM posted by shar


Being your run-of-the-mill dysfunctional people pleaser, I try not to rock the boat too far here in public… but I have my limits. For the most part I exhibit an abundance of patience, tolerance, whatever you call the ability to tune out ignorant fluff and stay focused on what I consider the bigger picture. This stems in part from thinking there's no way in the world you'd believe it anyway. As well as the not wanting to get folks associated with me in trouble consideration. But you know what? This is the bigger picture! Yup. It's bona fide news. So here goes…

This morning I turned on my trusty AOL to check my daily email (ja, I know… shhh…) and there was Pat Robertson's big ol' chubby squinched-up-praying-face blatantly assaulting mine! Why?

Full story in the forums...
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=28.topic

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Home Sweet Home?
Tuesday - June 17, 2003 2:30 PM posted by shar


I’m a nester. Accepting this simple appreciation for my creature comforts affords me the courage to venture forth and take risks. So it was with some trepidation I up and left my family, friends, critters and all my worldly possessions behind last summer to find out for myself if it's true what they say about going home. Having spent my entire adult life in Los Angeles, I knew I was in for a bit of an adjustment returning to Minneapolis. If for no other reason than weathering the weather, which you may have heard there’s a bit of here…

Full story in the forums...
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=27.topic

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Musicians Against Media Monopoly
Tuesday - May 13, 2003 12:30 AM posted by shar


I first posted news re the FCC regulations and potential media monopoly 12/02 (currently residing in the VLAS Forums titled Free the Press!) Over the past week, I have received several pleas from various orgs and friends regarding this same topic. The following is a complete reprint from The Nation… Perhaps this will bring home the impact…

Click here to read in the VLAS news forum. (Musicians Against Media Monopoly)

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A beautiful day in my Neighborhood...
Sunday - April 27, 2003 9:55 PM posted by shar


A while back my daughter cleverly referred to me as the female Forrest Gump. If I think about that too hard I know it's not really a compliment, though altogether apt when reflecting upon my interactions between folks and events that became historical throughout the years. I have been and continue to be blessed in the remarkable life experience department thanks to so many lovely pals, who remain connected via this extraordinary community called the Internet. Sometimes we meet in person... often times online. Either way, connections are melding all over the world and oh what a life we lead! Here's just a few of 'em...

Full story in the forums...
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=35.topic

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Go Lakers... Go Lakers!
Sunday - April 20, 2003 9:45 PM posted by shar

Well, you can't say I'm not loyal. How many years have I been a Lakers fan now? Let's just say ever since my dad took me to the games when I was a child here in Minneapolis. So... a LONG time. I don't know about the rest of y'll but I sure enjoyed their playoff win today over the Timberwolves 117-98... I'm looking forward to more of the same for game two @ the Target Center 6:30 p.m. PT on Tuesday (TNT). Looks like I'll be giving up the Gillmore Girls and the Guthrie for this one!

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Oh ja, I got a shiny new Schwinn Panther (bright green) yesterday and next weekend I'll get my community garden plot assigned and hey -- it didn't take long for me to get my priorities straight, did it?

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I'm a rule follower…
Sunday - April 13, 2003 8:15 PM posted by shar

You'd know I didn't write this if I neglected to make some sort of comment on current events. But don't expect much… 'cause I've been darned near speechless for the first time in maybe… ever? See, I'm a rule follower. I always have been. Not because I'm so virtuous… I've found it generally makes life a lot less complicated when I cooperate with universal mores, rather than randomly making stuff up as I go along. For the most part, my rule following involves easy stuff. Reporting accurate hours and activities on my time sheets. Not calling in sick after I've stayed out too late. When the light says -- Don't Walk -- I don't walk. And like that…

So, I wasn't too happy when the Supreme Court decided Florida's votes didn't have to be counted in order for Governor Bush to be named the President of the United States of America. To me, that was breaking the rules. After all, I raced from my office in Century City to my designated neighborhood polling site in Encino (which is a good 1-2 hours in LA traffic), stood in line patiently waiting my turn at the booth, punched all the chads through their holes and was rewarded with a little I Voted sticker afterwards like everyone else. But hey… what do I know?

Lately I've realized the answer is - not much. Seriously. I can't for the life of me figure out how it's ok to just bomb an entire country to smithereens because we don't like their leader. And from what I've heard, we're heading towards another one real soon folks. Will someone please hurry up and tell me how I can get a copy of these new rules? I need to know what's what regarding the laws of the land. Otherwise, I may revert to that complacent it-doesn't-affect-me-'cause-I'm-an-artist/intellectual attitude of my youth and pretend the whole thing isn't even happening. You don't think anyone out there wants that now… Do you?

