Assignment Three (2nd attempt)

Atlanta, Paul McCartney.

Sir Paul was in the Atlanta area recently to promote his new concert video, "The Space Within Us" based on his 2005 North American tour. He took time out of his busy schedule to spend an hour with Jeffrey Lamar, entertainment reporter for Us Magazine. They dined at a posh downtown restaurant, and the former Beatle answered questions in between bites of Hodge Podge, a popular entree consisting of fried cauliflower, mushroom and zucchini. Mr. McCartney is an avid vegetarian, as you might know.

Lamar: How did you decide to name your last concert tour, "The Us Tour?"

McCartney: Well, you know, we're all in this together -- we're one big human population living on this one planet, no matter how diverse our cultures may be. Besides, Us is a pretty good name for a tour, as well as a magazine, right?

Lamar, noting the smile on McCartney's face: Yes, I see you've still got your sense of humor, as always.

McCartney: Yes, why wouldn't I?

Lamar: On a more serious side, it has been noted that your recent split from Heather Mills has not been as amicable as was first thought, and perhaps you have been under more stress than you've let on... is this true?

McCartney: You know, any time you go through something as upsetting as divorce, it's bound to be a little stressful. It's just not something you get over right away -- kind of like a death, so to say, of your hopes and dreams. I had hoped that things would always work out between us, in spite of the fact that my children, especially Heather, wasn't so fond of her in the beginning. I was hoping that they would learn to like each other, and that things would work out for the better.

Lamar: And what about the child you had with Miss Mills, Beatrice? Do you get to see much of her these days?

McCartney: Oh yes, why just the other day we celebrated her 2nd birthday together with Heather and several of her two-year old "friends." She really had a blast!

Lamar: That sounds great. How about your new agreement with Starbucks and Hear Record label... I "hear" you are the first artist to record with them.

McCartney: Yes, I am very excited about the upcoming release this summer of my new album, my first studio recording in over two years.

Lamar: And what will the name of that album be? I noticed you refer to it as an album, and not a CD.

McCartney: Yes, you can tell I'm old school. I haven't gotten used to the term "compact disc" even though they've been out for years. To me, music will always be captured on vinyl and tape... in my mind, CD just doesn't seem as romantic, if you will. By the way, we're still trying to decide what it will be called. Do you have any suggestions?

Lamar, laughing: I don't know... how about the "Us" album (or CD)?

McCartney: Sure, why not? Or maybe we'll decide on something more original, who knows?

Lamar: Well, it has been great talking to you, Sir Paul, and I can hardly wait for your new release date. One more question... do you think there will be a subsequent tour to follow?

McCartney: We're seriously considering it, but it's still in the planning stages... no pun intended. But, hopefully, I can arrange another "outing" because I really enjoy being in front of an audience and performing live... there's nothing else like it.

Lamar: You always put on a good show, too. I've been to seven of them over the years, and I've never been disappointed. It seems you just keep getting better and better with time.

McCartney: Now you're comparing me to fine wine... I like that!

Lamar: Yes, I like that analogy. Thank you, Mr. McCartney, for spending time and we'll see you next year, hopefully on tour.

McCartney: My pleasure... you can go to my official website, "PaulMcCartney.com" any time to check on upcoming events and news.

Lamar: Thanks, Sir Paul... I'll do that, but I'm sure it will be on all the major television and radio stations the very day that you announce it, don't you think?

McCartney, pointing his finger and smiling: You're a true fan, I can tell!