Publisher: Colonel Bobbie Patterson
Editor: Colonel Dale Blanton
Writer: Colonel Rhett Ashley
Research Assistant: Keith Bradford

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Several American Singers Quarantined, In Europe

Gary Bradshaw, of Western Heart Promotions is hospitalized in Belgium. Our sources report, he has hepatitis so severely he went into a coma. He is out of it, but still can't speak. There has been some movement reported, on one side of his body. Bradshaw was touring with several American country singers. Because they were exposed to hepatitis, they will be quarantined, for at least 14 days. Well known DJ, Mia Heylen was also exposed to Bradshaw. She is quarantined, as well.

Concern has been expressed about return flights, for the Americans. Their travel dates will be changed. Nobody seems to know how this will effect their bargain rate return flight tickets. Such tickets are normally not transferable.

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These DJs Play Independent Music

We suggest sending a postcard with your email address, before sending music.

Steve Baker, 23 Riverside Road, Ayrshire, KA3 5DH, U. K.

Roo Weldon, PO Box 403, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia

Martin Mackenzie, 6 Hatton Close, Haton, Warwick, CV35 7JR, U. K.

Ron Eskridge, PO Box 3882, Wesston CK, ACT 2611, Australia

Veronica Capaldi, Walnut Gaarth, Main Street, Burton, Lincoln LN1 2RD, U. K.

Robbie Cook, PO Box 96, Scarborough, Qld 4020, Australia

Tommy Truesdale, 3 MC Coln Place, Ayr, Scotland, U. K.

Rob Davidson, PO Box 230, Braidwood, NSW 2622, Australia

Tom Robinson, 219 Summergate Road, Kingston Up, Yorkshire HU8 8LD, U. K..

Rob Tilmouth, 16 Gething Cres, Bowden, SA 5001, Australia

Stuart Hobday, BBC Radio, Pebble Hill, Birmingham B5 7QQ, U. K..

Rob Russett, PO Box 1075, Mackay, Qld 4740, Australia

Martin Mc Kenzie, Hanchurch Christian Center, Stoke On Trent, ST4 8RY, U. K.

Richard Porteous, PO Box 9994, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia

Lee Williams, 16 Great Marlborough St., London, W1F 7AW, U. K.

Richard Noore, 2 Bonalbo Close, Coffs Harbor, NSW 2450, Australia

Johnny Mason, 35 Phillimore Place, Radlett, Herts, WD7 8NH, U. K.

Peter Flexman, PO Box 93, Tenterfield, NSW 2372, Australia

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Toby Keith Hammers The Dixie Chicks

About an hour into his Huntsville, AL concert, Toby Keith lashed out at antiwar protesters and the Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines.

Keith, is known for the controversial "Angry American" song he wrote after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He told the crowd of 7,000 he's angry about protesters who look "anti-American to American troops when they see them," the Huntsville Times reported.

Keith made some strong remarks as a photo mockup of the singer and Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein popped up on the arena screen.

During a London concert on March 10, Maines said she was "ashamed" President Bush was from the trio's home state of Texas. She has since apologized but the group's songs have suffered on the Billboard charts and the Chicks have taken harsh criticism because of the comments.

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You Can't Afford To Miss This

Music industry people from as far away as England have already bought tickets. They know the importance of making personal contact with other music industry people. This entire industry moves on personal contact and the single best place to establish those contacts is Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival.

It will be in full swing Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26. You'll meet more music people in four days, than you will anywhere else in four years. You can get on stage, attend seminars, talk to industry executives, pitch songs, and have more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Visit this website for complete details, www.nashvillemusicfestival.com

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Bellamy Brothers Break Their Silence

According to their public relations representatives, the Bellamy Brothers came forward today to break their silence on their nomination for “ACM Duo of The Year.”

Noted campaigners, the brothers stated, “Word of our nomination came to us a week ago, but we refrained from immediate comment. Of course we were most grateful, and very excited about the ACM nomination in the category of 'Duo of the Year,' but with the move of the awards ceremony from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, well, we needed more time to let the odds makers make their predictions as to our chance of taking this coveted award before we launched our strategy for '2003 ACM Duo of the Year' campaign,” stated Howard Bellamy.

In 2002, the Bellamy Brothers were nominated for the 15th time by the CMA on Music Circle South, for “Duo of the Year.” After consulting with an undisclosed campaign strategist, the Bellamy Brothers, launched into a full-blown campaign. Workers mailed post cards to CMA members asking them to “Rock the Boat” and cast their vote for the Bellamy Brothers. Campaign signs covered Nashville's famed music row, attracting the attention of publications nationwide such as PR Weekly and The Tennessean.

