ramp it up entertainment

Listening to Music Can Relieve Pain By ANAHAD O'CONNOR

2012-01-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

Interesting article in the New York Times: Really? The Claim: Listening to Music Can Relieve Pain By ANAHAD O'CONNOR (January 2nd, 2012)
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/02/really-the-claim-listening-to-music-can-relieve-pain/

...and I'd like to introduce you to Sourcetone - a new streaming music service designed to help people achieve healthy lives through the joys of listening to music - providing listening experiences that can benefit moods, activities and health conditions. Sourcetone’s products and services are backed by clinical and technological research Sourcetone has conducted in partnership with Harvard Medical School. Internet radio and apps coming soon - stay tuned.

THE FACTS
Can the right sonata soothe the pain of a medical operation?

A growing number of doctors have been using music in clinical settings, believing that it might have analgesic effects on patients — or at least take their minds off an otherwise painful procedure.

Scientists only now are seeking to determine whether the notion is more romance than reality.

In the most recent study, published in December in The Journal of Pain, 153 people were subjected to increasingly painful shocks on their hands as they listened to music. All the while, they were encouraged to engage in the songs and to identify certain notes and tones. By measuring pupil dilation and brain activity, scientists at the University of Utah found that as the subjects became focused on the melodies, they experienced more and more relief from the pain. The biggest effect was seen on the participants who were initially most anxious.

A Swedish study published in 2009 reported similarly encouraging findings: Children who were given “music therapy” after minor surgery required smaller amounts of morphine than those who were not.

But a meta-analysis of data on more than 3,600 patients in 51 studies, published in the Cochrane Database, found that the magnitude of the effect was not very large, so the potential usefulness in clinical practice — for now, at least — was “unclear.”

THE BOTTOM LINE
Listening to music during or after a medical procedure may relieve pain, but more research is needed to determine whether the effect is significant.

"I Could Have, I Should Have" New Multimedia Interactive Project

2011-03-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

Any regrets about the decisions you have made in your life?

"I Could Have - I Should Have"...the stories of how the decisions we made - changed the way we lived our lives. We will interview hundreds of people and invite them to tell us about the decisions they made that had the most impact on their lives - the dreams they had, the journeys they experienced, the people they met, their disappointments, their success...their thoughts on what could have been different, what should have been different - did things turn out for them the way they expected things to be or not and why? Can we help them find their way - or is it too late?

We have all thought about it - what could have been, the what ifs and what I should have done and how those decisions and actions (or in-actions) impacted our lives. "I Could Have - I Should Have" will be engaging, emotional, motivational, inspirational, humorous and more...

From the campfire to the web, authentic stories unite communities, build bridges and create connections. We will harness the power of technology to deliver engaging multimedia and interactive content to audiences in ways both resonant and meaningful, creating pathways for people to tell their story.

We will invite the members of our community to share their stories online and to keep us informed - through web and mobile - of the decisions they make on a daily basis that impact their lives.

"I Could Have - I Should Have" will be an interactive multimedia experience. We will launch a website, social networks and communities, produce a documentary film and a broadcast reality series, content for mobile, a mobile app, write a book, create an audio CD and more.

We've partnered with rockethub.com to raise money to support the project:
Visit: http://www.rockethub.com/projects/1185-i-could-have-i-should-have
Everyone who donates gets credited/recognized/thanked. A donation of $25 receives a "I Could Have...I Should Have" t-shirt. Donations of $100 will also receive a copy of the book. Donations of $250 will also receive a copy of the CD and a thank you at the end of the book. Donations of $5000 will guarantee your story becomes part of the project. Donations of $10,000 gets you invited to exclusive, private events launching and promoting the project's phases.

Illustrations by Christina Qualiana - from "Something About Going Home" by Dennis Gelbaum. View the trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Xfe-UsOYo

Visit http://www.dennisgelbaum.com

"Hurricane Biker Girls of San Diego" In Development

2011-02-23T05:37:00.000-08:00

© 2011 20 Four 7 Productions/ramp it up entertainment
Created by Stafford Bailey & Judy Bailey with Dennis Gelbaum
Executive Producers Dennis Gelbaum, Stafford Bailey & Judy Bailey

View the trailer at: http://vimeo.com/17937633

"The Hurricane Biker Girls Of San Diego" is an up-close and very personal high speed multimedia reality series about seven members (and their families and friends) of an exclusive, all female motorcycle club…stunning, ambitious, classy women sharing their authentic, real life stories about life's challenges and opportunities - women competing in a man’s sport and doing it in 6” stiletto heels!

Stafford Bailey and Judy Bailey, the founders of 20 Four 7 Productions, met some of the Hurricane Biker Girls and immediately saw the special relationship that existed among the members. They created the original concept for the reality series and then reached out to Dennis Gelbaum, ramp it up entertainment, to further develop, pitch, sell and produce the broadcast series - with additional content for web and mobile.

Gelbaum adds, "There are more than 5 million female motorcycle riders - 1 out of every 10 motorcycle owners are women - and they are the fastest growing demographic in motorcycling. When you take all the pieces - a great city - San Diego, seven beautiful women riding motorcycles, women taking control of their lives - feeling the freedom, the empowerment, the independence of biking and put it all together in one neat package - you got something really incredible - you get the Hurricane Biker Girls of San Diego!"

These women aren’t your typical biker chicks. They’re career women, moms and housewives who juggle burgeoning careers and busy home lives amidst the whirl of California’s second largest city. These are beautiful, strong and independent women with a love for sisterhood, SPEED and HOT BIKES!

"Like any other exclusive club, we select our members with attributes such as the desire for the thrill of the ride, mental strength, physical appeal and ambrosial personality. Shy girls need not apply."

REAL LIFE DRAMA AT 100+MPH!

Meet The Hurricane Biker Girls of San Diego

India Moss – AKA “Blue Rose” Co-Founder & President
Recently separated and mother of a 6-year-old daughter, India is one of the original founders of The Hurricane Biker Girls. Blue learned how to ride in heels because she’s short and refused to lower her bike because she loves to ride in the mountains and canyons…and wanted to hit the turns low and tight. She is a born leader and strongly believes that your job and hobbies should not be based on gender. Speed is her passion (she’s been clocked at 175 miles an hour) and so is this club. She runs a tight ship and won’t back down from anyone!

Kisha Williams – AKA “Stallion” Co-Founder
A single mom of a very active 1-year-old little girl, this Navy Recruiter of 13 years is also a budding designer who wants to start her own line of biker clothes for women because as she puts it “I couldn’t find anything cute to wear.” The comedian in the group, Stallion started riding because she got tired of riding on the back. She started the group with “Blue Rose” because they believed if they (men) can do it, we could do it better! AND look better doing it!

Melissa Roderick – AKA “Tynee”
These women are like family to me says Melissa. I’m a single mom with 3 boys and they all think I’m cool. The “sweet one” in the group says she purposely painted her bike with fairies so no man would want to ride it. She loves the independence riding gives her.

Colisha Hodges – AKA “Soudeour” pronounced So-Jah
Married with kids. Riding is her escape and she uses riding as a form of “anger management” from her kids, husband and her demanding career in the military.

Monique Daniel – AKA “Mo Love”
Born in the Caribbean and raised in Canada. ‘Mo Love” has a high stress career in the medical field so riding gives her relief and freedom. Being in control is a must for her. She refuses to be someone’s headrest (a bikers passenger) and loves wearing sexy studded gear and stiletto heels when she rides. Mo Love joined the Hurricane Bike Girls because as she puts it, “I love to see women running shit.”

Vicki Coore – AKA “Sistah” Vice-President
An opinionated, get what she wants kind of gal. Sistah has been around motorcycles all her life. Every year she changes the color of her bike to suit her mood. This year it’s hot pink with a jungle print and custom helmet to match. She says, for years men have had their own clique, and it's time for women to join together and make it happen. We’re taking over and we’re not giving it back.

Tonisha Gilliam – AKA “Glossy”
Started riding after her roommate bought a motorcycle. However, riding didn’t come naturally to Glossy. After completing motorcycle-riding school her instructor gave her a hug and said “God help you.” Glossy never gave up. She fell in love with the sport and followed what now is her passion. Glossy is a mom and when she’s speeding down the highway she wants people to know it’s a feminine woman under that helmet.

ramp it up entertainment
Dennis Gelbaum
dennisg@rampitupentertainment.com
201-887-6012

20 Four 7 Productions
Judy Bailey
judy@20four7productions.com
818-989-4434

2011-02-18T05:56:00.000-08:00

ramp it up entertainment is an independent, full service creative boutique and brand experience agency and multimedia production company.

"The best way to promote a brand is to tell a compelling story that resonates to a clearly defined audience. From the campfire to the web, authentic stories unite communities, build bridges and create connections. We create content that inspires and compels people to be influenced by a brand. We harness the power of technology to deliver engaging content to audiences in ways both resonant and meaningful, creating pathways for people, institutions, companies and brands to tell their story. We develop partnership opportunities to maximize brand exposure in ‘brand funded’ content. We create, develop and produce original programming for broadcast, web and mobile content and interactive, multimedia events. We connect brands to people and people to brands." Dennis Gelbaum, Managing Director, Director of Creative and Business Strategy & Strategic Partnerships

"THE ANIMATORS!" ARE COMING!

2011-01-15T10:50:00.001-08:00

Those who control the Combo World - control the parallel universe - DENNIS GELBAUM

“THE ANIMATORS!”... Brett, Jarred, Jeremy, Adam, Kimberly and Rachel. The adventures of six young kids who turn into animated super heroes to face the everyday problems of growing up. Along the way, they join forces to fight villains, monsters, knights, crusaders and majestic warriors as they try to make the world a safer, friendlier, healthier and better place to live, for all! They are THE ANIMATORS! and they are here to save us.

“THE ANIMATORS!” is an original interactive, broadcast, web, and mobile series combining live action and CGI/3D animation created and written by Dennis Gelbaum, Executive Producer, ramp it up entertainment.

Meet “THE ANIMATORS!” - The Eagle. The Kat. The Chameleon. The Cheetah. The Dragon. The Rabbit. The Animators! possess amazing abilities and super powers. The Animators! join together to fight evil and battle against knights, crusaders, majestic warriors and villains of all shapes and sizes to protect the integrity of our history, our present and our future. It is “THE ANIMATORS!” who will insure we have a past to remember and that we savor the present and prepare for a future.

Brett, Jarred, Jeremy, Adam, Kimberly and Rachel "magically" become “THE ANIMATORS!” With Henry’s (he is the Master Animator) help and the secrets of The Animator, a transformation capable machine (not to be confused with a time machine...) he invented while working for the US Government, Department of Defense, Henry is able to transform the kids into multi-dimensional animated super heroes as they cross over to the Combo World. Whenever the kids need to help someone or to correct a wrong that would help make the world a better place to live in, they would come to Henry’s animation studio, located in the garage on the side of his split level house. They would knock three times and ring the bell twice. That would be the signal to let them inside. The door to the garage electronically opens, providing the kids with access.

The series will look and feel like a supercharged 3D video game - combining state of the art 3D computer generated animation with live HD action. This feeling and approach is daring and it opens a world of possibilities. Imagine how viewers/players will react when they see the Master Animator controlling “THE ANIMATORS!” within the live scenes. And this is the same way it will look when they play their home or arcade version of “THE ANIMATORS!” The Master Animator selects super powers, the ability to reason, understand, comprehend and must assist “THE ANIMATORS!” as they try to complete specific tasks within time limits. All this must happen without “THE ANIMATORS!” losing their powers and must not interfere with “THE ANIMATORS!” finding one of the missing computer chips. The computer chips are the key to the Reentry Corridor, which brings “THE ANIMATORS!” home. The Master Animator has the hardest job of all!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT “THE ANIMATORS!”
THEY ARE COMING!

