Why Would an older man want a younger woman?

Rod Stewart: Some Guys have all the Luck

"Rod Stewart is famous for several things other than music. Beautiful women, for example. The list of his relationships include....."

Music aside, Rod Stewart’s life has been anything but dull.
As the song says, every picture tells a story, don’t it?

Starting off with a bang.

Roderick David Stewart was born January 10, 1945 in Highgate, London. Rod was the youngest of five children.
His parents owned a newsagent’s shop in North London and the family lived above the shop.

A few minutes before Rod was born, a German V-2 rocket hit a police station down the street and the explosion heralded his birth.

The pre-rock star years.

It was the early sixties and Rod opened his mind to alternative ways of thinking. He found himself interested in folk music and left wing politics. He became a beatnik and a communist;

Rod described himself: “I was your actual beatnik, mate. Your actual Jack Kerouac. Ban the bomb. You name it, we ban it. Anti-apartheid. Save cats. Save dogs. Shag in tents…What a life. What a life.”

Rod music interests began to change and he became more interested in upcoming rock and roll bands like the Yardbirds and The Rolling Stones.

Rod the Mod.

During the next 10 years Rod performed in five different rock groups* before moving to the United States, applying for citizenship and becoming a superstar. (A brief history follows this article.)

Do you think I’m sexy?

Rod, as we all know, is famous for several things other than music. Beautiful women, for example. The list of his relationships include (actress) Britt Ekland and the two women he married—Alana Hamilton (George’s ex) and (supermodel) Rachel Hunter.

Oops. Did I say that?

An unfortunate quote of Rod’s was that he would rather have his penis cut off than to cheat on Rachel Hunter. When she later sued him for divorce it was on the grounds of adultery.

Rod met his current love, (cover-girl turned photographer) Penny Lancaster, the same night he split with Rachel.

Hotel rooms and tarts.

Although mellower than he was in the early days, Rod is amazingly unapologetic of his antics of his early rock years. He condemns today’s headline-seeking rock stars. “When I was in “The Faces,” we wouldn’t go and break up hotel rooms or go out with tarts to get ourselves in the papers. We broke up hotel rooms and went out with tarts because we bloody felt like it,” he says.

Rod, on re-marrying:

“Instead of getting married again, I’m going to find a woman I don’t like and just give her a house.”

Rod, on looking young:

“The secret is to moisturize the face, I’ve been doing that since I was 17 years old.”

Rod, on songwriting:

“I wrote some of my best love songs ever when I was unhappy and my saddest love songs when I was very much in love.
When I wrote You’re in My Heart, which is an uplifting song, I had just broken up with…Now who had I broken up with?”

Who thought this one up?

“The singer Rod Stewart” is an anagram for “shattered songwriter.”

Britt Ekland’s revelations:

“He (Rod) very often chose to wear my cotton panties on stage. He used to take my knickers and pull them up real tight and stick the teeny-weeny part up his bum, so all that was covered were the parts he wanted covered.”

She said of Rod’s scoliosis condition, “The one advantage of his curvature was that his rear end protruded, and no one wiggled it quite like Rod.”

Michael Jackson’s baby.

Shortly after the incident when Michael Jackson dangled his baby from his hotel window, Rod’s record company got an e-mail from Rod’s manager. It read, “Kindly find new hotel. Cannot risk Rod being struck on head by falling baby.”

Trivia question.

Q. Who is in the Guinness Book of World Records for holding a free outdoor concert for the most people?
A. Rod Stewart. One New Year’s Eve, 1994, Rod performed in front of an estimated crowd of 3.5 million people on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

He’s human after all.

Rod, who is a few years past 60, has said that he can’t manage sex as often as he used to. He said “It’s quality now, not quantity. Kissing is very important.” He added however, that he still counts sex as one of his favorite past-times.

Cancer

Despite the fact that Rod works out and is in good physical shape, about 3 years ago he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He said, “It was a terrible shock. I mean I just went into total silence for a few days."

The fact that it was detected early made a big difference. He underwent surgery almost immediately and fortunately has made a full recovery.

Rod said he realizes now that cancer can hit anyone at any time. “I’m one of the lucky ones. I thank God. He must have given me a second chance and there’s something I have to do with the rest of my life”

Finding a purpose.

