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“Whip it to Shreds” The Blondie & Devo Review

Posted on September 27, 2012 by bigsmileu1

Last night my husband and I went to see the musical show of Blondie and Devo courtesy of WXRT at the Chicago Theater.  My lucky hubby won the tickets from the radio station.  The tour is called “The Whip it to Shreds” and features  Debbie Harry, Clem Burke and Chris Stein, along with newer Blondie band members Leigh Foxx, Tommy Kessler and Matt Katz-Bohen and the original members  of Devo, Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and Gerald and Bob Casale who took the stage with tour drummer Jeff Friedl rounding out the line-up.

Debbie Harry blasted on stage wearing her hair bleached blond and wild.  Her golden, glittering outfit was covered by a silvery overcoat.  Blondie played many fan favorites, but by the end of the night, Debbie was losing her stamina and her voice. The one song that I wanted to hear, “The Tide is High” never made the set list.  At one point, while she was singing “Heart of Glass”, it looked as if she had a crick in her side for she kept holding it as she sang.  Even though the crowd stood the whole time she was playing, there was not much dancing or jumping around.  I sat through most of it and caught myself up on emails.  Her performance was a yawn.

After an extra long intermission between Blondie going away and Devo coming on, the lights went down and the members of Devo walked one at a time on to the stage amid loud roars.  The crowd was still standing and moving to the punk rock music.  The spectacle reminded me of something from the Blue Man Group.  It crossed my mind that maybe the Blue Man Group copied from Devo to create their show. 

Devo’s pinnacle was when they performed “Whip it” and “Satisfaction” back to back.  The crowd was revved up and enjoying the show.  When the band threw “energy hats” to the audience, the fans went wild, jumping and grabbing to get the free hat.  Those hats, priced at $40, were on sale in the lobby.  Devo was definitely the hit for the night and made it worth the price of admission.  I enjoyed the Devo show.  The rocking de-revolutionists made me want to put my phone away, and never looked at it again.  Good going, Devo!

 

 Related Articles

day 236 & day 237 – blondie – one way or another & the doors – roadhouse blues

WXRT- Chicago

Devo – The Day My Baby Gave Me a Surprize (1979)

 

Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

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Elvis Lives On

Posted on August 16, 2012 by bigsmileu1

Today, August 16, is the 35th Anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. He died in 1977 of a heart arrhythmia at his Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee. As one of the most popular and beloved entertainers of his time, his death came as a shock to his many devoted fans. In honor of Elvis, included here are some interesting facts about the “The King”.

Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA.  In 1954, Elvis began his singing career at the legendary Sun Records. His recording contract was sold a year later to RCA records.  Elvis had an illustrious career as a singer and an actor.  He has been inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Elvisby ~Melara
Digital Art / Paintings & Airbrushing / People / Portraits
©2009-2012 ~Melara

Famous “Elvis” Tradmarks

The famous left-sided grin

His movements, with his pelvis, that gave him the nickname, “Elvis, the pelvis”, which he strongly disliked

Longer and slightly deeper sideburns

White sequined jumpsuits with rhinestones

Onstage karate moves

Peanut butter and banana sandwiches (with bacon)

Two trademark phrases were “Thank ya!” and “Thank ya’ very much!”

Southern accent

Black hair often greased back

Husky voice

“Elvis” Trivia

  •  Owned a pet chimpanzee called “Scatter”.
  •  Had 18 Billboard #1 songs, the first being “Heartbreak Hotel” in March of 1956. His 18th and final #1, “Suspicious Minds”, was released in September 1969.
  • The book he was reading at the time of his death was “The Scientific Search for the Face of Jesus” by Frank O. Adams, (Psychical Aid Foundation, USA, 1972).
  • From the time they met up until his death, Elvis always sent a roomful of flowers to Anne Margaret whenever she opened up a show in Las Vegas.
  • After seeing him in concert, Liberace suggested adding flashy costumes into his act. Elvis took the advice, and became famous for his gold lame jackets and jeweled white jumpsuits. He later reserved a seat for Liberace at a majority of his concerts, as his way of saying thanks.
  • Died with about $5 million in his bank account.
  • Elvis did not like confrontation. He wanted to fire his manager, Tom Parker, many times. He would tell his friends “Tell Parker, he’s fired.” His friends would go tell him, then Parker would say “Tell Elvis to tell me personally”. Elvis never did.
  • Once an opera singer attended one of his 1950s concerts and met him backstage. The singer told Elvis that he sang like a hillbilly and needed singing lessons. Elvis replied, “Thanks for the advice, but how many of the thousands of people out there tonight came to hear you sing?”.
  • In 1977 alone his personal physician, Dr. ‘George Constantine Nichopoulos’ (usually referred to as “Dr. Nick”), had prescribed at-least 10,000 hits of amphetamines, barbiturates, narcotics, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, laxatives, and hormones for Presley. His medical license was eventually revoked for prescribing such huge amounts of drugs.
  • His home Graceland in Memphis is the second most popular private tourist attraction in the United States after the White House, and is estimated to bring in $150 million to the city itself each year.

