Tyler Colins's Blog

P.O.’d @ “Polluted” Posts

So, as posted, I got my new FB page up and running. Was going to post to it this weekend. Went in to check all is well … and wouldn’t you know it? It’s not pristine and ready to receive its first post—it’s polluted by a plethora of useless posts and ads. Like bleeping really?

I suppose I should have expected that, given all the crap that flows into my main page. Not exactly a conundrum, but definitely a what-now challenge. Get rid of the main and new profiles? Start fresh? Delete Insta. Start anew? Something to toss about the ol’ noodle for the next week. If in the next wee while you see “Farewell” with a waving hand, you’ll know what I’ve opted for.

Next, the blog. Been meaning to revamp that for soooooooooooooo long. It’s as tired as I am these days, and that’s pretty weary. Could do with a boost, a boot in the butt, a swat to the temple … a pick-me-up, a deep belly breath, a symbolic sign or rousing omen. Given I always keep hope and faith, I’m sure all will be fine with time. It’s merely a matter of riding it out.

Hey, if life were smooth and easy, we’d never learn or grow, so here’s to life’s lessons and challenges and that ever annoying mind-of-its-own technology that keeps us on our toes (and me gnashing my teeth).

The Fab Feeling of Traversing FB

Joy of joys. Pat on back. Success [close] to fruition. Finally. Ya-ay.

I got an alternate FB profile—page—set up. A breeze. Still requires a bit of tweaking, but it’ll get there.

No-ow, if only Instagram proved as “accommodating”. That dang social-media thang won’t allow for a second profile—simply not an option. So, I did more delving and found a couple of reasons why and suggestions on how to overcome the challenge/issue. Will give them a try later today (fingers crossed).

Short uneventful (yet not entirely stress-less) story—and post—short, I’m one step closer to where I want to be (what I’d like to accomplish): embarking on new adventures via new profiles. If I can manage that, the blog is next.

Wish me luck.

Convoluted Simplicity

Simple instructions tend to be anything but. I’ve mentioned I want new FB and Instagram pages … thought about it for as long as Moses is old. Finally decided I was ready. We-ell, FB/Insta decided I wasn’t. What’s to adding a new profile? Should be a walk in the park.

Uh-uh. Followed the “simple” steps. Nope. Didn’t have any of the icons or menu items avail. Okay. Let’s try a YouTube vid. Easy-peasy. Ya think so, do ya? Ha! No similarity—icons, menu options—to those in the vid.

Alrighty. So, I did what I usually do when flummoxed. I hit every button, box, field, icon possible (unlike people who move in a 12345/ABCDE flow, I opted for my customary 18392/AXMJB approach). Okay, got to “Create New Account”. Should be easy-peasy going forward. Ya think so, do ya? Ha! Wouldn’t allow me to do a thing.

After a bout of hissing and spitting, and a decision to [wisely] walk away, lest the laptop suffer irreparable damage, I’ve determined that I will get the [bleeping] profiles set up by the end of next weekend. Where there’s a will, there’s always a way (and this gal’s will is quickly expanding to province-sized proportions).

Checking Out The Beaches

Have seen the odd ad for The Beaches in concert, but never really looked further. Never knew they’d been around in their current formation since 2014. Never knew they hailed from Toronto. Never knew they’d opened for the Foo Fighters and Rolling Stones. Not too shabby being in the limelight with accomplished bands. Nor is winning awards … and accolades.

Curious, my concert buddy and I decided to check them out the other night at Scotiabank Arena, a relatively huge venue, with most seats populated by enthusiastic, supportive fans. Jordan Miller (lead vocals, bass), Kylie Miller (guitar, backing vocals), Leandra Earl (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), and Eliza Enman-McDaniel (drums) put on a pretty decent performance, much to the delight of the energetic crowd—of all ages and walks of life—swaying, dancing, and/or flourishing colorful concert LED wristbands.

The support for the local band (named after a popular east-end area in the city) was evidenced in the many comments by the bandmembers, who found it “surreal” and “crazy” … a long way from the days of playing a back room in Kensington Market’s Supermarket.

A “Lesbian Rocks” banner initially passed out by Talk, the opening band—in honor of the two gay bandmembers and numerous fans—made its rounds. They do indeed rock … as do The Beaches.

Hoorays for the TBJs

Game 7 of 7 of the World Series … a nailbiter … fraught with anticipation and tension … and loaded with optimism and glee.

Joy-filled energy has been embracing the city as fans and well-wishers cross their fingers and whisper, shout, chant: GO JAYS GO! And never has it been louder than these last few days.

I’m not much of a baseball fan (give me soccer, like Bayer Leverkusen or Tottenham Hotspur) but it’s hard not to get caught up in the confidence and passion that veils the city like fresh summer mist.

In a few hours, the streets will either sound with cheers and applause (and perhaps a sundry of hooting, tooting cars) or reflective silence and hope that the next World Series proves the victorious one.

Whatever happens, happens. We’ll preserve our pride and cheer a remarkable team that’s come far, and will do so again. Hoorays for our TBJs.

Lauding Laufey and Celebrating Suki

Laufey, a multiple-award-winning jazz-pop artist, played two sold-out shows here last week. The twenty-six-year-old, multi-talented performer delivered a stupendous five-act concert reminiscent of a grand NY theater production, with gorgeous lighting and backdrops, a winding staircase, background dancers, and costume changes.

The [relatively young] audience adored her—as demonstrated by constant [deafening] applause, “I love you” shout-outs, and singalongs. The 19,000+-capacity venue had a great—excited, energetic—vibe thing going. You couldn’t help but be drawn in.

