Thursday, April 28, 2011

The ABC’s of performance coaching

You are a “performer”.  You have your own unique personality, style, humor, and outlook on life that people connect with. 
Whether you go on-stage for a living, or  a physical artist that appears where your work is being showcased. 

Your experiences, belief systems, and  self esteem greatly affect your “performances”  for better or for worse,  and dramatically effect how people view you and your work.

What if you could free yourself of  negative emotions that limit your ability to connect with your audience, and allow you to take your creative work to a higher level?
Where do you start?

THINK ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE:


\
ASK YOURSELF: 


  •  What value are you providing for them? 


  • Is your show the best it can be? 

All successful artists have a team helping them insure they are at the top of their game.

What are you doing to make your show the best it can be?  
ARE YOU:

  • Writing really good material? 
  • Playing your very best?
  • Do you have a performance that everyone is talking about? 
  • Listen to who friends and collegues- who are they talking about?
I hear Muse has a tremendous  visual live show- So I have signed up for show announcements to make sure I catch them the next time they are in town.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? 


Are you struggling to get fans out to your show?


Are you trying to get into bigger better paying gigs?

What are you doing to maximize your chances for success in these area’s?



HOW CAN PERFORMANCE COACHING HELP YOU?


-       Overcome performance anxiety
-       Addressing technical issues
-       Develop Confidence
-       Learn healthy ways to advance your career to the next level
-       Explore roles as a musician and overcome fears that are stopping you
-       Resolve trauma’s that interfere with your performance
-       Insure a complicated arrangement or set   is delivered the way you imagine
-       Engage  your audience create new fans
-       Get better, higher paying gigs

REMEMBER THE ABC’S:


ACTION:  Don’t expect to be discovered, you will be waiting a long time.  
Take charge and start being your best now.

BARRIERS:  All barriers are  based in  B.S. (Belief Systems) that have created boundaries limiting you and your world.  You need to remove barriers so your fans can see you and your work in the best light possible

CHANGE:  Be a smart artist, and take a step back. Be willing to change what isn’t working and focus on adopting new ways of being your very best.  You can’t do it all your self, and why you need to build your own team to insure your success.

DIFFERENTIATE:  There is NO ONE like you.  Identifying and highlighting your strengths and how your different than your competitors helps you connect w/ your fans.

ELEVATOR PITCH:   Being able to distill your ABC’s into your unique selling proposition puts you miles ahead of others competing in the same pond or ocean you are in.


FEAR: Has been your gate keeper long enough, if you want to grow as a human and a artist you must face and overcome the things that are holding you back, work with a professional, who can help you be your best.

If you are  ready for Action now is the perfect time to get started.  All you need to do is click here

 Do you have a embarrassing or memorial performance story you would like to share? Post it in the comments section.



About the author:

 Tamra is  a business strategist, speaker, artist, and blogger. 
Leveraging over 25 years as an business executive and artist, she offers business solutions and private consultations to a wide range of independent music professionals all over the world- Helping them  prepare for showcases, cd release parties, and award shows (SXSW, ASCAP Awards, NAMM, Billboard Music Awards, Folk Alliance & more).

You can read what other artists have said about working with her, as well as other services she offers independent music professionals  to be their best at www.tamraengle.com



Photo Credits: 
Local Music Vibe:  http://localmusicvibe.com/shout-out-april-28-2011
Tamra Engle 50th Annual Grammy Awards 






Monday, April 18, 2011

Do you want to succeed? Make mistakes!


Remember when you were a kid, and you wanted to learn how to ride a bike? 
You could see the bigger kids were doing it, and you wanted to do what they were doing.

This may be one of your first memories of trying something new, that you hadn’t tried before.
Do you remember what happened when you first got on a bike?    
Did you learn how to ride the bike by reading and studying about it?  Did you jump on and ride perfectly?   
Can you remember how hard it was?   
You had to steer, pedal, AND balance…. How did you feel? 
Were you scared? Or excited?
Did you get frustrated? Or mad? Did you stumble and fall?

 Did you stop when you stumbled and fell?  If so, you probably never learned how to ride a bike.

Did you keep at it until you could ride?  Do you remember how that felt?  Really exciting right?
  YOU did it!!

