Michael Embry's Blog, page 39
April 4, 2014
Authors on the Air
While I love to read about writing, books and fellow authors, it's also nice to watch literary programs on TV and web-streaming sites and listen on the radio.
One of my favorite programs is "Bookmark," which airs every Friday evening on RL TV. The host is Daryn Kagan, a former anchor at CNN. The hour-long show features authors, books to films, reviews, and more and it moves along at an entertaining pace.
One of the longest running programs is Book TV on C-SPAN. Brian Lamb and others provide in-depth interviews with authors of nonfiction books.
Another place for great author interviews and book reviews is National Public Radio. I'm on the mailing list (you can sign up on website) and receive updates on programs.
I live in Kentucky, where I can enjoy "One to One with Bill Goodman" on Kentucky Educational Television. The program, however, features more than authors. KET also had a show called "bookclub@KET," which featured discussions about books by Kentucky authors. The website has an archive of the programs.
One of the best Internet sites for books can be found at Tunein.com. It has numerous programs that focus on all things relating to books.
And check out Blog Talk Radio, which also allows listeners to start their own program about books or whatever.
If you have any favorites you'd like to recommend, please leave in the comments section.
Until the next time...
One of my favorite programs is "Bookmark," which airs every Friday evening on RL TV. The host is Daryn Kagan, a former anchor at CNN. The hour-long show features authors, books to films, reviews, and more and it moves along at an entertaining pace. 
One of the longest running programs is Book TV on C-SPAN. Brian Lamb and others provide in-depth interviews with authors of nonfiction books.
Another place for great author interviews and book reviews is National Public Radio. I'm on the mailing list (you can sign up on website) and receive updates on programs.
I live in Kentucky, where I can enjoy "One to One with Bill Goodman" on Kentucky Educational Television. The program, however, features more than authors. KET also had a show called "bookclub@KET," which featured discussions about books by Kentucky authors. The website has an archive of the programs.
One of the best Internet sites for books can be found at Tunein.com. It has numerous programs that focus on all things relating to books.
And check out Blog Talk Radio, which also allows listeners to start their own program about books or whatever. If you have any favorites you'd like to recommend, please leave in the comments section.
Until the next time...
March 31, 2014
Spotlight on Three Dog Night
You'd think that music lovers who purchased more than 50 million records couldn't be wrong about one of the great American rock 'n' roll bands.
Three Dog Night, behind the powerful and versatile vocals of Chuck Negron, Danny Hutton, and Cory Wells, recorded 21 consecutive Top 40 hits and 12 straight gold albums.
From 1969 until 1975, this group had three No. 1 songs ("Mama Told Me Not to Come," "Joy to the World," and "Black & White") as well as eight more tunes that reached the Top 10 ( No. 3 "Shambala," No. 4 "Easy to be Hard," No. 4 "An Old Fashioned Love Song," No. 4 "The Show Must Go On," No. 5 "One," No. 5 "Never Been to Spain," No. 7 "Liar" and No. 10 "Eli's Coming").
The band in its heyday also featured outstanding musicians including keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, guitarist Michael Allsup, and drummer Floyd Sneed.
Three Dog Night struck gold by covering songs by relatively unknown (at the time) but now famous composers such as Randy Newman ("Mama Told Me Not to Come"), Paul Williams ("Out in the Country" and "An Old Fashioned Love Song"), Laura Nyro ("Eli's Coming"), Hoyt Axton ("Joy to the World" and "Never Been to Spain"), and Leo Sayer ("The Show Must Go On") as well as "One" from the rock musical "Hair."
Three Dog Night -- minus Chuck Negron -- still tours. And Negron is one the road as well. I've seen them in concert, and even have one of their live in concert DVDs with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.
Despite selling 50 million records, this legendary group is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And never been nominated despite being eligible since 1994.
If you believe Three Dog Night deserves to be in the Rock Hall, you might want to sign this petition. And you might want to "like" the band on Facebook.
And I hope those who determine the Rock Hall members will open their eyes and realize that 50 million in sales is worthy of induction.
In the meantime, here are their No. 1 songs:
"Mama Told Me Not to Come"
"Black & White"
"Joy to the World"
Until the next time...
Three Dog Night, behind the powerful and versatile vocals of Chuck Negron, Danny Hutton, and Cory Wells, recorded 21 consecutive Top 40 hits and 12 straight gold albums. From 1969 until 1975, this group had three No. 1 songs ("Mama Told Me Not to Come," "Joy to the World," and "Black & White") as well as eight more tunes that reached the Top 10 ( No. 3 "Shambala," No. 4 "Easy to be Hard," No. 4 "An Old Fashioned Love Song," No. 4 "The Show Must Go On," No. 5 "One," No. 5 "Never Been to Spain," No. 7 "Liar" and No. 10 "Eli's Coming").
The band in its heyday also featured outstanding musicians including keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, guitarist Michael Allsup, and drummer Floyd Sneed.
Three Dog Night struck gold by covering songs by relatively unknown (at the time) but now famous composers such as Randy Newman ("Mama Told Me Not to Come"), Paul Williams ("Out in the Country" and "An Old Fashioned Love Song"), Laura Nyro ("Eli's Coming"), Hoyt Axton ("Joy to the World" and "Never Been to Spain"), and Leo Sayer ("The Show Must Go On") as well as "One" from the rock musical "Hair."
Three Dog Night -- minus Chuck Negron -- still tours. And Negron is one the road as well. I've seen them in concert, and even have one of their live in concert DVDs with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.
Despite selling 50 million records, this legendary group is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And never been nominated despite being eligible since 1994.
If you believe Three Dog Night deserves to be in the Rock Hall, you might want to sign this petition. And you might want to "like" the band on Facebook.
And I hope those who determine the Rock Hall members will open their eyes and realize that 50 million in sales is worthy of induction.
In the meantime, here are their No. 1 songs:
"Mama Told Me Not to Come"
"Black & White"
"Joy to the World"
Until the next time...
March 21, 2014
Staying on the Write Track
I've found in all my years of writing that the best way to finish a story, article, or novel is to stay on track -- even during those times when the process sputters, stalls or stops.
You won't reach the end by making excuses for not writing. You simply have to make yourself write during those times you don't want to produce words.
I suppose that my approach comes from my years as a reporter working on deadlines. You had to produce or else you'd be on the street looking for another job.
Of course, if you're not committed to the project and feel that you've reached a point where your heart, mind or soul isn't into it, then move on to something else.
Many writers (if not all) have given up when they believe they've reached a dead end. I've had a few false starts where the story simply wouldn't advance no matter how much I tried.
But again, I've returned to a manuscript after a year with a different and fresh perspective on the work, and was able to make the needed rewrites to turn it to a novel.
I guess the lesson is to never throw away or delete something if there is a possibility it could be revisited.
But the main thing is to keep writing.
Until the next time...
You won't reach the end by making excuses for not writing. You simply have to make yourself write during those times you don't want to produce words.
I suppose that my approach comes from my years as a reporter working on deadlines. You had to produce or else you'd be on the street looking for another job.
Of course, if you're not committed to the project and feel that you've reached a point where your heart, mind or soul isn't into it, then move on to something else.
Many writers (if not all) have given up when they believe they've reached a dead end. I've had a few false starts where the story simply wouldn't advance no matter how much I tried.
But again, I've returned to a manuscript after a year with a different and fresh perspective on the work, and was able to make the needed rewrites to turn it to a novel.
I guess the lesson is to never throw away or delete something if there is a possibility it could be revisited.
But the main thing is to keep writing.
Until the next time...
March 17, 2014
Story Songs: Since I Fell for You
There are some songs I can listen to over and over again. One that I never get tired of hearing is Lenny Welch's "Since I Fell for You."
This timeless ballad, written by Buddy Johnson in 1945, peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard charts for Welch in 1963. It was first recorded by Ella Johnson, Buddy's sister, and his orchestra in 1946.Although this jazz classic has been covered by a variety of artists such as Doris Day, Nina Simone, Bonnie Raitt, Barbra Streisand, Charlie Rich, and Michael Bolton, I prefer Welch's sincere and smooth delivery.
