Bon Jovi, Bill Clinton announce plans to restore homes in Philadelphia

[The Sushi Bandit]

http://english.pravda.ru/news/society/06-10-2006/84919-bonjovi-0

Bon Jovi, Bill Clinton announce plans to restore homes in blighted Philadelphia neighborhood

When Jon Bon Jovi told former President Bill Clinton about a new plan to restore homes in one of Philadelphia's most blighted neighborhoods, his pal was all ears. Clinton "was intrigued enough that he offered his services, and said, 'If I can help you in any way, don't hesitate.' And we didn't," Bon Jovi told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Clinton stood beside the rocker in Philadelphia on Thursday as he announced his project, called the Phase V Homeownership Project, to renovate 15 decaying homes on two blocks on the city's north side. Bon Jovi, co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League and creator of the team's charity foundation, teamed up with Habitat for Humanity, the Saturn automobile company and a local charity for the effort, reports AP.

The rock star received the City of Brotherly Love Award from Mayor John F. Street on Thursday night. The presentation was made at the National Constitution Center after the Liberty Medal ceremony, which honored former presidents George H.W. Bush and Clinton. Bon Jovi closed the event with a performance of his song "Who Says You Can't Go Home." "We are all, in fact, connected," Bon Jovi said. "We can make a difference." He's been on a philanthropy kick lately. Last year, he and Bon Jovi bandmate Richie Sambora surprised Oprah Winfrey with a $1 million (Ђ790,000) donation to her Angel Network and Habitat for Humanity to build 28 homes in the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged town of Houma, Louisiana.

"I mean, it gives me great joy," he said of his charity work. "There's just too many haves and have-nots in the country."

[htuttle]

1. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I'm pleasantly surprised.

While I've come to the unexpected conclusion over the last few years that Jon Bon Jovi is indeed, an okay guy, I didn't realize he was quite the mensch he is.

I'll just pretend I've never heard his music, and just appreciate his efforts.

:evilgrin:

[Autumn Colors]

3. Well, I can't speak first hand about Jon Bon Jovi

... but Richie Sambora is a great guy. My husband has been a drum tech (aka "roadie") for 25+ years and I worked in the management end of music for years. My husband worked for Richie on his solo tour in Japan a few years back. He's a totally down-to-earth, super nice person (as is Heather Locklear). I've never met Jon personally but have many acquaintances in common with him and I've never, EVER heard a bad word about him, so none of this surprises me.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

5. I did work for Bon Jovi.

I took care of Richie, did his guitars, and you are right: there are few people nicer or funnier or with a better heart than Richie. My sides still hurt from Richie and his Tony Montana impersonations.

Jonnie, when I was there, was a little shit. Mean, nasty. It's good to see that he has come to recognize his blessings and, yes, become a mensch. I attribute that to his wife, Dorothea, and to the other guys, Richie, Lemma and Tico. All have VERY good hearts. Dorothea was the one who led Jonnie to politics. She's a good, solid Jersey girl who doesn't buy into the Rock and Roll bullshit.

Tico: Now THERE is a real mensch. As solid a person as the day is long. Or longer. I will always have a very soft spot in my heart for Tico.

[rocktivity]

6. I interviewed Richie when when their Keep The Faith album came out.

What you say about Jon doesn't surprise me--he's always struck me as having despotic tendencies. Is Lemma a nickname for Dave? And Tico has always been my favorite--yes, he prefers trophy wives, but nobody's perfect.


rocknation

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

7. Lemma =David.

"Lemma Moon"

They have called him that since dirt was in beta testing.

He's such a good classical pianist that he impressed Michael Tilson Thomas. Greatly.

[Autumn Colors]

8. Ha...

I guess the ones who never had a bad thing to say about Jon were probably just watching their behinds.

Were you with Richie in Japan on his solo tour (I think it was like 1997-98)? I know my husband was really surprised when he took everyone (band, crew, etc) out bowling one night. Out of all the people he's worked for over the last 25 or so years, he's one of the few my husband said he could see himself just hanging out with even if he didn't work for/with him.

[heliarc]

2. I think that he meant...

"There are too many have nots" in this country..." <sigh>

[jus_the_facts]

4. "Have and Have MORE in this country..."

...is the famous quote from *ush explainin' his BASE. :puke:

I guess they've already forgotten about the *blight* in the 9th Ward in New Orleans needin' a make-over. :evilfrown: