So Different And Yet

Michael Buble was recently interviewed on the Glen Beck Show ... this hour long interview aired on January 19th and though I didn't catch it ... my Canadian partner Karin did!

Karin recorded it and sent it along to me for viewing.
It was a great interview and got Karin thinking along the lines of the many similarities between Michael Buble's and Taylor Hicks' careers.

Needless to say, this interview got me thinking of what a great blog topic this would be.

I'll begin with Karin's musings ...
"Yesterday, I realized as I drove 1/2 hour to my daughter's house, that when I am inside my car and taking that particular drive, it is a time when I can gather my thoughts with a clear and open mind.

As I drove along listening to Michael Buble's new CD, these are the thoughts that came to my mind.

TAYLOR HICKS - MICHAEL BUBLE - So different and yet ...

There are so many similarities, that I can't help but draw some interesting conclusions, even if they are in different genres.

Both are in their early 30's - Taylor is 31, Michael is 32.

Both have had a grandparent who made a significant impact on their lives.

Both spent 10 years waiting for their big break.

Significant events led to their discovery right at the time they were ready to give up on the music business.

Taylor ... Hurricane Katrina
Michael ... singing at the wedding of the daughter of our former Prime Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney.

Both have been criticized for wanting to revive old classic songs.

Both have a varied fan base in age range.

It seems that 'money' is not the motivating factor in their choice to become an artist.

Both love their craft more than the money.

Both have the ability to touch the hearts of many with their voices and their personalities.

Neither owns a car.

Both have performed "Try a Little Tenderness", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and have an appreciation for the music of Van Morrison. (Buble has recorded "Moondance")

Both are 'sensitive', have good days/bad days, can be 'bad asses' (in that neither wants to be put on a pedestal of being perfect), can be impatient, have charisma, and seem like the guy next door - down to earth.

Can you think of any other similarities ???

MY CONCLUSION: I find it very interesting that these two artists have remained steadfast and determined to sing the kind of music that they love to sing.
They choose to perform it even if it may not be the kind of music that most of the POP fans listen to.
To me, they clearly are 'old' souls who are drawn to the music of yesterday and thank goodness for that.
Perhaps they were both put on this earth to remind us that we should try to preserve some of the nostalgia and rightly so.
Hope you enjoyed my 'musings' in the car!"
Karin


To answer your question Karin ... I found many additional similarities when I watched the interview.

First off I have to mention that both Taylor and Michael have been on the receiving end of Simon Cowell's snubs.

Both artists have proved Simon Cowell wrong!

Both Michael and Taylor are 'Living The American Dream', though I was surprised to learn that Michael is Canadian.

Both artists are known for being more of a 'live' performer ... that is where their craft really shines and they connect with their audience.

Women are obsessed with them and can't enough.

Both Michael and Taylor have a great sense of humor and aren't afraid to share it.

The biggest difference that I found ...
Michael has been blessed with great management, Bruce Allen, since the turning point in his career, which we know has not been the case so far for Taylor.

With Taylor's new turning point, his separation from J Records ... I have hopes that Taylor will also now have a great management team behind him, and a label that will promote his music!

Below is part #1 of Michael Buble's interview with Glen Beck, it is a 4 part segment, and if you would like to see more of this interview ... just let us know!




Since we have been talking about Glen Beck's interview with Taylor Hicks, here it is, and it provides additional fodder for comparison.



Can you think of any other similarities ???
Do you agree on the biggest difference ???
We invite you to tell us what you think!


Bloom and Karin

Heart, Soul and Blueberry Poptarts

Blowing on dandelions and watching the fluff take leave on even the softest of breezes.



Running barefoot and letting the grass squirt up between your toes.



Eating popsicles in the Summer heat as the drips form an orange goatee.



Leaping through sprinklers - flying spread-eagle through the spray.



Commandeering a swing - going back and forth and back and forth, and finally - getting up so high, your mom gasps and yells at you to slow down.



Eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches.



Soaking Oreos in a glass of milk to just the right texture.



Eating Rice Krispies, with raspberries nestled among the snap, crackle and pop.



