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Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Home by Ginny Yttrup

Home, it should be the ultimate refuge, but for novelist Melanie Vander and her husband Craig it is merely a place they both sleep.  Not only are they in financial difficulty if the don't do something soon they may lose everything. Their next door neighbors Carlos and Jill are also facing a crisis Home is a very engaging book that examines two couples at life's crossroads. I enjoyed this book immensely. The characters and situation were very plausible. I loved the gentle reminders God gave each of them as they faced their own crisis.  Although this is my first book by Ginny Yttrup, it will certainly not be my last.

From Amazon:

Melanie runs away. From conflict. From pain. From reality.

When novelist Melanie Vander faces a looming deadline, she decides it’s time for an escape to an inspiring, novel-worthy locale. She’s not running away. Really. She just needs time to focus. But as she disappears into her writing, she encounters a man whose tenderness leaves her reeling. Engaging and wise, psychologist Elliot Hammond tempts Melanie to question everything, including her marriage.

But that’s ridiculous. Dr. Hammond isn’t even…real.

Melanie’s husband, Craig, has his own problems, including a recession that’s threatening his business. Waning finances, a looming home foreclosure, and a wife who’s checked out emotionally have Craig feeling as though he’s carrying his burdens alone. When his client, the beautiful and single Serena Buchanan, offers him a solution to his financial woes, he’s tempted by more than her offer of a business solution.

At a crossroads, Melanie and Craig seem headed in opposite directions.

As Melanie runs away from her problems by escaping into her own fictional world, Craig dives into his struggles, seeking God for strength and healing for his marriage. Ultimately, Melanie must choose whether she’ll check out completely, or allow her characters to lead her home.

About the author:

Ginny is the award-winning author of Words, Lost and Found, Invisible, Flames, and her most recent novel, Home, which releases April 1, 2017. She writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys exploring the issues everyday women face. Publishers Weekly dubbed Ginny's work "as inspiring as it is entertaining." When not writing, Ginny coaches writers, critiques manuscripts, and makes vintage-style jewelry for her Esty shop, Storied Jewelry. She loves dining with friends, hanging out with her adult sons, or spending a day in her pajamas reading a great novel. Ginny lives in northern California with Bear, her entitled Pomeranian.

I was given this book by for review purposes, All thoughts are my own.

Saturday, May 20, 2017

The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron

Wren Lockhart was apprenticed to Harry Houdini, now he is dead and someone will stop at nothing to gain his secrets. Wren has many secrets other than those learned from Houdini. She has never had time for romance. FBI agent Elliot is determined to keep her alive. He must figure out who is the real Wren Lockhart before she is silenced forever. Kristy Cambron has recreated Jazz age Boston and the world of Vaudeville in the Illusionists Apprentice. I really enjoyed the story.

From Amazon:

Harry Houdini's one-time apprentice holds fantastic secrets about the greatest illusionist in the world. But someone wants to claim them . . . or silence her before she can reveal them on her own.

Boston, 1926. Jenny "Wren" Lockhart is a bold eccentric--even for a female vaudevillian. As notorious for her inherited wealth and gentleman's dress as she is for her unsavory upbringing in the back halls of a vaudeville theater, Wren lives in a world that challenges all manner of conventions.

In the months following Houdini's death, Wren is drawn into a web of mystery surrounding a spiritualist by the name of Horace Stapleton, a man defamed by Houdini's ardent debunking of fraudulent mystics in the years leading up to his death. But in a public illusion that goes terribly wrong, one man is dead and another stands charged with his murder. Though he's known as one of her teacher's greatest critics, Wren must decide to become the one thing she never wanted to be: Stapleton's defender.

Forced to team up with the newly formed FBI, Wren races against time and an unknown enemy, all to prove the innocence of a hated man. In a world of illusion, of the vaudeville halls that showcase the flamboyant and the strange, Wren's carefully constructed world threatens to collapse around her. Layered with mystery, illusion, and the artistry of the Jazz Age's bygone vaudeville era, The Illusionist's Apprentice is a journey through love and loss and the underpinnings of faith on each life's stage.

About the Author:

Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, was named to Library Journal's Best Books of 2014 and nominated for RT Book Reviews' Choice Awards Best Inspirational Novel of 2014 and for the 2015 INSPY Awards for Best Debut Novel. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal's Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction) for February 2015 and a Top Pick for RT Book Reviews. Kristy holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three young sons.

Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the bestselling author of THE RINGMASTER'S WIFE, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10. Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best lists and received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations. THE LOST CASTLE (HarperCollins, 2018) is her fifth novel.

Kristy holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University and has 15 years experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation. Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

I was given this book by for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Still Life by Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey never disappoints. In Still Life, Chesapeake Valor book 2, I loved watching Avery and Parker fall in love. The way Parker does not hold Avery's past against her is a picture of Christ's love for us. I really enjoyed the camaraderie of Avery, Parker, Tanner, Kate, Declan and Griffin. Between them, I am sure there could be many adventures in the future.  I hope Ms. Pettrey shares many more of their adventures in the future.

From Amazon:

Romantic Suspense's Rising Star Continues to Win Fans

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

About the author:

Dani Pettrey is the bestselling author of the Alaskan Courage series and winner of the 2014 Daphne du Maurier award for Inspirational Novel, the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award for Suspense, and the 2013 Holt Medallion for First Novel. She and her husband reside in the D.C. Metro area.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. Visit her web site at!

Book 3 in the series, Blind Spot, will be available October 3, 2017
books by Dani Pettrey:

Monday, May 1, 2017

A Stranger At Ellsworth by Sarah Ladd

  Sarah Ladd has again written a wonderful tale of life in Regency England.  Annabelle Thorley, an orphan who is dependent upon her younger brother and his wife for everything. When Her brother Thomas declares she will marry his associate, she flees to her uncle at Fellsworth. I loved the gorgeous word pictures Ms. Ladd creates as she describes the settings. The characters were believable, and the story plausible. This story read very quickly and I had a hard time putting it down. As always with Sarah Ladd's books, make sure you have time to sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy!

From Amazon:

Could losing everything be the best thing to happen to Annabelle Thorley?

In the fallout of her deceased father’s financial ruin, Annabelle’s prospects are looking bleak. Her fiancé has called off their betrothal, and now she remains at the mercy of her controlling and often cruel brother. Annabelle soon faces the fact that her only hope for a better life is to do the unthinkable and run away to Fellsworth, the home of her long-estranged aunt and uncle, where a teaching position awaits her. Working for a wage for the first time in her life forces Annabelle to adapt to often unpleasant situations as friendships and roles she’s taken for granted are called into question.

Owen Locke is unswerving in his commitments. As a widower and father, he is fiercely protective of his only daughter. As an industrious gamekeeper, he is intent on keeping poachers at bay even though his ambition has always been to eventually purchase land that he can call his own. When a chance encounter introduces him to the lovely Annabelle Thorley, his steady life is shaken. For the first time since his wife’s tragic death, Owen begins to dream of a second chance at love.

As Owen and Annabelle grow closer, ominous forces threaten the peace they thought they’d found. Poachers, mysterious strangers, and murderers converge at Fellsworth, forcing Annabelle and Owen to a test of fortitude and bravery to stop the shadow of the past from ruining their hopes for the future.

About the author:

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky Golden Retriever.


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Friday, December 7, 2012

Pre-Images of Super Sentai #2 (2008-Now)

I already had 2000-2013, but I just can't keep adding to it. So here is a new post for the upcoming years.

2008 Go-Onger
This was the first picture we got and nobody liked the helmets, many said it looked like a rehash of other helmets. Confirmations on the title came in October.
-First mention of "Go-onger" name on October 27th 2007
-1st toy catalog cover on December 6th 2007
-Go-Onger cast revealed in promo video on December 29th 2008
-Go-Onger press conference on January 19th 2008

2009 Shinkenger
I remember fans being happy more or less with the illustrations. There were mumbles that they looked like Ohranger helmets but everyone was happy. Rumors and Spoilers began in August. Two rumored titles were Toushi Sentai Gunbaranger (Fighting Spirt Taskforce Gunbaranger) or Gowa Sentai Starranger.
-Series name license revealed on October 2nd 2008
-Leaked concept art of ShinkenOh and Shinkenger team on November 19th
- 1st quarter toy catalog for Shinkenger on December 8th
-Cast confirmed and newspaper flier released on December 27th
-Press conference photos posted on February 2nd 2009
An early sketch in 2008 said to be an early sketch for the 2009 Super Sentai, could be preliminary design for Shinkenger.

2010 Goseiger
Title confirmed in September and the picture above was revealed in early of December of 2009.
-Press flyer revealed on December 3rd 2010
-Toy catalog cover on December 6th
-1st quarter toy catalog on December 9th
-Rumored cast becomes the official cast on December 30th
-Cast confirmed on January 1st
These were the rumored sketches in September of 2009, it was debunked around November.

2011 Gokaiger
The title was confirmed in early of September of 2010. We did get this early sketch in September as well, but it resembled the other sketches from 2009 that were not the final designs.

-Series name license revealed on September 9th 2010
-Press flyer revealed on December 2nd 2010
-1st toy catalog pictures released on December 6th
-The rumored cast turned out to be correct on December 22nd 2010
We got this quick sketch from an insider.

We first saw this picture December 1st late night (December 2nd afternoon in Japan). The first drawing we got in September is somewhat similar with minor details that the undershirt is black and the cuffs are silver and boot cuff is different but same basic idea.

 2012 Go-Busters
The one above is the "leaked" image for Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters on November 6th. But the final product we saw was in December 1st right below. This is the first image we saw of the final designs.
-Go-buster's series title confirmed on September 9th 2011
-Go-buster's 1st toy catalog is leaked on December 1st 2011
-Go-buster's press flier is revealed on December 1st 2011
-Rumor of cast on November 28th
-Go-buster cast confirmed and newspaper flier on December 31st 2011
-Last week of January 2011 and the press conference/stage show/toy exhibit\bouquet handover from past team

2013 Kyouryuger
On November 6, 2012 we got the first leaked image. We already knew it was dinosaur related in September.

Blurry image came up December 6th and then some catalog pics (illustrations) December 7th.
A clearer picture came out December 8th with clearer catalog pics.
Of course I must note that many other people have supplied news, spoilers, pics, and etc. other than Dukemon22.

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Go pink for New Year's Eve bash in Bradenton

Don’t feel like sitting at home and witnessing the ramblings of Dick Clark and sidekick Ryan Seacrest? Tired of entertaining guests who spill sparkling wine all over your furniture at midnight? Then here are some options that will take you away from the televised events at Times Square and having to spend hours cleaning on New Year’s Day.

How about some final-day-of-the-year-fun for a good cause?

The Old Main Street Merchants Association, in conjunction with the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, hosts its second annual New Year’s Eve Celebration with this year’s revelry doubling as a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society’s fight against breast cancer.

All the bars on Old Main Street are participating with $2 shot proceeds going to the charity. In addition, Gold Coast Beverage Distributors has donated a keg of pink-colored Bud Light and 12-ounce cups will be sold for $2 to raise funds. Fittingly, the ball being dropped is pink (see picture above). There will be live music from 8 p.m. until midnight by Michael Mac Band and Friends featuring Julliet guitarist Jimmy DeLisi.

Dozens of vendors will line the street throughout the evening. The party starts at 5 p.m. Saturday. Old Main Street will close to vehicles between 3 p.m. and 1 a.m. Incidentally, downtown Sarasota has cancelled its popular New Year’s Eve event.

“The Old Main Street Merchants Association has really blown it out of the ballpark the last couple years,” said Cork Miller, the organization’s president. “We’re making downtown Bradenton a destination for fun and excitement.”

Click for more New Year's Eve happenings in the area.

—Photo courtesy of Bradenton Herald partner Bay News 9

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

UPDATED 12/29: Travis Clark promises special We the Kings hometown show tonight

UPDATED 12/29:

Bradenton’s We the Kings return again from touring the states and abroad to play a special show in front of their most loyal fans for the fifth year in a row. The pop-punk band will perform Thursday (Dec. 29) at The Hall in Palmetto.

It marks the only WTK performance of 2011 in Manatee County.

“This one will be a little more loosely structured than a normal show,” singer/guitarist Travis Clark said today while on his way to lunch in Bradenton. “People shout out songs and we’ll play it.”

Check back here or here Dec. 29  for complete story, including info on some cool covers Clark plans on playing.

—Photo by PAUL VIDELA/ Travis Clark, right, of We The Kings performed a concert just for students Sept. 13 at The Bridge Church in Bradenton.

If you go
What: We The Kings 5th Annual Hometown Show with Official Hot
Mess and more band to be announced
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 29
Where: The Hall, 1330 U.S. 301, Palmetto Tickets: $12 (advance); $15 (day of show).
They can be purchased at The Hall; Georgia Carpet World, a 5425 14th
St. W., Bradenton; or at Jiffy Lube, 5220 Manatee Ave., Bradenton.
Information: 941-552-2248 or

Friday, December 16, 2011

Christmas vacation time: Be back Dec. 27

Although a few of my stories will magically appear in print and at while I'm away, this weekend marks the start of a nice, long vacation. See ya Dec. 27.

Happy holidays!

Weekend roundup: Country, sacred steel blues and a flamboyant Christmas special

Lee Boys perform Saturday at Aces Live in Bradenton.

It's another busy week for concert, theater and, ah, Sinbad enthusiasts.

Here's what I have running in the Weekend section that hit the streets Thursday:
  • Best of Area Stages: "Nutcracker," Sinbad, "Love, Sung in the Key of Aretha," "My Fair Holiday," "Liberace's Christmas Special," "Winterblunderland"

    Thursday, December 15, 2011

    'Bad Santa' still kills me

    Stayed home last night and watched the holiday classic "Bad Santa."

    That's right, holiday classic.

    Laughed out loud pretty much all the way through just like I did when I watched the movie last year and the year before and, well, every year since it came out in 2003.

    Was even moved again by the sentimental ending.

    Really, "Bad Santa" couldn't be much better.

    Billy Bob Thornton at his comedic best.

    About time for the rumored sequel!

    "Bad Santa" photo courtesy of Dimension Films.

    Wednesday, December 14, 2011

    Tweet with Tom Petty: And tell him to add Tampa to just announced tour dates!

    Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers just announced a series of North American concerts in 2012 prior to embarking on their first tour of Europe in 20 years.

    Unfortunately, Tampa didn't make the cut.

    But the Florida roots rockers, who were pretty much awesome all night at the St. Pete Times Forum in 2008, do have dates May 1 at Germain Arena down in Estero and May 3 over at Amway Center in Orlando.

    Also, Gainesville native Petty will be live on Twitter @TomPetty 5:30 p.m. EST Thursday (Dec. 15) to chat with the fans and answer questions for an hour.

    Tell him to add a May 2 date in Tampa!

    More details:

    —Publicity photo of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

    Tuesday, December 13, 2011

    Get Down Downtown has a new date this month

    Get Down Downtown, which usually takes place the third Thursday of every month, is making a temporary move to the third Friday this month.

    Also, the hours have been extended until 11 p.m. this week.

    Live music by the Billy Rice Band — mostly crowd-pleasing classic rock covers — from 8 to 11 p.m. Dec. 16. Event starts at 6 p.m. on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton. Free admission. Vendors. Good times.

    —Publicity photo of Billy Rice performing with his band

    Monday, December 12, 2011

    Ed Lauter movie 'The Artist' named best of the year by New York Film Critics Online

    Ed Lauter publicity photo
    Last month I wrote about the Sarasota Film Society's Cine-World Film Festival closing night film, writer/director Michel Hazanavicius’ “The Artist,” which features veteran character actor Ed Lauter.

    Lauter was in town last week to film scenes for the Sarasota-Manatee movie "Blind Pass," starring Bradenton resident Danielle White with an appearance by Armand Assante.

    Dinner at Gio's in Bradenton with Lauter and others from the movie led to my Sunday column.

    From the
    The Artist has been named best film of the year by the New York Film Critics Online.
    PHOTOS: The Making of 'The Artist'
    Sunday was a big day for the movie, which also recognized by the American Film Institute and the Boston Film Critics.

    Broadway star Teresa Stanley talks about her return to Sarasota

    Teresa Stanley went from being a teen prodigy and then star member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota before landing on Broadway for the blockbuster "The Color Purple."

    Stanley then toured the country as a cast member of "Rock of Ages."

    She returns to WBTT this week for the first time in five years to join the cast in the company's season opening show, “Love, Sung in the Key of Aretha.”

    Friday, December 9, 2011

    What are you doing this weekend?

