=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S Volume 5, Issue 12 - August 31, 1993 DDDDD D D D D GGGG D D G DDDDD G GGG G G GGGG A Debbie Gibson Discussion Forum =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CONTENTS =- ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES WHAT DEB MEANS TO ME - Justin Scott ENJOYING THE MUSIC OF DEBBIE GIBSON - Max Kohn MY SPECIAL DEBORAH MOMENT - Jeff Croft WHY WE LOVE DEBORAH - Marshall Weeks Jr. AN INSPIRATION, A ROLE MODEL, A FRIEND - Michael Falkner LIFE WOULDN'T BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU - Jennifer Yeko ONE GREAT ENTERTAINER - Michelle Chobotar A QUICK TRIP TO VANCOUVER - Henry Lee A DREAM - Davide Guida SIX YEARS ON - Andrew Vernon AUGUST DAYS - Myra Wong YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME - Tammie Ekkelboom BIRTHDAY WISHES CLOSING REMARKS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DISCLAIMER =- This forum does not necessarily reflect the views of Deborah Ann Gibson, Gibson Management Inc. (GMI), the Atlantic Recording Corporation, or any organizations to which members belong or represent. Opinions expressed in Between the Lines are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire forum. All songs by Debbie Gibson are copyrighted by Deborah Ann's Music, ASCAP or Possibilities Publishing, Inc./ EMI April Music, Inc., ASCAP. Between the Lines operates on a non-profit basis. Distribution is permissible only under the condition that no part of it will be used for profit. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES =- This special issue of Between the Lines is quite a unique one, for Deborah's twenty-third birthday. Many BtL members have opened their minds and their hearts to share about themselves and a bit of how Debbie Gibson fits into their lives. Thank you to all who contributed to this issue. Information regarding submissions via e-mail, the supplemental "bouncing" mailing list, using Telnet to talk to other BtL members in real time, and obtaining GIFs and BtL back issues via anonymous FTP will now be sent to members upon joining the BtL mailing list. You may request this information from any of the BtL moderators listed below. Complete information will be included in the administrative notes twice a year. Information regarding postal mail submissions and subscriptions will appear in the next BtL issue. -= BtL moderators =- Myra Wong : mkwong@scf.nmsu.edu Felix Ng : fng@acca.nmsu.edu Andrew Vernon : avernon1@ua1ix.ua.edu =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= WHAT DEBORAH MEANS TO ME =- Justin Scott - Granada Hills, California (VBCSC09E@VAX.CSUN.EDU) August 20, 1993 In the last seven years, many sides of Deborah Gibson have been shown to us. From the squeaky clean girl next door to the mama shockin' woman she's grown up to be, some things have stayed consistent. She is still an incredible singer, writer, producer, etc. She is still one of the very few artists making music today with a positive message. And she is still the same Deborah with the smile to melt millions of hearts and the voice to match. To me, Deborah is one of the very few artists that I feel that I could actually walk up to, talk to, and feel comfortable doing so (if I didn't faint first!). She could truly be considered a friend: Her music celebrates with you, cries with you, brings you up and comforts you. No matter what the situation, Deb always seems to have a song that fits in just perfectly with how you're feeling at the time. You know that she has been where you are and knows how you're feeling. She really understands and cares about her fans and for that reason, I am and will always be one of Deborah's biggest fans. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING DEB, AND HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ENJOYING THE MUSIC OF DEBBIE GIBSON =- Max Kohn - Chicago, Illinois (MAX_KOHN@cpsnet2.cps.edu) August 25, 1993 I happened upon Debbie Gibson while listening to the radio. I chanced upon "Shake Your Love" and loved it. I was determined to get the cassette of the album it came from. Normally, I am not one to jump out and buy albums but this one had me hooked. So I bought _Out Of The Blue_ and loved it. I finally got a chance to see what she looked like when I was watching MTV and saw her on it doing the "Only In My Dreams" video. It was at that point that I became determined to get every album she came out with though I couldn't see her repeating the success she had with OOTB, yet she did with _Electric Youth_, my personal favorite. I still play that when I need a boost in spirits or just want to dance a little. Then came _Anything Is Possible_. I enjoyed the slower Mood Swings side. I really couldn't see how she could surpass the first three albums and hoped she could put one out that would be my new favorite. Well, she did. I have to say that I have enjoyed Debbie Gibson for a long time and although she has changed her music style to include things like rap, I still enjoy her ballads. If I had the money, I'd go to England to see her in Grease. I'm sure she's a natural for Sandy. In addition to the albums I've collected on cassettes, I also have two videos and two calendars of hers. I will always remain a Debhead although I don't always agree with her musical styles all the time. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish Debbie Gibson a very happy birthday and thanks for sharing her musical gifts with us, her fans!! Max Kohn =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= MY SPECIAL DEBORAH MOMENT =- Jeff Croft - Halifax, Nova Scotia (GEN3002@HUSKY1.STMARYS.CA) July 24, 1993 It happened in May of last year. Things weren't going my way at the time. I had moved out on my parents, and into residence at Saint Mary's University. I was still getting over a bad relationship that ended in grief, and I felt as though no one cared about me. But I managed to keep myself going, and eventually I almost got used to the idea of being alone. And then one day entered Cathie. Her and I had met three years ago through electronic mail, and had immediately become good friends. We were nervous the first time we met in person, and as it turned out, we were both crazy about Debbie Gibson. But lately I hadn't been keeping in touch, with her or anyone. I had given up listening to Debbie because her music reminded me of what it was like to feel. One day, Cathie got in touch with me after learning I had moved out. We ended up going out for a drink that night, and I soon learned that she was going through the same situation I had: realizing the one you loved wasn't who you thought at all. We went to a movie the week after that, and when it was over, we walked back to my room in residence. We talked for a while, and somehow the subject of Debbie Gibson came up. I then told her that Deborah had a new album out, and that there was one song, "One Hand, One Heart," that I knew Cathie would like. But I wasn't prepared for what happened. After the song started to play, I was reminded of the weekend I spent locked in my room listening to the song after my relationship ended. The next thing I knew, I was crying harder than I ever had, after two months of believing I had gotten over it all, and then I was in Cathie's arms. That was when I knew that someone still cared about me. Only days after that, Cathie found out she had to go away on a training course, and we said our goodbyes, promising to wait for each other. It was the longest I ever waited for anything, and I listened to Debbie Gibson a lot, especially "One Hand, One Heart." And when Cathie came back at the end of that month, I found out she had been listening to it too. Now Cathie and I are engaged and living together, and things are finally happy for me. And last month, when we picked up _Body Mind Soul_, we listened to it together in silence. There are a lot of things I'm not sure about in life, but one of the things I do know is that things would be a lot different than they are now, if I had not played Cathie that wonderful song. Happy birthday, Deborah, and thank you, for your music, and for just being you. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= WHY WE LOVE DEBORAH =- Marshall Weeks Jr. - Glendora, California August 15, 1993 There are many reasons why we love Deborah Gibson. She has great performing talents on stage and an even greater personality off stage. Deborah is the type of person the average person would want to be friends with. If you read my introduction published in BtL 5.9, I listed a number of celebrities and characteristics that Deborah has the personalities of and behaviors have. Gibson also has Cindy Crawford, Janet Evans, Mary Lou Retton, Kristi Yamaguchi, Wendy Williams, Tracie Ruiz-Conforts, Diane Simpson, Mahalia Jackson, Paula Abdul, Linda Ronstadt, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Martin Gaye, Carole King, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Wayne Gretzky, and Larry Bird in her wonderful personality. Deborah Gibson is a prototype individual who is intelligent and is the great all-around entertainer she is. She is the woman that her female peers can imitate and who young men can dream about dating. I'm happy to see that Deborah has a steady boyfriend. I know one day she will be a great wife and mother when she has a family of her own one day. I know she is a great girlfriend, in addition to being a great entertainer and friend for all of us. Someday I hope to have strong friendships and have a girlfriend who possesses Deborah's characteristics. I wish Gibson all the best in her performance in the London theatrical stage production of Grease. I know all of us wish her continued success and a happy birthday. You may read about my Deb experiences in my BtL intro. Deborah, please do all your fans a favor when returning to the States; please do a concert tour! Those of us who are in the United States want to see you perform on stage again really soon. We all know you're talented and want to see your talent for ourselves! I encourage all of us Debheads to keep Deborah in our thoughts and prayers everyday. She is our friend and someone who we truly care about so let's keep it that way. Her talents and personality make Deborah "Debbie" Gibson such a great person. That's why we love Her Majesty -- The Honorable Electric Youth Queen -- Deborah Ann Marie Gibson. We the Gibson Faithful are proud of Queen Deborah and love her. We all wish you a Happy Birthday Deborah. Enjoy this day because you deserve it. We love you, Deborah! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= AN INSPIRATION, A ROLE MODEL, A FRIEND =- Michael Falkner - Eau Claire, Wisconsin (FALKNEMJ@CNSVAX.UWEC.EDU) August 23, 1993 As Deborah's 23rd birthday approaches, we all are reminded that, as Deborah grows a year older, so have we all as fans of hers. And, our marked disagreements aside about her stripping ability, her image, or the direction of her music or that of the music industry towards her, we are also reminded as to the kind of person Deborah is. I guess the main reason I have been able to remain such a loyal fan in the face of a bit of opposition is that Deborah has always remained three things to me: an inspiration, a role model, and a friend. Deborah, as an inspiration, emulates the success that I would like for myself. Starting with a wildly successful pop music debut, she has been able to transform that into a diversified entertainment career that has included theatre, music writing and production, and even a dabble into television. Deborah, in this way, has become one successful woman, and I see that success and would like to duplicate that in my chosen fields. Her story of hard work to get there has been well documented, and she serves as knowledge that with sufficient work, I can get there as well. Deborah is not only my inspiration, but a role model as well. Deborah's positive, out-going, friendly image really ignites something inside of me that I treasure; the caring that I want to place forth in my own life. Deborah is a part of me since she is a person that I can relate to, through her music and her message. Deborah has always been able to find a positive part of me and help me to use that so that people can be happier. Deborah Gibson is my friend, as well, though we have never met in person [yet!]. She does not know who I am, yet one is reminded of Grady's line in "Street Justice" to Gabrielle: "How do you know me so well?" I think that can apply to all of us here: She knows the pains and struggles that we go through in life, and she is there to help us deal with them in her own special way, through the language of music. She is also able to be an approachable type of person, where many celebrities in society today are unwilling to place themselves in view of their fans. Moreover, and, as Deborah would say, this might be very cheesy of me, Deborah is my friend in helping me gain more friends through this group. I have been a member of this forum now for a little over a year, and I have met so many nice people thanks to a common love for a woman's music. Thank you all for making my first year on this forum a very special experience. And Deborah, I know you'll read this... Happy birthday, my friend. I love you deeply, as an inspiration, a role model, and a friend. You are a wonderful person, sexy image or not. It's people like you that make this world a better place. Mike Falkner =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= LIFE WOULDN'T BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU =- Jennifer Yeko - Georgetown, Connecticut (JENNIFERYEKO@delphi.com / GFNM47A on Prodigy) August 30, 1993 I have been a fan of Debbie's ever since I heard "Only In My Dreams." Her music has touched me in so many ways and she is truly one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I have been lucky enough to meet her and see her perform many times and all I can say is that she is fantastic. I wish her all the best for her 23rd birthday and although she may not be at the height of popularity right now, I believe that she will always be able to sing and perform and do what she wants to do. I also want to take this time to say hi and thank you to all the wonderful Debbie Gibson fans I have written, talked to, met and become close friends with over the years. I feel that we all have something very special in common, that we all have great taste in not only music but people too. It is so nice to see someone as friendly, kind and generous as Debbie make it at such an early age and I wish her a very happy birthday and continued success for many years to come. "Life wouldn't be the same without YOU, Debbie!" Jennifer Yeko Box 496 Georgetown, CT 06829 (203) 544-8611 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ONE GREAT ENTERTAINER =- Michelle Chobotar - Surrey, British Columbia (tracy.c@deepcove.wimsey.bc.ca) August 26, 1993 Hi there to all members of BtL. I unfortunately don't have a story to tell on how I met Deb but I thought I would write something short in case Ms. Gibson herself reads this. Debbie has been a big part of my entertainment enjoyment for the past 6 years. I would have never believed that one entertainer could effect someone's life so greatly. Anyways, if you are reading this Deb, good luck in Grease and all future projects. I will be behind you always 150% 4-EVER! Luv, D.G.I.F. Member #3372 Michelle Chobotar =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= A QUICK TRIP TO VANCOUVER =- Henry Lee - Vancouver, British Columbia (lee@physics.ubc.ca) August 28, 1993 For a guy who was supposed to be working and writing his M.Sc. thesis and fighting a terrible nagging cough, I had one of the most pleasant and enjoyable non-working mini-vacation-at-home