Robyn Z is a well-known radio persona; a psychic medium hitting the airwaves from the Howard Stern show, to the California coast, and now the Miami heat.  Did you know she's also working her vocals in the studio as a singer?

And, my favorite recent pastime with Robyn Z, (ok, so I'm a little biased) :)  is when she said she was one to "READ THE RED" and sported one of TheLadyinRed's signature t-shirts with style and and accentuated her natural beauty with some Red Hot Intoxication eye shadows, too.

I can't tell you how super excited I get on my journey of life when I get to meet people that pack a punch in the entertainment industry.  It inspires me to try harder, do more, and use the gifts I've been given.

You've just got to hear Robyn Z on radio sharing her "Love and Light" with listeners.  Every Monday, "Medium Mondays", in Miami and Los Angeles you can catch her on DJ 106.7 or LA 96.3 at 7am EST.  Check her out on your morning commute, or listen in live online from anywhere in the world. Call 1-855-DIAL LAZ to connect with loved ones who have crossed to the other side and speak with Robyn Z for a reading.

PRESS RELEASE:  Holmdel, NJ (June 13, 2013) –The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF) will hold its 19th Annual Golf Tournament, sponsored by Jersey Mike Subs, on Monday, July 15 from 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. at the Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club at 20 Shore Oaks Drive in Farmingdale, NJ. A foursome is $1,700 and the per player fee is $425. The day includes breakfast, on-course refreshments, lunch, dinner and awards reception, access to club amenities, greens fees and gratuity. For a schedule of the day and to register or to sponsor the event, visit www.njvvmf.org or call Bill Linderman, Executive Director, NJVVMF, with questions at 732-335-0033 x.102. 

"We look forward to holding our 19th Annual Golf Tournament on this beautiful championship golf course. For more than 30 years, I've been involved in organizing golf outings and I promise that this is going to be the best outing to date and also one of the finest in the state,” said Jim Petillo, Chair, 19th Annual Golf Tournament, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation.

Proceeds from the event benefit the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center.  The Memorial  "A Place To Remember, To Heal and To Honor" recognizes those who served, especially the 1,562 New Jersey born soldiers who never returned home. In 2013, the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center will celebrate its 15th Anniversary, which since opening in 1998 has welcomed more than 185,000 visitors of all ages through its doors. The nonprofit New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, with the help of volunteer Vietnam veterans, run the educational programming at the Museum and Memorial throughout the year.

During the Tournament's Dinner and Award Ceremony at 6:00 p.m., the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation is proud to honor the late Ed Eget by presenting the Edward Eget Memorial Trophy to the foursome or team with the lowest score, using the Calloway method. Eget served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and was seriously wounded in action in June of 1969. His combat awards include the Air Medal with 16 clusters, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Prior to Vietnam, Eget also received the highest non-combat related medal that can be awarded for valor, the Airman's Medal, for pulling passengers and crew from a burning airplane in Bermuda. Other prizes awarded include Team Prizes, Closest to Pin and Longest Drive.

“We are proud and humbled by the sacrifices, courage and valor of the Vietnam veterans,” said Peter Cancro, founder and CEO Jersey Mike’s Subs. “It's our honor to continue supporting the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation.”

"The Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club is a championship caliber golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller. We are thrilled to be a part of this event held by such an honorable organization," said Domenic Gatto, Chairman and President, Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club. "The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation is dear to my heart and I hope that we are able to raise enough funds to keep the Memorial and Museum going strong.  As a Vietnam veteran, I am proud to be part of this patriotic day.”

About The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation           

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation offers a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifices, courage and valor of Vietnam veterans and that encourages and fosters a thorough understanding of the Vietnam Era including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects, which affected the United States, and especially New Jersey.

One of the perks about living in the North Eastern part of the USA, is that if you are into places with American history attached to them, there are a lot of old buildings that are still standing.  We’re talking centuries old – with creaky wood floors, eerie looking attics, and dark basements - buildings that George Washington had once walked through, for example. 

The North East and Midlantic areas along the Eastern seaboard, were the first parts of the United States settled by Europeans hundreds of years ago;  and many of those formerly inhabited structures are now historical sites.  There’s so much history – and legend - associated with these places – it makes for some great paranormal investigation!  Yes, I’m talking about “experiences” that people have had in these buildings or in certain places that just don’t jive with what you would call “normal”, which prompt others to try to find out the causes for them.

Upon my visit to the location of the “ghost hunt”, I was probably sitting in one of the same chairs that George Washington himself sat in, as I was being briefed on what I was about to possibly experience.

It’s really kind of cool when you think about how you are retracing the steps of some of our country’s greats when you tour some of these historical landmarks.   So when the paranormal investigator Gordon Ward, a well-respected professional in his field (as well as author, musician, and historian) asked me to go on a “ghost hunt” – I jumped at the chance!  I get to do a lot of amazing things in my travels, but usually I don’t go around interviewing ghosts. I wasn’t going to pass up this opportunity!

See, Ward isn’t on one of those trendy ghost hunting reality shows because he’s not about the dramatic.  He will double check the facts of legends and tales associated with buildings against dates recorded in bibles and on tombstones.  He cross-checks an area to see if trains passing by can knock pictures off walls, or old pipes creaking is really what someone hears, versus an invisible presence.  If he can disprove a ghostly presence, he does; and he has.  That said, if he can’t explain something, and he uses his cameras and recorders to capture evidence of a supernatural something, you can believe him that it’s the real deal.

Ward was asked to investigate the Schuyler-Hamilton House in Morristown, NJ. A bit of background on the house that was built in 1760:  A man by the name of Dr. Campfield and his wife Sarah Ward bought the house in 1765. They had one child.  They lived there for 56 years.  However, as was commonplace during the Revolutionary War, soldiers and doctors needed places to stay.