Accomplishing anything in life is exactly like riding that bike when you were a kid.  It is scary.  You might fall, and risk feeling dumb or  even embarrassed.  However, riding a bike is like so many things, It isn’t something that you carefully study and research to be good at.     It is something that you must practice at. Then, you can do things like jumping off the curb, or  Race a friend down the street.

Do you remember those feelings of accomplishment and how that made you feel?

For me the very best things in life have been the things I have struggled and fought to do and get better at.   Did I ever stumble and scrape my knee?  One look at my knees will answer that question!

Think about what will happen if you do nothing? Beside having really terrific looking knee’s?   NOTHING. 
You will end up with a growing pile of untried idea’s and dreams.

Does fear stop you from doing things that you want to do?
Making mistakes is not always a bad thing. Mistakes cause you to analyze what you have done, then make adjustments so you do not repeat the mistake.

This doesn’t mean you don’t take time to prepare and plan.  You need to prepare, plan then take action! - only then,  will you be able to take steps toward your own success.

Perhaps a first step to action is simply going out and meeting creative people like you.  If you’re located near Berkeley, try by starting your Tuesday mornings with coffee and a walk with us.  Details are here,   All you have to do is show up and  look for the big “kids” with the scraped knees and smiles on their faces.  If your not near Berkeley,  look around on your social media pages, for groups near you, or hit your smart phone contact list and call a friend you haven't seen for awhile and invite them  for lunch or coffee.

Would you like to share a success that happened as a result of you trying something new?  I would love to hear about it in the comment section!








Photo Credit:  Falling off bike: http://regularmom.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/bike1.gif

Link to Outdoor Adventures Coffee Walks:
http://www.meetup.com/GuitarTam-Outdoor-Adventures/events/17295624/

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Express yourself & move ahead!


If you are a artist, you create, and are filled with the desire to express yourself.
You find inspiration all around you, from, people, places, and the everyday things that cross your path. 

 You hope and feel that the product(s) that you produce, whether it is music, textile, or other forms of physical art, will resonate and ideally inspire others.

 From the dream that inspires, to the realization of your completed project
 It can be a  long,   b u m p y  road.

  • Not sure where to start?
  • Do you get stuck?
  • Worry about obstacles in the way?
Fears? focus on perfection? money?  kids, what others think?
 
Are you a person that comes up with tons of idea’s that never get off the ground?  Or do you start projects and just never seem to finish them?

Everyone at some time, has something that stops them from moving forward.



 In my Understanding and reclaiming balance posting, I offer  one of the ways you can take a first  step to remove obstacles that are keeping you  from fully expressing yourself in the world. While enjoying time with other creative individuals just like you.  


I'm looking forward to seeing you there!


Cheers,


=Tamra=


Recommended Reading:


Stop Living Your Job, Start Living Your Life: 85 Simple Strategies to Achieve Work/Life Balance








Photo credits:


http://blog.guerillaone.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/fil2.jpg




Reference:
http://guitartam.blogspot.com/2011/03/outdoor-adventure-series-for-creative.html?spref=tw

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Outdoor adventure series for creative minds

Do you find yourself ever saying:

I don’t have time to do everything I want. 

How come I feel like I am working harder, but still not getting things done?

OR

I can’t believe another relationship didn’t work out…

Why is my work not getting noticed?  My work is better than theirs’?

I have so many great ideas, I just don’t know what to work on next?

Do you feel frustrated?  Tired?   Like you’re ready to throw in the towel?

These are signs of imbalances in your life. With more and more technology, more competition creating distractions along the way, and without balance and organization, it’s very easy to feel like your not achieving what YOU want.



I am introducing an outdoor adventure series for creative minds, offering you a holistic approach to your business, your life and personal and professional relationships, to help you stay healthy, grounded, and balanced.

In addition to providing you with useful tools that you can use to achieve more, you will learn how these tools will help you have success in relationships that are important to you.

Taking you out of your daily grind and into our outdoor playground, providing your Body, Mind and Spirit with an energizing , fulfilling experience with other creative individuals just like you.


Our April adventure will involve exploring the tide pools and  Harbor Seals of the 

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.  


Learn about the delicate ecosystems and residents that live in this beautiful reserve.  