    Steve Buscemi in "Fargo"
    I'm planning on not leaving the sofa.

    Or at least not straying too far from it.

    But for those of you who are a bit more adventurous here are some Manatee County selections from our "Go & Do" list starting with a great movie that starts in a couple hours.

    Film Fridays: South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton

    The South Florida Museum will host Film Fridays Series “Winter Stories” at 6 p.m. Fridays. The series, celebrating the start of the winter season, includes “Fargo,” Dec. 9, and “Groundhog Day,” Dec. 16. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended. Admission: $3 members, $5 nonmembers. Information: 941-746-4131, ext. 27, or visit

    Farmers market: Main Street, Bradenton

    The downtown Bradenton Farmers Market is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays featuring local grown and organic produce, olive oil and bread, fresh fish, organic coffee and tea, jewelry and craft vendors, and live music and cooking demonstrations. Information: 941-840-0017 or visit

    Bridge Street market: Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

    The Bridge Street Market on Historic Bridge Street will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays through April 28. The market will feature area produce and plant vendors, arts and craft vendors, funky beach style gifts, jewelry, clothes, home decor, food, fun, music and more. Information: 215-906-0668.

    —Publicity photo from the movie "Fargo"

    Read entire list.

    Wednesday, December 7, 2011

    UPDATED 12/8: City-owned Van Wezel breaking ties with Sarasota?

    UPDATED 12/8: Mark Famiglio, the Van Wezel Foundation chairman of the board who also serves as the president of the executive committee of the board of directors at the Sarasota Film Festival; Robert Bartolotta, city manager of Sarasota; and Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel opine on the four options concerning...

    Big changes could be underway regarding the leadership of the top concert venue in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

    The City of Sarasota-owned Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's separate Van Wezel Foundation has entered into a series of exploratory discussions regarding the future operations of the  1,726-seat venue.

    The initial discussions with the Van Wezel Foundation, which began earlier this year, have centered on consolidating the operation of the Van Wezel Hall with the Van Wezel Foundation under a long term lease arrangement whereby the non-profit entity would carry the authority and responsibility for governance, operations, all expenses and fundraising.

    Here's the what was issued by the city early this afternoon:

    The city commission has directed the city staff to explore organizational alternatives for the future. Among the alternatives being considered are:

    1. Continue to operate the Van Wezel as a City Department. Over the last two years, under the leadership of Mary Bensel, revenues have exceeded expenditures. The current budget continues this success with no budgeted subsidy from the general fund

    2. Explore a private management contract for operation similar to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Ft Myers and the Mahaffey Theatre in St. Petersburg. Under this alternative a private company manages the operation with a management fee paid by the city.

    3. Create a new 501 3(c) non-profit organization to manage both the day to day operations and the long term fund raising.

    4. Consolidate the operation of the Van Wezel Hall with the Van Wezel Foundation under a long term lease arrangement whereby the non-profit entity would carry the authority and responsibility for governance, operations, all expenses and fundraising.

    The initial discussions with the Van Wezel Foundation, which began earlier this year, have centered on the fourth alternative which has the potential of combining the excellent current operating staff with the foundation’s ability to secure major new funding in the future.

    These discussions, regardless of outcome will not affect the excellent cooperative working relationship between the city and the foundation which have been partners for more than 25 years.

    The discussions will have no impact on the Van Wezel's ability to continue to book quality programs in the future.

    Bensel will head up the proposed new structure as president and CEO and will supervise all staff (current and future).

    The discussion will focus on the following mission/objectives:

    Mission: The mission of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is:

    1. To present a broad spectrum of the world’s finest performing artists in order to meet the diverse cultural needs of all of Southwest Florida’s residents and visitors.

    2. To bring visiting artists into the community for meaningful education and outreach programs that help develop new audiences.

    3. To provide a quality facility for other local cultural organizations.

    1. To assure the retention of and expansion of quality arts in the community

    2. To develop a more efficient and effective model for fund raising and provide for . broad and expanded philanthropic support

    3. To ensure that no subsidies will be necessary from the City

    4 To enhance the support provided for other arts entities in the community and encourage collaboration

    5. To expand audiences, communal utilization of facilities and provide affordable programming to all segments of our community

    Timeline: If this alternative is implemented, it is anticipated this process will take a period of time to ensure a strong win-win arrangement. The estimated time frame for any implementation will be approximately January 1, 2013. Any agreement reached would need to be approved by the City Commission and the Foundation Board of Directors.
    Stay tuned for more info/comments from the key players.

    —Photo of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall provided

    Tuesday, December 6, 2011

    Amy Winehouse album 'Lioness' getting mixed reviews

    Just finished listening to the new Amy Winehouse album, "Lioness: Hidden Treasures," which came out today.

    It's not "Back to Black," or even "Frank," and it definitely feels unfinished in many places, but I'll still take her leftovers, most of which are covers, over the vast majority of what's being played on Top 40.

    Alas, it's ultimately a sad reminder of what could have been had Winehouse beat her battle with the bottle and those other demons.

    Anyway, here's a rundown — courtesy of — of what some of the pundits have to say. Ranking of 0-100 follows name of publication.

    Entertainment Weekly
    As posthumous albums go, it's leagues beyond hastily assembled fare like Michael Jackson's Immortal. That's a credit to producers Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson.

    Rolling Stone
    This is a sad record. A grab bag of outtakes, unreleased tracks, demos, covers and song sketches, these recordings feel like a gut punch.

    Los Angeles Times
    The 12-song compilation is slight on new insights....But as vault-emptying collections go, Lioness helps rebut the tabloid qualities of her life and death, and return some of the focus back to what won her such allegiance--her voice.

    The Observer (UK)
    Covers make up the backbone of this perfectly enjoyable, but tame release.

    Chicago Tribune
    A cash-in thin on new songs that confirms Winehouse was still a long way from finishing up the five-years-in-the-making follow-up to "Back to Black."

    Monday, December 5, 2011

    Blondie headed to Bradenton: Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to headline fundraiser

    The biggest band to come out of the late 1970s new wave movement has a special date in Bradenton.

    The original members of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Blondie — starring singer Deborah Harry — will perform at Forty Carrots Family Center's Firefly Gala, presented by The Dart Foundation, on March 24 at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton. The fundraising event promises to include all the fanfare of an authentic concert.

    “The Dart Foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for children and young adults and is proud to support Forty Carrots Family Center's mission of strengthening families. Forty Carrots' unique combination of top-ranking early childhood education and quality parenting education results in giving children a better chance at succeeding in school and life long success,” said Ariane Dart, Forty Carrots Trustee and The Dart Foundation representative, in a statement.

    Following on the heels of last year's success with KC & the Sunshine Band, this year's gala combines the rock star entertainment of Blondie with world-class dining prepared by renown restaurateur and chef Sean Murphy as well as the chance to win auction items.

    What: Firefly Gala starring Blondie, presented by The Dart Foundation
    When: 6 pm Sat., March 24
    Where: The Concessions Golf Club, 7700 Lindrick Lane, Bradenton
    Tickets: TBA
    For sponsorship details or information on how you can be involved email or call 941-365-7716. Visit our website at

    Red Hot Chili Peppers to play Tampa

    After a five year absence, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are headed back to the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa on Jan. 23. Santigold opens.

    Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer are currently in Europe, touring in support of their album "I'm With You," which was released in August and produced the hit single "Monarchy of Roses."

    The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a nominee for the 2012 class of inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

    Tickets for the Tampa show go on sale 10 a.m. Dec. 10. Ticket prices are $42.25 and $62.25 (facility fee and service charges not included) at To order tickets by phone call 800.745.3000.

    —Photo by Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times

    Friday, December 2, 2011

    REVIEW: Manatee Players' ‘White Christmas’ is a merry stroll down memory lane

    PAUL VIDELA/ From left: Michael DeMocko as Phil Davis, Geena M. Ravella as Judy Haynes, Jessica Anne Morrow as Betty Haynes and Greg Wiegers as Bob Wallace in the Manatee Players production of “Irving Berlin's White Christmas.”

    “White Christmas” has been warming hearts during the holidays for more than a half century. Bing Crosby’s Bob Wallace, Danny Kaye’ Phil Davis, Rosemary Clooney’s Betty Haynes and Vera-Ellen’s Judy Haynes are some of the most memorable characters in Hollywood history.

