27 January 2017 - BONO

BONO

G'day folks,

I have featured this guy before, but he is a very interesting character.

Paul Hewson is one of the most famous people in the world. Of course, you know him better as Bono, lead singer of the Irish stadium behemoth, U2. Behind the trademark bug-eyed sunglasses and golden falsetto is one of the most visible and accomplished figures in music history. His constant humanitarian efforts, his working relationship with presidents and prime ministers, and the world-conquering success of his band’s albums and tours make Bono a figure of towering cultural importance beyond his music. But of course, U2’s music also casts a shadow as long as its 35-year history.

Paul was born to a religious family in Dublin, Ireland. His spiritual upbringing would figure prominently into his life and music. But his real evolution as a musician came when he began attending the Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where he met his future bandmates and earned the nickname Bonovox (translated from the Latin for “good voice”). Bono and his mates found that they weren’t particularly good at covering the Stones or Beach Boys, so they began writing their own compositions. Taking their name in 1976, U2 managed a contract with Island Records and released Boy in 1980. 

Their debut earned critical praise for Bono’s impassioned delivery and the band’s militant post-punk frankness. Minor Billboard success only hinted at the band’s achievements over the coming decade.

From the political pointedness of 1983’s War to the the proto alt-country majesty of 1987’s The Joshua Tree to the electrofunk undercurrent of 1991’s Achtung Baby, U2 was arguably the most important rock band of the decade. Their stadium-filing tours, airwave-dominating singles, and album-oriented precision made the band, and particularly their frontman, a global phenomenon. Ultimately, the elements of punk, new wave, and arena rock that U2 fused together became a sound all their own, and one to which future stadium acts like Radiohead, Coldplay, and Muse owe an incalculable debt.

Over the course of the ‘90s, U2 redefined the enormity and spectacle of the live rock show. Playing to ever-larger audiences, the band dedicated its considerable resources to creating an enveloping sonic and visual experience even for audiences numbering in the tens of thousands. As a singer, Bono elevated the bar first set by Mick Jagger, using his tremendous passion and charisma to create intimacy in even the most expansive venues.

As the frontman of U2, Bono is the chief lyricist and, without question, the reason its albums have shipped to the tune of 150 million worldwide. They are also the recipients of a stunning 22 Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bono may also be rock’s greatest humanitarian. His efforts at promoting debt relief for developing nations and his work to spotlight poverty in Africa have granted him a key to the White House and perhaps even a genuine impact on global policy. Time magazine named him 2005’s Person of the Year.

Clancy's comment: Very interesting character indeed. He and Bob Geldof have probably achieved more than countless politicians. Nothing surprising, eh? By the way, Geldof is mentioned in my latest book, 'Bold Journey'.

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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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