Fast forward to the winter of 1779-1780.  George Washington’s doctor, Dr. Cochran, resided here with his wife, Gertrude.  Gertrude had a sister named Betsy Schuyler,  who stayed with them at that house that same winter.  (Ah-ha!  That’s where the “Schuyler” part of the house name comes from!)  Betsy fell in love with the Alexander Hamilton  – you know – the Secretary of the Treasury under President George Washington; one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.  Alexander Hamilton  was stationed at George Washington’s headquarters,  about a quarter mile away from this house at the time.  Betsy and Alexander dated during this time – and spent time at this house, hence the name “Schuyler-Hamilton House”.  So this place has some pretty impressive history.

This is a four-bedroom house that’s rather small.  It’s amazing so many people PLUS their slaves and the children of the slaves all lived here.   Talk about a full house!   In 1895 the house was moved from its original location to where it resides now.  There was a doctor who owned three acres of land which was devoted to different types of plants that he used for medicinal purposes.  The Schuyler-Hamilton House was moved to this land.

Pat Sanftner and Kathy Cruger are the docents for the house now – which means they care of it.  Sanftner’s mother used to be the docent, so she’s got a most comprehensive history of the events of this place all in her head, from recent times, dating back to its beginnings.

Sanftner, Cruger, and on prior investigations of this house, Gordon Ward, have all experienced and accounted for “the unusual”.  Before Ward was called in, staff had been alone in this house and heard footsteps walking through the upstairs hallway – a clop, clop, clop on an all-wooden floor, from the front to the back of the house, which now has many area rugs strewn about.  A photo of Sanftner’s great grandfather in the parlor kept falling down, no matter how many times she hung it back up; and last summer, every time Cruger went upstairs, she heard footsteps in other parts of the house.  One time she heard a voice on the stairwell – a child’s voice – and no children have lived in the house since 1820.  The house is empty most of the time except for once a week.  So it’s restful – not disturbed.  Well, not disturbed by humans, anyway.

You know what?  If I experienced these things, I might say “Who ya gonna call?”, too.  And that’s when Sanftner called Ward, a professional in the field of discovering the undiscovered.

Ward sometimes gets calls from places that presume an unearthly presence.  Sometimes the phenomena are legit.  Other times – well, you just never know if an establishment is seeking some publicity by trying to gain credibility for being “haunted”.  This is why he investigates a site multiple times.  Just because you don’t find anything “strange” the first time around, doesn’t mean you won’t on a subsequent visit.  At the same time, collection of evidence of the paranormal obtained more than once, does lend one to believe that a presence is indeed real.

Ward had already visited the Schuyler-Hamilton House before I came along.  He had collected evidence of the supernatural in 2012:  2 EVP recordings – or 2 “sound” recordings if you will.  One was of a man’s voice saying “You’re clumsy”, and the other was a woman’s voice saying “yes” in the stairwell, and laughing.  (He has the sound bites to prove it.)  He obtained a few  more recordings on previous walk-throughs of the house, too.  One woman’s voice in the attic said “I don’t think so,” when Ward asked the question if slaves were kept up there. Of note, the basement was built in 1895 when the house was relocated; and upon touring it at an earlier date, Ward recorded a whisper of “I’m here in the basement,” too.

Let me tell you – after I walked through this house – I can vouch that there is “something” in that basement.  We’ll get to that.

So it was 1:45pm on a Wednesday in May when Gordon Ward showed me his camera, K-II meter (for measuring electromagnetic energy) – which tends to be present in larger amounts when spirits are present, and a sound recording device.  No proton packs, no worries of getting slimed.

We all took a look at our battery powered devices – cell phones, recorders, etc. to check their charges.  Sometimes when ghosts manifest, they drain the juice from batteries since they require energy to manifest.  So I looked down at my phone and it read 98% charge.  I was well-prepared for a supernatural syphon of energy.  Bring it on!

There were 5 of us who were going to do a comprehensive walk-through of this house.  It was daylight.  We weren’t looking for the spooky effect.  Ghosts can make themselves known at any time of day.

Ward started recording.  He had himself, Sanftner, Cruger, one other interested party, and myself all introduce ourselves for the record.  This might seem strange at first, but it sets a benchmark for establishing each of our voices.  See, after Ward makes a recording of an investigation, he uses software to analyze sound and pick out voice patterns.  If “someone” speaks on tape, that is not someone who was physically, and humanly present, he’ll know it, because every single person’s voice print is unique.  He would know right away if it was me speaking versus someone from “the other side.”

So what do you do on a ghost hunt?  You pick a room to start in and start talking!  Seriously, you “interview” the “ghosts”.  (I wasn’t kidding!)

We were in the sitting room with the Revolutionary War period chairs, and Ward asked who is in the house.  When he did that, the dog started barking next door.

This was the first opportunity I had to use my electromagnetic field (EMF) detector for my iPhone (Mr. Ghost) and I put it to use.  When that dog started barking my EMF reading jumped – a lot – to over 200.  Normal readings are usually a bit lower than that, unless you are standing near wires or something that runs on electricity or battery power.  I was starting to feel like we weren’t “alone”.

Ward didn’t get a response to his question – at least not one that we could hear.  Many times a ghost will respond to questions asked but it is inaudible to the human ear.  This is why it’s so important to make a sound recording and play it back on a computer.  On a computer, you can visually see the wavelengths and patterns recorded to hone in on any inaudible sounds that may be voices.  You can also peel apart the voices of the people present, plus weed out any background noise visually.

We went into the downstairs hallway and into the parlor.  All of us took turns in asking the spirits questions – if they were there listening.  I asked if s/he was the one knocking the photo off the wall.  Different people asked the names of the spirits and what year it was, if they were slaves, and if they lived in the house at one point. We asked questions that if answered, would give us clues about who these people used to be.

We couldn’t be sure if the ghostly presences (yes, there’s more than one….you’ll see!) were there because of the land, the house, or objects in the house.  Trying to establish a time frame of reference with any answers whispered to us would help us figure out who these people could have been.

The rooms were small, and the downstairs wood floor wasn’t particularly creaky.  I had stepped on the boards trying to see if there was any plausible practical explanation for hearing footsteps.  When trains passed by from the Morristown train station, I paid attention to see if frames shifted on walls or objects fell. None did.  The heat was not turned on, and the water was not running, so there were no hisses and creaks generated by pipes.  My mind thought about ways to disprove anything that we might encounter as we went from room to room.  I couldn’t disprove a darn thing.

We went from the parlor to the back room and then up the stairs to the very creaky floor of the upstairs hallway.  We all took turns asking questions related to the history of the house and if there was anyone there.  We didn’t hear anything – at the time.  So far the house didn’t seem to give me any creepy feelings.  I didn’t have a sense of fear.  Cruger said she felt cold upon entering the room in the back of the house downstairs, almost as if you get that feeling of the little hairs on the back of your neck standing up, but everyone remained calm.  There was no sense of dread.

We toured each of the bedrooms upstairs. The house looked old; quiet.  Maybe a little too quiet.  We walked up the narrow staircase to the old attic.  I have to admit, this looked like a more likely place to get a case of the eebie jeebies than any part of the house we had been in so far – but – again, nothing jumped out at us.  No one screamed. 

After walking downstairs again, we walked back into the parlor to see if that photo of Sanftner’s grandfather was knocked down again.  It wasn’t.  It doesn’t seem like we disturbed “anyone”.  Ward was about to wrap up the investigation, when I reminded him that we hadn’t explored the basement yet.

The basement – with a low ceiling, and only one light bulb to illuminate the way because the main light was not working – was where I wanted to go.  What was I thinking?  This is the part of the movie – I mean adventure – when you are sitting there and should be yelling at me “Don’t! No!  Don’t open that door!  Don’t go in there!”

Yes, I was the crazy main character that did.  But I had back-up!  (Hey, if you’re going to go in a dimly lit basement, who better to go with than a pro!)

Ward and the three other women explored the underpinnings of the house with me.  Sanftner turned on the one light bulb at the opposite end of the dank cellar, and that’s exactly where I headed.  For some reason I was possessed to ask the “presence” to flicker the light if it was there. You know what?  The light flickered.  Ward saw it happen right after I made the request.  (Remember, spirits need energy to manifest. They gravitate towards electrical sources…)

The basement was one of the areas of the house where Ward had previously recorded a voice, too.

I then asked what the spirit’s name was, and honestly, this was the first time, I had a semi-creepy feeling during the entire time we were there.  Both Ward and I didn’t record any unusual EMF readings on our devices, though.  I had later asked him if EMF’s are always an indicator of a supernatural presence.  He said no.  Sometimes you can see or hear or feel paranormal activity and your EMF readings will not jump off the scale.

The EMF meters are just a possible indicator.  Sometimes the voices coincide with EMF fluctuations, and sometimes they don't. 

“I have gotten great EVP when the meters are flat...and I've also recorded no voices when the meters were going nuts.  EMF spikes don't equate to ghosts being present, but when they are, they often (not always) change the EMF fields.  In the end, the meters are just another tool that is helpful in indicating the possible presence of an entity,” explains Ward.

A few days later I received an email from Ward after he had time to review his recordings made that day we toured the Schuyler-Hamilton House.  Guess what?  We were not alone.  Ward obtained two voice recordings that did not belong to any of us humans who were on the ghost hunt that day.  I’ve attached them to this blog.  The best way to listen to them is on high volume, with headphones on.

The first evidence of a spirit in our presence is captured in the “Hello” file.   You’ll hear Ward’s voice requesting the spirit to “Take a walk for us…in any room, just walk around so we can hear you.”  Soon after, in a whisper, you will hear a faint “Hello”.  It truly is ghostly.  The “hello” is what investigators call a Class A/B whisper.  It’s very faint and is easier to depict visually, or listen to with a good pair of headphones on.  The first time I played the file I didn’t hear the “hello”.  But on the second or third try, full volume, with headphones, I heard it.

If you are looking to being impressed more, check this second sound file out, also recorded on the same day.  This was recorded in the basement – the room that creeped me out – the same place where I asked the ghost to flicker the single lit light bulb above my head - and it did.  You’ll hear a “Thank you” very clearly, spoken by a woman in a high-pitched voice.  This type of recording is a Class A voice, according to Ward; it’s clear, loud, and distinct.

You’ll hear Sanftner say “We’re doing a major electrical overhaul of the house because…” (and her voice coincidentally trails off) as you hear a different womanly high-pitched voice say “Thank you.”  You can’t miss it.

Ward was impressed and finds these two recordings “amazing”.  So do I.  We didn’t hear these voices while we walked through the house.  Perhaps because we were distracted by background noise, or our ears just didn’t hear them at the time.  As I mentally retrace my steps through the house and know exactly where I was standing at the time these words were spoken, it gives me chills after-the-fact.  We were not alone.

Right now it’s still a mystery as to who these voices belonged to.  Maybe they belong to spirits just passing through; maybe to former residents of the house or the land.  Ward is still investigating this house and hopefully after he compiles all of the evidence and recordings, he will be able to piece together and solve the puzzle of this “haunted” house.

To find out more about what Gordon Ward does, you can check out his website at: www.gtwservices.com

Also available Summer 2013 is Ward’s latest novel:  Tracing Infinity: Bridging the Gap between Earth and Heaven (available in soft cover and eBook): "Tracing Infinity takes you on an exploration to discover God’s immersion in our lives. The clues are all around us! We just need to learn to see the holy breadcrumbs, the evidence of the Infinite, on life’s paths. Find out how the Divine touches us all on our incredible journeys."

PRESS RELEASE:  The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation will hold its Annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Holmdel, NJ. Hundreds of veterans and their families are anticipated to attend. The guest speaker at this year's ceremony is Brigadier General (Ret) Vincent E. Stahl. The ceremony will also include the presentation of two scholarships to New Jersey high school seniors and the induction of five Vietnam Veterans into the Memorial's "In Memory" program. 

