Dear Alan ,

Welcome to the Volume 6 edition of the McCartney Newsletter. So, the World Cup is finally over and as you can imagine it was a pretty wild month of us all here at McCartney. England moved forward, Germany even farther ...and the winner is: Spain! Yikes! At least the cup stays in Europe!

Okay, so we'll meet you in Brazil in 2014....

July 7th, 2010 MacArthur Park.

Ruth opened the annual summer concert series at The Levitt Pavilion For the Performing Arts in MacArthur Park in Downtown LA. As part of her Emcee duties she introduced the Harmony Project Orchestra, Congressman Xavier Becerra, Carlos Vaquerano, Grupo Algodon, FLPBP Board President Sebastian Rein, Councilman Ed Reyes, Liz Levitt Hirsch and legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo. Fact for those of you who may not know - Pete is the father of Shiela E!

Co-hosted by Cynthia Carrasco, Ruth gave a tribute to her late father's Jim McCartney and Ringo Starr's birthdays. In front of a largely Spanish-speaking crowd, the concert series was a huge success and the music played on underneath the blue skies of MacArthur park.

Thanks to all including the lovely Liz Levitt-Hirsch, Margaret Martin, Liz Ryan and of course Cynthia for making us so welcome, and especially thank you to my mother Renate and her life partner Hans-Dieter, who came all the way from Germany and had a wonderful time!

For more information on the 5 Levitt Pavilions across the country and the FREE concerts please visit their web site.

Ruth onstage at Levitt Pavilion	Angie, Liz Levitt Hirsch, Renate Nethercutt	Ruth and Renate (Karotti)
Renate, Ruth and Martin	Renate, Ruth, Martin and Hans Dieter (HD)	The gang at Cantalinis with Richard Einhorn

We encourage everyone to make it to the Summer Concert Series in the Park! It's free of charge by the people for the people, and it makes for a great family night out with music and dancing under the stars.

How far would you drive to hang out with Iron Chefs?

Well, if you're my wife, the ultimate Foodie Groupie, try 400 miles one way through searing 117-degree heat.

After a busy week with Martin's parents, Ruth and Martin made their way through the desert to get a little R&R at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, AZ.

Ruth and Martin attended the "Lunch 'n Learn" session featuring Iron Chefs Beau MacMillan of elements, Mark Tarbell of Tarbell's and Executive Chef of T.Cook's at The Royal Palms Resort Chef Lee Hillson. The "VIP Insider" was Bruce Seidel who is the Sr. VP of Programming for both the Food Network and the new, fab Cooking Channel, Bruce answered "behind the scenes" questions about Iron Chef and gave us a sneak preview of some of the great new up-coming series.

The limited number of guests were treated to Chef Hillson's amazing take on Pasta Carbonara, Chef Beau Mac's unbelievably tender dry-aged rib eye and Chef Tarbell's flaky apple pie - for which we understand the secret to this incredible crust is a drop or two of white vinegar in the pie crust mix and then a brief time in the refrigerator before kneading. Well done guys. Now how are we going to lose those extra pounds?

Mixology

Now we've covered the culinary portion of this month's news, how about a refreshing Summer Cocktail?

Introducing: Sanctuary's own Jason Asher's award winning Beet & Yuzu Gimlet. The ingredients are below courtesy of AZ State champion mixologist Jason, and if you really want to know how to make it, you can watch the iPod video here...

Watch, create and enjoy!

Winner of The Bombay Sapphire GQ magazine's most inspired bartender search:
Jason Asher's Beet & Yuzu Gimlet
1/2 oz fresh beet juice
1/4 oz yuzu juice
3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1)
2 oz Bombay Sapphire gin
shake well for 6 seconds
double strain into a champagne coupe
garnish with 4 watermelon balls

The watermelon is meant to tie the flavors together in the drink and cleanse the pallet between sips.

Jason will be competing in the nationals in Las Vegas at the Aria @ CityCenter.  The competition will run over 2 days (Aug 29 & 30).

Company News

McCartney Studios Gets a Make Over.

We are currently working on a serious makeover for McCartneyStudios.com. Being that it is going to be the film and video production portal for our company, we're taking it off YouTube.

Using the public internet as a corporate video platform bears considerable risk. We showcased some of our productions for public viewing online and guess what? We found at least one show that had suspiciously similar content to ours. We won't name names of course because we like to handle such matters discreetly.

The point is however, that if you are planning to upload your content to a public platform to attract eyeballs, then you might run the risk of having someone else copying your ideas and running with it before you can do anything about it. Did you know that you can now register your ideas for a mere $20 at the Writer's Guild web site ? It's well worth doing.