It was amazing (if not surprising) to hear everyone sing word-for-word with Laufey, not just to pop tunes, but to jazz classics. Laufey has a laudable vocal range and is equally impressive playing a cello, guitar, and piano. And just as commendable? Her messages: honor yourself and take pride in who and what you are, and always pursue your dreams.

Suki Waterhouse opened for Laufey and I’d be remiss if she weren’t mentioned. An actress and model, and singer, Suki and her band delivered rock-edged songs that were received with the same enthusiasm as Laufey’s music. The two women’s musical styles complement each other, a perfect mix. And that they complimented each other (with heartfelt zeal) during their sets added to the charm and wholesomeness of the evening. It was one musical/magical evening that won’t be easily forgotten.

Like a Fine Bordeaux or Aged Cheddar

I’m not much of a TV person, but I recently caught the season openers for “Elsbeth” and “Matlock”, two shows I have binge-watched (one season = one week). Stellar actresses Carrie Preston and Kathie Bates are like a fine Bordeaux (intense, complex, powerful) or aged cheddar (intricate, varied, zesty) and are certainly deserving of the awards they’ve won.

I love that the shows feature mature female characters—ones who display wisdom, resoluteness, some eccentricity and/or deviousness … and prove a far cry from the mature women in commercials who portray grinning grannies with questionable intelligence or mental capabilities (a peeve of mine that may make a post one day).

If you’re a fan of vintage “Columbo”, catch an episode of “Elsbeth”. You’ll find a “loopy” lawyer—with a proclivity for multiple bag lugging—who works with NYPD to solve murders. We know who the killer is from the get-go, and follow Elsbeth as she determines who the killer is. It’s well written, witty, and worth a view (or ten).

If you’re a fan of vintage “Matlock”, you won’t be seeing a remake or similar storyline, though you may find the odd courtroom scene. Wealthy lawyer “Matty” takes a position at a prestigious NYC firm to discover who’s responsible for her daughter’s (opioid-related) death. It leans toward a more darker side, given the cases/issues/relationships, but it’s equally well written and definitely worth watching.

Never in a million years would I have thought I’d post a TV show “review”, but there you go. Never say never.

Another Wee Round of Self-Promotion

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha (Triple Threat Mysteries Book 5) has been selected for an upcoming discount promotion in Next Chapter’s new, wide distribution marketing platform. Woo-hoo.

This promotion is active in Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Google Books, and Barnes & Noble, among others.

A short-and-sweet summary … Unconventional private eyes—JJ, Rey, and Linda—have a new case, thanks to a serial killer who’s taken a serious interest in them. The GrimReaperPeeper has challenged them to “play the game”, by his rules. Rules are made to be broken, however … or, at the very least, altered. As the trio endeavor to stop the killer, they must solve a couple of other cases: verifying whether a hubby has a roving eye and ascertaining who is stalking a young, beautiful woman. As clues are uncovered, so are coincidences. Could it be that these two cases somehow intertwine? Might there even be a connection to the serial killings?

If you decide you might like to give Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha a read, perhaps you’d be willing to leave a review on one of the store pages: Amazon, Apple, B&N, Google Books and Kobo? The gals and I would be most appreciative.

You can have a quick look-see at Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha and other discounted books on Next Chapter’s new promotions page, at: https://nextchapter.pub/promotions.

Promotion dates are October 10 thru October 31.

And the price? A mere 99 cents!

Music Forevermore

No concerts this week, though lots of music listening—a joy I’d lost for two decades while doing mom-care duty. I can’t help but marvel at (and thank God for) finding and embracing it again.

It’s like an elixir, music. An awakening of the soul, discovering a love believed long lost. To think that such beautiful sounds, precious notes and thought-inspiring lyrics, might well have vanished forevermore.

It flows through my veins, my thoughts and musings. It breathes life. It GIVES life. It soothes malaise and diminishes fatigue. Music is spirit … essence … quintessence … heart … and soul.

I remember the day music re-entered my life—at the gym, when one song and vid caught my ear and eye. The Struts. A great band, which goes without saying, they’re the reason I managed to re-jumpstart my life. If I’d not heard that song and been motivated to check them out, I wonder if I’d have been prompted to re-evaluate my on-hold life and develop/define goals and dreams. Would I have been inspired to attend my first concert in years (and years) … to check out their competition … and embrace a wonderful world of lyrical, melodic delights?

I may still be moving at half-speed but it sure beats not moving at all. And, one day, without a doubt, I’ll be surging ahead … tripping the light fantastic to my own beat.

This Garbage Ain’t No Rubbish

Had the pleasure of seeing Garbage play a sold-out show at History last Wednesday. They’re as good, tight, and as commanding a force as ever.

Formed over three decades ago in Wisconsin, the band consists of the same talented members: Scotswoman/frontwoman Shirley Manson, guitarist/bassist/keyboardist Duke Erikson, drummer and percussionist Butch Vig, and guitarist/keyboardist Steve Marker. They were hot back then, with critically acclaimed [million-plus-selling] albums and hits like “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When it Rains”, and they still sizzle!

The band offered a good selection of tunes from various periods in their thirty-plus years, including some from “Let All that We Imagine be the Light”, the latest [eighth studio] album—with LGBTQ+ supporter Shirley sharing stories and thoughts, further engaging an active/animated audience.

And hats offf to the opening bandStarcrawler. did they rock! Hailing from L.A., this hard-edged [alternative/indie] band—singer Arrow de Wilde, guitarist Henri Cash, bassist Tim Franco, drummer Seth Carolina, and pedal steel/guitar player Bill Cash—were spellboundingly amazinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng.