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All posts for the month August, 2015

Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals and The Lovin’ Spoonful at Ocean Grove Auditorium

Published August 30, 2015 by Maryanne

SAM_8375Felix Cavaliere

For the third time, my husband and I saw Felix Cavaliere! This time at Ocean Grove’s Auditorium.

The opening act was The Loving Spoonful! We never saw them before and it was awesome hearing their hits: “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice,” “Nashville Cats,” “Do You Believe in Magic,” and “Summer in the City.”

Here is their website: http://www.lovinspoonful.com/

Last year I wrote about Felix Cavaliere’s show at Point Pleasant: https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/tag/felix-cavaliere/

This was another fabulous show from one of the greatest song writers of the 1960s. My two all time favorites are “It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “How Can I Be Sure,” and “Groovin’.”

For more info on Felix Cavaliere, visit: http://www.felixcavalieremusic.com/home

SAM_8378Felix Cavaliere set list

For more information on the Ocean Grove Great Auditorium, visit: http://www.njoceangrove.com/ocean-grove-auditorium.shtml

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” available in paperback on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

Officially Introducing R.O.A.R. (Respect Our Animals’ Rights)

Published August 27, 2015 by Maryanne

Cecil 2Cecil the Lion

R.O.A.R. (Respect Our Animals’ Rights) is a new animal rights activist group, inspired by the murder of Cecil the Lion. We all came together August 1, 2015, bonding over the loss of Cecil, and our love for animals. Our home base is in New Jersey, but we have online members from all over the world. Every day we sign petitions, share beautiful photos of animals and post about events/fundraisers that benefit animals.

Originally our goal was to raise funds to make July 1 National Save the Lions Day in order to bring awareness to senseless trophy killings. We needed to raise $1499 for National Day Calendar to officiate the day. However, we were almost halfway to our goal when it was brought to our attention there already was a World Lions Day. So we decided to send our monies raised thus far to various animal rights organizations in need.

For our first fundraiser, we have raised $550 and just sent the money to the following organizations:

1. Wild Cru (via Americans for Oxford, Inc.) – $250 (http://www.wildcru.org/)
2. Farm Sanctuary$50 (http://www.farmsanctuary.org/)
3. Panthera$250, to sponsor a lion! I thought that would be awesome to have in honor of Cecil! In addition to many things, the donation supports the salary of a well trained community scout in Africa to help track and protect lions from being hunted! (More info can be found on the Panthera website). (http://www.panthera.org/)

Those who have donated include: Mickey Wnek, Lynelle Behler, Patricia Blythe, Sarah Geer, Judith Smith, Joan Bunda, Dave Aver, Susan George, Iben Skjernaa Lyhne, Margaret Villa, Jerry Bedfor, Ellen and Greg Policastro, Beverly Russell, Corinne Wood, and Anonymous.

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/respectouranimalsrights/

Everyone is welcome, but please note, this is not a vegan group. We’d like everyone who loves animals to feel welcome.

 

 

 

Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez is Dead. And it’s Business As Usual for Cancer

Published August 26, 2015 by Maryanne

Dr. GonzalezDr. Gonzalez with patient, Suzanne Sommers

Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez was a visionary; a holistic cancer treatment pioneer. He treated cancer patients, including actress Suzanne Sommers, with pancreatic enzymes and natural compounds. According to his website (http://www.dr-gonzalez.com/index.htm),  in addition to  cancer, his individualized nutritional regimens also helped Lyme, allergies, autoimmune disorders and chronic fatigue. And he had over 30 years research and clinical experience.

On July 21, 2015, Gonzalez died an untimely death. It was in his home and sudden. Until then he had been in excellent health. And while further tests may determine the cause of his death, autopsy reports do not support the original belief that he may have died of a heart attack.

Dr. Gonzalez was just one of 10 alternative holistic doctors found dead at home this summer.

In a recent article by Rajie Kabli for Collective Evolution because of the doctor’s cutting edge work, he told Vitality Magazine, “I’ve been told drug companies know about my work but hope I get hit by a bus.”

Was it coincidence that he was found dead not too long after this statement — or foul play? I remember reading on his patient Suzanne Sommers’ Face Book page that his death was in question.

Now … please hear my voice. I am just the voice of a mere journalist who had a great passion for health. But putting two and two together makes me believe foul play also.

Back in 2010 I had a health column, which appeared in an online local publication. My column was called “Here’s to Your Health.” I had some of the most inspiring interviews: my niece, who struggled with juvenile diabetes; Scott Schiaffo, actor from Kevin Smith’s “Clerks” who struggled with heart disease; two men who suffered from male anorexia; and supermodel Oleda Baker.

All was fine and good. My editor said that I was the best writer on staff and he wished he had at least three more with my talent. He even gave me a pay raise, which is very unusual for local news online publications.

Then I interviewed Dr. Nicolas Gonzalez and the shit hit the fan.

After I submitted my article, I got an email from my editor. He went ballistic. No, it wasn’t my grammar. It wasn’t a poorly written article. There was nothing wrong with my article and the editor gave no other explanation of why he wouldn’t print it other than, “I want to go back to a local angle.” He wanted me to write about local health food stores and local health restaurants. But the town I was representing for the online local newspaper had neither!

