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Sunday 30 December 2007

New Audio Blog

Allison Waldman has sent her 2nd audio blog to BarbraNews.

Copy this into your browser: http://www.barbranews.com/25DecAlly.mp3

Thanks to Allison for doing this!!

Friday 21 December 2007

New Audio 'Byte'.

Can You Hear Me? Can You Hear Me?

Allison J. Waldman

No, I don't need emotion. Well, yes I do, but that's not what I need right now. Right now, I need you're attention, dear Barbra buddies. The Barbra Byte is changing! Instead of reading what I have to say about Barbra -- those memories, insights and comments that hopefully amuse and inform you all -- the Barbra Byte from now on will be in live audio! Sort of like a podcast, the Barbra Byte will continue the tradition started here on BarbraNews.com a few short years ago -- thank you, Craig for the netspace -- only now you can hear me speaking directly to all of you.

I hope you enjoy this Barbra Byte, which I'm calling, "Be Aware" -- and check back soon for more audio Barbra Bytes. There will definitely be a new one in time for the New Year! Till then, happy holidays, everyone!

Put this address into your web browser, to hear the audio:
http://www.barbranews.com/allisonbyteaudio.mp3

Happy Days,
Allison J. Waldman

Wednesday 19 December 2007

Barbra Inducted Into GRAMMY Hall Of Fame

The Recording Academy® announced the newest additions to its GRAMMY Hall Of Fame®, adding 70 recordings to a timeless list that now includes 798 titles. The Hall Of Fame serves as a celebration and reminder of the triumphs and achievements of the recording arts. Selections are drawn from all categories of music, acknowledging the diversity of musical expression for which The Recording Academy has become renowned.

Barbra is one of the artists to be included.

Tuesday 11 December 2007

CORRECTION

I'd like to draw your attention to a correction in the Sally Kirkland Interview from 2002. We quoted Karen Swenson's 'The Second Decade' book, and said there was a story about Barbra throwing Sally Kirkland in the pool. Infact, the book describes how Barbra jumped in the pool – and taunted Sally to follow -- something which Sally, in retrospect, thought very impulsive and a very Juliet-like thing to do because it forced her to act maternal in response. We'd like to apologize for asking a question which was misleading to Ms. Kirkland.

Also – in the same interview, Sally described how Barbra is deaf in one ear. We can strongly deny this claim. To the contrary, Barbra has been tested to have nearly supersonic hearing.

BarbraNews does extensive research before interviewing – and I'd like to apologise for the lengthy delay in updating this. The Kirkland interview was one of my first -- and I'm sure you'll agree that the recent interviews (Jay Landers, Richard Jay-Alexander) are far more superior.

The interview will be updated very soon with the correct information.

Monday 10 December 2007

A Barbra Love Story

Congratulations to Roddy and Sandy from The Barbra Streisand Message Board!!

They both met on the message board in May of this year -- and then met in person in Dublin (for Barbra's first Irish Concert). "They started over coffee... started out as friends!". They have been dating ever since -- and are due to move in with each other in Scotland!

Congratulations from myself -- and everyone at BarbraNews!!

Thursday 6 December 2007

The Barbra Streisand Wine Club




Click here
(and then search Streisand)

Barbra Streisand Official Wine Club

Join the one and only Official BARBRA STREISAND Wine Club!

• NO membership fee!

• Club members receive two bottles of premium BARBRA STREISAND label wines every other month.

• Each shipment includes two bottles (one red/one white) from our boutique collection of wines.

• Wine varieties are carefully selected for you, and will differ for each club shipment (varieties include Cabernet, Chardonnay, Syrah and more…).

• Club members receive 15% off ALL Celebrity Cellars wines, including collectible etched bottles!! (Excludes Wine Clubs)

• Members also receive advance notice and exclusive access to pre-orders of special wine releases and etched wine collections!

• The cost is $59.50 (plus tax and shipping.) That’s a savings of over $10.00 per shipment, just for being a club member!

• By joining, you simply agree to accept the first three shipments. (Processed when your order is shipped every other month)

• NO additional costs or hidden charges!! After three shipments, your club order is automatically processed, unless you choose to cancel your membership.

• Pre-Order BARBRA STREISAND Wines Today!
 BARBRA STREISAND Special Collection wines have a GUARANTEED SHIP DATE of December 10th.

Image is a temporary illustration of the actual product.

$59.50

Click here -- and then search 'Streisand'

-or-

This is a unique, hand etched and painted collectible version of the now famous Streisand poster showcasing an elegant Barbra in the midst of performance and bathed in the spotlight.
The wine itself is a 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offering up subtle notes of cassis, black cherry, currants and chocolate. Very dark ruby-purple in color, it is a richly textured wine with ripe flavors of sweet cherry, plum and cassis. Slight earthy notes of tobacco, coffee and cedar combine with firm tannins and a subtle framework of oak to complete this delicious wine. Though enjoyable at present, this classic wine has the structure and intensity to improve with aging.

Barbra's Grammy Nomination

Barbra Streisand has garnered her 39th Grammy Nomination this morning -- as her 62nd album "Live In Concert 2006" was nominated in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category. The album was released on May 8th. Her last nomination was in 2003 for "The Movie Album".

Good luck Barbra!

Click here to order a copy of this album.

Tuesday 4 December 2007

Barbra's Concert DVD Coming Soon

BarbraNews has been assured that Barbra's Live In Concert 2006 DVD will be released in the first quarter of 2008. Not long to wait. I'll have news on Track Listing + Cover Art soon.

Thursday 29 November 2007

Barbra Streisand Endorses Hillary Clinton

Legendary filmmaker, artist, and Democratic activist, Barbra Streisand, today endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. Streisand cited Clinton's ability to bring about change and the historic nature of her campaign as reasons why she is supporting Hillary's candidacy.

"Madame President of the United States...it's an extraordinary thought. We truly are in a momentous time, where a woman's potential has no limitations," said Streisand. "Hillary Clinton has already proven to a generation of women that there are no limits for success. She is driven by her passion for public service and her belief in the enormous potential of our country. Smart, capable and strong in her convictions, Hillary has transcended the dictates of what is thought to be possible for our time.

"Hillary is a powerful voice for change as we find our country at an important crossroads. Under her leadership, our country will regain its respect within the global community. She will prioritize issues of global climate change, universal healthcare and rebuilding a strong economy. After 8 long years, the public will once again have faith in their government.

"Another former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, 'In government, in business, and in the professions there may be a day when women will be looked upon as persons. We are, however, far from that day as yet.' More than 50 years later 'that day' is now upon us...and Hillary Clinton is ready to shatter through that glass ceiling for all women."

Streisand has been working on behalf of Democratic candidates for over forty years, performing at fundraisers and participating in campaign events. In addition, the Streisand Foundation has raised millions for causes including the environment, women's equality as well as human and civil rights and liberties.

"I'm honored to have Barbra's support," said Clinton. "Barbra has used her immense talent to be an advocate for truth, justice, and fairness and I deeply appreciate her confidence in my candidacy as we work together to change the direction of our nation."

Barbra Streisand is a singer, theatre and film actress, composer, film producer and director. She has won Oscars for Best Actress and Best Original Song as well as multiple Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards. She is considered one of the most commercially and critically successful female entertainers in modern history.

Sunday 18 November 2007

Barbra Performs In Vegas.

Barbra Streisand performed in the Theatre of Performing Arts in the Casino and Earth Wind and Fire during the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Gala Grand opening on last night (Saturday), in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was an exact year ago, to the week -- that Barbra performed at the MGM Grand in Vegas, as part of her recording breaking 2006 US/Canada Tour.

Barbra performed 9 songs in total -- all taken from her 2006 / 2007 set lists -- including The Way We Were, Come Rain Or Come Shine, Funny Girl Medley (inc. My Man / Funny Girl) and Evergreen.

The previous night, Barbra attended a show -- here is a report sent into BarbraNews:

Last night, Barbra attended the 10pm performace of Cirque du Soleil's The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage. Her party included Jim, Marty Hom, Richard Jay Alexander, Jay Landers, Renata (so super nice! I wasn't expecting her to have an accent, where is she from?), and a woman named Kendall. I had the priviledge of meeting her car and walking the group to their seats! It was amazing!

She was so much taller than I had expected. Sweet, polite, interested, and excited are all words I would use to describe her demenor. She had absolutley no makeup on and looked fabulous. Everyone was commenting on how fantastic she looked. (And I know this is weird, but she smelled great too!!) I think she could tell I was nervous, because as she was walking next to me, she but her arm around my shoulder and said "thanks for assisting us cutie!". I almost died.

I brought her a small bottle of Pellegrino, which she enjoyed. She travels with a super cute boy named John. He is her security for the past 3 years. It's all still super surreal. After the show, she stopped to take a few pictures with cast members. She couldn't stop raving about how much she loved LOVE!


More coming soon.




In this photo provided by Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, celebrities meet with Barbra Streisand following her private performance for the grand opening of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007. Pictured, back row left to right, Sylvester Stallone, James Brolin, Tracey Edmonds, Bruce Willis, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Spacey, Ashton Kutcher. Front row left to right, Rhea Perman, Danny DeVito, Barbra Streisand, and Demi Moore.

Monday 12 November 2007

Josh Brolin on Step Mom, Streisand.

Josh Brolin talks about his relationship with Barbra -- his stepmom.

...I have a wonderful relationship with her. It’s a very friendly one. She’s a very curious soul. She asks a lot of questions. She’s very interested in people. When you’re given the gift that she has, I can’t imagine that you’re treated humanly very often. It’s always, “This” instead of “Just this.” She’s a wonderful lady. I am happy for both of them (Barbra and father)."

Exclusive Streisand Photos In New Book


Book Description
Schapiro’s Heroes brings together an extraordinary collection of stories in photo-journalistic tradition of people who have shaped our lives, our politics, and our tastes by the celebrated documentarian Steve Schapiro. In behind-the-scenes photographs, we visit the young Muhammad Ali and his Monopoly set, followed everywhere by the neighborhood kids; glimpse the warm family life and campaign of Robert Kennedy, who was so suddenly struck down; see Andy Warhol in photographs never before published; watch Ray Charles perform; visit the set with Samuel Beckett; and march alongside Martin Luther King Jr. One of the most respected American documentary photographers, Steve Schapiro has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His heroes are the iconic men and women who have influenced the political and cultural climate of our times. Schapiro’s Heroes is a rare and intimate glimpse of a major period of American history, photographed during the golden age of photojournalism by one of the major talents of the late twentieth century.

About the Author
Steve Schapiro has photographed cover stories for most of the world’s most prominent magazines, including Life, Look, Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, People, and Paris Match. He photographed on set for The Godfather, Midnight Cowboy, Taxi Driver, and Chinatown. His work is in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Institute. His previous book, American Edge (Arena, 2000), was recognized for excellence by The Los Angeles Times, Newsday, and other publications. Schapiro is represented by Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles. David Friend, Vanity Fair’s editor of creative development and formerly Life’s director of photography, is the author of Watching the World Change: The Stories Behind the Images of 9/11 (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006).

Click here to order

Friday 9 November 2007

Barbra Lends Support to Fire Victims

Super-investor Ron Burkle hosted an event at his historic Beverly Hills estate.
By Tina Daunt, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
November 9, 2007


The billionaire hosted the gathering, an intimate affair with a small group of his richest and most famous friends -- the kind of people you can count on in a crisis.

There was a former president, a princess, a diva, a rock star, a famous local quarterback and the one-time king of the NBA court.

They began arriving around 4 p.m. Saturday at super-investor Ron Burkle's historic Beverly Hills estate, Green Acres. The cause that brought them together was a serious one and a little closer to home than most: the wildfires that swept through Southern California, leaving thousands of people homeless and in need. Burkle and company wanted to lend a hand.

The guests, about 50 in all, were greeted by a doorman and guided down a windowed hallway to Burkle's living room, ball-room-sized with paneled walls, plush couches and bright David Hockney paintings. The California Highway Patrol's dignitary detail kept watch near the main gate outside.