“Elvis” Quotes

“Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do ‘em all together, I guess.” -Elvis in 1956, talking about his way of moving on stage.

“The first time that I appeared on stage, it scared me to death. I really didn’t know what all the yelling was about. I didn’t realize that my body was moving. It’s a natural thing to me. So to the manager backstage I said, ‘What’d I do? What’d I do?’ And he said “Whatever it is, go back and do it again.” -From a 1972 taped interview used in MGM’s documentary “Elvis on Tour”

“…the image is one thing and the human being is another…it’s very hard to live up to an image.” -From the press conference prior to his record-breaking Madison Square Garden shows in New York City, 1972

 

May Elvis forever rest in peace. His legacy will live on as long as we hold him in our hearts and memories.

 

Related Articles

The 100 Greatest Elvis Presley Songs Of All Time (Part 4: The Top 25)

References

Biography for Elvis Presley. (1990-2012). Retrieved from IMdb.com Inc: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000062/bio

Elvis Presley: The Official Site of the King of Rock & Roll. (2012). Retrieved from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc: http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/

 

 

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

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Lights, Camera, Improv!

Posted on August 9, 2012 by bigsmileu1

     The hardest thing for most of us to do is place ourselves out in front of an audience. While blogging is a way to interact with an audience, in truth, no one really has to see you. As a writer, the audience only knows what I want them to know. I can hold back, if I choose, and only submit a perfect piece of work after much editing.

     This evening, my Improv class performed for a live, breathing audience of family and friends. This class is a very advanced group of people who have worked together for a few years. At the end of each 8 weeks of class, the whole troupe gives a performance to show the skills we have learned. And, even though this is something I do often, it still gives me the jitters when it comes time to perform.

     In spite of the jitters, I have received so many benefits from doing Improv. What began as an interest and a way to get my husband off the couch, has spiraled into more than I could have ever imagined. Now, my husband has joined a troupe that performs every month in front of a paying audience, and I have elected to teach Improv to paying students as an enrichment program. It is amazing what just putting yourself out there can do.

     What is Improv, you say?  Well, it is a form of comedy that is made up on the spot. There are not any scripts, but, often, it takes the form of a game where rules are the only parameters given to the performers.  If you have ever watched the show, “Whose Line is it Anyway”, then you would be familiar with Improv.

     According to Awkward Squad Improv Troupe site, “The experience and knowledge that you gain from participating in an Improv troupe will enrich you in many unique ways.” Some of the common benefits are:

  • Increased Confidence

  • Improved Public Speaking Skills

  • Enhanced Acting Abilities

  • Gained Comfort in Social Settings

  • Refined Brainstorming Abilities

  • Improved Listening and Observation Skills

  • Enhanced Creative-Thinking Abilities

  • Improved Decision-Making Skills

  • Team Development Skills

     Improv has helped me as a teacher to think quickly and make connections for my students. It aids me in speaking to parents, to administrators, and in everyday conversations with others. It also makes me feel more confident about myself and boosts my ego. Not to mention, the friends I have made and people I have met.

     There are so many advantages to taking a chance and putting yourself physically and mentally on the line. Is it scary? You bet!  However, it is worth every moment of time. My husband and I began at our local community college by taking the Improv beginner classes.  The cost was less than going to the movies a couple of times. So, if you are looking for something to take you away from the TV this winter, you may wish to check for an Improv class in your area. What do you have to lose? And if you still feel too shy to try it yourself, go and see a live show. I guarantee that you will have a good laugh.

Links to Improv:

Improv Comedy Clubs – this site will connect you to Comedy Clubs in major cities around the USA.

LearnImprov.com – A site with tips, games, and introduction to Improv

Improv Comedy : Why Take an Improv Comedy Class?– YouTube video

 

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

 

 

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Weekend Plans to Make You Smile

Posted on August 3, 2012 by bigsmileu1

It it a big weekend on the comedy stage.

Laughter and hilarity are the costumes they wear.