When I brought this to the attention of the editor, he sent me the most angry email I’ve ever received in my life. He said he was going to ban my health column indefinitely.

With that I took the high road and told him I would no longer be writing for his publication and that he dare not use my column tag, “Here’s to Your Health,” as I had it copy written (and still use it today for my lectures on holistic health).

Even though I stood up for myself, I felt defeated and embarrassed. In my undeserved shame I immediately deleted the negative email threads, along with the interview with the late, great, Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez. My amazing interview was gone, but I will always remember how highly Dr. Gonzalez spoke of his patient Suzanne Sommers. She was the main focus of the article. He couldn’t say enough good about her.

I shared what happened with a good friend who is very much into nutrition — so much so that Gary Null was his nutritionist. His comment, right off the bat, was that the media does not want to hear about a cure for cancer.

That also reminded me of what Lydia Lunch had said in one of her spoken word performances: “CANCER IS BIG BUSINESS.”

At the time, almost six years ago already, I pushed those thoughts to the side. I chalked my experience up to the editor having a bad day and taking it out on me. Because, being naive, I thought,  How could it be possible that people wouldn’t want to hear good news — that cancer is just as reversible as type 2 diabetes? Why was my article with an innovative doctor such a no-no? 

Now, six years later, and six years more cynical, it all makes sense. The cancer factory makes far too much money for any holistic health care practitioner to present a cure to the general public. My editor knew not to bring such a story to a small town media engine. He didn’t want to take a chance and pay the “price.” Who knows, perhaps he would have gotten fired. Instead of reasoning and telling the truth, he decided instead to belittle me and rip me a new asshole. And at the time I fell for it.

Now that more truths are coming out, I beg to question as many others do: Is there a pharmaceutical mafia?

Yes, I believe so.

In the 2013 book by Peter Gotzsche,”Deadly Medicines and Organised Crime: How Big Pharma Has Corrupted Healthcare,” Gotzche is fair enough to say that some do benefit from drugs, but the failure of the system as a whole.

It’s absolutely criminal that the war against curing cancer is almost as tough as the fight against cancer itself. An innovative pioneer is dead, and it’s business as usual for cancer.

For more information, just published today: http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/the-cancer-industry-is-too-prosperous-to-allow-a-cure/

 Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist, author and public speaker. To have her speak at your event, contact her at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com for pricing and availability. She will travel for the right price.

The Church/The Psychedelic Furs, State Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ

Published August 21, 2015 by Maryanne

SAM_8303Richard Butler, Psychedelic Furs

I was ecstatic when my husband said he got us second row seats for The Church and The Psychedelic Furs.

I only had one album of The Church and was extremely impressed with their dark, surreal show. The sound was dead on. They had a psychedelic backdrop video show behind them. I was super psyched to hear my favorite song by them, “Reptile.”  Now, to go out and buy more CDs!

For more info, visit: http://thechurchband.net/

I’ve seen The Psychedelic Furs at least four times before and this was probably their best show ever. They were so on the money. Fans were screaming out names of songs, but they could have done anything they wanted, for I have most of their albums and love every song. I guess the mind-blowing moment of the evening, for me, was “Sister Europe,”especially when the sax came in.

Others favorites included: “Heartbeat,” “Heartbreak Beat,” “The Ghost in You,” “Love My Way,” “Heaven,” and “Pretty in Pink.”

It was a most gorgeous energy as every song caressed your soul.

Richard Butler was incredibly jubilant, smiling throughout most of the show. I’ve never seen him so happy, jumping around, dancing and posing for pictures.

The current Psychedelic Furs touring line-up: Richard Butler (vocals), Tim Butler (bass), Rich Good (guitar), Mars Williams (saxophone), Amanda Kramer (keyboards), and Paul Garisto (drums).

For more info, visit: http://www.thepsychedelicfurs.com/

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

Rave on!

Published August 17, 2015 by Maryanne

SAM_8250Rave On!

(Photo by Maryanne Mistretta)

Last night was another one filled with great entertainment. This time we stayed local and saw Rave On! (a Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison tribute act).

Rave On is made up of Chris Roselle: Guitar and lead vocals; Pete Farley: Bass and background vocals; and Don Guinta: Drums and background vocals.

This band was fantastic! And as a treat for music lovers, they did the more obscure songs like “Heartbeat” by Buddy Holly, which I knew as a song by The Knack in the 1980s. My favorite picks of the night were both by Roy Orbison: “In Dreams,” and “Crying.” They also did some Elvis songs, “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” and “Suspicious Minds.”

When I found the website, I didn’t know Chris’s last name … and turned out he was a friend of my husbands! A cool side note here … Chris changed my life! One night, back in 2008, we were at a car show with Chris and our other friend Danny (singer for The Characters: http://www.thecharacters.net/) Chris shared that he was self-employed as a musician since 1986. He inspired me to quit my job as a journalist at a Montclair newspaper and work for myself. Ever since I’ve written and published two books and helped at least 10 people write their own books. You never know when someone can inspire you to change your life!