"Veterans and their families from across New Jersey are invited to attend the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation Ceremony. The emotional and stirring day pays real tribute to those who served and continue to serve this Country," said Bill Linderman, Executive Director, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation.
 
Brigadier General (Ret) Vincent E. Stahl of Milltown, NJ was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after graduating as an ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate from Saint Peter's College. After completing Armor Officer Branch and Airborne School, he served in a variety of positions with the 4th Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor.  Stahl joined the 5th Special Forces Group in 1964 and was assigned as a Detachment Executive Officer in the Central Highlands. Upon release from active duty, General Stahl joined the Army Reserve and served a variety of commands including Army Reserve Ambassador for the state of New Jersey. He has enjoyed a successful career in the Pharmaceutical Industry and makes frequent presentations related to his experiences

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation will be awarding two $2,500 college scholarships during the ceremony. The scholarship recipients are Sarah Twomey of Pennington, graduating from Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, and Steven Penna of Sparta, graduating from Sparta High School in Sparta. 

During the ceremony, the Foundation will induct five Vietnam Veterans into its "In Memory" Program, which honors NF residents who served and died as a result of the war in Vietnam, but whose names are not on the Memorial. Some of these deaths are due to Agent Orange exposure, Hepatitis C and the physical or emotional wounds received in Vietnam. The inductees' names will be placed on an engraved stone inside the Memorial so that all who visit will know that they are with their honored comrades. 

As part of the ceremony, family members will say a few words about their loved ones and light a candle in their memories.  A book of biographical information, complied by the family, is also placed in the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center's Resource Room. 

The five "In Memory" inductees are:

• Specialist 4th Class William D. Buist of Belleville, NJ
• Sergeant Michael J. Green of Harrison, NJ
• Specialist 4th Class Alan A. Howardell of Rahway, NJ
• Sergeant Daniel L. O'Connell of Atlantic City, NJ
• Sergeant First Class Daniel R. Shea of Lambertville, NJ

Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center Open Memorial Day

During the day, the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Museum’s exhibit hall features a chronology of the Vietnam War that presents a historical recollection of the events of the era, shown in two concurrent timelines – one reflecting the activity in Vietnam and the other reflecting the activity in the United States. The unique space offers visitors a full perspective of the political, military, social and cultural elements in play during the time. Interspersed along this timeline are touch screen computers that provide visitors with an interactive glance at historical events, as well as personal photographs and letters submitted by Vietnam veterans and their families.

“Dedicated in September 1998, the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center is the first educational center and museum of its kind in the United States,” said Bill Linderman, Executive Director, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation. “As a Vietnam War veteran, I am honored to pay tribute to the courageous men and women through the stories we share daily. Education is key to preserving our past and honoring the fallen and soldiers who valiantly served our Country.”

The Museum is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116 in Holmdel. The Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Museum & Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information on the Memorial or Museum, call 732-335-0033 or visit www.njvvmf.org.

Pavers Program at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation

For a $250 donation, a personal message of a person's choosing can be engraved on one of the pavers lining the sides of the Memorial walkway. New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation's pavers are a tribute to the men and women of New Jersey who served this nation during the Vietnam War. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Lynn Duane at lduane@njvvmf or 732-335-0033 xt. 100.

A surprise!  From Ashley Salazar!  I was very excited!

Ashley Salazar - you may recognize the name - is Playboy's Miss Social of the Year 2013!  (Click here to see some of her extraordinary photos from her Playboy photo shoot earlier this year.)  She's a Maxim model, too.

Ashley Salazar (now soon-to-be Ashley Stormborn with impending nuptials) and I had been following each other on Twitter for a while.  We have a lot in common:  We are both bilingual - although she speaks Spanish a lot better than I do!  We share a love of nature and animals (She is highly active in efforts to save rhinos from poaching;) and we are both moms to little girls.

I saw her amazing photos, such perfect presentation, exquisite lighting, and of course her natural beauty - and got to know that there was also a beautiful businesswoman behind it all. 

She's the CEO and founder of MissOohLaLaa.com, and a professional photographer!  She's not only great on camera, but she's a star behind the lens, too.  She's the force behind Lady Ashley Photography - bringing out the beauty in everyone from aspiring models, to capturing special events like weddings.

"I have experience in front of the camera from my years as a model which I believe makes me very creative and flexible with getting more than just average shots. I can also offer my models make-up artists, stylist work, and modeling jobs," she says.

Honestly, her experience posing in front of the camera is invaluable when it comes to photographing her subjects, because she knows not just the technical aspects of how to produce the perfect picture, but all about the posing point of view, as well.  It's a rare combination to possess.

In the midst of planning her wedding, this lovely lady had taken the time to pose wearing one of my signature t-shirts and surprised me in the best way possible.  Right after I had finished dinner, I saw Twitter and Facebook light up with this fabulous photo of her sporting a TheLadyinRedBlog t-shirt with her starlit smile.  She took my breath away!  I can't tell you how thrilled I was to receive this surprise - revealed to the world in the best way.  She's got a permanent place in my gallery.

I look to Ashley for inspiration.  So do many others.  She inspires women to be beautiful inside and out, to be proud of who they are, and do it with a smile at the same time. And to the guys out there, yes, she's just downright gorgeous through and through.

Thank you Ashley!  

Ashley Salazar is in the running for Maxim Magazine's Hometown Hotties for 2014.  Click on the button below to go vote for her on Maxim's website!  You can vote once a day!

PRESS RELEASE:  Red Bank, NJ (May 13, 2013) – Thousands are anticipated to turn out for the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation’s (JSJBF) Jazz and Blues Summer Series Festivals. Each date in the series will feature crowd-pleasing jazz and blues musicians, food, crafters and activities for the entire family. Beer and wine gardens will be featured at Asbury Park and Point Pleasant Borough and fireworks at Long Branch. The festivals are free to the public, dog friendly and all ages are welcome to attend. Each year, sponsor donations from the events raise essential funds for the nonprofit Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation’s operational expenses. Sponsors include Comcast, Investors Bank, Hunterdon Brewing Company, Lagunitas Brewing Company and Alex and Ani.
 