Pop tarts with chocolate frosting or plain blueberry.



Chocolate chip muffins and donut-holes from Dunkin Donuts every Saturday morning.


Watching Scooby Doo, Sponge Bob Squarepants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.



Eating off the ears first, on a chocolate Easter Bunny.



Riding Hot Wheels and tricycles and bicycles, sans training wheels, that sometimes teeter and fall.



Scraped knees and sobbing trips home.



Band aids decorated with the likes of Care Bears and Spiderman.



But sometimes hugs, iodine and band aids won't do.
Tragicially, sometimes there is a crying need for additional help.

St. Jude's is the beacon of light in a parent's darkest night.


ABOUT ST. JUDE AND HOW YOU CAN HELP:


Taylor's Angels wishes to unite with the Soul Patrol in donating to St. Jude's Hospital in Taylor Hicks' name.
They have set up an account, through Fans Care for St. Judes Kids.
Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Here is the link:

http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=16702f4277e70110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&cpsextcurrchannel=1

Fans Care for St. Jude Kids:
Uniting fans worldwide for an important goal!
Fans Care for St. Jude Kids is a friendly fund-raising program involving the fans of music artists, actors, athletes, entertainers, television shows and more.
The program unites fans and fan clubs from across the world for one goal – to raise money for the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Through Fans Care, donations to St. Jude are made in honor of the donor’s favorite celebrity, team or show.
The program allows fans to show support for their favorite entertainer, while helping the kids of St. Jude at the same time.



"We are where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do more science, more quickly.

Where doctors across the world send their toughest cases and most vulnerable patients.

Where no one pays for treatment beyond what is covered by insurance, and those without insurance are never asked to pay.

We've built America's 3rd-largest health-care charity, with a model that keeps the costs down and the funds flowing, so the science never stops."

"Every child deserves a chance at a life filled with love, laughter, friends and family.
We are working to find the cures that will give these youngsters a fighting chance.
When a child or parent faces an uncertain disease like cancer, they can find hope at St. Jude -- a place where miracles can and do happen."
~ Marlo Thomas ~




There is no better experience for the heart, than reaching down and lifting someone up!

Give thanks for the healthy kids in your lives, and give to those who are not, with the hope that someday all children will be healthy.




Taylor Hicks and the kids from St. Judes, pose for a photo, @ the 2008 Liberty Bowl.

Have I touched your heart today?

Have I made you stop and think?

After reading this, did you want to run and grab your kids and grandkids and give them a big hug, and tell them how much you love them?

Would you want St. Jude' resources available for you, should your family ever experience a parent's darkest night??

If you answered yes to any of those questions, I hope that you will add your support today by clicking on the Fans Care for St Jude's link above.

This page is dedicated in loving memory to my son, Jonathan Adam
July 8, 1983 - February 16, 1991
Forever in our hearts,
Love, Mom



"I Believe" ~ Elvis Presley

Tall Cool Drink

I recently ran across a very funny and cool lady,
Lisa Koch, whose songs just fill my head with images.
I first did a video of her "Middle Aged Woman",
and now I have done one to her "Tall Cool Drink".
It is a sultry jazz number, which leads into
Jazz leaving her number,
by way of Taylor Hicks' "Soul Thing".
Taylor's harp is phenomenal, as he duels
with Josh Smith's guitar, and Felix Pollard is superb on the drums!!

"I GOT A TASTE FOR SOMETHIN’ SPECIAL
MY TEMPERATURE’S RISING ALL THE TIME"




"Now we'll tell you about these times,
when the blues come out to play,
and Jazz leaves her number ...
it's funny, she always says ...
It ain't no groove thing,
It ain't no country twang,
It's a simple refrain;
It's a Soul thing! "

Yes sir, it is indeed a Soul Thing!



How was that for a taste of something special???
Temperature still rising ... have a sip!




video credits:
A thank you to Taylor Hicks' Soul Patrol Around The World for their photos.
With special thanks to Darlin' (didnotexpectthat)
for her infamous water bottle pic,
and to DianeC for her "Soul Thing" video clip!

