Album Reviews, Interview, Music

Flood The Engine: Firehouse Guitarist Bill Leverty Discusses New Project

FloodTheEngineFirehouse guitarist Bill Leverty’s latest project, Flood The Engine is classic, melodic hard rock at its finest. Together with Keith Horne (bass), Andre LaBelle (drums) and Jimmy Kunes (vocals), Leverty’s managed to channel elements from many of his favorite guitarists while also adding his own personal flair, giving the album a much broader appeal.

In addition to the killer vibe this combination of players brings to their own original compositions, the eight track opus also includes two tasty renditions of mid-70’s gold: “All The Girls Are Crazy” (Back Street Crawler) and “Love Is Alive” (Gary Wright).

I sat down with Leverty to talk Flood The Engine and more.

What started the Flood The Engine project?

Keith Horne called me up one day and asked if I’d be interested in putting together a recording project. I knew that he had recently moved back to the area and doing anything that Keith’s involved with is a huge honor. I asked him who he had lined up for a drummer and he said Andre (LaBelle); who I’ve known since the early 80’s. Andre and I had always wanted to work together, but were both in different bands.

How did you hook up with Jimmy Kunes?

When we were looking for singers, I suggested him. Jimmy has elements of all of the great classic rock singers all rolled into one. When his vocal cords rub together, it sounds so good. Once we had all of the pieces in place, Jimmy came down on a train from New York City and we wrote and recorded the album.

How was writing for this album different from writing with Firehouse?

It’s kind of similar in some ways and different in others. Generally, I’d come up with a guitar riff and then send it off to Jimmy; or Andre, Keith and I would assemble a song instrumentally together and send it to Jimmy. Sometimes we’d give him an idea of what we had in mind, but we always gave Jimmy the freedom to do what he wanted to with his voice and lyrics. We wanted to make sure that everybody could put their own individual style into the project and then we’d showcase it all as a group.

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Let’s talk about some songs on the album: “Lay It All On Me”.

That was the first song we wrote for this record. I had sent Jimmy a demo of some music with just a basic beat and a guitar riff. He immediately got some lyrics and a melody together. He also had an idea of what to use chord wise. In addition to being a phenomenal singer, he’s also a very accomplished guitarist.

“All Your Trouble”.

That one started with a guitar riff as well. I remember we had worked out the music and then Jimmy [with his creative mind] came in and just started scribbling down lyrics. To watch him work is amazing. He just has a pad of paper and a pen and scribbles like there’s a typewriter going off inside of his head and he’s just trying to keep up with it [laughs].

“Open And Undone”.

That song started out with Andre’s drum beat. He and I sat in a room together for a few hours and put together the music for it. The song has a simplistic rhythm, but a very unique beat. It creates such a perfect mood.  I remember Jimmy listened to it for a while and then had another scribble session where he got very spontaneous. It was another one of those things where we gave him a skeleton of a song and he just went to town on it.

In addition to six originals, you also have two covers on the album. [“All The Girls Are Crazy” & “Love Is Alive”]. Was there a reason why you chose those particular songs?

Jimmy and I had recorded a version of “All The Girls Are Crazy” together a few years ago. He and I have a common ground appreciation of Paul Kossoff, and that song in particular was one of our favorites. What Andre and Keith added to it was awesome.

Keith was the one who mentioned that he had always wanted to do a version of “Love Is Alive” and it was the perfect suggestion. I remember hearing that song when it first came out and thinking what a great tune it was. People who hear it today can still identify with it lyrically and the melody works so well with Jimmy’s voice and soulful delivery. It’s such a unique song and it also gives Keith a chance to shine as well.

What gear are you using for your live rig now a days?

I’m using a Fractal Audio Axe Fx II. I go from that direct into a monitor console and straight into the front house PA. It’s a two rack space unit that you plug into. It has over a hundred different amp and speaker cabinet combinations along with every rack effect you can imagine. So it can be used to sound like any amp you want. I’ve actually sold nine of my amps since I’ve gotten it. It’s the greatest thing that’s happened to the electric guitar since the pickup.

What satisfies you the most about Flood The Engine?

The goal of this project was to put together an album that we all felt good about.  For me, being able to get together with these guys was an honor, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of the process.