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Angelinos Push Peace!
Monday - January 13, 2003 1:05 PM posted by shar

Here I am, thrilled my site's server is finally back up after 2+ months and "news-wise" I have very little to add to my posts from last September and October. Within October's post, (below) is another I'd written in March re Enduring Operation Infinite Rhetoric. All still hold true for me and that's that.

However, when I received emails to sign petitions from both Freebo and Michael Monagan, I knew my fellow artist's nonsense quotients had overflowed toward action. It's not even a choice anymore!

Here's a link to an LA Times article re last Saturday's peace march in downtown Los Angeles... If you can unite that many Angelinos toward a common belief -- on a sunny Saturday -- you know they mean it! I hope you read this. And if you need some background info... again, the previous 2 posts pretty well sum up all the ways they're attempting to pull the wool over our eyes!


http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=15.topic

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Bush Administration Stunned!
Monday - October 21, 2002 5:56 AM posted by shar

You know, there are times when I wonder if I might actually have more common sense than the leader of the free world.

Seriously. Did anyone besides me hear President Bush blatantly blab, in his first State of the Union Address on January 29, 2002, "North Korea is a regime arming with missiles and weapons of mass destruction, while starving its citizens"? Then quickly lump Iran, Iraq and North Korea together while prattling, "States like these, and their terrorist allies, constitute an Axis of Evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world. By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger."

Surely everyone’s heard of the Axis of Evil by now… so what's this newsflash sending shockwaves around the world re North Korea, et cetera et cetera et cetera blah blah blah?

According to the Washington Post, Thursday, October 17, 2002, "The Bush administration was stunned when the North Korean government acknowledged it has been secretly developing nuclear weapons for years and that it possesses 'more powerful' weapons, as well. The revelation from the isolated Stalinist country presents the Bush administration with a serious, unanticipated foreign policy challenge as officials prepare to confront Iraqi President Saddam Hussein over his refusal to surrender weapons of mass destruction."

Unanticipated foreign policy challenge? Go ahead and read that second paragraph again. How daft has the media become? I tell ya, this stuff would make William Randolph Hearst, the godfather of yellow journalism, cringe. If you're gonna try to convince me to get behind your "Axis of Evil with weapons of mass destruction" propaganda in January, please do not ask me to believe you're stunned by this news ten months later. Sheesh!

(Written by me in March, click below.)
http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9.showMessage?topicID=7.topic

Comments???

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Spying in Iraq: From Fact to Allegation
Wednesday - September 25, 2002 12:21 PM posted by shar

Hi Pals!

You know, I'm just lucky to have been raised by a dad who taught me to question information disseminated anywhere near my radar. Who/what's the source? Can it be corroborated? Is it op/ed or fact? Was it taken out of context? And like that... Then, I was lucky to work along with some rather brill journalists and PR folks. Side by side we wrote, proofed and edited, what either was "the news" or what we hoped would become the news, depending on the spin we gave it and/or whether a bona fide earthquake, riot or car chase upstaged us.

Because of those things, my natural curiosity and a genuine Santa Monica College A+ in Mass Media Communications, I receive assorted news deals for intellectual balance. Every now and then I write no-holds-barred op/ed pieces of my own. Sometimes they're published by the LA Times or the Daily News and such, or I just write/publish 'em here in the VLAS news column and force 'em on you. When I cannot gather the presence of mind to write a less than maniacal piece of my own... I share bits from media watchdogs I subscribe to. Here's one. I hope you read it. And if you have the wherewithal, send someone an email. Sheesh! xo shar

FAIR-L
Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting
Media analysis, critiques and activism

ACTION ALERT: September 24, 2002

to the forums! http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9

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Shar has left the building...
Wednesday - July 31, 2002 9:45 AM posted by shar

Sunday was the perfect day for a lovely bon voyage gathering under our huge Mulberry tree here in Los Angeles.

Joining me in fond farewells were several Virtual Ladies and children and a few Virtual Lady's men... Karen & Brandon Elliot, Grammy Gail & Dan Sutter, Janet Bridgers, Jennifer Corsiglia, Tammy Bersing & hubby Joel, Staci Ford, Lara, Rosalea & Dominic Volatile, Cheryl Freeman, Joe Kanan, Brian, Kris, Samantha & Jake Sutter and my puplets, Maxie & Lucy.

Many have begun exploring trips to the tropics/tundra in that exotic, faraway land of Minneapolis, MN. I will miss them one and all and hope their visits become customary. Big, Big thank you's for making today a very special departure for me. Words cannot express my gratitude for the blessing of friendship.

Love & Hugs!
shar

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Greetings from Loon Land!
Monday - July 8, 2002 12:40 AM posted by shar

Hi pals!

