Thomas Bähler, author, pens book on AESOP
I hope that all of you are having a great summer and that this oppressive heat has not been too much for you to bear.  As I always say (in my best Yiddish accent when entering cooler indoor premises!): 
"T'anks G-d for de' Air-Conditioning!!!"

We are happy to report --to those of you who don't follow us on Facebook-- that our dear friend, Thomas Lee Bähler (aka: Tom Bahler of Hollywood music industry fame) has written a book about famed Greek fable-writer AESOP.  The Kindle e-book has been out for a few weeks now.  And, as of this past week, the book is now out in trade paperback.  Tom reports that the hardcover edition will be out in a few months.  The tome is titled "Anything Is Possible" and features a hearty recommendation from the "Q" himself -- Quincy Jones.

Be sure to look for it online at Amazon (Kindle or Paperback versions), Barnes & Noble, etc.  Or, ask your bookseller or librarian to order copies.  More information on the book and Tom's journeys in travel, research and writing are available at his blog (linked herein.)

Enjoy!

http://anythingaesop.com/

I am now on Facebook...

Registered Users and Registered Friends can find me on Facebook by searching for:

"Thomas-Kevin Bähler"

Please note that other performers with similar names like Tom Bahler (aka: Thomas Bahler), John Bahler, Janet Bahler, etc., already have their own Facebook pages separate from mine.

30 years goes by so fast!

Well, it seems as if thirty years has come and gone very quickly. Seems like only yesterday that Yours Truly and my partner, Douglas, met each other back on September 20, 1980.

Since then, we have celebrated many an anniversary, in many ways. Then, about 5 years ago, we got legally married up in Toronto by Mr. Justice Harvey Brownstone of the Ontario Family Courts in North York. That was followed by the requisite Honeymoon in Niagara Falls, Canada. And, then a reception brunch back home the following month, hosted by friends.

More recently, I retired in 2008, then Doug retired in early September 2010 -- just a few weeks ago! This year has been so hectic. Thus, as of this writing, we have yet to celebrate officially. We hope to do so in the coming months at a very special restaurant -- by ourselves. In the mean time, we will try to make each day a celebration by just living simply and enjoying our many blessings, family and friends. And, we hope all of you do the same ... as the lady says:

Eat. Pray. Love.

Welcome to the 21st Century!

As some of you may already know, we (here at Casa Bähler - East) have been stuck with crappy DIAL-UP internet service for the past 10 years or so. Even with my decades of career telecom experience we never had access to even the most basic DSL-type services. A few years ago, the omnipotent Telco deigned to provide fiber-to-the-prem hubs here. And, the monopoly family-owned Cable conglomerate finally upgraded from circa-1987 coax feeders to a coax-fiber hybrid. Trouble is, when you live in a tiny home that is full of furnishings from a 30-year marriage, it is nigh on impossible to have it rewired for any type of landline-based services -- let alone Broadband! And, as for Telco's non-union wireless partnership, it took them from 1988 to 2007 to finally erect a cell site in our densely-populated suburban environs. The recent 2-month Heave Wave of 90- and 100+ degree temps rendered our Dial-Up service useless (not to mention the complaints to the WashPost Tech column about DSL services crashing due to the heat's effect on the copper wire gauge!) We had previously considered getting the highly-touted 3G cellular data service from our "Cellco." But, we didn't want to be the first guinea pigs. Several of our rural friends with no-available-broadband tried the so-called "mobile broadband" before us and were all pleased and amazed with their new services. So we went ahead and opted for the service as well, using instead the mini wi-fi 3G Hot Spot concept in our home. So far, so good. Fingers crossed. We are only about a mile from the cell site as the crow flies. So, our results should be better than that of most folks in more woodsy areas. While it is certainly nowhere-near-as-fast as the land-based ISP offerings, it regularly gives us download speeds equal to basic DSL or T1 that most workplaces enjoy. Besides, it is at least 10-12 times faster than what we've been used to. Now, that's a major improvement for us!

