Come try out for Wheel of Fortune with me!

“Wheel of Fortune’s” Wheelmobile, the show’s promotional vehicle, will be in town from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 E. Texas St. in Bossier City, in search of some good game players who are energetic, enthusiastic and fun.

Viewers who are interested in being a potential contestant on an upcoming episode are invited to attend. Fans will have the opportunity to fill out an application, have his or her name drawn at random to play a simulated version of the game onstage, win unique prizes and be evaluated as a potential contestant for the broadcast version of the show.

The event will be held inside the Red River Room. Registration for the event will take place at the pavilion, located adjacent to the Red River Room.

Staff members from the “Wheel of Fortune” promotions team will begin handing out applications one hour before each show begins. Searches will be held at 6, 7:30 and 9 p.m., with each show lasting about an hour. Everyone who attends the event will be able to submit an application. Participants will be selected to come to the stage and audition via a random draw.

“Wheel of Fortune” airs at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday on KTAL-TV. For more information on the Wheelmobile log on to arklatexhomepage.com or visit www.wheeloffortune.com.

Doobie Brothers give great concert at the Horseshoe

It's sometimes amazing to me that such a small town is capable of bringing in some of the great talents of our times. When I first came to Bossier City, I was advised that most of the casino concerts were mainly for high rolling gamblers, but after attending a few concerts at Harrah's Horseshoe that theory has been proven wrong. Many townsfolk came out in droves to see the Doobie Brothers at the Horseshoe Casino (next to the Louisiana Boardwalk)in Bossier City.
The crowd was representative of every generation with many older people (including myself) wondering what happened to their youth.
"When was the last time I smoked pot?" said one crowd goer. "That's the last time I thought about the Doobie Brothers."
But when they took the stage all people could do was think about how well the band played and how much they were missed.
Old standards became new again as the crowd got to their feet and clapped to songs like "Long Train Runnin’" to the country tinged "Black Water" to the gospel/jazz rooted "Takin’ It ToThe Streets." Of course, the song, "Jesus is Just Alright with me" also was a huge crowd pleaser.
For those who've never heard of them and those who still worship them, here is the new Doobie Brothers Live Lineup Is (in alphabetical order):
Guy Allison - Keyboards/Vocals
Michael Hossack - Drums
Tom Johnston - Vocals/Guitar
John McFee - Guitar/Strings/Vocals
Marc Russo - Saxophones
Pat Simmons - Vocals/Guitar
Skylark - Bass/Vocals
Ed Toth - Drums
Give them a listen and you won't be sorry. Don't write off Bossier City casino concerts either. They are fun and entertaining. Just look at how much fun my husband Dan Bokun is having pretending to be the lost Doobie Brother - so much for the prodigal son!

Free Valentine's Day gift at BPCC

I hate Valentine's Day.
Each year, Valentine's Day is a little like a dreaded visit from an unwanted relative.
You know it's coming, but you also know at its best, it won't be fun, and at its worst, there could be some physical pain involved.
I have the kind of husband who (cheaply) says, "I don't need a marketing holiday to show I care."
No, I think he needs an Act of Congress.
For those who want a more unique gift, and possibly free if you don't make a dedication, the Bossier Parish Community College Jazz Ensemble will present a free Valentine's Day concert called "An Evening of Romantic Valentine's Music."
The elegant evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. February 14 in the BPCC Performing Arts Theatre.
"It's going to be a beautiful evening," said Michael D. Hart, a BPCC professor who is heading up the event.
The best present may be that before the Valentine's Day concert, audience members may dedicate a song to their sweethearts as a romantic surprise to their loved ones.
Dedications will be announced before each song. The cost of a dedication is $25 and the money raised from this event will go toward the BPCC music program's annual fund.
To dedicate one of these special songs to your sweetheart or even to yourself at this concert, contact Michael D. Hart at (318) 678-6146 or mhart@bpcc.edu.

Dog ear piercing?