The song is about a couple's breakup where one doesn't want to let go even though it's become a one-sided relationship.
It begins:
"When you just give love
And never get love
You'd better let love depart
I know it so
And yet I know
I can't get you out of my heart"
Apparently, the narrator is having an extramarital affair as we hear:
"You
Made me leave my happy home
You took my love and now you're gone
Since I fell for you"
And you sense that the singer will never get over it as the song closes:
"Well I
Guess I'll never see the light
I get the blues most every night
Since I fell for you"
Welch, who is 75, still performs a various venues. Some other notable recordings were "Ebb Tide," "You Don't Know Me," and "A Taste of Honey."
"Since I Fell for You" lyrics
Now enjoy the song:
Lenny Welch in Concert
The hit recording
And the original version by Buddy and Ella Johnson
Until the next time...
March 12, 2014
National Reading Month
March is National Reading Month.
Abraham LincolnI must confess I didn't know there was a National Reading Month. I thought every month was a reading month. For me, every day is a reading day. And I'm sure that many, if not all, of the folks who read my blog are avid readers.
Renee FlemingNational Reading Month is part of an effort to bring attention to the importance of reading. And I can't argue with that. We need more readers -- everywhere.
Jeff GordonGet Caught Reading provides some interesting statistics about reading in America, such as 44 million (yes, million) adults can't read a simple story to a child and more than 20 percent of adults read at a 5th grade level or below.
Friday Night LightsAnd Scholastic.com has some enlightening statistics about student achievement and the importance of reading. You'll discover that regular reading helps mold better students, and later, more productive and responsible citizens.
YodaSo if you don't have any reading materials at home (because you've read all of them), visit your library, local bookstore, or favorite Internet book site, and get a book, newspaper or magazine and start reading -- every day.
To paraphrase something Yoda might say, "Let the words be with you."
Until the next time...
Abraham LincolnI must confess I didn't know there was a National Reading Month. I thought every month was a reading month. For me, every day is a reading day. And I'm sure that many, if not all, of the folks who read my blog are avid readers. 
Renee FlemingNational Reading Month is part of an effort to bring attention to the importance of reading. And I can't argue with that. We need more readers -- everywhere. 
Jeff GordonGet Caught Reading provides some interesting statistics about reading in America, such as 44 million (yes, million) adults can't read a simple story to a child and more than 20 percent of adults read at a 5th grade level or below. 
Friday Night LightsAnd Scholastic.com has some enlightening statistics about student achievement and the importance of reading. You'll discover that regular reading helps mold better students, and later, more productive and responsible citizens.
YodaSo if you don't have any reading materials at home (because you've read all of them), visit your library, local bookstore, or favorite Internet book site, and get a book, newspaper or magazine and start reading -- every day.To paraphrase something Yoda might say, "Let the words be with you."
Until the next time...
March 8, 2014
Time to Change
It's that time of the year to change our watches, clocks and other timepieces as we spring forward to daylight savings time.
I suppose it helps lessen energy consumption to a degree (one degree in one study), but I guess every degree counts in this day and age.
I kinda like having more sunlight during the evenings, especially when I have chores to attend to after getting home from work.
If I have a complaint, it's having to go all over the house and change the time on all the clocks -- alarm clocks in bedroom and guestroom, grandfather clock in den, clock on oven and microwave, wall clocks in living room, study and library, and the anniversary clock on the fireplace mantel.
And there are also the clocks in the two vehicles, my wristwatch, and a couple of novelty clocks on my book shelves.
It's a wonder I have the time to change the time.
But I do look at the time change as rather symbolic as we move forward from winter to spring. It's a time of renewal in nature as well as in personal goals.
Until the next time...
I suppose it helps lessen energy consumption to a degree (one degree in one study), but I guess every degree counts in this day and age.
I kinda like having more sunlight during the evenings, especially when I have chores to attend to after getting home from work. If I have a complaint, it's having to go all over the house and change the time on all the clocks -- alarm clocks in bedroom and guestroom, grandfather clock in den, clock on oven and microwave, wall clocks in living room, study and library, and the anniversary clock on the fireplace mantel.