For More On Flood The Engine:

Official Website:  http://floodtheengine.com/

Flood The Engine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloodTheEngine

Album Reviews, Interview, Music

Vocalist John Elefante Discusses New Solo Album, Video and Kansas

ElefanteCoverSince the mid 1980’s, John Elefante has been forging his own path as a multi-award winning vocalist, producer and member of the band Mastedon. Elefante and his brother, Dino also founded the popular Sound Kitchen studio which became a hot spot for artists like Buddy Guy and Bruce Springsteen.

But Elefante is perhaps best known for his tenure as lead vocalist for the band Kansas in the early 80’s, contributing (among other things) the guitar driven song “Fight Fire With Fire” while performing alongside guitarists Richard Williams and Kerry Livgren.

Fans of the Kansas sound will be delighted to discover that Elefante’s new solo album, “On My Way to the Sun” showcases Williams’ guitar work (along with Kansas violinist David Ragsdale) on the roller coaster track “This Is How The Story Goes.” The album also features the song, “This Time” which Elefante wrote about his adopted daughter who was nearly aborted. The video for the song has since gone viral on You Tube.

I spoke with Elefante about his latest album and video. We also discuss how he joined Kansas and his most memorable moment with the band.

Tell me a little about the making of On My Way To The Sun.

The record industry has changed so much over the past few years that for this project I decided to hook up with Kickstarter. The cool thing about it is, your fans don’t give you money apprehensively. They’re glad to be a part of the project and that really inspired me. It was a team effort and I really wanted to deliver the best record I could.

You have Dave Cleveland doing a brunt of the guitar work on this record. What’s it like working with him?

Dave Cleveland is one of the most underrated guitar players in the world. He’s carved out a niche in the Christian market and is the go to guitar player for any style of music. I can’t say enough about him. He’s the most imaginative guy I’ve ever worked with.

Tell me how you recruited Kansas members Rich Williams and Dave Ragsdale for the song “This is How The Story Goes”.

Originally, I had sent the song to Phil Ehart (drums) and asked him if he’d like to play on it. Phil loved the song, but couldn’t commit because of a scheduling conflict. That’s when I decided to send it to Rich. He loved the song and then sent it to Dave, who also wanted to be a part of it. You have to admit, for a song that sounds a lot like Kansas by nature it becomes even more validated when you have a few of the guys in the band playing on it [laughs]. I really wanted one roller-coaster ride of a song that takes you on a journey, and this one was it.

What was the inspiration behind the song, “This Time”?

I wrote that song from a very honest point of view. It’s based on the true story of how my daughter came into the world. She was almost aborted and thank God she wasn’t. I was literally writing two lines at a time and singing it when I wrote it. The song just flowed line by line.

Were you aware of the controversial nature of the song as you wrote it?

When I sat down to write, there was never any intention of me writing a pro-life or anti-abortion song. But in telling the story, I had to write about how she almost didn’t come into the world. When you put the visual to it from the video, all of that stuff suddenly comes into play. The first week we had over 100,000 views. Comments on it were both good and bad, but that’s to be expected. People are passionate on both sides. But I believe in the sanctity of life, and this is my side of the story.

Tell me how you got into Kansas.

I was out in California trying to score a record deal when I heard that the singer in Kansas had left the band. So I called up my attorney and asked him what he thought about trying to get my demo to those guys. He says “Done”. I said “What do you mean, ‘done’?” Apparently, the attorney for Kansas was literally right in the next office. So my attorney walked my demo over to their attorney [laughs]. Next thing you know, I’m hearing from their manager. Everything all came together.

Kansas was one of the biggest bands back then. What was it like going to the “big time”?

Everything was happening so fast that I didn’t really have much time to think about it. I was concentrating on getting songs on the new record and putting my best vocal performances forward. Then, we immediately started rehearsing for a tour.

Elefante

Can you tell me the origin and meaning behind the song “Fight Fire With Fire”?

My parents had converted their garage into a studio and my brother and I used to spend hours and hours there. That’s where we wrote it. I think the whole song came together in about 45 minutes. The message behind it is “I’m not going to be a wimp about what I believe. I’m going to stand up and fight fire with fire”. It’s kind of the world we live in. Whenever the band plays it live now, they dedicate to the military, which is awesome. Everyone’s fighting for some kind of cause.

What’s your best memory of being in Kansas?

I remember we played this all day event in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was in a big stadium and there were probably around 50,000 people there. It was us and bands like Journey and REO Speedwagon. We were going on right as the sun was going down; the perfect time. I remember feeling like there was a competition going on, and I wanted to show everyone that Kansas was the best band there. Everything was perfect and the band was so on. I’ll never forget that day.