I heard a story I had to check out this week.
People are now piercing their dogs’ ears?
I was incredulous and so are the dogs, I bet, when they see themselves in the mirror with their new diamond or gold earrings.
"We had one lady come in who had a pit bull puppy and she wanted a piercing done in only one ear because it was a boy dog," said Lisa Thorne, assistant manager of Critter Company, the pet store where they do the ear piercings. "She wanted some bling for that dog."
Bling for the dog?
How about some bling for herself?
You know what they say, you can never be too thin, rich or have too much bling — and that includes the jewelry you put on your dog.
I was telling my BFF about this new dog ear piercing phenomenon.
She is a raging PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) activist with two dogs and a cat.
"That sounds really cruel," she said. "But then I just got my dog’s tail cut shorter at the vet."
"I’m sure you cut the dog’s tail because it was dragging and hurting the little pup?" I said.
"No," she said. "It just looks prettier."
For those with no objection to their dogs looking prettier than themselves, since 1994, Critter Company has been doing innovative things for pets.
But with the store’s latest dog ear piercing idea, it may be taking unique to the next level.
"It’s something we thought that pet owners might like," said Angela Welch, assistant store manager.
Indeed, a sign in the store says, "Ear piercing, $25 with earrings included.
"We’ve gotten a lot of dogs so far," said assistant manager Lisa Thorne.
She said the dogs she mostly sees with the piercings are smaller.
"They’re mostly Yorkies and Chihuahuas."
The big question is, does the procedure hurt the dogs?
Store groomers, she said, use a numbing cream and the dogs don’t even whimper.
"It’s not feasible for outside dogs who are scratching their ears all the time," Thorne said.
How do you feel about dog ear piercings?
Do you think it’s another reason for dogs to run away and never come back or do you think they like the look?
Let me know by accessing the Bossier Voices blog at www.shreveporttimes.com.

Book Club Meeting - Finally!

Okay Bossier Voices Book Clubbers!
To say I've dropped the ball is an understatement. But I have started reading our latest book Water for Elephants and it is beautifully written. Since I've got the next meeting, I suggest we get cocoa and eggnog for the holidays and finish reading this book. Then, wearing all our newest clothing and jewelry from the holidays, get together at 7 p.m. on January 24 in the Dogwood Clubhouse off Dogwood S. Lane? Whatcha thnk? We can cook, drink and discuss the book. Lemme know and once again, am sorry for the time lapsed. I miss you guys!
Jane

Water for Elephants available at Books-A-Million in Bossier City

According to my friend and fellow Bossier Voices book clubber Gina Kiser, Books-A-Million had about five paperbacks of Water for Elephants last week.
Water for Elephants promises to be a romantic read, according to another fellow book clubber who picked the book.
For those who have emailed about joining - including a man (you know who you are!) - we're THRILLED to have you.
Keep posted for the next meeting and let me know when you buy the book and where.

Bossier City University of Phoenix has jobs a plenty

University of Phoenix tAcademic Showcase scheduled Oct. 26 & 27 to recruit faculty members for new site

By Jane Bokun
janebokun@gannett.com



The University of Phoenix, soon to open in the Louisiana Boardwalk in January 2008, is now inviting potential candidates to brush up their resumes and attend a job fair.
Faculty recruitment begins with an “Academic Showcase” event at the Louisiana Boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27.
The new campus is slated to move into office space on the second level of the parking garage servicing the area. Phoenix will have 22,000 square feet of office and classroom space in the facility. The new operation is expected to employ 100 people.


Attendees should bring a current resume and transcripts. On-site interviews and an overview of University of Phoenix, its teaching model and philosophy will be available via interactive presentations by University representatives.

The online leader offers associate degrees in business, education, health services, behavioral sciences and technology. In addition, students may earn bachelors or masters level degrees in business, health care, behavioral science and technology.

The campus will have both in-house and online classes.
The University of Phoenix currently has campus locations in Metairie, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. For more information about University of Phoenix – Louisiana, visit www.phoenix.edu. Those interested in finding out more about jobs, may call 800-927-3734 or email educatelouisiana@phoenix.edu for more information and to register.