7 January 2017 - DAVID BOWIE

DAVID BOWIE

G'day folks,

Welcome to the life of a very talented man.

There are few figures who can be said to have advanced the imagery, theatricality, and artistic palette of rock music as has David Bowie. Over the course of his 50-year career, Bowie has constantly redefined himself, undertaking complete reinvention of his music, his appearance, and the characters that he himself has inhabited. Known alternately as “Ziggy Stardust,” “The Thin White Duke,” “The Dame,” and quite a few others, perhaps his reputation as the “Rock and Roll Chameleon” is most fitting. Bowie’s tremendous influence is based as much on his ability to create music of both artistic and commercial merit as for the role he played in shattering expectations of what a rock star should be.

Born in the Brixton district of South London, young David Jones was a gifted but rebellious child. At the age of nine, he found an outlet for that rebellion. His father returned from a trip to America with a clutch of rock and roll 45s. Among them were Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, and Little Richard. The music changed his life. He took up the ukulele and began performing with his friends. Even then, his provocative stage presence captivated classmates and teachers at the Bromley Technical High School.

In the early ‘60s, Bowie took on his stage name to avoid confusion with Davy Jones of the Monkees (imagine making that mistake!). In 1969, Bowie tapped into the global psyche by releasing the single “Space Oddity” just five days ahead of the Apollo 11 launch. The majestic interstellar tragedy hit #5 in the U.K.

In 1972, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars would deliver Bowie to superstardom. A concept album centering around an androgynous rock and roll messiah from another planet, performances of Ziggy saw Bowie and his band donning elaborate Martian costumes and playing with spaced-out majesty. As Bowie shot to stardom, his seemingly paradoxical cross-dressing machismo established a template for image-conscious glam, punk, new wave, and hair metal bands yet to come.

Through the ‘70s and ‘80s, Bowie enjoyed continued success on both the album and singles charts in spite of his willful tendency to veer sharply off course of his previous triumphs. From the “plastic soul” of his mid-70s work, to the German minimalism of his late-70s albums, to his New Romantic pop in the early-80s, Bowie sustained an enviable relationship with the Billboard charts. Still, his musical curiosity never waned.

Over the course of his career, Bowie has sold something in the range of 140 million albums worldwide, amounting to nine Platinum records in the U.K. and five in the U.S. Bowie is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and, though offered the title of Commander of the British Empire and Knighthood in 2000 and 2003 respectively, Bowie declined both.

Clancy's comment: Wow. You'd have to like a guy who knocked back some 'so-called' prestigious awards from Britain. 

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15 July 2014 - 'PA JOE'S PLACE'

PA JOE'S PLACE

G'day folks,

Today I offer you some great reviews for my latest book which has sold well and received amazing reviews on Amazon. Sure I wrote it, but I would honestly recommend it to you as a book that will make you think about the things that matter most in life. Trust me. This tale is based on a true story and I promise you one thing: It will move you like no other book.

"With true mastery of his writing style Clancy has led us on a wonderful journey into a whole new world. That of an amazingly courageous young girl and her adventure-filled journey from home and family in the north of Thailand to Pa Joe’s Place in southern Thailand. A journey of 1,700 kilometres on her own.

On her own but meeting some powerful and interesting people all of whom see that Boo has that something special. A journey filled with a senior police official, high ranking army officer, elderly Buddist monk and a senior Imam and his family. It’s almost as if her journey south has some special purpose and maybe it does with the enigmatic ‘Pa Joe.’

     Clancy has captured the story of seven year-old, Boo Nawigamune, and powerfully portrayed the physical and emotional journey to Songkhla and the home of 150 children. Pa Joe’s background as a Jesuit priest and Boo as a devout Buddhist makes for interesting times as they discover more about their faith through each other.

            You will laugh, you will cry and you’ll come away with an understanding of the Thai spirit and country. From the time I had the good fortune to read an early manuscript it felt like I knew Thailand and could see an amazing young girl influencing others in her happy, positive way.

            The characters are real and well known by the author and they form a part of his love of the country and its people. What more can I say than you will love Boo and see how even a young child can change the lives of others.

            If this book doesn’t make the best seller list I’ll be surprised.

            Hoei Boo!

            Love your ‘great’ work, Clancy."

Kim Stedman, Author, Western Australia.

 "This book is a heart-warming novel based on a true story. It traces the journey of a poor Thai girl whose family reluctantly sends her away to give her the best chance for a good education. It is the story of Boo who travels by rail and helicopter to her new home - Pa Joe's orphanage. It relates the bond between her and Pa Joe, a Jesuit priest, and a brave Australian tourist named Jack and others touched by her. In a world full of tragedy and despair, this is a story of courage, friendship and self-sacrifice beyond national, religious and ethnic boundaries.

What an amazing young life! Well done, Clancy Tucker. Luv ya work."

Justice Shane Marshall, Judge - Federal Court of Australia.  

 

 

 “Would you like to be taken away to a dreamy place, where people are gentle, hard-working and beautiful?  This is the story of ‘Boo’, a little girl, who, like a saint, creates bliss for everybody she comes in contact with.

Only a seven year-old Thai girl, her personal adversities cannot affect her pure soul and with the help of Pa Jo, his many dedicated friends, and a very strong Aussie connection, she makes her community of children and adults prosper as her ‘Thank you’ for accepting her. Until a dreadful affliction intervenes in her saintly work.

The story is narrated by ‘Boo’ herself, through her own eyes, guiding you gently through a different culture. The land is tranquil and beautiful, with her soul of a seven year-old seeing everything in terms of spiritual  intervention and destiny.

This book is another literary masterpiece, crafted by the outstanding Australian writer Clancy Tucker. Since he knows personally ‘Boo’ and the famous ‘Pa Jo’, a Jesuit priest, he brings immediacy into this fascinating narration. This book draws the reader into another, gentler, world; the ugly knot of our civilisation dissolves, gentle bliss and divinity.”

Peter Frederick, Author, Australia

 “WOW! Where do I begin? PA JOE's PLACE is an extraordinary book that had me captivated from its inaugural page & retained my interest and total attention throughout. It’s the story of an incredible Thai girl who gives so much to the world ... She touched the hearts and souls of everyone who came into contact with her. Throughout the pages of this amazing book I found myself crying; caught up in the inspirational and highly emotional story line which is based on a real life experience. 

 

We go through life existing. It’s not until someone such as Clancy TUCKER takes the time to write a great book about their experiences that we sit back and realize just how many people there are out there that selflessly give of themselves to others; never asking for any form of remuneration or recognition. PA JOE's PLACE is; without a shadow of a doubt; a MUST READ. I cannot remember ever reading a book where I found myself reading it through a tsunami of tears that just wouldn't stop. I found myself caught up in the story; feeling each and every moment of happiness, sadness and; especially loss. It is with great pleasure that I award this book 5 stars & if it was possible I would have given it 10 stars.”

Vicki Case, Celebrated poet, New South Wales, Australia 

'Pa Joe's Place'
e-Book or in paperback. 

Don't be shy. Spoil yourself.

Paperback: Click on the link at the top right hand corner of this post - to buy from within Australia or from outside Australia.

e-Book: Google eBooks, Apple iBookstores, Barnes and Noble, Sony and Kobo. Click on the links below and begin reading.

AMAZON:


SMASHWORDS

 

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