Think about it, how many production houses are out there clamoring for new and fresh content and all they have to do is go through every single public page until they find what they are looking for. Don't get me wrong; I think those sites are brilliant if you're 16 and making home videos. If you're a business you should stay away from it, as tempting as eyeballs and reviews may be, it's not worth losing your ideas.

The Solution: Build your own Video Site. If you can't, ask us how to do it.

Speaking of online video, our own cousin Bruce Reynolds is the new suave correspondent for OTRC (On The Red Carpet). This clip is of Bruce interviewing some Day Time Emmy Nominees.

Watch Bruce's performance here.

Video Production

Did you ever encounter bad or distorted audio when you film on a Sony FX 1 with the built in directional microphone? We've been having this audio problem for years and there's only so much you can fix in post. Our good friend Dieter Bockmeier (Electric Avenue Films, Munich Germany) turned us on to this little gem:

The Rode Stereo Video Mic.

Easy to operate (although a little top heavy on the camera mount), it records audio like a pro. It fits most digital cameras. The cost isn't bad either for around $300 USD, you get clear audio and the on board audio filters are amazing. Mount the mic, plug in the stereo mini plug and away you go. Definitely a good investment for your next big shoot! 

For more information, please visit Rode here...

It's been a long time coming.

When Martin Nethercutt started out writing the original Geist concept, one thing was pretty clear from the beginning:

The project needed a kick-ass guitar player to fill in not only the solo parts but also help out with melodies and chorus lines.

When Martin met Marino De Silva in 2005, a deep musical friendship developed, all of sudden there was a Jimmy Page to his Robert Plant.

Coming from the same European background, both shared common musical experiences, playing in bands, recording in studios in Germany and in England.

Martin: "Every great musician accepts the fact that one can't do it alone. Music composition has duality, comedy and drama, darkness and light. It's great to find one's counterpart." It took a couple of years to finally get together to write and record. The guys started working on various tracks that Martin had already recorded, and Marino added guitar parts and solos, which gave the songs a much needed lift. As a matter of fact they worked so much together, that they soon realized they had enough material for one, maybe two albums. And Geist was born.

The first single release: "Nothing Left To Fear" was originally written and recorded by Martin in 2004."Good songs take a while, great songs can take forever. But I think now we have the timing right and it's time to put the work out for public scrutiny."What's behind the lyrics?

"I wanted to write a song about my age group. When you in your 40's, you've pretty much done it all. So what's left to fear? Go out there and do it!
But more than that this song is about sharing, understanding and listening to that little voice inside. You know, reflect a little...
Learn to be still, I love that Don Henley track."

How did you guys collaborate on the track?

"I had the basic tracks finished, you know acoustic guitars, drums, bass and keys. Marino came in put on the solo, started to play some counter melodies in the chorus, I picked that up in the vocal booth and we took it from there. It's funny how you wind up with a fresh sound on a track that you have been playing around with for years."

What's next?

"We're finishing up all the songs for the album. I still have a lot of vocal parts to do and some tracks need re-examining to fit with the overall sound of Geist. You know, 12 string and 6 string acoustics, blended with Marino's spiritual style of guitar playing. Once we have them in the can, we can focus on the next release which will an EP (3 tracks) and then release the full-length album. We also want to invite other musicians to participate, after all "Geist" is a project that is not just about Marino and me. Currently we have Al Lay on bass, Victor Alexeef on keyboards and Jeremy Dolan on drums and will expand it out from there to include guest soloists, vocalists etc."

iConz Of Rock V.I.P launches

The long awaited membership site of iConz Of Rock soft launches under: www.iConzORockVIP.com. The series has been under way now for about 4 years and the online response has been terrific. The collection of never before heard interviews with the greatest Guitar Players of all time is growing steadily and now various Rock'n Roll photographers are joining in the fray. Along side the hour long interviews with Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Jimmy Page and George Harrison are great photographers such as:

Richard "Thunder Thumbs" Aaron (RockPix.com ) and John R. Rowlands (rock&rowlands), who have made some of their work (limited edition prints) available exclusively to the iConz Of Rock V.I.P members.

Rockpix.com		rock&rowlands Flashback

Flipped Movie Soon Released

There are electronic billboards all over Los Angeles and TV commercials for Aussie Callan McAuliffe's new movie, directed by Rob Reiner, to be released in the US on August 6th in selected cities, including Los Angeles, and wide release on August 27th.