And there are also the clocks in the two vehicles, my wristwatch, and a couple of novelty clocks on my book shelves.
It's a wonder I have the time to change the time.
But I do look at the time change as rather symbolic as we move forward from winter to spring. It's a time of renewal in nature as well as in personal goals.
Until the next time...
February 28, 2014
Keepin' It Short
After much thought the past few weeks, I've decided to turn my attention to another short-story collection.
I already have four stories in the can, following the theme of my previous 12-story collection, "Laments." I suppose these next stories will be "Laments: Volume Two" when I'm ready to publish. I also plan for this to be a dozen stories of various lengths. Of course, once I begin writing, that could all change because a story tells itself, and it's not over until it's over.
I was considering working on another novel, and that may still happen in the coming weeks, but I simply haven't found a specific topic I want to address at this time. It has to be something that I feel strongly about because I want to be able to convey those thoughts into words.
I have to have burning desire inside me before I make a commitment to write a novel. I may even work on multiple projects, if I am so moved. Only time will tell.
But I enjoy short stories -- reading and writing them. And some authors believe there's no better way to get back into a regular writing groove than to write short stories. I recall one author who said it shouldn't be that difficult producing one a week.
I'll begin this project on March 1, and if things go well, will reach my goal in two months. I'll keep you posted.
Until the next time...
I already have four stories in the can, following the theme of my previous 12-story collection, "Laments." I suppose these next stories will be "Laments: Volume Two" when I'm ready to publish. I also plan for this to be a dozen stories of various lengths. Of course, once I begin writing, that could all change because a story tells itself, and it's not over until it's over.I was considering working on another novel, and that may still happen in the coming weeks, but I simply haven't found a specific topic I want to address at this time. It has to be something that I feel strongly about because I want to be able to convey those thoughts into words.
I have to have burning desire inside me before I make a commitment to write a novel. I may even work on multiple projects, if I am so moved. Only time will tell.
But I enjoy short stories -- reading and writing them. And some authors believe there's no better way to get back into a regular writing groove than to write short stories. I recall one author who said it shouldn't be that difficult producing one a week.
I'll begin this project on March 1, and if things go well, will reach my goal in two months. I'll keep you posted.
Until the next time...
February 26, 2014
Spotlight on ELO
Electric Light Orchestra, or ELO, blended guitars, cellos, violins, drums, horns and keyboards to produce some of the most original and dynamic progressive rock music in the 1970s and '80s.
The group, formed in 1970 by Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, scored 27 Top 40 hits on the Billboard charts including seven that hit the Top 10. Interestingly, ELO never hit No. 1 in the United States despite selling more than 50 million units. But they were certainly one of a kind.Among their biggest hits were No. 4 "Don't Bring Me Down," No. 7 "Telephone Line," No. 8 "Shine A Little Love," No. 9s "Can't Get It Out of My Head" and "Turn to Stone," and No. 10s "Evil Woman" and "Hold on Tight." They also hit No. 8 with Olivia Newton-John with "Xanadu."
Among my favorites, in addition to their hits, include "Mr. Blue Sky," "Sweet Talkin' Woman," "Livin' Thing" and "Calling America." And their rousing cover of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" is unforgettable.
Needless to say, if you've read previous "Spotlight on...." posts, ELO hasn't been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Not even nominated even though they've been eligible since 1996. Unreal.
I believe Lynne should be inducted in the Rock Hall simply for his solo work, as a musician (ELO and Traveling Wilburys), producer, and songwriter. Read a great interview with Lynne in Billboard.
Now enjoy few music videos from this great band:
Roll Over Beethoven
Don't Bring Me Down
Telephone Line
Until the next time...