Faced with such a frightening ordeal, Rod has asked “How can I help?” He wants to do what he can for others in similar situations. He has helped raise money and publicize the City of Hope Foundation’s efforts to find a cure for all types of cancer and has become a spokesman for them.

For a long time Rod has enjoyed a glamorous lifestyle. He has been seen at the best parties and dated and wed some of the world’s most beautiful women.
He now realizes that he can make a significant difference.

What a life. What a Life. Funny, how it works. <<
*Brief Rock History

Rod joined Jimmy Powell and the Five Dimensions (1963) as a singer and blues harp player. In 1964, (for you trivia aficionados) he played blues harp on Millie Small’s big hit record, My Boy Lollipop.

In that same year, Rod joined The Hoochie Coochie Men (which evolved into Steampacket 1964-65), whose claim to fame was supporting The Rolling Stones in 1965.

During that period, after his appearance in a documentary film on the Mod movement, Rod acquired the nickname, “Rod the Mod.”

When Steampacket broke up in 1966, Rod joined Shotgun Express (1966). Among his band-mates was Mick Fleetwood who would later go on to form Fleetwood Mac.

After Shotgun Express, there was The Jeff Beck Group (1966-1969). The group had two hit albums and toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe.

By the end of 1969, the Jeff Beck Group was history, and Rod joined The Faces (1969- 1975). It was about this time he started his solo career as well.

Rod’s solo career started off big. A two-sided hit, Reason to Believe and Maggie May, made Rod Stewart a household name. Maggie May was named in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. <<

For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.

Joe Pesci: A Life of Surprises

Has anybody seen Joe Pesci lately?
He's around but believe it or not, he hasn't made a movie in over 5 years.

Here's the scoop!

Joe has recently said," I've given my whole life to show business. I'd like to find out about another part of life, a more relaxing and spiritual part and a more enjoyable part."

Martin Scorsese: A Spiritual Leader

Joe, speaking of Scorsese has said, "In my eyes, he is a great spiritual leader. Even though many people think that Martin, Bob (DeNiro) and I are ambassadors of violence, I can assure you, we detest it as much as everyone else. But, under Martin's watchful and meticulous eyes, he tries to show how terrible and violent life can be. If you never see the evil man can do, you will never long for the goodness."

You should see Martin on the set when he's talking about any subject. He's so inspirational. Sometimes there are actors and crew members sitting on the floor around him like a flock listening to the shepherd. I've never seen film crews more eager to work and please "the Master".

"For me, Martin has awakened my spiritual side to unbelievable heights. We talk for hours about life, death and spirituality. I can't say enough about how much I love and respect him. Honest to God."

Joe's famous scene

Joe has been referred to as consummate character actor. He has appeared in 3 films directed by Scorsese (Raging Bull, Goodfellas
and Casino). He won an Academy award for Goodfellas as probably the all-time menacing crazy mobster. His famous rant is a classic, and is often repeated in bars across the country when guys have had one too many.

I'm funny how?

Here it is. Try it on your friends.

"What do ya mean, funny? Let me understand this cause, I don't know maybe its me, I'm a little f...... up maybe, but I'm funny how? I mean, funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh........? I'm here to f....'amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

Joe holds the world's record and dubious distinction of saying the "f" word about 120 times in Goodfellas.

Backtracking

Joe was born February 9, 1943 in Newark, New Jersey. He started his career in radio as a child actor at the age of four. When he was 10, he was a regular on the TV variety show, Star Time Kids.

Little Joe sure can sing

Joe's acting career hit a lull in his teenage years. In his early 20's, however, he began a musical career under the name of Joe Ritchie. He had an LP called, Little Joe Sure Can Sing

Let's twist

I can't picture this either, but, remember Joey Dee and the Starliters of Peppermint Lounge fame? Joe was their guitar player.

Not counting Let's Twist, a 1961 film he appeared in, Joe made only film, The Death Collector, in 1975. It went virtually unnoticed and Joe decided to give up his acting career, what there was of it.

He returned to New York and ran an Italian restaurant.

"I couldn't get any jobs, and when that happens you get so humble its disgusting. I didn't feel like a man anymore........ I felt really creepy. I was bumping into walls saying, 'Excuse Me'."

"My daughter is the one really great thing that came out of my early life. I'm a good father now. I wish I'd been a good one back then.

The Death Collector as career move

One of the few people who saw Death Collector, was Robert DeNiro. He was impressed by Pesci's performance and brought the film to the attention of Scorsese.