Fearless Fairies Are Coming!

2011-01-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

Fearless Fairies is a new, animated children’s television, web and mobile series that will empower children – make them feel good about themselves, appreciate who they are and what they have and give them a true sense of being in a wonderful world…full of love, challenges, comfort, smiles and giggles. Fearless Fairies will be motivational, inspirational, educational, fun, musical, innovative and entertaining.

"Fearless Fairies is a wonderful way for kids to learn that many of the solutions to their problems are within them, and gives them tools for tapping into these resources. The characters are quite engaging…" Executive Producer Dennis Gelbaum adds.

Young children enter a rich imaginary world peopled with both heroes and villains, with both marvels and monsters. New fears are a necessary part of entering the world of possibilities. As the imagination blossoms, kids who never before had problems with the dark are now terrified. The neighbor's friendly dog is seen as a menacing danger. An ant on the sidewalk might as well be a powerful alien. Monsters!

Most children will develop one or more deep fears to work through. It might be people in masks, old people, or people with scars. It might be parents leaving or burglars coming. It might be imaginary creatures or wild animals. It might be bugs. It can be just about anything or anyone.

A natural response for parents who see their children cowering before an inchworm is to try to talk their children out of the fear. Kids respond, though, by cranking up the imagination -- the imagined possibilities become worse, not better. And the children feel disconnected from their parents. Ridiculing or threatening children for their fears is even more damaging.

Fearless Fairies acknowledge a child’s fear in a calm and assuring way offering them protection and support. Fearless Fairies takes a child’s concerns seriously, helping them feel closer to their parents and become more ready to work through their fears. Fearless Fairies will help parents and children learn how to confront their fears.

Created by Danielle Szwed, Sharyn Seidel-Kometz And Dennis Gelbaum
Written by Danielle Szwed, Sharyn Seidel-Kometz And Dennis Gelbaum
Original music composed and produced by Danny Weinkauf and Joshua Sitron.

Danny Weinkauf is a 2 time GRAMMY winning composer whose work in the field of television music includes writing and producing for shows such as "Malcolm in the Middle" (Fox), "Sex and the City" (HBO), "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" (Bravo), "Resident Life" (TLC), ABC Sports, CBS sports, History Channel, Jon and Kate + 8, Higgley Town Heroes, Mickey's playhouse (Disney), and others. In the field of commercial music composing, Danny has produced tracks for Mercedes Benz, Saturn, McDonald's, Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, All detergent, Elmer's Glue, Kohl's, Barnes and Noble, and many others.

Joshua Sitron is a music composer / producer, multi-instrumentalist and sometimes filmmaker and shaman living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY with his wife and daughter. He has written music for Nickelodeon, Disney, PBS, and Showtime, including the mega-hit show, Dora the Explorer for which he served as musical director and penned the theme song. In 2000, seeking to free himself from the creative constraints and corporate agendas of TV music, Josh left ‘Dora’, traveled, and began studying improv and kung fu, while making several short films.

Check out: http://fearlessfairies.blogspot.com

LMU AND RAMP IT UP ENTERTAINMENT PARTNER TO CREATE REALITY SERIES

2010-12-09T06:07:00.000-08:00

Documentary-style production will spotlight Appalachian house calls
made by osteopathic medical students and their mentor physicians

Harrogate, Tennessee, December 9, 2010 – Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in Harrogate, Tenn., and ramp it up entertainment in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., announced today that they have signed an exclusive agreement to develop a reality television, web and mobile-based series tentatively titled “Black Bag Warriors.”

The concept for the series was generated by Dennis Gelbaum, CEO and managing director of ramp it up entertainment. Gelbaum conceived the idea after reading about fourth-year LMU-DCOM student Dena Krishnan in the September 27, 2010, issue of People magazine. In “Notes from a Country Doctor,” (http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20427066,00.html) writer Alicia Dennis profiled Krishnan and her experiences attending house calls. House calls are a frequent experience during fourth-year rural rotations for the osteopathic medical students at LMU-DCOM.

“Black Bag Warriors” will feature LMU-DCOM students as they pursue their fourth year clinical rotations in rural Appalachia. During the clinical rotations phase of medical school, students are assigned to mentor physicians, known as preceptors, who teach the students in clinical settings. During their fourth year of osteopathic medical school, LMU-DCOM students are required to complete a rural primary care rotation. Many of the physicians involved in these rotations have occasion to make home visits to their patients. As a result, LMU-DCOM students receive valuable experience in treating patients in this unique setting.

“‘Black Bag Warriors’ is the docu-drama reality based series I have dreamt of developing and producing,” said Gelbaum. “Our focus will be on our fourth-year osteopathic medical students at LMU-DCOM as they make their rounds in the heart of Appalachia, providing a glimpse of a world of poverty, pride and persistence most of us have never seen. They will go house to house in some of the most underserved rural parts of America, providing the best patient care they can provide under these less than ideal circumstances and learning what healing is all about.”

“The decision to participate in a reality series production is an innovative and groundbreaking one, and it is something that we considered with great care,” said Ray E. Stowers, DO, vice president and dean of LMU-DCOM. “Perhaps this series will even revive some interest in the centuries-old practice of house calls in medicine.”

“We hope to show viewers the quality care our students and our partner physicians in the community are providing to the patients of Appalachia,” said Stowers. “Often such care involves going literally extra miles to visit these patients in their homes. We believe the LMU-DCOM students that get to experience house calls gain extra insight and expertise into quality patient care. When I was a practicing family physician in rural Oklahoma, I made regular house calls as part of my practice and support this value being passed on to the LMU-DCOM students.”

“We look forward to working with Dennis Gelbaum and ramp it up entertainment,” said Stowers. “His extensive experience in the field as well as his knowledge and familiarity with osteopathic medicine made him a great fit for this project.”

“‘Black Bag Warriors’ will be character driven, intimate and hopeful in tonality, creating warmth and celebrating life,” said Gelbaum. “We will go on a journey that will motivate, inspire and often teach us something unexpected. The stories of the students, the doctors, the patients and their families will always be engaging, dramatic, funny and very personal...but never predictable. Our medical students will wish they could do more - as if making house calls and being a black bag warrior isn’t enough!”

Gelbaum is an international- award-winning creative director, producer, director and author. His books include the novel “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” and “Something About Going Home,” a book of original poetry with illustrations by Christina Qualiana. Gelbaum is featured in the book “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” by Danielle Hampson and Don McCauley. He is also the inventor of the Buddy Light Illuminated Safety Leash. Gelbaum’s recent work includes creating and producing the multimedia series “Fall in Love with America Again;” directing promos to launch “Guitar Hero 5,” “Animal Crossing City Folk” and “Mixed Messages” for Nintendo; creating and co-directing Get Wii Fit with Alyson,” an interactive website and web-based series sponsored by Nintendo featuring Disney Channel star Alyson Stoner; creating and directing a multimedia campaign for Special Olympics Texas; producing a fundraising and awareness video for Worldfund; creating and producing a multimedia campaign for Bazooka Bubble Gum including a video with over 2 million views; and creating hours of long and short form programming and content for theatrical release, broadcast, web and mobile.

The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at LMU was founded in 2007 on the University’s main campus in Harrogate, Tenn. The school is located near the historic Cumberland Gap, where Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia meet. LMU-DCOM’s mission is to prepare outstanding osteopathic physicians who are dedicated to the premise that the cornerstone of meaningful existence is service to humanity. LMU was founded as a living memorial to President Abraham Lincoln on February 12, 1897, and it strives to give students a foundation for a more productive life by upholding the principles of Abraham Lincoln's life. The University is committed to teaching, research and service and has enjoyed rapid growth over the last decade as enrollment has increased by 154%. The University has expanded from its liberal arts core and now offers advanced and professional degrees. LMU students run the gamut, from first-generation college students to working professionals seeking to complete their degree to professional students pursuing their doctorates.

ramp it up entertainment, a creative boutique and full service multimedia company, creates unique opportunities for people, institutions, companies and brands to tell their story. For more information, call 1-201-887-6012, email dennisg@rampitupentertainment.com or visit us online at www.rampitupentertainment.com.

The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community, and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1-800-325-0900, ext. 7082, e-mail dcom@lmunet.edu, or visit us online at www.lmunet.edu/dcom.

For more information, contact: Amy Drittler
Associate Director of Public Relations
Phone: 423-869-7108
Fax: 423-869-7078
E-mail: amy.drittler@LMUnet.edu

CHECK OUT THIS GREAT STORY FROM NBC WBIR
http://www.wbir.com/news/article/144343/8/East-Tennessee-doc-inspires-LMU-med-students-to-help-under-served-communities?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

Dennis Gelbaum To Appear At 2010 Veteran's Day Virtual Telethon

2010-11-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

Dennis Gelbaum To Appear At Flag Still Stands For Freedom's 2010 Veteran's Day Virtual Telethon - Hosted by LauraKennedyLive & The Flag Still Stands For Freedom Campaign.

"I am very excited and honored to be part of the Flag Still Stands For Freedom's 2010 Veteran's Day Virtual Telethon. The funds raised during the telethon will help support numerous veteran's groups around the country. The telethon is scheduled for Saturday, November 6th. I will be appearing via webcam at 11:00AMEST to talk about the Fall In Love With America Again project!"

What began as a radio talk show 2 years ago is now blossoming into a full scale virtual telethon. This campaign not only shares the experiences and memories of Veterans and their families but highlights the success and triumphs that our Veterans have brought to this country, not just on the battlefield but back here on our home soil.

The goal of the “Support our Veterans” campaign is to remind each of us that our “Flag Still Stands For Freedom” and our Veterans need to know we are supporting them both here and abroad. Using the POWER of Social Media, we will again make our flag and its colors blatantly visible across the globe with a unified statement of support for our troops, both past and present.

In conjunction with this campaign, Laura Kennedy (and her broadcast partners) will once again air a 24 hour live talk show on LauraKennedyLive and simultaneously over several other broadcasting networks; a show dedicated to sharing memories and stories of our “fallen” soldiers; celebrations of the servicemen and women who are still serving this country; and showcasing the talents and successes of our returning Veterans.

Tell your friends, families, co-workers, and everybody you come in contact with to get involved with this campaign today! For more information about how you can contribute to this campaign, please visit www.FlagStillStandsForFreedom.com or contact Laura Kennedy, USN-RET, at 516-442-9126.

Dennis Gelbaum - Sharing My Passion For Travelling and Photography

2010-10-12T04:25:00.000-07:00

Dennis Gelbaum is an international award winning Creative Director, Producer, Director, Author and Inventor and is presently the CEO/Managing Director of ramp it up entertainment - a full service creative boutique and multimedia production resource company. "I love to travel and 'capture' the images that motivate and inspire me. In this video, I'm sharing my passion for still life, advertising, catalogue and brochure photography. Enjoy the trip!"

Dennis has worked with clients all over the world, producing and directing hundreds of commercials, promos, trailers, music videos, live multimedia events and concert (tours, festivals, fairs) productions, multimedia interactive presentations (meetings, product introductions, in-store promotions and museum exhibits), corporate films/videos and hours of long/short form programming and content for theatrical release, broadcast, web and mobile.