Harbor seals (who are nesting w/ their pups Feb-May), Sea Anenome’s, Star Fish, Octopus, Crabs, Rock boring clams and  if we are lucky meet the lemon nudibranch!



After our exploration, we will enjoy lunch during a workshop and discussion.  Understand how the “ripples of imbalance” can create havoc in your personal and professional relationships, and when they are left un-resolved, how the imbalances create barriers to you and your success.





Using examples from our tide pool adventure, learn techniques and tips that will allow you to focus on achieving or re-claiming balance in your own life.



After lunch we will climb 160 steps and take a .50 mile hike on the bluffs above the tide pools to reflect on “where we have come from” and share the excitement  that lie ahead.












Outdoor Adventures for Creative Minds
April 10th  9:30-2:30  
Limited to the 15 prepaid  guests*

$40 Early Registration       PURCHASE NOW  
              *$50 April 1st


Schedule of events:

9:30 meet at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve parking lot (Parking is limited, please carpool!)
Walk down to the beach and drop off our lunch blankets and packs.

10:00-12:00 Explore the Tide pools and learn about the residents who live and visit there- and how we impact one another.

12:00-1:00 Enjoy your brown bag lunch- and our workshop discussion on Achieving and Reclaiming Balance in your Life

1:30- 2:30 Climb to the trail above the tide pools to  enjoy the .50 mile  walk on the bluff above the Marine Preserve back to our vehicles.

Note: This event is ideal for adventurers who enjoy moderate terrain.  There are 160 steps down (then back up) to the beach at Seal Cove. 
The tide pool reef is a rocky, wet, with uneven surfaces.  Study shoes and watching where you walk is very important for your safety and the safety of the animals that live there.

The Walk on the bluff is a level path with panoramic views (if it isn't foggy)- make sure you have your camera or binoculars to see the nesting animals. It is Awesome!

Important things you should bring:

Moss beach offers diverse weather systems,  spring weather can be cool, foggy or  damp on a spring day. 
 Dress in layers, keep in mind you might get wet (fleece and wool are great!)  Bring a warm jacket (just in case) and having some dry items in your car to change into.

Water bottle *(we will be out 4.5 hrs)
Brown bag lunch  / Snack
Sturdy shoes: The reef is rocky and uneven, and your feet may get wet- (Tennis shoes,  Vibram / reef walkers, or Teva’s type shoes are  recommended)
We will also be on a compact path and in beach sand.
Sunglasses
Hat or visor
Sunscreen / lip balm
Towel or blanket to sit on during lunch
Binoculars / Camera
Change of dry clothing / shoes/socks (for after tide pool)


Directions:
From Hwy 1 N or S drive west on California St turn right into parking lot

7 miles north of Half Moon Bay, or 21 miles south of San Francisco
Located west of Highway 1  Take California Avenue off Highway One in Moss Beach. The reserve’s main entrance is at the end of California Avenue.  Allow 45 minutes to reach the reserve from the intersection of Highways 280 and 92 Parking is extremely limited and carpooling is necessary.
*There is a restroom and drinking fountain in the parking area, which is not easily accessible during our adventure. 


If you have any questions you can email Tamra at guitartam@gmail.com
To join the mailing list to find out about upcoming events to help you be your best, you can sign up HERE


I am really looking forward to sharing one of my favorite local  adventures with you!


Cheers!


=Tamra=


"Providing business solutions for creative minds
www.tamraengle.com




Please note that if inclimate weather occurs paid adventurer's will be  notified and the event will be rescheduled.


Photo credit:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3262245142_a616a089b5_m.jpg

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

You want what your fans want!


This is part of my  growing your fan base  series:



You get tons of email  every day right?  Between social media sites, and personal email.  Think about your fans,  they are in the same boat with you.



On a almost daily basis I often delete 20+ emails without opening them. I realized many of them were from artists who have decided to add me to their “mailing list” after meeting at a conference or show.

You have probably  seen emails just like them, telling you  all about their show that week, day, or month. 
When scanning the email there is no “unsubscribe” option on the email, because it is a email not a newsletter. 

Do you get these? 
You know you didn’t subscribe to a list but you get the email anyway? 

Do you send email like this?      Not sure?  