"After much devastation from Sandy, music lovers from across the Jersey Shore are in the mood to celebrate an exciting season of top-notch entertainment seaside. The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation has been honored to present jazz and blues fans, young and old, with our award-winning Jazz and Blues Festivals for 25 years. The events are widely-anticipated by thousands of residents and shore visitors," said Dennis Eschbach, Event Director, Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festivals. "Thanks to the dedication of our 2013 sponsors, musicians and host towns, we anticipate this year's festivals to be bigger and better than ever!” 

Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Summer Series of Music Festivals • 3 Days of Jazz & Blues

Asbury Park Blues and Brews Festival, Bradley Park, Across from the Convention Hall and the Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJSaturday, June 8, Noon – 8:00 p.m.

Headliner: Mikey Jr. & Stone Cold Blues with Special Guest Steve Guyger
Asbury Park Lineup
12:00-1:00p.m. Carlos Colina & Straight Up
1:15- 2:15 p.m.  Slim Chance & The Gamblers
2:30- 3:30 p.m.  Chuck Lambert Band
3:45- 4:45 p.m.  Sandy Mack & Friends
5:00 -6:15 p.m.  Jon Herrington Band (Steely Dan Guitarist)
6:30- 8:00 p.m.  Mikey Jr. & Stone Cold Blues featuring Steve Guyger
 
Point Pleasant Jazz and Blues Festival, Riverfront Park, Corner of Maxson Avenue and River Road, Point Pleasant Borough, NJSaturday, July 20, Noon – 8:00 p.m.

Headliner: The Soul Project featuring Eryn Shewell
Point Pleasant Lineup
12:00-1:00 p.m. Barbecue Bob & The Spareribs
1:15- 2:15 p.m.  Randy Napoleon Band
2:30- 3:30 p.m.  Juke Joint Jonny
3:45- 4:45 p.m.  Sandy Sasso Quartet
5:00 -6:15 p.m.  The Incinerators
6:30- 8:00 p.m.  The Soul Project featuring Eryn Shewell
 
Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival, Great Lawn at the Boardwalk, 28 McKinley Avenue, Long Branch, NJSaturday, August 24, Noon-10:00 p.m. followed by fireworks

Headliner: The Rob Paparozzi AllStarsLong Branch Lineup
1:00- 1:25 p.m.  Gary Wright
1:30- 2:30 p.m.  The Blind Tellers
2:45- 3:45 p.m.  Dorian Parreott Jazz Ensemble
4:00-5:00 p.m.  Bob Del Rosso Band
5:15- 6:15 p.m.  The Long Gone Daddies
6:30-7:30 p.m.  Al Chez & The Brothers of Funk
7:45- 9:15 p.m.  The Rob Paparozzi AllStars

Founded in 1987, the nonprofit Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation remains dedicated to its efforts to preserve, promote and perpetuate jazz and blues on the Jersey Shore through performance and education. Visit www.jsjbf.org  for more information. Connect with the JSJBF on Facebook at Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival and Twitter @JSJazzBluesFest. For information on becoming a festival sponsor, food vendor or crafter, contact Doris Lazur at 732-933-1984 or sponsors@jsjbf.org.

I'm getting all choked up as I finish this celebration! Wow! Just wow! So many people coming together and supporting each other now all connected through TheLadyinRedBlog after just one year! I'm so happy! I hope that this Red Hot Birthday Bash has brought many of you happiness, too! Let's keep it going!

I'd love to see you all swing by again to share photos of your swag, read some recipes, leave your comments on blogs I write, or listen to me on the radio from time to time and see what's going on in the world of RED!

There are lots of exciting things on their way - periodic giveaways, the Red Hot Store is opening this summer on TheLadyinRedBlog.com, and there are plans for this media venture to expand!

If you won a prize, please, email a photo of yourself, your pet, your kids, or your friends enjoying it at the_lady_in_red@theladyinredblog.com It's not required, but it would sure be fun! :)   I'll post it on my blog Facebook page and share it with the sponsors of the prizes!  I'm sure they would love to see you having a great time with the gifts!

The sponsors and I will be very busy sending out the prizes to all of you who won them over the next couple of weeks.  Don't worry! You'll get them if you gave us a mailing address!  If you live outside of the USA, it will probably take a few weeks for a prize to reach you once it is mailed, since it has to travel further and go through customs.  Thank you for your patience!

A HUGE thank you to all of my sponsors for this amazing one year anniversary celebration!  I couldn't have done this without you!

The Cheese Cave 1 month of Cheese:  Khurt Williams

Chick Nail Polish 4 pack:  Ruby Red

Red Cup Living Prize Pack:  Bruce Hamilton

Kleen Slate Concepts Prize Pack:  Anca Soble

Glitzsee Motion Activated Purse Light: Shanali Davila

Wine with RobYnwitha-Y Wine Glass & T-shirt:  Michele McCann

The Purple Heart by Christie A.C. Gucker: Amelia Neo

Soft Claws Nail Caps for Cats: Christie Gucker

Strappys Decorative Red Rhinestone Bra Straps: Fernanda Garcia
                                                                 Conni Liner Wright

Red Beaded Bracelet by Bella Bling Jewels:  Andria Hall

The Hungry Chick Dieting Solution by Chef Jai Scovers:Debbie Norz

Johnny Jalopy Hot Rod Art Prize Pack:  Beth Pekar

The Cliff by Christie A.C. Gucker:    Stacy Bradley
                                                Jaime Gerard