weekends in a long time. It's definitely no accident that people with whom I spent time were a good incentive. One of three BtL's current moderators, Myra Wong, graced us and the city of Vancouver with her presence from August 12th to the 22nd inclusive. She attended a family wedding during her first weekend here in the suburb of Richmond and then spent the rest of her time with another co-moderator, Felix Ng. I spent Tuesday (17th) with Myra as I took her to downtown for a good spending spree at a couple of music stores, walked around the digs at the campus of the University of British Columbia and finished off the day with dinner at Red Robin downtown and "So I Married an Axe Murderer" that evening with Felix (nice fun flick on cheap movie Tuesdays!). Over the next two days, Myra and Felix visited and walked around Stanley Park, visited Granville Island and saw a performance of "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. On Friday (20th) night, Myra, Felix, Michelle Chobotar and I all met at Tony Quon's place for an informal gathering. As we munched on some food Tony made, we listened to audio from the current London production of Grease that Felix had "acquired" from his recent trip to Europe. Some of Debbie Gibson's music would be wafting in the air over the course of the evening and we eventually gravitated towards Tony's computer where we checked e-mail and examined the capabilities of a music program and how faithful Tony's transcriptions of DG songs were to the ear. Arrangements were made to meet for dinner at the Penny Lane restaurant in downtown Vancouver on the following evening (Sat. 21st). Penny Lane restaurant is the place where it is believed that Deb celebrated her 19th birthday during her "Electric Youth" tourstop here in Vancouver. Both Myra and I anticipated meeting two young women from western Washington who were to meet us there, Lara and Kimber, the latter who is a big DG fan. After a long afternoon of waiting, some quick e-mail and a brief talk session indicated that Lara and Kimber would be coming up from Bellingham. They arrived at Tony's place at around 6:30 P.M. where Tony, Michelle, Felix, Myra and I were waiting. Kimber was wearing a custom made T-shirt that had a roaring tiger tearing its claws "into the shirt" with "Shock Your Mama" and "Debbie Gibson" gracing the picture above and below, respectively. On the back of said T-shirt, there was something about "osculating some posterior part of the body." To round out our group, we would meet Karim Nimet Damji along the way to the restaurant. It turned out to be an even group: 4 men and 4 women. Sure, we looked like a group of friends out to have a fun evening on the town. And sure, we were somewhat loud but what better way to be "loud and proud" DG fans -- there would be little mistake in that department. Dinner proceeded well enough at 8:00 P.M. as I had reserved a table for 8 earlier that day; in fact we really did take up a corner of the restaurant. More laughs and more stories were exchanged; photographs were taken at our dinner table and at the street entrance to the restaurant. Travelling from and to Tony's place by rapid transit (SkyTrain) proved simple enough and the short walk back to his place from the nearby SkyTrain station was announced to those within earshot distance and to everybody else in the neighbourhood. Shenanigans among several members of the group were to be had and indeed if it wasn't clear to me from the outset, I was among a boisterous group of people. For the next two hours in the living room, an informal Deb singalong session began which continued fairly well for some time -- a particularly interesting moment came when I jumped up and laid horizontally across the laps of Felix, Myra, Michelle and Kimber and we all sang "We Could Be Together" which Tony was quick to tape on his camcorder, Nimet watched amusedly on the side couch and Lara witnessed in her tired disbelief. We also looked at the video Tony had taped during several events over the course of that day -- a videotape which I quite liked, enjoyed and wished to have a copy for my own. Judging by the time on the wall, people began to disperse -- Lara and Kimber had to make the trip back to Bellingham, WA and I had to catch the last SkyTrain back home! Hugs and last words were exchanged in the understanding that I wouldn't be seeing these people for awhile and I would not see Myra off Sunday. I had decided not to see Myra off Sunday because I really needed to get some work done on my thesis. But it was too easy; Myra doesn't get in town often, so I called Tony and Felix and told them I was coming along. Since her flight out didn't leave until well into the afternoon, Tony, Michelle, her friend Melanie, Myra and I all met at Felix's for some "impromptu karaoke" to the "Live - In Concert - The Out Of The Blue Tour" and "Live Around The World" laserdiscs -- which was also promptly taped in audio and video. But as with all things, time went by too quickly. More photographs were taken and we all departed for Vancouver International Airport. A bit of "parking the car roulette" excitement greeted us as we entered the airport parking lot, final details of Tony, Michelle and et al.'s trip to Southern California were