For more on John Elefante, check out his official website by clicking here!

Music

Boston’s Highly Anticpiated New Album Arrives in December

BostonThis December, BOSTON’s latest studio album, Life, Love & Hope will be released on Frontiers Records. More than a decade in the making, Life, Love & Hope features 11 tracks replete with the classic and beloved BOSTON sound, as well as the latest in the evolution of Tom Scholz’ musical artistry.

Diverse yet cohesive, this long-awaited album has something for everyone and will fulfill the expectations of existing fans, while exposing a new generation to one of rock and roll’s great acts. Scholz says, “These are songs from the heart, each of them taking many months of effort to write, arrange, perform and record, always up to the demands of BOSTON’s harshest critic, me. They have all been meticulously recorded to analog tape on the same machines and equipment used for BOSTON’s hits for the past 35 years.”

BOSTON burst onto the music scene with their eponymous best-selling debut album in 1976, and never looked back. With over 17 million copies sold, Boston generated hits such as “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Smokin’,” rock staples that are still in heavy rotation today. Their second effort, Don’t Look Back was another chart-topper that confirmed their place in rock history, followed by Third Stage, which hit #1 on the charts, with the top single of 1986, “Amanda.” With over 31 million albums sold to date, BOSTON’s music has stood the test of time, as evidenced by live BOSTON audiences that spans generations.

Life, Love & Hope includes lead vocals from Brad Delp and prodigy Tommy DeCarlo, as well as Kimberley Dahme, David Victor, and songwriter Scholz himself. This release features tracks that have the characteristic BOSTON trademark guitars, harmonies, and immaculately-crafted sound. “I intentionally stayed close to the early BOSTON style on some of the songs, even using the same amps and instruments; on others I let my imagination run wild,” says Scholz.

A beautiful full-color booklet with notes from Scholz and detailed song credits accompanies Life, Love & Hope, available now for pre-order on Amazon national shops in UK, Germany, Spain, France and Italy and all other fine retailers across Europe.

Life, Love & Hope tracklisting includes: Heaven on Earth; Didn’t Mean to Fall in Love; Last Day of School; Sail Away; Life, Love & Hope; If You Were in Love; Someday; Love Got Away; Someone (2.0); You Gave Up on Love (2.0); The Way You Look Tonight.

Interview, Movies and TV

Actress Jena Sims Discusses “Last Vegas”, Film Career and Charitable Work

jenaActress Jena Sims is a star on the rise. The beautiful Winder, Georgia native and 2007 Georgia Miss Teen USA has already racked up some impressive credits, having worked alongside Hollywood legends Roger Corman and John Landis.

On November 1st, Sims is set to share the big screen with Oscar winners Morgan Freeman, Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas and Kevin Kline in “Last Vegas”, a film which tells the story of four life long friends in their late 60’s who decide to have a soiree in Las Vegas to celebrate the last of them to get married.

Sims is perhaps best known for her performance as Cassie Stratford in the 2012 summer’s hit “Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader”, a role she was personally selected for by producer Roger Corman.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Sims about her film career and charitable work in this exclusive interview.

How would you describe the story of “Last Vegas”?

I like to think of it as kind of a geriatric version of “The Hangover” [laughs]. It’s a story about four older guys who go to Vegas for one last hoorah. Craziness ensues, but in the end, everyone comes together and has a great time. For me personally, it was amazing to be involved in a movie with so many Oscar winners. It’s a dream come true.

What can you tell me about your role as Abby in the film?

Abby is Jerry Ferrara’s (Entourage) love interest. Jerry has a side story in the film and Morgan Freeman’s character teaches him how to pick up a girl and flirt with her properly. I play the role of the girl that he courts.

Let’s discuss your role in “Attack of The 50 Foot Cheerleader”. What attracted you to that story?

The character had “me” written all over it. I was a huge nerd in high school and graduated near the top of my class. I was also involved in cheering and dance and joined a sorority when I went to college. So it was pretty much my life story, minus the whole growing thing of course [laughs]. It’s comedy, but In a way it’s an ugly duckling turns into a beautiful swan kind of story. It’s about finding yourself and where you belong and about being true to yourself.

What was the filming process like?

We shot for about two months in and around LA. It was a great experience and one of my favorite sets to be on. The younger members of the cast were all close in age so we all got along great and really bonded. We all still keep in touch with each other.

Was acting something you always wanted to do?