This was about as exclusive as a Hollywood get-together gets -- power, money, talent with a focus.

Former President Bill Clinton, the guest of honor, worked his way through the crowd, shaking hands and giving out hugs to people who have become old friends. Barbra Streisand, wearing a black beret, took a seat on the couch.

Laker legend Magic Johnson, towering over everyone else, mingled in the back. Anthony Kiedis, the lead singer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, stood next to his girlfriend as she rocked their newborn baby.

One-time USC quarterback Rodney Peete was there, as was a Saudi princess, who arrived with socialite Daphna Ziman.

There was casual conversation for about half an hour, then onto the raison d'être: raising money to help those who had lost everything in the fire. Clinton took center stage.

"Because of the nature of a disaster of this magnitude, there will be significant gaps in assistance," he told the group. "Even people with insurance will be in need."

In recent weeks, a number of celebs have stepped forward to help. Pop star Gwen Stefani donated ticket proceeds from her recent San Diego show to fire victims.

Members of the Eagles donated $50,000 to firefighters, as did members of the local superstar band Linkin Park. Madonna, Green Day and others have donated autographed items to be auctioned on EBay. (www).

Clinton, who was making a sweep through town on behalf of his wife's presidential campaign, told the crowd at Burkle's house that "we didn't feel right about coming out [to Southern California] without doing something to help those who have been hurt" by the disaster.

He read from an article offering suggestions on preventing wildfires. One recommendation: put the electrical lines underground, Clinton told the crowd. (Streisand, a longtime resident of Malibu, responded with a resounding "yes!")

By 5:30 p.m, the Burkle event was wrapping up. Nearly $300,000 had been raised for the San Diego Foundation, a group that has been assisting fire victims for years.

"They need help in repairing their lives and getting back to some sense of normalcy," said Johnson, a longtime friend of the Clintons. (He recently had a fundraiser for Hillary at his Beverly Park home that brought in more than $500,000 for the senator's presidential campaign and rallied black support in Hollywood.)

As Johnson spoke, Clinton came up behind him and tapped him on the arm. They embraced, and the former president said, "I love you, man. I'll never forget what you did for her."

Johnson caught his breath as the former president walked away.

"Hillary is great," Johnson said. "She's a leader and the smartest person in this race."

And with that, Johnson sighed. "I've got to go. Cookie [Johnson's wife] is waiting for me."

Wednesday 31 October 2007

Barbra To Perform In Vegas On November 17

Barbra will be part of the opening celebrations for the Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas on November 17th 2007. The event will be invitation only.

Source: Variety.

Friday 26 October 2007

Streisand: Live In Concert DVD -- coming 2008

BarbraNews has the scoop on the Live DVD from 2006. It will be released in early 2008 -- probably February. The DVD was filmed in Florida in October 2006.

Cover art and pre-order link coming soon.

Wednesday 24 October 2007

Barbra reads 'Celebrity Detox'

From Rosie O'Donnell's Official Blog.

Have you heard from Barbra S. about Celeb. Detox–wondering what she thought of it.

Rosie:
she loved it
she wrote me a note


Click here to order the book.

All profits from the book go to Rosie's Broadway Kids.

Barbra is Safe

Barbra's publicist confirmed to BarbraNews that Barbra's house is indeed safe, despite the forest fires.

He told us... "The fire's are about four miles away. All of us here on the west side of Malibu got lucky with the winds".

Friday 19 October 2007

Rosie Talks About Barbra... Again!

I wanted to draw your attention to Rosie O'Donnell's new book. It contains many chapters on Streisand.

Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always brutally honest, this is Rosie O'Donnell's surprising account of the pain, regret, and euphoria involved in withdrawing from celebrity life--and the terrifying dangers of relapsing into the spotlight. Celebrity Detox is Rosie's story of the years after she walked away from her top-rated TV show in 2002, and her reasons for going back on the air in 2006. In it, she takes you inside the world of talk-show TV, speaking candidly about the conflicts and challenges she faced as cohost on ABC's The View. Along the way Rosie shows us how fame becomes addiction and explores whether or not it's possible for an addict to safely, and sanely, return to the spotlight. Chronicling the ups and downs of "the fame game," Rosie O'Donnell illuminates not only what it's like to be a celebrity, but also what it's like to be a mother, a daughter, a leader, a friend, a sister, a wife...in short, a human being.



Click to order this book.

Wednesday 17 October 2007

Barbra Recovers

Barbra's Publicist has confirmed to BarbraNews that Barbra had a slight accident last week in her garden which required stitches in her leg. She had the stitches removed this week.

We'd like to wish Barbra the fastest recovery.

Monday 15 October 2007

Peres hopes Streisand will reign over 60th anniversary parade

President Shimon Peres, who is a personal friend and great fan of celebrated singer Barbra Streisand, hopes to persuade her to come to Israel for the country's 60th anniversary celebrations in May 2008.

Peres shared this information with members of the UJC (United Jewish Communities) Prime Minister's Council Mission, whom he hosted to dinner at his official residence last week.

Peres said that he had heard many cantors, but none who could sing 'Avinu Malkeinu' like Streisand.

Peres said that he would like to bring her to Israel within the framework of one of the keynote 60th anniversary events, an international conference with the participation of "United States representatives of the highest level" along with some 3,000 to 4,000 invited guests from abroad.

The conference, which opens in Jerusalem on May 13, will be a three-day convention, with the first day devoted to the future of the world, the second day to the future of the nation and the third day to the future relationship between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.

Peres revealed that part of the conference would be devoted to a special tribute to the United States of America as an expression of appreciation for its consistent support of Israel. "After sixty years, it's time to say thanks for being on our side," said Peres.

Friday 12 October 2007

The Way We Were (Special Edition DVD) only $4.99!

Amazon are selling The Way We Were Special Edition DVD for only $4.99.