Just Want To Say

"My Friend" by Taylor Hicks
This entry is dedicated to all my crazy friends out there, and the
GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE!

When I was little,
I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.

And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.



One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another the wind beneath your wings,

Another will be your dancing partner.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to make all the arrangements for a ... road trip,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ...
Those are your best friends.



It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
But for many, it's wrapped up in several..
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbor,
On others, your sisters,
And on some days, your daughters.

But on most days it's our Soul Sisters!

So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes, 20 years, or since Taylor Hicks' music brought you together ... the message never grows old ... a great friend IS the perfect accessory!

Share That Smile My Friend!
Bloom

Taylor's "My Friend" from the Beacon Theater

video credit: lacilovebug
(Thank You!)

Journey Into The Unknown

Surprise!
Bet you never thought you'd find a photograph of another artist here.
Don't panic, I haven't switched my allegiance.
Nobody can make my heart sing like Taylor Hicks can!
I have never had anyone's music touch me so deeply, and I don't expect that anyone else's ever will.

My journey into the unknown???
A taste of Country Music, up close and personal!
Anybody who knows me, knows ... I just plain don't care for Country Music, but my friends have been trying to convert me.

I recently had the pleasure of a road trip to Toronto with my friend froggie!

While it wasn't a Taycation, it did include many of the perks of a Taycation.
I got to hangout with two of my best buds, froggie and Karin ... and it included a concert!!

(Both of these friendships I thank Taylor for daily, if it wasn't for him, I never would have met either of these beautiful women!)

Froggie treated me to a mini vacation and a ticket to see Keith Urban at the Air Canada Center in Toronto this past December ... now that was an awesome birthday present!

Sadly, Karin didn't join froggie and I for the concert, but we did get to spend a wonderful evening together in the coziness of her home ... I am sure you can guess our main topic of discussion :-)

As you can see below ... my first journey into Country Music was an up close one!
(The photo is a bit fuzzy, but I'm the blond with the glasses ... Hello, Keith!)



It was a phenomenal concert, and if my heart wasn't already filled-up by Taylor Hicks' music, I might be tempted to convert to Monkeyville :-)

And here is the video the photos were captured from!
"Making Memories Of Us"



I would attend another of Keith's concerts though in a heartbeat!
He performs with the same kind of passion that Taylor does, as evidenced by his t-shirt!

And who wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that killer smile?

He doesn't make my heart sing like Taylor does, but he can get under your skin with his
'Love, Pain and The Whole Crazy Thing'!






Hope you have enjoyed your visit today.
Our door is always open, come on in .. grab a cup of Karma coffee, or a glass of sweet tea ... sit back, relax and enjoy the view!


Bloom

Hey Now

" The Maze "
This is my newest canvas in 'The Dream Series', created from the lyrics of Taylor Hicks' - "The Maze", Sam Cooke's - "If I Could Touch The Hem Of His Garment", Sly and The Family Stones' - "Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself and Ray Charles' - "Hey Now".

Do you believe

That - more important than the label,
Is what the tags say??

I believe

I believe

I believe

My inspiration for "The Maze" Dream canvas came from Taylor's Toms River concert, and the following video clip.




video credit: DianeC
"The Maze" (tags)
Toms River
(Thank YOU!)

I believe I believe I believe

Your comments are welcome and appreciated.
Grab a cup of Karma coffee, pull up a chair,
and let me know what you think!
Bloom

Get your own playlist at snapdrive.net!

A Thank You to Taylor, his Soul Patrol and his Angels

To all my friends on the Soul Patrol ...

I am seldom at a loss for words, as my wife Cassie can attest.
We were overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity and compassion from all of you, so many of you that we have never met.

The words, Thank You, just do not say what we are feeling in our hearts.

This picture is of our 2 boys, Evan and Spencer.
Thanks to you, they had as wonderful of a Christmas as could be possible, under such incredible circumstances.

I wanted to share this picture of the boys taken yesterday, because it shows one of the only things that was salvaged from the house, before the wrecking crew demolished it.

