Clancy Tucker's Blog, page 108
August 21, 2019
22 August 2019 - JOHN J. QUINLAN - GUEST ACTOR AND MODEL
JOHN J. QUINLAN - GUEST ACTOR AND MODEL -
G'day folks,
Today, I ask some fairly direct questions to a man I've interviewed before, but he's come a long way since then.
Welcome John J. ....
1. Tell us about you and what you do.
I am an actor and model. Over the years I earned the nickname, Stoneface, from all the people who say I never smile.
2. What was the happiest moment of your life?
The birth(s) of my 3 children.
3. What was the saddest moment?
The death of my maternal grandfather.
4. What surprised you most?
How many people over the years I have inspired.
5. What was your greatest disappointment?
The feeling of failing, I’ve been there many times.
6. Who did you misjudge? Why?
Many guys in the gyms over the years who I later became great friends with.
7. What or who was your biggest challenge?
Learning to see good things in myself that others tell me they see in me.
8. What has been your biggest regret?
Not being there for my paternal grandmother more before she died because I was so consumed with my projects.
9. What would be your dying comment? Why?
Never give up on anything you truly believe in.
10. Who or what stunned you the most?
How fast my 3 children are growing up.
11. What would you like written on your tombstone? Why?
It is a quote that is completely my own and truly defines my life, “I don’t ever recall being the best at anything in my life, I’m just one of the hardest workers”
12. Who would you rather have not met? Why?
All those people when I was a kid who promised me great things only to be disappointed every time they never worked out.
13. Who were you most envious of? Why?
Anyone I saw as a kid who seemed to never have to work hard and things “just came naturally” to them.
14. Who did you forgive – for doing something you never thought you’d forgive?
A guy who I got into a fight with while I was working as a doorman in one of the Boston nightclubs.
15. What was your greatest moment in your life?
The first time my first born son said, “I love you.”
16. What is your greatest achievement?
There is no 1 greatest achievement, my greatest achievements are the ones that bring me that great feeling of “I did it.” That moment of realizing I just achieved something I've been working at for so very long.
17. What personal traits would you like to have in your next life?
Perseverance, humility, kindness
18. What advice would you give to world leaders?
Practice what you preach.
19. What advice would you give to parents today?
Communicate with your kids, keep that line of communication open 24-7.
20. Who would you choose to be stuck on a desert island with?
Tom Hanks, look how well he survived on his desert island in the movie Cast Away!
I have 2 heroes, my maternal grandfather Bill Hafner because he was the perfect gentleman and Jerry Rice because he was one of the hardest workers.
22. What is the greatest legacy you will leave behind?
I never quit anything, I always finished strong.
23. What’s lacking in the world today?
Acceptance of all people equally regardless of race, color, creed, gender and sexual orientation.
24. Any pearls of wisdom for the rest of us?
Treat people the way you want to be treated.
25. What would be the last sentence you ever write?
God Bless The Masses.
26. What inspired you most?
Stories involving the underdog who overcame extreme adversity to beat the odds and become victorious.
27. Who or what made you laugh the most?
Growing up I loved Eddie Murphy, priceless!
28. What would be your top three chosen careers in your next life?
Professional athlete, the boss of my own company, private investigator
29. What is your prime focus in life today?
To be the very best person I can be so my kids proudly say, “that was my dad.”
30. Do you have any fear of doing something wrong?
Having the feeling of being afraid to fail just a bit is a good thing because it will force you to properly prepare so it won’t happen.
31. If or when you reflect on your past, can you identify any world events that you believe had a significant impact on you?
September 11th, the evil that took place that day enforced my belief that one's life can be over in a blink at any moment so live life the best you can.
32. Do you think one can live a purposeful life without knowing the meaning of life?
I think if one is a good person and is happy in his / her life no matter what will be a purposeful one.
33. From your perspective - what is the way forward for the world?
A world free of judgement, jealousy and hate.
