Clancy Tucker's Blog, page 260

3 May 2015 - EDITH PIAF

EDITH PIAF1915 - 1963G'day folks,Welcome to the life and times of a famous singer. Édith Piaf, also known as “The Little Sparrow,” was a French singer who became an icon of France during World War II.



“All I've done all my life is disobey.”
—Edith Piaf

Synopsis

Édith Piaf, also known as “The Little Sparrow,” was a French singer who became an icon of France during World War II. Piaf was born in Paris on December 19, 1915, and rose to international stardom in the 1940s as a symbol of French passion and tenacity. Of Piaf’s many ballads, “La Vie en Rose” is remembered as her signature song. Édith Piaf died in France in 1963.


Édith Piaf was born Édith Giovanna Gassion in Belleville, Paris. She was named after the World War I British nurse Edith Cavell, executed for helping French soldiers escape from German captivity. Her mother, Annetta Giovanna Maillard, was an Italian cafe singer, who performed under the name “Line Marsa.” Édith’s father, Louis-Alphonse Gassion, was a street acrobat. 

Édith 's parents soon abandoned her, and she may have lived for a short time with her maternal grandmother, who ran a brothel. In 1929, at the age of 14, she joined her father in his street performances all over France. 

Édith soon separated from her father, setting out on her own as a street singer in and around Paris. At 17, she had a daughter named Marcelle, who died of meningitis two years later.




In 1935, Piaf was discovered by Louis Leplée, who owned the successful club Le Gernyoff the Champs-Élysées. Her nervous energy and small stature inspired the nickname that would stay with her for the rest of her life: La Môme Piaf("The Little Sparrow"). Leplée ran a major publicity campaign promoting Piaf’s opening night. She was popular enough to record two albums that same year. 

Louis Leplée was murdered the following spring. After authorities investigated her as an accomplice to the crime, Piaf took charge of her image. She adopted her stage name—Édith Piaf—permanently, and commissioned songs that romanticized her life on the streets, emphasizing her passion and inner strength.

Piaf was one of the most popular performers in France during World War II. Her concerts for German servicemen were controversial, although she later stated that she had been working for the French Resistance. While the veracity of this claim is unclear, she was instrumental in helping a number of individuals escape Nazi persecution. 

After the war, her fame spread quickly. She toured Europe, South America and the United States. Although American audiences were initially put off by her dour demeanor and dark clothes, Piaf garnered glowing reviews and ultimately achieved enough of an audience to warrant two televised performances on The Ed Sullivan Show.




The personal life of Édith Piaf was characteristically dramatic. She was involved in three serious car crashes after 1951, leading to morphine and alcohol addictions. 
Piaf had high-profile romances with many of her male associates and some of the biggest celebrities in France. She married twice. Her first marriage, to Jacques Pills, lasted for four years. Her 1962 marriage to Théo Sarapo, a Greek hairdresser and performer 20 years her junior, lasted until her death in 1963.





Piaf remained professionally active until the final years of her life, performing frequently in Paris between 1955 and 1962. In April 1963, she recorded her last song. 

Édith Piaf died of cancer at her French Riviera villa on October 10, 1963. She was 47. The Archbishop of Paris denied requests for a funeral Mass, citing Piaf’s irreligious lifestyle. She is buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris next to her daughter Marcelle.

Clancys comment:  Interesting and sad that so many famous people died so young.
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2 May 2015 - WRITING TIP OF THE DAY

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY
G'day folks,

All writers have different approaches to writing, but generally there are three methods of attack. Here are a few tips I've picked up over the years: 
1. Dream up an idea and shoot from the hip.That's me. Most of the time I have no idea where the story will head or finish up. Fortunately, I find it an adrenalin rush and the story becomes self-generating. It's exciting and normally takes me three months to write manuscripts of 85,000 to 100,000 words.
2. Plan everything out before you start writing.I have been to an author's home and found entire walls covered in A3 sheets of white paper. Each sheet contained personality traits of the characters, chapter points and other issues relevant to their manuscript. I found it gob smacking, but that's the way she approaches a novel.

3. Write everything by hand, then type it up.Many authors do this. I certainly do. Why? Good question, but I think it relates to the fact that many of us started writing early in life; well before computers. Our mind was trained to write on paper with a pen or pencil. It's an odd connection between the hand and the mind. However, as with most things, do whatever you find best. There is no right or wrong way. Experiment until you find a happy and creative space. Once you have typed it on your laptop, you can go back at any time and add or delete any part.
Just do it. Many people over the years have told me they'd always wanted to write a book. My stock answer is, 'Do it!'. However, they usually cringe and give some excuse for not having started. My simple advice is this: writing a manuscript or short story is a draft in the first instance, so just let it out - let it rip. You can sort things out in the many revisions you will do; especially the first read when you've finished it. Revision of your work is vital.
Be brave. Try to be brave in each story, play or manuscript you write. Step out of your comfort zone. Maybe use a different gender as your main character, or write a story about something you have to research. It can be an enriching experience. I wrote three manuscripts in what I call the 'Kick Ass' series and the main protagonist is a girl. She is 14 in the first manuscript, 18 in the next and 32 in the third. That surprised some of my feminist friends. On the other hand, 'Mister Rainbow' has a boy and girl as the chief protagonists. Why? It allows you as a writer to give a male and female perspective to whatever disasters or events occur in your story. Also, it makes the book appealing to boys and girls.

 Retain your own voice. Retain your own voice at all times. Never try to emulate another writer's style. Find your own voice and present it well. It's great therapy.


Clancy' comment: Hope these have helped some of you. Don't forget. It's your story and your voice.
 I'm ...