But back to the music … Rave On also warmed up for Lou Christie the other night — the show we were at! However, we got there too late and missed it.

For more information, visit Rave On’s website: http://raveonband.com/main.html

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

Lou Christie, Long Branch, New Jersey

Published August 16, 2015 by Maryanne

SAM_8240Lou Christie

One of my all time favorite artists, Lou Christie, gave a free show in Long Branch, New Jersey, last night. It was a perfect August night, warm, no humidity, and romantically shared with my husband.

This has to be at least the sixth or seventh time we saw Lou and it just keeps getting better and better. First, the band was off the hook! The sound was amazing and Lou was still hitting those high notes and his back-up singers, The Crayons were right on the money. It was like listening to a record and then some, that’s just how PERFECT it was.

This was the first time Lou didn’t open up with my favorite “I’m Gonna Make You Mine,” but saved it for next to last, followed by his biggest hit, “Lightning Strikes.”

Other songs included “The Gypsy Cried,” “Two Faces Have I,” “Love is a Many Splendid Thing,” “Theme from a Summer Place” (which brought tears to my eyes), and “Beyond the Blue Horizon,” which I recognized that one right off the bat and gave a little yell. Lou acknowledged me and said, “I like that one too!”

My husband and I gave Lou several standing ovations. I think of all the performances we saw, this could be close to my favorite. He added some new songs to the set which added to the excitement. And he joked around a lot with the crowd. He acknowledged “the wine lady” — who is a friend of mine, Louise, who brings him wine and has been following his shows since the 1960s! I met her last summer at another Lou Christie show and we have since become friends on Face Book.

SAM_8222Me on the left, with Debbie (center) and right, Louise (the wine lady)

Prior to Lou’s performance, it was announced there was a special guest in the audience, Robert John, who had a hit in 1979 with “Sad Eyes (Turn the Other Way).” He came onstage and lip-synched to his hit.

SAM_8231Robert John, hit song “Sad Eyes (Turn the Other Way)”

And so cute that a guy in the audience had a poodle and a parrot. Where did he sit? Right next to me — the ultimate animal lover!

SAM_8237How cute is this?!

SAM_8246Can we teach him to sing like Lou?!

After the show, my husband and I decided to take a walk near the water and we found this cool boat that went with the theme of the night. Can you guess what the theme was? Look at the picture, then figure out before you look at the caption 🙂

SAM_8245The “Gypsea” Cried! 🙂

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

Her third book, “The Gypsy Smiled” was inspired by Lou Christie and will be published in 2016.

Sugar

Published August 13, 2015 by Maryanne

PoisonPoison

Ninety five percent of yogurts sold in Whole Foods have SUGAR. Ninety-nine percent of their packaged goods contain sugar. Do not be fooled by their term “organic sugar.” Would a diabetic consumer organic sugar? Your body doesn’t know the difference between sugar and organic sugar. What next, Local Sugar?

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an author, journalist and public speaker. She’s presented the following programs in libraries: “Healthy Pasta Alternatives,” “Paleo for Beginners,” “Raw Foods for Beginners,” and “Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season.” For pricing and availability, contact Maryanne at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Happy National Book Lovers Day!

Published August 9, 2015 by Maryanne

Book LoverYes, that was me!

Happy National Book Lovers Day!

If you’re a blogger, it’s probably very likely you’re an avid book reader. In my 30s I used to read one or two books per week!

Some of my favorites are:

  1. “The Christmas Pig” by Kinky Friedman
  2. “The Good Good Pig” by Sy Montgomery
  3. “Paleo Manifesto” by John Durant
  4. “Letters From the Earth” by Mark Twain
  5. “Finding of the Third Eye” by Vera Stanley
  6. “And I Don’t Want to Live This Life” by Deborah Spungeon
  7. “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” by Judy Blume

What are you favorites?

Of course I wrote a few too!

“On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X)

“Love Cats” (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YBGVJQS/)

Book Reading/Signing Verona Library, Verona, New Jersey

Published August 4, 2015 by Maryanne

SAM_8178Beautiful photo by Diane Barros

Thanks so much to Catherine and The Verona Library for having me do a book reading and signing for my first book “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” (available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

Catherine was so cool she even set up a VIP area for me with spring water and organic grapes!

SAM_8171Catherine (left) and myself

SAM_8176Me and Jacqueline

I finally got to meet Jacqueline, who said she was my “biggest fan.” We met on Face Book over a year ago! Thank you Jacqueline for supporting both “Guest List” and my new book “Love Cats” and bringing along your posse!

My friend Brian Bailey came too! We met each other when I was 16 and standing in line to meet new wave group Blotto, famous for their big hit, “I Wanna Be a Lifeguard.”

Also, my good friends, Gerard & Diane Barros were in attendance! Check out their music, they’re incredible talents: http://www.barrosmusic.com/

SAM_8175Thanks for your support!

Proceeds of sales for “Love Cats” from last night’s event went to various animal organizations in honor of the death of Cecil the Lion.

Copies of “Love Cats” are available in paperback and on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YBGVJQS/