    The stage version, titled “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” has been around less than a decade. Despite having those huge stars looming over it, the Manatee Players’ production is a fun stroll down memory lane.

    The plot, as expected, closely follows the movie. Bob Wallace (Greg Wiegers) and Phil Davis (Michael DeMocko) are a top Broadway song-and-dance duo that served in the army together during World War II. Bob’s leery about romance and Phil’s a skirt-chaser. The two soon have a change of heart, though, when they meet the singing sister act of Betty (Jessica Anne Morrow) and Judy (Geena M. Ravella) Haynes.

    The guys follow the gals to a Vermont lodge where the sister act is scheduled to perform during the holidays. Typical romantic highs and lows occur as Bob finally falls for Betty and Phil pledges his love to Judy.

    Meanwhile, the fellows learn that the ski lodge is run by their former commanding officer, Gen. Henry Waverly (Phil Croome). Business is hurting and the lack of snow makes matters worse.
    Bob and Phil decide to enlist the support of their entertainment connections, including those who served in the general's unit and turn the barnyard show into a big bash. Of course it snows just in time for the skiers and the title song.

    Despite the largely timeworn material, director/choreographer Rick Kerby keeps things moving at a brisk pace. He also did a fine job of casting. The actors smartly honor the famed originators rather than ape them.

    Wiegers has a voice that doesn’t make you long for Crosby’s — no easy fete — and he shines on numerous numbers including the title track and the stage-version bonus “Blue Skies.” DeMocko’s acting is perhaps a bit over-the-top but his singing and dancing chops make up for it. Morrow and Ravella do the most to create the essential romantic chemistry between the respective couples. They’re skilled vocalists, as well, crushing with a smile-inducing “Sisters.”

    The performances are strong throughout, which is commendable at any time of the year but especially this month. These actors are not only working for free but are likely missing out on numerous family gatherings so they can spread some holiday cheer well worth witnessing.

    Details: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 1-23, Riverfront Theatre, 102 Old Main St., Bradenton. Tickets: $25/$11 (students) Information: 941-748-5875 or

    Thursday, December 1, 2011

    More info on Armand Assante movie 'Blind Pass' filming in Manatee and Sarasota

    All Armand Assante scenes to be shot in Manatee County

    Here's more info on today's breaking news story "Armand Assante movie filming in Manatee and Sarasota." It's the latest feature by local filmmaker Steve Tatone and his Midnight Pass Productions.

    Setting: Film takes place almost entirely in Sarasota and Manatee counties except for several scenes shot in Europe. All of Armand Assante's scenes are being shot in Manatee. "We're the first film company to be given privilege to film at the new Sarasota National Cemetery," Tatone said. "That's where the opening scene takes place."

    Plot: Movie focuses on a 24-year-old woman named Carrie (played by Danielle White) who has always had the best of everything. Her father (Armand Assante) is a former military man, attorney and "master of universe type," said Tatone, living on a horse farm in Manatee County. Carrie rebels, gets involved in show business and lives in the family beach house on Siesta Key. Movie starts with funeral of her father and tells his story in flashback. Carrie is a very independent woman who then finds out she has an eye disease and is going to go blind in 90 days. Daughter and father are very much alike in their approach to life and Mom (Mary Rachel Dudley) worries daughter might also commit suicide. Carrie is sent to see psychologist (Chris McKenna) and that's when the action starts in this thriller.

    Here's the description from the "Blind Pass" Facebook page:
    “Blind Pass” is a dramatic thriller reminiscent of “Basic Instinct” and “Last Tango in Paris”…and then some…that reminds us all never to take anything in Life for granted. The bold, edgy indie film reunites writer-director Steve Tatone with his "Beautiful Noise" star Danielle White and shoots on location in Fall 2011 in Sarasota, Florida; Milan, Venice & Lake Como Italy; Lugano Switzerland; Paris France; London England & Dublin Ireland.

    Production: "Everything is being shot on location," Tatone said. Next month Midnight Pass Productions plans to open a post-production and small soundstage facility in downtown Sarasota. They're shooting "Blind Pass" with digital cameras and leasing equipment from Tampa-based First Unit Production Services. "Ninety-eight percent of the crew is from the Suncoast and Tampa Bay," Tatone said.

    Financing: "It's a combination of our company money with some local investors," Tatone said.

    —Publicity photo of Armand Assante courtesy of Midnight Pass Productions


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• Squadron Band

    The Squadron Maintains a very active pipe band. If you have a talent for music, or you would like to try something new, then why not try the band?

  • Flying

    If you want to learn to fly, then the air cadets is the best place to start. Not only do we train you in avation studies, and get you flying but you can also go on flying scholarships that count towards a private pilots licence.

  • Gliding

    Have you ever wanted to try one of the simplest forms of flying? The Air Cadets sends hundreds of young people gliding every year, and with a Gliding Scholarship you can fly solo at in a glider at the age of 16! Even before you can drive!

When do you meet?

Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 1900-2130 hours, and there's nearly always something going on at a weekend to get involved in. We're open every Tuesday and Thursday of the year, excluding Bank Holidays, and we also have a break around Christmas time, but we're open throughout the rest of the year, including over school holidays.

To see the rest of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) click here.

Copyright 2011 1063 (Herne Bay) Squadron Air Training Corps. All Rights Reserved.
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Friday, October 01, 2010

The Sorcerers Apprentice

The Sorcerer's Apprentice
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
That old sorcerer has vanished
And for once has gone away!
Spirits called by him, now banished,
My commands shall soon obey.
Every step and saying
That he used, I know,
And with sprites obeying
My arts I will show.

    Flow, flow onward
    Stretches many
    Spare not any
    Water rushing,
    Ever streaming fully downward
    Toward the pool in current gushing.

Come, old broomstick, you are needed,
Take these rags and wrap them round you!
Long my orders you have heeded,
By my wishes now I've bound you.
Have two legs and stand,
And a head for you.
Run, and in your hand
Hold a bucket too.
    Flow, flow onward
    Stretches many,
    Spare not any
    Water rushing,
    Ever streaming fully downward
    Toward the pool in current gushing.
See him, toward the shore he's racing
There, he's at the stream already,
Back like lightning he is chasing,
Pouring water fast and steady.
Once again he hastens!
How the water spills,
How the water basins
Brimming full he fills!
    Stop now, hear me!
    Ample measure
    Of your treasure
    We have gotten!
    Ah, I see it, dear me, dear me.
    Master's word I have forgotten!
Ah, the word with which the master
Makes the broom a broom once more!
Ah, he runs and fetches faster!
Be a broomstick as before!
Ever new the torrents
That by him are fed,
Ah, a hundred currents
Pour upon my head!
    No, no longer
    Can I please him,
    I will seize him!
    That is spiteful!
    My misgivings grow the stronger.
    What a mien, his eyes how frightful!
Brood of hell, you're not a mortal!
Shall the entire house go under?
Over threshold over portal
Streams of water rush and thunder.
Broom accurst and mean,
Who will have his will,
Stick that you have been,
Once again stand still!
    Can I never, Broom, appease you?
    I will seize you,
    Hold and whack you,
    And your ancient wood
    I'll sever,
    With a whetted axe I'll crack you.
He returns, more water dragging!
Now I'll throw myself upon you!
Soon, 0 goblin, you'll be sagging.
Crash! The sharp axe has undone you.
What a good blow, truly!
There, he's split, I see.
Hope now rises newly,
And my breathing's free.
    Woe betide me!
    Both halves scurry
    In a hurry,
    Rise like towers
    There beside me.
    Help me, help, eternal powers!
Off they run, till wet and wetter
Hall and steps immersed are lying.
What a flood that naught can fetter!
Lord and master, hear me crying! -
Ah, he comes excited.
Sir, my need is sore.
Spirits that I've cited
My commands ignore.
    "To the lonely
    Corner, broom!
    Hear your doom.
    As a spirit
    When he wills, your master only
    Calls you, then 'tis time to hear it."

I quote this poem because this will be an unusual post. I've talked in the past about creators and critics trying to glamorize their profession and hobby as high art, drawing correlations between high art and pop culture with badly conducted so-called scholarly studies, articles and books. In some cases, they do overlap though. While doing research for my website, I came across Red Band Comics #1 (and 2 which was just a reprint of the first) and a story called "The Sorcerer and his Apprentice". Like most, I'm most familiar with the story through the Disney cartoon, but it's easy to see that it's a pretty straight adaptation. The GA story takes a few liberties but one can see the elements from the poem.