Mad Hatter Foods Prize Pack:  Matthew Wayland

Duff Goldman Baking Set:  Georgia Beckman

Pastry Shop Cookies Gourmet Apples:  Patty Baskerville

Flirt Energy Drink 12-pack:  Robin Fisher-Tracy

s.a.l.t.y. Cosmetics Gift Set:  Heather Feimer

willulu Hand Made Jewellery wine charms:  Nancy Regan

Guardian Angels by Andrew P. Weston:  Deborah Smith Bunnell

The BackSide phone wallets:  Amanda Thandeka Niescior
                                        DG Middendorf
                                        Dora Szep
                                        Dave White

Bella Rouge Gift Set:  Felicia Nigro Ballard

Christine Peglar's Cookbok of Hope: Elizabeth Riner Splinter
                                                Stacy Bradley
                                                Deb Cacciatore
                                                Melissa Wallack
                                                Debbie Norz
                                                Joni Hazlett
                                                Nancy Regan
                                                Nicole Borota
                                                Starr Montemayor
                                                Anca Soble
                                                Beth Pekar

Calabro Chiropractic 50 Minute Massage:  Evelyn Ruhl

The NecessiTeas Tea Gift Set:  Denise Paci-Chenavier

Dolce Hair Design Free Haircut Gift Certificate:  Melissa Wallack
                                                                Michele Boyle

Take Things Personally Wine Charms, etc.:   Sly Smith
                                                            Melissa Bailey
                                                            Pauline Silva Garcia

Exotic & Domestic Wood Art Wine Table:  Tara Chevrestt

2012 Science & ProphecyOfTheAncientMaya: Linda Lopez
                                                           Charlotte Ouwerkerk
                                                           Nancy Regan
                                                           Lisa Freiling
                                                           Philippa Turner
                                                           Dora Szep
                                                           Becky Lanzano
                                                           Elizabeth Riner Splinter
                                                           Anthony Walker

EveryGirlShouldHaveASpecialGlass Drink Glasses:  Lisa Freiling

Red Stone Creations Bar Ware:   Elizabeth Riner Splinter
                                            Autumn Oertel
                                            Jose Mont
                                            Diana Passanisi
                                            Charlotte Ouwerkerk
                                            Karen Gibbons

How to Catch a Cold by Adam Newman:   Joni Hazlett
                                                        Dawn Switzer

Mr. Ghost iPhone EMF Detectors:    Daniel Lees
                                                Anthony Walker
                                                Dobronyi Alexander Selman

My AVON by Fer TheLadyinRed Gift Set:  Starr Montemayor

4ASTAR Modeling Contract:  Kelsey Parker

YouCanAlwaysFindA Flush in There by Ava Holly Lewis:  Anca Soble

Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries $50 Gift Card:  Backy Lanzano

SuccessSecretsOfAMillion$PartyGirl by LynnBardowski: Colleen
                                                                         Hoffman

MommyJuice Wines Wine Glasses:  Kris Radcliffe

Audiofly Headphones:  Cheryl Sab

Javita Weightloss Coffee (1 box):  India Lipton

The Travels of Ching by Robert Bright:  Jenna Porter

GreenSwarovski Crystal Necklace by GoToWhitney:  Philippa Turner

SLIMROCK Low Calorie Bar Mixers: Allison Kaufman Tankel

Glam Fashion For Less Goodies:  Melissa Wright Keeling

"Relax" photographic print by Digital Artscape:  Joy Todaro

Old World Gourment Vinolicious:  Jennifer Eichenbaum

Jerk Daddy Tropical Catering Sauces:  Marc Ullman

Pop.N.Go Scarlet Vines Scarf:  Amy Phelps

Tanya Charlesworth Photography Package:  Dawn Amodio

Fleur de lis By Romanomics Red Flapper-Inspired Hat:  Nancy Regan

Fitness on a Swing Set by Karen Goeller:  Andria Hall

It Works! Skinny Pack by Skinny Wraps with Colleen:  Whitney Utz

Thirty-One Red Bags + Gift Certificate:  Renee Szalkowski

Viva Editions 3 book pack:  Maggie Finley

Charles Ramsey, the hero of the three kidnapped girls (Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michele Knight)– their angel – was eating McDonald's when he heard Amanda Berry cry for help and rescued her from her captor(s).  The subhuman kidnapper (whom I refuse to name, because he does NOT deserve any notoriety for his actions) had left the house that his victims were in because – he was going to get McDonald's food.

McDonald’s.

I wonder if it was the same McDonald’s that Ramsey and the kidnapper frequented.  I wonder if they passed each other on the street that day going to and from McDonald’s not knowing how they would change the course of each other’s lives, the lives of the three women in that house with the young girl, and their families.

Ironic, right?

Ever notice the irony of life sometimes? The things that we pass off as mere coincidence?  Maybe it’s not coincidence. Maybe it’s fate.

Have you ever been driving somewhere with a  destination in your head – like you were on your way to work, and have driven the same roads a thousand times before, but for some reason, you kept going straight when you should have made that right turn?  Do you ever wonder why that happened?  I do. 

Once I was on my way to a drugstore, and I made a wrong turn that didn’t make any sense to my conscious mind.  I remember feeling momentarily frustrated that I then had to backtrack to get to where I was going.  When I approached the road leading up to the store, I saw that a pretty bad traffic accident had happened about one minute before I got to that intersection on my re-routed journey.  I would have been where that now demolished car was if I had driven my usual route.  I stopped feeling so frustrated at that moment.  Did my “wrong” turn just save my life?  Maybe it wasn’t “my time” and fate or Divine intervention navigated those roads for me.  Maybe I was meant to veer off course.

You can’t tell my former co-worker that it wasn’t more than luck the day that he was late for work when the World Trade Center was attacked in 2001.  He would have been in that building had he not had to wait in a really long line for coffee that morning.  He’s alive today because he had a coffee craving, and the checkout wasn’t moving as fast as it usually was.  He’s never been so grateful for a cup of java in his life.

I’m sure you’ve heard about the stories where people have missed planes and initially were very bothered by that inconvenience, only to find out hours later that the plane went down and they were thankful that they weren’t able to board.

