=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S [tm] Volume 7, Issue 17 - October 30, 1995 DDDDD D D D D GGGG D D G DDDDD G GGG G G GGGG A Debbie Gibson Discussion Forum =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CONTENTS =- ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES INTRO BY KAZUTO OKAYASU - Kazuto Okayasu INTRO BY SHANNON MUIR - Shannon Muir ONLY IN MY DREAMS - Belinda Welsh POSSIBLE ABC PILOT FOR DEBBIE GIBSON - Myra Wong COMMENTS ON _THINK WITH YOUR HEART_ - Kenny Smith SINGAPORE REVIEW OF TWYH - Emily Quek ANTICIPATION - Bill Englehart THE BIRTH OF A NEWSGROUP - Richard Evans AN ENGLISH REVIEW OF TWYH - James Minter A DOUBLE DOSE OF DEBBIE GIBSON - Shawn Feeney 1995 CHARITY HOLIDAY GIFT TO DEBORAH - Michael Falkner DEBBIE GIBSON IN MIAMI, FLORIDA - Shelley Hayhurst CLOSING REMARKS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DISCLAIMER =- Between the Lines (ISSN 1201-4826, electronic publication ISSN 1201-4834) operates on a non-profit basis. Distribution is permissible only under the condition that no part of it will be used for profit. "Between the Lines" and "BtL" are trademarks of Between the Lines. Copyright 1995, Between the Lines. This forum does not necessarily reflect the views of Deborah Gibson, GMI Entertainment, Inc., Electronic Music Industries (EMI), 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 lyrics by Debbie Gibson are copyrighted by Deborah Ann's Music (ASCAP) or EMI April Music, Inc./ Possibilities Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES =- Between the Lines has a central account and e-mail address. Please send all administrative requests and submissions to: BtL@btl.org To submit articles by postal mail, please proofread and send them to the postal address listed below. Submissions should be typed or written legibly. To submit articles by FAX, please call (604) 322-5936. We reserve the right to edit, defer, or reject submissions without notice. Submissions become the property of BtL. BETWEEN THE LINES 2137 Qualicum Drive Vancouver, B.C. V5P 2M3 CANADA For those of you who do not have access to electronic mail, you may subscribe via postal mail. Issues are printed with a laser printer which allows six pages of text to be printed on both sides of one sheet of paper. Back issues are also available on one MS-DOS 3.5" or 5.25" high density disk (please specify disk format when ordering). Prices are at cost and are subject to change: Canada $3.25 Cdn. for 5 issues / $2.75 Cdn. for back issues on disk United States $3.25 U.S. for 5 issues / $2.75 U.S. for back issues on disk International $5.00 U.S. for 5 issues / $4.00 U.S. for back issues on disk Please make a cheque or money order payable to Felix Ng and mail it to the postal address mentioned above. We are not responsible for cash lost or stolen in the mail. Issues are always mailed via first class. -= BtL moderators =- Myra Wong : mkwong@ucsd.edu Felix Ng : fng@btl.org =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY KAZUTO OKAYASU =- Kazuto Okayasu - Glendora, California (kokayasu@uci.edu) October 21, 1995 "You're a fan of WHO?" Now, how many times have you heard that line, especially in the last few years? Sure, I get my share of remarks and odd looks from friends, record store clerks, and others who discover that I'm a big fan of Debbie Gibson. I'm not ashamed of it. Why should I? Why should anyone? Many of my friends to whom I've spoken to, about why I'm such a big fan, come to understand and respect the various reasons why people like myself love Deborah so much. Anyways, enough about that for now. This is supposed to be an introduction. I'm Kazuto Okayasu (friends and family call me Kaz), originally from Tokyo, Japan, now a resident of the Los Angeles area for over 15 years. I'm a 21-year-old fifth-year senior studying civil and environmental engineering, specializing in traffic and transportation engineering, at the University of California, Irvine. Also, for the past year-and-a-half, I've been working part-time as a microcomputer support technician here on campus. 