What struck me as especially interesting wasn't just the story being lifted from the poem or even the wonderfully illustrative quality of the artwork but how it connects to some popular literature of the time and upon other research, some of the works of Alan Moore. When he's casting his first spell, he calls on both Cthulu and Melek Tawus. Cthulu is of a fictional cosmic being from the mind of and works of H. P. Lovecraft. Melek Tawus is a bit more complicated. Melek Tawus is of the Yazidis faith. He is the head of a group of seven angels who oversee the Earth. According to their faith he's rewarded for not bowing down to Adam (he received conflicting orders from God). Because of this, by Christians and Muslims identify him with Lucifer and Satan and the Yazidis as devil worshipers. Reputedly, Yazidis and their faith were portrayed as evil devil worshipers in at least one work of Lovecraft as well as his collaborator E. Hoffman Price. This would seem a bit strange as it implies that the Sorcerer is then calling on evil gods for his spell and possibly a devil worshiper himself. Of course, wizards, warlocks, and witches have long been identified as devil worshipers and consorts of demons according to many religions but much fictional literature draw certain distinctions between "white" and "black" magic.

Where does this connect to Alan Moore? Well, Moore is a fan of Lovecraft's and has adapted some of his works. Plus, Melek Tawus is identified as being the Peacock Angel. A major character in Alan Moore's Top Ten comicbook is a superhero police officer King Peacock, who is generally portrayed as a sympathetic character. Of course, Moore does little straight-forward and being Alan Moore, he must put a twist in there to stab at and offend Western culture and societal norms. Thus, it's not enough for King Peacock to be of the Yazidi faith, but identifies himself as actually a devil worshiper. This would be an actual affront to those of the Yazidi faith who do not identify Melek with Satan and would consider it taboo and deeply offensive.

Thanks to for the scans

1 comment:

Chuck Wells said...

Very interesting and I'm glad to have a chance to see this.


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Roanoke Valley SPCA

About Roanoke Valley SPCA

This is a page for supporters of the Roanoke Valley SPCA, and we encourage open discussion and invite you to share your opinion on our issues.

By participating on this page, you are agreeing to our commenting policy, outlined below.

We reserve the right to delete posts on our page containing any of the following elements:
- profanity
- misinformation
- spam
- off-topic / irrelevant
- personal attacks
- promoting violence
- promoting illegal or questionable activities
- rallying on ...

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1340 Baldwin Ave NE
Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke Valley SPCA's previous events


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Web Technology

Time Undergraduate Programmes

Web TechnologyUbuntu has a Linux distribution market share of 32.1% on web servers, just ahead of Debian, which was market chief since 2011. Web Technology has efficiently transformed its CCTV cameras into one thing that makes sure that a strict test could be kept on the encompassing surroundings. You should talk about your needs along with your supplier or confirm that your Web server offers the required sources\ for server-aspect processing. Web publishing contains private, community and business web sites, blogs and ebooks.

It is connected on to the Internet and sends hosted Web pages to the client using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). There are many kinds of technologies that are used to help the world vast web and extra are being developed all the time. Web Technology offers in several cameras that embody IP cameras and HD cameras along with sturdy software program help.

The primary methods of educating used are lectures, practical workshops, pupil-led seminars, tutorials, oral presentations, and group initiatives. Wikis allow a degree of group involvement not beforehand skilled on the web. Compiled languages are generally used for server-aspect processing for Web purposes, similar to type processing, that require interaction with databases or different server processes. The Web Technologies Certificate program gives you more in-depth, more technical coaching for the creation, restore, and maintenance of internet sites. The Internet uses markup to outline how Web pages should look when displayed in a browser or to define the info contained within a Web document. In its early days, the net was seen largely as a place to submit static paperwork that were Internet-accessible.

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The Web is a foundational know-how for the digital economy, including the structure and providers that help a mobile infrastructure of social networks and big information companies. Leading edge technical developments inside the self-discipline are also examined including the semantic net and the associated emergent applied sciences which assist clever resolution making. This certificate program additionally serves people within the present excessive-tech trade the chance to upgrade their expertise in the internet area for possible development or new career alternatives. Web design is the process of designing the look and functionality of web site pages.


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Min Jung-Yeon’s India Ink Paintings of Roads Less Traveled

by Nastia VoynovskayaPosted on

Korean-born, France-based artist Min Jung-Yeon recently created a new series of India ink paintings that meditate on moments of quiet stillness. The body of work came about during the artist’s move from Paris to the French countryside, a nostalgic setting that reminded her of her upbringing in her home country. Jung-Yeon’s paintings communicate through the subtle placement of suggestive elements rather than grandiose vistas. Textured and stylized, her geological formations and pine trees show up as dreamlike motifs, inviting the viewer to imagine an uninhabited, undisturbed paradise. Jung-Yeon will be showing with Galerie Maria Lund for the upcoming Young International Artists art fair, which takes place in Paris October 23 through 26.

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Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Through The Window

A number of components bring this image to what I call a pleasing conclusion. The window provides an excellent frame for the photograph, and this can be effective whether looking out through a window to a magnificent view or in this case looking in through a window.
I liked the wonderful warm earth colours of the window frame and the complementary colours of the internal walls which add depth and texture to this image.
The single light bulb as the only source of illumination also made this shot a little more challenging.
Then there is also the voyeuristic aspect of looking in on someone or some activity inside the window. Perhaps we can see a moment of contemplation displayed by the cook inside this kitchen. Maybe she is thinking up the next exotic dish to cook or more probably wondering when the strange foreigner with the large camera is going to stop taking photographs.

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Images sales automation

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Friday, January 1, 2010

A New Year, A New Block

Happy New Year to all my blogosphere friends! I hope that 2010 brings many enjoyable times to you and your loved ones!

This block just screamed for fussy cutting, so I found the perfect fabric for it. After looking through my old blog posts, I realized I did the same thing with this block more than a year ago.

This is "G-12, Gloriae", an intermediate-level block that I chose to paper piece and use the raw-edge machine buttonhole-stitch applique method. This brings my total to 159 center blocks, with only 10 more of them to go! Then come the dreaded outside triangles...It's going to be quite a year.

Barb said...

Simply gorgeous...but oh the work in the fussy cutting, so maybe not so simple ;>)...another one that I love!!

karenfae said...

by fussy cutting it sure changes the appearance of a block - I didn't recognize which block it was at first because it looks so much different than mine because of the fussy cut. Weird isn't it how you had used the same fabric on another and fussy cut that one too.

Jackie said...

You are right, the fussy cutting was a terrific idea! It is just beautiful!

Tropical Screamer said...

Okay, one of the prettiest I think. That's a tough thing to say since you've made so many beautiful blocks.

Happy New Year, Anya.

Vivian said...

Another lovely block. Re: fussy cutting the same fabric for two blocks -- you knew a good thing when you found it. That flower looks great in both.

Rene' said...

Happy New Year to you as well. Great block. You've done quite a bit. I love this one.


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Our beautiful campuses have a vibrant energy during the summer months, and are jam packed with professional performances and a different arts camp every week.

I grew up in small rural village, in the west of England, called Cheddar. Yes, where the cheese is from! It was as idyllic as it sounds. I longed for the six weeks of summer holidays, when the daily structure and pressure of the school year gave way to long sunny days in the beautiful British countryside. During the school year my days were packed with homework, play rehearsals, choir rehearsals, piano, voice and flute lessons.

There was never enough time for me to learn that Debussy prelude my father loved, or sing the Vaughan Williams song my grandmother requested every time I saw her. Summer was my opportunity to explore. It allowed more time to practice without the pressure of other commitments, and as a consequence, my playing always moved to the next level.

None of this happened without the help of my teacher Carolyn, who lived in an even smaller village about five miles away. I would ride my bike along the narrow country roads to her house once a week, and together we would explore. These are some of my most treasured childhood memories.

Wearing my South Shore Conservatory (SSC) Vice President of Education hat, I feel I should stress the importance of continuing lessons over the summer vacation period in order to maintain the newly acquired skills you have worked so hard to acquire during the academic year. Wearing childhood hat on, I feel I should encourage you to take lessons over the summer to have fun exploring. What piece have you always wanted to learn? Do you need a little extra help with your band or orchestra instrument? Have you mostly played classical music but you’ve always wanted to play the Blues.

