The BlogTalkRadio Blog

This evening at 9 pm EST Blogtalkradio will air the first of it virtual book tours. Brad Thor will join us to talk about his new book “The First Commandment“. Brad is a New York Times best selling author and has served as a member of Home Land Security’s Analytic Red Cell Program. He has been seen on Fox News, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS as a national security expert on terrorism.

The Host will be phoning in from the UK while Brad will be here in the US. Thats what makes BlogTalkRadio such a viable platfrom as people can join in the conversation from any corner of the world.

So join in this conversation by clicking here to listen live.

You can also purchase a copy of Brads book by clicking through the Amazon link on the host page.

I would like to welcome a very special guest to Blogtalkradio on Wednesday, July 25^th 4:00pm EST.

Martin Varsavsky the Founder and CEO of Fon.com will be my guest on the Alan Levy Show which can be found here

While it’s hard to believe, I have known Martin for almost 20 years. We met when I was an accountant in NYC at a small accounting firm. Martin, at the time in his twenties, was already an experienced entrepreneur. I handled his business accounts and personal financial matters. In October 1993, when Martin raised money with George Soros for his new upstart telecom company Viatel, he asked me to join he and his team to be his CFO. I had spent 13 years as an accountant and never really gave it much thought to changing careers at that stage of my life.

Well, I decided to leave the safe confines of being an accountant and joined Martin in the crazy world of emerging global telecommunications. I never looked back since. Martin saw something in me that perhaps I or others did not and for that I will always be appreciative.

We will discuss his exciting new venture Fon and whatever else comes up. Martin is a truly fascinating individual so please do tune in. If you would like to call into the live show, please do so by calling 1-347-677-0649.

Alan

Who doesn’t love free stuff? If you do, then listen to The Writer’s Room. Host Jill Robinson, accomplished author and founder of the Wimpole Street Writers in London has two novels to give away on the show.

Jill will be giving away a copy of The Savage Garden by Mark Mills, and also A Place Called Here by Cecelia Ahern.

All you lucky listeners have to do is call in with the answer to the questions she will ask. Free novels! And I believe that includes shipping and handling.

Tune in to The Writer’s Room at 3pm EST Wednesday, and speak to Jill about the Democratic Debates while you’re at it!

Hilary

If you like to exercise and sweat it out, chances are you’ve tried Tae-Bo by fitness guru, and cultural icon, Billy Blanks.

Blanks has been a karate champion for over 20 years, but he is best known for inventing Tae-Bo, a martial arts, kickboxing, and aerobic hybrid exercise. Blanks’ home video series is bestselling, and has been helping Americans get in shape since its proliferation in the late 1980s.

We extend a warm welcome to Billy Blanks, as he joins our friends at Navy Wife Radio at 2pm EST.

Billy Blanks will be joined by his daughter, and they will discuss their upcoming trip to Iraq. Call in and talk to your favorite fitness guru!

Hilary

The internet is changing the face of politics, and no one knows this more than our friends at MyDD.com.

Short for MyDirectDemocracy, MyDD is interested in People-Powered Politics. These folks are dedicated to using the internet and media to increase transparency in our government, and to further democratize the political process.

At the first official Democratic debate of the 2008 election cycle, CNN will air the final selected debate questions submitted online by common citizens via YouTube to be answered by the presidential candidates. And the Republican debate will tackle our submitted questions in September.

This is direct democracy in action.

Through the power of the internet, and YouTube in this case, we have the opportunity to connect and correspond with those in power, the leaders of our nation. We have the opportunity to discuss the issues we are most passionate about, and the candidates will respond. YouTube enables citizens to become citizen broadcasters.

BlogTalkRadio too believes that if you have something to say, we want to help you turn up the volume so everyone connected to the internet can hear.

In this way, it is very appropriate that MyDD’s show will air post-CNN/YouTube Debate coverage at 9pm EST. MyDD on BlogTalkRadio is the place to discuss, critique, and expand upon the ideas raised in the debates. Call in and interact with other bloggers, pundits, and enthusiasts.

The first CNN/YouTube debate airs at 7pm EST.

Following this unprecedented event in both media and politics, BlogTalkRadio invites you to continue the conversation.

Hilary

The third installation of the Movie Geeks’ Film Director’s Series is upon us. This time the Geeks are featuring the legendary Brian De Palma, and here’s a sampling of the talented guests they will be chatting with on the special segment:

Eyal Peretz, a film theorist, whose new book, “Becoming Visionary: Brian De Palma’s Cinematic Education of the Senses”, will be released in October. He currently teaches Comparative Literature at Indiana University.

William Katt, whose first film “Carrie” was also Brian De Palma’s first major hit. Katt has appeared as the young Robert Redford in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: The Early Years,” “House,” and was the lead in the legendary television series “The Greatest American Hero.”

William Finley, who went to college with De Palma and has appeared in many of his films, including “Sisters,” “Dressed to Kill,” and “The Black Dahlia.” One of De Palma’s closest friends and creative collaborators, Finley offers insight into De Palma the man as well as the artist.

Geoff Beran, who has created one of the most impressive sites on the web dedicated to De Palma - De Palma A La Mod, a hub for De Palma fans on the web, which includes several interviews Beran conducted with De Palma.

Armond White, critic from the New York Press, for a roundtable discussion of De Palma’s most important works. White has taken over for critic Pauline Kael in his appreciation of De Palma.

Catch the Movie Geeks at 6pm EST for all the De Palma discussion you’ve ever hoped for!

Hilary

Political Pistachio is heating up this weekend with an exclusive live interview with former Governor of Virginia Jim Gilmore.

The former Chairman of the Republican National Committee just recently dropped out of the race for the Presidency in 2008, sparking much discussion as where he stands on the election now. Your host Douglas Gibbs of Political Pistachio will interview Gilmore about his withdrawal, and his thoughts about the race to 2008.

You can read more about Jim Gilmore’s withdrawal here.

Listen LIVE to Saturday’s Political Pistachio at 7pm EST to speak to Governor Gilmore.

Hilary

You can’t help but be impressed with Terry Cummings. His NBA career is record-breaking, as he is one of only eight players in NBA history to play 18 years or more. He also holds impressive records games played, points scored, and field goals made.

During his 18 year NBA career, Cummings played with several different franchises. But he appeared in the playoffs 13 of those 18 years, and was a two time All-Star. That’s not bad.

After his retirement from basketball, Cummings turned his focus to music. After becoming an ordained Minister, Cummings’ career took a very creative turn. He recently released an album entitled “T.C. Finally.”

Cummings wrote all the songs on the album, and performs gracefully by singing and playing keyboard. Terry’s music has been compared to Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Sam Cook in its soulfulness.

BlogTalkRadio welcomes Terry Cummings tonight on April Sims Arts and Entertainment Radio at 7pm EST.

Call in to talk to Terry about basketball, music, or anything in-between.

Hilary