Audience participation is how they will gauge.

As the Improv ensues- Come out if you dare!

There will be games and music for all to enjoy.

Vendors, carts, and stands full of food.

A karaoke band to help sing out your joy.

On a hot, summer night, this will lighten the mood.

This is a carnival of medium proportion

With jesters and quartets of some fame.

No cover charge or any such notion

Spend your dollars on goodies and games.

A once a year kind of deal.

Bring the whole family to see.

It does not matter how low you feel

For the good times will make you happy.

 Related Articles

My Weekend Plans (For the Challenge)

New Challenge at 20 Lines or Less

Weekend Plans: Rain Rain Go Away

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Obsession TV

Posted on June 22, 2012 by bigsmileu1

Did you ever think that maybe as a society we have gone over the top? On Tuesday, the Japanese electronics giant, Sharp, announced that they were introducing a new 90” LED TV.  This TV is 4 feet tall, 8 feet diagonally and more than 6 feet wide with a depth of 5 inches.  It is said to weigh 141 pounds. It has all the features one could want: it is even 3-D ready and comes with its own set of 3-D glasses. All this for only $10,999.99!

This would be a great buy for someone who needs to have a giant TV that is as big as a person sitting in his or her living room. Since my living room is only 12×20, this unit would take up a great portion of my wall space. I would be a little worried about the 3-D feature.  I might actually hurt myself reacting to an item being thrown in the movie.

I would be the talk of the neighborhood.  I envision my neighbors bringing their lawn chairs and watching outside my picture window. This would be like a “Movie in the Park” that my town hosts in the summer. Maybe, I could even provide my neighbors with surround sound and a set of their own 3-D glasses. In addition, if I were very smart, I would provide popcorn and drinks and make a few bucks to pay off the monster in my living room.

Can you imagine the fun we would have during football games?  This would be the epitome of an “Arm Chair Player”.

When it is 20-below-zero and the Packers are playing the Bears, it would be so realistic; we would have to turn up the furnace to watch. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to view a boxing match or a soccer game.  But seriously, who NEEDS to have a 90” LED TV in their house? Is this not extreme? Do people really desire to experience the violence of the nightly news in 3-D or (God Forbid!) watch a super-large version of “Two and a Half Men”?  And, what will Sharp come up with next?

Just sitting here musing…

 

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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The Beautiful Blogger Award

Posted on May 28, 2012 by bigsmileu1

The Beautiful Blogger Award

The nominated recipients are asked to:

  • ·       Thank and Link-back to your nominator…
Grandmothermusings is blessed and grateful to be nominated for the Beautiful Blogger Award by Yellowlancer at Positive Word Magazine. She is one of the first blogs I started following just three months ago when I began my own blog.  Positive Word Magazine always posts fascinating photos and prompts to shake-up the creative juices.
  • ·       Nominate 7 (or more) other blogs that you enjoy to receive this award as well;
  • ·       Post a comment on each of your nominees blogs with a link to your page for the details;
  • ·       Paste the Award image somewhere on your blog, if so desired;
  • ·       In addition, continue blogging all your beautiful thoughts, suggestions, and musings. More readers are coming!
It is very difficult to choose seven nominees from all the wonderful blogs I follow. I have listed some of my newest follower’s blogs below, and I hope you enjoy looking at their blogs as much as I do:
  1.   I.        Word by Word Superbly written book reviews and quotes. Love it!
  2. II.        Knowthesphere Deep thoughts and his excellent writing style keep me going back.
  3. III.        Omnomalicious  Superb place for superb recipes.
  4. IV.        Mydearbakes Wonderful 3-D cake models.
  5. V.        Preservation in Pink  A site featuring great historic preservations pictured with interesting facts.
  6. VI.        MaggieMaeI justsaythis Poetry and stories that always fascinate the reader with their truth.
  7. VII.        Evoking the Deep  Love to read Scott’s stories.
Enjoy everyone! 🙂

 

 

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 

 

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THE OUTSIDERS by S. E. Hinton

Posted on May 23, 2012 by bigsmileu1

The OutsidersThe Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is amazing that S.E. Hinton wrote The Outsiders as a teenager in high school and had it published in her first year of college. The novel takes place in 1965 in Oklahoma and the action is between two teenage groups the Socs and the Greasers. The two groups are always clashing and fighting. The Socs are the rich kids who drive mustangs and the Greasers are the poor kids without much but their “tuff” look.