The Consumer protection agency states there are specific rules that apply to “ any electronic mail message the primary purpose of which is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service,”
If you are promoting a product or service (that includes a show, performance, event, or happening) then you must follow the guidelines requiring you to comply with the law or face penalties of up to $16,000!!!

If you are mailing out to more than 10 people a month and those 10 people are not your family?  You need to have a professional newsletter that gives your recipients the option to “subscribe” and to  “unsubscribe”  It is probably one of your most valuable tools to have as a artist.

 Simply think about how you feel when you receive unsolicited email.
That is how your  collegues, or friends feel as well.  Yes, it's exciting you want lots of people to know about what your doing, but you also don't want to  have your colleges be in the  awkward position of having to ask you to not email them.  Remember, individuals must have signed up at some point to receive information about you,  Also remember, peoples needs and interests change,  don't be bummed if someone unsubscribes,   your mailing list is a reflection of your fans that  you want to come to shows, opening,  and buy products from you. Not individuals who do not. 

 What  service to use?

 SociaI Media  sites like Reverb Nation, &  Sonic Bids- offer newsletter services, but they control  the email list  not you.
Remember, your email list is GOLD, You always want to control the access to your fan mailing list. Remember, If the social media site goes away, so do your fans.

There are tons of great  newsletter services out there to use,  If you are getting a newsletter from a artist that you really like,  scroll down to the bottom of the letter and see who their newsletter host is.  Check out the various services offerings, 
  Most services offer tiered subscription services that allow you to pay a monthly fee  for a number of emails each month, generally you are paying $10-15 a month to have 500-600 email addresses.  You also want to have access to reports to see who are reading your newsletters, this is where you get specific data about who YOUR fans are.

You get customized templates, you own your list, and your fans can subscribe or unsubscribe as their needs change:

Popular services that are easy to use, offer reporting, tracking, and support:

www.mynewsletterbuilder.com  Create, send and track html email newsletters. Include pre-written articles or custom article content.
Mailchimp.com – Users can send newsletters in HTML format, which makes e-mail marketing easy.
www.constantcontact.com Newsletter templates, email mktg, reporting.

Do you have a favorite newsletter service you use?  Do you use one listed? 
Let me know!


References:

http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus61-can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The song remains the same



Changing with the industry:

When I was a kid we would camp out at the local record stores for HOURS to be first in line for tickets and the recordings of our favorite artists.

The internet and how people consume media- has transformed business industries and our daily lives.  The recording industry has undoubtedly seen the biggest transformation within the entertainment industry.

 Major labels have gone under, artists and industry pro’s are scrambling to figure out how to revamp the way they do business, and the way those  businesses are monetized.

Berkeley College of Music’s Development center compiled a study of industry related salaries, which shows the reality of the working musician and music industry professionals.  Keep in mind with the high influx of freelance professionals in many of these fields, most in these fields  will attest to it being very difficult to achieve a full years salary in today’s market.

Music makers traditionally have been looking at music from where it is sold,
at shows, from the trunk of your car, or digital retailers like iTunes, CD Baby, etc.. 
Many artists find themselves in the eternal cycle of creating  CD’s and selling them. 
Have you considered changing your view point to:

Where music is used:
Here you start to see much broader applications and audiences for your music, as well as career options you might not have considered. 
Today, multi million dollar studios are being replaced by “home-desktop” studio’s the music creator pool has grown exponentially, and not always in a good way.
Hundreds of thousands of micro-entrepreneurs have popped up on the entertainment landscape. Getting quality music heard above the noise is much more of a challenge.  Despite how much the industry changes,

Key point remains the same:

1) You still must have great songs & performance.

2) Having excellent communication skills, being punctual, and having a positive attitude so people WANT to work with you. 

3) Demonstrating your “business” is healthy & growing- this shows potential investors, like managers, agents, merchandising , & promoters why they should do business with you.

4) Having a business development team helping you with roles like-Branding, Strategy, Social Networking, SEO (search engine optimization) and Content distribution move you above the noise. 
The big  difference is in a Indie landscape the artists are footing the bill up front vs. the labels who for decades acted as the bank extending “credit” to artists  who then had to re-coop the costs.