Perhaps you are new to the area? Last summer, the Matheos family moved from California to Hingham. Dania fondly remembers their first visit to SSC;

"We visited SSC during our first house-hunting trip and were excited to discover this wonderful musical resource in our new home town. We moved in July, and as soon as our suitcases were unpacked, our four sons jumped into private lessons as well as studying theory/composition.

"This past year, they have participated in other community-building musical activities such as Monster Jam, the Accelerando masterclass and recital series, Performathon, and field trips to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. SSC helped to make Hingham feel like home, and provided us with an immediate community.

"Our sons are looking forward to continuing their lessons over the summer and having even more time to jam with fellow musicians and newly found friends. SSC has certainly become one of our favorite things about living here."

Our beautiful campuses have a vibrant energy during the summer months, and are jam packed with professional performances and a different arts camp every week. To accommodate your family vacations, SSC has a summer-flexi schedule. Take as many or as few lessons as you want, but I recommend you do a little arts exploration this summer. Contact a member of our registration team at 781-749-7565 ext. 10 or s.bohan@sscmusic.org or visit www.sscmusic.org to discover your options.

Come explore with us.

Lorna Jane Norris is South Shore Conservatory’s Vice President of Education and a vital member of SSC’s robust voice department.


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Exclusive: DJ Whoo Kid Talks New Ventures, ‘Street King Immortal’, 50 Cent-Lloyd Banks Tension & More

DJ Whoo Kid is one of the most versatile and entertaining DJs in the industry. The Queens Disc Jockey, who started his career in the mid-1990s with 50 Cent and his G-Unit crew is now a successful radio host, with a brand extension that includes TV, clothing, his own website and more.

Whoo Kid has worked with 50 Cent and Eminem professionally for more than a decade and also been fired a number of times — both seriously and jokingly (we’re sure you remember this). The entertainer, who very recently won the “Tour DJ of The Year” award at the first annual Global Spin Awards in NYC spoke to us about touring all over the world, his hilarious Whoolywood Shuffle show on Shade 45, brotherly relationship with 50 Cent & getting fired over 20 times, his new album Street King Immortal, 50 Cent-Lloyd Banks tension, cooking up a House track with Wiz Khalifa and much more.

Read our crazy conversation below!

First off, congrats on appearance on The Voice the other night with 50 and Adam Levine. That was a dope performance.

DJ Whoo Kid: Yeah that is a big record man. That was a big moment right there man. We are back.

Definitely. Also want to congratulate you on winning the “Tour DJ of The Year” award at the Global Spin Awards last week. How does it feel?

DJ Whoo Kid: Thanks man. Yeah, I guess because I tour a lot. Every week I’m in a different country so I get all the visuals. A lot of people just respect that fact, like last week I was in Canada somewhere on the west coast side, Regina, what they call it v*gina (laughs). I was in Regina, this week I’m in Lisbon, Portugal. Next week I’m in Brazil. So, I got the visuals, it’s not like I’m talking, I come back with the proof (laughs).

How important do you consider touring for a DJ like yourself?

DJ Whoo Kid: It’s important because not only does it keep me relevant overseas, because it feels like dead when you just hang in America, it also refreshes the foreign fans I have when I keep going back there. I bring back new music, it’s not like I go overseas and play the same sh*t, it’s new music, a new form of swag as they would say. It’s like a new feeling every time I come back, and then I learn more about them, what they listen to, how they upgraded and then I bring that back to New York, or Miami or LA. There’s different people in every different clubs and once I’ve mastered every club, it’s like second nature to me. Because I know if you go to Italy, they like the south. If you go to France, they respect they own music but will hear a little bit of East Coast. Or, if you go to China, it’s just pop music, Top 40. You gotta learn by traveling, you gotta learn by interacting with their culture. Even doing mixtapes with their top artists. I did all the mixtapes in the UK with the big artists from Tinie Tempah to Giggs, and I did mixtapes with Booba in France. It’s not about just going there and DJin, you gotta f**kin find a way to get respect from their culture too. You don’t want to just go there and they be like ‘that’s 50 Cent’s DJ’. Nah, you wanna go there like, ‘oh that’s the guy who did the record with Tinie Tempah’ or ‘oh that’s the guy who the remix with Booba’,’oh that’s the guy who did the mixtape with DJ Cut Killer. You know I was on the radio with Tim Westwood. You gotta give ’em reasons why they should respect you. I’m not getting the easy ticket out here, like ‘oh I’m 50 Cent’s DJ’. What is the easiest ticket? I could go over there and say I’m Eminem’s DJ, I’m 50 Cent’s DJ, and I could get all the props ever, but do you give something back to their community & culture and do you bring their culture to America?

I connected Tinie Tempah to Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa and they did hits. It’s like a cool way of bridging the gap. You know I became like a liaison, like a UN to Hip-Hop linking all these cultures. Other DJs ain’t thinking like that and I’ve always thought ahead, even when I was young, same sh*t. Touring & going overseas keeps you aware and also you’re like a better man. Better than DJing in Brooklyn all your life, DJing in Miami all your life, like you DJ in one club. Who gives a f**k? You know if you haven’t been around the world and you don’t understand the world, you’ll never be that exclusive guy, you’ll never be the one guy with the crazy stories. Like I’ve DJd for Princes. I know the prince of Bahrain, the prince of France, Nelson Mandela, Gaddafi. I would’ve never did that if I didn’t tour overseas. Every footballer overseas, I know all the top dudes. DJing in Ibiza, doing Techno, doing House, I mean you gotta be open format now if you wanna survive. I’m not trying be the DJ that just DJs in New York, gets that little 800 bucks, 500 bucks and goes home. I never wanted to be that guy.

Your ‘Whoolywood Shuffle’ show is really funny and entertaining. Which artist did you have the maximum fun with on the show?

DJ Whoo Kid: I think one of my favorite artists is T.I. because Tip is the type of guy that’s really tough. He don’t play no games and then I guess like over the years of me f**kin’ with him, it kinda like cooled him down, where he became the cool guy. He jokes now. Before that, he used to be so serious, but now he’s like the jokester. He don’t mind me f**kin with people, I can make fun of people with him, he’ll jump in. Now he makes it a point to come on my show every time he is in New York. I kinda like enjoy. You know, like everyone else I’ve known him from even before he blew up, so it’s kinda cool. But he’s always been a serious guy because of the beef, and all the negativity, and all the haters he had. He was never the kinda guy who didn’t mind joking. And you know I’m an idiot on the radio (laughs). I can make everyone laugh and go crazy and I thought it was very difficult to make him laugh, but the fact that I can make him keel over, I could make anyone just cry. I use him as my medium or I test my skills. If I can make T.I. keel over and pee on himself, then I’m the man, I can anybody laugh, you know what I’m saying.

One of my favorite all time guests is Willie Nelson. It’s kinda cool like to interview a guy like that because it’s hard to integrate a legend with the ignorance of my Hip-Hop show. if I can make him comfortable, and he can give me his stories and we come to an agreement, it kinda like proves my skills is up to par. Because I had him up there wildin’ out, so that was one of my legendary situations.

The third one would be taking over the Howard Stern show (laughs). I was supposed to just do a f**kin’ rap battle, and I wind up taking over the whole show and it looked like he was interviewing me for an hour. So, I became like a mentalist when it comes to interviews. Like I know how to manipulate anything and make everything comfortable. I can make any artist say whatever just by keywords and I learned this from being on radio for almost 20 years.

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Dr. Jayne’s HIMSS16 Tuesday

March 3, 2016 Dr. Jayne No Comments

Today provided a full 16 hours of HIMSS-related fun, starting with a questionably planned breakfast meeting that was way too early for a post-HIStalkapalooza morning. As usual the party was tons of fun, with lots of celebrity sightings and more than my fair share of time on the dance floor. Party on the Moon never disappoints, and I was glad to share the night with some good friends, connect with last year’s Secret Crush, and meet some new people.

Props to Dr. Eric Rose of IMO for his blue suede shoes.

These boots were also fetching. After catching a late night snack and some must-needed rest, I hit the exhibit hall along with apparently everyone else. The crush of people moving through the expo center was unreal, with long lines for breakfast and coffee.

I started my day with a Greenway demo. I’m focusing on population health during this visit and give full credit to the product specialist, who asked a lot of good questions about what I was looking for and immediately recognized that I was more knowledgeable than the average bear, jettisoning her standard presentation to tailor it to my needs.

