Say It Isn't So! National Enquirer Reveals The Truth About Celine's Marriage!

Oh, no! After 19 (not 18, dimwits!) years of marriage it appears that Celine Dion has decided she's done with René Angélil! A new hit album, three kids, Las Vegas... fuhget about it! The National Enquirer reveals that Celine has removed her wedding ring!! I knew it would never last!!


Meanwhile, new album "Loved Me Back To Life" has debuted at the top of the charts around the world... It is No. 1 on iTunes in 44 countries, including Canada, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, Luxembourg, Poland and South Africa, and reached the Top 5 in an additional 42 countries.

In the U.S., we are shamed with a No. 2 entry for LMBTL, behind Eminem's latest tripe. Only in America, oh, sigh...

Joe Manganiello Releases Porn, Uh, Exercise Manual 'Evolution' December 3

Longtime Smoking Nun fave Joe Manganiello is finally cashing in on that hot bod. The 36-year-old actor’s new book Evolution: The Cutting Edge Guide to Breaking Down Mental Walls and Building the Body You’ve Always Wanted (subtitle: I'm So Damn Hot!) will smack shelves December 3. Merry Christmas, indeed!

So Long, Nanny Bloomberg! 'The New Yorker' LAST STRAW Cover

January 1, 2014 will be a day of celebration in New York City, as Democrat and Brooklyn resident Bill de Blasio becomes the new mayor, putting Emperor Mike Bloomberg's endless 12-year tirade of squashing individual's civil liberties at rest, at last. The New Yorker pays tribute to Nanny Bloomie with a keen cover this week titled "The Last Straw," an obvious stab at his most ridiculous waste of time in trying to outlaw 20-ounce sugar sodas. Good riddance, Mike! Sip on this!

Meanwhile, I have to admit, this New York mag cover of the de Blasio family is a little "precious" to me. Come on, yeah, I know you're a loud and proud mixed marriage dude, but those kids... the extreme (not in the least hip) afro and your daughter's constant "flowers in my hair" hippie tribute... a bit nauseating. Let's hope you take the office of Mayor more seriously than your hipster fam, dude.

NYC's 'Arctic Blast' In November? Here's The Ultimate Solution

Good god, almighty, could we have not at least worked our way into January before it feels like February. Here we are before the middle of November, and the weather forecast is portraying an

"Arctic Blast" that personifies one of the primary reasons I am ready to flee the Northeast.

Tuesday night just after 9:30p, it's below freezing, with a "real feel" of 22 degrees. Oh, how lovely. So I am armed and ready, preparing my consummate "winter" comfort food: a giant pot of homemade chili, complete with kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, tomato sauce, plenty of spices—and this time, fresh STEAK chopped into bite-size pieces. Cheddar cheese is at the ready for the topping.

If it has to be this friggin' cold in November, I might as well enjoy the fruits veges of a bountiful winter feast. Saltines on the side, please. Brrrrr!

Kate Winslet Shimmers On Cover Of November 2013 'Vogue'

Okay, so yes, for sure, Kate Winslet has been photoshopped and re-colored to a point of near absurdity, but there's no doubt that this is among the most beautiful images of the 38-year-old actress I have ever seen.

Kate is the the youngest person ever to accumulate six Academy Award nominations—and she finally picked one up in 2008 as Best Actress for "The Reader." She also won an Emmy Award for her performance in the (dreadful) 2011 miniseries "Mildred Pierce."

But hey, she'll always be that girl that starred with Leo DeCaprio in 1998's "Titanic," which garnered an Oscar for Best Song for Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," right?

GaGa Gallery: NYC & LA November 11-13... Oh, Yes, Baby!

Now if only I had ANY inkling of actually liking Gaga's new album... It appears she decided that "Artpop" meant "Let's get wildly experimental and sacrifice that which made me famous": melodic hooks.

As Polls Close In Governor's Race, Virginians Appear To Play It Smart

Among the most DANGEROUS elections today is occurring in my home state—and soon-to-be home state again—of Virginia, with freakazoid Tea Party Christian conservative zealot Ken Cuccinelli running in a venomous race against Democrat Terry McAuliffe.

I've been keeping up with the race via my fave "The Rachel Maddow Show" on MSNBC, who has repeatedly reported about just how frighteningly out of touch Cuccinelli is with mainstream social moors—not to mention running a campaign that is utterly packed with LIES about his opponent's views.

The polls closed at 7 p.m., and as hoped, Virginians seem to understand that this man is as close to a modern-generation Mephistopheles as has ever practiced politics in Washington.

The Atlantic offers a thoughtful piece on all that this madman did wrong in his bid for Governor, as an anti-abortion zealot, immigration reform foe, anti-gay everything, anti-Obamacare, support for school abstinence-only policies, on and on and on...

Here's hoping that we'll know for certain within the next few hours that America continues to recognize Tea Party fanatics as the nation's worst political disaster since... George Bush.

Meanwhile, the Illinois House approved marriage-equality legislation this afternoon, and the measure appears on track to become state law!! Federal equality is coming, I tell you!!

UPDATE: As we now know, of course, McAuliffe ultimately triumphed, thanks to voters in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. But it was frighteningly close, with a 48/46% win for McA. All the same, Virginia now has the opportunity to join the rest of the nation as a progressive state—instead of what it might have become under Cuccinelli: Texas, V2.

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! *