1 May 2015 - FAMOUS BIRTHDAY'S TODAY

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS TODAY
G'day folks,
Today is May Day. Do you know who shares your birthday? I do. Here are some of them.


1901 - Antal Szerb, Hungarian author and historian (d. 1945)
1905 - Leila Hyams, actress (Big House, Ruggles of Red Gap), born in NYC, New York
1905 - Nikolai Tikhonov, Soviet PM (1980-85)
1905 - Paul Desruisseaux, French Canadian lawyer, businessman and politician (d. 1982)
1906 - Horst Schumann, Nazi physician (d. 1983)
1907 - Jan Pauw, CEO (Aruban Theater Group)
1907 - Oliver Hill, civil rights attorney (d. 2007)
1907 - Kate Smith, American singer (d. 1986)
1908 - Giovanni Guareschi, Italian writer (Don Camillo, Peppone)
1909 - Ethel Jane Cain, original UK Speaking Clock voice
1909 - George Melachrino, composer
1909 - Janis Ritsos, writer
1909 - Yannis Ritsos, Greek poet
1910 - Cliff Battles, Akron Oh, NFL hall of famer (Braves, Redskins)
1912 - Anna Pollak, mezzo-soprano
1912 - Felipe Padilla de Leon, composer
1912 - Otto Kretschmer, German U-Boat commander (d. 1998)
1913 - Walter Susskind, Praha (Prague) Czechoslovakia, conductor
1913 - Louis Nye, American comedian and actor (d. 2005)
1915 - Archie Williams, American athlete (d. 1993)
1916 - Glenn Ford, Quebec Canada, actor (Cade's County, Big Heat, Midway)
1916 - Jane Jacobs, Scranton, Pa, urbanologist
1917 - Danielle Darrieux, France, actress (Alexander the Great, Mayerling)
1917 - John Beradino, actor (Steve Hardy-General Hospital), born in Los Angeles, California
1917 - Louis G "Lo" van Hensbergen, actor/author (Amsterdam Affair)
1917 - Ahron Soloveichik, Orthodox Jewish rabbi
1918 - Jack Paar, Canton Ohio, American television host of the Jack Paar Show (d. 2004)
1918 - Gersh Budker, Russian physicist (d. 1977)
1919 - Alwyn Farquharson, Scottish clan-captain/large landowner
1919 - Dan O'Herlihy, Ireland, actor (Fail Safe, Last Starfighter, Robocop)
1921 - 12th Lord Middleton, English large landowner/multi-millionaire
1921 - Paul Daels, president (Flemish Iron Pilgrimage committee)
1923 - Joseph Heller, Brooklyn New York, American novelist (Catch-22, 1963 Arts & Letters Award)
1924 - Earl George, composer
1924 - Enrico Josif, composer
1924 - Patricia Roberts Harris, 1st US African American woman cabinet member
1924 - Terry Southern, writer
1925 - Chuck Bednarik, Penn, NFL hall of fame center/linebacker (Phila)
1925 - Malcolm Scott Carpenter, Boulder Colo, astronaut (Mercury 7-Aurora 7)
1925 - Scott Carpenter, Boulder, CO, pilot and astronaut (d. 2013)
1926 - Peter Lax, Hungarian Mathematician
1927 - Greta Andersen, Denmark, 100m freestyle swimmer (Olympic-gold-1948)
1927 - Israr Ali, cricket pace bowler (Pakistani in 4 Tests 1952-59)
1927 - Lord Bathurst, English earl/large landowner/multi-millionaire
1927 - Roland Verhavert, Flemish screen writer (Sea Gulls Die in the Harbor)
1927 - William Mitchell Byers, musician
1928 - Raoul Servais, Belgian cartoonist/pres (l'ASIFA)
1928 - Desmond Titterington, Northern Irish racer (d. 2002)
1929 - Sonny James, [James Loden], Hackelburg AL, rocker (Young Love)
1929 - Sonny Ramadhin, cricket spin bowler (great WI)
1930 - Little Walter, [Marion Walter Jacobs], rocker
1930 - Ollie Matson, NFL halfback (Cardinals, Rams, Lions, Eagles)
1930 - Richard Riordan, mayor of Los Angeles (R, 1993-2001), born in NYC, New York
1934 - Alette Beaujon, Curacaos poet (Gedichten on the Bay & Elsewhere)
1934 - Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas, Mexican politician
1935 - Ann Robinson, American actress
1937 - Bo Nilsson, Swedish composer (Doppelspiel)
1937 - Una Stubbs, English actress
1939 - Judy Collins, singer (Send in the Clowns, Clouds), born in Seattle, Washington
1939 - Max Robinson, Richmond Virginia, American broadcast journalistr (ABC Evening News) (d. 1988)
1939 - Ray Aranha, actor (Nick-Married People), born in Miami, Florida
1940 - Elsa Peretti, Italian jewelry designer
1941 - Barbara Barendrecht, [BHM Wurfbain], actress (Dirty Picture)
1941 - Juraj Hatrick, composer
1942 - Stephen Macht, Phila Pa, actor (Joe-Knots Landing, Cagney & Lacey)
1943 - Joy Harmon, St Louis Mo, actress (Cool Hand Luke)
1944 - Rita Coolidge, Nashville Tn, singer (Higher & Higher, We're All Alone)
1944 - Suresh Kalmadi, Indian politician
1946 - Bruce Robinson, actor (Story of Adele H)
1946 - Jerry Weiss, rocker (Blood Sweat & Tears), born in NYC, New York
1946 - Joanna Lumley, Kashmir India, actress (Abs Fab, OHM's Secret Service)