1987-1988. High school freshman. Three of the most popular songs at the time were all Debbie's: "Only In My Dreams," "Shake Your Love," and "Out Of The Blue." Fun, upbeat. I never put a person to the music until the first time I saw an "Out Of The Blue" 7" single at a friend's house. Soon after that, my first listen to the album was a Japan-release tape at another friend's place. Wow! I bought my own copy of the tape soon afterwards, and decided that if I was going to be a fan of someone, it would definitely be her. After finding out that, when "Foolish Beat" hit number 1 on the pop charts, she wrote and produced it, and was one of the youngest artists ever to do so, I was even more impressed. I decided that I wanted to see her in concert, but the day she played at the Greek Theater was the day my family moved, so I didn't get that opportunity. Starting sophomore year at a new school, I made new friends who were fans of Debbie. One of them even looked kind of like her, and we had a lot of fun with that! I remember the weeks when we were all singing "Lost In Your Eyes" all over school. Around this time my parents bought my a CD player, and the 3rd and 4th CDs I got were _Out Of The Blue_ to replace my worn tape and the then-new _Electric Youth_. I found the fan club's address in the back of the CD booklet, and joined. When the Electric Youth World Tour came to L.A., I went with some friends from my old neighborhood, and although our seats were _way_ up, the concert was a great experience! Then came the _Anything Is Possible_ CD and the One Step Ahead Tour, which stopped in Anaheim in a smaller venue compared to The Forum, making it even better! By this time, many of my friends had "moved on," and record shopping and D.G.I.F. kept me up on what was going on with Deborah and her career. My discovery of this whole new group of "friends" was quite by chance. My third year at UCI, I finally decided to "get connected" and got an "e-mail" account. At the time, a friend of mine was wildly FTP-ing MIDI files. Among them I found MIDI files of some of Deborah's songs, and somewhere along the way I found my way to BtL and AIP. At the time, I never thought the Internet would be filled with so many dedicated fans of Deborah Gibson! The rest, as they say, is history! The recent addition of the D.G.I.F. hotline and their electronic presence is going to make this fever stronger than ever! Now, I'd like to thank all of you for helping me bring myself back into the fold of Deborah Gibson fandom, and helping it make possible, after eight years of waiting, my meeting Deborah in person at the House of Blues in August, and then again last night (20th October) at the taping of "Step By Step"! Whoa! Those are great stories in themselves! Quick notes to Deborah, D.G.I.F., GMI, et.al: "Thanks!" for: 1) _Think With Your Heart_! My feeble words cannot say enough. 2) The number of opportunities, in such a short time, to meet Deborah! 3) D.G.I.F.- the continuing dedication to try and feed our insatiable appetite for more!!! Thanks, everybody! See you all in ASCII-land! :) -Kaz =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY SHANNON MUIR =- Shannon Muir - Cheney, Washington (S.Muir2@genie.geis.com) October 21, 1995 I was born in San Diego, California on July 10, 1972 -- which makes me two years younger than Deb, since she just turned 25. It was our closeness in age that first got me interested in her, because about the same time she broke big with "Only In My Dreams," I began making contact with professional scriptwriters who liked the potential they saw. And as Deb and her music have matured, my writing and I have done so right alongside her... for example, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Radio-TV and English early this year, which for me is a big step. Now granted, -I- haven't broken big yet, but Deb knew what she wanted to do -really- young, so she has kind of the head start here. I wish I'd known for sure that early sometimes, but it seems like it's got to be a blessing and a curse both. Deb reminds me that there's always hope, that you can do what you dream if you really want to. >From the day it came out, I adopted "Electric Youth" as my personal anthem and still do. However, the older I get, I think that "Electric Youth" is more than just chronological age, it's a mindset. As long as you're vibrant and bringing forth new ideas, you can shape the future, and you can be that way at any age. But that's just my take -- only Deb knows for sure, because after all, it -is- her song! Maybe I just want an excuse to keep liking it? That said, no one should need an excuse to like Deb's music, period. I have had one article published in a past BtL issue (7.10) called "Two Takes on _Think With Your Heart_," which I did with my younger sister Lesley. Not only was it fun to share what I thought of Deb's latest album, but a kick to do an article with my sister as well! I have softened my stance on some things since I wrote it ("Dancin' In My Mind" isn't all -that- bad, but comparatively speaking, I still like it the least), and I would like to say I don't think I've ever encountered a truly awful Deb song. My biggest hope regarding Deb is that I can work my way into producing movies -- instead of just writing them -- so that I can hire her to work on a movie soundtrack! Now granted, this might not happen for a -long- time, and of course she'd have to say "yes," but it'd be nice. Best to you