Evan is holding a collage that we made for him from Taylor's show at the Maryland Theatre. It was hanging on the wall in his bedroom, and as the fireman removed a smoldering mattress, this is what they found!!!

It was Evan's first concert and he got to have his picture taken with Taylor (he is also a big fan). The fact that this one item was spared the devastation, has to be more than just luck (it is melted and burnt on the back and smells like smoke, but it is intact!)

It is a sign that even though there may be bumps in the road,
Taylor Hicks and his music will survive.

I know many of you were concerned with the news out of J records.
I was glad to see Taylor respond to all of you, in the manner that he did, and let you know that everything is going to be just fine.
Keep in mind Taylor's own words, spoken to the crowd at the Maryland Theatre ...

"If you stay the same person, it doesn't matter WHERE you go."
~ Taylor Hicks, July 6th, 2007 ~

I want to take just a moment and give a personal thank you to Taylor.
Taylor, when you agreed to come to Hagerstown, my wife and I knew
it would be a very special night.
You had touched so many people along the way, but we never could have anticipated what happened following our terrible day in December.
Because of the time we spent with you, so many people opened their hearts to us.
You were the bridge that brought us together with so many amazing people.
My family thanks you for that gift!

If there is anything Cassie and I can do for you
(besides throwing you another great party in Hagerstown), don't hesitate to let me know.
We are on your team, always will be!

One more special thank you to Taylor's Angels.
You people are incredible!
God bless all, for not only what you did for us, but for what you have done and continue to do for so many people.

Once again, thank you all so very much.
I can only think of one appropriate way to say thanks.

Cassie and I will continue to support and promote Taylor with the same passion that we always have.

When (not IF) Taylor returns to Hagerstown,
I hope some of you will follow him here.
I promise you we will put on one heck of a party.

Take care Soul Patrol.
Hope to see you all again real soon!!!!!
Bruce and Cassie Torres

No matter how many times I read this letter from Bruce, the words keep blurring before my eyes, I just can't seem to stop the tears from flowing.
I know that hearts speak when words cannot, but we have always heard Bruce's heart loud and clear.
I hope he can hear ours too.

It has been our privilege to get to know Bruce and Cassie and their boys, they are gifts that we can thank Taylor for bringing into our lifes.

We have all benefitted from their kindness and total commitment to supporting Taylor Hicks' music, and I'm thankful that so many stepped forward to offer their help when it was needed.

To give Bruce and Cassie an opportunity to forget their problems, for even just a bit, and simply enjoy just being together as a family.

So many times in reaching out to others, we discover some new strength within ourselves.
I would imagine that this is where Bruce and Cassie's strength has been drawn.
They have always reached out to help and support others!

We are looking forward to another exceptional Taylor concert in Hagerstown, but even more importantly the wonderful welcome that Hagerstown extends to everyone ... thanks to Bruce and Cassie Torres!

Teri, thank you for sharing Bruce's letter and the photo that he sent to Taylor's Angels of Evan's buried treasure.

Treasures are somewhat like wildflowers ... they are often found in the most unlikely places.

Tell It Like It Is

Well, I can't stop the rain, but I can bring some sunshine to your day!
'Can't Stop The Heart And Soul' is the title of my new Taylor Hicks' photoshow below, and Aaron Neville brings it on home with his "Can't Stop My Heart From Loving You" !

Get your own playlist at snapdrive.net!

Coincidentally, Aaron Neville's "Tell It Like It Is", is song #8 in the 'What'd I Say' chapter of 'Heart Full Of Soul'.
Taylor Hicks says, "Never argue with a Neville Brother, or with Brother Ray, who once even put it even more bluntly with "Tell The Truth".
I'm a firm believer in telling the truth, even when the truth hurts."

I'm not arguing, this truth doesn't hurt, Aaron tells it like it is in "Can't Stop My Heart From Loving You"!
I'm sure you'll agree!

(If the photoshow does not appear here, scroll on down, way down, to the bottom of the blog, it's playing there!)

It may be gloomy and raining, but here at the pond, we've got it covered!