DVD features
The Way We Were: A Look Back is a terrific retrospective documentary, running just over an hour. Although Robert Redford's absence (due to scheduling conflicts) is conspicuous, fans of The Way We Were will celebrate the rare appearance of Barbra Streisand in a lengthy interview. The notoriously reticent star appears relaxed, cordial, and eager to share stories about the film she considers "a highlight of my career," and her comments about the film are eloquent, heartfelt, and astute. Most important among her observations is her disappointment in the loss of crucial scenes that would have better explained the final separation of her character and Redford's, not due to infidelity but due to the harsh political climate of the blacklist era in Hollywood that made their relationship so volatile.

Director Sydney Pollack explains why the cuts were made after the film was publicly previewed, and both his viewpoint and Streisand's are equally justified. The edited scenes are included here, and the documentary also features wonderful interviews and anecdotes from screenwriter Arthur Laurents, songwriters Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and composer Marvin Hamlisch. --Jeff Shannon


CLICK HERE TO ORDER THIS DVD

Tuesday 9 October 2007

Going... Going... Gone.

Barbra helps to raise $1,900 in exclusive auction to benefit BC/EFA. Here is an email I received from executive director Tom Viola:

Hi, Craig: This is how the "lot" was listed in the Grand Auction brochure of the 21st Annual The Broadway Flea Market.

The bidding started at $200 and moved along very quickly amongst a number of folks until about $1,500 when it really came down to 2 people - each determined to win - ending with a $1,900 winning bid - which was the highest bid of the day for any item(s) signed by one individual star. The "Pearl Earring" canvas by Steve Shapiro and included in this lot by Scott Alexander in Marty Erlichman's office is gorgeous.

Much thanks to Richard Jay-Alexander who directed Barbra's European tour and very generously asked Barbra to sign the materials - and, of course, to Barbra for all her enthusiastic and generous support of BC/EFA on-going efforts.

Whenever Barbra sends BC/EFA something as special as this "lot' - which she has done a number of times - I get a kick out seeing all of that and of the memory of listening to the album of STONEY END endlessly as a 16 year old kid in Pittsburgh. (Yes, and I do now have the CD and still listen to it and much more.)

Tom Viola
Executive Director

Sunday 7 October 2007

Oprah's New Book Pick 1st Recommended by Barbra

Oprah's new book club pick is Love In the Time of Cholera.

During their visit in October 2003, Barbra told Oprah that she loved this book and was rather shocked Oprah had not read it yet. "You're gonna flip!," Barbra said.

Obviously, Oprah has since read it.

(Taken from The Barbra Streisand Forum -- Post by Paul Katz)

CLICK HERE for details on the book -- and how to order.

UK Jewish Film Festival To Screen YENTL

Click here for more information.

Patience Yields Many Good Things

I'm sure you'll recognize that quote from Barbra's directorial debut... 'Yentl' -- but it does seem appropriate to use it when talking about the emails I receive to do with Yentl and Live In Concert 2006 DVD.

There's very limited news on both of the above releases. As far as I'm aware, Yentl is just about (if not already) finalized for a DVD release. 'They' are just waiting for the right time to release it.

Live In Concert DVD -- We've been told that an announcement for the DVD (pre order links / cover art) etc etc will be ready very soon. It's still unclear whether it will be released in time for Christmas.

As soon as I have information on these -- I will update everyone.

Sunday 23 September 2007

Don't Miss This Fan Auction!

STREISAND – THE "GREATEST STAR"
For the ultimate fan: a collection of Barbra Streisand memorabilia from this summer’s extraordinary European tour, that featured four of Broadway’s best men – Michael Arden, Peter Lockyer, Sean McDermott and Hugh Panaro.

This includes:
The European VIP souvenir brochure, signed by Ms. Streisand, as well as Mssrs. Arden, Lockyer, McDermott and Panaro

3 different CD versions of the European Concert (each including songs not on the others) (Correction: This should read US concerts)

A London T-shirt

An advance copy of the yet unreleased DVD of Ms. Streisand’s European tour (to be sent to you after the Flea Market, but before it hits stores) BarbraNews Note: This is the US DVD, and not a Europe DVD.

Your own limited edition photograph of Ms. Streisand, an extraordinary 29" x 29" canvas by Steve Shapiro

COURTESY OF Barbra Streisand with special thanks to Richard Jay-Alexander and Kim Skalecki.
Opening Bid: $200

Click here for the Broadway Cares Website. Sorry for the lateness of this post -- we only just found out about it!

Monday 17 September 2007

Truth Alert

CONSERVATIVE BOOK, LIMBAUGH MISSTATE FACTS OF STREISAND FILM-MAKING RECORD

Rush Limbaugh is plugging a new book whose conservative agenda attacks liberals. But the facts the book alleges about Barbra Streisand, as reported in the WorldNetDaily website, just aren’t factual. The website, celebrating Limbaugh’s breathless praising of the book, says, “It points out how Barbra Streisand, while lamenting the way labor unions are treated in this country, gets all of her movies produced in Canada."

Ms. Streisand has, in fact, made all of the feature films she has produced (through her Barwood Productions) in the United States, with the exception of “Yentl” which required filming on locations in Eastern Europe closely approximating the setting of the story. All of her other features were set in and filmed in the United States, with full use of American labor union talents and observation of union regulations.

Credit: BarbraStreisand.com with permission.

Thursday 13 September 2007

Republican Attempt to Steal California's Votes

09.09.07
Republican Attempt to Steal California's Votes
by Barbra Streisand.


Karl Rove may have resigned as the President’s chief strategist, but the dirty and secretive tricks that have characterized the Republican Party in recent years are still here to stay. Leading California Republicans are promoting a dishonest initiative that steals electoral votes from California, a democratic state. Republicans attempting to steal votes in a major election? This smells all too familiar.

The initiative, crafted by a lawyer for the California Republican Party and member of the group misleadingly called "Californians for Equal Representation,” proposes to divide California's electoral votes based on results in each congressional district, rather than award the entire 55 electoral votes to the winner of the statewide popular vote. Proposed for the California ballot in June 2008, where voter turn-out is extremely low, this initiative would essentially give the next Republican presidential candidate as many as 19 additional votes--almost equal to all the electoral votes from Ohio and nearly all from Florida!

