FIRST LOOK: Celine Dion's 'Loved Me Back To Life' Liner Notes

To my gruesome shagrin, iTunes and Amazon are showing that Celine Dion's release today of "Love Me Back To Life" is BEHIND Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP 2 Deluxe Edition" (blech, yuk, eek, gross, passe, sigh!)

On Amazon, as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, Celine is No. 2, followed by Gaga's "Artpop."On iTunes, she currently ranks No. 5,  behind Eminem (deluxe), "PTX, Vol. 2" (?), Eminem's regular release and Avril Lavigne's new self-titled disc.

At least Britney Spears' "Britney Jean" remains behind Celine, at No. 6 on Itunes. Rounding out the top 10 there: "Pure Heroine" from the inexplicably popular Lorde, "Word Of Mouth" from The Wanted, Matangi's "M.I.A.," and Katy Perry's "PRISM."

Back to the joy, cool cats! Below is a first look at the digital booklet for "LMBTL" (thank you, Tony!)...

At Last... Celine Dion's "Loved Me Back To Life" Hits Retail!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013... The day that launched a million albums! After six years, Celine Dion releases her first English-language album since "Taking Chances." At last!

Leona Lewis "Christmas With Love": Cover Art First Look!

What's better than a Christmas collection from the wondrous Leona Lewis? How about this madcap retro album cover? Bravo! The disc hits December 3 from SYCO/RCA, and includes seven classics, new single "One More Sleep" and two more originals, "Your Hallelujah" and "Mr. Right."

RT Moscow's "Truthseeker": See My Appearance On Russian TV!

A couple weeks ago I filmed an interview for Russian TV's "Truthseeker" series. First time I have ever used Skype for an interview—how cool! Not as cool... the fact that I kept on my reading glasses for the shoot. Yikes, almighty! I come in just after the eight-minute mark. Enjoy!

Celine Dion: Loved Me Back To Print

The French press continues to shower Celine Dion with love on the eve of her new English-language release "Loved Me Back To Life." Oui, oui! Second pic: Earlier covers from 2013.

Counting Down: Three Days Until Emperor Bloomberg Is OUT!

Just one more example of the many things Mike Bloomie has done to wreak havoc on the great city of New York. Thank god... hi$ three three endless terms end Tuesday! From AM NY, November 1.

Celine Dion: Edison Ballroom, 10/29/2013... Heaven Abounds!

Pandora Radio network presented an intimate 75-minute spectacle with Celine Dion at the Edison Ballroom (the former Supper Club) in New York City October 29. I had the great fortune of gaining

admittance via Tommy Page, the former publisher of Billboard magazine and a longtime pal.

Natch, I wept quietly through the entire set, as Celine performed three songs from upcoming "Loved Me Back To Life," along with such classics as "Where Does My Heart Beat Now," "All By Myself," The Reason," "River Deep Mountain High," "Love Can Move Mountains" and a power medley of "It's All Coming Back To Me Now" and "The Power of Love." She, of course, ended the set with "My Heart Will Go On."

It's amazing to me that ever since Celine launched her Vegas show 2-1/2 years ago that—out of nowhere—the mainstream press has suddenly embraced her talent. Reviews for the Edison show, as well as early kudos for new album "Loved Me Back To Life" have been staggeringly positive.

So, uh, where the hell were you guys 15 years ago? If ever I accomplished one thing in my 14 years at Billboard, it was championing Celine, recognizing that such nonsense as "steely precision, no passion," which was repeated time and again, was pure BULLSHIT.

I'm so proud that among real Celine followers, I continue to be known as "the guy that got it." It's gratifying to see that today's "journalists" are showering Celine with praise, but honest to god, SHE hasn't changed... It's only recognition that with so much tepid celebrity-fueled music pervading the charts (hello Nicki Minaj!), a real artist like Celine is at last garnering the props she always deserved. Amen!

With Ayhan Sahin of Young Pals International.

Ready To Smoke Again?!

Greetings, cool cats! The Smoking Nun was a daily part of my life from 2008 and forward for the next three years. And then, alas, burnout at the beginning of 2013. It didn't help that I was then devoting hours a day as lead reporter for the Brooklyn Heights Blog (no more)...

