Dah-lings, I'm here in Hollywood, hobnobbing with all of the other famous people. 🙂 Of course, one thing I have always loved about being a voice-over actor is that you really can be famous and completely anonymous at the same time!

I was delighted when I realized that I would be flying to Los Angeles today of all days. Today, 17 June 2006, just happens to be Barry Manilow's 63rd birthday. You may think that he is just a legendary singer/producer/arranger/composer with millions of fans and record sales, not to mention an all-around nice guy. However, I invite you to read the page on my web site for his inspirational advice to singers, voice-over talent and anyone who must perform for a living.

I suppose you might think I am starstruck since I have seen Barry Manilow in concert (gasp) 49 times. I'm convinced that people become fixated on celebrities when something is missing in their own lives. Barry brought music back to my life, and he was one of the catalysts to my pursuing my voice-over career. It's no wonder that I would seek him out on his birthday, especially since I don't live in California. How often would I get the chance be around a bona fide star?

Before I continue, I should probably tell you that, even though I was thrilled to touch my favorite star, the cops were never called. In fact, I think I did a favor for him as I brushed away some dirt that had smudged the face of that magnificent star. Still, you should be prepared for the graphic pictures that follow. They are not suitable for everyone. Consider yourself warned!

Was Charles Dickens really writing about the French Revolution in his novel A Tale of Two Cities, or could he perhaps have been writing a prediction about my move of my domain name to a new web host?

It was the best of times because I have a new web site. Along with a new design, the site contains updated demos, pictures of my beautiful new studio with its stunning Parisian theme and testimonials, as well as expanded informational content. It was the worst of times because the site design has been completed for some time, but I haven't been able to launch the site. My main domain karencommins.com still points to Earthlink's servers, while the new site can be previewed under either the KarenCommins.com or KarenVoices.com domains on 1and1.com servers. If you have clicked the logo on my blog, you have already seen the new site.