"Vocal Group Hall of Fame/Truth in Music Legislation".*

The "Truth in Music" Bill, which first and foremost protects consumers from impostor musical groups, is now law in five states-Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois, South Carolina and North Dakota. Just as significantly, "Truth in Music" has passed the Assembly in New York, the Senate in Massachusetts, the Senate in Michigan and the Senate in Delaware, and will doubtless pass the second chamber in these states next session. Hearings are already scheduled for both chambers in New Jersey. Legislative sponsors are set to introduce the Bill next session in Florida, California, Nevada, Virginia and Maine. We expect more than half the country to be covered by the end of 2007. (courtesy: http://www.vocalgroup.org/)

The Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees are a who's-who of musical history, and too many for me to list, but it's apparent almost no contributing group one can think of, was left out. So many impostor or look-a-like groups are out there. Now in 15 States, the movement is now afoot to stop these groups from pretending to be the 'original' group. At any one time, there are 5-10 Drifters, Coasters, Platters etc., performing around the country and the world, pretending to be the real group. This takes away from the earning potential and credibility of those truly original groups who recorded those songs so well loved by generations. Hoping to secure a means to stop the infringing and gain control of such entertainment practices, John " Bowzer " Bauman from the 50's Tribute group " Sha Na Na", has been at the forefront in bridging the gap between consumers and legislators. (H D Thomas)

*(Speaking: Jon ' Bowzer ' Bauman ( Sha -Na-Na)Chairman, Truth in Music Committee addresses the 'Truth In Music Bill': 2004)

"Truth in Music" has passed unanimously or nearly unanimously everywhere. It is a classic bipartisan issue, even in the current contentious political climate. In short, "Truth in Music" is well on its way to becoming the law of the land. The time has thus come for Fair and Exposition buyers to understand what "Truth in Music" means to them, and how they can best avoid getting that unwanted call from the state Attorney General's office suggesting their event may be in violation of the law. Simply put in the vernacular, "Truth in Music" says you need to have at least one member of the group that made the hit records in the group that's on stage that night, unless you have a darn good reason why you don't. There are really only two of those darn good reasons- 1) that somehow the group has a valid federally registered trademark for the group name, or 2) that the show is clearly advertised as a tribute or a salute in a manner that is not so confusingly similar to the actual group name that it would tend to deceive the public.

So the questions to ask the agent who books your event are: Is there an authentic member who was on the hit records in the group you're providing me? And, if not, does this group have a valid federally registered trademark for the precise name we are advertising? If the answer to both questions is "no", this had better be clearly and unconfusingly billed as a "tribute show", or the AG's office is likely to cause all kinds of unwanted problems and embarrassment.

The Attorney General's offices understand that the venue itself is often a victim as well as the consumer, having been misled by unscrupulous agents or promoters. But their leniency toward the venues on the road to fining the actual perpetrators and holding them accountable will only go so far. Your event can be enjoined, leaving you with a big hole in your schedule. And consumer anger and bad press will create a public relations nightmare.

Clearly, the better course of valor is to steer clear of problem shows to begin with. Of course, the final determinations as to rights will belong to the courts. But we at the non-profit Vocal Group Hall of Fame in Pennsylvania are being consulted on a regular basis by the states for the accurate histories of musical groups and how current performing groups are likely to fare with regard to "Truth in Music". We are happy to do the same for Fair and Exhibition buyers if you contact us at http://www.vocalgroup.org/ or send e-mails to mail@vocalgroup.org.

One rule of thumb-if the package or pricing is too good to be true, beware!!! Packages offering three Hall of Fame names with 75 hit records between them for a price that's hard to fathom (even after the agent has probably marked it up substantially for himself) are probably asking for trouble in this new legal universe. Any iconic names going out for a pittance are a huge red flag. It's the old timers who are hardest hit, as they have less visual identification to rely on, making it easier for impostors to flourish. "Truth in Music" is finally ending the impostor group nightmare in which consumers are duped out of their hard-earned entertainment dollars and the authentic pioneers whose music changed the world are cheated of their just remuneration and, what's worse, their applause. Finally, a level playing field is being created by law, and we are certain that all responsible Fair and Exposition buyers will be in the front lines of this effort.
(Jon Bauman Chairman, Truth in Music Committee Vocal Group Hall of Fame , c/o http://www.vocalgroup.org/ 2004)

So, please my friends. Be Informed! Give the Vocal Group Hall of Fame website a look, and join in the legislative fight for "Truth in Music". Drop them a line, and support the cause.