1946 - Nick Fortune, [Nicholas Fortuna], rock bassist (Buckinghams Chicago)
1946 - Tony Ashton, rocker
1946 - Valentin Muratov, USSR, floor exercise gymnist (Olympic-gold-1956)
1946 - John Woo, Hong Kong director
1947 - Carlos Ward, rocker (B T Express)
1947 - Ghulam Abbas, cricketer (scored 12 & 0 in only Test for Pakistan 1967)
1947 - Sergio Infante, Chilean poet and writer
1948 - James Wise, US soul singer (Archie Bell & the Drells)
1949 - Douglas Barr, actor (Howie-Fall Guy), born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
1949 - Margo Miller, SF California, fencer-epee (Olympics-96)
1949 - Tim Hodgkinson, English composer and musician (Henry Cow)
1949 - Paul Teutul, Sr., founder of Orange County Choppers
1950 - Marina Stepanova, Russian hurdler (world record 1986)
1950 - Dann Florek, American actor
1950 - Danny McGrain, Scottish footballer
1951 - Gordon Greenidge, cricketer (great West Indian opener 1974-91)
1951 - Antony Worrall Thompson, English celebrity chef
1953 - Elquemedo Willett, cricketer (WI lefty spinner early 70's)
1953 - Felix Hanemann, rocker (Zebra)
1953 - Mindy Moore, LPGA golfer
1953 - Glen Ballard, American songwriter and record producer
1954 - Michael Scott, reporter (Entertainment Tonight)
1954 - Ray Parker Jr, rock guitarist/vocalist (Ghostbusters), born in Detroit, Michigan
1954 - Taslim Arif, cricketer (Pakistani keeper/batsman, 210 v Aust 1980)
1954 - Joel Rosenberg, science fiction author
1955 - Julien Wiener, cricketer (Australian opening batsman 1979-80)
1955 - Nick Feldman, English musician
1956 - Byron Stewart, Baxter Springs Ks, actor (Warren Coolidge-St Elsewhere)
1957 - Dick Swett, (Rep-D-New Hampshire)
1957 - Paul D Ronney, ScD/astronaut (STS 83 alt), born in Los Angeles, California
1957 - Rick Darling, cricketer (accident-prone/dashing Aussie opener 1978-79)
1957 - Steve Farris, rock guitarist (Mr Mister)
1957 - Ko Otani, Japanese composer
1959 - Eddie Johnson, NBA guard/forward (Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers)
1959 - Paul Smith, rock saxophonist (Haircut 100)
1960 - Albert McDonald, Dartmouth NS, US canoe (alt-Olympics-96)
1961 - Charlie O'Brien, Tulsa OK, catcher (Brewers, Mets, Braves, Blue Jays)
1961 - Steven Cauthen, jockey (1978 Kentucky Derby-Affirmed)
1961 - Marilyn Milian, current judge on The People's Court
1962 - Gary Clark, NFL wide receiver (Miami Dolphins)
1962 - Paula Weishoff, Hollywood CA, volleyballer (Oly-Sil-84, br-92, 96)
1962 - Reggie Pleasant, CFL cornerback (Edmonton Eskimos)
1963 - Robert Seguso, Minneapolis MN, tennis star
1964 - Carlos Aalbers, Dutch soccer player (NEC)
1964 - Ruth Picardie, journalist
1964 - Sarah FE Armstrong-Jones, daughter of princess Margaret & Lord Snowdon
1965 - Jon Warren, Akron Ohio, 1.5k runner
1966 - Armando Reynoso, San Luis Potosi Mexico, pitcher (Colorado Rockies)
1966 - Charlie Schlatter, actor (18 Again, Heartbreak Hotel), born in NYC, New York
1966 - Johnny Colt, Cherry Point NC, rock bassist (Black Crowes)
1966 - Mark Coogan, Manhaset NY, marathoner (Olympics-96)
1966 - Olaf Thon, German football player
1967 - Bill Schultz, NFL/WLAF offensive tackle (Den Broncos, Scot Claymores)
1967 - Marvcus Patton, NFL linebacker (Washington Redskins)
1967 - Scott Coffey, HI, actor (Satisfaction, Shout)
1967 - Tawni Cable, Salem Oregon, playmate (June 1989)
1967 - Yael Arad, Israel, Women's half middleweight judoka (Oly-1996)
1967 - Tim McGraw, American musician
1968 - Anton Scheutjens, soccer player (Roda JC)
1968 - Lisa Campbell, Victoria Australia, badminton player (Olympics-96)
1968 - Mark Scott, Paramus NJ, rock drummer (Trixter-Give It To Me Good)
1968 - Denise Masino, American Female Bodybuilder
1968 - Oliver Bierhoff, German footballer
1968 - Sol Kyung-gu, South Korean actor
1968 - D'arcy Wretzky, American musician (The Smashing Pumpkins)
1969 - Billy Owens, NBA forward/guard (Sacramento Kings)
1969 - Bryan Marchment, Scarborough, NHL defenseman (Edmonton Oilers)
1969 - Carrie Stevens, playmate (June 1997), born in Buffalo, New York
1969 - Wes Anderson, American director and writer
1970 - Alex Van Pelt, NFL quarterback (Buffalo Bills)
1970 - Allen DeGraffenreid, WLAF wide receiver (Scotland Claymores)
1970 - Alundis Brice, NFL cornerback (Dallas Cowboys)
1970 - Damon Diletti, Australian field hockey goal keeper (Oly-silver-92, 96)
1971 - Ethan Albright, NFL tackle (Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills)
1971 - Jamie Marie Swenson, Miss USA-South Dakota (1997)

Clancy's comment: There ya go. I guess it's just the luck of the draw, eh?



I'm ...

30 April 2015 - GREAT SHOTS

GREAT SHOTS
G'day folks,
Time to promote the work of some sensational photographers.








































































Clancy's comment:  Wow. Top marks for those who were there at the time and clicked the button.


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29 April 2015 - ALAN BAXTER - Guest Author

ALAN BAXTER
- Guest Author -
G'day folks,
Welcome to an interview with another emerging Australian author. Alan Baxter is a British-Australian author who writes dark fantasy, horror and sci-fi. Welcome, Alan ...
1.      TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.


I’m a British-Australian author, I write mostly dark fantasy, horror and sci-fi (but I dabble in other genres too), I ride a motorcycle and love my dog. I also teach Kung Fu and run the Illawarra Kung Fu Academy. I live among dairy paddocks on the beautiful south coast of NSW, Australia, with my wife, son, dog and cat. My writing journey began with telling lies as a child, then writing them down as I got older. It continues to this day.




2.      WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?


I think everyone who is a writer is born one – it’s just whether or not we indulge that calling or not. I decided to actively pursue writing as a profession in my mid-20s after dabbling as a hobbyist all my life until then.




3.       WHAT TYPE OF PREPARATION DO YOU DO FOR A MANUSCRIPT? DO YOU PLAN EVERYTHING FIRST OR JUST SHOOT FROM THE HIP?


I plan loosely, make lots of notes, set up a rough timeline, then just start running with it. If the story starts going somewhere different to my notes and original ideas, I stick with the story, not the notes.




4.      WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?


Creation. I get to invent these characters and creatures and worlds and make stuff up about them, and the best bit is that then other people seem to really enjoy that. Nothing tops that feeling when someone tells you they love what you’re doing.




5.      WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?


Making a living!


6.      WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME A WRITER?


I’ve been many things – van driver, accounts clerk, fishmonger, aquarium salesman, bartender. And more.




7.      WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT?


In long fiction, selling a trilogy – The Alex Caine Series – to HarperVoyager was an absolute high point. In short fiction, selling a short story – The Chart of the Vagrant Mariner – to The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, which was my short fiction goal ever since I seriously started looking for publication.




8.      WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?


I’m currently working on a new collaborative action/adventure/monster novel with David Wood and I’m laying the groundwork for my next standalone novel, which will be a kind of supernatural/horror/crime/police procedural thing.




9.      WHAT INSPIRES YOU?


Everything.




10.  WHAT GENRE DO YOU WRITE?


All of them.




11.  DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?


Read, read, read, write, write, write. Repeat.






12.  DO YOU SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?


Not really. I get stuck sometimes, but I go out for a ride on the motorbike, or mow the lawn, or walk the dog – something where my hindbrain can be active – and I usually think my way around it.




13.  DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED WRITING SCHEDULE?


No. I write whenever I can.




14.  DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WRITING PLACE?


I like to be in my study at home. My wife calls it my cave. I call it the BaxCave. But I can work anywhere if I have to. But I like the peace and quiet and isolation of the BaxCave with the door shut.




15.  WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST JOY IN WRITING?


Telling stories that people enjoy!




16.  WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?


Clive Barker. He’s an unrivalled fantasist, an incredible wordsmith, and has probably had a larger influence on me than any other writer.




17.  WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?


“I couldn’t put it down!”




18.  WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER?


Honestly, I can’t really think of any. There have been some, of course, and some less than glowing reviews and stuff like that, but I don’t dwell on it. Nothing particular comes to mind as the worst.




19.  WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?


All the time. Everything we write is coloured by our experience and we all draw on our own lives and the lives of those around us. More often than not it’s subconscious, I think, but I do it consciously sometimes too.




20.  OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?


My family, Kung Fu, reading, dogs, motorcycling, comics books, movies, being out in nature… There’s so much in life to love.






21.  DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK / BOOKS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?


Absolutely, that’s a big part of the publisher’s job!






22.  WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?


Keep writing.




23.  WHAT FIVE BOOKS WOULD YOU TAKE TO HEAVEN?


Surely, if there was such a thing as heaven, every book would already be there. It hardly deserves to bear the name of heaven if they weren’t.




24.  DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF YOUR CHARACTERS?


Lots of characters have autobiographical elements. Perhaps the most for me would be in Alex Caine, with my latest trilogy from Voyager. He’s a career martial artist like I am and has a very similar set of guiding philosophies. But beyond that he’s a very different person to me.




25.  DOES THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY FRUSTRATE YOU?


Yep.




26.  DID YOU EVER THINK OF QUITTING?


Never.




27.  WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MANUSCRIPT TO WRITE? WHY?


I love all my babies!




28.   HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE ‘SUCCESS’ AS A WRITER.


Finishing a story. Everything else is gravy. After that, there are levels of success – publication, good payment, awards, bestseller status. Writers are always striving for the next thing, no matter how successful they are.




29.  WHAT SHOULD READERS WALK AWAY FROM YOUR BOOKS KNOWING? HOW SHOULD THEY FEEL?


 I hope they’ll feel like they had a rollicking good time and were thoroughly entertained. If they’ve been given pause to think about some stuff too, even better.




30.  HOW MUCH THOUGHT GOES INTO DESIGNING A BOOK COVER?


Hopefully, a great deal. The covers I’ve had involvement on have been very carefully considered. People absolutely judge a book by it’s cover, so it’s important.




31.  WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM?


A continued career with an ever-growing readership and earnings to live comfortably.




32.    WRITING IS ONE THING. WHAT ABOUT MARKETING YOU, YOUR BOOKS AND YOUR BRAND? ANY THOUGHTS?


It’s essential. You have to be out there to some degree, at least have a website where people can learn about you and your books. Otherwise, the level of involvement is up to the individual. But the harder you work, the more successful you’ll be.