Enjoy your day and spread the sunshine around!



Bloom

Road Trip

Road Trip ... perhaps two of the most magical words to hear or see, especially if you are a member of Taylor Hicks'
travelling band of gypsies!

Our eyes light up and our hearts start beating double-time, we call it our Taylor fix!
We've traveled by cars, planes, trains, trucks, cabs, limos and buses!
(I've yet to hear of anyone going by boat, but if that's what it took, I'm sure we'd all be lining up for the lifeboat drill!)
Many of us have been coast to coast and travelled to places we'd never been before.
I refer to my road trips as 'Taycations', not to be confused with vacations!
Vacations are for relaxing on the beach and sight-seeing ...
Taycations are for getting a big dose of Taylor Hick's 'Medicated Goo' and hanging with my soul sisters!!

Hopefully, soon, we will all be contemplating where our next Taycation might take us!
If you are thinking of possibly combining a Taycation with a vacation ... here's a few 'unique' and 'wacky' attractions for you to check out.

I'll start with Alabama, and not because it's the first state alphabetically.

Anniston, Alabama is the home of the World's Largest Chair.
It's 33' high and not a chair you'll want to lean back in too far ... it might flatten the building!

California

You won't want to miss this one ... lol!
Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo ... it's colorful, unusual and a bit repulsive.
The tradition of leaving one's chewing gum behind dates back to the 1960's, big surprise there!
Here's a closer look ...


Connecticut

This whimsical bridge is located in Willimantic, and is a tribute to the infamous "Battle of the Frogs" of 1754, and to the thread industry that was the backbone of the the local economy in the 19th century.

Georgia

The World's Largest Peanut can be found in Ashburn, Georgia.
This monstrous goober, in the heart of peanut country, is 20' high and made of fiberglass.

Kansas

"There's No Place Like Home" ~ Dorothy's House.
The good people of Liberal took it upon themselves to desginate a house from 1907 as Dorthy's official residence, and it now serves as the gateway to an animatronic attraction dubbed the Land of Oz.

Maine

Eartha, The World's Largest rotating globe, is housed in a three-story glass atrium in Yarmouth.
Eartha weighs nearly 6,000 pounds and was designed to represent our planet as seen from space.

Massachusetts

The Paper House located in Rockport was created beginning back in 1992, by layering newspaper, glue and varnish and you can still read the print on the newspapers that make up the desk, tables,grandfatherclock and bookshelves.

Michigan

This 80-foot high Uniroyal Tire was first a ferris wheel at the New York 1964-65 World's Fair before it's creators brought it back home to their headquarters in Allen Park. (I had to include this site, as it's one I grew up seeing from my bedroom window!)

Tennessee

Since the 1930's,the luxurious Peabody Hotel in Memphis has served its guests impeccably, but a few lucky ducks get the best treatment.
At 11:00 each morning, the Duck Master escorts a quintet of mallards from the rooftop Royal Duck Palace to the marble fountain in the lobby where they spend their days.
At 5:00 each evening, the procession is reversed.
(This was another must include, as the Peabody Hotel was recently host to the Liberty Bowl's President's Gala, where Taylor Hicks not only headlined, but also received the Bowl's Outstanding Achievement Award for 2007!)

Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado

In the heart of the Navajo Nation rests Four Corners Marker.
This painted concrete slab marks the only point in the United States where four state boundaries intersect.


That's it for the unique and wacky attractions today!
I've got something for every state, but this blog would be almost as long as The Great American Road Trip !!
I do have a wonderful presentation to share though, called My Beautiful America, and I hope you'll check it out ... be sure to have your volume on!
http://oldbluewebdesigns.com/mybeautifulamerica.htm

Thanks for stopping in to visit today, I hope you have enjoyed the trip ... and until we hear those magic words ROAD TRIP again .... remember ... "It Is A Soul Thing"!

"Where the city street meets the country road, where the sun is nice and warm, no matter how long I may roam, this song still takes us home, takes us home."
"Soul Thing" ~ Taylor Hicks




Hope to see you on the road!
Bloom