When I observe situations like this, I can’t help but think that everything happens for a reason. 

I’ve read a book about fate and coincidence: When God Winks:  How the Power of Coincidence Guides Your Life – by Squire Rushnell.  It has become one of my favorite books over the years.  I’m not a very religious person, and although the book references “God” in its title, it’s really not about God.   The message is about fate, divine intervention, or coincidences too strong to ignore that are sometimes life altering.  It’s about recognizing those signs in life, and when you do, embrace them, rather than dismiss them as nonconsequential.  In this book, Rushnell gives many anecdotes about the lives of those who are our friends, neighbors, and people we pass on the street, to those who are famous, and shows that they are successful and happy because they have chosen to embrace these “signs” sent their way rather than dismiss them along their life’s journeys, and appreciate them, too – the “small” miracles.

It’s kind of interesting when you think about it.

If Charles Ramsey wasn’t walking by the kidnappers’ house that day, and it were a small child instead, playing outside, or an elderly woman hard-of-hearing, or a man on his way to work – too busy to stop and looking the other way – those girls would still be locked up against their will.  It took a colorful man like Ramsey, who went with his instincts and didn’t over think things, who wasn’t too busy to rescue these girls and didn’t look the other way, to rescue them.  He had to be in the right place at the right time; not someone else, and not before or after.  Fate.  Thank God for McDonald's.

Anyone can go to school to become a bartender.  You don’t need a degree in psychology to become a server – but maybe you should!  You have to assess your clientele and cater to the customer.  Knowing what’s “top shelf” isn’t enough; you have to be “top notch” to take in the tips.

There’s more to being a bartender or waiter than pouring a shot or dropping off drinks in front of a customer.  If you follow these seemingly apparent pointers, you’ll not only acquire repeat customers, but you’ve got a great chance at making more tips than most.

If You Don’t Like People This Job Isn’t for You - Interaction with people is prominent as a bartender or waiter.  If you are not a people-person and can’t put on that smile, even if your car just broke down this morning and you’re having a bad hair day, then this job isn’t for you.  If you have a scowl on your face and could care less that I’m sitting there and let it show, well, why should I take care to count out that cash for superior service.  Smile, like you mean it, even if you don’t.   Like my grandmother always says, “Smile.  It doesn’t cost you anything,” but in this case if you don’t, it can cost you extra tips and a repeat customer in the future.

Pay Attention, but not Too Much Attention - When people go out, they want to relax, not stress over wrong drink orders or have their conversation constantly interrupted by an over-attentive waiter.  Let me tell you - I’ll always tip, but I’ll tip that extra bit if I get superior service.  You don’t have to work in a four-star restaurant to bring home quite a bit of cash for the little things that count.  When you pick up or pour, put down your problems and pay attention to the customers, first. 

There’s nothing more annoying than sitting or standing at or near a bar trying to get a bartender’s attention and they are engrossed in a conversation with another patron – for ten minutes.  You just told me that I’m not important by not even giving me a nod of your head for acknowledgement.  I get it, you’re busy, but I’d like confirmation that I’ll be served soon and that you saw me. 

Secondly, if you get my drink order right – I’ll remember that, and probably order another.  Double drinks mean double the tip.  Which brings me to my next point – if you take a drink order, it’s more than memorizing if it’s up or on the rocks.  Ask what kind of gin they would like and be prepared to make recommendations; or if someone orders a dirty martini, for example, and says they want it very dirty, be sure to take that into account, or as a server, relate that to the bartender so s/he gets the drink right.  If someone says “no olives” or “3”; “heavy on the garnish”, “salt rim” or “no salt” - or other details, if you get it right – they will show you their appreciation in the tip and/or by becoming a repeat customer and possibly bringing in new customers for you.  Your service and attention to detail as a bartender/server will put you above the rest of your competitors and people will take notice.

And finally, if you see me talking to my friend and we’re having an intent conversation, please don’t interrupt me to ask if I want peanuts.  Just plop them down and I’ll help myself if I want to.  It’s nice for you to ask if I’d like anything else when you see that my drink is near empty, but it’s really not necessary to be a noodge and ask me three or four times “How’s everything?” when you see that I’m otherwise occupied with the people I’m with.  That’s drinkus interruptus, and won’t score you points with me or an extra few bucks at the end of the night. 

Get Creative - I travel a lot.  In my travels I’ve had many experiences at different restaurants, bars, and establishments that serve alcohol.  While I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, I’m always up for trying a new cocktail.  I admire mixologists who get creative and deviate from the usual martini menus and dabble in daring drinks – that work.  Not all concoctions are worth raving about!   (Case in point – I had a butterscotch martini the other night – and wish I hadn’t.  Not everything translates to a good cocktail.) Just like a chef, you will have a few mishaps, but that’s how some of the most surprising combinations that really “click” come about.

I’m not a bartender, but I have had numerous drinks named after me and establishments do rely on my recommendations to friends, readers, and business associates because my opinion is valued.  I’m always tactful, but truthful, if something isn’t up to par.  However, when I find something truly praise-worthy, I’m all about gushing over the goodness.  I guess this is why I’ve become a mixologist magnet.

People like to try new things.   If you are new to deviating from the drink diary, start with small substitutions like adding flavored vodka to a martini or infusing a cocktail with fresh fruit juice.  And if you’re really stuck for coming up with something innovative – there’s an app for that. (Mixology and Mr. Bartender are good to check out for starters.  Mr. Bartender allows you to shake your phone to generate a random drink recipe, and you can also add your own drink recipes and photos to the app as well.  Mixology lets you add photos and recipes, too, but only with the paid version.)  I love Mr. Bartender because of the shake factor for when I don’t know what I want to drink and don’t know how to make it.   I can just flash my phone at the bartender and we’re good to go!