Scorsese cast Pesci as Jake LaMotta's brother in arguably the best film of the Eighties, Raging Bull. The performance earned Pesci an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Joe has made 24 films. Among them are the 3 Scorsese films mentioned above, Lethal Weapon 1, 2, 3 and 4, Home Alone 1 and 2, My Cousin Vinny, JFK, and Once Upon a Time in America.
To purchase Joe's movies, click here.

Filmography:

Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
Gone Fishin (1997)
8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1996)
Casino (1995)
Jimmy Hollywood (1994)
With Honors (1994)
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
The Public Eye (1992)
Ruby's Dream (1992)
JFK (1991)
The Super (1991)
Betsy's Wedding ( 1990)
Goodfellas (1990)
Home Alone (1990)
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
Man on Fire (1987)
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Easy Money (1983)
I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can (1982)
Eureka! (1981)
Raging Bull (1980)
Family Enforcer (aka The Death Collector) (1976)

For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.

Dustin Hoffman: True Confessions

Dustin Hoffman was born August 8, 1937. He was a slow starter.

As a young man, Dustin attended Los Angeles High School. He described himself as “unpopular, unattractive, shortest kid in class, and kind of a misfit.”

He wasn’t a jock, and never hung out with the guys. “I never felt an identity growing up but I didn’t know that I didn’t feel an identity. I just didn’t feel right. When I started taking acting classes there was a connection.”

“Looking back on it now”, he adds, “I only knew who I was when I was being someone else.”

The “rewards” of success.

After the success of The Graduate, in 1967, Dustin confessed he went on a sex binge.

He admitted that he was addicted to having sex in public places, like the Studio 54 club in New York, and says he also enjoyed threesomes. "I met a couple of girls in bed more than once.”

He described those years as "the candy-store years because there were drugs, stardom, the Pill.”

Dustin also confessed that he tried cocaine - but had to stop because he was allergic to it.

He said: "I couldn't breathe for weeks afterwards."

First sexual experience.

Dustin revealed how he lost his virginity to an older woman who had mistaken him for his brother. .

His first sexual experience was cut short when the woman – who was 20 and was five years older than Dustin - realized “in horror” that she was not making love to his older brother, Ronny.

"I jumped off her, stark naked, and left the room.

I wound up in the living room, and guys were sitting around having beer and talking, and I was naked.

This may have been the beginning of my acting career without my knowing it, because they stood up and applauded - and I liked the applause."

Condom talk.

“My oldest son, Jake, who is twenty-three, loves to tell this story about our condom talk.

I had lectured in a UCLA class on a Saturday and when I left there was a biology class in session next door. On the door was a carton of free condoms, and I stole it. Actually, I said to the instructor, since I’m not getting paid for the lecture can I have this instead? He said, ‘Sure, take ’em.’ And I took off.

I came home, went to Jake’s bedroom where he was lying on his bed talking on the phone. He said, ‘Hey Dad, what’s up?’ I just walked over and spilled all of them on his head—hundreds of condoms!”

Spirit and life force.

“I am a sexual being and I dispute the way society views sex. I think they compartmentalize it. Sex has to do with spirit and life force.”

“Whether you’re gay, bisexual, or straight—I don’t care what combos you want to put in there—sex is a good thing. And God bless everybody, and may they come off the charts any which way they can! Just protect yourself,” (referring to condoms)

Risk equals excitement.

Dustin explains, “In terms of sex, I think there’s always been a correlation between sex and danger. Before HIV there was the risk of getting a girl pregnant and playing that game was a part of the excitement, especially during the teen years.”

He continued, “I don’t think that has subsided in today’s world. It’s the same with smoking and drinking. There’s a danger. It’s a flaw in the human makeup. We take on that which scares the shit out of us.”

Now for something really kinky.

Dustin says his lucky socks are one of his cherished possessions. “I have different pairs, some have question marks, and some have nutty faces. They’re funny. I found them in Paris, and they are my Achilles’ Socks. If I need good luck, or fly in an airplane, I wear my lucky socks.”

For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.

Being Sting: A Tough Job but Somebody’s Got to do it.

Showbiz: “He's a multimillionaire rock super-star with one of the happiest marriages in the business. Plus, he's super-dad to six children. But is he happy?"

Sting was born in 1951. Before he was Sting he was Gordon Sumner. His father was a milkman and his mother a hairdresser. When “Gordie” was eight he was up at 4 AM delivering pints of milk with his father.