For many voters, this initiative upon first glance seems logical and fair. However, in the context of the rest of the country, where large red states in particular would still award their electoral votes to the candidate who won the popular vote, this ballot initiative is completely imbalanced and undemocratic. There is no way this initiative would create a more fair and balanced voting system in our country, unless it was uniformly adopted by ALL states.

This initiative shines a glaring spotlight on Republican hypocrisy. Republicans want to continue the same winner-take-all system in other big states that they consistently win, like Texas and Indiana. However, they want Democrats to share the electoral votes in California, a big blue state with the country’s most electoral votes. Democrats have been carrying California in recent elections. Even if Democrats were to win the state in 2008, Republicans would still get a substantial number of electoral votes under this new law.

If passed, this initiative would make a democratic victory in any major election extremely difficult. We can not let the Republican Party pull the wool over our eyes and steal yet another election.

Please visit Californians for Fair Election Reform to sign a petition in support of rejecting the GOPs California electoral power grab: http://www.fairelectionreform.com/

And visit the Courage Campaign’s web site to sign their petition and learn more about this important issue. http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/content/20for20onActBlue/

Above by Barbra Streisand -- and taken from BarbraStreisand.com with permission.

Friday 17 August 2007

Barbra Attends VIP Screening with Hubby.

Everyone knows Barbra Streisand is one of Hollywood’s leading liberals, but who knew her hubby, James Brolin, could be the political mensch himself?

I got the chance to talk with Brolin and Terrence Howard last night at a VIP screening of their new flick, The Hunting Party, about three journalists who are mistaken for CIA operatives when they attempt to locate Bosnia’s most-wanted war criminal.

They shot for more than two months in Bosnia and Croatia. “They didn’t like Americans because we elected Bush twice,” Brolin said. “Once? Okay. But twice means you really want him. We would tell them we were Canadian.”

“I would tell them I was from Rwanda,” Howard cracked.

Security, including bodyguards, was on high alert when cast and crew touched down in eastern Europe. “At first, they assigned bodyguards to us,” Brolin said. “So, you kind of wondered what was up. But then after two or three days, you go, What’s the problem here?”

Apparently there were none for the pair, who soon found themselves ditching their burly babysitters. “We had to escape from our own bodyguards,” Howard said.

Brolin remembered, “I was emailing friends, saying I was tying sheets together and scaling down the walls to go take a walk.”


Streisand wasn’t talking to the press, so I thought I’d get her husband’s take on who he thinks will be taking over the White House. “Hillary is certainly the most qualified,” he said. “But it will be interesting to see how Obama will mature in the coming months. It’s like a horse race. Everybody changes, and you find out the one who was so strong doesn’t have any stamina.”

Brolin won’t be surprised if anti-Clinton mudslinging intensifies as election day gets closer. “It could get really nasty,” Howard said, adding, “I was hearing today that they’re saving a real juicy thing on Bill for the election.”

I would have loved to ask Streisand what she thought about that, but she wasn’t talking last night. Instead, she did what she loves to do—nosh! The menu included one of her favorites: cupcakes from Sprinkles bakery in Beverly Hills.

But it looks like Babs may be counting calories. As Brolin and I chatted, she kept busy eating a cupcake, but only after she scraped off all the frosting.



Sunday 29 July 2007

The Essential Barbra Streisand album (2002) is back on the UK charts, five years after it gained the Number One spot. The album of Greatest Hits (and 2 new recordings) is currently Number 12 on the charts in the UK.

Barbra performed in London for the first time in 13 years, earlier this month. Her performance in Manchester on July 10th marked Barbra's first ever UK performance outside London.

BarbraNews.com would also like to point out that, while in London last week, for the Streisand shows -- Virgin and HMV had 'Barbra Streisand -- Live In Concert 2006' at Number One on their own charts.

Tuesday 8 May 2007

Album and Concert News

Just a note -- For all of BarbraNews.com's Updates on the TOUR and the new ALBUM -- click here.

Monday 30 April 2007

Streisand To Tour Continental Europe: First time ever.

FIRST EVER BARBRA STREISAND TOUR OF CONTINENTAL EUROPE AND A RETURN TO UK AFTER 13 YEARS.

‘Streisand Live In Concert’

London date on-sale: Friday 4 May


It was announced today that Barbra Streisand, who received rave reviews for her US tour (see below), will perform live in Continental Europe this June and July for the very first time in her celebrated career. She will also perform her first concert in London since 1994. The European tour, which her many fans have been eagerly anticipating for years, visits Austria, France, Ireland and the UK and follows her record-breaking US tour last autumn. †More tour dates in additional countries will be announced shortly. This rare opportunity to see Barbra Streisand makes these concerts the most eagerly anticipated of the year. †
"What a joy it will be to perform in so many wonderful countries for the first time,” said Streisand. “I can't wait to experience these different audiences and different cultures.”
A 58 piece orchestra will accompany Ms Streisand as she performs many of the classic songs from her unique repertoire such as “Evergreen”, “People”, “The Way We Were”, “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and many more.
Martin Erlichman, Streisand’s longtime manager announced the tour, and confirmed that the recent US tour, her first in six years, had broken box office records in a staggering 14 of the 16 venues she played. She already held, and still holds, the record in the remaining 2 venues. Designated proceeds from the tour will support her various philanthropic initiatives and will be distributed through The Streisand Foundation.


The European concert dates are:
21 June Vienna Schloss Schonbrun
26 June Paris Bercy
10 July Nice Nikaia Stadium
14 July Dublin Castletown House
18 July London††† The O2 Arena

Other cities are in the final stages of negotiation and will be announced shortly.†
For ticket information see local outlets. For Official Fan Club, Tour and Ticket information visit: www.BarbraStreisand.com. For special VIP Packages, visit: www.cpitour.com.
The tour will be presented by promoter Michael Cohl for Concert Productions International (CPI) and Solo.

"It is an incredible honour to bring Barbra Streisand, certainly the greatest female performer of all time, to Continental Europe for her very first concert tour,” said Cohl. “It is an amazing show -- a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed."