The book opens with the main character, Ponyboy, jumped by a group of Socs as he is leaving the movie house. Ponyboy is saved by his gang of Greasers that include his two older brothers. Darry takes care of his younger brothers after their parents die in a car crash and Sodapop, a high school dropout works at a garage.

The next evening Ponyboy and his best friend, Johnny, meet two Socs girls named Cherry Valance and Marcia. Ponyboy learns that Cherry and he have a lot in common. They meet up with the drunken boyfriends of Cherry and Marcia and the girls go home with them to avoid a fight. The problems escalate as the story continues until Ponyboy and Johnny are on the run because Johnny killed one of the Socs when they ambushed the boys in the park.

This story, though it takes place more than 40 years ago, is still a favorite with teenagers, today. The themes of bridging the gap between rich and poor, honor, courage, loyalty, and sorrow are timeless. The time and the look of the story may be antiquated; however, the themes presented in the novel still ring true. Teenagers can associate and feel compassion for the plight of the greasers.

The writing style is simplistic and easy to follow. Overall, the plot makes the story a good read no matter what age you are. Once you finish the book, you may wish to rent the movie. Many stars got their start in this movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Some faces you will recognize are Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, and Rob Lowe. This is a must read.

View all my reviews

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
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Taking It To The Streets

Posted on May 12, 2012 by bigsmileu1

 

Rock and Roll concerts bring all sorts of people together to share in good music and good times. 

Last night my husband and I went to see a free concert courtesy of “The Drive” 97.1 FM radio station for their 11th Anniversary.  On the venue were Dave Mason and The Doobie Brothers.  

Dave Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 and he played his familiar songs like “Dear Mr. Fantasy”, “Along the Watch Tower”, and “Feeling Alright”.  He is 66 years old and played his guitar like he was 20. 

The Doobie Brothers who have toured since the 70’s, played old and new hits.  They opened with “Jesus is Just Alright”   They played other songs like “Takin it to the Streets”, “China Grove”, and “Black Water” bringing back memories of my teenage years.  A few of their new hits were a little too country for me, but overall I enjoyed the music.

I felt the concert to be more laid back than other Rock and Roll concerts I have attended. It could be that the crowd was older.  However, there were two guys in front of us, who were not more than twenty-five, having a good time.  They knew all the songs, and at one point, blew up a beach ball and threw it into the audience. 

Watching as the ball went up into the crowd, reminded me of pictures I’ve seen of Woodstock and Altamont where sweaty and high concert-goers stood, swayed, and jammed to the music.  The two in front of us were jumping up and down excited to see the crowd responding to the ball, and it was a priceless moment.  There were high fives and yelling when the ball made it to the stage and the guitarist from the Doobie Brothers kicked it back into the audience.  I thought the two guys were going to wet their pants! 

Thank you to Chicago’s The Drive for allowing us the opportunity to share in a great musical moment.  Classic Rock is still attracting music lovers both young and old.  Long Live Rock!!

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
 
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
 
 

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The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson

Posted on April 24, 2012 by bigsmileu1

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed AmericaThe Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This non-fiction book reads like a great mystery novel. It won me over immediately due to its setting of Chicago in 1893. This was at the time of The World’s Fair (The World’s Columbian Exposition) and the great architect Daniel H. Burnham who created the “Great White City”.

The book revolves around Herman Webster Mudgett (aka Dr. H.H. Holmes) who lured his victims from the fair and murdered them. This serial killer even built his own building, “The World’s Fair Hotel” with a plan to gas the victims in the gas chamber, dissect them at the dissection table, and rid himself of the bodies in the crematorium. Dr. Holmes often removed the skeletons of his victims and sold them for medical and scientific study. Many of those skeletons may have been used in medical colleges and hospitals.

The interesting thing about this book is how the author wove this story of murder and mayhem with the story of the architect Daniel Burnham. The reader is given insight to the character and dream of Burnham and of the politics that went into creating a World’s Fair.

This excellent book leaves the reader hungry for more. Leonardo Di Caprio purchased the film rights to this book in 2010. Word is that a movie starring Di Caprio is in production. No word as to when it might be released. If the movie is half as good as the book, it will be a blockbuster.

View all my reviews

Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013.
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Help the Angling Aherns Win!!

Posted on April 13, 2012 by bigsmileu1

Please vote for the Angling Ahern’s to win a trip to Vilas County.  Voting ends April 30th and you can only vote once. You will be entered in a contest, too, when you vote.   Thanks for all your support! 🙂 http://www.witravelbestbets.com/shift-your-gears/vilas-county-finalists/

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