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be an actress. I used to watch soap operas on TV with my mom and remember thinking how beautiful the actresses were and wanting to be just like one of them. When I was around 15, I started competing in pageants and in 2007 was crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA which was televised nationally. It was my first taste of entertainment.

What other projects have you been working on?

Over the summer, I filmed “American Beach House”, which also stars Mischa Barton and Lorenzo Lamas. I’ve also finished a crime drama called “Kill The Messenger” which is based on a true story. It’s about cocaine smuggling in Nicaragua and the CIA’s role in it.

Currently, I’m working on a comedy with Jamie Kennedy called “Angel Investors” and in January, I’ll be heading to New York to film a horror project called “House of the Blood Sisters”.

Tell me a little about your charity work.

In 2006, I started my own charity called Pageant of Hope. It’s for kids who are facing challenges and ones who normally wouldn’t compete in pageants. We’ve been to Cuba, South Africa, Australia and all over the U.S with it as well. We crown every participant (both boy and girl) with different titles; like “Most Confidence” or “Most Vivacious”. The best part of all is that regardless of what title they receive, every kid leaves that day as a prince or a princess. It’s wonderful to be able to give something back.

For more on Jena Sims check out her website by clicking here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Kansas Guitarist Richard Williams Discusses Bands 40th Anniversary

Kansas 2013Forty years is a monumental amount of time for any band to be together, but for Kansas guitarist Richard Williams, the milestone event seems almost normal.

In addition to being an integral part of the success of Kansas — a band with record sales in excess of 15 million — Williams’ legacy includes being one of only two members of the band (drummer Phil Ehart being the other) to play on every Kansas album.

Even after four decades, Kansas shows no signs of slowing down. They plan to release a documentary in 2014 and continue to perform as many as 80 shows per year.

I recently spoke to Williams about the band’s milestone anniversary, their hits and his time working with guitarist Steve Morse.

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GUITAR WORLD: What can you attribute to the longevity of Kansas?

I think one of the key elements was being fortunate to have songs that have stood the test of time, like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” We have a catalog of songs that have become the fabric of American life for a lot of people. They’re solidified in history.

Read the rest of my interview with Richard Williams by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Dave Stewart Discusses New Solo Album “Lucky Numbers” and Eurythmics

Lucky NumbersLucky Numbers, guitarist Dave Stewart’s third solo album in as many years, is a well-crafted collection of songs adorned with key elements of blues, country and rock.

Recorded on a boat in the South Pacific with a core group of seasoned Nashville musicians, Lucky Numbers offers a window into the mind of a true modern-day storyteller.

Songs like “Every Single Night,” the album’s first single and music video, delve deep into the circuslike success Stewart achieved with singer Annie Lennox in Eurythmics. Tracks like “Satellite,” “Drugs Taught Me a Lesson” and “How to Ruin a Romance” provide an interesting perspective into Stewart’s personal pain.

I recently spoke with Stewart about the new album, his guitar work and some memorable moments he’s shared with Lennox.

GUITAR WORLD: What was the recording process like for Lucky Numbers?

In the past, I had recorded with players from Nashville at this great studio called Blackbird. This time, I decided to get them a bit shocked and like a fish out of water. So I pulled them out of Nashville and flew them to the South Pacific, where we went on a trip around Polynesia on a boat and recorded the whole album. We would literally all just be standing there in a circle looking at each other while we were recording. It was a very live experience.

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You can read the rest of my Guitar World interview with
Dave Stewart by Clicking Here.

Music

Guitarist Maxine Petrucci Pays Tribute to The Quatro Sisters with New Single, “Lost Girls”

maxine…“Club Hideout, Pleasure Seekers and Cradle, the Motor City mad mothers of rock!”…

Often times the Runaways are credited as being one of the first all-female rock acts, but those from the Motor City know differently.

Detroit guitarist Patti Quatro formed the all-female rock group, the Pleasure Seekers back in 1964, and the band played its first gig at the popular Detroit teen night club, the Hideout.

By 1968, the band was recognized as one of the earliest female rock groups to be signed to a major label, [Mercury Records]. Along with Patti, the original band included Suzi Quatro (bass), Nancy Ball (drums), Mary Lou Ball (guitar), and Diane Baker (keys).

In 1969, The Pleasure Seekers morphed into Cradle and in 1974, Patti Quatro joined another all-female rock group, Fanny.

“Patti was my inspiration as a guitar player,” says guitarist Maxine Petrucci. “It was actually Fanny and Cradle and then when I did my own study, I found out about the Pleasure Seekers. I am where I am today because of them.”