discussed with Myra, Myra contributed her $10 Departure Tax for the airport's third runway and just like that, Myra was set. A final hugging session ensued and we saw her off at the Passenger/U.S. Customs area. For us, Myra's trip to Vancouver had just about ended. It was also evident that the inevitable "letdown" had occurred because a wonderful time was had with good people. Assurances were made to some degree of future meetings; obviously tours are a convenient time for that sort of thing. I had listened to so much DG music and watched so much DG video in that weekend than I had watched in the previous 18 or so months. I was reminded of times past spent with other Debheads in the past three years and how curious it was for apparent strangers who shared something or someone in common and could finally meet and hopefully bond in their special way. It was like being in a group of "old friends." Clearly we are not alone; members in other newsgroups and mailing lists surely meet in a similar way. But curiously, I felt a little "old," "old" in the fact that I had done this before with two prior visits to California in 1990. I had a great kick watching all the serious DG fans having an absolute ball -- whether it was relating experiences (meeting Deb, wishing to meet Deb, concerts, etc.) or singing to Deb songs/videos, etc. It reminded me of myself in past times -- that I'd once vigorously participated in and for a time moderated BtL and that the fire no longer burned as brightly as they did before. When I see those alight and bright, I reminisced of days past. Henry Lee =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= A DREAM =- Davide Guida - Naples, Italy (progetto@csdux01.cised.unina.it) July 30, 1993 Meeting Debbie Gibson is the dream of every person reading this forum now. I know that some of you already had this chance to grant this dream. Well, I think I will not have the same chance, at least not now, unless the Grease remake will have so much success that it can go out from the UK and cross Italy. Anyway, until that time, Debbie will be only be a nice dream for me. When I had this dream (it was the first dream I had concerning Deb, but some others followed it in the last weeks), I was surprised with the REALITY of this dream. Rarely in the past have I had dreams so realistic: when I woke up, I couldn't believe it was only an image of my mind. "Oh, Deb, it's hard for me to think you're so far...I like only to hear your voice talking to me!" was my thought. It's obvious to think this dream hides a true desire to meet her. But not only that. For me, it shows Deb as a person trying to live a normal life, far from success' mess, an impossible desire for a showgirl like her. I think all singers and actors, wish to have their secrets, their own life. Often, the life of a pop singer is 'forced' by publicity, and so, often more, a pop singer like Deb is forced to change her behaviour only because jet-set wants it. I'm afraid to see my favorites ruined by a nasty world. Let's help them with our thoughts so that they'll stay always without problems. (Note: This story is really a dream, also enhanced by some particular interest. All true people referred to in it, except Deb and myself, are unintentional.) The airport was full of people. My travel to New York was going to finish and I looked forward to coming back to Italy, since the job I completed there was extremely laborious. A few minutes later, the airplane was ready to takeoff. I reached my seat. It was near a woman already sitting and crouched on her seat. She seemed to be asleep already. I noticed a little handbag on my seat. "Pardon," I tell her, "is this bag yours?" but she didn't answer. I tried to shake her. Then, she finally answered. "Oh..yeah, it's mine," she said, with a low voice, taking her handbag, keeping a hand in front of her face, maybe to hide it. "What a strange woman," I thought. The airplane left the airport in a few minutes. At the beginning, the travel was really silent. I turned my face more than once towards that woman. She was still crouched, with her arms crossed, wearing a white coat, up to her face so it was still hidden. After about five hours, the situation did not change at all. But, suddenly, while I was watching her, the book I was keeping in my hands fell on her legs. She raised her head suddenly and showed her face to me. I recognize her: she was Debbie Gibson. "Deb..." I whispered. "Oh no!" she screamed, hiding her face again. But this time I couldn't stop myself. "I guess I saw you already before," I said, "and I can understand the reason you don't want it!" "Please leave me alone!" was her answer. But I continued to talk, with a low voice, "Don't worry...Miss Gibson, I promise no one will know you're here, but tell me...have you some problem?" "No problem, really," was her reply, "but I don't wanna be Miss Debbie Gibson for all my life!" "Well, my darling, that's your name!" I replied laughing. "You know what I mean..." she said in a sarcastic manner, "my job is going to destroy me. I've not my own life more. Now I am able to travel by myself, without no bodyguard or parent wanting to know where I go, and you want to remember my situation! Do you think that a pop singer's life is as quiet