Special Thanks:

Larry Patterson & Treasure Island Gold,

www.VocalGroup.org/John " Bowzer " Bauman ( Sha Na Na-Truth In Music), Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy , Sonja Paris, Ralph Terrana & Soulful Detroit, Marcus, Jake and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog

Contact:

duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com

hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com

www.myspace.com/duanethomas1

"Friends" (Follow up to the previous article "Choices")

"Friends". That word just rolls off the tongue. You can't have too many eh, my 'friends'? They say your friends will stick by your side when even your family won't. And, that you can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends. And, if you can count your good friends on the fingers of just one hand, your'e blessed. One more old-time saying is that 'you can be a MEMBER of a family...and not be PART of it.' Well then. That explains things.

Many people come our way throughout our lives, and we just accumulate 'associates', some to become life-long, others to be just visiting for a while. It occured to me recently, that the words used to mark someone a 'friend' are as wide and different as the phrases we've created for them. We have 'sisters' and 'brothers', 'best budd's' and 'buddies' 'n 'good-buddies'.There are our 'old' friends, 'recent' friends, 'schoolmates', 'chums', 'home -girl' and 'home-boy's', 'neighbors' our 'girls' and her 'boy' 'n 'his lady' or 'old lady' even. Then there is the 'bed buddy' and 'friend with benefits', 'casual acquaitance', 'lab partner', 'project partner", 'team-mate', 'research associate'...and a myriad of other endearing or just plain un-necessary words to describe the same thing.

A friend, in any capacity, shouldn't put any restrictions or conditions on the relationship. People sometimes go decades without seeing each other and pick right up like no time has passed bewtween them. My wife right now is visiting and has visited with 2 old, old friends. I told her we should visit the one up at the lake to see the new house. "That was 20 years ago dear" she said "They live in Hawaii now!" And, even though they hadn't seen each other for a bit, they picked right up where they left off years ago. That's what good friends do, because the 'us' inside hasn't changed much even if the outside has.

No phone call is too late, no favor too much. And those friends are those few that can be counted on one hand. Of late, with my personal and professional plates full, its nice to know there are those who will stick by us. No matter HOW much of a pain we are!

"People come into your life for a reason"
(Author unknown)
Courtesy of: Joygreetings.com

"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
So, thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime."

*Traditional Old Irish Limerick

"A friend is not a feller'....
who is taken by a sham....
a friend is one who knows our faults....
and doesn't give a damn!"

Peace, Love 'n Light as Always....FRIENDS!!!

*Next Week: "The Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Truth in Music"

*Special Thanks: Paul, the V.A, Team Detroit, Marcus Da-Vinci, the Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Stacia Camper, Larry Patterson & Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Terrana & Soulful Detroit, and of course....the one and only "LUCKY!" the Wonder-Dog

duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com
www.myspace.com/duanethomas1
www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com

"Excess Baggage"

I dont know how it ever got this way. There was just the two of us. Last week, we were heading to an island in Lake Erie for the remainder of Monday, then spend an entire day Tuesday, then most of the daytime Wednesday, biking and cart-riding around the little towns on that, and a neighboring island. I was kinda surprised at how much stuff I 'just had to take'. I put it in the car before my wife, and waited. She takes after her Mom. Once, a long time back, I saw Mom's 'suitcase'. It looked like a combination store and snack-mart. Mom had soup (like there isnt any wherever her and Dad were going!), snacks, room freshner, coffee, tea...sometimes powered drink mixes, and everything else you can and cannot imagine. Now, the wifes a bit more tame than her Mom, but still, all her bags are like a magician's sack. You never know what in there! Back to me waiting at the trunk for her.

While waiting, I juggled my bags around. (Bag-s? Did he say 'bags'...as in plural?!) Yeah. Anyway...I had my gym bag and towel and toiletries, and some meds. I always have two bags with identical items in each. So I had the gym bag, plus I had my regular bag with digital recorder, mini dvd cam, zip drive, ear buds for listening to music with, and headset mic and headpiece for my cell phone. I also had a book, a magazine, notepad, checkbook and datebook. Oh...and cell phone charger, mini fan and small fan(yes...2 of them). I also had my good clothes on, and swimwear and shorts in my bags(2...yep, had 'em in both). I brought a long sleeve shirt, a jacket and 3 tee shirts. The DVD player always goes on trips, so I had it and a few dvd's to watch, maybe in the car along the way. The small ice chest was a naturally great idea. (Remember her Mom?) Well, this way we could keep our drinks, chip dips, fruit or whatever, cold and with us in the car and hotel room. Cool. (no pun intended).

