* Richard did an amazing show in North Chicago on February 15th, 1997. I have to say, it was the best Valentine's present I've ever received. : ) Several RM fan club members and "Repeat Offenders" went to the show. We ended up seeing Cynthia (Richard's wife), the kids, and Richard's mom Ruth before the show. Bruce Gaitsch came out from backstage to meet us before the concert started as well. We fans stayed around after the show and spent a half an hour talking to Richard, getting pictures and autographs, and seeing Bruce, Herman Mathews (who played drums in the show), and generally just having a blast.

* Richard Marx fans from all over the world chatted with Richard thanks to the Apple Computers Grammy website. He answered various questions and talked about the "Grammy in the Schools" contest. Many fans took part in the chat and we felt it was a great success. Click here if you'd like to read the log of this chat.

* A Richard Marx song called "The Power Inside of Me" was released on the soundtrack for "The Mirror Has Two Faces." The song is featured during the film in a workout scene with Barbra Streisand. Richard wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music, as well as producing the song. The soundtrack also includes some work from Bryan Adams and Streisand. Check this movie out on video.

* In case you missed it, Richard did an amazing song called "Angel's Lullaby" for his kids, which appeared on the "For Our Children, Too" CD. If you don't have this song, get it--it's truly inspiring. Richard released two other songs on compilations after "Paid Vacation": "Beautiful" from "Carole King: Tapestry Revisited," and "You'll Never Be Alone" on the "Superstars of Christmas 1995" CD.