Sting described his parents as being reserved and uncommunicative. Mealtime conversation was limited to "Pass the salt." Love, he says, was “guessed at rather than expressed.”

Goodbye Gordon, hello Sting


Sting left home when he was 19 and became a teacher. He was given the name ‘Sting’ because of the bee-like quality of a black and yellow sweater he used to wear when he played in jazz bands at nights and weekends.

"My father never could call me Sting -- he never quite understood what I became. He had aspirations for me that I never realized -- he wanted me to work in a bank.”

Writing as therapy

Sting claims that writing his recent book, Broken Music: a Memoir, was very therapeutic for him because it gave him a chance to go back over everything and write it down. Sting said that he found that writing about his life at the age of 50 enabled him to be grateful for his parents, love them and tell their story proudly. “I wouldn't have been able to do that if I was younger - I needed to be a certain age and have the perspective and life wisdom that it brings," he said.

“I'm still in touch with my parents in a psychological way. In situations where something wonderful happens to you, they are still there as part of my consciousness. It makes my current life seem even more extraordinary.”

Personal songs

Many of Sting's own biggest hits have been songs written at periods of emotional turmoil - the break-up of his first marriage, the death of both his parents within a year of each other. He has spoken in the past about his need to channel emotion – “Disguise it as pop music,” he has said. “Melancholy is not a bad thing.”

Advice to young musicians

"I tell them you probably won't make it," he says. "But that the spiritual journey you go through to become a musician is a soul-nourishing job. The chances of becoming rich and famous are slim, but that's not important. What's important is doing the job and working at it for your own sake."

Speaking of pop music…

As a father he says (somewhat ironically), that he is suspicious of the role of pop music in today's culture. "Pop is basically about sex. It sells sex to children who have no ability to understand it.”

Speaking of sex… what about all that talk about Tantric sex?

Despite the rumors, Sting claims that he and his wife Trudie do not engage in sessions of Tantric sex. He says that he doesn't even know what the phrase means and that the story came about as a result of being misquoted at a party.

Hallucinogenic drugs

He does, however admit to taking hallucinogenic drugs. Sting was offered an herbal tea to put him into a spiritual trance while campaigning for the protection of the Brazilian rainforest and living with the Brazilian Indians.


"It's a substance they've used for thousands of years," he says. "You drink a cup of this horrible liquid. The first time I took it I had an hour of mortal terror and then a good hour crying for everything in my life - relationships I'd had with my parents, my family, my wives, my girlfriends and my children. That's when I first decided to write about my life."

Success, wealth and housing (X7)

Sting is one of the world’s most successful musicians but won’t discuss either his success or how rich he is. He does not mind people knowing that he owns seven homes - two in London, one in Los Angeles and one in New York; Then, there’s a 20-room 600 acre estate in Tuscany, his family's main 60 acre residence in Wiltshire and a house in the Lake District (England).

He says that he uses all of his houses and that it is important for him to have them. He explains it this way: "I spent a quarter of a century living out of a suitcase traveling through hotels on tour. It's far nicer if you can go back to your own home instead with a few books that are yours, some art on the walls that you bought and sit on your own furniture.”

No sign of a mid-life crisis

Although Sting is 54 years old, he says he doesn’t believe he is at the so called middle-aged ‘mid-life crisis’ stage just yet. He says, “I feel like I'm as curious as I was when I was 14.” He adds, “I've got as much energy.”

Living normal

He was quoted as saying, "I want to live as normally as possible and I demand my right to walk around in a normal way, without protection or bodyguards. I go out and get the newspapers in the morning, I walk the dogs and I demand respect from people on the street. Not as Sting, but as a guy who's got the same right to be there as anyone else in the community. I'm a citizen, if you like, and I have citizen's rights."

Being 54

Sting is extremely fit from many of hours of yoga each week. He probably looks better now than he ever has. He has some grey streaks in his short (and thinning) hair but that's the only sign of his age.

Now, an apparently perfect life

Life now for Sting is apparently perfect - he combines being a rock super-star with being a multimillionaire super-dad to six children. He seems to be enjoying what has been called, one of the happiest marriages in show business.

(God knows where he finds his 'melancholy' these days.)

“I am happier in my skin than when I was 22.” I’m not just saying that,

I really am.” <<

For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.