34. Imagine that you were given a chance to live again, what will you do first and what will you do differently?
Stand on a beach and take in the ocean air and thank God at that moment for the gift of life. I would make sure I spent some time quality time with loved ones so when they pass I no longer will live with the feeling of regret.
35. Do you have a bucket list? Tell us more.
At the top of my bucket list is to visit Ireland, heard it’s really a great place.
36. Any great claims to fame?
I let my peers do that.
37. Anything you’d like to add?
Thank you Clancy Tucker for interviewing me, it was my pleasure.
WEBSITE
Clancy's comment: Go, John, J! It's been a pleasure, and thanks for the frank answers.
I'm ...
August 20, 2019
21 August 2019 - THE THREE SISTERS IN KATOOMBA, AUSTRALIA
THE THREE SISTERS IN KATOOMBA, AUSTRALIA
G'day folks,
Here is a great tourism sight in Australia. This trio of Australian rock spires may have inspired aboriginal legend or just modern tourism.
Rising out of Australia’s Blue Mountains, the rock formation known as the Three Sisters is a picturesque natural phenomenon that has inspired an aboriginal legend, or at least it seems that way.
Created by millennia of wind and erosion the trio of stone spires known as the Three Sisters has become a popular site for nature tourism. The sandstone formation takes its name from a local tribal legend that tells of three siblings, (Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo) who fell in love with three men they were not allowed to marry. Unhappy with this arrangement, the men tried to take the women by force, inciting a tribal war. It is said that a witch doctor of some sort then turned the sisters to stone in order to protect them, and then passed away before he could change them back.
While this story does add some enticing local flavor to bait tourists, it may not actually be an authentic legend. Some have suggested that the popular tale is actually the recent invention of a local man in order to drum up tourist attendance. Whether the myth is truly an aboriginal original or just the invention of a local huckster, the natural beauty of Three Sisters is real enough.
Clancy's comment: I've traveled the world but I've not yet seen or met these three sisters.
I'm ...
August 19, 2019
20 August 2019 - MUSEUM OF KITES IN TOKYO, JAPAN
MUSEUM OF KITES IN TOKYO, JAPAN
G'day folks,
Here is another interesting find. This tiny museum hidden above a restaurant houses thousands of modern and traditional kites.
In the middle of a busy business district of Chuo, in Tokyo, is a small museum hidden on the fifth floor above a busy restaurant. Only a small metal sign at the building’s entrance indicates its existence. Stumbling across the tiny museum reveals a trove of thousands of unique kites.
The Museum of Kites is packed full of kites from the personal collection of one man. Shingo Modegi founded the Japan Kite Association and also happens to be the former owner of the restaurant that takes up the lower floors of the building. Modegi also personally participated in setting the record for the largest kite in the world in 2006.
The museum space itself is rather cluttered, but despite its size, the collection holds upwards of 3,000 items. You’ll find anything from tiny box kites to giant replicas of planes and birds, making this cramped exhibit look like a hidden attic full of treasures.
The kites themselves come in all shapes, sizes, and materials from traditional to modern and paper to nylon. Some hang from the ceilings, while others lean against the walls. Some kites even date from Japan’s Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868.
If, after seeing this impressive collection, you feel inspired to make a kite of your own, the museum is happy to oblige, as it offers building materials like bamboo, fabrics, and cords in its gift shop as well as fully-built kites and souvenirs.
Clancy's comment: Kites gave us heaps of joy when we were kids. Mind you, some of them never got off the ground.
I'm ...
August 18, 2019
19 August 2019 - THE TUNNEL OF LOVE - UKRAINE
THE TUNNEL OF LOVE - UKRAINE -
G'day folks,This beautiful natural train tunnel is said to grant the wishes of visiting lovebirds.
Just outside the city of Klevan in Ukraine, a nearly two-mile stretch of private railway has turned the surrounding trees into an enchanting natural tunnel. 
