Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Beatles Examiner

At one early point in this blog's evolution I wanted to make this a hardcore Beatles news blog. I don't have the time to keep it up (as some of you can see with the way the podcast comes out).

Another reason why I abandoned that idea is because it's already being done and it's being done better than I could ever do it.

You guys should know Steve as he's been a great friend to the podcast and an occasional co-host.

Check out his Beatles Examiner website and his original Beatles news website. Nobody does it better.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Reading

I've had a few people ask me about the Beatles books I've read over the years and if I could list them.

While this isn't a complete list right now (I'll be adding more over the week) here are some highlights (and lowlights) on a new section of the website!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

I am chocolate?


I saw this for the first time about a year or so ago.

It gets weirder....according to WIKI

"The 'Bertie Beetle Bonanza' was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bertie Beetle in 2003"

Woah.

I have never heard of this candy bar or the "Bonanza" until last year. Could it have been subconscious? I doubt it. Like I said, "Bonanza" was the suggestion of another DJ otherwise the show would've been called "Bertone Beatle Bash". Perhaps she was subconciously influenced......hmmmm.

Friday, May 15, 2009

May/Nancy, Roadtrip, Atlanta and That's 70's Show.....SLIDESHOW EDITION!

Check out the podcast version of this trip here!

This entry is one of the reasons this blog is a good idea. I am able to capture some stuff that just doesn't come through on the podcast. For example...if you think I was full of hot air about some of the May Pang/Nancy Andrews stuff, I have some photos...

Now share my advanced version of a road trip sideshow!



Here is Highway 41...the middle of nowhere. It's Wednesday and I am starting my trek to Georgia!





I've crossed the state line! I feel so accomplished. I've never driven to another state by myself before.....maybe I should find other things to get excited about. By the way, I pulled over for the pictures, I'm not driving off the road!



Here is my hotel room. I didn't spend much time there, but it was a place to rest my head during all the fun.



The next day I went to the Hagerdorn Gallery a bit early. I wanted to pick up some copies of the book. I got to see Nancy Andrews and May Pang, as well as a sneak preview of the exhibit! Nancy even signed a copy of her book early!



This is the (iconic) picture of Ringo which greeted people when they walked in.



I'm a comic book lover, and I missed new comic book day the previous day. It was interesting going to a different store in a different state to catch up on my books. I told you I was weird!



I went to the mall and saw this odd arrangement in the parking garage. You can't see the full picture...but the sign is saying to go right while on the right we are told "do not enter".

HUH!



Now I'm inside the mall enjoying my lunch and devouring Nancy Andrews book....this is the part she signed!



On my way back to the gallery, two things happened. I got stuck in Atlanta traffic (which is apparently famous) and got lost...which was half of the point in me scoping it out earlier in the day!



I made it, and here are the stuff being sold and signed. You could bet I bought everything on that table and got it signed. May and Nancy were troopers signing until the wee hours of the night.



This was one of the most amazing pieces. The original camera Nancy took the pictures in during the 70's and the original copies. THE ORIGINAL COPIES.



The stars of the show...John Lennon's former girlfriend May Pang and Ringo Starr's ex-fiancee Nancy Andrews. Old friends from the 70's reunited.



Nancy mingling with fans of her photos.




May also made the rounds answering every question she could.



Nancy's introduction which ran across the stairs.



The reception was 3 hours long on a Thursday night and it still had many people coming, some staying until after the official closing!







I had May Pang take the picture of Nancy and I, and Nancy take the picture of May and I. This way I would have an "Andrews original" and a "Pang original" portrait of myself and a Beatle muse! We then had our friends at the gallery take some of all three of us together. I love how May's shot gives Nancy the Ringo POPE hat!



May signing a book for a fan who turned out to be a photographer of 70's rockers herself! You can hear her story and a Captain Planet singalong on the podcast! She and May sat in a corner calling old mutual friends.



Where I told Nancy Andrews I was going to see Star Trek (it was premiering in a few hours), we both attempted to do the hand sign. She was better than I was.



I'm at the theater seeing Star Trek. It was good. I've always been a Star Wars guy but I enjoyed myself. I felt stupid for not realizing Spock was Sylar from HEROES (my new obsession).





The next day (last Friday) I drove back down to Florida. A few miles from the state line, I saw some signs for a used book store. It said "all books under 4 dollars" so I decided to check it out. I got a nice Beatles book, an Elvis one and some reality show fiction thriller.





Crossing the state line back to Florida! Once again I am not driving off the road, I'm pulled over.

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. This has gone down as one my best Bertone Beatle Bonanza memories. This is right up there with the Pete Best Band back stage access from 2006...maybe even better! I look forward to more like this!

Here are some useful links to check out!

May Pang on Twitter.
May Pang's official website.
May Pang on Facebook.
May Pang on Myspace.
Instamatic Karma website.
Nancy Andrews on Facebook.
Nancy Andrews official site.
Nancy Andrews on Iconic Photos.
Hagerdon Gallery
Bertone Beatle Bonanza interview with May Pang
Bertone Beatle Bonanza interview with Nancy Andrews

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Roadtrip!

I'm in Georgia right now enjoying myself.

This will be a very memorable episode of "Bertone Beatle Bonanza". I've already met May Pang and Nancy Andrews in person. I'll be getting my books signed and doing interviews. I'll even be giving away a copy of "Instamatic Karma" in a contest on the podcast!

I'm taking pictures and will post them on this blog (I knew it was good for something) when I get back!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Road trip!

We need new "Bertone Beatle Bonanza" podcast.

At least I should update the blog.

Actually there is a big episode and blog entry coming up.

Georgia road trip tomorrow to see May Pang and Nancy Andrews art show. I'll take pictures and record different things. Should be fun!