Clancy Tucker's Blog, page 80

27 May 2020 - A COLLECTION OF INSPIRING QUOTES

A COLLECTION OF INSPIRING QUOTES
G'day  folks,
Well, the world is in turmoil in more ways than one. We need some inspiration to keep our head above water. I hope these quotes inspire you. Stay safe.










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Clancy's comment: Stay strong. Stay safe.
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26 May 2020 - Delicate Animal Portraits Created From Things Found In Nature

Delicate Animal Portraits Created From Things Found In Nature
G'day folks,
I'm always seeking creative people who do amazing things. Here is one of those people. 



Inspired by the ancient and traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement—Ikebana—Montreal-based artist and photographer Raku Inoue creates colourful portraits of insects and other animals using flowers, twigs, leaves, and stems from his garden. Each and every one of them is unique as he chooses his materials according to the seasons and what nature offers during them. 



“It all started when one day, it was very windy and the petals of the rose bush in my backyard fell to the ground. I picked those up and made my first floral sculpture: a rose petal beetle. I found the process to be so calming and therapeutic that I made this a creative exercise that I would do in the morning while drinking coffee. With time, this became my artistic identity,” the artist said.
His ongoing art series "Natura Insects" features a menagerie of lifelike butterflies, beetles, spiders, and even owls that have been crafted from bright and detailed flower arrangements. After Inoue carefully arranges them into floral sculptures, he then photographs them against a white background for a result that looks like display cases seen in natural history museums. When asked how long it takes to make one sculpture, the artist says: “It can take 20 minutes, or it can take a few weeks. That depends on the complexity of the sculpture. For more 3D projects, I need to construct a foam core as a base structure. This takes time.”



While studying the art of ikebana, the artist learned to respect nature and utilize seasonal materials. For his works, he only uses materials which are most abundant rather than picking what looks most attractive. For example, after a rain, he would collect petals that had fallen to the ground rather than searching for flowers still connected to the tree or stem. “I love nature, so working with materials that represent that is pleasant and meaningful. It’s all about respecting the materials and their ephemerality. I quickly learned that nothing is forever, especially in nature.”
Now, let's check out some more of this amazing work.













Clancy's comment: Gob smacking stuff! Thank you, Raku. Love ya work!
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25 May 2020 - ECKLEY MINER'S VILLAGE SAVED FROM DESTRUCTION BY A MOVIE

 ECKLEY MINER'S VILLAGE SAVED FROM DESTRUCTION BY A MOVIE
G'day folks,This eerily well-preserved coal-mining town was saved from destruction by a Sean Connery movie. Few places in North America allow you to walk simultaneously in the footprints of 1860s miners and 1970s Sean Connery. 

  Nestled in the hills and dips of eastern Pennsylvania coal country, the village of Eckley was planned and built in the 1850s to house laborers working in Council Ridge Colliery. By the turn of the century, Eckley comprised families from Wales, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, and Ireland. It was one of dozens of similar “patch” towns speckled across the region, owned by powerful mining companies to ensure at least some of their workers’ wages returned to the corporation in the form of rent and supplies purchased from the company-operated general store. Active into the early 1900s, Eckley and many of its surrounding mines were sold off in the face of declining profits after World War II. Eckley would have met the same fate as most mining communities from the era—either development or demolition—had it not been for Sean Connery. Well, Paramount Pictures. While scouting locations for a film about the notorious Molly Maguires, a gang of Irish mine workers known for intimidating company bosses throughout the 1850s, Paramount settled on the eerily well-preserved Eckley. After The Molly Maguires’ 1970 release, the town was donated to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Around 20 individuals still reside in the village year-round, many of them descendants of original Council Ridge miners.  

 Today, visitors can wander down Eckley’s main street, tracing the hierarchy of mine labor from shacks occupied by unskilled slate pickers, past two-story clapboard houses built for skilled miners, toward the cozy single-family homes reserved for superintendents and bosses. Finally, at the western-most end of the street stands an impressive Gothic Revival-style house constructed especially for mine owner Richard Sharpe.     Props from the 1969 film, including the replica coal breaker looming over the center of town, can be found interspersed among original 19th century structures. Preservation guidelines require full-time residents to keep all exterior traces of modern life concealed behind wooden sheds authentic enough that one can easily imagine they contain illicit stores of moonshine or a communal black-lung respirator, rather than satellite dishes and fire hydrants. Woodland seclusion and a palpable sense of history conjure grim tales of illness, injury, and industry, making a fall or winter visit particularly haunting. 
Clancy's comment: It's certainly a quaint-looking town.  I'm ... 