Laura matched me with the amount of clothes she brought. Except, she brought extra lingere. She also brought her purse (also a place that needs perhaps it's own zip-code!). Of course, she had her video camera bag and accessories, and a leather valise to put them all in. We had a store-bag with some snacks in it as well. In the car we had a bag with maps, and for sure we packed incense or candles for the room like always.(Dont cha just hate that mildew smell a lot of rooms have?). So, there we were about ready for the two hour road-trip. Oops! Forgot the radio! Gotta have music in those hotel rooms! Finally, we closed the trunk, and hung the good clothes on hangers in the backseat. Good. Now, we're ready. So, we each got in and buckled up. "Oh-oh. I think we got a low tire" I said getting out to check. After walking aroung the car twice, the only thing I noticed was that it was sitting low, like one of those California 'low-riders'. "They're all level and look ok" I shouted to Laura. I got back in the drivers seat, and the car immediately sunk lower again. There was just too much weight in the car. Hey! We didnt even take the dog this time either!

So, there we were. Packed, stacked, gassed and ready to go. But, the car was too low to back out of the drive without hitting the concrete and getting scrapped up. "I'll have to take something out" I mumbled wondering how it ever got to this point of having so much 'stuff' and necessities. Well, I couldnt take the gym bag out, because I work out and swim all the time, so I need it. Couldnt take out the boombox and dvd player...what would we watch or listen to? My clothes I need, and the ice chest full of ice for cold drinks and things. And then there were HER things. Three bags (not counting her 'purse-case' as I like to call it, clothes, cameras and the like).

About now, youre going back up to the start of this article and thinking "didnt he say it was for just a few days? Yeah, I did, and thats my point. All those 'necessities' of her's and mine. Those things were all important and needed for any overnight stay, right? Maybe. She looked at the packed back seat, with clothes hanging from the back on both sides, the bags of snacks on the floor in the front, her purse and keys alongside. We opened the trunk, and as usual, my bags which are always there 24/7, were in their usual places alongside the small cooler of ice. Laura looked at the trunk and its contents, and then back to the backseat, and the trunk again, then back at me. Oh-oh. I could see what she was thinkin'. I reached in and took out my gym bag and attache case, as she got behind the wheel. The car now backed effortlessly out of the drive, not even dipping to get scratched.

As I stood on the sidewalk with both my bags on either side of me, she rolled down the window. "So, that was it huh?" she said to me. I looked at my bags and back at her and nodded. "Drive carefully!" I said to her as she put the car back into gear. "See you Wednesday?" she asked. "Yeah. I'll be right here!' I mumbled again as she headed off down the street for a nice few days on an island. What a shame that the car was packed so low. The only real baggage making the car heavy was me. Well, you dont expect your wife to unpack or leave anything of hers behind, right? Right. And, she didnt. Oh, she left something behind all right. 2 suitcases and 1 husband.

Oh, how I long for simpler times, when folks had one shirt, one dress, one overalls, one pair of shoes and one coat. You had a horse and you had a carriage. Thats it. None of these modern conveniences or 'trip packages of necessities'. Nope. You fed and watered the horse, hitched up the wagon, threw in your small duffle and maybe grabbed an apple for your pocket. That was all. And, it was fun too. Everyone loves to travel or 'cruise' somewhere for a day or so. Me too. I always did.
My wife had a great time on the island. Maybe next time, I can go too. After all, my bags are still packed.*

(*The part about me getting left behind, didnt really happen. I went, and it was great. But, folks. We have got to trim the fat and clutter of things we deem 'necessary' in our lives once in awhile!)

*Special Thanks: Kelly's Island, Middle Bass Island and Put-in-Bay, Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, LA Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Teranna and Soulful Detroit, and of course..."Lucky" the Wonder Dog!

"Choices"

It's all about choices these days. Where to go, what to do, what to wear, where to eat, where to sleep. I think its more than just a sign of our times. And Im not exactly sure its really a good thing to have so many choices. In the old days, granny and grandpa had a horse, a buggy, one stove for both cooking and heating, a single good suit and one dress for church. They didnt have any time to waste deciding what to wear everyday. Life was simple back then. Now, the whole world and everything and everyone in it comes with a set of 'options' or 'choices'. Some are good, some are bad, many are simple, and most are un-necessary. When my father had a drugstore, he MADE the presciptions up by hand and ointments as well. He sold medicines, some cosmetics, candy, cards and comics. In our store we sold what most everyone needed at the time. The essentials. He thought back in the 1980's "Wow! Look at this 6-pack of pudding I found at the store! And it comes in THREE different flavors!" He was amazed. If he were around today, he'd be appalled.