A train transporting wood to the nearby fiberboard factory runs three times daily. Otherwise, the railway tracks through the tree tunnel make for a lovely stroll for couples and singles alike. The romantic setting earned this stretch of track its nickname, the “Tunnel of Love.” It’s also called the Green Mile Tunnel, for the bright leafy branches that arch over the railway.
The tunnel is at its lushest during the spring and summer when the trees are at the peak of their leafiness, but the colorful foliage of fall and snow-covered branches of winter make for captivating sights as well.
Local legend has it that couples who visit the tunnel will be granted a wish, provided their intentions are sincere.
Clancy's comment: Enchanting, eh? Certainly worth a photograph.I'm ...
August 17, 2019
18 August 2019 - MYANMAR - ONE OF MY FAVOURITE PLACES
MYANMAR - ONE OF MY FAVOURITE PLACES
G'day folks,
I had planned to return to Myanmar on my recent overseas trip, but medical problems prevented me. However, this is still a wonderful country to visit, especially if you love food and enjoy taking photographs.
For 58 years, between 1962 and 2010, Myanmar (alternatively known as Burma) was pretty much inaccessible. Though efforts were made in the 90s to encourage tourism to the Southeast Asian country, the prospect of visiting a harsh military dictatorship widely-considered to be one of the most repressive in the world did not quite appeal to a lot of tourists.
Following the democratization of the country in the early 2010s, things aren’t perfect yet, to say the least, but people have steadily come to discover the wonders that Myanmar has to offer. Of course, those tourists did not discover the beauty of Burma; Rudyard Kipling, the author of the Jungle Book toured Burma for 3 days all the way back in 1889 and fell in love with the beauty of the land, the majestic temples, the good humor of the natives and the Burmese women, who he thought were particularly beautiful. Some 130 years later, we must say, we can relate.
The majority of the people in Myanmar are Theravada Buddhists, the oldest extant school of Buddhism and one that spread to Southeast Asia from the isle of Sri Lanka. Two of the major cultural exports of Burma are rooted in this religious tradition: mindfulness meditation and the Vipassana Movement.
The most important and striking Buddhist temple in Myanmar is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon (Rangoon), a complex of beautiful, gold-plated stupas (dome or bell-shaped shrines containing holy relics), with a tremendous stupa in the center, which is said to contain the hair of the historical Buddha (Siddharta Gautama), as well as relics of three Buddhas that preceded him.
The complex is “guarded” by giant Chinthes, leonine statues that have a similar role to the Chinese “lion dogs”. Within are eight shrines dedicated to each day of the week (Wednesday is split in two) and it is customary for visitors to pray at the shrine dedicated to the day they were born by washing a statue of the Buddha in that shrine and giving a tribute of flowers. Be advised there is a dress code for visitors.
Also in the former capital city of Yangon are dozens of street markets where you can find a large variety of fresh produce, fish, clothes, crafts and delicious street food. There simply is no better place or way to experience the vibrant city life and culture of Myanmar than to literally breathe in the scents of the marketplace.
Guided boat tours are available around Inle Lake that will take you to some truly amazing sites around the lake, including the ancient pagoda city of Shwe Indein, the Nam Pan market with peddlers bringing their wares in by boats, floating gardens and Pindaya Caves, a series of caverns densely-populated by statues of the Buddha.
The ancient and ruined city of Bagan used to be the heart and capital of the empire that would become Burma. At its height, the city was so rich that it housed about 10,000 temples and pagodas, of these, more than 2,000 still dot the plains of Bagan and can be visited.
The many temples, differing in architecture, size and style can either be visited on foot or appreciated from above in a hot air balloon that affords a vista of the entire lost city in all its grandeur.
Myanmar is located between India, Thailand, and China, and you know just from its geographical location between these three culinary empires that the local cuisine is going to be great. Here are three dishes you have got to taste in Myanmar.
Clancy's comment: I can only urge you to visit this country. The people are awesome.
I'm ...