24 May 2020 - 100 FedEx Trucks Provide An Incredible Funeral Procession

100 FedEx Trucks Provide An Incredible Funeral Procession
G'day folks,
 This is a great farewell to a work colleague at FedEx.

I remember when I was growing up, my family would be driving around town running errands or going out to church when I would see a giant black funeral hearse driving through an intersection. The light would turn green for us but we would just sit and wait. I would ask why, and the answer I got was so that all the cars following the funeral procession could stay together and as a sign of respect to the person who just passed away. This blew my mind at a young age. Seeing how important somebody was to sometimes hundreds of cars full of people. I thought that the amount of respect given was incredible. Not only do fallen police officers and soldiers get a heart warming funeral.




Hundreds of FedEx drivers recently combined to commemorate a fallen employee. Mickey passed away at just 54 years old. The Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, man had left an enormous impact on many people around him, including his FedEx colleagues in the Pittsburgh area. They rounded up about 100 trucks to surprise his family with a FedEx funeral procession. What a great gift of respect to give to their fellow friend/co-worker’s family.

His co-workers said, “Thanks for being an outstanding person and making an impact on so many lives. You will never be forgotten. FedEx, there is nothing like it!”






“Mickey was a ramp agent at FedEx Express. He was basically a manager, and he was on top of his game all the time. God, he had to be working there forever! He never called off, took a vacation, or worked less than 8 hours a day. Mickey loved everyone, and did so many generous things for people. He had no selflessness what so ever.”

“He was so special to me because he was the first person I met at FedEx. He trained me and made me always be happy to be at work. He is a role model to me, and a lot of other people. He is one of those people who never took credit for what tasks he achieved. No one disliked him and he was the hardest worker I knew. Mickey used to give me 5 bucks for the vending machine. Why, I don’t know. He just did it all the time.”

Mickey’s family must have been honored to see such a proud display of FedEx employees paying their respects. The FedEx funeral procession reminded Mickey’s family that he was an important man who was loved by many.


 Clancy's comment: There should be more of it! Love ya work, guys. Rest in peace, Mickey.


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23 May 2020 - GRAFFITI HIGHWAY IN PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A.

'GRAFFITI HIGHWAY' IN PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A.
G'day folks,
Probably no one would argue that there is something enchanting about abandoned places. The peaceful grace of human absence just feels so haunting but compelling at the same time. Surely enough though, almost nothing is truly abandoned as some adventure seekers wander in from time to time to remind the nature that quickly creeps back in to claim the abandoned place for itself, that people have not completely forgotten it. The same happened with this abandoned part of Route 61 in Pennsylvania. The one truly special thing about it though is that people who set foot on it after its abandonment rarely leave without leaving their mark on it.



The Graffiti Highway is located in Centralia, Pennsylvania, about two and a half hours northwest of Philadelphia and has quite a colorful history. However, its history began to dim in the spring of 1962 during Memorial Day preparations.




The town officials decided they would deal with the excess of trash by burning them before the big Memorial Day Parade. Little did they know that the landfill blaze would hit a live coal vein underground the town and would cause fires leading to the town’s demise.





The fire slowly spread around the mines under the city. The fires would start and be doused and then start again – nothing could stop them from coming back. Therefore, in the mid-1980s the government decided to relocate as many residents as possible and provided more than $42 million to help that. More than 1000 people accepted the offer which led to 500 buildings getting demolished.
 Once a thriving small town became a ghost town. Only a handful of people were still aware that the still-burning town still existed. Only a few wanderers would step on the abandoned road from time to time. Some of them started leaving their graffiti markings around the 2000s.


Clancy's comment: Wow. Graffiti has no bounds, eh?

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22 May 2020 - EVE DeLANGE - GUEST AUTHOR

EVE DeLANGE - GUEST AUTHOR -
G'day folks,
Today, I interview an author from Arizona.
Welcome, Eve ...