The group, formed in 1970 by Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, scored 27 Top 40 hits on the Billboard charts including seven that hit the Top 10. Interestingly, ELO never hit No. 1 in the United States despite selling more than 50 million units. But they were certainly one of a kind.Among their biggest hits were No. 4 "Don't Bring Me Down," No. 7 "Telephone Line," No. 8 "Shine A Little Love," No. 9s "Can't Get It Out of My Head" and "Turn to Stone," and No. 10s "Evil Woman" and "Hold on Tight." They also hit No. 8 with Olivia Newton-John with "Xanadu."Among my favorites, in addition to their hits, include "Mr. Blue Sky," "Sweet Talkin' Woman," "Livin' Thing" and "Calling America." And their rousing cover of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" is unforgettable.
Needless to say, if you've read previous "Spotlight on...." posts, ELO hasn't been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Not even nominated even though they've been eligible since 1996. Unreal.
I believe Lynne should be inducted in the Rock Hall simply for his solo work, as a musician (ELO and Traveling Wilburys), producer, and songwriter. Read a great interview with Lynne in Billboard.
Now enjoy few music videos from this great band:
Roll Over Beethoven
Don't Bring Me Down
Telephone Line
Until the next time...
February 23, 2014
Story Songs: Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast
Back in 1972, Vegas crooner Wayne Newton had the biggest hit of his long career with "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast." The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard chart.
This heartbreaking tune, written by Geoffrey Stephens and Peter Callander, tells the story of a couple's pending separation and how it affects their young daughter. It is told from the dad's point of view.
The first verse:
"The love between the two of us was dying
And it got so bad I knew I had to leave
But halfway down that highway when I turned I saw
My little daughter running after me crying"
And the daughter, apparently sensing something is wrong, pleads:
"Daddy, don't you walk to fast
Daddy, don't you walk so fast
Daddy, slow down 'cause you're makin' me run
Daddy, don't you walk so fast"
In the next verse the narrator says he's hurrying to catch a train and that the little girl doesn't know that he doesn't plan to return.
And then he hears her heartfelt cry:
"Daddy, slow down 'cause you're making me run
"Daddy, don't you walk so fast"
At that point the father, possibly feeling the guilt of breaking his daughter's heart, changes his mind:
"If only for the sake of my sweet daughter
I just had to turn back home right there and then
And try to start a new life with the mother of my child
I couldn't bear to hear those words again..."
And those tearful words are repeated as the child beckons him to slow down, closing with:
"Oh Daddy, don't you walk so fast."
Newton wasn't the first person to record the song. It was first released in Britain by Daniel Boone, who had another hit called, "Beautiful Sunday." Fellow Englishman Tony Christie also had a nice cover of the song.
I'm sure some folks contemplating divorce back then, when they heard this song, had second thoughts about their actions.
"Daddy, Don't You Walk So Fast" lyrics
Wayne Newton
Daniel Boone
Tony Christie
This heartbreaking tune, written by Geoffrey Stephens and Peter Callander, tells the story of a couple's pending separation and how it affects their young daughter. It is told from the dad's point of view. The first verse:
"The love between the two of us was dying
And it got so bad I knew I had to leave
But halfway down that highway when I turned I saw
My little daughter running after me crying"
And the daughter, apparently sensing something is wrong, pleads:
"Daddy, don't you walk to fast
Daddy, don't you walk so fast
Daddy, slow down 'cause you're makin' me run
Daddy, don't you walk so fast"
In the next verse the narrator says he's hurrying to catch a train and that the little girl doesn't know that he doesn't plan to return.
And then he hears her heartfelt cry:
"Daddy, slow down 'cause you're making me run
"Daddy, don't you walk so fast"
At that point the father, possibly feeling the guilt of breaking his daughter's heart, changes his mind:
"If only for the sake of my sweet daughter
I just had to turn back home right there and then
And try to start a new life with the mother of my child
I couldn't bear to hear those words again..."
And those tearful words are repeated as the child beckons him to slow down, closing with:
"Oh Daddy, don't you walk so fast."
Newton wasn't the first person to record the song. It was first released in Britain by Daniel Boone, who had another hit called, "Beautiful Sunday." Fellow Englishman Tony Christie also had a nice cover of the song.
I'm sure some folks contemplating divorce back then, when they heard this song, had second thoughts about their actions.