Lakes and wildlife, thunder and lightning, green green greenery everywhere I look! Does life get any better than this? Yes, it does! Old-time, meaningful architecture not only connotes history and individuality, it could most likely withstand an earthquake with ease… Manifest social awareness, a diverse artist community… Manly men flaunting lace draperies and colorful shower curtains, (with matching towels) near their Harley photos and big screens… Dancing and listening to music performed by old friends & acquaintances. Record rainfall with temps in the high 80s-90s morning, noon and night for the entire month of June, now July... the subtle aromas of mold and mildew wafting up basement stairways... stifling muggy humidity... an onslaught of mosquito attacks... oh sorry. But seriously, the folks are really just so darn nice... Wish you were here...all of you! xo

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Camelot?
Thursday - May 23, 2002 1:48 AM posted by shar

"We dine well here in Camelot. We eat ham and jam and spam a lot." (Monty Python Song Lyrics)

While the possibility of Los Angeles losing the ... um ... Valley, provokes our City Counsel to action re the November ballot, I think I'll post a piece published, what? 2 1/2 years ago? I've found it reprinted around the web by various sources, both for & against secession... so I s'pose it's ok to republish my own writing. Bear in mind, proposed names range from Camelot to Valley City.

I still don't see how in the world the Valley can be considered a city. I mean, where's the community center, the source of commerce and camaraderie? But -- CAMELOT? The mythical city of Arthurian legend, heroes, heroines, the Lady of the Lake, Merlin, medieval castles and forests associated with the Quest for the Holy Grail? Oh ja, you should see the castles in my neighborhood! Sounds like someone was overcome by fumes while sitting in traffic on the way to the beach. My opinion still stands below:

LET VALLEY FOLKS SECEDE, THEN KEEP TO THEMSELVES

THE DAILY NEWS OF LOS ANGELES

Sunday, December 12, 1999
Section: Viewpoint
Memo: Sharon Anderson Kanan lives in Encino. Write to her in care of Daily News Opinions, P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, CA 91365-4200.

to the forums! http://pub90.ezboard.com/fvirtualladysaidesocietyfrm9

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So Long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye...
Saturday - April 27, 2002 11:50 AM posted by shar

Hi Pals!

For those of you who have read any part of my book, you know music has always played an immense role in my life. So, it seems fitting my conflicting emotions are best summed up by the following Chapter Headings and quotes from the book, as I prepare to depart for the Land of 10,000 Lakes, my homeland, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Carole King's Home Again...

"Sometimes I wonder if I'm ever gonna make it home again, it's so far and outta sight. I really need someone to talk to and nobody else, knows how to comfort me tonight. Snow is cold...rain is wet...chills my soul right to the marrow. I won't be happy till I see you alone again. Till I'm home again and feeling right. Till I'm home again and feelin right. I wanna be home again and feelin' right."

And Joni Mitchell's California...

"Sitting in a park in Paris France, reading the news and sure looks bad. They won't give peace a chance, that was just a dream some of us had. Still a lot of lands to see, but I wouldn't want to stay here, it's too old and cold and settled in its ways here. Oh but California, California I'm coming home. I'm going to see the folks I dig, I'll even kiss a Sunset pig. California I'm coming home."

And finally Joan Baez' Diamonds & Rust, (written 11/74) reminding me that going home is not always as easy as it sounds...

"Well I'll be damned, here comes your ghost again. But that's not unusual. It's just that the moon is full and you happened to call. And here I sit, hand on the telephone, hearing a voice I'd known, a couple of light years ago, heading straight for a fall. As I remember, your eyes were bluer than robin's eggs. My poetry was lousy you said. Where are You calling from? A booth in the midwest..."

I love Minneapolis with it's beautiful topography, traditional four seasons, historic architecture, abundance of arts and community service resources and the obvious lack of ageism, running rampant across America and settling here... in the land of the lovely, sweet young thang. However, Los Angeles is a state of mind I have always been happy to return to. When I step off that plane at LAX and breathe in the briny sea air mixed with exhaust fumes -- I'm home.

I will be leaving within the month. So, if anyone has a long lost... you'd like me to deliver a message or hug to, or if you know of a possible job lead... email me pronto. Uffda! xo

---

Book Reviews!
Tuesday - February 26, 2002 3:13 PM posted by shar

A big thank you to those who've sent me book reviews. Here's what some have had to say about, "I Wrote the Book of Love..."

~ shar bear

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Hi Shar!

I just finished your book...read it straight through with only a few pit stops here and there...good thing I had some cheese on hand to quell the grumbles!

It is a wonderful book, filled with light and love, laughter, pain & joy in great measure. You grabbed my soul with the first page...felt like it was me doing the writing, almost word for word, feeling for feeling, passion for passion...quite a remarkable experience. We may have lived separate lives, but we share a great deal in common. And, as a recluse, you have even started me exploring the idea of venturing out from my woods...with your book and forms in hand! At my age, lol!