US critics were unanimous in their praise for the concerts last autumn:
“She was, is and will forever be the real deal.”
Liz Smith

“Every superlative – a hundred times over! (Barbra Streisand) is the greatest singer in the known universe.”
Montreal Le Devoir

“The blend of intimacy and showiness in Streisand’s voice turns her performances into portraits of the heart and mind in self-discovery…she was simply amazing”
LA Times

“The audience shouted accolades and gave her standing ovations”
Washington Post

“Once or twice a generation there comes a personality that just fills the room. Sinatra was like that, so was Elvis and so is Barbra Streisand.”
Journal Sentinel

“When she asked, in a very old song, Have I Stayed Too Long At the Fair? The only suitable reply could be: Stay as long as you wish, Barbra.”
Miami Herald

“Streisand is a singular and amazingly accomplished artist.”
Columbus Dispatch

“Her singing glows with a tone so luxurious and a texture so rich, you nearly want to burst into song yourself.”
New York Daily News

Barbra Streisand is the music industry's #1 best-selling female artist with 50 Gold, 30 Platinum and 13 Multi-Platinum albums to her credit. †She is second in the all-time charts, ahead of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, exceeded only by Elvis. †She continues to be the highest-selling female recording artist ever. †Streisand remains the only artist to receive Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, Cable Ace, and Peabody Awards, and the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award. †††

An artist of unparalleled accomplishments in multiple entertainment fields, Streisand has made her mark as an award winning actress of stage and screen, recording artist, concert performer, movie producer, film director, screenwriter and songwriter. Having earned two Oscars (Best Actress and Best Song), four Emmys, ten Golden Globes, eight Grammys, a special Tony Award (in 1970 as "Star of the Decade"), and two Cable Ace awards, she is the only performer to hold honours from all of those institutions. In addition, Streisand is a recipient of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, the National Endowment for the Arts National Medal of Arts, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The film that returned her to movie acting, “Meet The Fockers,” became the first live-action comedy to exceed a half billion dollars at the box-office. †It also set a record of 3,000,000 copies sold in its first 24 hours of video release.

This May Sony BMG will release the two disc collection Live in Concert 2006, recorded during her record-breaking U.S. tour. The double disc will feature the finest live performances of her best-loved standards, rarely performed catalogue gems, duets with Il Divo and onstage dialogue.

About Concert Productions International (CPI)
Founded and led by entertainment industry visionary Michael Cohl, CPI is a world leader and innovator in full service global touring, having produced some of the largest grossing tours in history. At present, CPI is the producer of the Rolling Stones’ A Bigger Bang record-breaking world tour, Barbra Streisand’s record-breaking concert tour, Genesis’ ‘Turn It On Again’ North American Tour, and The Who’s world tour.

Thursday 26 April 2007

Barbra Appearance

Barbra attended The Los Angeles Antique Show Opening Night Preview Party to Benefit Charity Partner P.S. ARTS last night (25 April). Here are some small photos.

Barbra To Tour Europe

An announcement will be made very shortly. There has been a LOT of press activity in the past 48 hours throughout Europe. I don't have any more information at present -- and can not answer questions until I post the Official Announcement (probably next week).

Tuesday 24 April 2007

EVERGREEN BABRA HINTS AT EUROPEAN COMEBACK CONCERTS

As she celebrates her 65th birthday today, Barbra Streisand has hinted at a concert comeback in Europe.

For the American star, whose prolific CV includes two Oscars, the shows would be her first in more than a decade on this side of the Atlantic. Youthful-looking Barbra, who stopped performing live in 1998 following her marriage to the actor James Brolin, made a triumphant return to the US stage last year with a sell-out concert tour.

It has encouraged me to tour again, perhaps in Europe,” she reveals, also admitting that she still finds live shows difficult. “I do not like performing live. I feel like I’m in a beauty pageant; like I’m 18 years old and strutting around.

“That’s not what I’m about and it explains why I have always hated live performances. It terrifies me.”

Of her recent concert success in the US, she adds: “I didn’t know if people really wanted to see me. I am flattered if they do, although I never thought I was anything special to see.”

UK fans would disagree, Barbra.

Source: Daily Express, UK

Happy Birthday Barbra!

Barbra turns 65 today. Barbra, if you're reading this -- Many Happy Returns! You're Still Ageless... and Evergreen.

Do you have a Barbra-birthday story? Send it to me. barbranews@aol.com

Congrats to Mona from the message board, who emailed her local TV station about Barbra's birthday. They showed a photograph of Mona and her Husband, along with a photo of Barbra... and wished Barbra a Happy Birthday from Mona! They even said "Hello, gorgeous!"
-------------
Robin Lipman told me:

I work at an elementary school down in Florida and I make sure we celebrate Barbra's birthday there every year! I brought in a big birthday cake this morning, and the Principal and I had a bunch of students get together to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BARBRA. Then we played it over the loudspeaker for all the classes to hear and to sing along as well. It was so cool, it brought tears to my eyes!

HAPPY BARBRA'S BIRTHDAY EVERYONE!!!
Robin Lipman
Coral Springs, FL
-------------

Sunday 22 April 2007

Something's Coming...

Just a message to let everyone know to keep checking this website over the next few days. All will become clear -- very soon.

Saturday 21 April 2007

STREISAND HOSTS FIRST SO. CALIF. DINNER HONORING NANCY PELOSI AS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, RAISING $1.3 MILLION FOR DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGNS

Barbra Streisand opened her Malibu estate April 12 to host the first Los Angeles event honoring her friend Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. The event, attended by 120 invited guests who paid $25,000 to $50,000 a couple, raised $1,300,000 for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). The fundraiser was in support of the DCCC's efforts to increase the party’s majority in the House of Representatives in the 2008 elections.

At the gala dinner, the artist/activist welcomed such celebrity Democratic supporters as Eva Longoria, Melissa Etheridge and Tammy Michaels, David Foster, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Amy Benneman, JJ Abrams, Dick Van Dyke and Nita Whitaker, with Foster, Etheridge, Kenny G, Groban, classical pianist Tara Kamangar and Whitaker featured in musical performance. Among the notable political activists present were Norman and Lyn Lear, Cindy and Alan Horn and Mary and Steven Swig.