all, and may we all get to do what we dream. "Anything -IS- Possible," you know! Shan =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ONLY IN MY DREAMS =- Belinda Welsh - Australia (bind@ozemail.com.au) October 24, 1995 Living in such a distant place as Australia, you never expect to meet someone that inspires you and makes an impact on your life. My dream came true... I just had to travel quite some distance to make it happen! I can't pinpoint the precise day or moment that I became a Debbie fan. However, I cannot recall when I wasn't one. I have always loved Deb's music, though was disappointed that she had toured the world several times and hadn't included Australia in their itineraries. When it came time to tour with _Electric Youth_, we were finally given the opportunity to see Deb cut it live. I can remember being so excited, as I was only 17 at the time and can still very clearly remember the songs, the sets, the atmosphere. That was all very well, but being in a country that doesn't hear much about Deb, she seemed to disappear for a while. Despite this, I still bought her albums when they came out and loved each one of them. Then came the news that Deb was to work in the musical Grease in London's West End. I couldn't believe my luck! As it turned out, the male lead was to be played by an Australian, known as an actor both here and in the U.K. Luckily for me, I was quite good friends with this Australian guy and had already planned to fly to England to see the show. Time quickly passed and one day I was at the theatre, awaiting to see my friend backstage before the show. Being so pleased at the thought of seeing my friend, I hadn't even thought that I might bump into Debbie, my mentor! Much to my delight, I heard the door open and out stepped Deb. Surprisingly, I was very cool and we spoke briefly. Then, I went in to see my friend. It wasn't until after the show that it really hit me that I had spoken to Debbie, the person that had had such an impact on me, musically. I again waited to see my friend after the show and while I was waiting Deb approached me!!! I was calm, but also very excited. I spoke to her for quite a long time. We discussed things such as the show, music, Australia and the guy I knew. I was later formally introduced by my friend, but by then Deb already knew who I was!!! I saw the show several more times during my stay and each time Deb stopped and spoke to me, remembering who I was. I too, am a classically trained pianist and a singer/songwriter, so we had a lot in common to discuss. All in all, Deb was very down to earth and friendly and made my trip all the more memorable. I will never forget my times at the theatre and continue to be inspired by Deb's music and hope one day we will meet again. Lastly, if anyone out there would like to mail me, I would really appreciate it. We could swap stories and talk about anything. I would appreciate dedicated fans to write to, as very little is heard about Deb in my part of the world! Drop me a line and I promise to respond. Belinda :) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= POSSIBLE ABC PILOT FOR DEBBIE GIBSON =- Myra Wong - San Diego, California (mkwong@ucsd.edu) October 23, 1995 It was Monday, October 23rd when news of a possible television pilot for Debbie Gibson first surfaced. Thanks to Lisa Burrell for passing on the news after KCAL Channel 9 News in Los Angeles reported it, and to Kazuto Okayasu for following up on this rumor--finding a news blurb on the Entertainment News page on the "Yahoo!" WWW site which referred to VARIETY, a publication for the acting industry (television, movies and theatre). This is from the weekly edition of VARIETY for October 23-29, on page 9 in the "Wired" column by J Max Robins, and was accompanied by a small picture of Gibson (the back cover of the _Body Mind Soul_ CD booklet/_Greatest Hits_ front cover): DEBBIE GIBSON'S SHOT AT THE BIG TIME Debbie Gibson has come a long way from her teeny-bopper diva days of such pop hits as "Only in My Dreams." Now 25, Gibson has a greenlight for a pilot at ABC. Called "Queens of the Big Time," it's being done at Warner Bros. with "Cosby" veteran Adriana Trigiani at the helm. In "Queens," Gibson plays a teacher at a Manhattan girls boarding school. Wired hears the project is a favorite of ABC Entertainment No. 2 Stu Bloomberg, who recently relocated to New York and would like to shoot the show in Gotham. "The show is targeted for ABC's "TGIF" Friday primetime," says a source familiar with the project. "Stu wants to reinvigorate "TGIF"--make it younger and hipper, and ("Queens") is part of his plan." According to Carrie Sapp who spoke with Debbie Gibson during a Grease promotional appearance at a Columbus, Ohio radio station, there are no definite plans yet. Nothing has been filmed yet, nor a script been written; just a few meetings to discuss ideas. The above blurb in VARIETY was to "get the ball rolling." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= COMMENTS ON _THINK WITH YOUR HEART_ =- Kenny Smith - Los Angeles, California (kesmith@skat.usc.edu) July 26, 1995 I ran out and bought Debbie's new album as fast as I possibly could. It was the only one they had in the store. To be honest, I was fairly disappointed with it. She has a beautiful voice, and an awesome talent for music, but I missed that full-of-energy, full-of-life "Electric Youth" Debbie. The album was too laid back for me. I thought it was missing that move-your-body-feel-good music. It didn't make me want to get out of my chair and dance. With respect to the many love songs that Debbie performed, I thought the ones on this album didn't live up to the standards she set herself at. My girlfriend (another Debbie fan) sat and listened to "For Better Or Worse" and we both liked it. However, the other day we were listening to the radio and heard "Lost In Your Eyes" and immediately put our arms around each other, and snuggled close. Her older songs seemed to be more heartfelt, as if they were written to an actual person, and the new ones were not. I will continue to buy Debbie's albums, if she ever comes out with more in the future, because she is still a terrific artist. Maybe she just might bring that little girl back, that a lot of us fell in love with. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= SINGAPORE REVIEW OF TWYH =- Emily Quek - Singapore (s6700016@singnet.com.sg) September 21, 1995 More than two months after the release of _Think With Your Heart_, the reviews are still coming in. This is taken from Teens magazine, a Singaporean magazine targeted at teenagers. THINK WITH YOUR HEART Debbie Gibson EMI *** + half It's hard to believe that Debbie Gibson has been around for almost a whole decade already, especially on the evidence of this new album. With the element of youth still soundly present in her vocal chords, Gibson returns to the fray with a whole new set of songs collectively gathered under this album that is a throwback to her ballad-toting days of old. In place of the puerile puppy-pop of before is a more mature delivery and sensitive lyrics that represent Gibson's reinvented musical direction. Songs like 'For Better Or Worse' and 'Think With Your Heart' are characteristic of the material in general on the album, brimming with loads of honest and heartfelt emotion. Other album gradings (to compare): Soul Asylum : *** Deep Forest : *** + half All-4-One : *** + half Hootie & The Blowfish : *** + half The Lizard's Convention (local band) : *** + half =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ANTICIPATION =- Bill Englehart - Erie, Pennsylvania October 12, 1995 Just like the song, I am anxiously awaiting the opening performances of "Rizzo - Deborah" on the Broadway play, Grease. Even more exciting for me is that Deborah is going to open and be in my hometown of Erie for three days, October 30 through November 1st. I can't wait to meet and see her again. Earlier in the year I had the honor of meeting Deborah in Cleveland and the Monroeville Mall. I will never forget those two super days. I will write back to let everyone know how her nothing-short-of-spectacular performances were. Until then, Grease and Deborah is the word. Best wishes and regards to everyone, Bill Englehart, D.G.I.F. #9863 1819 Nagle Rd. Erie, PA 16510 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= THE BIRTH OF A NEWSGROUP =- Richard Evans - Gainesville, Georgia (neppie@mindspring.com) October 28, 1995 The Birth of a Newsgroup (A Story about Acronyms) It started as a notion to boost propagation of "alt.fan.debbie.gibson", the original Usenet newsgroup devoted to Deb. I thought renaming it to conform with Usenet protocol ("alt.fan.debbie-gibson") might encourage more sites to carry the discussion. I posted my suggestion and was soon rewarded with responses from "control freaks," the people who actually monitor such proposals. They suggested we try for a newsgroup in the "rec" (recreation) hierarchy rather than waste our time with "alt" (alternative). Since the former must be voted on by a majority, it would be widely accepted in the Usenet community. I now realize the control freaks were baiting me. They didn't believe we stood a chance of passing the vote. Not knowing any better, I drafted and submitted the R.F.D. (Request For Discussion) for "rec.music.artists.debbie-gibson". The discussion period went well; the few arguments raised were settled quickly and decisively. Considering we Debheads have been known to argue vehemently over trivial issues (like which