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Join us on May 30th at 2:00pm PST for an exciting extended special with Arlene Radasky the author of The Fox, Collin Earl the author of The House of Grey and Podiobooks.com’s man behind the scenes Chris Miller on how pod-novels are changing education and helping the disabled.  

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1) First song “Empty Need” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

Hello, I’m Mike McNicholas, and welcome to “The Estrogen Overdose Radio Show” on BlogTalkRadio.com

The goal of this show is to shine a light on up-and-coming female singer-songwriters.

Future shows will have a mix of different groups and singers, but before I can play any music, I have to get the permission of the copyright holders of those songs.

The song you just heard is called “Empty Need” by The Jennifer Jennings Band, based out of Chicago.

Today, I’m going to feature songs from The Jennifer Jennings Band, also known as JJB to their fans.

“Empty Need” is the lead track on their new CD entitled “All the Pieces”.

Here’s the second song on the CD called “Not That Way”

2) Second song “Not That Way” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

That’s the Jennifer Jennings Band with their song “Not That Way” off their CD “All The Pieces”.  I’m looking at their website at www.thejenniferjenningsband.com and I’m reading a review by the Illinois Entertainer, where the reviewer gets a kick out of Jennifer’s lyrics to this song.  I emailed Jennifer to let her know I was featuring her songs today, and she made it clear that this song was not autobiographical.

I was blown away by this next song called “Nothing is Certain” – I can definitely hear this song being used in a very emotional part of a romantic movie. Here  is “Nothing Is Certain” by the Jennifer Jennings Band.

3) Third song “Nothing is Certain” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

Feel free to call in and comment if you like.  I hope you’re enjoying the music as much as I am.  I’m featuring the music of The Jennifer Jennings Band today.  In the future, I will play other artists that give me permission.  I’m still looking at JJB’s website and there are some very impressive reviews – one describing The Jennifer Jennings Band as “Sheryl Crow meets the Allman Brothers”. 

This next song I think epitomizes that, it’s called “If I Ever Fall”.  This is definitely a “roll down the windows of your car or house and crank it up” type of song.

4) Fourth song “If I Ever Fall” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

That was “If I Ever Fall” by The Jennifer Jennings Band.  If anyone listening out there lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago – then chances are good you’ve been to an Irish pub called Durty Nellies in Palatine, IL.  The new Durty Nellies is beautiful – it reminds me of The House of Blues in size and décor.  But the old Durty Nellies is greatly missed by the music fans that used to hang out there.  It was jammed every night with people that loved to hear live music - and there was a band called Burnt Toast that played there about twice a month for 10 years straight.  Anyway, Jennifer Jennings, who we are featuring today, was a founding member of Burnt Toast, who still occasionally reunites for a gig every now and then.  So, while I’m feeling nostalgic, I thought I’d play a song from Jennifer’s first solo CD called “Twenty Houses” which was released several years ago.  This song is rocker called “Here in the Darkness”.

5) Fifth song “Here In The Darkness” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

That was “Here In the Darkness” from Jennifer’s first CD “Twenty Houses”.  Her name on that CD is Jennifer Onesto.  Since then, Jennifer has married and now has formed a new exciting band called The Jennifer Jennings Band.  The bass player in JJB is James DiGirolamo.  This next song is called “Don’t Cry On Me” and when you hear the opening bass riff, I think it will be obvious to you that he co-wrote this song with Jennifer.  Check it out.

6) Sixth song “Don’t Cry On Me” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

That was “Don’t Cry On Me” from the “All The Pieces” CD by The Jennifer Jennings Band.  I was impressed with this CD because of the musicianship and with Jennifer’s vocals and songwriting.  This next irresistible love song “I’ve Gotta Feelin”  is a genuine contender to top the country charts.