I am now feeling a sense of renewal, as I prepare to depart New York City after a glorious 18 years. Inspiration is found all around us, isn't it? For one thing, among the more popular posts I've shared on the Nun surrounds the five renovations within my Brooklyn Heights apartment.


You ain't seen nothing yet! As I hopefully close on the sale of my home of 13 years in BK and relocate to Norfolk, Va., in 1Q 2014, there's work to be done. I'm looking forward to sharing the rejuvenation of my kitchen and bathrooms there... In this grand new locale that is certainly going to be a game-changer.

Stay tuned!! It's nice to be back! P.S. I shall be posting my "10 Reasons I'm Ready To Leave NYC" that originally appeared on Facebook in the coming days. And with Celine Dion back on the scene with her first English-language album in six years coming out November 5, there is much pop culture to report.

Oh, yes! Today's mantra...

To All The Jobs I've Loved Before: 2013 Update

Ah, one of my favorite posts ever, updated for 2013... Damn, not only have I had a career, but it's obvious I'll do most anything for a dime. Hey, I'm living debt-free, so no shame...

TO ALL THE JOBS I’VE LOVED BEFORE!

* Proprietor “Words Neatly Arranged” freelance writing, NYC (2011-)

* Music Critic for Music Xray.com (2013-)

* Host “Time Zone” daily short-form online radio show, FMG Radio (2013-)

* Correspondent BoomerLiving.com (2013-)

* Regular freelance writer for fiverr.com ($3,678 revenue to date) (2012-)

* Blogger "The Smoking Nun"/NYC (2008-2011), Brooklyn Heights Blog (2010-2013)

* “Spot On Apartment Organizing & Cleaning, self-employed, NYC (2013)

* Mystery Shopper for restaurants & bars, department stores, hotels, furniture retailers, cell phone shops & electronics dealers, banks, storage facilities, hair-loss clinics, fast food, medical facilities, adult retailers, pizza delivery, bodegas & delis, movie theaters/NYC (2010-2012)

* Crew Leader, the U.S. Census Bureau/Brooklyn, N.Y. (2010)

* Would-be author "Joyride" w/Liz Derringer; and "East Meets West” w/Tinatin. (2009-present)

* Artist bios for Backstreet Boys, Jim Brickman, Oleta Adams, Weird Al, Jordin Sparks, Savage Garden & countless indie acts/NYC (2007-present)

* Licensed non-denominational minister, able to legally marry gay(!) and straight couples throughout NYC. (2010-present)

* Features editor/writer Radio & Records/NYC (2004-2009)

* Liner notes for Celine Dion, N Sync, Time-Life compilations/NYC (2006-2008)

* Published songwriter, Young Pals Music/Brooklyn, N.Y. (2006-present)

* Freelance cover stories for NYC gay rag Next/NYC (2007-2008)

* Host, Billboard Radio online countdown/NYC (1999-2006)

* Tech columnist, Pro Audio Review magazine/Washington, D.C. (2001-2005)

* Writer, editor, columnist Billboard magazine/NYC (1995-2009)

* Editor Tuned In radio management/programming monthly/Washington, D.C. (1994-1995)

* Subscription card data processor IMAS/D.C. (1990)

* Stretch limousine driver/D.C. (1989)

* Wedding videographer/D.C. (1989-1993)

* Reporter TV Technology/D.C. (1990-1995)

* FCC reporter, columnist, tech editor, Radio World/Radio World International/D.C. (1988-1990)

* Editor-in-chief corporate real estate newsletters, Clark Construction Group/Bethesda, Md. (1988)

* Host, Dalts restaurant/Falls Church, Va. (1986-1988)

* Medical textbook proofreader/Arlington, Va. (1988)

* Reporter/section editor/researcher, Washington Business Journal/Arlington, Va. (1985-1988)

* Receptionist for ultra-right-wing think tank Capital Research Fund/D.C. (1985)

* Conference director for Georgetown University journalism programs/The Fund for American Studies/D.C. (1984-1985)

* Telemarketer for oceanfront condos in Florida/Alexandria, Va. (1984)

* College newspaper features editor, The Breeze/James Madison University/Harrisonburg, Va. (1983-1984)

* Editor Curio magazine/James Madison University/Harrisonburg, Va. (1984)

* Intern/reporter The News & Daily Advance/Lynchburg, Va. (1983-1984)

* DJ/country WWOD-AM & AC WKZZ-FM/Lynchburg, Va. (1980-1983)

* Subject for topical acne medication/Lynchburg, Va. (1979)

* Pizza cook/dishwasher, Pizza Inn/Lynchburg, Va. (1978-1980)

* Dog-sitter/Lynchburg, Va. (pre-1980)

* Lawn boy/Lynchburg, Va. (pre-1980)

* Drying dishes/cutting grass for weekly allowance/Lynchburg, Va. (pre-1980)

'Time Zone' Launches MONDAY On FMG Radio/Boomer Living-Plus!