carrier D.G.I.F. should use for shipments), this was a nice start. Eventually the U.V.V. (Usenet Voting Volunteers, a neutral third party) issued a C.F.V. (Call For Votes). The Deb community on-line reacted admirably. The BtL moderators distributed the C.F.V. in an e-mail message to subscribers and the NRG^ WWW page displayed the announcement. If we hadn't succeeded, we would have at least been able to claim we gave the idea the best shot it had. The voting period, conducted by secret ballot via e-mail, lasted for several weeks. To pass the proposal we needed at least 100 YES votes, 100 more YES votes than NO votes and a 2/3 majority. The vote ended September 26th, and on October 13th it was announced that we had passed the discussion with 292 YES votes to 70 NO votes. YES! That should have been the happy ending but, unfortunately, it doesn't end there. As the group propagated, flamers (with nothing to better to do in their lives than criticize Debbie) emerged. This affected me worse than it should have. Had we created a newsgroup for people to trash Debbie? I was sick. As one of the real fans on the newsgroup said, "we're Deb fans, we'll survive." Indeed, as the group establishes itself the flamers are getting bored (and boring). As of this writing, most of the new messages are from fans and positive. The newsgroup can be a great resource for communication, and a means to introduce new people to BtL and the mailing lists. In fact, D.G.I.F. first found us via the "alt" newsgroup. I hope everyone can participate and help the discussion live up to its potential. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= AN ENGLISH REVIEW OF TWYH =- James Minter - Lancashire, England September 17, 1995 I feel inclined for a brief look at _Think With Your Heart_, being hopefully, one of the first from Europe to hear it, almost definitely the first to hear it live, I was very impressed, with the (obvious!) mature sound: all opinions purely personal! FBOW - Brilliant - both lyrically and musically, may also go well in the U.K. as a single, best ballad on the disc (although "Let's Run Away" comes close). DHTH - Well structured, nice strong crescendo with the chorus towards the end, marvelous lyrics. WYLMT - A little too much strings for my liking. Just Deborah and a piano would maybe have done the trick. DIMM - On first listen, I didn't absolutely care too much for this song, but after a number of times, I am becoming more used to the more "mellow" sound of the song, but the song is built up towards the end. (I don't know why, but "This So-Called Miracle" sprang to mind here for some reason?!) DWMN - WOW! YES! This song just made me sit up and nearly dance on my seat when I first heard the cassette in the hotel. It is just superb, great beat, although the horns could have been just a little stronger. This song would compliment Grease. I am sure of it! #1. CDIA - Nice lyrics, good strong chorus - the lyrics seem to somehow remind me of Heart's "Alone," without the guitars! TWYH - Brilliant track for the title song, but strangely, I thought the strings were a little loud, almost masking the piano completely, but still one of my favourites. TF - Again, similar to DWMN, a good fun, maybe danceable track, very funky, and someday I will have to see what all the fuss is about with "Balducci's food," and I am as quirky as the Arctic (quirky = cool, remember!). Would possibly work in the U.K. as a single: if DWMN was a single, doubtless the media would attack it as "Debbie Gibson tries to rock," I bet none of them know about the Circle Jerks' flirtation! YDHTS - Very emotional song with lyrics to match, ones which I can relate to from the other side, with the way people see me as being a fan for all these years, and ribbing me for it at the same time. "You don't have to see what I see in her."--maybe I will bring them round (eventually! Although I did succeed with a couple of old school friends who I took along to see Grease, they are quite pleased with this new album). I do know that the lyrics aren't implied in the way I have mentioned, they just made me look at my following for Deborah and gave me the opinion of "Well, I am a fan and always will be, so there!" TYK - Gorgeous song, with a wonderful story, which I can partly relate to; as my mother's parents were married 55 years before my Grandfather, sadly passed away. A truly beautiful song, which makes us look directly at love and what it really should mean to two people in a relationship. I/TR - Deborah, I think some of us need an explanation on this one. Is it to show what a fine group of musicians were assembled? The phrase "session orchestra" does make me wonder somewhat?! LRA - I would if I could! But seriously, this is a truly emotive song to me, conjuring