Still hanging in there ...

A quick word of apology to the followers of my blog. As you can see, there have been no new posts since last summer around the time of MJJ's passing. This is no reflection on that event, nor its importance, as that is neither here nor there. Rather, it has been due to my ongoing battle with the chronic pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia. Add to that a really difficult Winter weather pattern here, and you get the picture. As one would expect, my priorities are elsewhere, and not with the blogosphere just now.

AFTRA Members
Mourn the Death of
Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Los Angeles, CA (June 25, 2009)—AFTRA released the following statement today regarding the death of longtime AFTRA member Michael Jackson:

AFTRA members mourn the loss of a true original in the pop music genre, Michael Jackson, who died June 25 at age 50.

Michael joined AFTRA in September 1969 when he was just 11 years old, as a member of The Jackson 5. He continued on, creating one of the most successful solo careers in history and earning recognition as the “King of Pop.”

As an entertainer, Michael was known the world over. He won 13 Grammy Awards and has made a record-breaking 13 number one singles as a solo artist. His 1982 album, “Thriller,” remains the top-selling album in the world.

It was on the AFTRA-covered Grammy Awards that Michael secured his spot in history, with the groundbreaking performance of “Billie Jean” when he “moonwalked” across the stage.

Michael leaves behind a legacy of trend-setting innovation, not only musically but with dance, fashion and media as well. In the 1980s, Michael’s visually stunning music videos incorporated his flair for storytelling while showcasing his brilliant costumes and impeccably executed dance moves and choreography.

AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon remembers Michael saying, “For more than 40 years, Michael has stood as a cultural icon, his influence on music and culture in general can not be denied – so much of what modern pop has become can be traced back to his original style. The dynasty of credits that Michael leaves us with is formidable, the larger-than-life personality that has made him a media generating presence year after year will not be seen again anytime soon. Although he may be gone, Michael Jackson will continue to inspire current and future music lovers alike.”

source: AFTRA
AFTRA press release
AFTRA "We Remember"

The Washington, DC-Baltimore AFTRA/SAG CONSERVATORY is pleased to present

“How to Become Successful in the Voiceover Industry”

a special evening seminar with RANDY THOMAS and PETER ROFÉ

SATURDAY, JUNE 13th – 7:00 to 9:00 pm (One night only)

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 6701 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from two of the industry’s top talents – Randy Thomas, one of the most recognized female voices in America, and Peter Rofé, regarded by many to be New York City’s most respected voice over coach and producer. Together, they have co-authored Voice for Hire: Launch and Maintain a Lucrative Career in Voiceovers (published by Random House), an outstanding book full of tips and strategies you can put to use to advance your career. Learn from these two top V/O pros as they discuss what it takes to get to the next level as you explore:
Marketing savvy and how the secrets of branding can help set you apart and attract big paychecks.
New ways to land big-time gigs.
Strategies to grow your voiceover work to a sustainable income (and give up your day job).
The art of attracting agents in this increasingly competitive business.
The current state of the voiceover industry, where it is headed . . . and more.
Discover how to:
Enhance your copy interpretation skills.
Understand the secret to booking more auditions.
Learn how to be seen as a top-notch talent with a bankable range of reads.
Build a bigger client base with the home studio of your dreams.
To attend this extraordinary event, you must be a member of AFTRA and/or SAG in good standing and must register and pay for this seminar in advance. The cost is just $50.00 (prepaid), and your registration fee includes the seminar and an autographed copy of their new book, Voice for Hire: Launch and Maintain a Lucrative Career in Voiceovers.
Don’t miss this one-time opportunity to meet two of the stars of the voiceover world. Space is limited. Register today!
To make your reservation and receive your PayPal payment instructions, please contact Carolyn Bell at CarolynATcarolynbellDOTcom or 703.914.2769.

source: WashBalt AFTRA-SAG Conservatory