"Daddy, Don't You Walk So Fast" lyrics
Wayne Newton
Daniel Boone
Tony Christie
February 19, 2014
Cover Up Against Skin Cancer
Last night I ordered a sun hat that I'll be wearing whenever I'm outside during daylight hours. It's a special hat in that it has a 50+ sun protection factor, or SPF.
You've probably seen SPF numbers on suntan lotion/sunscreen and perhaps some clothing accessories. The higher the number, the better protection you have against the sun's damaging ultra-violet rays.
A couple years ago I had a skin cancer spot (basal cell carcinoma) removed from my face. Since then, I've returned to the dermatologist every six months to have it checked while also having some precancerous lesions taken off my hands, face and back with liquid nitrogen.
A lot of folks develop skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It's the most common from of cancer, with more than 2 million people diagnosed annually, and one in five will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
There's no doubt that my skin cancer and the precancerous lesions are product of being in the sun too long when I was younger, soaking up the sun at the beach, playing tennis and other sports, and other outdoor activities. Needless to say, I've had my share of sunburned skin from not covering up properly and failing to wear sunscreen.
Quite frankly, I don't recall sunscreen back in the 1960s and '70s. Most of us were trying to get those deep, golden tans.
The effects of sun-damaged skin can show up early or late in one's life. I have two friends who have similar skin cancer in about the same place as I do -- one loves the beach and the other was an avid golfer. And they were about the same age as I was when it was diagnosed and removed.
I suppose the point I want to make here is two-fold. For you younger folks, don't be a sun worshiper. Use sunscreen and wear clothing that will protect you from the sun's harmful rays. And that includes sunglasses as well to protect your eyes.
For older folks, use sunscreen and moisturizers to keep your skin from getting too dry. And if you see something on your skin that looks a bit funny, rough or discolored, visit a dermatologist and get it checked out and possibly removed before it gets any worse. Better safe than sorry.
Getting back to head gear, remember that while baseball-type caps can help the top of your head, they don't provide protection for your ears. I have a lot of ball caps, but I now wear them for after the sun goes down. I have been wearing straw hats the past few years while mowing the lawn, but they don't provide maximum protection.
Also, visit websites such as the American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation to learn more about skin cancer.
Until the next time...
You've probably seen SPF numbers on suntan lotion/sunscreen and perhaps some clothing accessories. The higher the number, the better protection you have against the sun's damaging ultra-violet rays.A couple years ago I had a skin cancer spot (basal cell carcinoma) removed from my face. Since then, I've returned to the dermatologist every six months to have it checked while also having some precancerous lesions taken off my hands, face and back with liquid nitrogen.
A lot of folks develop skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It's the most common from of cancer, with more than 2 million people diagnosed annually, and one in five will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
There's no doubt that my skin cancer and the precancerous lesions are product of being in the sun too long when I was younger, soaking up the sun at the beach, playing tennis and other sports, and other outdoor activities. Needless to say, I've had my share of sunburned skin from not covering up properly and failing to wear sunscreen.
Quite frankly, I don't recall sunscreen back in the 1960s and '70s. Most of us were trying to get those deep, golden tans.
The effects of sun-damaged skin can show up early or late in one's life. I have two friends who have similar skin cancer in about the same place as I do -- one loves the beach and the other was an avid golfer. And they were about the same age as I was when it was diagnosed and removed.
I suppose the point I want to make here is two-fold. For you younger folks, don't be a sun worshiper. Use sunscreen and wear clothing that will protect you from the sun's harmful rays. And that includes sunglasses as well to protect your eyes.
For older folks, use sunscreen and moisturizers to keep your skin from getting too dry. And if you see something on your skin that looks a bit funny, rough or discolored, visit a dermatologist and get it checked out and possibly removed before it gets any worse. Better safe than sorry.
Getting back to head gear, remember that while baseball-type caps can help the top of your head, they don't provide protection for your ears. I have a lot of ball caps, but I now wear them for after the sun goes down. I have been wearing straw hats the past few years while mowing the lawn, but they don't provide maximum protection.
Also, visit websites such as the American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation to learn more about skin cancer.
Until the next time...