up very interesting ideas about what the future, in particular may or may not hold for us. In my personal opinion: #1 "Dontcha Want Me Now?" #2 "For Better Or Worse" #3 "You Don't Have To See" #4 "Too Fancy" #5 "Let's Run Away" #6 "Two Young Kids" #7 "Can't Do It Alone" #8 "Didn't Have The Heart" & "Think With Your Heart" #10 "Dancin' In My Mind" #11 "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" DWMN/FBOW almost equal first, but I felt I should try to decide. FBOW to me is right up there with LIYE and OHOH, but at present, the two older songs have the edge on my all-time favourites list. DWMN may be a good first single in the U.S. disregarding what the press may say, it would make a number of people reminisce about Grease, and the power of Deb's singing voice ("Hopelessly Devoted To You," "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee (reprise)," "Summer Nights"), this song, as a single, I believe would be well received, by the people that matter - the fans - as supposed to the music press who attempt, sometimes to make decisions on our behalf. Personally, I think this is Deborah's best work so far, the depth and expressiveness is wonderful. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= A DOUBLE DOSE OF DEBBIE GIBSON =- Shawn Feeney - Anaheim Hills, California October 23, 1995 Some fans would give anything for the opportunity to meet Deborah Gibson. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet her _twice in one week_!! On Monday, August 28, my friend and I went to "The Mike & Maty Show" taping. Deborah's performance of "You Don't Have To See" held me captive. After the show, she came out to meet the fans and sign autographs. When it was my turn, I suddenly realized that a dream I'd had for so long was finally coming true. Deborah was so polite and even more beautiful in person. Wednesday came around and I was more excited than ever to see Deborah perform at the House of Blues. The concert was excellent (of course), and the most exciting part was that I was gonna get to meet Deborah for my second time that week after the show. Deborah did remember me from earlier in the week and she signed a copy of the picture we'd taken at the "Mike & Maty" taping-- a picture that I will always treasure. I just want to say "thank you" to Deborah for a memorable week that I will never forget. I also want to wish you the best of luck in Grease and in everything else you set out to do. Thanks again! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= 1995 CHARITY HOLIDAY GIFT TO DEBORAH =- Michael Falkner - Milwaukee, Wisconsin (mfalkner@csd.uwm.edu) October 24, 1995 Deborah has touched our lives in so many ways, and we all, either individually or as a group, always try to find an adequate way to express our appreciation to Deborah for all that she has done in her music and theatre careers, and beyond. Again this year, members of the online fan community wish to join with other Debbie Gibson fans in giving her a gift that she said in the interview that I had with her that she would obviously cherish: "Q: If there was one thing that you wanted us, as fans, to give you, what would it be? A: It sounds corny, but the tremendous amount of loyalty that is there is more than enough! Also, supporting my favorite charities means the world to me. Thanx!" So, with that in mind, this year we are continuing the tradition of giving a Christmas charity gift to Deborah. This year, the gift will be [barring weather problems, security snafus, etc.] given in person to Deborah on December 23rd in Chicago, Illinois. This year, we're going to try something different with the donation. Instead of asking Deborah for one charity to give the money to, it has been decided that we would give a list of several charities, with each person writing out and sending a check to a central address for each charity in the list that he or she chooses to donate to. A person may choose to donate to any number of charities on the list. The list of charities is as follows: 1> The St. Mary's Children's and Families Foundation of Syosset, New York St. Mary's has cared for neglected, abused and troubled youth for over 100 years. They currently provide services to over 800 children. Deborah has personal ties to the St. Mary's Home for Boys--her father, as an orphan, was raised there. 2> The Make-A-Wish Foundation Make-A-Wish fulfills the wishes of terminally ill children, be they visits from celebrities of music, television, or sports, a long-awaited trip/vacation, or a special gift that the child will treasure. 3> Lifebeat Lifebeat is the music industry organization to fight AIDS. Funds go to education of the public on the perils of AIDS, as well as other AIDS-related causes. 