Callan is currently working on a new Spielberg related movie called I Am Number Four.

More on the young actor's web site.

WHERE: Tom Rolla's Gardenia7066 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90038
Located: On the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and La Brea Ave. Street parking.

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED (323) 467-7444

Benny Mardones is once again enjoying success as a song-writer having penned "Into The Night" which is released on Usher's current Raymond vs Raymond smash.

If you are one of the few folks who haven't bought this album already, you can click here to check it out on iTunes.

The original version remains the most played ballad of all time in US Radio History. Way to go Benny - keep 'em coming!

Our own David Cassidy is appearing July 30th and upcoming shows include Michael McDonald, Lisa Loeb, The Gin Blossoms, Shawn Colvin, Jim Messina Ted Nugent and more. Check out their site for tickets and packages.

Recently friends of ours from both sides of the pond have brought us into the world of luxury real estate - there certainly is no time like the present if you are in the market for an heirloom! If you are interested in the properties below, and simply to protect the owners' privacy, just contact Lucy in Ruth's office and she will put you in touch with the right people. And make sure you remember to invite us to the house warming!

The 16th Century Baronial Hall

Dear friends of ours - the Speakmans just listed this circa. year 1500's Baronial Hall for sale between Manchester and Leeds in the UK. 2.5 Mill Pounds Freehold. Not sure if you know anyone looking to take in the quiet life in northwest UK? I can just see Sharon and Ozzy in their dotage cycling to the bakery. For more information, please contact Ruth's assistant Lucy.
History:
http://www.holtancestry.co.uk/stubley.htm

Another Yorkshire lass in our extended family has found herself in Miami, and is privy to the waterfront property society and the Miami VIP lifestyle. The latest listing in her portfolio is the stunning Rivo Alto in Miami Beach. Tucked neatly on 10,500 SF lot, this Mediterranean masterpiece with wide bay views unveils custom details, large living spaces & ample storage throughout. This newly constructed home features 5 BD/6.5 BA including a 1/1 guest house, library, study room, 60ft of waterfront, 5,800+SF of interior living space, travertine floors, custom built-ins, stone fireplace, Lutron lighting system, French doors & state of the art kitchen. Outside find beautiful pool with Jacuzzi, BBQ and dock with boatlift. Asking price is $5.85M. Serious buyers can contact Ruth's office for more information on the broker's details.

Penthouse Loft on Sunset Blvd. for Lease

Nestled in the hills above Hollywood, and only minutes on foot from Sunset Plaza is this gorgeous loft, complete with its own roof top garden, spectacular views of Los Angeles, 2 car parking and even its own private elevator right into the property. It's available short or long term and is lovingly furnished by BAFTA member and award winner, interior designer and celebrated set decorator Bryony Foster. Contact Ruth's office for more details.

Our own Ruth McCartney has recently become an associate member of the tony organization BAFTA/LA!

From their web site: "As the only Anglo-American professional organization founded to promote and advance original work in film, television and interactive media, BAFTA/LA serves as the bridge between the Hollywood and British production and entertainment business communities. We provide Members with a wide variety of activities - including an extensive screenings program featuring over 90 new films a year from the UK and the USA, with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. There are major glamorous social events, such as the Annual Britannia Awards, the BAFTA Film Awards Brunch and the Annual Garden Party. For television Members, we offer special screenings of award-winning programs as well as unique events focusing on the various facets of the television industry. We host seminars and panel discussions on a wide range of subjects ranging from writing and directing, to finance and distribution. We bring film and filmmakers to inner city groups, provide scholarships for UK students studying in the US, and conduct archival interviews with prominent UK artists and technicians, giving life to the preservation of UK film and television for future generations."

For more information please visit: http://www.baftala.org

 Angie's One Liners

I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous - everyone hasn't met me yet.
A quote from Rodney Dangerfield.

Don't argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

A teacher is a person who used to think she liked children.

Children in the dark make accidents, but accidents in the dark make children. 

If you think you're not big enough to make a difference. Try spending the night in a room with a mosquito.

Do you love to read?

Just bought an iPad? Did you know that you can transfer your Kindle Books in your amazon.com account to the iPad? Click below.

Need an App. for your business, band, recipes, shows, products, educational class or property?

We can now help you develop hand held apps for whatever area of business you are in!

Remember the original cult classic game online called "Sheepy"? Well you can now get it on your iPhone and iPad.

Count sheep as they fly, dive, peek and bleet across the screen.

3 million existing Sheepy fans can't be wrong!

Click on the image to launch iTunes.