Monday, 6/3, my new online radio show “Time Zone,” launches! Weekdays @ noon EDT and 9a Pacific & 7:30 EDT/4:40p Pacific.

Tune in to FMG Radio and click “Listen Live”!! Monday’s show: Sheena Easton’s “Morning Train” & Tuesday ONJ’s “Magic.” Sponsored by FMG and Boomer Living-Plus.

Coming June 3: Chuck Taylor's 'TIme Zone" On FMG Radio Network

P.S. I miss The Smoking Nun... Hopefully we'll be relaunching this summer!

2013: Good Notes

Potato: God's Perfect Food

You just can't go wrong... mashed, baked, frenchies, scalloped, twice-baked... Lunchtime! *

Taylor Top 10: 2012!

THE SMOKING NUN: Lights Out For A While

The times they are a'changing. As of January 2013, it is with mighty mixed emotions that I announce The Smoking Nun will be going on hiatus. For the past four-plus years, we've been through a lot together, cool cats, and I'm pleased to say that this blog still logs 400+ hits a day. Over time, we've accumulated more than 728,500 visits.

But the time has come to reevaluate just what the purpose of our time together is best focused on. I can tell you, for one, Speedos and underwear, it is not. At one point, I was reporting on pop culture like an auxiliary Us Weekly, and before that, sharing New York vintage history with gusto.

In recent times I've been running on low in terms of devoting to The Smoking Nun what my original intent was: original reporting, opinions and that certain "sassy slant" that I like to think offered another perspective to so many webbies out there.

So for now it's so long, cool cats. The Smoking Nun is an entrenched part of my identity as a journalist—and unless I can give it 100%, I believe it's best to take a break. Hope to see you soon... I'm so glad we've had this time together! *

Oh, Mercy, How Time Marches On

With my final final ever (ever) never again apartment renovation at last complete, I took pics of the entire deal Sunday... which I shall post soon, with all the melodramatic before & after picolas. In the meantime, how apropos to post this—on the left, within a month of moving into my new Brooklyn Heights digs, with so much promise—and today, some 12 years later, five renovations later, with that promise... delivered!

Will Sheena Easton Be Performing At The 2013 Oscars?

The upcoming 85th annual Oscar Awards ceremony is featuring a tribute to James Bond. It's a shoe-in that Adele will perform "Skyfall," but how about Sheena Easton, whose 1981 "For Your Eyes Only" was nominated for the award?

In 1982, Eon Productions co-founder Albert R. Broccoli received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, given to producers for their body of work. There was a "Moonraker"-themed Bond dance number presented as Sheena  sang "For Your Eyes Only." Other nominated Bond songs: Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die" and Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better."

Historically, The Academy has rarely considered the Bond movies award-worthy. Only “Goldfinger” (1964) and “Thunderball” (1965), have won trophies (for, uh, Sound Effects and Visual Effects).... Oh, how I hope! *

Idol Perfect: What A Way To Celebrate The New Year

Dear friend Fredly Bronson returned to NYC once again as the writer for ABC-TV's "New Year's Eve With Ryan Seabreast," and tonight brought together a fab posse of his pals for dinner at NYC's iconic Sardi's... including "American Idol" finalists Diana DeGarmo and her fiance Ace Young, and my beloved Kimberley Locke. Can you imagine a more festive way to usher in 2013? *

Oh So Right: New Years Eve, East Village Rock Dive Bar Style...

Man, New Year's Eve can be such a fussy affair, can't it? This year, my pal Alex came up from Washington, D.C., and we joined my NYC extended family for what turned out to be an absolutely perfecto event. Met many friends at East Village dive rock bar Manitoba's and hung... complete with seating, no overtly unnecessarily loud mayhem and an ideal festive welcome to a new year. That felt oh so right! *