After hitting a few more booths, I headed over to Medicomp to play the new improved version of Quipstar. This year they are featuring their Quippe Clinical Lens product, which was easy to use. The Green Team was victorious, making this my first win at Quipstar. The team was made of audience members as well as the core group of Evan Frankel (4ealth Consulting Group), Maria Luoni (NextGen Healthcare), Bonny Roberts (Aventura), and Debbi Gillotti (nVoq) as well as several audience members. I was pleased to see quite a few HIStalk readers in attendance as well.

I was able to get a quick behind-the-scenes tour of the operation behind the Quipstar show and learned the answer to one of the biggest mysteries of our time.

Sunquest had the first sponsor sign I spotted.

Orchard had some cute stress-ball giveaways. I plan to surf the hall tomorrow with one of my favorite people, who has gathered up some of last year’s giveaways and plans to return them to their vendors. We’ll see how that goes.

I spotted my secret crush in the exhibit hall sporting his sash with his bright orange Aventura shoes. I’m just glad he got the sash back at the end of the night, since there were multiple people wearing it at different points at HIStalkapalooza.

I spent lunch catching up with a start-up vendor, who is not exhibiting but who is conducting meetings at HIMSS. Given the cost of booth space and other amenities, I’m not surprised by this approach. The hall hosted several happy hours this afternoon – Webair with their “Doctors, DR, and Drinks” event as well as Orion and Greenway. I participated in a vendor focus group which was very interesting, then headed for a quick shoe change and purse swap before the second night of events.

In the afternoon I hit the Intelligent Health Pavilion, located in the subterranean exhibit hall. I was surprised by how much buzz was going on there, and ran into a friend that I hadn’t seen since 2009. It was good to catch up in person. I also spotted these snazzy wing tips.

Dell hosted a client event at Bellagio’s Bank nightclub, which was hopping. Practice Insight had a subdued but classy event at the Platinum Hotel. We also hit the Imprivata event at Beer Park at Paris. The band was great and they had not only a photo booth, but someone hand-rolling cigars. Next it was off to the Bourbon Room at the Venetian to connect with friends old and new. Renewing relationships is the best part of HIMSS and I hope to connect Wednesday with someone I haven’t seen in almost six years. It’s been too long.

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Sunday, October 23, 2016

Last of the Chrome Bumpers, Lardner Park, Warragul 2016

The Last of the Chrome Bumpers was held at Lardner Park at Warragul on October 23, 2016. There were  around 35 trucks on display and many, many cars, but as this is  a truck blog, we only took photos of the trucks, so here they are.

This is our 1973 F86 Volvo, 'The Bubble' originally owned by Don McRae of Temora in New South Wales.

Tony Hackett's 1957 REO Gold Comet

Ian James' Morris Commercial and vintage caravan

Eric Shingles' Mercedes Benz 1625

Stan Hamilton's 1946 Maple  Leaf

Les Siddle's 1975 F-model Mack

Steve Ellis' B-model Mack

Alan McCormack's B-model Mack

Mack Superliner

Vyn Harris' Kenworth crane truck

Original S-model Kenworth

Alan Peck's 1986 Kenworth

John Crawford's 1974 International

John Ferguson's 1949 International

John Staley's 1962 International

John Denholm's 1962 International

International Loadstar - very nice - here's two views of it

Steve Bragg's Freightliner

Theo Versteden's Ford

Joe Beaumont's Ford

Bruce Bluett's Dodge

Heather Cameron's 1965 Dodge (and also below) and Graham Cameron's Mustang

John Heggert's Dodge

Andrew Main's 1964 Dodge

Another green Dodge

Bob Lee's 1937 Diamond T

Des Walker's Diamond T duo

Also Marson's 1968 Diamond T

Sam Capes' De Soto - I've said it before and I'll say it again - this is one of my favourite trucks

John Gramlick's 1961 Commer Knocker

Graham Young's 1947 Bedford

Colin Brown's 1974 KM Bedford

Roger Olsen's 1970 TK Bedford

J-model Bedford

Bob Needham's 1953 Bedford and his tractor

Rob and Carol Tylee's 1957 Bedford - ex Bendigo Trams overhead line maintenance vehicle

And last, but not least, is Mike Herbert's 1962 Austin fire engine.

  1. Great article like all that I have read in your blog, thank you and keep on, special thanks for photos.


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Gerard W. Gawalt: America and the Barbary Pirates ... An International Battle Against an Unconventional Foe

Roundup: Historians' Take

[Gerard W. Gawalt is the manuscript specialist for early American history in the Manuscript Division, Library of Congress.]

Ruthless, unconventional foes are not new to the United States of America. More than two hundred years ago the newly established United States made its first attempt to fight an overseas battle to protect its private citizens by building an international coalition against an unconventional enemy. Then the enemies were pirates and piracy. The focus of the United States and a proposed international coalition was the Barbary Pirates of North Africa.

Pirate ships and crews from the North African states of Tripoli, Tunis, Morocco, and Algiers (the Barbary Coast) were the scourge of the Mediterranean. Capturing merchant ships and holding their crews for ransom provided the rulers of these nations with wealth and naval power. In fact, the Roman Catholic Religious Order of Mathurins had operated from France for centuries with the special mission of collecting and disbursing funds for the relief and ransom of prisoners of Mediterranean pirates.

Before the United States obtained its independence in the American Revolution, 1775-83, American merchant ships and sailors had been protected from the ravages of the North African pirates by the naval and diplomatic power of Great Britain. British naval power and the tribute or subsidies Britain paid to the piratical states protected American vessels and crews. During the Revolution, the ships of the United States were protected by the 1778 alliance with France, which required the French nation to protect "American vessels and effects against all violence, insults, attacks, or depredations, on the part of the said Princes and States of Barbary or their subjects."

After the United States won its independence in the treaty of 1783, it had to protect its own commerce against dangers such as the Barbary pirates. As early as 1784 Congress followed the tradition of the European shipping powers and appropriated $80,000 as tribute to the Barbary states, directing its ministers in Europe, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, to begin negotiations with them. Trouble began the next year, in July 1785, when Algerians captured two American ships and the dey of Algiers held their crews of twenty-one people for a ransom of nearly $60,000.

Thomas Jefferson, United States minister to France, opposed the payment of tribute, as he later testified in words that have a particular resonance today. In his autobiography Jefferson wrote that in 1785 and 1786 he unsuccessfully "endeavored to form an association of the powers subject to habitual depredation from them. I accordingly prepared, and proposed to their ministers at Paris, for consultation with their governments, articles of a special confederation." Jefferson argued that "The object of the convention shall be to compel the piratical States to perpetual peace." Jefferson prepared a detailed plan for the interested states. "Portugal, Naples, the two Sicilies, Venice, Malta, Denmark and Sweden were favorably disposed to such an association," Jefferson remembered, but there were "apprehensions" that England and France would follow their own paths, "and so it fell through."

Paying the ransom would only lead to further demands, Jefferson argued in letters to future presidents John Adams, then America's minister to Great Britain, and James Monroe, then a member of Congress. As Jefferson wrote to Adams in a July 11, 1786, letter, "I acknolege [sic] I very early thought it would be best to effect a peace thro' the medium of war." Paying tribute will merely invite more demands, and even if a coalition proves workable, the only solution is a strong navy that can reach the pirates, Jefferson argued in an August 18, 1786, letter to James Monroe: "The states must see the rod; perhaps it must be felt by some one of them. . . . Every national citizen must wish to see an effective instrument of coercion, and should fear to see it on any other element than the water. A naval force can never endanger our liberties, nor occasion bloodshed; a land force would do both." "From what I learn from the temper of my countrymen and their tenaciousness of their money," Jefferson added in a December 26, 1786, letter to the president of Yale College, Ezra Stiles, "it will be more easy to raise ships and men to fight these pirates into reason, than money to bribe them."

Jefferson's plan for an international coalition foundered on the shoals of indifference and a belief that it was cheaper to pay the tribute than fight a war. The United States's relations with the Barbary states continued to revolve around negotiations for ransom of American ships and sailors and the payment of annual tributes or gifts. Even though Secretary of State Jefferson declared to Thomas Barclay, American consul to Morocco, in a May 13, 1791, letter of instructions for a new treaty with Morocco that it is "lastly our determination to prefer war in all cases to tribute under any form, and to any people whatever," the United States continued to negotiate for cash settlements. In 1795 alone the United States was forced to pay nearly a million dollars in cash, naval stores, and a frigate to ransom 115 sailors from the dey of Algiers. Annual gifts were settled by treaty on Algiers, Morocco, Tunis, and Tripoli.