7) Seventh song “I’ve Gotta Feelin” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

That was “I’ve Gotta Feelin” featuring Dave Menet and Mike Aquino trading guitar leads.
This next song "History's Daughter" by The Jennifer Jennings Band was inspired by the book "History's Daughter" by Maire MacSwiney Brugha, who was the daughter of Terence MacSwiney, the Irish revolutionary, who in 1920, died in a British prison after a 73 day hunger strike. His sacrifice caught the attention of the world, and in 1921, Ireland (at least the South) attained its independence.  Jennifer read the book and was so moved by it that she wrote a song about it.  So, here’s “History’s Daughter”

8) Eighth song “History’s Daughter” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

I exchanged quite a few emails with Jennifer Jennings when I decided to feature her on my inaugural show.  She told me this next song was inspired by watching a Jerry Springer show.  It kind of has a white trash thing going on it as you’ll hear – it’s called “Family Reunion”

9) Ninth song “Family Reunion” by the Jennifer Jennings Band
“I want to be the Mother of your Brother’s child”.  I love it – that should be Jerry Springer’s theme song.  Once again, I’m going to go back a few years to Jennifer’s first CD and play a very cool song called “Answers”

10) Tenth song “Answers” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

That was “Answers” from Jennifer’s first CD called “Twenty Houses”.  You can find out more about that CD from thejenniferjenningsband.com website.

This next song could be a huge hit on the Disney channel.  Miley Cyrus should give this one a listen – it’s called “Mind Over Matter”.

11) Eleventh song “Mind Over Matter” by the Jennifer Jennings Band
I want to thank you for listening to my first “Estrogen Overdose” show on BlogTalkRadio.com – I am Mike McNicholas.

Please keep an ear out for future shows where I plan on including a lot more up-and-coming female artists.

I’m going to finish with a song from The Jennifer Jennings Band called “Miles Away”.   Take care.

12) Twelfth song “Miles Away” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

13) Thirteenth song “Isn’t It Funny” by the Jennifer Jennings Band

The Energy of Life begins with an explanation of the many types of energy.  We all know about energy that is in electricity, fuel for cars, and in many other forms. Few people now about the other types of energy that are also in their daily lives. The other types of energies are of the mind, body, and soul.

Personal Energy the 2nd chapter is about your own personal power. We are all born with it and can use it; many have forgotten what it is and how to use it. Many in this world do not understand their personal energy or how to use it. Often it is not realized that personal power is connected to the spiritual world. The energy is available to everyone and it comes directly from the Universe.

There are many people of the earth plane who take our energy from us. They are referred to by Margaret as “Energy Vampires” in the 3rd chapter. Energy Vampires cannot produce their own energy and must find others to supply them with energy. Have you ever been around people that constantly complain and make you feel miserable?

Margaret talks about negative energy and its amazing powers in chapter four. Our thoughts are energy and negative thoughts use up a great part of our daily energy supply. By becoming aware of negative energy in our lives much of our energy can be saved and used for more positive things such as manifesting and being happier. Negative energy is also in many other forms that we are involved with such as people, places, and things.

An often overlooked type of energy is sexual energy. In the 5th chapter Margaret says “We were created as sexual beings and were meant to use it on a regular basis”. It is a wonderful energy and many are not aware of how important the sexual energy is. When used correctly, sexual energy can bring back youth and vigor that will increase the life span of us all.

Chapter six, Other Energies, explains the energies of inanimate objects such as your house, car, or place of work. If these objects do not have the right type of energy they can cause difficulties in your life. Margaret recalls her experiences with neighbors, clearing negative energies within houses. Negative energy can actually seep into inanimate objects causing those around to be effected by this energy in many ways.

The Energy of Sound chapter seven, Margaret explains how sound can be disruptive or used to assist us in relaxing and healing. Different sounds and types of music effect people in different ways. For some the sounds of a waterfall, running water, or a fountain can be relaxing. Sound is energy that is created either within us by spirit or outside of us in a different form.