Creative fan engagement:

Today you know the mega stars that have used this strategy successfully, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber are a couple, but they represent the top 3% of the market, how about the emerging successes of bands  like OK-Go, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s , & Arcade Fire- who brilliantly utilized technology in their video wilderness downtown, for many music listeners the HTML5 interface gave them their first interaction with Arcade fire.  In 5 minutes, the band took viewers back to their HOME, think home and apple pie, people LOVED it.  Of course  being 1st to market with that incredible fan engagement tool resulted in industry acknowledgement by sending them home with a  Grammy.

  Using technology in creative ways to create fan engagement are critical to the success of any artist.

What unique way are you using a business strategy to engage your fans and grow your business?  I would love to hear about it in your comments below.


References:
http://www.berklee.edu/pdf/parents/music-industry-salaries.pdf
http://mashable.com/2010/08/30/arcade-fires-chrome-video/


Photo credit:

http://www.blogs.dixcdn.com/photostore/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/1983-0030.jpg

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Your inner compass (series)

In my Weeding out creative crushers post, I talked about how family dynamics, cultural and social programming do not always support the development and living of a creative life.

Most of our behavior is guided by our belief system or values, filtering our  attitudes and actions. I refer to this as a  "inner compass",   Have you had that "feeling in your tummy", or said "I can feel it in my gut"?  These values chart the course, direct which paths to take. Pointing us toward health, as well as telling us in a variety of ways if we are in danger, safe, or if something is good or goes against the grain of who we are.


Being Aware:
During this next week, be aware of your "inner-compass" and when you notice it.
 Being aware  is step 1.
The act of actually physically writing things down, helps you to gain clarity and focus and is Step 2- engaging your senses.

3) List 5 the names of people you admire that you have met .
Next to their names list which traits or values these people have that you admire.

4) Which of the traits listed on your admirer's list, do you want to cultivate in yourself?

5) List the names of 5 people living or dead that  you WISH you had met.
 What traits do these people have that you admire?

6) Look at the traits from #1 and #3. What traits do you find in these people, that you can look for in your friends?

7) Write your name down on the list.  Next to your name write down 5 traits from #6 that most resonate with you.    These are the values that guide YOUR direction, opinions and decisions.

 By writing down the values  that are most important to you, and making your decisions based on what is aligned with your inner compass will help bring purpose, direction, happiness, and wholeness.

What was the #1 value you came up with?  I look forward to reading your responses in the comments below!

=Tamra=
www.tamraengle.com










Photo Credit:
http://www.colettebaronreid.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/compassHand.jpg

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Weeding out Creative Crushers

I just had a “mom” visit.  
Those of you who are still enjoying face time with mom, you either smiled or cringed inside when you  heard me mention a “Mom visit”.
My mother passed away 4 1/2 years ago, and during our time together we shared really amazing beautiful time, and some very frustrating tumultuous times. 

I found myself having moments of frustration during my partner’s mom’s recent visit.  I realized part of my frustration was based around I didn’t have MY mom to fuss with, and that terrible wave of sadness worked its way back into my awareness. 
You might wonder what the heck this has to do with a business strategy blog for creative people?

Family dynamics are tricky for most of us, especially as artists- there is all the cultural and social programming that comes along with it.  Depending upon your growing up environment, many parents put their expectations upon their children, and often the compliant children seek careers and relationships based upon what they have been taught, not being encouraged to develop a career or passion based on what is important to them.

  In rare instances  young artists encouraged to be artists, there are often conversations that go something like, “well isn’t that nice, but what are you going to do for a REAL JOB”? 


We carry that negative “programming” along with us subconsciously; As we grow up these little reinforcements  gather & fester in our subconscious creating a undercurrent of non-support which whether you chose to admit it or not results in our limiting ourselves both creatively and successfully.
We start to believe somewhere that this isn’t a “real job”, or I will never be like “______”.   Suddenly,  4-5, 10 or even 20  years later they are still playing at the same little local clubs,  small galleries or flea markets.
 Often spending more money trying to get people to come to the event,  Never leaving that little “backyard pond” they just tread water and often never really break even.  Do you find yourself stuck in the same little pond and wondering why?  Do you wonder what you should be doing to change things up?

Or are you someone who isn't interested in doing the work, you just want to paint, or  just write songs, hoping that if you put it out there, you will be discovered. Really? The "discovery" people are not looking for artists hanging out in the small pond, they want to see that you are progressing your career on your own.