as you've seen on T.V.? Oh no, you're wrong!" "Sure," I replied, "I know that. I know your situation is stressful and I never said the opposite thing. But I want to be a friend of yours, not only because you're famous! You are a nice girl and I think you are an affable person." "Oh, no, you think it because you see my behaviour in interviews, where there can be a lot of false things. Did you never think what you hear in those interviews could be only a fake?" "Maybe..." was my answer, "but I know what is your true behaviour 'cause I see it NOW! You seem to be angry and unpleasant, but you're this way only for problems you told to me! I guess you're really nice like I said! Well, is it truth?" She stopped talking for a minute. I continued to talk, "You cannot hide your feelings, you don't answer me because you know I'm right!" But she turned her head towards window and didn't talk more. After an hour, an announcement was heard. We should prepare to go out since the travel was going to end. I took my suitcase and I left the airplane without caring for Deb. While I was going away, I heard a voice calling me. I turned my face, and I saw Deb running towards me. "Wait for me," she said. She had tears in her eyes. "Sorry for my behaviour...you're really right, but I didn't want to admit it, maybe because the people with me are bad and I cannot trust them." "I know what you mean, dear Deb, but you will not get problems from me!" She smiled. "I think you're a nice person. I don't know how to beg your pardon." "Oh, there's nothing to pardon, darling!" "Thanks..." Deb said, "can I ask you for any help visiting your town?" "Oh, sure," I answered smiling, "this is an honour for me!" I took her hand, and we went away from the airport while the sun went out from a cloud and lighted street. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= SIX YEARS ON =- Andrew Vernon - Tuscaloosa, Alabama (avernon1@ua1ix.ua.edu) August 27, 1993 Something strange happened to me in September 1987. I was listening to the radio to the usual suspects and then, all of a sudden, Casey Kasem played something that changed my life. He introduced the debut single of a young woman from Long Island who had worked since age 12 to score a record contract. The song: "Only In My Dreams." The performer: Debbie Gibson. For some reason, I was immediately more interested in her that most every other new artist I've discovered. One cutesy little song got to me. Having a reporter's mindset, I decided to investigate. I first kept an eye out for the video on the music channels. MTV and VH-1 obliged by playing the song every couple of hours or so. But, by the time I was on the case, a new single was on the street. "Shake Your Love" hit the airwaves during September and immediately became one of the top songs in Birmingham, where I was living. As my high school homecoming came around, I volunteered my garage space for building the class float. When you have twenty teenagers in one garage, a case of pomps and dozen cans of paint, things will get a little hairy, especially if somebody is spattering paint all over your portable radio. What saved our somebody's life was "Shake Your Love" starting on the aforementioned radio. Although I would not be confirmed until January, I was well on my way to becoming a full-blown Debhead. I was now seeking out videos and appearances with the remote control and looking out for a possible album. It would be January before I could finally land a copy of _Out of the Blue_. I fell in love with OOTB with the first note on side one. I marvelled at how this seventeen-year-old songwriter was able to capture the sentiment of her generation in her lyrics. I was astounded with the fact that she produced much of the record herself in conjunction with Fred Zarr. I couldn't believe how she still looked like the "girl next door" in spite of what the record industry does to people. If Deborah had been in the same room, I would have been in love. For a while I found myself defending Deborah's music and honor on a regular basis. Usually I was up to the challenge. But one day in 1989, I did the unthinkable. A pair of headbangers approached me and asked, "You like DEBBIE GIBSON?" as though it were a felony. In that moment of weakness, I snapped, "Who? That little bimbo?" My heart dropped into my shoes. I had denied her, and bothered me. I believe in standing up for those you look up to, and I had not done so then. I feel my heart drop again each time I re-live that incident. Through six years, I've seen all the changes Deborah's made in her music and her career. She is markedly different than the person who came "Out Of The Blue" and taught us the meaning of "Electric Youth." Still, somehow the attraction remains. The music still manages to get inside me, as though Deborah has been watching my life like a movie and she were hired to score it. She still keeps me from going nuts when everything goes wrong, even though keeping up with her has almost driven me nuts too. And, she still looks like the girl next door -- we're just in the adult neighborhood. A lot of the time, I found it difficult to understand just how much Deborah meant to me. How could I become so taken by a woman I barely know? In February, I was sitting in