33.   ARE YOUR BOOKS SELF-PUBLISHED?


In general, no. I have self-published a sci-fi novella called “Ghost of the Black” and a writer’s guide to help people create better fight scenes called “Write the Fight Right”. My debut novel, RealmShift, started out self-published, but got picked up by Gryphonwood Press. All the details of my other books, including sample chapters, are on my website at www.warriorscribe.com






34.  DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN FIVE WORDS.


Just a guy telling stories.




35.  WHAT PISSES YOU OFF MOST?


Willful ignorance and bigotry.




36.  WHAT IS THE TITLE OF THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? GOOD ONE?


I recently reread Clive Barker’s collections, The Books of Blood. Absolutely brilliant.




37.   WHAT WOULD BE THE VERY LAST SENTENCE YOU’D WRITE?


The End.


38.   WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU HAPPIER THAN YOU ARE NOW? CARE TO SHARE?


More sales, more readers. More health and happiness. Less ignorance in the world.




39.   ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?


Check out my website at www.warriorscribe.com and find me on Twitter @AlanBaxter


If you read my books, thank you, and I hope you enjoy them. If you’re looking for a good place to start, try Bound: Alex Caine #1.







 http://www.alanbaxteronline.com/




 Clancy's comment: Well done, Alan. Agree with you about the creative process. It's great to get carried away with characters you've invented. 
Keep going, and good luck. 
I'm ...










 

28 April 2015 - WHITE NIGHT IN MELBOURNE

WHITE NIGHT IN MELBOURNE
G'day folks,
Recently, our capital city, Melbourne, experienced something different. Inspired by Paris’ Nuit Blanche and the international network of White Night programmes around the world, White Night Melbourne, Australia’s most celebrated cultural returned for one night only on Saturday 21 February 2015.


With an expanded event landscape, White Night Melbourne 2015 offered a mix of free and ticketed entertainment over 12 hours and featured local, national and international artists and works from Australia, France, Canada, Greece, Portugal, India and the United Kingdom. 

The event ran from 7pm to 7am, and visitors were able to experience the visual art, exhibitions, spectacular illuminations, music, theatre, special dining experiences, film, design and performances on display in venues and major cultural institutions right across the city centre.  

In previous years, peak attendance periods have been experienced between 9pm through to approximately 11.30pm, with generally smaller crowds after midnight.  Previous attendees have created their own experience – arriving later to enjoy the programme at a less crowded time, or by booking dinner at a city restaurant before heading out to the event afterward.

A terrific addition to Victoria’s Major Events Strategy, White Night Melbourne was created, and is proudly supported, by the State Government of Victoria. Now, here are some pictures of the event.


 FLINDERS STREET STATION
STATE LIBRARY


 PRINCES BRIDGE


OUR ABOMINABLE FEDERATION SQUARE










ART CENTRE


Clancy's comment: Looks like thousands attended, and why not, eh?  Melbourne is noted as a very cultural city, and certainly the sporting capital of Australia. Without a doubt, it is a sensational city to eat. 
I'm ...

27 April 2015 - "KY!" - New Release!! - A novella about modern bullying

"KY!"
- New Release -

A novella about modern bullying!

G'day folks,
Well, I am finally releasing a book that won an award as a manuscript in the Australian National Literary Awards in 2006! This is my first novella. It is only 110 pages, but it packs a mighty punch. As you know, I've been an advocate and activist for kids worldwide. I've also been a social justice activist and human rights campaigner for decades. So, what's this novella about? It's about bullying, and the main character, Rida Khalid, is a Muslim girl who came to Australia with her parents and uncle as asylum seekers.

ORIGINS OF THIS STORY:

You might find this interesting. Having decided to write a story about bullying, I decided to use characters that were fairly topical at the time in Australia - mainly, Muslims, refugees and asylum seekers. Why not, eh?  I guess you are wondering how I discovered so many facts about bullying. Good question. When I was a kid, you were bullied physically or verbally. Nowadays, kids use those methods, but they also use emails, text-messaging, Facebook and any other form of technology or social media to bring you down.
One day I happened to be in our local library and noticed a teen girl's magazine that featured an article on bullying. I think it was Cleo Magazine. So, I borrowed it and read the article. A website was contained within the article, so I clicked on it and found hundreds of comments by teens who had been bullied, or were being bullied. It was a sad and sorry tale and, I'm convinced that for many of those teens, writing on this website was the first time they'd told anyone  about being bullied. You could feel their anxiety. It was palpable.
This is what I did. I cut and pasted about 80 comments from teens and printed them. Then, I drew a line down the middle of a large pad and wrote two headings: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED and WHAT THEY DID ABOUT IT. I then proceeded to write the salient points under each of those headings. As you can imagine, many of the issues were common. 
So, folks, that is exactly how I developed a great knowledge about modern bullying.  I then set to work to write a story that encompassed every detail mentioned by the teens who had openly expressed their woes, fears, anguish and heartbreak on that website. 



WHY CHOOSE A GIRL AS THE MAIN CHARACTER?  
Another good question. This is not the first time I have chosen a female as the main protagonist. Nope, I have another series that contains three manuscripts so far, and fortunately, a publisher has shown some interest in them. But, don't get too excited. Also, Mister Rainbow, which will soon be released,  has a young girl and boy as the main protagonists. As a male, I love using girls and young women as my main characters. Why, because it's a challenge, and it keeps me on my toes as a writer. Not only but also, using girls as main characters will make your book appealing to girls, who are considered to be less reluctant readers than boys. Hopefully, a good business decision.
 WHY CHOOSE A MUSLIM GIRL AS THE MAIN CHARACTER?
When I wrote this, Muslims in Australia were often being demonised by a variety of people and groups. So were refugees and asylum seekers. Well, folks, nothing much has changed - sadly. So, as a human rights activist, I thought why not use a Muslim girl as my main character? When you read this book, you will agree with me - SHE'S A FABULOUS KID!