In 2012, Patti Quatro announced that she would be performing at the Detroit Music Awards as part of a tribute to the Quatro sisters. “I was so thrilled to hear about it,” says Petrucci. “I pretty much lost sleep over it. I couldn’t believe it was all resurfacing.”

Petrucci says their DMA performance was incredible and was the inspiration behind her new song ‘Lost Girls’.

“I wanted to give Detroit a big plug and acknowledge Cradle, Pleasure Seekers and the Quatro sisters for their work.” she says.

“Detroit rock city is still alive and well and this is our way of keeping the heart beating.”

For more on Maxine Petrucci check out her Facebook page by Clicking Here!

1980's, Music

Letters From Jan
Jan Kuehnemund (November 18, 1961 - October 10, 2013)
Jan Kuehnemund
(November 18, 1961 – October 10, 2013)

I was so sad to hear the news today that Vixen founder and guitarist Jan Kuehnemund had passed away after a battle with cancer.

As a metal head myself, whose never discriminated on the basis of sex, I’m proud to say that Vixen’s music was an integral part of my coming of age in the late 80’s.

Over the past few months, I have been extremely fortunate to have spoken with Vixen members Janet Gardner, Share Ross, Roxy Petrucci and Gina Stile. These ladies (along with Jan) produced some of the best hard rock music ever. For me to not only have the opportunity to interview them, but also actually meet them in person at this year’s M3 Festival (where they performed as JSRG) was nothing short of amazing.

Of course, (being a guitarist myself) I was incredibly interested in speaking with Jan. Jan’s guitar work inspired me right from that very first album. I didn’t even care that she was a girl who could run circles around me on the fret board. I wanted to pick her brain about guitars and songwriting. She’s a musical hero to me.

If you’ve read all of my articles with the girls of Vixen, then you’ve probably noticed that Jan Kuehnemund was the only member of the band that I didn’t interview. But what you may not know is that Jan was actually the very first member of Vixen I approached for an interview way back in July of 2012.

Sadly, Jan and I weren’t able to coordinate a date/time for an interview. But even though I was never able to confirm what I actually already knew about Jan the guitarist and Jan the songwriter; I still learned a lot about Jan the person just through our brief email correspondence.

Correspondence which I’ll now share here.

*

On July 2nd, 2012: I learned Jan was a humble person.

Hey Jim! Thank you very much for the invite to do an interview with you! I would be extremely honored!! Please let me know what your timeline or deadline might be, and let’s set it up! Looking forward to talking to you! Thanks again! Best regards, Jan K

*

On July 14th: I learned that Jan was an exciting and busy person.

Hi Jim –
I’m really looking forward to this, too!!
Will let you know when it’s not soo craaazee around here, so we can schedule something! (This past week has been really busy!)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and stay in touch! : ) – Jan

*

On October 12th, I learned that Jan was a caring person.

Hi Jim! I have not forgotten, and I was just thinking about YOU the other day!  Let me see how this next week and next weekend looks, and I’ll get back to you… Thanks very much for your patience! Have a great weekend, too! Best, Jan

*

The last time I heard from Jan was December 9th, when I learned that she was human and compassionate.

Hi James!

So sorry once again, for the delay.. I just lost my dog, so it’s been a real rough and sad time. I really, really DO want to speak with you, so I don’t want you to think I’m making excuses, because I am not!

Still no (recording) news, so would still like to have some specifics on some things when we do talk, so please continue to be patient for a little longer, and we will DO this!!!

I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving as well, and wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and happy holidays, just in case we don’t get to talk before Christmas!?!?

Please continue to keep in touch, and I thank you once again for your extreme patience!!! 🙂

Best,
Jan

Do I lament that Jan and I only had a brief email exchange and never actually connected for an “official” interview? Of course.

But I’ll take comfort in remembering Jan Kuehnemund as someone who not only inspired me to be a better guitarist, but also as someone who indirectly taught me how to be a better person.

Godspeed Jan!

Album Reviews, Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Lita Ford Discusses Her New Live Album, Gear and More

LitaLiveFollowing the success of her true comeback album, 2012’s Living Like a Runaway, Lita Ford took to the stage at LA’s Canyon Club to record a live performance as a gift to her fans.

The result is The Bitch is Back…Live, the new album from the reigning queen of hard rock and heavy metal.

In addition to live material from her latest studio release, The Bitch is Back also digs deep into Ford’s catalog, showcasing songs from Out for Blood, Dancin’ on the Edge and 1988’s monster album, Lita.