In chapter 8, Past Life Energy, Margaret talks about how we spend 80% of our lives in past life energy. Past life energy is old energy that we are living with today. In each incarnation we bring with us all unfinished business plus our life plan for this life. Together these two energies combine into a powder keg of energy ready to go off, and we are unaware of it. Margaret explains quite a lot about past life energy in this chapter.

All thought is energy begins the ninth chapter about Positive Energy. Thoughts are just one form of positive energy, Crystals, Affirmations, Aura Soma, Feng Shui, Aromatherapy, Flower Essences, and many other types of positive energies are revealed in this chapter.

Chapter 10, Energy Channel and Chapter 11 New Energy – New Learning complete The Energies of life. In both chapters Margaret continues her explanation about these energies tells her about her own experiences with these energies and adds some new twists from her latest experiences in her life.

The Energy of Life is now available in both EBook format and a soft cover version. I truly enjoyed this book from Margaret McElroy and I would recommend it to men, women and children. There  is a great wealth of knowledge and information  to be gained from The Energies of Life.

IN GOOD TIMES The pop stars Rihanna and Chris Brown before he was arrested.

By JAN HOFFMAN

Published: March 18, 2009

IN the hallway of Hostos-Lincoln Academy in the Bronx this week, two ninth-grade girls discussed the pop singer Chris Brown, 19, who faces two felony charges for allegedly beating his girlfriend, the pop singer Rihanna, 21. At first, neither girl had believed Mr. Brown, an endearing crooner, could have done such a thing.

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For more information about intervention and counseling about dating violence among teenagers:

The National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline

Day One: a legal representation and advice organization for young people in New York City.

A campaign with videos and "callout cards" to help teenagers fend off digital harrassment.

"Love Doesn't Have To Hurt Teens," from the American Psychological Association.

From Liz Claiborne Inc., which sponsored research on adolescent dating relationships.

Resources to Help Families and Teens Prevent or Stop Abuse

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Two fans show their support for Chris Brown outside the courthouse in Los Angeles.

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“I thought she was lying, or that the tabloids were making it up,” one girl said.

Even after they saw a photo of Rihanna’s bloodied, bruised face, which had raced across the Internet, they still defended Mr. Brown. “She probably made him mad for him to react like that,” the other ninth grader said. “You know, like, bring it on?”

The girls agreed that Mr. Brown overreacted. According to court documents, the fight last month erupted after Rihanna read a text message to Mr. Brown from another woman. Mr. Brown, the affidavit said, then punched, bit and choked her.

Should he be punished? No, said the girls, whose names were withheld at the request of the school. After all, they said, Rihanna seemed to have reconciled with Mr. Brown.

“So he shouldn’t get into trouble if she doesn’t feel that way,” one girl said. “She probably feels bad that it was her fault, so she took him back.”

Her friend nodded. “I don’t think he’ll hit her like that again,” she said.

On blogs and social networking sites, teenagers are having an e-shouting match about this highly publicized episode — perhaps the first time their generation has been compelled to think aloud about dating violence.

And what may be surprising is the level of support for Mr. Brown. While thousands of teenagers have certainly turned on Mr. Brown, many others — regardless of race or gender — defend him, often at Rihanna’s expense.

In a recent survey of 200 teenagers by the Boston Public Health Commission, 46 percent said Rihanna was responsible for what happened; 52 percent said both bore responsibility, despite knowing that Rihanna’s injuries required hospital treatment. On a Facebook discussion, one girl wrote, “she probly ran into a door and was too embarrassed so blamed it on chris.”

This reaction has alarmed parents and professionals who work with teenagers, and Oprah Winfrey was prompted to address violence in teenage relationships on her show. Boys who condone Mr. Brown’s behavior disappoint, but don’t shock Marcyliena Morgan, executive director of Harvard’s hip-hop archive. “But it’s the girls!” she said. “Where have we gone wrong here?”