1.  TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.
I am a retired woman and although I have always loved to write, I have never tried to have any of my writing published. Upon retirement I decided now is the time to do it.
2.  WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?
There was a family crisis which had me very traumatized, and I decided to write the true story about it. Because of writing that book I discovered I really loved to write and I was mostly interested in FBI crime stories.
3.   WHAT TYPE OF PREPARATION DO YOU DO FOR A MANUSCRIPT? DO YOU PLAN EVERYTHING FIRST OR JUST SHOOT FROM THE HIP?
The first FBI crime book I wrote is titled “Betrayed” and I had the good fortune of knowing one of the doctors who worked at the hospital where this really happened. So it is based on a true story. I generally like to have a good idea as to how I want the book to start and I plan things out sometimes as I go along, and sometimes I know already in the beginning how it will end.
4.  WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
I find writing as a way to escape the real world, and it puts me in a world where anything is possible; it is only limited by my imagination. It is also a good way to calm down if you are feeling any stress.
5.  WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
I think the hardest thing is to come up with fresh, new stories. And also how to fit in time to answer the never ending phone calls that come with being a writer.



6.  WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME A WRITER?
I have held a variety of jobs: real estate agent, accountant, executive assistant at a large car dealership, and also the owner of my own business.
7.  WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT?
Probably writing the true story about a family member.
8.  WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
Book number four in the FBI Crime series.
9.  WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Observing real life, and also I like law enforcement TV and medical shows.
10.             WHAT GENRE DO YOU WRITE?
FBI Crime Adventure
11.             DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?
You should know the subject you are writing about. It makes it easier and it will sound more believable. Set a goal of how many pages you would like to write each day.
12.             DO YOU SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?
No, so far I haven’t. Stick to writing about things that interest you and it is much easier to just write naturally rather than having to use your imagination for all your ideas.



13.             DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED WRITING SCHEDULE?
I like to write soon after getting up, and also early evening. I try to write a minimum of five pages at each setting.
14.             DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WRITING PLACE?
I usually write in my office as that’s where my computer is set up. And I do not like to be distracted (if possible) so I like the door shut.
15.             WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST JOY IN WRITING?
Hearing that readers are enjoying my books and the style I use to express myself and portray my characters.
16.             WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?
J.D. ROBERTS aka Nora Roberts. I love her take on law enforcement in the future
17.             WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?
“When I grow up I want to be YOU.”
18.             WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER?
You need more detail in your books.
19.             WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?
Yes, every book I write includes a personal experience I have gone through, or a location that I have visited.



20.             OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?
Taking walks, reading, interior decorating and working in the yard.
21.             DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK / BOOKS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?
I am an experienced proofreader and editor, I like to do a final check on all books personally.
22.             DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.
Usually on a weekend when I am not hounded by phone calls and I can cook, relax and not feel pressured.
23.             IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND WITH ONE PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE? WHY?
My life-long girlfriend, Darlene. We never run out of things to say.
24.             WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO SPEAK TO WORLD LEADERS?
I would encourage keeping a close eye on what courts and law officers are doing and make sure there is no corruption.
25.             WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
Keep on writing and see where fate may lead me.
26.              WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON BOOK TRAILERS? DO THEY SELL BOOKS?
It gives you a hint about the book; but I find the back flap to be much more informative for me.
27.             DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF YOUR CHARACTERS?
My personality is usually in at least one of the characters in each book.
28.             DOES THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY FRUSTRATE YOU?
Yes
29.             DID YOU EVER THINK OF QUITTING?
Not seriously.
30.             WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MANUSCRIPT TO WRITE? WHY?
“Betrayed” and that could be because your first book is always special.
31.              HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE ‘SUCCESS’ AS A WRITER?
Right now the book I wrote that is a true story is being made into a movie. If a movie is made from a book, I think the writer is a success.



32.             WHAT SHOULD READERS WALK AWAY FROM YOUR BOOKS KNOWING? HOW SHOULD THEY FEEL?
I want them to realize how long and hard the people in law enforcement have to work to keep our lives as safe as possible.
33.             WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR BOOKS MADE INTO MOVIES? EVER WRITTEN A SCREENPLAY?
The nonfiction book I wrote is being made into a movie. The screenplay was written professionally; but I had to make many corrections to it.

34.             HOW MUCH THOUGHT GOES INTO DESIGNING A BOOK COVER?
I would think that most writers would give the designer an idea of what they would like the cover to portray. It is a talent in itself.