4> The T.J. Martell Foundation The T.J. Martell Foundation supports leukemia, cancer and AIDS Research. 5> Children's International Children's International is an organization that helps you sponsor a child in a third world country for $12 a year. They also accept non-sponsor contributions. Deborah has participated in this program, sponsoring two children in the Philippines, and eventually meeting them in person. So here's what's going to happen... If you wish to donate to the Christmas gift for Deborah, select one or more of the charities off of the list and make out a check TO THAT CHARITY. It is *IMPORTANT* that you make out the donation to the charity, for not only recordkeeping purposes on our part, but also so that there is no question of trust on yours. Mail the check[s] in one envelope, along with a maximum of one page holiday note to Deborah [a Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/etc. card is acceptable] to: Mike Falkner 1830 N. Oakland Ave. Apt. 0 Milwaukee, WI 53202 Also send, on a separate sheet of paper, your name, your address, any e-mail address you might have [so I can contact you faster], and if you wish to be included in a listing of donations for the group or remain anonymous. Because I need a bit of time to get together the letters, addresses, etc., the deadline for the submission of charity checks will be December 20th. Any checks received at my address after the 23rd will be returned to you, so the deadline of the 20th is at least fairly absolute. WHEN I RECEIVE YOUR CHECK: All checks for the same charity will be placed together. I will collect addresses and make out envelopes for each charity. If you listed an e-mail address on your note, I will send a short note confirming: a> The charities you donated to, b> The amount you donated, c> Whether you wished to be listed or anonymous. If not, you will still receive a confirmation, as all contributors will receive a snail-mail confirmation after the gift is given. WHAT DEBORAH WILL RECEIVE ON DECEMBER 23: -- A box or a large envelope filled [hopefully overflowing] with the checks and envelopes for each charity. They will be separated by charity and each charity's materials will be left together to make it easier for Deborah, Karen, or whoever does the actual mailing. -- a package of your letters or cards -- and a collective letter, along with a list of all of the charities and a list of who gave how much to what charity [subject to your requests for anonymity]. WHAT THE CHARITIES WILL RECEIVE: -- Along with the checks, each charity will receive a letter explaining the donation, as well as who gave what [again, subject to your requests for anonymity]. WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE: -- You will receive [probably sometime in early January], a letter detailing the final results of the charity drive, along with what you gave to which charity or charities. Our goal is to beat the $532.00 that we gave last December to the St. Mary's Children and Families Foundation. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBBIE GIBSON IN MIAMI, FLORIDA =- Shelley Hayhurst - Tallahassee, Florida (Shelleysh@aol.com) October 29, 1995 Hello all! Here's my "When I Met Deborah" story from Miami, Florida at Spec's Music. Friday, October 27, 1995. After the 5-6 hour drive, my mom, my friend Cheri, and I arrived in South Miami Beach. We checked in, changed clothes, and headed for Spec's. Deborah was to arrive at 5:30, we were there at 4:15. Long wait. It paid off though, we sat as close as possible. Around 6:15 (really late) Richard Jay Alexander, of Les Miz fame, came out and introduced her after explaining that the large white bucket in his hand was for Deb, just in case. He explained that she flew in from Detroit, from Grease rehearsals, and got sick. The bucket was placed by the piano in case she needed to.... hurl. Deb explained that coming from Detroit gave her "a bit of a culture shock." She mentioned that she had eaten salad and vegetables that were sprayed with something that New Yorker's aren't used to. "Hopefully I won't have to run the other direction in the middle of singing." She sang "Too Fancy." She introduced it by saying that she was "a down home girl" and that "in show business you meet a lot of guys that spend more time in the bathroom than you do." The guy, in a tie, behind me did the "We're not worthy!" bow when she finished. To which she responded, "Oh that's not necessary, none of that 'we're not worthy' stuff. You're wearing a tie, you're too fancy for me anyway." He was kind of weird. (But, I never realized Deb was a Wayne's World fan.) She plugged Grease, saying she gets to poke fun at herself by playing Rizzo. Next came "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" Followed by, "I feel kinda lame just doing two [songs], three I could live with." Then she untangled herself from the microphone. And came around the piano. "Oh this darn bucket!" as she tried to step over it. "Kicking the bucket. Yes, I felt like I was playing charades there for a second." She commented on us being too mellow. One guy said, "It's a coffee bar, that's why." She said, "You guys should be all jittery then!" Then she did "Only In My Dreams" a cappella, and we provided the percussion and the sorry background vocals. I felt like she was staring at me the whole time. When she moved around the piano, she was three feet away from me. We then formed the line for autographs. Ten minutes later she returned for the signing. Diane stood at the front of the table, to take photos for anyone that needed a photographer. My friend Cheri went first out of the three of us. She showed Deb her Chris Bruno autograph and asked, "Do you know this guy?" Deb looked at it funny and said, "Who is that, I can't read it." Cheri told her it was Chris Bruno and got an "Oh cute" grin from Deborah. "Where did you see him?", she asked. Cheri explained that we saw him at a softball game in Jacksonville. The autograph signed, an agreeing nod and a picture was taken, then it was my turn. I presented Deborah with the latest issue of BtL and a letter from myself. "Oh cool!" she said. Then she said she had a few issues at home. I told her that this was a new one. As she signed my CD booklet, I told her that I enjoyed meeting Chris, "He's a really sweet guy." She asked, "Are you an 'All My Children' fan?" I said, "I am now!" She said, "You know there are some interesting story lines coming up?" Me--"Oh yeah, I heard. It's good." Deb--"Well, it's good for me..." Then I seemed to have stood there without saying anything else. I was trying to remember what else I was going to say, when my mom butted in. After saying "Hi mom!" to Diane she leaned in and told Deb that I was her daughter. I reacted with "Yeah, this is my mom." Mom then told Deborah that we we'll be seeing her in Birmingham. Deb looked puzzled, so I clarified, "We are going to see you in Grease in Birmingham." Mom added, "You are such a generous person to do this for your fans!" Deb seemed grateful for the compliment as she finished mom's autograph. I asked for a posed picture, she said "Sure" I told my mom to get in the picture, she said, "Oh no, you don't want me in it." Deb said, "Yes we do, get over here!" I thanked her and mentioned Birmingham again. Then we went over to see "The Broadway Kids" perform. They were really cute! I managed to get more autographs; I even got Richard Jay Alexander's. I think there were probably less than 50 people there to see Deborah. We 'borrowed' some of the posters off the walls and then left. I couldn't go to the charity show. It was just too expensive. It was a really fun trip anyways. I just wish I hadn't have gone blank. I knew it was going to happen. Well, that's it!! It was great to meet her for the second time!!! Thanks Deborah for being such a trooper. I hope you feel better. Shelley Hayhurst D.G.I.F. #792 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- The second single from _Think With Your Heart_ is being released to Adult Contemporary radio today (October 30th). According to Eric Wong at EMI Records, it is a four minute radio edit version of the song. There are no plans for a commercially-released single at this time. A black and white video has been filmed. Also today, Debbie Gibson officially begins her run in the U.S. touring company of "Grease" in the lead role of Betty Rizzo. Congratulations to Deborah on her third major theatre role! A full tour schedule appears in the Closing Remarks of BtL 7.16. According to D.G.I.F., Debbie did a sneak preview show in Detroit on October 29th in Detroit, Michigan at the Fox Theatre. D.G.I.F. is requesting promotional help from fans who live in the cities where Deb will be performing with "Grease." If you can help, leave your name, phone number and membership number on the hotline (212-803-5425). According to SoundScan reports as of October 25, 1995, _Think With Your Heart_ has sold 23,855 units. Atlantic's release of Debbie Gibson's _Greatest Hits_ will be released in Canada on October 31st. At the "Step By Step" taping on October 20th, Myra Wong asked Deborah for an autograph for all BtL members. It can be viewed on the World Wide Web at: http://sdcc13.ucsd.edu/~mkwong/dg-sbs-autograph.gif The deadline for BtL t-shirt pre-orders is November 15th. For design and pricing information, please e-mail BtL@btl.org. We hope to ship the t-shirts in December. BtL 7.18 will be released in mid-November, or sooner if we receive an overwhelming number of Grease reviews. Please submit your proofread articles as soon as possible!