Dennis is the author (featured in the '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' by Danielle Hampson and Don McCauley) of the novel, 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt' (http://www.beyondreasonabledoubtbook.com) and 'Something About Going Home', a book of original poetry and illustrations by Christina Qualiana. He invented the Buddy Light Illuminated Safety Leash, featured at The Sharper Image and many national retail/specialty outlets. And Dennis received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from American University and established the NAVARAC Scholarship...an annual contribution providing students funds, services and resources to help them complete film/video/multimedia projects.

VETERANS, FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGISTS, AUTHORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS FALL IN LOVE WITH AMERICA AGAIN!

2010-10-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

Dan Smee, (Veteran, Author, Motivational Speaker), Shoba Sreenivasan, (Forensic Psychologist, Author) and Vince Taschetti, (Writer, Photographer) have joined the 'Fall In Love With America Again!' Project.

'Fall In Love With America Again!' (created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum) is an innovative, timely and important new documentary style broadcast, web and mobile based interactive multimedia series highlighting stories from across America…our stories - about why we love America and why others need to Fall In Love With America Again!

Here's how it works - we are inviting everyone to have fun, be creative, entertaining and inspiring - tell us your story - told through short stories, letters, videos, photographs, original songs, illustrations, poetry, recipes and more. Post your work on the web, tell everyone you know (tell us too) where 'it' is, make sure they comment about your work and pass 'it' along to their friends who should pass 'it' along to their friends… Our panel of judges will select the top ten winners (based on the number of views/likes/votes you get and the quality of the work...from each category. (Yes, this is a competition - we are looking for the next great American song, video, photograph, illustration…) The 'winners' - the work, the author, the artist, the performer - will be recognized through our sites/media and invited to join us on tour as part of the Fall In Love With America Again! National Touring Show and Interactive Exhibit.

For more information about the project, check out
http://www.fallinlovewithamericaagain.com/
and our promotional video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1OGAVgiVD4&feature=player_embedded

DAN SMEE FALLS IN LOVE WITH AMERICA AGAIN!
"Being involved with the 'Fall in Love with America - Again' project is right up my alley. I love the opportunity to meet other patriotic Americans who display their love for country through song, story or poem. It's this unwavering devotion to the principles that the Founding Fathers based this country - to allow for individual creativity, self-reliance, optimism, no limits to what you can be - that makes my heart pound with pride. American draws others to her because of the strong belief in the individual's right to liberty and pursuing happiness according to their talents. We truly are the luckiest people earth!"

Dennis Gelbaum adds, "Dan joins us as a participant, judge (short stories) and goodwill ambassador. Dan is an inspiration. His values of integrity, honor and personal courage have given him the motivation and drive to succeed and help others succeed…and we are sure his passion will motivate others to Fall In Love With America Again!"

Dan Smee was the first person in his family to join the military. He became a Medic and then a Paratrooper. He was discharged from the Army in 1987 and began a long civilian career with Federal Express. When 9-11 hit Dan knew he had to do something to defend our country and so he joined the Army National Guard. He was deployed to Iraq in March of 2004 and served as a combat medic in "Operation Iraqi Freedom" (O.I.F.). That one-year tour in Iraq was profound and life changing; war has a way of cutting to the chase what is important in life. Dan's core values define who he was, is, and will always be--to be disciplined, fulfill his obligations, and have integrity, honor, and personal courage His book, Totally American (http://www.holymolypress.com/home) reflects those core values and that of other returning veterans- i.e., to take advantage of the opportunities that this great country of our offers, and whose ideals they were willing to die for.

SHOBA SREENIVASAN FALLS IN LOVE WITH AMERICA AGAIN!
“I am honored to be involved in the 'Fall in Love with America-Again" project. As a child of immigrants from India, I grew up with a keen awareness of how much I was given just by this choice of my parents to move here. As a scientist my father saw the enormous opportunities that America afforded to all. And I grew up with that awareness - that this was a unique place on earth where hard work is rewarded, where creativity is fostered. Just think of the Americans whose unique ideas and inventions changed how we live: Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers - just to name a few. I do love America, our fierce independence and individualism. And so, I look forward to reading about love of country!"

Dennis Gelbaum adds, "Shoba joins us as a participant, judge (short stories) and goodwill ambassador. Shoba holds an academic position at USC, publishes papers, and works at the V.A. and has been inspired by veterans - their valor, their pride, their optimism and their loud proclamations in support of our country. Her appreciation for America's work in progress with all its good steps, bad steps, and missteps and that we are a country of reflection, of change, of hope, and of assimilation of the world - will inspire others to Fall In Love With America Again!"

Shoba Sreenivasan was born in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to India at the age of three. Her father’s heart was captivated by the United States, and they returned a few years later. Shoba hated the question, “Where are you from?” because she wanted to say, “Right here, the U.S. of A., just like you.” When Roots, the TV series became a hit, and the hyphenation of American identity came into popularity, suddenly, “Where are you from?” was an acknowledgement that we were all from somewhere else; this is a country composed of a tapestry of people. Shoba obtained a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UCLA and received post- doctoral training in forensic psychology from USC. It is her work with countless veterans that has touched her the most. She is awed by their valor, their pride, their optimism, and their loud proclamations in support of our country. She co- wrote Totally American. (http://www.holymolypress.com/home)

VINCENT TASCHETTI FALLS IN LOVE WITH AMERICA AGAIN!
"Asking me to be a part of this important, powerful and timely project renews my strong sense of pride as an American. Growing up in New York and having been raised in a strong and dedicated family devoted to honor and respect for our country and each other gave me the courage and the privileged to travel across this amazing country. Our America is filled with beauty, history, creativity, and dreams, a land dedicated to freedom. We seem to have lost our way in America. Perhaps a project as exciting as this will bring us to unity and once again we’ll share a more positive view of this great land. Dennis Gelbaum is a longtime friend and visionary. I honor him. I look forward to giving my time and efforts to help others ‘Fall In Love With America Again!"

Dennis Gelbaum adds, "We are very excited to welcome Vince as a participant (photography, illustration and short stories), judge (photography and illustration) and as a goodwill ambassador. He is not only brilliant and so very creative/talented, he is passionate about life, living and the pursuit of happiness. Vince's energy is sure to be contagious and help us attract more contributors and supporters and help others Fall In Love With America Again!"

Vince Taschetti is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts in NY, majoring in advertising design, film and photography. He also attended the National Academy of Design in NY, studying painting and fresco and The School of Practical Philosophy. As a Creative Director at BBDO Worldwide, New York, Vince handled such accounts as GE, Gillette, Apple, Pierre Cardin, L’air du Temps, Firestone, Chrysler/Dodge, Navy, Avis, Caress, Pizza Hut, DuPont and many others. His work on GE and Gillette won him many creative awards and international recognition. Vince has co-written some of the most well known advertising campaign lines; Gillette . “The best a man can get”, Pizza Hut. “You’ll love the stuff we’re made of”, Apple. “The power to be your best”, “You’re drinking Diet Pepsi and it shows”. Vince carries his cameras with him everywhere and he has exhibited his work at the BBDO Gallery in NY and recently at the Marie Selbey Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, where OneDesignVST, his design and branding company is located. Vince is presently working on “The Art of the Taxi” as well as establishing the TaschettaGallery in Florida, NY and Italy.

Dennis Gelbaum Featured in '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading"

2010-09-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

Dennis Gelbaum, author of 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt', a novel with more twists and turns than a double helix - (http://www.beyondreasonabledoubtbook.com/) is featured in "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" by Danielle Hampson & Don McCauley and published by THE AUTHORS SHOW. This is the show's first book compiling some of the best guests who have appeared on both its online radio and TV versions of the show.

After conducting hundreds of interviews, it became very apparent that the number one issue common to most writers is the marketing of their books, rather than the writing and the production of the book itself.
http://www.wnbnetworkwest.com/WnbAuthorsShow50Writers.html

As "THE AUTHORS MARKETING POWER HOUSE", The Authors Show prides itself in giving authors a number of tools, many of which are free, to give their work the exposure they need. "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading", gives these writers an added element for their book marketing campaign tool box, and presents to the reader some of the best writers this new world of publishing has to offer.

Hundreds of thousands of books are written and published every year. Each represents months, years - perhaps decades of arduous effort on the part of the author of that book. Though nearly all of these authors hope to achieve success, how that success is defined is specific to every individual writer.

"50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" offers the stories of fifty such authors. As guests of The Authors Show, they have willingly bared their writer's souls to the world. Here you will find amazing stories of success and dismal tales of failure. You will hear narratives of dreams achieved and stories of hopes dashed. Above all you will
hear, from the mouths of these writers, what it means to become a successful author.

Whether you are just starting down the path to becoming a published author or have been a writer for many years, you will find much of interest here. Though it may not appear to be so, the fifty people within were not chosen because they demonstrated extraordinary writing skill, used well crafted phrases or achieved phenomenal sales. Instead the people within were chosen for their ability to verbalize their deep love for their craft, for the inspirational ideas they offer and, in some cases, for the sheer determination that caused them to become one of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading.

AUTHORS FEATURED IN 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
Art Adkins, Greg Allen, Billy Arcement, Beatrice Toney Bailey, Shobhan Bantwal, Jef Benedetti, Michelle Bersell, Rowena Cherry, Vera Jane Cook, Glen Copple, Chelle Cordero, Sandy Cropsey, Dane Cunningham, Aisha Curry, Christy Tillery French, Gene Garrison, Dennis Gelbaum, Kenneth Golde, Madeleine Herrman, Jessica James, Ken Jensen, Carl Jenks, Chloe Jon Paul, Mark David Gerson, J. Y. Jones, Sandra Bell Kirchman, Michael Kleiner, Jeff Knott, Mabel Leo, Sandy Lo, Alex Marcoux, Nancy Mehagian, John Meacham, Erica Miner, Ric Morgan, Robert Mottram, Carmen Navarro Talavera, Darden North, MD, Derek Randel, Alice Rene, Mary Paulson, Steven Rigolosi, Michael Rushnak, Frank Say, Paula Davies Scimeca, Debra Solice, Lois Stern, Janet Smith Warfield, Linda S. Thompson, Patricia Weber, L. Diane Wolfe, Traci Hall.

Darryl Tookes Falls In Love With America Again!

2010-09-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

"I am honored to be an official participant, judge and goodwill ambassador in this great new project: Let's all FALL IN LOVE WITH AMERICA – AGAIN!"
- Darryl Tookes, singer, pianist, composer, arranger, poet, educator, and humanitarian.

'Fall In Love With America Again!' is an innovative, timely and important new documentary style web and mobile based interactive multimedia series highlighting stories from across America…our stories - about why we love America and why others need to Fall In Love With America Again!

Here's how it works - we are inviting everyone to have fun, be creative, entertaining and inspiring - tell us your story - told through short stories, letters, videos, photographs, original songs, illustrations, poetry, recipes and more. Post your work on the web, tell everyone you know (tell us too) where to view it, comment and pass it along to their friends. Our panel of judges will select the top ten winners (based on the number of views you get and the quality of the work...from each category. (Yes, this is a competition - we are looking for the next great American song, video, photograph, illustration…) The 'winners' - the work, the author, the artist - will be recognized through our sites/media and invited to join us on our National Touring Show and Exhibit.