August 16, 2019
17 August 2019 - SOME CREEPY ANIMALS MAY SAVE LIVES
SOME CREEPY ANIMALS MAY SAVE LIVES
G'day folks,
Wasps, spiders, and cockroaches may be creepy, but all 3 may soon be able to revolutionize medical research. Let’s all admit it, the majority of people have a difficult relationship with most arthropods.
One of the most common phobias in the world is arachnophobia, the fear of spiders (and other arachnids such as scorpions), so that relationship has gone downhill before it had a chance to start. The story with insects is very similar: we consider a lot of them to be pests, and the rest are just some strange alien creatures that just happen to live on the same planet with us. Little did we know that these creepy-crawlies may hold the key to the medical research of the future.
SPIDERS
Although arachnid research in the field of medicine is still in the developing stages, scientists managed to isolate two main resources (spider venom and spider silk) that could potentially transform the way we treat certain conditions.
Spider venom, in particular, has been tested as an experimental treatment of pain caused by IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), as well as a substance that could potentially treat epileptic seizures.
More specifically, an Australian research team has managed to isolate a protein from the venom of a species of tarantula, Heteroscodra maculata, that can block the pain signals from the intestines to the central nervous system. The researchers then developed a treatment that was shown to inhibit IBS-related pain, at least in animal models. A different Australian research group looked at how a peptide isolated from spider venom can potentially help treat seizures in Dravet’s syndrome, a severe type of epilepsy characterized by an extreme sensitivity to high temperatures.
Spider silk is the strongest biological material on the planet, not to mention it’s very flexible and light, no wonder researchers are looking at its potential to be used in sutures and bandages, as well as medical devices and prosthetics. A research team based at the University of Massachusetts Lowell promises to come up with a new generation of spider silk-based materials that may soon transform not only medical supplies but also protective and sports equipment.
COCKROACHES
Cockroaches may be a pest in your mind, which they definitely are, but medical science found a use even for these creepy creatures. Some researchers plan on using them as a cheaper alternative to common lab animals, like mice, in some experiments, whereas others claim the cockroach brain may hold the secret to treatment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In fact, in China, there are entire cockroach-breeding farms, as ground-up cockroaches are believed to treat gastrointestinal problems. Also, a research team in the UK found that the brains of cockroaches and locusts contain at least 9 different compounds that could potentially kill drug-resistant bacteria. The researchers hope one of these compounds may be the key to a cure for infections caused by such increasingly-resistant bacteria, like Escherichia coli and MRSA.WASPS
A fear of wasps is completely warranted, as their stings can be not only spontaneous and extremely painful, but also commonly cause allergic reactions. But, as it often happens in medicine, toxic substances may hide a secret medical use that may save lives in the future.
In the case of wasp and hornet venom, there are at least 2 different compounds that may open the door to medical innovation. The most-studied compound is mastoparan, a peptide that can be found in the venom of different species of wasps and hornets. Mastoparan has been found to have antimicrobial, antibiotic and even anti-cancer properties, but there is a catch.
It turns out that, while mastoparan does kill the harmful bugs and makes certain tumors vanish, it is toxic to the healthy cells as well, so the next hurdle in clinical research is a more targeted treatment. Finally, a different type of peptides (ampulexins) from the venom of emerald jewel wasps, on the other hand, are currently reviewed as a potential treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
As you can tell, the majority of these research projects are a work in progress, but it’s fun to entertain the idea of these arthropods saving human lives nevertheless. It would be an unexpected turn of events to find yourself in a situation where you owe your health to a creature you despise, wouldn’t it?
Clancy's comment: I'm not surprised at all. Who cares where we find things to repair humans?I'm ...
August 15, 2019
16 August 2019 - THESE PICTURES PROVE THAT WINTER CAN BE HARSH
THESE PICTURES PROVE THAT WINTER CAN BE HARSH
G'day folks,
I hate the cold, and winter for the majority of us, is the worst time of the year. The cold wind stings, we’ve got to always be on the lookout for ice, our skin is eternally dry, we have to stick on about four layers of clothes before venturing outside, the sun is on vacation, and everything, as some of the pictures below show, freezes immediately. There’s no doubt about it…winter is tough!