Underneath harsh, judgmental bravado, teenage girls themselves seem perplexed by the unfolding story, whipsawed by allegiance to their celebrities, fantasies about romantic relationships, and the terrifying mysteries of intimate violence — the savagery of the beating as well as the speed with which Rihanna apparently agreed to see him again.

Mimi Valdés Ryan, former editor in chief of Vibe magazine and the one who put Chris Brown on the cover in 2006, said the defense of him by so many young girls can be understood in part because they are adoring fans.

Even before this incident, Mr. Brown’s core fans didn’t like Rihanna, said Ms. Valdés Ryan, now editor in chief of Latina, a magazine for young women. “His posters are on the bedroom wall, the last face they see before they sleep,” she said. “They’re feeling, ‘Why is he with her, not with me?’  ”

As word of the incident spread, girls could not believe he could wreak such violence, she said. After all, sweet Chris Breezy — his nickname — even appeared in a music video with Elmo of “Sesame Street.” Acknowledging his attack would make them feel vulnerable: How could they have a crush on someone who could do that? It was less terrifying to blame Rihanna.

Many girls interpreted every new detail through a lens of forgiveness, Ms. Valdés Ryan said. When video emerged of Mr. Brown describing abuse suffered by his mother, many commented that Mr. Brown, of all people, should have restrained himself. But his fans, Ms. Valdés Ryan said, turned the information around: “They feel bad for him,” she said. “It’s not his fault, he doesn’t know better. We need not judge him.”

Many observers familiar with adolescent impulsivity say the rush-to-judgment also reflects a developmental stage. “What they feel in the morning can be different from what they feel in the evening,” said Esta Soler of the Family Violence Prevention Fund in San Francisco. “It’s very fluid.”

More Articles in Fashion & Style » A version of this article appeared in print on March 19, 2009, on page E1 of the New York edition.

Click here to enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Times for less than $1 a day.

Rihanna | Chris Brown. Teenager and Domestic Violence

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The CDC Web site says: “the suffering that many people associate with this condition is best addressed by a careful, objective scientific analysis. Considering the complexity of this condition, we believe that a measured and thorough approach offers the best chance for finding useful answers.”

The agency awarded a contract to Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Division of Research to assist in the investigation. The $545,000 study is being designed and led by CDC, moved to action after inquiries from the public, health care providers, public health officials, Congress, and news media, according to the agency.

Celebrities also get the disease; singer Joni Mitchell last week told Billboard magazine that she is being treated for the illness.
Doctors who believe the disease exists say it may be an syndrome that thrives in people with compromised immune systems. At least one researcher has been studying the condition for years.

Randy Wymore, an assistant professor of pharmacology and physiology who directs the Center for the Investigation of Morgellons Disease at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, has been examining the “fibers” that seem to sprout from patients’ skin lesions.

Although many doctors insist the fibers are merely bits of clothing fabric stuck to patients’ scabs, Wymore found that samples from patients hundreds of miles apart were similar and were not known textile fibers. He said the “black spots” called “seeds” by some patients aren’t pepper grains, as some dermatologists have assumed.

Wymore could not immediately be reached for comment, but in an interview with the Reno Gazette-Journal last year he said that Morgellons is a real disease and patients’ suffering is made worse by doctors’ disbelief.
He said some self-diagnosed Morgellons patients may be delusional but others definitely have the disease.
Yet, there is no accepted universal treatment or cure. Many patients find they are on their own.

“It’s a lonely, isolated existence,” said Mel Friedman, a Reno man who said he used two drugs and three homeopathic remedies to successfully treat the disease. “You find out who your friends are. Because no one knows how it spreads, some people won’t get anywhere near you.”

He said he hopes the CDC study bears fruit but doesn’t have a lot of faith in the agency’s ability to solve the medical mystery. He sees it as a plodding bureaucracy and part of the medical establishment that denies the illness exists.

But his doctor, Shannon Zamboni, said she’s glad the federal agency is taking the disease seriously.
“Doctors want to help patients,” she said. “But they can’t do that if they don’t know what’s happening to them.”