When you post your work use this title format:
Fall In Love With America Again - (type of content ie Music Video) By (your name)

"Darryl is truly an inspiration and having him join us on our journey will make the experience even more special. Darryl will be one of the judges in the original music, music video and short story competitions." Dennis Gelbaum, co-executive producer, adds.

Darryl has recorded and performed with George Benson, Diana Ross, Sting, Leonard Bernstein, Paul Simon, Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, Carly Simon, Laurie Anderson, Dave Grusin, Gerry Mulligan, Patti Austin, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Steve Tyrell, and many others. In spite of these collaborations, Tookes’ style is completely original. He has what has been described as an “angelic” voice (NY Newsday), which along with his message of love, are at the core of who Darryl Tookes is an artist.

Studying physics in college gave Tookes a perspective on harmony that informs his music in surprising ways. From his first hit single, Lifeguard, Darryl Tookes has been seen and heard as a prophetic messenger of love and spirituality, essential elements in all of his songs. He has never wavered from this path.

Tookes’ voice has been featured on commercials for Coca-Cola, AT&T, American Airlines, and the US Army, among others, and on the television show, Sesame Street. His other television appearances include Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Saturday Night Live, The Morning Show with Regis Philbin, Great Performances, Everyday with Joan Lunden, The Joan Rivers Show, and NBC’s Today Show. He has performed at the White House, and received a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall for his duet with Roberta Flack.

An educator, Tookes is Adjunct Professor at the Tisch School of the Performing Arts at NYU. He also mentors a growing number of private students at the Lagond Music School in Westchester County, NY. Further, Tookes is a clinician, having taught master classes at several universities and secondary schools. He has arranged for student a cappella groups, and has been awarded numerous commissions for composing and arranging choral works. In the realm of sacred music, Darryl Tookes is artist-in-residence at First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, CT, and is frequently an invited guest soloist at interdenominational services. He also performed Duke Ellington’s Mass with Jessye Norman at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

Darryl Tookes has participated in many charitable activities – concerts and recordings – including Arts for Healing, Best Buddies, A Better Chance, UNICEF, Hands Across America, Songs of Love, Comic Relief, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS/HIV Foundation, Daniel Pearl Foundation, Rainforest Foundation, 9/11 Memorial, Fall In Love With America – Again, and Fun In Learning Tutorial, and Creative Learning @ FPC. He is in partnership with the global humanitarian organization, AmeriCares, serving as a goodwill ambassador, traveling the world to provide aid and crisis relief to victims of natural and manmade disasters.

For more than three decades, Tookes has been an active member of ASCAP, AFTRA, SAG, NARAS, and AF of M. He served two terms as Chairman of the New York Singers Collective, and three terms on the board of directors for the Society of Singers. Tookes was founding musical director for Black to Broadway. He is also musical director, pianist and arranger for Lesley Gore.

For more information about Darryl Tookes, please visit www.darryltookes.com

85 Broads Fall In Love With America Again!

2010-08-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

85 Broads member Evie Evangelou is one of the creators and co-executive producers of ‘Fall In Love With America – Again!’

85 Broads is a global network of 25,000 trailblazing women who are inspired, empowered, and connected. The "founding members" of 85 Broads were women who worked for Goldman Sachs at 85 Broad Street, the investment banking firm's former NYC headquarters. Over the past decade, 85 Broads expanded its membership to include women who are alumnae and students of the world's leading colleges, universities, and graduate schools worldwide. Members are located in 82 countries around the world and work for thousands of for-profit companies and not-for-profit organizations.

Check this out:
https://secure.85broads.com/in_the_media
And
https://secure.85broads.com/experts/evie-evangelou/fall-in-love-with-america-again

'Fall In Love With America - Again!' - (created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum, produced by ramp it up entertainment and evievision) is an innovative, timely and important new documentary style web and mobile based multimedia series highlighting stories from across America - stories from big cities, small towns, communities, neighborhoods, streets, homes, rooms… It's all about what we think America is, who American's are, how we see ourselves, and how we welcome the world to our home.

The 'Fall In Love With America - Again!' project is an expression of freedom, of creativity, inspiration and love of country. It is a declaration of the best of America by the people and for the people. I am certain that this campaign and project with its positive message and novel point of view, will create a halo effect around everyone involved." Evie Evangelou, Co-Executive Producer.

The 'Fall In Love With America - Again!' project includes live webcam updates, producing a feature length documentary film, broadcast series and special, live events, touring exhibit, multimedia content produced by the project's A/V production team and submitted by folks all across America. The project will also include a series of contests and unique promotions - looking for the next great American song, video, photograph, illustration, short story, poem, chef, fashion designer, teacher, business leader, volunteer, local heroes and more.

"The 'Fall In Love With America - Again!' project is about connecting and re-connecting, using all media to tell stories that will have everyone fall in love with America, again! Check out this article, it is exactly what I am talking about…" Dennis Gelbaum, Executive Producer adds.
http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/lobaido_accomplishes_his_missi.html

For more information, check out our promotional video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1OGAVgiVD4&feature=player_embedded

and visit http://www.fallinlovewithamericaagain.com

Rick Barry Falls In Love With America Again!

2010-08-11T05:24:00.001-07:00

Rick Barry Falls In Love With America Again!

"When I was first introduced (by Dennis Gelbaum) to the 'FALL IN LOVE WITH AMERICA - AGAIN!' project, I got very excited about what this project can do to restore pride in our great country. The timing for such a nationwide initiative such as this could not have been better. Having traveled around the world and seen what other countries are like, I know first-hand that this is the best country on the planet and to have an opportunity to play even a small part in this giant undertaking is both an honor and privilege. I am looking forward to my involvement in some of the many unique opportunities that 'FALL IN LOVE WITH AMERICA - AGAIN!' will provide for our citizens, states, cities, counties and the business community to help restore the pride we all need to have in this great country of ours. God bless, America!" Rick Barry, named (in 1966) by the NBA as one of the 50 Greatest Players in history!

Dennis Gelbaum (Executive Producer of the 'Fall In Love With America Again' project - created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum) adds, "Having Rick Barry join us as a participant, judge (Rick will be judging videos, photos and short stories about the great outdoors...he enjoys fishing, hunting, mountain biking...) and goodwill ambassador is fantastic! His passion for life, his love for his family and friends and for America is inspiring."

NBA Hall of Fame forward Rick Barry, (born March 28, 1944, in Elizabeth, New Jersey), is the only player ever to lead the NCAA, NBA, and ABA in scoring. His name appears near the top of every all-time offensive list. He scored more than 25,000 points in his professional career and in four different seasons averaged more than 30 points. He was named to 12 All-Star teams, four All-NBA First Teams, and five All-ABA First Teams. In 1966, Rick Barry was named by the NBA as one of the 50 Greatest Players in history.

Rick is one of the most celebrated players in NBA history — not only for his game, but also for the competitiveness he brought to the court. In 1965, following a stellar collegiate campaign at the University of Miami (FL), Barry was drafted third in the first round of the NBA Draft by the San Francisco Warriors. He quickly established himself as an elite player, garnered NBA Rookie of the Year honors, and was selected to the NBA All-Pro First Team. The next season, Rick proved he was for real by leading the league in scoring (35.6 ppg), and being named MVP of the All-Star Game. He was selected again to the NBA All-Pro First Team.

Rick Barry is an accomplished sports broadcaster - covering a wide range of sports on both radio and television for over 30 years! He is also the two-time reigning World Champion in the Grand Champions Division of the ReMax World Long Driving Championships. (In 2007, his winning drive was just shy of 350 yards.) Rick is now involved in a myriad of businesses including Personal Equity Institute: Your Wealth Advocate, specializing in growing and preserving people’s wealth with a safe and secure process.

'Fall In Love With America - Again!' - (created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum) is an innovative, timely and important new documentary style web and mobile based multimedia series highlighting stories from across America - stories from small towns, communities, neighborhoods, streets, homes, rooms… It's all about what we think America is, who American's are, how we see ourselves, and how we welcome the world to our home.

"Fall in Love with America Again! is an expression of freedom, of creativity, inspiration and love of country. It is a declaration of the Best of America by the people and for the people. I am certain that this campaign with its positive message and novel point of view, will create a halo effect around everyone involved." Evie Evangelou, Executive Producer, 'Fall In Love With America Again!'

The project includes live webcam updates, producing a feature length documentary film, broadcast series and special, live events, touring exhibit, multimedia content produced by us and submitted by folks all across America, interactive websites and social networking sites/communities, etc. We will be having a series of multimedia contests - looking for the next great American song, video, photograph, illustration, short story, poem, chef, fashion designer, teacher, business leader, volunteer, local heroes and more.

Our adventure will take off September 11th, 2010 (with the launch of our websites, social networks, blog, video and audio channels) and the project will continue through September 11th, 2011, when we launch our interactive multimedia touring exhibit/show.

"This project is about connecting and re-connecting, using all media to tell stories that will have everyone fall in love with America, again!" Dennis Gelbaum adds.

Check out our promotional video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1OGAVgiVD4&feature=player_embedded

(c)2010 EvieVision & ramp it up entertainment

Laura Kennedy Falls In Love With America Again!

2010-07-28T05:08:00.001-07:00

Dennis Gelbaum, Co-Executive Producer of the 'Fall In Love With America Again' project, (created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum) will be participating in the 2010 Veteran's Day Virtual Telethon - "Every American has a story to tell - doesn’t matter who they are - where they come from, where they live, what they do. Showcasing the talents and successes of our returning Veterans, sharing memories and stories of our fallen soldiers, celebrating the servicemen and women who are still serving this Country - is all part of our 'Fall In Love With America Again' project. I look forward to participating in the 2010 Veteran's Day Virtual Telethon and sharing some great stories about America."
Dennis Gelbaum

“Joining forces with the “Falling in Love With America – Again” project was an easy decision since both of our campaigns are about remembering why we love our Country, our Flag, and our Freedom. As a 21 year Navy Veteran and 9/11 survivor, there is nothing that makes me prouder than seeing our friends and neighbors showing their love and respect for this country by flying our country’s flag and sharing their stories about why they love America!"
Laura Kennedy, USN-Ret

As a consultant, Laura Kennedy works one-on-one with both employers and employees to increase their productivity, work place attitudes, and teamwork, as well as the all important bottom lines! Laura’s real passion revolves around helping others. Laura spends countless hours volunteering with the homeless & mentoring with Veterans.

Check out: http://flagstillstandsforfreedom.com/
Check out: http://laurakennedylive.com/

Check out our promotional video::
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1OGAVgiVD4&feature=player_embedded

Michelle Obama Falls In Love With America Again!

2010-07-26T08:52:00.001-07:00

Michelle Obama adds (in a letter to Evie Evangelou about our Fall In Love With America Again Project): "We are at a critical moment in our Nation's history, and we need an allhands-on-deck approach to solve the problems that we face. Thank you for daring to innovate, for dreaming big, and for finding ways to create a better tomorrow. America needs your hands, your hearts, and your hard work now more than ever."

'Fall In Love With America - Again' - (created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum) is an innovative, timely and important new documentary style web and mobile based multimedia series highlighting stories from across America - stories from small towns, communities, neighborhoods, streets, homes, rooms… It's all about what we think America is, who American's are, how we see ourselves, and how we welcome the world to our home.