Clancy's comment: Mm ... Snap, crackle, pop!I'm ...
August 14, 2019
15 August 2019 - QUOTES FROM FAMOUS AUTHORS AND WRITERS
QUOTES FROM FAMOUS AUTHORS AND WRITERS
G'day folks,
Welcome to some great quotes from authors ... Famous and infamous.
Clancy's comment: And, not only but also ...
If it's not adding to the story ... Cut, cut, cut!
If your story is just cruising along, send in some sharks to spark it up.
Conflict - resolution. Conflict - resolution etc etc.
Always retain your own voice. It's like a fingerprint.
I'm ...
August 13, 2019
14 August 2019 - CAROLYN MARTINEZ - GUEST PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR
CAROLYN MARTINEZ - GUEST PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR -
G'day folks,
Today, I welcome a courageous lady with many talents. She is also a person I could spend hours chatting to.
Welcome, Carolyn ...
1. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.
I’m the Director of Hawkeye Books . We opened 2 weeks ago as a service to Indie and Self-Published authors, and for readers who want to support quality Indies.
Hawkeye Books is my passion project. Unfortunately, not all self-published authors are rigorous and they damage the industry’s reputation. Hawkeye Books is a low cost service for reputable self-published authors to benefit from group power.
Additionally, I run Brisbane Book Authors - a non-profit social networking group for published authors.
And I have 6 books published under my name – Carolyn Martinez – and my pen name – Cate Sawyer. I write children’s picture books, and adult non-fiction.
My bestsellers are Finding Love Again , and Places to Poop .
2. WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?
When I was 16 I sent a short story into a national magazine. When the editor phoned me to say they were publishing it, she was stunned to find I was a school kid. They paid me more than my Dad’s weekly wage at the time.
3. WHAT TYPE OF PREPARATION DO YOU DO FOR A MANUSCRIPT? DO YOU PLAN EVERYTHING FIRST OR JUST SHOOT FROM THE HIP?
I plan some, and wing some. I know how the tension starts, builds each chapter, and resolves itself. But sometimes, extra characters will appear during the writing process, and I’ll find them so interesting that I run with them.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
The ability to entertain and connect with readers. I love exploring topical social issues – in an entertaining way. Connection and laughter – two of the most meaningful experiences in our human existence.
5. WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
Being extroverted enough to successfully publicise, when most authors are either introverts or a mix of introvert/extrovert. I’m a mix.
6. WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME A WRITER?
An unenthused but successful public servant. When my sister died when she was only 36 years old the fragility of life hit home and I realised if there’s something we really want to do, we must. I quit my high paying secure job and bought a local newspaper. Many around me thought I was crazy, but the people who mattered, they got it.
7. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?
Join a writing group. I have a Master of Arts (Writing), 6 published books, and have been working in the industry for 30 years. I still attend learning events a few times a year.
These are a few mistakes new book writers tend to make, and writing and critique groups will help weed out of your writing:
1. Switching between past and present tense.
2. Switching point of view inappropriately.
3. Switching between active and passive voice.
4. Using redundant words.
5. Background info dumps instead of showing everything through action.
Here a few things you’ll hear new or aspiring writers say that make experienced writers wince:
I don’t really read. I don’t have time.
I’ve edited my book myself and I know it’s good; do I really need to pay for an editor?
My life story is so interesting that this book is going to be a bestseller.
8. DO YOU SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?
I subscribe to Stephen King’s philosophy. Writing is my livelihood, so yes, ‘I only write when I’m inspired, and I make sure I’m inspired at 9am every week day.’
9. DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED WRITING SCHEDULE?
When I started out, I set a 500 word a week target – I was working a full-time day job at the same time. Now when I’m writing a book I have a minimum 2,000 words 5 days a week target.
10. WHAT IS THE FUNNIEST COMMENT FROM A READER?
After meeting me at an event, a fan said – ‘I can’t believe you’re the same person.’ Apparently, I write intellectually but speak Aussie ocker.
11. OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?
My kids, the ocean, travelling.
There is something ethereal in the power of waves, and in the feeling you experience when you go somewhere you’ve never been before and explore the countryside and culture.
12. DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK / BOOKS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?
Always! Don’t approach Hawkeye Books if you’ve haven’t used an independent editor.
I’m an editor myself, but I still hire an independent editor for my books before I self-publish my own titles.
An author is not the team.
You’ll always produce a better book with a second set of experienced eyes challenging your work.
13. DID YOU EVER THINK OF QUITTING?
Yes. After the first structural edit of Finding Love Again – which I’d already spent 2 years writing – I had to re-write the entire book. It was early in my career. I admit I wallowed in self-pity for 6 months before I grew balls and tackled the task.
14. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MANUSCRIPT TO WRITE? WHY?
Places to Poop. It’s my book least likely to ever win me any literary award, but it makes everyone laugh. I love making people laugh. Kids lose themselves in this book, and at readings they’re yelling ‘read it again’ when I finish. It’s short, simple and hilarious.
15. HOW MUCH THOUGHT GOES INTO DESIGNING A BOOK COVER?
Three things sell a book – The cover, the blurb and the reviews.
Never under-estimate the importance of the cover.
And a heads up, a graphic designer is not a book cover designer.
Book cover designers are generally less expensive than graphic designers because they’re quicker – since it’s what they specialize in – and the investment is certainly worth it.
16. WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM?
To be sitting in a movie premiere with my loved ones around me, watching a movie based on one of my books.
17. WRITING IS ONE THING. WHAT ABOUT MARKETING YOU, YOUR BOOKS AND YOUR BRAND? ANY THOUGHTS?
Marketing and publicity is a longer commitment than writing the book. If you want to sell books, you never stop marketing. You have to consistently put yourself out there if you want people to find your books.
Many authors are hog-tied by their lack of information technology skills. It’s one of the reasons I’ve started Hawkeye Books. For $60 a year we can take care of an authors website presence if they like.
18. WHAT PISSES YOU OFF MOST?
Self-publishers who publish bad writing.
And tailgaters. Nothing makes me more wild than a driver behind me tailgating me.
19. ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
If you’re still reading, thanks for sticking around! And Clancy, thanks for hosting me. You’re a legend!
HAWKEYE BOOKS
Clancy's comment: Mm ... It's not very often I'm called a legend, but thanks, Carolyn. Keep up the great work, and I do recommend that you all check out Carolyn's website above.
I'm ...
August 12, 2019
13 August 2019 - KAPISHYA HOT SPRINGS IN ZAMBIA
KAPISHYA HOT SPRINGS IN ZAMBIA
G'day folks,
Welcome to another wonderful find. It's a secluded natural oasis hidden deep along a rainforest trail.
Tucked deep along a bushy rainforest trail is a serene hot spring surrounded by tangles of leafy trees. The secluded spot feels like a hidden gem within a corner of a sprawling 20th-century colonial estate.
A retaining wall keeps the naturally heated reservoir at a perfect temperature—and keeps any curious crocodiles at bay. The springs have been well-managed for some time, and the grounds surely are a testament to the work put in over these many years.
When you’re done soaking in the hot springs, you can explore all the scenic landscape has to offer. The grounds themselves are home to expansive gardens, as well as an expanding coffee plantation. The many paths are coated with an array of natural and exotic flora species, with descriptive markers on most of them. Just as you’re about lose yourself on the trail, the gate of the hot springs lodge comes into display with beauty surrounding every corner.
With options to camp along the mighty river bank or cozy up in one of the chalets, the lodge has an array of activities that you could get lost in, such as white water rafting, hiking, and playing with puppies. Less than a mile down the road is an incredible scenic hike, allowing you to view deeply into the Shiwa valley.
Clancy's comment: Mm ... Nature at its best, eh?
I'm ...