Dress for Success – And that doesn’t always mean stuffy, prim, and proper – and boring – I get it – dress code isn’t up to you.  It’s up to the owner of the hotel, restaurant, or bar.  However, here’s to hoping that if you have input on what’s acceptable to wear to work that the right ears are listening.  It’s mostly about the drinks, but it’s also about the service and ambiance when someone frequents an establishment and brings in friends, family, and an entourage to follow.  Every place can’t be everything to everyone.  

If you’re a jeans and t-shirts place, then as a restaurant or bar owner, you shouldn’t have your staff dressed all stuffy.  The white button down shirts and black pants look for a bartender isn’t going to bring in the tips.  There’s a reason why the servers and bartenders in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and some beer and burger joints rake in the extra money.  It may not be PC, but the fact is, men like looking at a pretty-dressed woman behind the bar (Think Coyote Ugly).  And women, they enjoy their eye candy, too. If you hire people with personality and allow them to feel relaxed serving up cosmos and Coronas, wearing a pair of jeans to blend in with the crowd, it will bring out their best.  It’s kind of like casual Fridays at an office job – make your employees happy and customers will benefit from it, too.  At the same time, please don’t make a woman dress like a man.  You wouldn’t force a guy to get into a skirt would you?  Then really, don’t make the mixologist maiden or waiter wear a tie.  I’ve seen this.  Really?    

Patience is a Virtue - As a bartender, don’t jump right on the customer as soon as they pull up a bar stool.  Give them a minute to decide what they want to drink.  One of my biggest pet peeves is when I hear the “What can I get you?” and I’ve barely sat down.  You can acknowledge a customer by saying “Hi, how are you?” and let them take the lead.  Trust me – they know why they’re there.  Better yet, if you’ve got any drink or happy hour specials, mention them at that point.  If there’s a martini, beer, or wine menu, place it in front of them.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to search for a blackboard to find out if there was a drink special, or ask a bartender if there was a martini menu.  I love to try new things, but if I don’t know what you’ve got, I can’t read your mind. 

Then, ask the patron if you can get them some water while they decide what they would like to have.  This will give you something to do other than hover, and it will allow the customer to figure out what they want to drink.  Some people, of course, will know what they want right away. So be it.  At that point, take their order and be attentive.

I guess you can call this a list of where server etiquette lacks; but hopefully I’ve made some suggestions how to improve it, as well.  Chances are many people have worked or will work in the beverage or food service industry at some point in their lives, so why not make the most if it.  A happy customer means a better chance of you being happy with the tip, too.

Cheers!

“Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men” Cooks Up Success with Recipes, Tools and Tips for Men at Work in the Kitchen

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Book Signing and Fundraiser to Benefit Move For Hunger, River Road Books, 759 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ

PRESS RELEASE:  Rumson, NJ (April 25, 2013) – Although male chefs dominate television and the Internet, market research shows the role of cook at home continues to fall on women. Debra Levy Picard of Rumson, NJ found that men have a desire to enter the kitchen, but the motivation, support and resources are just not available. There are dozens of books on outdoor grilling, but Picard saw a real need to write a book that simply got them cooking in the kitchen. Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men offers men an attractive road map of more than 100 recipes, photographs, tools, tips and techniques to navigate around the kitchen.

Tastosterone speaks to men of all ages – the son, husband, father, single guy, newlywed, college student, retiree, divorcé and widower. A man who is confident in the kitchen will find independence, health, sex, nostalgia and love through cooking; and, although a man’s role may change throughout his life, cooking will remain a constant passion and skill. A few chapters in the book include, “Why Should Men Cook?” that explores cooking and the various stages in a man’s life; “Homage to Mom”, which hits on childhood nostalgia with the meats and potatoes of a meal; “Do You Really Need Something on The Side?” enough said; “Happy Endings”, a selection of delectable desserts; “The Dirty Dozen” common cooking mistakes; and “The Real Men Cook Quiz” that tests one’s knowledge of who really cooks among celebrity men.

According to Allrecipes, men enjoy preparing meals more than women (men 82 percent, women 75 percent). Men are also willing to spend more time preparing meals than women with 57 percent of men stating that "40 minutes to as long as it takes" is acceptable, while 52 percent of women prefer to limit cooking time to "0-40 minutes."

“Men love to cook and they’re heating up the kitchen with their confidence and enthusiasm," said Debra Levy Picard, Author, Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men. "Martha Stewart has raised the bar for women in the kitchen for years. Well, I’m lowering it for men, expecting less and getting great results.” 

Tastoserone is available at River Road Books at 759 River Road in Fair Haven, NJ and on www.tastosterone.com and Amazon. Join Debra Levy Picard at River Road Books for her book signing and a sampling of recipes from her cookbook on Wednesday, May 22nd from 7:00-9:00 p.m. A suggested donation of $10 per guest is requested to support the work of Move for Hunger. A representative from the nationally recognized organization will share news about its upcoming projects at the event.

About Deborah Levy Picard

Debra Levy Picard of Rumson, NJ started cooking at the age of 14 to help her busy, working parents get dinner on the table. As a child, she remembers watching Julia Child and writing down her recipes and preparing them for her family. Julia Child’s methods taught Debra how to work around the kitchen and create dishes and presentations to entertain crowds of people. Debra also takes inspiration from TV personality, author and entrepreneur, Bethenny Frankel. She admires her passion for knowing what she wants in life and going for it. Bethenny is the founder of Skinnygirl Cocktails, author of four self-help books and host of the TV series, Bethenny. Like Bethenny, Picard also has a passion – to get guys cooking and feeling confident in the kitchen. Picard blogs at www.tastosterone.com and connects with her fans daily on Facebook at Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men and on Twitter @Tastosterone.

About Move for Hunger

Move For Hunger was established to strengthen the efforts of its communities’ food banks, while actively engaging in America’s hunger fight. By using the nonprofit organization’s unique knowledge and experience, Move For Hunger has leveraged its existing national network of transportation companies to create one of the nation’s largest, year-round service programs. www.moveforhunger.com