U2 frontman Bono is set to be honored by the Robert F. Kennedy Center For Justice and Human Rights.  He's joining Wyclef Jean in receiving the Ripple Of Hope Award for their work in turning the spotlight on humanitarian issues. 

Bono's recognition is for his work with the advocacy organization ONE and (Product) RED, and Wyclef's award stems from his work to inspire change in his native country of Haiti through his Yele Haiti organization.  The Ripple of Hope Awards Dinner will be held at Chelsea Piers in New York City tonight.

Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder is having a little fun at the expense of Britney Spears.  The band traveled to Australia last week following the recent lip-synch uproar over Spears' performances.  During the pop stars recent sets, the outrage was enough to spark a discussion as to whether audiences should be notified or warned in advance that lip-synching might take place at shows. 

Australia's Watoday.com.au reports that during Pearl Jam's Perth performance, Vedder grabbed the microphone to inform the crowd that he too would be lip-synching.  He joked that he would not be lip-synching to do any dance moves and instead might stop in order to drink some wine or have a smoke.  Vedder did not lip-synch though, and only stopped his vocal performance during the show to turn the mic into the audience to let their voices be heard.

Pop icon George Michael is hitting the big screen next month.  On December 3rd, George Michael's "Live In London" concert film will arrive in theaters.  The film consists of concert footage from the singer's two shows in August 2008 at London's Earls Court arena.  The concerts were the final two performances on George Michael's highly-successful "Live 25 Tour."  The tour visited 49 arenas and 30 stadiums across the globe, with more than two-million people turning out to watch the singer perform.  "Live In London" will include some of George Michael's greatest hits like "One More Try," "Faith," "Freedom," "Everything She Wants" and "Amazing." 

After a successful run as one-half of the pop duo Wham!, George Michael released his first solo album, "Faith," in 1987.  In the two decades since, he has gone on to become one of the world's most successful artists, selling more than 100 million albums. 

Twenty-five-year-old Kelly Sharbaugh saw her dreams of winning one-million-dollars come to an end last week when she was eliminated from CBS' "Survivor: Samoa."  While disappointed that she didn't win, Kelly says her time on the show renewed her faith in the human spirit.

So Michael Jackson starred in his own movie recently.  This was not acting, no plot, no story which was Michael Jackson's first movie.  This movie was just footage of his upcoming concert before his death. 

This footage was released from the Jackson's Family Library.  As a goodbye to his fans on a massive scale it was a good last concert and history moment.  The movie was around 2 hours and went through each song as they could have been played out at his last concert.  I wish the movie had commentary from his family and friends. 

If I were to rate this movie in its documentary genre then I would have rated this 3.5 out of 5.  This would be a good addition to the MJ collector but its just my words.

-JP

Today is the 55^th Celebration of Veterans Day, and counting the 35 years of Armistice Days before that, the 90^th Anniversary of the very first Armistice Day. It is the 91^st Anniversary of the end of Western Front hostilities during World War I.

It is a day to remember all who have fallen in battle, as well as all who have survived. What was meant as a day to commemorate world peace has, at least for the United States, evolved into a day to honor our soldiers, the men and women of the Unites States Military, past and present. There is no doubt that we have the top military in the world. And we owe that to the veterans who helped shape America.

I am proud that some of my closest friends have served or are serving. Both of my grandfathers served in the Army during World War II. My best friend and the best man at my wedding served in the Air Force and my brother-in-law is currently serving in the Marine Corps. Another friend AND his wife are both serving in the Air Force, and there’s not a day that goes by I don’t thank God that they have all returned home safely.

However, I am the lucky one.

Every day, families and loved ones are notified that their son, daughter, husband, wife, father, mother, will not be coming home.

To the family of Cpl. Casey Hills of Salem, IL; to the family of Army Sergeant Cory Mracek of Hay Springs, NE; words are never enough. Gratitude shown does not replace the family member lost. Just know that I, for one, am eternally grateful.

Veterans Day brings us more together as a nation than Christmas or the Super Bowl. It has no racial, religious, political, or geographic barriers. We all know a veteran.

Everything should close on Veterans Day. It is a day that should be venerated in the same way as Independence Day, for without veterans and those willing to fight, independence does not exist.

To all veterans reading this, and to all who can’t... Thank you. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your service. When your country needed you, you stood above the rest and answered the call.

Thank you for your sacrifices. We are who we are today because you were who you were yesterday.

- Greg Mehochko (greg.mehochko@wjbdinternal.com)

^{Courtesy of YouTube}

Hey Guys, Its JP

Just got back from the theatrical performance of Our Town from the SCHS Drama Club.  I am just putting this out there.  It is high quality acting for the students.  Despite its minimal set; which was made for a purpose so the audience can follow the story and not the set, but there are still many jobs to be had.  I only saw ACT 2 with part of the High School. 

Here is a taste of what will be going on November 12th to 15th at the Salem Community Theatre.  The video is up on the front page, click here to see the video!  Check Back!!!!!!