Julian Burnside, AO, QC, human rights activist, Australian barrister, refugee advocate, and author.

WHAT OTHER ISSUES DOES THIS BOOK COVER?

Being a teenager, fitting in, refugees, Muslims, Asians, Leukaemia, sport, competing, human rights, equality, books, loyalty, honesty, friendships, racism, bigotry, mateship and some great Australian writers and poets.




DEDICATION:

 This story is dedicated to those whohave been bullied; especiallyto those who did something about it.It is also dedicated to refugees and asylum seekers who,by whatever means, made their way to Australia.


HERE IS THE BLURB:
Rida Khalid is a Muslim refugee from Iran. She is bullied by two girls at school for wearing a hijab (Muslim headscarf), reading books and wearing glasses, and seeks refuge in an old man’s garden after school. Rida meets an Asian girl at school, Ky, who also loves books, but Rida soon dumps her for a gawky girl, Carmen, who teaches her about fitting in. To be accepted, Rida removes her hijab at school, but she must wear her headscarf whilst competing in the inter-school sports. Her family will attend.
    Rida deliberately loses the first race because Carmen says, “Only nerds do well in sports”. The sports master berates Rida for losing the race and points to Ky who’s made an extraordinary effort to get out of hospital to watch her run. Ky is battling leukaemia. Rida wins the next two races and gives her winning ribbons to Ky for good luck.
    Rida enters the State Athletics Championships, but two athletics clubs lodge an objection to her hijab. Rida is shocked when a retired Queens Counsel (QC) represents her at the Equal Opportunity Commission. Who is he? Will Rida win the case? Will she run in the State Championships?  Will Ky beat leukaemia, and who owns the garden that Rida has used as a sanctuary?

    COMMENTS BY THE JUDGES:



These are the comments made by the judges, Randle Armstrong and Donna Murphy,  in the Australian National Literary Awards in 2006:

"KY! was well written and encompasses many issues relevant in today's society, including racism, bullying, Australian values, team-building through a common goal and illness; a worthy read for all young Australians."



Clancy's comment: Well, there you have it, folks. Many kids will identify with this book. And, many adults, especially parents, might learn some things that your kids are not telling you. Being aware is the name of the game. Youth suicide in this country is massive, and so often we learn after a teen has taken their own life that they were bullied. 
Naturally, I'd recommend this book to any age, but especially for teenagers and parents. As I said, it is not a long book. It's 110 pages, but trust me, it will grab you and make you flip the pages. Not only, there are a few gob smacking surprises in this story that you will not expect. Good ones! The final chapters will make the hairs dance on your arms. 
So, I've done the big sell. It's now up to you. This might be a great gift for your kids or grandkids. Head to my book shop at the top right hand corner of this page and buy a copy. It is not expensive, and might be the best investment you ever made. Oh, it's already got a five-star review on Amazon.
Thanks for listening.
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26 April 2015 - A TRIP TO EUROPE

A TRIP TO EUROPE
G'day folks,
Ever been to Europe? No? Well, sit back and watch. This is part one of a series on places in Europe ...












































Clancy's comment: There ya go. There are so many incredible things to photograph. Amazing, eh? I'd certainly recommend that you visit Europe. Stay tuned, folks.

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25 April 2015 - ANZAC DAY & 'THANKS DIGGER'

ANZAC DAY &"Thanks Digger"
G'day folks,
Today is Anzac Day in Australia. It is one of the most revered days on our calendar. This year, we celebrate the centenary. What is it and what is it about? It was on 25 April 1915 that the armies of Australia and New Zealand entered into their premier battle of the First World War, at Gallipoli, Turkey. At the time, Australia had only been recognised as a federal commonwealth for thirteen years, yet many Australians were sympathetic to the United Kingdom, which they regarded as the motherland. So, the volunteer armies of Australian and New Zealand, eager to fight the good fight in the war, bravely landed on the shore of the Gallipoli Peninsula with the intent to capture and secure a safe passage for Allied navies. 


At Gallipoli, the Anzacs faced off with one of the fiercest armies history has ever known. Despite landing under the cover of darkness, the Anzacs were met with immediate bombardment and gunfire. On the shores of Gallipoli, the Australian and New Zealand armies fought for eight months forcing a stalemate. Eight thousand Anzac soldiers lost their lives before the Allies called for an evacuation.



While the operation itself was not a success, the valour and determination shown by Anzacs, the “Knights of Gallipoli,” were immediately commemorated in Australia, London, and even at the Allies’ camp in Egypt in 1916. Parades and ceremonies were held in their honour, and even those who were wounded in combat were a part of the parade while they were still recovering. By the 1920s, the day had become a way to memorialise the sixty thousand Australian soldiers who died in the First World War. By the next decade, all Australian states had a form of celebration for Anzac Day, and many of the traditions we still carry out today had already taken shape. Forevermore, the 25th of April would be known as the day Australia arrived as a force in the world.

Yes, Australians all over the world will be honouring the fallen today, as I have done in the past in Italy, Turkey, Thailand, USA and London.