Ford is hard at work on her biography [set for release in 2014] as well as becoming an advocate for Parental Alienation Awareness. I recently spoke with her about the live album, her current setup and an encounter she once had with Led Zeppelin.

GUITAR WORLD: What made you decide to do this live album?

It was kind of spur of the moment. After we did the tour with Def Leppard and Poison [in 2012], I really wanted to give something back. So we jumped into this club in LA, mic’d up the room and recorded it. It’s really a gift to the fans. Everything came together like magic and I’m very happy with it.

Lita Ford (Photo: Kitty Rossander)
Lita Ford (Photo: Kitty Rossander)

Check out the rest of my Guitar World interview with Lita Ford by Clicking Here.

Childhood Memories, Life, Thought and Opinion

Birthday Reflections At 44

BirthdayCakeToday is October 5th, 2013: My 44th birthday.

Truth be told, it’s sometimes hard to believe that I’ve made it this far. Especially when you consider the fact that it was only yesterday when I was the youthful teenager laughing hysterically at my parents for being in their 40’s.

I suppose there’s a certain sense of immortality you have when you’re younger that lets you make fun of your elder’s age without fear of retribution (or karma ever catching up with you).

Little did I know.

When we’re young, the whole world seems to be filled with endless possibility, and I was one of those kids who couldn’t wait for the chance to break free and start my future. The only problem was, that future always seemed like it would never get here.

Last night, I stumbled upon my 1980 Easton Area Middle School ID Badge under a pile of old memories and immediately recalled the day I first received it. Although I didn’t care much for the goofy grinning picture of myself on the front, I do remember it was what was printed on the back of the worn, laminated card that really caught my attention.

For the first time, I saw the words “YR GRAD-87” and believed that the year of my high school graduation (1987) was so very far away. To this shy, cheesy-grinned, eleven-year old boy, seven years seemed like seventy and the idea of me one day living in the year 2000 was equivalent to being in a Star Wars movie. It was impossible for me to even comprehend it ever happening.

idcard

Fast forward, and here I am celebrating a birthday twenty-six years post graduation and nearly fourteen years beyond 2000. A brand new century. When did I close my eyes and wake up a middle-aged man? Back in 1980, it seemed like all I had was time and now, it sometimes feels like time is running out. Why just the other day, I was given the sad news about a high school classmate who had unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 43.

doodlecIf what you’ve read so far sounds a bit depressing or makes you feel old, I apologize. This post wasn’t meant to bum you out.

On the contrary, 2013 has actually been one of the best years of my life. In just these last few months I’ve been able to accomplish something I’ve always wanted to do with a dear friend – write and publish my very first book.

In addition to that, I’ve had the opportunity to interview and write articles with many of the artists and performers I admire most. A pipe dream for the little boy you see in the above picture.

I’ve also made a conscious decision to start doing something different for my birthday every year. Beginning this October, I’ll be using my age number as a benchmark to do something to help others in some way. This year, I decided to use the equivalent of my age (44) in dollars and use it to hopefully put a smile on a sick child’s face.

Who knows, maybe next year I’ll take the “45” and divide it up into hours; donating my time over the course of the month to volunteering or raising money for charity. Then maybe at “46” I’ll donate forty-six signed copies of my #1 New York Times Bestseller (hey, it could happen) to a charity auction. Nothing is too small and anything is something.

Which got me to thinking, what if every one of us did something similar? How about instead of just receiving well wishes and birthday cards for making it through another year, what if every person used their own special day as an opportunity to do something for the greater good? Instead of making it a day all about ourselves, what if we made part of our day about helping someone else? One day set aside that you’ll always remember (I mean, how could you forget? After all, it IS your birthday). What better feeling can there possibly be than knowing you made this world a better place, and did it on the day you were born!

Here are some ideas of things you can do to really “celebrate” your birthday:

1. Volunteer a few hours of your time at a local food bank/soup kitchen/animal shelter.

2. Walk (or run) in a marathon to raise money for research.

3. Spend part of your day gathering up unused clothing to donate to a needy family.

According to my calculations, most good work would be done on September 16th (the most common birthday) and the least, February 29th (leap year).

As for me? Well, you can add candle #44 to that birthday cake. This year, I’d like us all to imagine a world where someone is doing something to help someone else, every single day of the year.

Impossible? Maybe. But then again, that’s what I used to think about 1987 and 2000 too.