He thought it was great to have a little compressor in the car trunk to air-up your tires so you didnt have to hunt around for a station that had free air. He was shocked to see stations charging a quarter (now $.75) for air. Now-a-days in Tokyo Japan, they have what looks like phonebooths all along the streets. But, thats not what they are. They are PURE-AIR-STATIONS. Not for car tires, but for HUMANS! About a dollar gets you 5 minutes of pure oxygen to breathe as you choke and cough your way through the polluted air of Japan's largest city. And water is another thing the old folks just plain took for granted. You had a well, you pulled it up, and you drank it as it came from the ground. No ice. Its a known fact that native Africans and desert dwellers cant drink water cold. They have no refridgerators in the 100+ temps in the jungles and the deserts. They have no choice, and in fact, some have never had a cold drink of anything. Choices based on necessity and provision. No freezers, no ice, no choice! And, they think its funny we must have 'chilled' drinks.
We have bottled water, flavored water, distilled water, spring water, vitamin water, energy water, mineral water, and more. Isn't water just water? Fruit flavored, mountain chilled, filtered and 'enhanced with vitamins and minerals'.

Reminds me of the old story about the Time traveler who was thirsty from traveling from the 1800's thru to the present. They found him dead in front of the water aisle at the local mart. He died of thirst trying to figure out which one to buy! Choices again friends. Regular coffee or de-caf, freeze dried or single pre-packaged. Too many, and its just plain hard to make up your mind, or in fact to stick with just one product for long, without trying out another one. Where is it going? Damned if I know, but the choices seem to be multiplying everyday. Ribbed, lubricated and sensitized condoms, and birth control devices, pills, IUD's, foams, coils and patches. We have hair stylists, hair techs and barbers. It's really confusing out there!

We have party stores, beer and wine shops, liquor stores, family marts, quick-marts, general stores, dollar stores, grocery stores, fruit markets and supermarkets. We have blue jeans and denim, levis and cords, bells, flaired-leg, straight-legged slacks, tapered pants, pleated pants and fatigue pants. We have bras and halters and sports-bras, jockeys' and briefs, socks, ankle dressings, sweaters or pullovers, hoodies or buttonups. There are also caps, hats, scarfs, doo-rags, bandannas and head dressings. And there are gloves, handwarmers and mittens. We have coats and jackets, short sleeved, long sleeved and cutoff shirts, and shoes and tennies, dress, casual, work, climbing, shoes, sandals, flip-flops and boots and slippers. Recently I came to realize that a cut-off blanket with an electrical cord is called a 'warmer'. And even more choices follow. Ground beef, ground sirloin, ground round, ground steak, and ground chuck....isn't it just hamburger anyway? Throw in potatoes, and it gets worse. Idaho, new, red, Yukon Gold, baking, hash browns, fries... American, Cottage and regular(WHAT?). And we have breakfast cereals, bars and drinks. See folks? And, just what I've mentioned here is the tip of the iceburg.

We have regular TV, basic cable, digital cable, TVO, satellite and internet televison. All to be viewed in black and white, color or 64-bit color, on High Definition, plasma or LED screens and monitors, IPODS, and hand-held devices to go along with the DVD players in cars. Must be me, but I get dizy everytime my mother-in-law sends me for Cambell's Gumbo soup. I nearly pass out from the choices. Choices again friends. Its what makes life fun. If you can just commit to one decision and product that is. If you cant, then you are lost in today and tomorrow's world of options. You can get what you want, when you want and where you want to get it from, be it daytime, weekends or the middle of the night. Even on Christmas and Hannuka. The next time you go shopping for anything, anyplace, take a list and be specific about which it is, and if it's on sale or buy-one or two-for-one, marked down, reduced or clearence. And go to the place with the best deals, rebates, give-aways and coupons. I wish life was simple my friends, but it's a crap-shoot. It would be nice if we could leave this Earth when we want, how we want, and where we want...and only if we're damn-good-and-ready to go.

Choices seem to be everywhere and in everyplace and country. Maybe it's not such a bad thing afterall. Right now, Im going shopping for a few things for vacation. I know Ill be standing confused at all the counter displays. Im not sure if Ill go to the corner store, department store, discount store or dollar-store. The list has 6 items. I'll probably get back from the store in about a day and a half. Good thing my list isn't longer.
Peace, Love 'n Light all...till next time.

*Special Thanks: Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, La Grizzy, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson and Treasure Island Gold, Soulful Detroit and Ralph Teranna, and of course....."Lucky" the Wonder Dog