If you want to change things up,

Give yourself a little homework assignment- take a blank piece of paper, list times in your life when you have heard feedback that didn’t support your desire to persue a creative career,   maybe it was your mom, dad, school teacher, or someone at a show asking “what do you really do”  or “that isn’t what normal people do for work”.  My mom used to tell me that people with low expectations, and unexceptable social behavior are artists, NOT her daughter!  

List as many people as you can think of and what they said. 
Let the creative crushers out of your subconscious and take a look at them.

 Post one in the comment section below- In my next post we will talk about
How we can take steps to help you move forward.  If you don’t want to wait until the next post then lets talk!




References:


Photocredit: http://www.cm.iparenting.com/fc/editor_files/images/1042/ipgraphics/kidsday/kda010.jpg\


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

We are all born superstars


 I watched a 60 minutes interview before the 53rd Grammy telecast  featuring Stephani Germonatta.  

Stephani, is a  University of New York drop out, who began studying piano at 4, and went to a catholic girls school, where she was bullied and felt she never fit in.

You look at her in this 2006 picture you don’t notice anything particularly interesting or memorable about her right?  Fortunatly, Stephani knew this too...




Most of you probably do not even know about Stephani Germonatta, but more about her tireless alter ego who has been touring for the better part of 3 years Lady Gaga, the Alexander McQueen boot wearing fashonista who totters around from award show to award show.
 When Gaga performs, I am consistently reminded of other artists. A carefully blended compilation of 5 or 6 mega stars that came before her, artists who all intimately knew their own brand, and applied it  quite successfully to their business.
 Gaga, is a self-proclaimed student of art, fashion, and claims “I am the master of the art of fame”.   Studying the artistry of others, while being a creation all her own.
When you watch Gaga at the piano, you see, Elton & Freddie Mercury. On stage, Cher, Madonna Alice Cooper and a little Wendy O Williams.  All of whom were ALSO experts of their own brands.

She preaches her mantra of self-empowerment, and self-acceptance, and it draws the masses to her in droves like bee’s to honey. To her emotive tear stained fans she testifies from the stage: “Tonight- reject anything or anyone who has ever made you feel like you don’t belong, Free yourself of these things tonight!!” She speaks these words from her heart, as one of them.  They view her as their queen,  and she lovingly refers to them as “her little monsters” are devoted to her.

   Gaga presents herself as a piece of living performance art, not simply a pop star, or even queen.  
She is a self proclaimed academic when it comes to music and fashion,  every piece of clothing, make up, and props, she has completely researched and studied the reference of it. Who inspired it, to help reinforce the story or concept she is selling.  At the VMA awards wearing nothing but raw meat and accompanied by several discharged gay service men, she explained this was her commentary on don’t ask don’t tell. 

Her outrageous outfits are a brilliant distraction to keep people from asking questions about her personal life.  “as part of mastering the art of fame" "is getting people to focus on what YOU want them to pay attention to”. Gaga warns “What most artists do wrong, is lie to their fans, “I am not a liar, I build good will with my fans, I am just like them”.
The sociology of how people got, kept, and lost fame, allows her to maintain a certain privacy without feeling them feeling like she is withholding anything from her fans.  Whether it’s performing Paparazzi covered in stage blood, hanging “dead” above the stage, answers the question you might wonder- What will she look like when she is dead? Gaga explains,“Everyone wants to see the decay of the superstar, we live in a age where people want to see someone who has it all, lose it all”.
 It’s dramatic and the masses eat it up so fast that Forbes magazine predicts she is on track to make 100 million this year.

Gaga is a graduate student who uses messages that resonate deeply with her to weave into a persona for the masses and it remains to be seen whether she will have the staying power of the giants that came before her, for hear and now it's great theatre, and a master class on what is essential to the making of a mega star.

How do you utilize themes important to you to differentiate your brand, and grow your fan base?
 I would love to hear your stories.






References:

60 minutes Anderson Cooper:  http://dai.ly/hFzzJe

Photo credits:
http://bumpshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/lady-gaga-aka-stephanie-germanotta-guidette-photos.jpg
http://gossip.whyfame.com/files/2010/02/lady_gaga.jpg