"Fall in Love with America Again is an expression of freedom, of creativity, inspiration and love of country. It is a declaration of the Best of America by the people and for the people. I am certain that this campaign with its positive message and novel point of view, will create a halo effect around everyone involved." Evie Evangelou, Executive Producer, Fall In Love With America Again.

The project includes live webcam updates, producing a feature length documentary film, broadcast series and special, live events, touring exhibit, multimedia content produced by us and submitted by folks all across America, interactive websites and social networking sites/communities, etc.

Our adventure will take off September 2010 (with the launch of our websites, social networks, blog, video and audio channels) and the project will continue through the summer of 2011. We will be having a series of multimedia contests - looking for the next great American song, video, photograph, illustration, short story, poem, chef, fashion designer, teacher, business leader, volunteer, local heroes and more.

"This project is about connecting and re-connecting, using all media to tell stories that will have everyone fall in love with America, again!" Dennis Gelbaum, Executive Producer, Fall In Love With America Again.

(c)2010 Evievision and ramp it up entertainment

American Veterans Radio Falls In Love With America Again!

2010-07-25T14:43:00.001-07:00

“From the time I was a child in the foothills of Missouri, I knew that America was a special place. I was raised in a home where a Korean War Veteran happened to reside and I was privileged enough to call him my father. I went on to serve in the U.S. Army as well as my son who is currently serving as a Combat Medic. I know personally the sacrifices that have been paid to ensure that this beautiful land of ours remains free. The “Fall In Love With America – Again” project has touched my heart in a way I cannot explain; let it touch yours. I am extremely proud to be associated with this project and let us never forget that Our Freedom is Not Free: Won’t You “Fall in Love With America – Again?” Jim Lederle, American Veterans Radio

As of July 25, 2010 – American Veterans Radio is ranked number 25 of 600 tracked military websites which places AVR in the top 4% of the best military websites worldwide! More than 150,000 listeners, from all fifty states and the District of Colombia, six of the seven continents, sixty-seven countries!

Check out: http://www.avradio.org/excitingnewproject.htm

"From day one, the purpose of American Veterans Radio has been to bring a small piece of home to our military veterans - wherever they may be, to recognize our 1st Responders for being available 24/7, spotlighting the wonderful talents of the Indie Artist and last but surely not least, bringing great music to our listeners worldwide!

In the spring of 2009, while working on a CD collection project to send CD’s to our troops in the sandbox (AKA Iraq), the concept of broadcasting live to our troops and launching a free internet radio station, began to take shape.

After lengthy discussions with my wife and with the passion and compassion I had (and have) for our veterans (my father served in Korea, I served from 1980 – 1988, and my son is currently serving our country), American Veterans Radio was created.

After turning on the switch, as I like to call it, on August 31, 2009 we began thinking about all of our dedicated 1st Responders and the sacrifices they also have to make on a day to day basis (My wife is a Nurse and my brother is a Police Officer). So it was decided we were going to do all we could to give them the respect and dignity they deserved.

And lastly while listening to some excellent tunes a friend of mine had self recorded, I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why this individual didn’t have a contract with a record label; they were that good! So I told them that I would showcase their music on my daily show. As is well known now within the Indie Artist World, American Veterans Radio dedicates a full week, every week, to highlight and spotlight an individual Independent Artist.

It has been hard work with literally 1,000’s of hours dedicated to the radio station but one thing is sure: it has been well worth it.

While doing my live show “The Mixin’ It Up Show” if I receive a request from a Veteran serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, Japan etc. then I feel that all is right with the world.

American Veterans Radio was just a part of allowing our brave men and women to be back home if only for a moment – what better place to be."
Jim Lederle, American Veterans Radio

For more information, check out:
http://fallinlovewithamericaagain.blogspot.com/

and our promotional video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1OGAVgiVD4&feature=player_embedded

Created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum, Executive Producers - Dennis Gelbaum & Evie Evangelou, Co-Executive Producer Amber Roniger
© 2010 EvieVision & ramp it up entertainment

Natasha James Falls In Love With America Again

2010-07-23T08:50:00.001-07:00

"It is not often you get asked to participate in a project that immediately strikes you as exciting, valuable, timely and interesting. In short, one that has all the elements that can bring wide interest and reception, the elements that ring that doorbell called, SUCCESS. In addition, it is even more rare, to be able to contribute and participate in all the very areas that are the most exciting to you. In my capacity as Judge, and writer, and performer, among other areas I am involved in with this project, I look forward to being able to uncover some gems of songs and work with the songwriters to be able to bring them to the spotlight. Dennis Gelbaum, one of the show's Executive Producers, (and co-creator) has brought such a project to me: FALL IN LOVE WITH AMERICA - AGAIN. This is the story of all of us, for all of us, by all of us." Natasha James

Meet Natasha James - the consummate singer-songwriter and the kind of unique artist who can craft visuals merely through her songwriting. Natasha pens works that cross many musical genres and pull at the heartstrings all music lovers... especially country music enthusiasts. (Natasha was nominated for the 20th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards for "Country Artist of the Year," - awards to be given out November 18th, 2010!) Check out Natasha's website at: http://www.natashajames.com

Natasha says, "Anytime I pick up my guitar or sit in front of a piano, I have the ability to write a song. I never intentionally try to pen a tricky hook or intricate melody. I write for myself based on stories that come from my life experiences."

She says, "I don't like a lot of rules. I even hate sidewalks. 'The Restless Kind' reflects the stage in my life where I realized I had been blessed and attained many of the things I had desired including a great home in a nice neighborhood and kids that I love. I had consciously put my music aside to achieve many of these things. But as I moved forward in my life, I missed connecting with people through my music and was becoming...restless. That album brought me back to my music and my desire to connect with people through my recordings and live performances."

Natasha has in fact actually been the "restless kind" from a very young age. Born in San Francisco, and raised in Southern California, Switzerland, Italy and England, at 14 Natasha started playing and singing in local Los Angeles jazz and blues clubs. Two years later, she moved to San Francisco and worked the 'folksy' clubs: Coffee Gallery and the Boarding House, among others.

After two years, she resumed modeling and acting in Los Angeles, studying at Lee Strassberg's while landing small roles as a character actress. Moving to Europe again at 18, she continued singing and playing folk-blues along with her own music while studying for a degree in languages and literature. Quitting school, she moved to London, and then teamed up with a reggae band playing regularly upstairs at Ronnie Scott's and touring northern England. While in London, she ended up writing lyrics to a song composed by Jeff Hunter, which resulted in a move back to L.A. to continue recording, songwriting/arranging and performing with a number of different known and unknown artists.

By this time, Natasha James was modeling on a regular basis, working in films on both coasts, performing her own music in New York and Los Angeles and recording with other artists. She settled in New York City, playing local clubs with her band, Good 'N Dusty', and was being heard on WFMU as well as Channel J for Videophile.

Of late, Natasha James has been a Bay Area staple, performing and recording in different line-ups with material covering Country, Rock, Bluegrass, Blues, Jazz, Americana and Funk. Her favorite tracks on the album include "Just Enough" -- for its compositional value.

She adds, "I love the process of writing and developing a song and especially collaborating with other songwriters. It MAKES you stretch when you work with somebody else and I enjoy that part of the exercise."

On performing live, Natasha's all about the crowd. She says, "I love the feedback and interaction of a live setting. I'm not a person that wants to perform in a vacuum. I once heard a very famous artist say to a live crowd, " I'm not here to entertain you." That's not me. I absolutely am. I'll change a set list or do whatever I need to roll with the feel of the crowd or take us on a journey together." Natasha concludes, "I feel so fortunate to do something I love as an artist."

More about Natasha:

http://billboardpublicitywire.com/releases/TripleAAA/Americana/prweb2203574.htm

'Tequila Time', the latest release from Highway One Records recording artist, Natasha James, is a triple shot of Triple AAA/Americana already making waves at radio with roots rock hits from country rock, to Tex-Mex, to swampy country blues. From the Stonesy vibe of "Straight to Hell," to the Latin vibe of the title track, "Tequila Time," to the Allman Bros. like slide on "Get Out Of My Way," Natasha James delivers. Her vocals have been compared to Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Joan Baez; her music to Van Morrison, Los Lobos, Allman Bros, Neil Young, Johnny Cash…see for yourself…you might just wanna join her "south of the border, livin' on Tequila Time." From the opener, "Takes Alotta Love," to the last track, "Modern Life," you'll find yourself tapping and humming to high-energy, upbeat songs of broken hearts, desert sunsets, south-of-the-border bars, NYC east village dawns, and that endless highway always behind and always ahead.

The production is superb, with Ronnie Rivera engineering (Lisa Marie Presley) and 6x GRAMMY winner, Gavin Lurssen, mastering (Allison Krauss/Robert Plant, "Raising Sand"; Oh Brother, Where Art Thou), and a rare musical maturity in the songwriting we also saw on her last record, Bad Judgements (the single, The Restless Kind, went to #10 on the FMQB charts staying in the top 100 for 10 months, and her Billboard article received more than 144,538 hits!).

With Tequila Time, an impeccable collection of songs with soulful driving vocals, Natasha shows us that she's here to stay. The musicianship is excellent with her own band consisting of Steve Evans (Charlie Musselwhite, Roy Rogers, Etta James) on bass, Ian Lamson (Elvin Bishop) on guitar, Herman Eberitzsch (Jules Broussard, Jorge Santana, Malo) on keys, and friends and fellow contributors Rafael Padilla on percussion (Chris Isaak, Shakira, Sara Bareilles), Bobby Black on pedal steel (Commander Cody, Asleep at the Wheel), just to mention a few.

When asked about this latest record, Natasha says, "At first, we were going to call it Modern Life, which is one of my favorite songs -- we also have a video coming out of that one - but Tequila Time is bouncier, and really, don't we all wanna be south of the border, livin' on Tequila Time?"

Fall In love With America Again
Created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum, Executive
Producers - Dennis Gelbaum & Evie Evangelou, Co-Executive Producer Amber
Roniger
© 2010 EvieVision & ramp it up entertainment

Fall In Love With America Again! - One Great Story

2010-07-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

"I want to try to get people to love America," he said.
Read this great story - it fits right into our new series, 'Fall In Love With America Again!' (*Thanks Vince Taschetti for sending this to me!)

LoBaido Accomplishes His Mission In Texas
Published: Sunday, July 04, 2010
Staten Island Real-Time News, From the Print Edition
Stephanie Slepian

Photo Courtesy of Scott LoBaido.
Grasmere artist Scott LoBaido has completed painting his largest American flag
on the rooftop of Lamons Gasket Co. in Houston, Texas.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- All Scott Lobaido needed was 900 gallons of paint and one Texas-sized rooftop.

It was the perfect canvas for the all-American artist from Grasmere to paint his version of Old Glory, the largest he's ever done -- and he's done a lot of them -- and quite possibly, the largest anywhere.

His project atop the corrugated metal roof of Lamons Gasket Co. in Houston began on Flag Day, June 14. He completed it today, the Fourth of July, after outlasting the Texas sun as well as the wind and rains of Hurricane Alex.

It covers 3.5 acres, the size of five football fields.

"I've played the rain card and I've played the heat card when I've painted outdoors, but I've never played the hurricane card," said Lobaido, 45, on Friday while waiting for the weather to break. "This is something I've always wanted to do. It was just a matter of finding someone as patriotic as me."

He found that person in Kurt Allen. Born in England, raised in Australia and an American citizen since 2008, Allen has employees hailing from 22 countries. All 22 of their flags are hanging in an international array at his gasket factory. And he had a roof to spare in the shadow of William P. Hobby Airport.