Democratic members of the House of Representatives attending were Congresspersons Hilda Solis, Chris Van Hollen, Xavier Becerra, Loretta Sanchez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Brad Sherman and Henry Waxman.

In 1986, Ms. Streisand hosted a fundraiser at her prior Malibu estate, the famed “One Voice” concert, which earned $1.2 million to support the Democratic Party’s effort to reclaim majority in the United States Senate, a campaign which did that by electing five new Democrats to the body. Subsequent broadcast and record and DVD sales of the artist’s concert that evening have brought in an additional $11 million which her Streisand Foundation directed to major charitable and social causes she supports.

The seated dinner and program, which was tented, followed a cocktail reception in Ms. Streisand’s garden.

Thanks: Dick Guttman.

Tuesday 17 April 2007

Barbra At Clinton Breast Cancer Fundraiser

BEVERLY HILLS — Barbra Streisand, Sharon Stone and Brooke Shields turned out at a cocktail party Monday night to hear former President Bill Clinton talk about breasts. Specifically, Clinton spoke about how health care advances and The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund can eradicate breast cancer, the disease that claimed his mother, Virginia Clinton Kelley, in 1994.
Held on the grounds outside the hilltop mansion of Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone, 83, and his wife of four years, Paula Fortunato, 44, Clinton joked, "their beautiful home … sort of makes the White House look like public housing.

After a video saluting Clinton's mother concluded, Redstone's wife slipped two fingers in her mouth and made a deafening whistle. Then, when Clinton spoke, she wrapped one arm around her husband and the other around Streisand, stroking the singer's back to keep her warm as the temperatures began to drop.

Clinton saluted Streisand for befriending his ailing mother at his first inauguration in January 1993. "Other people like her or don't for her politics," Clinton said of Streisand, "but I want you to know something — she called my mother once a week for one solid year until she died. And I will never forget that."

Clinton said his mother spent the last week of her life "pulling slot machines" and hearing Streisand sing in Las Vegas.

To read the full article, click here

Friday 13 April 2007

Barbra Streisand Helps Nancy Pelosi Raise $1.3M for Democrats

Barbra Streisand welcomed Nancy Pelosi to her blufftop Malibu estate for a fundraising dinner that took in $1.3 million for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

"She's a very good friend of Nancy Pelosi and she wanted to celebrate the first female speaker of the house," Streisand publicist Dick Guttman said.

The 120 invited guests paid up to $50,000 a couple to attend Thursday night's dinner party inside a large white tent erected on the Point Dume property. The fundraiser was to increase the Democrat majority in the House of Representatives in the 2008 elections, Guttman said.

It was the first fundraiser at Streisand's home since a 1986 concert that raised $1.2 million for Democrats, he said.

At the Streisand dinner were Eva Longoria, Melissa Etheridge and Tammy Michaels, David Foster, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Amy Brenneman, J.J. Abrams, Dick Van Dyke, Nita Whitaker and Norman Lear.

Also on hand were Democrat members of congress, including U.S. Reps. Hilda Solis, Chris Van Hollen, Xavier Becerra, Loretta Sanchez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Brad Sherman and Henry Waxman.

Wednesday 11 April 2007

Roslyn Kind's New Website

Barbra's Sis, Roslyn Kind -- has just launched her new website. It's great! Filled with lots of goodies -- with more being added soon. Check it out. Click here.

Sunday 1 April 2007

Listen To Clips From Forthcoming Album

You can now listen to clips from the forthcoming album, using the following link.

Tuesday 27 March 2007

Barbra Attends Clinton Fundraiser.

Barbra attended a Fundraiser on Sunday Evening... Here is a report from Fox News.

...key to last night's event, though, was the appearance of Streisand. A longtime, steadfast Clinton friend, Streisand attended the cocktail party, stayed until the end, ate the chicken-and-mashed-potato dinner and even led the question-and-answer session that followed the presidential candidate's enthusiastic speech that covered the Iraq war, climate change, Sept. 11 funding in New York and, of course, health care.

Streisand, taking the microphone at her table, at first fumbled.

"I'm scared of microphones," the legendary singer quipped. Then she asked, "Did New York ever get the money for 9/11?"


New Book: Barbra Streisand In New York: A Self Guided Tour of Landmark Locations in The Career of Barbra Streisand (Paperback)


THE GUIDE TO WHERE BARBRA STREISAND-DID-WHAT-WHERE and WHEN in NEW YORK CITY

* Where she lived-sang-dated-dined
* Where Barbra's father lived
* Where Barbra went to school
* Where was The Lion, the place she won a talent contest
* Where she filmed
* Where Barbra worked as a receptionist
* A journey on the sidewalks of New York City, following in the incredible footsteps of BARBRA STREISAND

Order this book HERE. Just released!

Monday 26 March 2007

Barnes And Noble: Exclusive Track

Barnes And Noble will be releasing 'Barbra Streisand - Live in 2006' on May 8th 2007, WITH a bonus track (unavailable with other retailers). The bonus track is: When The Sun Comes Out. Pre-order here.

Saturday 17 March 2007

Forthcoming Album Details.

--2 CD Set
--Street Date: 8 May 2007.
--Superb Digital 96-track Recording
--The CD's release will be proceeded by three weeks of TV advertising on 11 cable networks -- as well as a massive online promotional and advertising campaign.
--National and Spot TV will run the week of the release.
--Print Advertising will continue.
--Look for a MAJOR announcement from Barbra, just as this CD hits the streets.

PRE-ORDER HERE

Saturday 10 March 2007

Live Album Delay

Sorry guys -- but Barbra Streisand, Live in Concert 2006 has been delayed until May 8th 2007. Details here.

Wednesday 21 February 2007

Truth Alert

Despite reports that Barbra attended a Fundraiser for Barrack Obama last night -- BarbraNews can confirm that she did not attend but she made a financial contribution.

Monday 19 February 2007

Barbra's Forthcoming Birthday

To celebrate Barbra's forthcoming 65th (not a typo) Birthday, I'll be sending your Birthday Wishes direct to her office at the beginning of April.

Thank you for all your Birthday Greetings. No more can be posted.