You are wonderful and I am so glad that I've come to know you. A truly indomitable spirit...you put me to shame.

Hope you are well and happy.
Amena
http://amenalynn.homestead.com/GreenPage.html

Hugs,
GentleBreeze
Sweetgrass Lodge


***************

Imagine reading a book and hearing soft, subtle background music accompanying each chapter. Author, Shar Kanan manages to weave solid scenes and believable stories of friendship in the 60’s and 70’s rock n’ roll culture, in her book, I Wrote The Book Of Love. This is a rich armchair adventure of a young woman of Scandinavian descent, who transplants from homespun life in 1969 Minnesota to outrageous and decadent Hollywood and manages to connect to the present, “Be-Here-Now” moment.

Kanan crafts her stories of life’s complications, full of truths that are not spoken, but are identifiable by every one of us. At first, her book appears to be self-centered, but cleverly transitions to a compassionate work that lives up to the opening inscription:
“This is dedicated to the one I love…”

This book is for every one of us who has ever been in love, longed to be in love, or has done anything to feel love. “I’ve been made blue.
I’ve been lied to. When will I be-e loved?” Linda Ronstadt/1975

Kanan is a love-junkie turned realist, who brings readers to lessons of living-in-the-moment. She transitions readers to a new paradigm learned in a personal-growth seminar: “that by living in the intention, the method will come.” Using a terse style that is sure to be her trademark wit, Kanan propels her readers on their own path while using business plans and life-plans as her major vehicle. (A workbook is tucked into the back to support the readers on their own journey).

I Wrote the Book of Love, could be cataloged in the alphabet in the “H” section for Humor, Humanity, Honesty and courageous Heart. Or wait…it could be found in the “M” section for Music, Memories or Murder Mystery. Yes, she has even woven a murder mystery (or two) into this adventure.

Every book group should read this book, because it is full of lessons in how one can live with personal acts of faith and through connections to fellow human beings. You don’t have a book club? Author, Shar Kanan has solved that by including a World Wide Web connection: www.virtuallady.net. Readers can log-on to the website and visit in the chatroom or participate in the I Wrote the Book of Love forums.

A shy Minnesota bookworm proves in an easy-to-read novel, that she is compassionately connected to all of humanity. I want to read her next book!

Kate Williams
Yoga Instructor
Palm Springs, CA

***************

Hi Shar!

I love your book. It is a page turner. I am going to get more copies for gifts for friends for Christmas.

I admire people that can write so creatively. Thank you for the great stories. Especially when they come straight from your heart.

Sincerely,

Andi Hamilton
Hairdresser
Minneapolis, MN

***************

Shar,

In these days of grief and sorrow we need to talk about love and most of all we need Love!

That's why I like your book so much. I've read many, many books in my life and of very few of them I should say that reading and re-reading it are quite different experiences. I've just read "I wrote the Book of Love" for the second time, which made me realize one thing: you didn't talk merely about your own life and love experiences, you talked about my life, your life, every woman's life.

How hard relationships are today, will man and woman ever find a way to communicate through words? The answer to this question is in your book, a clear and resounding one: it's all about Love!

I can see no negativity in your irony, you were clever enough to understand and accept the evident differences between sexes and you show us all how to build a bridge and connect people, each with his own individuality.

Hope to see your book translated in my language some day. I wish you all the best!

Love on ya,
Babygrace
High School Teacher
Taranto, Italy

***************

Midway through, I Wrote the Book of Love, Shar Kanan writes, “But that’s the way things went for me, as if I was the “other” Forrest Gump. I’d be right in the middle of something that had great significance on the scale of status and didn’t even know it.”

On the surface this book may seem like a fairytale, wrapped around the rock and roll icons of the Summer of Love. Real people just don’t have a standing reservation at the Whisky A-Go-Go, or sip coffee with members of Chicago, or learn dance steps from Tina Turner. But this autobiography of a Minnesota bookworm, turned Los Angeles business woman and part-time back-up singer, is not fantasy. Nor is it filled with happily-ever-afters. Shar weaves the story of her life around every woman’s search for love and her own true identity. She does it with wit and charm and sometimes, brutal honesty.

As I read through the chapters, themed by song lyrics we all grew up trying to make come true, I found myself reflecting on my own issues of identity and the choices I’ve made in the name of love. But the next chapter was waiting and I HAD to find out what new adventure Shar would find herself experiencing. I laughed and cried and shared every moment with anticipation.

Shar, and her ever-expanding ring of supportive women, gives testimony to the power of friendship and community as we face the challenges of growing up and learning to love ourselves just the way we are.

Diane Ingram
COO, Vito Rococo Publishing Inc.
Minneapolis, MN

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