Although the Bellamy Brothers did not take home the CMA Duo of the Year Award, they were honored to be presented with the CMA International Achievement Award. The Bellamy Brothers had completed their 40th World Tour in 2002.

“We're not sure yet just how much of a campaign we are going to launch for the nomination,” stated David Bellamy. “We're seeking professional advice, and will make a decision shortly.”

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Tennessee CMA Show Scheduled For April

The Tennessee CMA show will be held in Nashville April 17 through April 20. Talent competition will be conducted, in several categories. For complete information call toll free, 877-748-5046

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Why Clear Channel is Irrelevant for Independent Artists

Edited submission, from B. Farrish

After endless concerns in the independent community about radio consolidation and Clear Channel, I'm here to tell you that it should be of no concern to you. Regular rotation on large stations (Clear Channel or otherwise) in major markets is not available. It has never been available to independent artists.

McDonald's is not available to market your independent toys. Remember McDonald's 10 year marketing agreement with Disney? Before they made that agreement, you had no chance of getting an independent toy marketed, by McDonald's. The situation is the equivalent of you trying to get your independent release into regular rotation on major market stations.

Consolidation or no consolidation, trying to get a product with entry level marketing onto the largest media outlets in the world is not a workable idea. It wastes your time, energy, and money.

The fact you are just learning how difficult the large stations are, does not mean that it was once easier. Independents releasing their records in the 60's and 70's, were in competition with Capitol, RCA, ABC, Atlantic, CBS, etc. Even then, they had to start with the smaller stations.

What does this mean for your airplay? The only reason for radio play is to book gigs. Start with small market commercial stations or college stations and use the results to book more gigs.

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A Poem, By Craig Dew

I'm American Born and Proud of It "

I was born into a nation where the eagle flies high
Where the stars and stripes forever will wave across that sky
Where our bloodline with freedom will forever run deep
Paid for by the heroes and the liberties that this nation will keep

And if that whole phrase is a problem for you…

I was born into a family where we each share the same blood.
One that's a mix of other nations like a rainbow of mud
I spent my boyhood playing baseball and eating hot apple pie
Riding bikes down to the fish hole and watching clouds rolling by

And if that whole phrase is a problem for you…

If anyone should ask I won't speak with shame
I'm proud of my country – its an honorable claim

And if all of this is a problem for you

Better say your prayers now son, cause your time's almost through
I'm American born – my blood runs red, white, and blue
I was born of a nation, one nation under GOD
Where each of us are different but no one is too odd
Where our children are our treasures and we shelter them as long as we can
We don't enslave them, trade them, or execute our children like those far away lands

And if that whole phrase is a problem for you…
I was born of a country that is no stranger to war
A military power like no other before
Other nations raise an army through draft and through fear
But they still don't offer a shadow of one that's all volunteer

And if that whole phrase is a problem for you…

If anyone should ask I won't speak with shame
I’m proud of my country – its an honorable claim

And if all of this is a problem for you

Better say your prayers now son, cause your time's almost through
I'm American born – my blood runs red, white, and blue!!!

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We Were Warned

At a lecture the other day, they were playing an old news video of Lt.Col. Oliver North testifying at the Iran-Contra hearings during the Reagan Administration. It was 1987. Ollie, was in front of God and country, getting the third degree, but what he said was stunning.

He was being drilled by Senator Albert Gore; "Did you not recently spend close to $60,000 for a home security system?"

Ollie replied, "Yes, I did, Sir."

The Senator continued, "Isn't that just a little excessive?"

"No, Sir," continued Ollie.

"No? And why not?" the Senator asked.

"Because the lives of my family and I were threatened, Sir."

"Threatened? By whom?" the Senator questioned.

"By a terrorist, Sir" Ollie answered.

"Terrorist? What terrorist could possibly scare you that much?"

"His name is Osama bin Laden, Sir" Ollie replied.

At this point the Senator tried to repeat the name, but couldn't pronounce it, which most people back then probably couldn't. A couple of people laughed at the attempt. Then the Senator continued. Why are you so afraid of this man?"

"Because, Sir, he is the most evil person alive that I know of," Ollie answered.

"And what do you recommend we do about him?" asked the Senator.

"Well, Sir, if it was up to me, I would recommend that an assassin team be formed to eliminate him and his men from the face of the earth."

The Senator disagreed with this approach, and that was all that was shown of the clip.

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Israel Warned Us, As Well

Mohammad Atta blew up a bus in Israel, in 1986. The Israelis captured, tried and imprisoned him. As part of the 1993 Oslo agreement with the Palestinians, Israel had agreed to release "political prisoners." However, the Israelis would not release any with blood on their hands.

The American government insisted all prisoners be released.

At the orders of the American government, Mohammad Atta was freed. He thanked the U. S. by flying an airplane into Tower One of the World Trade Center.