A Houston mom, the mother of an American soldier, called the flag a "big Welcome Home" for her son -- expected to fly into Hobby from Iraq this weekend. "I cannot wait for him to see this," she told Lobaido last week.

Lobaido began his patriotic journey in 2006 when he traveled the country -- a beat-up Chevy Suburban and the nation's colors as his guide -- to paint the stars and stripes on 50 rooftops in 50 states.

"I want to try to get people to love America," he said.

Is his work finished? "Not yet," he said, "but when a kid comes up to me and shows me a flag they drew and what it means to them, well that's mission accomplished."

Fall In Love With America Again! is a documentary style broadcast, web and mobile based video/audio/multimedia series highlighting stories from across America - stories from small towns, communities, neighborhoods, streets, homes, rooms. It's all about what we think America is, who American's are, how we see ourselves, and how we welcome the world to our home.

Check out:
http://fallinlovewithamericaagain.blogspot.com
and our promotional video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1OGAVgiVD4&feature=player_embedded

The project includes live webcam updates, producing a feature length documentary film, broadcast series and special, live events, video/audio/multimedia content produced by us and submitted by folks all across America, interactive websites and social networking sites/communities, etc. It is a fantastic way to connect you and your advertisers to consumers/fans and it all starts in the heartland of America.

Created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum, Executive Producers - Dennis Gelbaum & Evie Evangelou, Co-Executive Producer Amber Roniger
© 2010 EvieVision & ramp it up entertainment

Check out our promotional video for Fall In Love With America Again

2010-07-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Fall In Love With Amnerica - Again

2010-06-30T04:16:00.001-07:00

Updated Details About Our Adventure
'Fall In Love With America - Again' is a documentary style web and mobile based video/audio/multimedia series highlighting stories from across America - stories from small towns, communities, neighborhoods, streets, homes, rooms. It's all about what we think America is, who American's are, how we see ourselves, and how we
welcome the world to our home.

The project will include live webcam updates, producing a feature length documentary film, broadcast special, a picture book, photo series, book of short stories, the release of a new song and video about America (think 'We Are The World'.) live events, a multimedia interactive touring show/exhibit highlighting America, Americans, our/their stories, music, videos, photography, arts, fashion, food, history, culture, language, etc - video/audio/multimedia content produced by us and submitted by folks all across America, interactive websites and social networking sites/communities, etc.
We will promote a variety of contests and promotions to engage and interact with folks across America and it all starts in the heartland of America. Think about the great, inspiring and motivating stories folks will tell - stories that will motivate and inspire us.

Our adventure will take off September 2010 (with the launch of our websites, blog, video and audio channels) and the project will continue through the summer of 2011. We will have two crews starting off from the middle of America. One crew goes west, the other goes east. Our web sites/series - updated daily - will be fast paced - with montages cut to original music, short stories and highlights from our trip. Once a week we will feature a longer length story providing more details and background content.

We are looking for sponsors...and if your are interested in connecting with consumers/fans in a very real way - all across America - this is an opportunity for you to be part of something very special. Join us on our adventure.

Stay tuned for more details and breaking news!

Created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum, Executive Producers - Dennis Gelbaum & Evie Evangelou, Co-Executive Producer Amber Roniger
© 2010 EvieVision & ramp it up entertainment

Fall In Love With America - Again!

2010-06-17T15:29:00.001-07:00

Fall In Love With America - Again! - A documentary style web and mobile based multimedia series highlighting stories from across America - stories from cities, towns, communities, neighborhoods, streets, homes, rooms...It's all about what we think America is, who American's are, how we see ourselves, and how we welcome the world to our home (s). The project includes creating a documentary-feature length film, broadcast special, live events - touring show/exhibit, video/audio/multimedia content, websites and social networking sites/communities, etc. It is a fantastic way to connect brands to consumers/fans and it all starts in the heartland of America.

Fall In Love With America - Again! - the reality series starring America!

The plan is to take the concept internationally, Fall In Love With Italy, Paris, England, Jamaica...you get the idea.

Created by Evie Evangelou, Amber Roniger and Dennis Gelbaum, Executive Producers - Dennis Gelbaum & Evie Evangelou, Co-Executive Producer Amber Roniger
© 2010 EvieVision & ramp it up entertainment

Sgt. Pepper/Cheap Trick Graffifi Wall Launched!

2010-05-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

Ramp it Up Entertainment and Color Light and Shadow Inc. have launched the Sgt. Pepper/Cheap Trick GraffifitWall.

To support the marketing and promotional strategies to maximize premium seat/ticket sales for Sgt. Pepper Live Featuring Cheap Trick at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Dennis Gelbaum and Linda Gottfried have joined together to launch the Sgt. Pepper/Cheap Trick GraffitiWall. Check it out, join and play at: http://graffitiwall.com/sites/wall4/

"GraffitiWall is a powerful marketing tool that lets us create an interactive social networking website (can also be used on a variety of other platforms including smart phones and electronic billboards) that is totally customizable. As we looked for unique, fresh ways to engage our audience, connecting with and introducing GraffitiWall just made a lot of sense," Dennis Gelbaum, CEO of ramp it up entertainment adds.

What is GraffitiWall - GraffitiWall is the most engaging, interactive, innovative, immersive and fun-game like social networking tool on the planet! Think of GraffitiWall as a living, breathing, real time interactive canvas that helps fans/consumers stay connected.

And what do participants do on GraffitiWall - they play, they communicate, they relate, they exchange ideas and stories, they see exclusive content, listen to music and they win prizes and more.

'Sgt. Pepper Live Featuring Cheap Trick', a dazzling musical experience featuring world-famous rock stars, the Sgt. Pepper Symphony Orchestra and a live interpretation of one of the most beloved rock albums in history, takes the stage for a limited engagement beginning June 11 at the Paris Las Vegas Theatre.

A Bill Edwards Presents Inc. production, tickets for 'Sgt. Pepper Live Featuring Cheap Trick' are now on sale. Show dates on sale include June 1112, June 15-16, June 18-19, June 22-23, June 25-26, and June 29-30, with future dates to be announced. Showtime is 8 p.m. For the best seats in the house, got to www.sgtpepperlivetickets.com

A celebration of The Beatles' influential album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Cheap Trick performs the entire album live as well as select Cheap Trick songs that lend themselves to orchestral arrangements. At the helm of the production is Geoff Emerick, the renowned engineer of the classic 1967 album. Never performed in its entirety by The Beatles due to the complex studio technology of the day that was employed in the making of the album, 'Sgt. Pepper Live' allows Cheap Trick to incorporate their brand of power pop into the classic songs while paying tribute to music legends in an unforgettable musical experience.

Cheap Trick is best known for its classic singles, 'I Want You To Want Me' and 'Surrender.' The American power-pop progenitors recorded the album All Shook Up in 1980 with Sir George Martin and Geoff Emerick, producer and engineer of Sgt. Pepper¹s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Emerick will continue to oversee the audio production for 'Sgt. Pepper Live.' He received Grammy Awards for the engineering of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road.

Gelbaum Ramps It Up For Foxwoods Resort and Casino

2010-05-22T18:55:00.001-07:00

Dennis Gelbaum has developed and is managing a web and mobile based ticket sales strategy - via targeted and captivating email blasts, voice broadcasting, text messaging and social networking - for a variety of live entertainment projects including concerts by Jethro Tull, Brad Garrett, Steve Miller Band, Lionel Richie, Don Rickles/Joan Rivers and performances of 'Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy' at the MGM Grand Theater, Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

"We (ramp it up entertainment) are working closely with Foxwoods to maximize ticket sales/revenue - driving customer acquisition and revenue growth through SEM (paid search), SEO, affiliate marketing and creating unique, strategic partnerships - for each of these shows," Gelbaum adds.

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy has been proclaimed, “The grandest circus spectacle east of Vegas” by New York Magazine. The show, which debuted at the Broadway theatre in June 2008, is the first and only show of its kind ever to perform on Broadway. This groundbreaking theatrical, acrobatic and musical adventure was a Broadway must-see sensation for audiences of all ages.

Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, CIRQUE DREAMS Jungle Fantasy is an exotic encounter inspired by nature’s unpredictable creations that are brought to life by an international cast of soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. The astounding feats performed in this action packed Cirque Dream are enhanced with spectacular costumes nominated for an American Theatre Wing Best Costume Design Award and come to life in a fantastical jungle setting ignited by striking visual effects. From the breathtaking soaring aerial butterflies to the balancing giraffes, gigantic flowers, trees and kings of the jungle, this world-class explosion of athleticism, theatre and imagination will exhilarate and entertain audiences of all ages.

Check out the 'Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy' Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMXVG47Rx70&feature=player_embedded#!

Ramp It Up Entertainment Juggling Marketing and Promotions for Sgt. Pepper

2010-05-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Tickets On Sale Now!
Ramp It Up Entertainment is executing a multimedia marketing and promotion strategy via email blasts, voice broadcasting, text messages and social networking. The campaign also includes TV, Radio, Print and outdoor.

Gelbaum Recruited By Sgt. Pepper

2010-05-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

Dennis Gelbaum, CEO of ramp it up entertainment, has been recruited by Sgt. Pepper to assist in the development and implementation of live event promotions and premium seating ticket sales strategy for Sgt. Pepper Live Featuring Cheap Trick. (For tickets check out www.sgtpepperlivetickets.com)

“Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick, a dazzling musical experience featuring world-famous rock stars, the Sgt. Pepper Symphony Orchestra and a live interpretation of one of the most beloved rock albums in history, will take the stage for a limited engagement beginning June 11 at the Paris Las Vegas Theatre.

A Bill Edwards Presents Inc. production, tickets for “Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick are now on sale. Show dates now on sale include June 11 – 12, June 15-16, June 18-19, June 22-23, June 25-26, and June 29-30, with future dates to be announced. Showtime is 8 p.m.

A celebration of The Beatles’ influential album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the show is an energetic performance that features an orchestra and a captivating experience of light and sound as Cheap Trick perform the entire album live as well as select Cheap Trick songs that lend themselves to orchestral arrangements. At the helm of the production is Geoff Emerick, the renowned engineer of the classic 1967 album. Never performed in its entirety by The Beatles due to the complex studio technology of the day that was employed in the making of the album, “Sgt. Pepper Live” allows Cheap Trick to incorporate their brand of power pop into the classic songs while paying tribute to music legends in an unforgettable musical experience.

Cheap Trick is best known for its classic singles, “I Want You To Want Me” and “Surrender.” The American power-pop progenitors recorded the album All Shook Up in 1980 with Sir George Martin and Geoff Emerick, producer and engineer of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Emerick will continue to oversee the audio production for “Sgt. Pepper Live.” He received Grammy Awards for the engineering of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road.

Cheap Trick on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/cheaptrick

More about Cheap Trick:
CHEAP TRICK may be one of the most covered bands of all time. Since the 70s they've been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable. With timeless classics such as I Want You to Want Me, Surrender, and the late 80s lighter-waving favorite, The Flame, CHEAP TRICK are a musical institution. Anyone familiar with Comedy Centrals The Colbert Report will note that CHEAP TRICK wrote and performed the theme song.

With more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum recording awards, the band was honored in October 2007 by the Chicago Chapter of NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) for their contributions to the music industry. CHEAP TRICK were featured in the John Varvatos Spring 2008 ad campaign.