When Jefferson became president in 1801 he refused to accede to Tripoli's demands for an immediate payment of $225,000 and an annual payment of $25,000. The pasha of Tripoli then declared war on the United States. Although as secretary of state and vice president he had opposed developing an American navy capable of anything more than coastal defense, President Jefferson dispatched a squadron of naval vessels to the Mediterranean. As he declared in his first annual message to Congress: "To this state of general peace with which we have been blessed, one only exception exists. Tripoli, the least considerable of the Barbary States, had come forward with demands unfounded either in right or in compact, and had permitted itself to denounce war, on our failure to comply before a given day. The style of the demand admitted but one answer. I sent a small squadron of frigates into the Mediterranean. . . ."

The American show of force quickly awed Tunis and Algiers into breaking their alliance with Tripoli. The humiliating loss of the frigate Philadelphia and the capture of her captain and crew in Tripoli in 1803, criticism from his political opponents, and even opposition within his own cabinet did not deter Jefferson from his chosen course during four years of war. The aggressive action of Commodore Edward Preble (1803-4) forced Morocco out of the fight and his five bombardments of Tripoli restored some order to the Mediterranean. However, it was not until 1805, when an American fleet under Commodore John Rogers and a land force raised by an American naval agent to the Barbary powers, Captain William Eaton, threatened to capture Tripoli and install the brother of Tripoli's pasha on the throne, that a treaty brought an end to the hostilities. Negotiated by Tobias Lear, former secretary to President Washington and now consul general in Algiers, the treaty of 1805 still required the United States to pay a ransom of $60,000 for each of the sailors held by the dey of Algiers, and so it went without Senatorial consent until April 1806. Nevertheless, Jefferson was able to report in his sixth annual message to Congress in December 1806 that in addition to the successful completion of the Lewis and Clark expedition, "The states on the coast of Barbary seem generally disposed at present to respect our peace and friendship."

In fact, it was not until the second war with Algiers, in 1815, that naval victories by Commodores William Bainbridge and Stephen Decatur led to treaties ending all tribute payments by the United States. European nations continued annual payments until the 1830s. However, international piracy in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters declined during this time under pressure from the Euro-American nations, who no longer viewed pirate states as mere annoyances during peacetime and potential allies during war.

For anyone interested in the further pursuit of information about America's first unconventional, international war in the primary sources, the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress holds manuscript collections of many of the American participants, including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington (see the George Washington Papers), William Short, Edward Preble, Thomas Barclay, James Madison, James Simpson, James Leander Cathcart, William Bainbridge, James Barron, John Rodgers, Ralph Izard, and Albert Gallatin.

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Victory In Tripoli - 11/1/2005

Check out www.victoryintripoli.com!


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Saturday, August 28, 2010

Srivijaya was a ethnic Malay kingdom on Sumatra which influenced much of the Maritime Southeast Asia. From the 7th century CE, the powerful Srivijaya naval kingdom flourished as a result of trade and the influences of Hinduism and Buddhism that were imported with it.
As early as the first century CE Indonesian vessels made trade voyages as far as Africa. Picture: a ship carved on Borobudur, circa 800 CE.
The empire of Srivijaya in Southeast Asia
Srivijaya was centred in the coastal trading centre of present day Palembang. Srivijaya was not a "state" in the modern sense with defined boundaries and a centralized government to which the citizens own allegiance. Rather Srivijaya was a confederacy form of society centered on a royal heartland. It was a thalassocracy and did not extend its influence far beyond the coastal areas of the islands of Southeast Asia. Trade was the driving force of Srivijaya just as it is for most societies throughout history. The Srivijayan navy controlled the trade that made its way through the Strait of Malacca.

By the 7th century, the harbors of various vassal states of Srivijaya lined both coasts of the Straits of Melaka.[16] Around this time, Srivijaya had established suzerainty over large areas of Sumatra, western Java, and much of the Malay Peninsula. Dominating the Malacca and Sunda straits, the empire controlled both the Spice Route traffic and local trade. It remained a formidable sea power until the 13th century. This spread the ethnic Malay culture throughout Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and western Borneo. A stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism, Srivijaya attracted pilgrims and scholars from other parts of Asia.
Picture: a ship carved on Borobudur
A series of Chola raids in the 11th century weakened the Srivijayan hegemony and enabled the formation of regional kingdoms based, like Kediri, on intensive agriculture rather than coastal and long distance trade. Srivijayan influence waned by the 11th century. The island was in frequent conflict with the Javanese kingdoms, first Singhasari and then Majapahit. Islam eventually made its way to the Aceh region of Sumatra, spreading its influence through contacts with Arabs and Indian traders. By the late 13th century, the kingdom of Pasai in northern Sumatra converted to Islam. At that time Srivijaya was briefly a tributary of the Khmer empire and later the Sukhothai kingdom[citation needed]. The last inscription dates to 1374, where a crown prince, Ananggavarman, is mentioned. Srivijaya ceased to exist by 1414, when Parameswara, the kingdom's last prince, converted to Islam and founded the Sultanate of Malacca on the Malay peninsula.

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Harvard Square

Night had fallen, bringing with it a chill wind that cut at my face. From where I stood waiting for the bus, I could see her begin her walk again. She walked with an air of indifference, although I knew the cold must be reaching her through her thin blue coat. In many ways she looked like any other girl her age. A thin girl, not at all bad looking, dressed in jeans, an orange messenger bag, and a hooded sweatshirt framing her face. I would have guessed her to be a student if not for the cardboard sign she carried which proclaimed “Homeless, Hungry, Sober, anything helps” in thick black marker. She looked too clean and put together to be homeless. I briefly wondered if this was the result of her being a newcomer to the world of the downtrodden, or a youthful dedication to preserving hope and a semblance of normalcy in her existence.

She walked the same route, again and again. She would start at the traffic light when it turned red and walk between the lines of waiting cars holding up her sign. Her walk was quick and purposeful, yet had an inherent mark of shame. Her gaze was kept straight ahead, avoiding eye contact with the drivers of the vehicles. Their motions did not escape her hungry eyes, and when a driver would bend as if to retrieve something from the front of the car she would slow in anticipation. On some of these runs a driver would roll down the window and pass her a bill or some change. She would mumble something, presumably a word of gratitude, and hurry on.

When the light turned green she waited for an opening in traffic and walked over to the sidewalk where she would pass right by me on her way back to the corner, and wait for the light to change to green. On each of these passes I was tempted to stop her and ask her the questions that were burning in my mind. What happened that relegated her to this fate? What is her story? Why does she not have any other options? Does she have any hope for the future, and can she even think about what may be tomorrow? But I kept silent, both because of the unspoken rule against talking to strangers and because I was afraid of how she would react to my inquiries. Those questions bothered me, but knowing that I would be unable to affect the outcome prevented me from asking. After all, what makes me so superior that I am entitled to question someone about personal aspects of her life to satisfy my own personal curiosity?

As she passed by me on her way to begin another run through the gauntlet of waiting automobiles, I wondered if maybe she would welcome such questions. Maybe she would appreciate a fellow human being taking some interest in her, if only to inquire into matters that were none of his business. After all, everyone wants to be something more than “the woman begging for change at the stoplight.” Would the brief moment I spent validating her existence as a person help her feel some hope? Would it maybe give her confidence to attempt some effort at improving her life?

So I stood there in silence, another nameless commuter on his way to a warm cozy house somewhere, and did what society has trained me to do. I kept quiet, avoiding all risk. The bus came and I boarded it, like I do every night. Meanwhile, she began another run between the cars. As the bus pulled away I wondered whether she would have enough money to get some food soon, and where she was sleeping that night. Most of all I wondered if the training we are given as members of society to ignore and avoid everything unsightly is really necessary for our survival. Would I have been in danger at 7:00 p.m. at a crowded bus stop if I had spoken to a thin young homeless girl? Well, I may have embarrassed myself if I spoke up, and apparently my pride was worth more to me than the possibility of empathizing with a fellow human being. Somewhere, the founders of etiquette must be smiling down at me, proud that I chose the path our society deems appropriate. But at what expense?

DK is a 1L who lives with his lovely wife and two kids in Brookline, MA.