"THANKS DIGGER" (C)
 To commemorate this special day, I'm including a short story that I wrote some years ago. The actual idea was conceived when I saw a McDonald's advertisement for Anzac Day on television. It was one of the best advertisements I've ever seen. It was short and silent, but it packed an emotional punch. Here is one of my favourite short stories, dedicated to the diggers who fought for us, especially for those who lost their lives ...
He was eighty-four this year and vowed it would be his last Anzac Parade. Every year it became more difficult to muster the energy to appear at the R S L re-union, let alone walk the full distance down the main street with his few surviving mates. He’d woken early and was dressed and ready to go a good hour before the bus left. Waiting at the bus stop, he adjusted his tie for the umpteenth time, slowly ran a hand through his depleting silver hair and deftly touched the medals that adorned his jacket.
     The bus had been late. It always was, but he didn’t mind. He had plenty of time. His destination wasn’t far away, but he was glad when he gingerly stepped onto the grassy nature strip outside the mall on Old York Road.      ‘Have a good day!’ the driver yelled. The Digger waved and peered up at the sky. It wasn’t such a bad day for Anzac Day, considering what the weather had been like in previous years. The news bloke on the radio had told him it would be twenty-three degrees, overcast but fine. Frowning, he soon located the spot where his battalion was to muster prior to the march.      ‘Yep, there it is … Same spot as last year, right outside the Chinese takeaway shop,’ he murmured. 
A quick look at his wristwatch revealed he had forty minutes to spare.      ‘Typical. Always bloody early,’ he muttered, and spotted the fast food place that often advertised on television. ‘Yep, why not? Got heaps of time,’ he said, and slowly made his way to the zebra crossing. Looking left and right, then directly at the red, orange and green direction lights, he waited for the green ‘Walk’ sign. Seconds later, a youngster appeared on one of those flash-looking BMX bikes with all the streamers and handle grips that never existed when he was a lad.      ‘Mornin’, sir,’ said the boy.     ‘Hello young fella.’     ‘I can help ya across if you like.’ The Digger stared at the youngster who couldn’t have been any older than eight years-of-age. One thing was obvious. His forebears had migrated to the lucky country at some stage in the past. The boy had deep brown eyes, black hair and a tanned complexion.     ‘Thanks. I’d really appreciate that. Gettin’ a bit shaky these days.’ The boy smiled and moved closer.
     The lights turned green and vehicles of all shapes and sizes came to a halt. The young boy took him firmly by the arm and steered his BMX with his free hand. They arrived on the other side just as the red ‘Don’t Walk’ sign flashed and the weird alarm beeped loudly.      ‘Will ya be okay now?’ asked the boy, throwing a leg over his bike.     ‘Sure … And, thanks. Appreciate ya help.’     ‘No worries. Have a good day. I’m goin’ home to watch the March on tellie with me family.’ The boy waved and took off.     ‘Good on ya, son!’
     Automatic doors had always enchanted him. They slid open as he approached. Entering the restaurant, he searched for an empty seat and found one located near the front window. It sure was a busy place. All types of people were sitting and talking, munching on food parcelled in colourful wrappers, and drinking a variety of beverages. The restaurant was full of happy chatter; a warm and inviting place to be. The bright colours, the cleanliness and the uniformed staff impressed him.     ‘What a slick-looking place,’ he whispered.
     One of the staff spotted him the moment the doors slid back. His presence brought a smile to her face and her heart nervously fluttered. She’d been waiting for a customer like him and watched his every movement. Whilst serving people lined up for take-away, she observed him closely. He looked old, maybe lonely, but he was neatly dressed and appeared cheerful enough. The Digger reminded her of her grandfather, also a returned soldier who would be marching that morning, possibly for the last time. Eagerly, she approached the Digger, the first of many she hoped to serve that day.     ‘Good morning, sir. My name’s Jennie. What would you like?’ He glanced up and noticed her name clearly emblazoned on the smart-looking uniform. Then, he saw the most wonderful blue eyes and a smile that would open any door.     ‘Good morning, Jennie. I’m not sure. Ya know. I’ve lived here all me life but it’s me first time in here.’     ‘That’s okay. Welcome. Are you hungry?’     ‘Oh, maybe a tad … Just a coffee would be fine. God, ya sure have a nice place here. It’s got a friendly atmosphere. I like that.’ Momentarily, she looked at other customers and smiled. The old Digger was right.     ‘Thank you. I’ll get your coffee, sir.’     ‘Sure … Thanks.’
     The coffee tasted delicious and was served in one of those fine bone china cups that his wife had loved, the real thin ones that have a matching saucer. His late wife, Ruby, had always appreciated the elegance of a cup and saucer. She hated thick mugs and anything plastic. On a separate matching plate were two homemade shortbreads, and alongside was a tiny vase of flowers and an Irish linen napkin; neatly ironed and fresh as a daisy.
     He enjoyed sitting at the front window. It was interesting to watch children tackling hamburgers they could hardly grasp, and amusing to observe them drinking from tall cardboard containers. Workmen were also there, eating meals it would have taken him a week to consume. Those workmen sure had an appetite he mused.
     Glancing at his watch, he noticed he had ten minutes to reach the meeting spot for the battalion. Jennie remained attentive and saw him check the time, not only on his wristwatch but also at the big colourful clock on the wall behind her. Realising that he was about to leave, she approached him.     ‘How was the coffee, sir? Did you like the biscuits?’       He offered her a wry smile. ‘The coffee was delightful and the biscuits were absolutely scrumptious.’ Jennie gave him her undivided attention and smiled proudly, pleased by his comments.     ‘I’m glad.’     ‘Hey, Jennie. Can I ask ya a question?’     ‘Yes, sir.’     ‘Well. I noticed I was the only one with a vase of flowers, a beautiful linen napkin and … The only person usin' this beautiful fine bone china. All the other customers are drinkin’ from plastic cups and mugs. Any reason for that?’ She looked embarrassed and fidgeted with her apron.     ‘Yes, there is. The fine bone china belongs to my Nan and Pop, but I made the shortbreads myself … Especially for today. Being Anzac Day, I wanted to make a difference … For any returned soldiers who came in. You know, to thank them for keeping us safe.’
     He stared, almost gaped, at her beautiful face. Tears flooded his eyes.     ‘My, what can I say? That’s so nice. God. It’s a memory I’ll cherish. Hey. When ya get home, tell ya folks they should be proud.’ Jennie’s eyes lit up.     ‘You’re more than welcome, sir … Thanks,’ she said and blushed.     ‘Listen. I better go and meet me mates for the March. How much do I owe ya?’ Jennie smiled. She’d waited for this very moment.     ‘Nothing, sir. This is my shout,’ she replied.
     He wiped tears from his cheeks with a neatly ironed handkerchief, and the muscles on his parched face quivered when he tried to smile. The thoughtful gesture had touched him deeply, maybe because Ruby had died a few months back. It was his first Anzac March without her. Whilst waiting patiently for him to get to his feet, Jennie admired the medals on his jacket, wondering what brave deeds he’d performed. Finally, the Digger leant on his walking stick and coughed nervously.     ‘Thanks.’ Jennie wanted to reach out and hug him. Instead, she stepped forward and respectfully touched his arm.     ‘No, sir … It’s been my pleasure … Thanks Digger.’