35.              ARE YOUR BOOKS SELF-PUBLISHED?
So far all have been self-published, but I am not ready to go directly to the source and have them published with me as the publisher. Or naturally, I would prefer being picked up by a traditional publisher.

36.             DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN FIVE WORDS.
                   Intelligent, adventurous, persistent, honest, imaginative

37.             WHAT IS THE TITLE OF THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? GOOD ONE?
        Visions – quite technical as it portrays the world in its various stages, as far ss technology is concerned.                              


38.              ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
I hope my books make a difference, or at least entertain the reader.



  AMAZON


Clancy's comment: Go, Eve. Good luck. 
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21 May 2020 - ENCHANTING U.K. VILLAGES WORTH VISITING

 ENCHANTING U.K. VILLAGES WORTH VISITING
G'day folks,
Living in a throbbing metropolis has its fair share of advantages. But let’s admit, most us seek some time out from the chaotic and hectic city life and want to spend some quiet time with ourselves, sometimes just to cleanse our soul from the mess of our lives. 
Does spending some time in the countryside appeal to you? Perhaps a visit to the UK is in order for you.  The Great Britain isles are home to some of the most idyllic and beautiful villages in the world. With quaint cottages, spotlessly clean roads, sparkling streams, and the possibility of waking down some scenic green countryside, the villages in the UK would be a wonderful opportunity to go on a soothing rural escape.

Here are some of the finest and most beautiful villages in the UK that you simply must visit.



























Clancy's comment: Worth a visit. Trust me. Great people, fishing and food, not to mention things to photograph.
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20 May 2020 - HEROIC BOY SAVES BABY DEER IN BANGLADESH

HEROIC BOY SAVES BABY DEER IN BANGLADESH
G'day folks,
Anytime I hear stories of humans risking their lives to save helpless animals, my heart melts just a little bit. 
We often think of ourselves as the only things that matter on this earth, but when we see stories like the one you’re about to read, we remember just how big this world is and just how many animals are living on it with us. When a young boy saw a baby deer drowning, he risked his own life to save the baby deer from the swift waters of the river. Read below to see how this brave boy saves a baby deer from drowning.



 The boy’s name is Belal, and it’s believed that he is in his early teens. He saw this poor deer drowning and didn’t hesitate to risk his own life to save it.




During the rescue, the onlookers weren’t sure if Balal was going to survive himself because the river was moving so quickly and pulling him downstream. But Balal eventually made it to the other side of the river, and he reunited the baby deer with his family. The onlookers cheered! 
  Thankfully, wildlife photographer, Hasibul Wahab, was on hand and was able to photograph the entire thing on film.
Clancy's comment: Bravo, Balal! Love ya work. I also love the work of the photographer. Somehow, I think that deer family will always remember Balal.
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19 May 2020 - BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY FROM AROUND THE WORLD

BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY FROM AROUND THE WORLD
G'day folks,
The Independent Photographer, an international network of photographers and photography enthusiasts, has announced the winners of its Emerging Talent Award.
Designed to bring exposure and uncover the best upcoming photographers of all ages, backgrounds and working in all photographic fields, the 2020 edition was judged by Elizabeth Krist, a National Geographic Photo Editor for over 20 years that has worked on more than 100 stories and edited at least four million photographs.
I invite you to discover the images of 10 emerging talents, whose work shows an exceptional level of quality.


















Clancy's comment: Wow. Excellent!

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18 May 2020 - WEIRD PLACES WHERE CATS SLEEP

WEIRD PLACES WHERE CATS SLEEP
G'day folks, 
Cats are known to be renowned napping champions with an average of 16 hours per day spent dozing off during this cringy film called life. After so much practice in the sleep department, they really know what it takes to get a good catnap. The answer is not much.
Our furry friends have been spotted sleeping nearly anywhere. The locations speak for themselves—tissue boxes, wine glasses, winter shoes, terrariums, flower pots, and laundry racks. Sometimes, it’s the pose that catches the eye—on the head, upside down, all stretched and curved, or using a dog as a pillow. I'll just leave it here. Check out these shots ...






















Clancy's comment: Mm ... I'm not a cat person but I do know this. If you own one, you are not in charge. Also, if you are trying to find one in your house, leave an empty cardboard box out and BINGO!
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