New Reality Series - The Divorce Coach - starring Michael Thomas

2010-04-12T04:59:00.001-07:00

ramp it up entertainment is developing 'The Divorce Coach' - a new broadcast and web based reality series that follows couples who's marriage is turning into a divorce and who's divorce is turning ugly and out of control! From the bedroom to the courtroom - we 'un' cover it all! (Created by Dennis Gelbaum, Executive Producers - Dennis Gelbaum, Michael Thomas)

"...In our lives, there is very little good that comes with witnessing your friends or yourself going through a divorce. That is, at least in the short term. While a divorce is often a painful and regrettable experience to go through, in most cases it is the appropriate thing to occur. After all, there is no shame in admitting that perhaps your marriage was a bit of a mistake or acknowledging the fact that it may have run its course. In many cases, a divorce is one of those things that open up new avenues of opportunity and gives you a valuable prospective to live your life.

Although this may sound petty, how often have you attended a wedding or have seen a married couple interact and wondered how long it would be before they would inevitably divorce. While this sounds horrible, it is a very human interaction. After all, who hasn’t been to a wedding and seen a couple that is blissfully unaware of how much work it takes to make a marriage successful.

Marriage can be a tricky thing and the last thing that most people want to see happen to a marriage is to have it end up in divorce. However, there is still a bit of fascination that comes when you see how a divorce occurs. After all, marriages generally begin with the same feeling – love. Divorces, on the other hand, take many fascinating routes to end up in this situation..." (edited from various sources)

'The Divorce Coach' - The new reality series where you can indulge your guilty pleasures and see how others are dealing with divorce - you may laugh, you may cry, but you will never be bored!

Hosted by Michael Thomas - the divorce coach - divorced dad and author of 'Divorce Tactics To Win'
"I have been through two insane divorces. In the process I lost BOTH of my homes and 3 kids! I paid extortion-like legal fees in the amount of $86,490.47 for results that at times made it seem like my attorney worked for my ex. I spent hundreds of hours in anguish, lost way too many nights of sleep and shed untold thousands of tears just trying to be a parent. At times it seemed as though it could NOT GET ANY WORSE...and then IT WOULD! I know what a woman or a man can do to their ex in a divorce to maximize their success and to minimize their heartache, loss and feelings of failure!"

Meet our cast - our featured clients - men and women convinced their marriage can’t be saved or they just want 'out' - all committed to starting divorce proceedings. Michael interviews potential clients and selects the 'clients' he will help. The 'clients' selected are profiled in depth at the beginning of each episode. As we get to know them, they reveal their inner most secrets about their relationship, and their desire to win and get everything they want and feel they deserve as their marriage dissolves right before our eyes.

Michael consults his 'clients' on the various tactics necessary to win - must do's before you tell anyone about your divorce plans, revealing the seven secrets your attorney won’t tell you, what you must do before your spouse does, how to prevent your spouse from getting the best attorney, the one simple tactic that can give you an upper hand in a restraining order, how to document and record everything, how to hire and use a private investigator and a forensic accountant for your benefit, control your attorney and his/her fees/spending habits, help keep your home, your children and if you are losing or already lost how to come back and win!

'The Divorce Coach' will reveal through intimate interviews with friends, family and significant others the reasons for our clients seeking a divorce - infidelity, communication breakdown, physical, psychological or emotional abuse, financial issues, sexual incompatibility, boredom, religious and cultural strains, child rearing, addiction and differences in priorities and expectations - and the HARD HITTING, NO B/S, TRIED AND PROVEN DIVORCE TACTICS it takes to control and win the game.

Not unlike Oliver and Barbara Rose in 'The War of the Roses', the 1989 film starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, and directed by Danny DeVito, our 'clients' all believed they had the perfect marriage.

When their marriage begins to fall apart, material possessions, especially when there are no children involved, become the center of an often outrageous and bitter divorce battle - and we get to see it all up close and very personal.

"I really want to help you win your divorce, or at the very least keep you from losing everything you have worked so hard to gain - your home, kids, personal belongings, and your assets to the attorneys and your ex. I want you to take back some control in this mess, and get some footing on a new life. I found that as I learned more, and won a few small victories, I was empowered. And you will be too!"
Michael Thomas

"I did not file so my ex got to stay in the house and I was the visiting parent which sucks I can assure you. But your ONE TACTIC for RESTRAINING ORDERS saved my life. I did what you said, and when she tried to pull that one on me, I was ready, and flipped it right back on her. God only knows what would have happened if I had not read your book. Thank you Michael!"
Frank F, Texas

"I am so angry with my attorney! Why did he not tell me what you shared in your book? THANK GOD I found you and bought Divorce Tactics to Win. I won, but only because I took control from my attorney and used your tactics, Michael."
Lori S, California

"Before I knew I was going to get a divorce, friends kept telling me to leave my husband, but I thought things would just get better. They didn't! Following your advice and taking control of my divorce was the wisest thing I did for myself and for my family. Thank you Michael, for helping me help my family!"
Lisa S, Oregon

"My girlfriend was going through the divorce from hell, and I found this book and bought it for her. She read it and was able to use a lot of what Michael shares in his book... which saved my friend her car, horse trailer and about $50,000 in assets her ex had hidden!"
Kelly C, California

Check out: http://divorcetacticstowin.com/

2010 Rockin The River Cruises

2010-04-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

We are securing sponsorship and promotional opportunities for the 2010 Rockin' The River Cruise. Check out http://www.rtrcruises.com - more details to follow.
Each NYC Rockin' The River Cruise is a scenic tour and live music event in the most intimate and friendly concert setting you've ever experienced. Listening to your favorite artists while sailing past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and the world's greatest NYC skyline - you've never seen music like this before. We look forward to rockin' the river with you this summer.

March Madness

2010-03-21T04:12:00.000-07:00

I am presently working on and consulting for:

GraffitiWall - a powerful 'brand focused' marketing tool that lets clients create a real time, multimedia and interactive social networking website that builds brand loyalty. GraffitiWall allows brands the ability to collect and analyze vital consumer and media usage information.

Gaming Confirm - a web based platform for email marketing, voice broadcasting and text messaging for casinos, entertainment venues, travel and hospitality clients.

'Native American Arts Music Experience' - a touring show/exhibit celebrating the history, culture, language, art, music, fashion and food of Native Americans.

KPMG Video Wins Accolade Award of Excellence

2010-02-14T04:52:00.000-08:00

Winning Awards Feels Great!

Winning Awards Feels Great!
Video for KPMG Wins Award of Excellence from the Accolade Competition.
One of my last projects as Managing Director of Tribe Pictures was creating the concept for a video celebrating KPMG receiving the Catalyst Award for their efforts to improve their recruiting of woman and minorities.
We were invited to participate in a creative brainstorming session. Right from the start, our client challenged us to come up with something different, something cool, something out of the box - but not too far out of the box. My job, as part of the Tribe Production Team, was to help develop a creative solution that would engage and excite our client and win us the project/assignment.
I listened very carefully and watched the body language of everyone in the room. I noticed that although many of the ideas being thrown about were good, they just weren't getting anyone really excited. I didn't see any home runs being hit.
I stepped up to the plate and threw out two ideas. I immediately got everyone's attention. The first idea was way out of the box - it was a reenactment of the scene from the movie 'Big' when Tom Hank's character plays the piano with his boss at FAO Schwarz - the famous NYC toy store. The second idea - a 'Vanity Fair' photo shoot with big K P M G letters as props - was almost immediately accepted. Everyone got into talking about how we could produce this idea and how it could be a fantastic video. It's a great feeling when the 'team' comes together to work together.
We knew we had to follow the strict script and visual guidelines that were given to us by Catalyst, but I was sure they could all fit nicely into the idea I had presented.
KPMG gave us the go ahead - they were excited about creating and producing such an innovative piece. We knew we were stepping out of their comfort zone, but they trusted us. And in the end, we didn't let them down.
It is a great feeling working with a client who trusts you!

Bazooka Bubble Gum Music Video Starring Tha Heights

2010-02-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

MORE THAN 1,757,845 VIEWS!
Bazooka Bubble Gum Music Video starring The Heights - Dennis Gelbaum Executive Producer and Co-Director has more than 1,757,845 views! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZXRaVBf0pY) Check out their new song 'Selfish' featuring Madison and Brooke Jasmyn at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7anqtGAh80 - I love these guys!

American Showgirl

2010-02-06T05:12:00.001-08:00

American Showgirl - Created by Dennis Gelbaum
We are searching for the most beautiful and most talented Showgirl - in this new broadcast and web based series. The opening graphics and animated sequence was created by Michael Millspaugh. The footage used in this promo was provided by Bally's, Las Vegas. American Showgirl will be a visually exciting, entertaining, fun, classy and sometimes naughty look at the life of a Las Vegas Showgirl.

2010-01-31T04:31:00.000-08:00

I was the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Creative Director of Tourdesign Creative Services. Here is a sample of some of the performers we worked with - some of the most talented on the planet. We created advertising, marketing and promotional materials - for all media - to support their tours, new album releases, produced EPK's, shot content for DVD's and broadcast and created websites and web based content. NOBODY SOLD MORE TICKETS TO MORE EVENTS - NOBODY! I also directed TV spots for radio stations - nationwide - take a look.

2010-01-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

I have recently returned to the company I founded in 2007, ramp it up entertainment, as Managing Director, Director of Creative and Business Strategy. I was most recently the Managing Director of Tribe Pictures. "I wanted to re-focus on creating and producing original content for all media - especially content for broadcast, web and mobile. ramp it up entertainment partners with many industry 'experts' to develop content and to work with corporate clients creating entertainment and interactive experiences that can help strengthen and unlock the power of their brand."

"I am driven by participating in the creative process, working with really smart, strategically minded and creative people (and corporations) who are determined to effectively and efficiently communicate, entertain, motivate and inspire. At my core, I am a storyteller. I tell stories that engage, inspire and motivate others", Gelbaum adds.

2010-01-30T11:17:00.000-08:00

I am presently the Managing Director, Director of Creative and Business Strategy of ramp it up entertainment - a full service creative boutique and multimedia production resource company. I have worked with clients all over the world, producing and directing hundreds of commercials, promos, trailers, music videos, live multi-media events and concert (tours, festivals, fairs) productions, multimedia interactive presentations (meetings, product introductions, in-store promotions and museum exhibits), corporate films/videos and hours of long/short form programming and content for theatrical release, broadcast, web and mobile.

I have created/produced/directed content to help launch many kids/teen/youth products including promos for Guitar Hero 5, a web based series for Nintendo/Wii Fit - Get Wii Fit With Alyson, content for the Nintendo Channel to introduce Mixed Messages and Animal Crossing City Folk and commercials for the relaunch of Bazooka Bubble Gum, Bundles of Babies, Baby Loves To Talk, Bots, Bow Wow Boutique, Bubble Tunes, Creepy Crawlers, Game Genie, Micro-Machines, Power Rangers, X-Men and many many more! I was also the executive producer/director for the feature length documentary, 'Corrosion of Conformity - Live Volume - The Movie'.

2010-01-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

I am presently the Managing Director, Director of Creative and Business Strategy of ramp it up entertainment - a full service creative boutique and multimedia production resource company. I have worked with clients all over the world, producing and directing hundreds of commercials, promos, trailers, music videos, live multimedia events and concert (tours, festivals, fairs) productions, multimedia interactive presentations (meetings, product introductions, in-store promotions and museum exhibits), corporate films/videos and hours of long/short form programming and content for theatrical release, broadcast, web and mobile.
I have worked with the biggest touring acts and venues in the world, the major record labels, many Clear Channel radio stations, AOL, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, FOX Sports, Music Choice, Miller Beer, BRAVO, UPN, WWE, AVON, VW, ESPN, A&E, AFL, USA Olympic Teams, Special Olympics, Professional and College Sports/Teams, Motor Sports, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry (Titanic Exhibit) and many more.

Hollywood PI Promo

2009-11-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

Meet Becky Altringer - the star of the new reality series, Hollywood PI.
The series was created by Becky Altringer with Dennis Gelbaum
Executive Producers - Dennis Gelbaum and Becky Altringer
Co-Executive Producer - Eric Baron

The promo was produced by:
McCafferty Productions - Suzanne McCafferty - suzanne@mccaffertyprod.com
and
What if Pictures - Deborah Liekkio - whatifpics@me.com

Hollywood PI -Dennis Gelbaum and Becky Altringer, Executive Producers

2009-11-21T07:24:00.001-08:00

HOLLYWOOD P.I.
A new broadcast and web based series starring Becky Altringer.
Created by Becky Altringer with Dennis Gelbaum

Executive Producers:
Dennis Gelbaum, Becky Altringer

Co-Executive Producer - Eric Baron

Produced by ramp it up entertainment

Check out the video at:
http://web.me.com/whatifpics/becky/becky_profile.html

“Columbo" meets "Dog The Bounty Hunter". Becky “Hollywood P.I.” Altringer is a curious and quirky private investigator best known for her work in Kirby Dick’s “This Film Is Not Yet Rated”. She spends her days (and nights) driving around Southern California in her minivan trying to “catch the bad guys” and right the wrongs of the world. Taking on everything from pro-bono abuse cases to conspiracy cases by celebrities a’la Randy Quaid, you can be sure this Hollywood P.I. will NOT go quietly into the night.

Trapping thieves, catching stalkers, locating loved ones and even exposing the MPAA - it’s all in a days work for this female P.I. and her posse. Follow the real-life adventures of a woman who’ll stop at nothing - except maybe to feed a squirrel or pick up a stray dog – in her quest for justice. A survivor of incestual rape and a lifetime of abuse, Becky decided to spend her life fighting back and fighting for everyone else while she’s at it.

The premise of the show is simple; each week Becky will pick up a new case (carefully hand picked) and cameras will follow as she works the case. Each episode starts off with the alarm clock waking everyone in the house and ends with the family around the dining room table enjoying dinner - reflecting back on the day and the case.

With a P.I. apprentice to mentor, a lesbian life partner to take care of, her ex-con son, her school-teacher daughter and an 87-year-old Mamasita by her side, this Hollywood P.I. has her plate full! This is a family screaming out for their own reality series!

Between cases, we’ll follow Becky in her daily life. Not unlike “Little People Big World”, this is a show about an unconventional family and the life they’ve made for themselves. Becky volunteers at Peace Over Violence (an organization she holds near to her heart), she holds seminars for aspiring female P.I.’s, teaches local high school students about staying on the right side of the law and in her spare time uses her annual Disneyland pass to unwind at her favorite place. Whether she’s cracking a case, hanging out with her family or getting caught in the middle of a celebrity conspiracy, Hollywood P.I. is always an adventure!

She’s a bigger than life personality, with the ability to blend right in while investigating a case. “I even wear Disney clothes so that I look non-threatening! Nobody thinks twice about a women with Tinkerbell on her pocket” Becky doesn't look like a P.I. so she can go places where other people would get caught, "It's a great cover." Altringer says that in general, "someone like me who's meek and makes fun" can get people to open up where an intimidating man might fail. She plays dumb at times. But it's not always an act, she adds. "Sometimes," she admits, "I am a big dork." Can you imagine Philip Marlowe saying such a thing?

About Becky Altringer
Becky is a licensed private investigator and owner of a successful investigations firm, Ariel Investigations, Inc. in Southern California. She was recently featured as the prime investigator in the IFC documentary titled, "This Film Is Not Yet Rated," directed by the Oscar-nominated director, Kirby Dick and conducted the investigations in the newly released documentary, “Outrage.”

Becky has appeared in the following films: 'Outrage' – 2009 (Investigations - Magnolia Pitcures/Chaincamera), 'The Red Door' -2008 (Fabi - LomaLynda Productions) and 'This Film is Not Yet Rated' - 2006 (Herself - IFC/Chaincamera).

Becky has appeared in the following TV series: 'Undercover Investigation' - 2006, Teen Intervention/Herself, CBS/'Dr. Phil Show', 'Stalkarazzi' – 2008 - Herself/Assistant Producer, Hobnox, Inc. USA, 'Sex Offenders & Megan’s Law' – 2008, Herself - SBS Global

About Dennis Gelbaum
Dennis Gelbaum is an international award winning Producer, Director, Author ('Beyond Reasonable Doubt') and Inventor (The Buddy Light Illuminated Leash). He is the Founder/CEO, Executive Producer of ramp it up entertainment.

His recent work includes creating/producing the broadcast series, 'Rick Barry's Incredible Celebrity Fishing Adventures', creating/producing the broadcast and web based series, 'Rising Stars' - produced with Corey Rogers and Antoinette Bruno in association with starchefs.com - creating/producing the multi-media touring show, 'NAAME' - 'Native American Arts Music Experience', writer/director broadcast special and feature length documentary, 'Girls With Wings', directing promos to launch Guitar Hero 5 for Nintendo Wii, creating/co-directing ‘Get Fit With Alyson’, a web-based series sponsored by Nintendo, writing, producing and directing a fundraising and awareness film for Worldfund, writing/directing a multi-media campaign for Special Olympics to help erase the ‘R’ word, producing/writing a visually stunning and innovative commercial for Alize Bleu, directing a multi-media campaign for Bazooka Bubble Gum, producing an interactive multi-media show for BASF and executive producer/director for the feature length documentary, 'Corrosion of Conformity - Live Volume - The Movie'.

Dennis has worked with the biggest touring acts (and venues) in the world. He has worked with the major record labels, radio stations, AOL, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, FOX Sports, Music Choice, Miller Beer, BRAVO, UPN, WWE, AVON, VW, ESPN, A&E, AFL, USA Olympic Teams, Special Olympics, Professional and College Sports/Teams, Motor Sports, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry (Titanic Exhibit) and many more.

Check out:
http://www.beyondreasonabledoubtbook.com
http://www.thegelbaumblog.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/dennisjg3153
http://www.rampitupentertainment.com

ramp it up entertainment - not another production company!

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You are invited to join us on an adventure. We will know no boundaries and accept nothing that smells or looks or tastes like anything you have ever experienced before. We have created a company where our clients will find the most creative ideas on the planet! We will produce results that exceed expectations every time - guaranteed!

Welcome to the world of ramp it up entertainment.

We create brilliant ideas for all media. We design 'em, smash, 'em, pulverize 'em, twist, shake, spin and abuse 'em in ways you can't even imagine. It' ain't pretty - but it's effective. Then we bake 'em in our secret (patent pending) high temperature multi-purpose oven until they are cooked to perfection. And that's just the beginning.

Our ideas morph into content for broadcast, internet - podcasts, webcasts, interactive mulit-media, live events and entertainment, original scripted and unscripted short/long form programming and unique branding experiences. It's building a sense of community that embraces the world - two eyeballs at a time. We are building a company that will look like no other company. Pack a toothbrush and a change of underwear and join us for the adventure of a lifetime and experience things you’ll never forget.

Our core business will be the generation of ideas for clients looking to do something differently. It’s not about producing a TV or Radio commercial or a Billboard or Print ad - it's about creating an unforgettable experience that has the greatest impact on the community.

We will develop ideas internally and create relationships externally that provide us with property/content ownership.

ramp it up entertainment

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ramp it up entertainment

ceo, dennis gelbaum

“We are a creative and full service multi-media production resource unlocking the power of brands.” We tell engaging, motivating and inspiring stories. We produce commercials, interactive and multi-media live events, unique branding experiences, music videos, short/long form original content, fundraising and awareness communications, opportunities for our clients to strengthen their brand - connect their brand to consumers and connect consumers to their brands. We produce content for all media including broadcast, web, mobile..."

Current projects include:

'Rising Stars'

Executive Producers - Antoinette Bruno, Dennis Gelbaum and Corey Rogers. Produced in association with starchefs.com

Rising Stars is a 60 Minute Broadcast Series highlighting our travel across America searching for up-and-coming chefs who best represent the contemporary dining scene. The path of each Rising Star is different and to be invited to participate in the Rising Star Revue in NYC at the Starchefs.com International Chefs Congress, our Rising Stars must be ambitious, highly skilled, creative and have the ability to turn a delicious meal into an artistic presentation.

In Rising Stars, the series, we get up close and personal with our chefs, as our Rising Stars leave the kitchen and enter the dining room. The drama that unfolds as we visit with the chefs in their restaurants will be unscripted and the focus will be on the chef as they share their inspiration, motivation, challenges and their unique and personal perspectives. Rising Stars, the series, is all about the chefs, the kitchen, the restaurant, the menu, eating great meals and enjoying the complete dining experience.

'Rick Barry's Incredible Celebrity Fishing Adventures'

Executive Producers - Dennis Gelbaum & Rick Barry

'Rick Barry's Incredible Celebrity Fishing Adventures' will be honest, simple and more about spending time with friends and going to exciting and beautiful places…than it is about learning the techniques of catching fish - although that will happen for sure! When we have a guest 'guide', they will be exceptional, smart, clever and very patient with our series host and celebrity guests. The interaction with the ‘guys' and nature will be pure magic. With beautiful locations to enthrall the 'guys', it will be easy for the viewers to feel the joy in each and every episode. Viewers won’t just watch this show - they will experience and participate along with Rick and his celebrity guest (s).

The real success of the show will come from Rick Barry's presence, the way he interacts with the celebrities and the way the series is shot (we will be shooting in HD) and edited. The pacing will be pleasant, relaxed (but not slow) and flawless. We are sure that at times things will even be a bit hectic, maybe even a bit hilarious - but always real. Conversations will take place in fascinating places and will be very natural - as if the viewer is there, eavesdropping on the 'guys'. We'll never know what (or whom) they will be talking about. And we'll never know who might join them on a trip - perhaps a famous chef shows up to cook a special meal - Bass 'n' Beer or Southern Fried Bass cookin' on our outdoor grill. I can smell it. I can taste it. Are you ready?

A few other projects in various stages of development:

NAAME - Native American Arts Music Experience - a tour and multi- media event/experience celebrating Native Americans' history, culture, language, arts, fashion, food, music, etc.

Dorm Chefs - reality series - searching for the best 'chefs' in American college/university dorms.

American Showgirl - reality series - searching America for the most talented, most beautiful woman - with the fantasy of becoming a Las Vegas Showgirl.

We Be Jammin' - reality series - searching for America's best jam band.

Can Your Dog Talk? - dogs can talk - if you really listen.

Welcome to America - a documentary featuring those who came to America with nothing and have made it - living the American dream.

Westside High - a soft scripted drama about high school kids, dance and music.

I Am Woman - a documentary that celebrates woman's spirit.

Girls With Wings - a documentary about women who fly.

Wine Country - reality series - think Sideways meets Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous - we visit vineyards producing the wines celebrities love most and those wineries owned by celebrities.