Wednesday 14 February 2007

Barbra Donates $10k To Malibu Fire Stations

MALIBU, Calif. -- A $10,000 donation from entertainer Barbra Streisand will be used to purchase new tools and equipment for Los Angeles County fire stations in Malibu.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday formally accepted the donation, which will go to the five Battalion 5 stations in the Malibu area. The battalion has additional stations in Agoura, Calabasas, Topanga and Westlake Village.

The donation was made on behalf of The Streisand Foundation. Since it was founded in 1986, the Santa Monica-based foundation has distributed $15 million, largely to environmental, civil liberties and women's organizations.

Friday 9 February 2007

Barbra Joins LACMA Board

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has added four high-profile members to its board of trustees including actress and recording artist Barbra Streisand.

"This is a truly remarkable time to be part of LACMA. I am certain that our new trustees agree and will bring an added level of experience and engagement to the museum's transformation," board chairwoman Nancy Daly Riordan said in a statement.

"This new group of trustees will bring even more diversity of experience and community interests to the leadership of our continuing transformation of the museum."

Streisand, a supporter of humanitarian and environmental causes and a funder of the Clinton Climate Change Initiative, collected German Expressionist art by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Emil Nolde as a young art enthusiast, the museum said. More recently, she has acquired works by John Singer Sargent, Robert Henri, William McGregor Paxton and others. Two pieces from her collection, Edward Hopper's "Summer in the City" and Thomas Hart's "Haying," were on long-term display in LACMA's American Art galleries.

On the net:

Monday 5 February 2007

A Statement from Barbra

For Immediate Release:

In response to press inquiries concerning campaign contributions by Barbra Streisand relating to the 2008 presidential nomination process, Ms. Streisand has issued the following statement:

“I’m very excited about the strength of the Democratic field for the 2008 presidential election, and I’m looking forward to a lively and healthy primary debate that discusses the key issues facing this country. Because I want to see the frontrunners have the financial backing they need to be competitive during this process, I’ve decided to make the maximum allowable primary donation to Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama. As the conversation continues, I may make contributions to other candidates as well.”

Contact: Dick Guttman



Wednesday 31 January 2007

The Streisand Foundation Continues To Award...

A few people have emailed in asking where to find information about where proceeds from the tour have been awarded to. Here is the list of schools/arts organizations that were awarded a grant from the tour proceeds.

Los Angeles
Rock the Classroom
Philadelphia
Strings for School
Ohio
Short Stop
New York
Erasmus High School
Washington DC
Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts
Boston
Boston Arts Academy
Minneapolis
St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists
Ft. Lauderdale
William Dandy Middle School
Atlanta
Mays High School
San Jose
City Arts and Technology High School in San Francisco
Chicago
Hirsch High School
Atlantic City
Sovereign Avenue School
Las Vegas
Gilbert Magnet School for Communication and the Creative Art
Phoenix
Herrera School for the Fine Arts and Dual Language

Thanks to the Streisand Foundation for this update.

Friday 26 January 2007

NEW! Cover Art for Concert CD.




Coming March/April 2007 -- a 2 CD set of the recent tour.
+Pre-order this album.

Tentative Song Listing:

1 Overture
2 Starting Here, Starting Now
3 Down With Love
4 Way We Were, The
5 Ma Premiere Chanson
6 Evergreen - (with Il Divo)
7 Come Rain Or Come Shine
8 Funny Girl
9 Music That Makes Me Dance, The
10 My Man
11 People

CD 2:
1 Entr'acte
2 Music Of The Night, The - (with Il Divo)
3 Jason's Song/ Carefully Taught/ Children Will Listen
4 Unusual Way
5 What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
6 Happy Days Are Here Again
7 (Have I Stayed) Too Long At The Fair?
8 Time Of Your Life/ A Cockeyed Optimist, The
9 Somewhere - (with Il Divo)
10 My Shining Hour
11 Don't Rain On My Parade
12 Smile

What do you think of the Cover Art? Click comments below.

(No questions can be answered)

Wednesday 17 January 2007

January Photo


Here's a rare photo for January.

Tuesday 9 January 2007

Legendary Oscar Gowns Go On Display

Barbra's Infamous 1968 Transparent Scassi Gown is one of the dresses going on display at this years "A Celebration Of Oscar Fashion". The event is a private affair hosted by Laura Ziskin and Andre Leon Tally for invited guests, press, stylists and Academy members.

"There's no way anybody could have worn that other than Barbra Streisand...it was that moment in fashion."

Barbra makes Best Dressed List for 2006

Barbra has a mention in Mr. Blackwell's Best Dressed List for 2006. We presume the nod is for Barbra's tour outfits, as this was her only public appearance of 2006.

Saturday 6 January 2007

New Announcement

Barbra Fans will be in for a treat when a new announcement is made in February/March, sources tell us. No further updates at this point.

Something's coming... something good.

Friday 5 January 2007

Streisand Foundation Update

Thanks to the Streisand Foundation for this update.

Hi Craig,

Since the tour wrapped a month or so ago, the Foundation has committed $1 million dollars to the Clinton Global Initiative. In addition, the Foundation has awarded $10,000 to arts and music programs in 14 inner-city schools in each of the US cities Barbra performed. There will be a matching $10,000 equipment donation by Sony, Ms. Streisand's record company, to follow as well.

Live CD Confusion

I've had so many emails from people confused over when the Streisand Live CD (from the recent tour) will be released. Some websites are saying February, while others are saying March. I spoke to Barbra's record label yesterday, and they said nothing has been confirmed. The confirmed release date will be forthcoming. I'll post it (along with track listing), as soon as I get it. You can pre-order the album here, and you'll receive an email when the CD is shipped.

As for the DVD from the show -- I have a feeling that it's a LONG way off yet. There's no official word on the release at present.

Happy New Year

Dear Barbra Fan,

Happy New Year to you ALL! Thanks for your support during 2006.

I hope to have some more Barbra News for you very soon.

Craig.

BarbraNews Shop + Review of 2006 Tour.

USA * Canada * UK/Europe
Click here for the European Tour Website from 2007
Click here to read our SPECIAL review of the 2006 Tour -- Excellent pictures.