a computer lab pondering what to work up for a writing class I was in. I began to wax poetic, which I had seldom done before, and came up with this: A world away but right next door. Closer than I should be To this person gazing into my eyes. Is she even real? I ask, Or is she just a cloud of vapor and my own imagination? Sheer wonder how she reaches out Into a desolate world Like she has every day since she was Just a child playing Her piano as though it could heal the world. She may not heal Anyone else but me, but at least that's A beginning. I do not even know her, yet I know Her very well, As though she were an old friend Expecting a hug And a towel to dry off from the rain. Of course, She's always been here for me when I needed picking up. I'm sure she feels down too sometimes, but she never lets it Show to anyone else but herself. And her piano. Those words flowed from keyboard to screen more easily than anything else I had written before I didn't labor over every phrase or sweated the word choice. When I finished, I realized that I had finally tapped into some of that unconditional adoration. Writing that helped me understand just how much I loved Deborah and how much of an influence she was. She was my inspiration for getting through school and remains so now as I work my way through college. I would like to eventually meet her, and maybe write the ultimate Deb biography. I would include a chapter on how she has managed to bring joy to some everyday people, not too cool nor even necessarily fashionable, and the first story I would tell would be my own. Andrew Vernon D.G.I.F. #9691 BtL moderator =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= AUGUST DAYS =- Myra Wong - San Diego, California (mkwong@sdcc13.ucsd.edu / FGHH54C on Prodigy) August 28, 1993 August 1987 -- Debbie Gibson released her debut album _Out Of The Blue_. Although I didn't purchase it until 5 months later, this album instantly became a favorite and still is to this day. It reminds me of the beginnings of high school and all the happiness of being a young teenager. Later in 1988, I remember seeing a magazine ad for the album and it said, "Her dreams are your dreams. Your dreams are her songs." For me, this couldn't be more true; I relate to so many of Deborah's songs, word for word, throughout her four albums. It's hard to believe that it's been six years since that album came out. August 5, 1988 -- The Out Of The Blue Tour at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, California. Five years ago, I saw Deborah perform live for the first time. From her explosive entrance with "Staying Together" to the sparkling lights of "In The Still Of The Night" to the touching performance of her then-new piano ballad "Lost In Your Eyes" to the long-awaited (and my personal favorite) "Between the Lines," I was taken in by this fellow teenager's performance. August 24, 1989 -- The Electric Youth World Tour at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. It's been four years since I heard Deb's voice echo, "I believe in you, yes. You believe in me too. Don't ever get swept away by something not real, 'cause the way I feel - oh, I will always feel this way." Deb believes in the young people of this world, which includes me, and I believe in her, for being true to herself and making honest music - the way she wants - and for that, I am a devoted fan and will follow her career for always. August 25, 1991 -- The One Step Ahead Tour at the Anaheim Celebrity Theatre in Anaheim, California. The time had finally come; this was the day that I met Deborah. She was quite nice, but moreover I saw that she was a regular person too. That night, I was once again intrigued at her live performance which included two beautiful new songs, "'Til You Come Back Again" and "Heart And Soul." This was also my first experience realizing Deborah's acting abilities; as she sang "On My Own," I could feel the emotions of the character she had become for this song. August 26, 1991 -- The One Step Ahead Tour at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, California. It was my fourth time seeing Deborah perform in the August heat, and she had returned to Concord. Being in the Pavilion brought back memories of her first tour. It was her last show of the tour, and it was just plain fun. August 31 -- Each year, Deb celebrates her birthday on the last day of August. Every August reminds me of all of the above events. I want to thank Deb for making each summer special, and I look forward to making more August memories. Happy 23rd, Deborah! Much love and admiration, Myra Wong, D.G.I.F. #6914 BtL moderator =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME =- Tammie Ekkelboom - Citrus Heights, California August 17, 1993 The admiration, respect, and love I feel for Deborah is endless. The impact she has had on my life is unbelievable. She has guided me through the unexpected, she has healed so many wounds. Deborah has been the reason for the best days of my life. Thanking her for everything she has done is impossible. Two words cannot sum up what it is I feel so deeply inside. Six years ago when Deborah entered my life, I knew she was very special and definitely one of a kind. And I knew that someday I would meet her, and I did. Of course March 3, 1993 will always be my favorite of Deborah memories. That was the day I finally lived my dream come true. Instead of going into one of my many experiences I've shared with Deborah's twenty-third birthday, I would really like her to know just how much she means to me. Sincerely, Tammie Ekkelboom D.G.I.F. #104 WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME How can I ever thank you For the happiness you bring to me? How can I ever thank you For everything you have done Through the years? Words cannot begin to express How much a part of my world you are. I think about life without you in it And see nothing but a dark cloud. Your music fills my being with magic. Your smile brightens even the darkest of days, The saddest of moods. Just for being you You have taught me so much. To love and respect my family and friends. To care and to give, Remembering the entire world Is a family of unity. But most importantly Deborah, You have taught me about myself. You've shown me How hard work and determination pays off. You've shown me To stand up for whatever it is I believe in, No matter what the consequence No matter what the reward. You've shown me That everything is within reach Life is what you make of it And there is a world full of possibilities. You are in my world And you make me so happy. I am so lucky to have found a friend in you. Everything you do I respect and admire so much. Please don't ever change Deborah. I love how grounded you are with your life. A lot of people would let success and money Go to their head. But you are so normal and so sweet. You are someone I never want to be without. I am fearful to think where I would be Without the guidance you have given me. How can I ever thank you? Deborah Gibson, I will never forget the impact you've had on my life. You've opened my eyes To endless possibilities. You've shown me dreams do come true. You mean the world to me Deborah. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= BIRTHDAY WISHES =- I wish you happiness and continued success in your future endevours. Felix Ng (fng@acca.nmsu.edu) ------------------ Deborah, I wish you continued success, acceptance and above all happiness and satisfaction with your work and your life. May you continue to challenge the establishment and push the boundaries, and remember, silence equals death. John Rademacher (JUANO@macc.wisc.edu) D.G.I.F. #528 ------------------ Dear Deborah, Happy birthday! No matter where you are, you are always there for us. May all of your dreams continue to come true in the years ahead! Michael DiBiasio (MDIBIASI@ecs.umass.edu) ------------------ HAAAPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY Debs, I hope you will come down under soon, it's been such a long time since you hit our shores in '89. (P.S. Happy Birthday to your co-star, Craig, for tomorrow Sept. 1.) Paul Burnim (paulb@cs.uq.oz.au) ------------------ Deborah became an inspiration for me during the OOTB and EY years. Thanks, Deborah, for being yourself! Happy Birthday! Archie Medrano (amedrano@euclid.ucsd.edu) ------------------ 23 years ago today, a miracle was born. Deborah, I love your positivity and the way you and your songs make me feel. Always remember that I'll be a fan no matter what. Stay Gold. Best wishes. Karim Nimet Damji (karim.damji@deepcove.wimsey.bc.ca) D.G.I.F. #5147 ------------------ Deb, have a great 23rd birthday!!! I wish you the best of luck in Grease. I'm sure you'll do great - you're one of a unique kind! Break a leg! Lots of love- Jayme Rubin (VTTN17C on Prodigy) ------------------ Deborah, Thanks for the years of great music and inspiration. Have a terrific 23rd birthday. Love Always, Andre LeBlanc (FGHH54A on Prodigy) ------------------ Deborah- Thank you for making your talents available to all who will listen. I am forever grateful for the inspiration you have given to me. Without you, I would have never gone for (and achieved) many of the things that I have now. I hope that you have a wonderful birthday! Any chance that you'll stay in Grease until mid-June?? Love- Arie Weedman (DRCR68C on Prodigy) ------------------ Deborah- Congratulations on all your success with Grease in London! We all look forward to your next project here in the U.S. Have a great 23rd birthday! Tom Sartor (PWFD76B on Prodigy) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- Debbie Gibson's twenty-second year was yet another period of transition as she further foraged into the role of adult performer from "teen queen." Between August 31, 1992 and today, Deborah bravely took on Madonna in the pages of the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, broke new ground with her _Body Mind Soul_ album and its daring videos, and further strengthened her presence on the stage by winning the role of Sandra Dumbrowski in London's Grease revival. Even though it is rather unfortunate that _Body Mind Soul_ was not better- received by the general public, Deborah still has a promising future in a variety of performing arts. Between the Lines hopes to continue to follow Deborah's career as she continues to grow and explore new opportunities as an artist. All of here at BtL want to wish Deborah a most happy twenty-third birthday and continued happiness.