Clancy's comment: Thanks for keeping us safe, Diggers.
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Lest we forget!

24 April 2015 - Mount St. HELENS

Mount St. HELENS
G'day folks,
The eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 was the worst volcanic disaster in U.S. history; however, it offered scientists an exceptional opportunity to examine and study a large volcanic eruption, which has enriched scientific knowledge of volcanoes.

 Overview of Mt. St. Helens:

Mt. St. Helens is a composite volcano within the Cascade Range in what is now southern Washington, approximately 50 miles northwest of Portland, Oregon. Though Mt. St. Helens is approximately 40,000-years old, it is considered a relatively young, active volcano. 

 Mt. St. Helens historically has had four extended periods of volcanic activity (each lasting hundreds of years), interspersed with dormant periods (often lasting thousands of years). The volcano is currently in one of its active periods.

Native Americansliving in the area have long known that this was not an ordinary mountain, but one that had fiery potential. Even the name, "Louwala-Clough," a Native American name for the volcano, means "smoking mountain." 



The volcano was first discovered by Europeans when British Commander George Vancouver of the H.M.S.Discoveryspotted Mt. St. Helens from the deck of his ship while he was exploring the northern Pacific Coast from 1792 to 1794. Commander Vancouver named the mountain after his fellow countryman, Alleyne Fitzherbert, the Baron St. Helens, who was serving as the British ambassador to Spain.

Piecing together eyewitness descriptions and geologic evidence, it is believed that Mt. St. Helens erupted somewhere between 1600 and 1700, again in 1800, and then quite frequently during the 26-year span of 1831 to 1857. After 1857, the volcano grew quiet. Most people who viewed the 9,677-foot tall mountain during the 20th century, saw a picturesque backdrop rather than a potentially deadly volcano. Thus, not fearing an eruption, many people built houses around the base of the volcano.

On March 20, 1980, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck underneath Mt. St. Helens. This was the first warning sign that the volcano had reawakened. Scientists flocked to the area. On March 27, a small explosion blew a 250-foot hole in the mountain and released a plume of ash. This caused fears of injuries from rockslides so the entire area was evacuated. Similar eruptions to the one on March 27 continued for the next month. Though some pressure was being released, large amounts were still building.



 In April, a large bulge was noticed on the north face of the volcano. The bulge grew quickly, pushing outward about five feet a day. Though the bulge had reached a mile in length by the end of April, the plentiful plumes of smoke and seismic activity had begun to dissipate. Thus, as April drew to a close, officials were finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the evacuation orders and road closures due to pressures from homeowners and the media as well as from stretched budget issues.

At 8:32 a.m. on May 18, 1980, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck under Mt. St. Helens. Within ten seconds, the bulge and surrounding area fell away in a gigantic, rock avalanche. The avalanche created a gap in the mountain, allowing the release of pent-up pressure that erupted laterally in a huge blast of pumice and ash. The noise from the blast was heard as far away as Montana and California; however, those close to Mt. St. Helens reported hearing nothing. 

The avalanche, huge to begin with, quickly grew in size as it crashed down the mountain, traveling around 70 to 150 miles per hour and destroying everything in its path. The blast of pumice and ash traveled northward at 300 miles per hour and was a raging hot 660° F (350° C). The blast killed everything in a 200-square mile area. Within ten minutes, the plume of ash had reached 10 miles high. The eruption lasted nine hours. 

 For the scientists and others who were caught in the area, there was no way to outrun either the avalanche or the blast. Fifty-seven people were killed. It is estimated that about 7,000 large animals such as deer, elk, and bears were killed and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of small animals died from the volcanic eruption. 



Mt. St. Helens had been surrounded by a lush forest of coniferous trees and numerous clear lakes before the blast. The eruption felled entire forests, leaving only burned tree trunks all flattened in the same direction. The amount of timber destroyed was enough to build about 300,000 two-bedroom homes. A river of mud traveled down the mountain, caused by melted snow and released groundwater, destroying approximately 200 houses, clogging up shipping channels in the Columbia River, and contaminating the beautiful lakes and creeks in the area. 

Mt. St. Helens is now only 8,363-feet tall, 1,314-feet shorter than it was before the explosion. Though this explosion was devastating, it will certainly not be the last eruption from this very active volcano.
  

Clancy's comment: Amazing, eh? And, humans still want to mess with nature, rather than learn to live with it in harmony.
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