Dreaming Up A Bridge

When we first moved here, a bridge across the creek was a fantasy, something that might happen someday if I somehow came into a lot of money. But this year, something changed. Actually, probably a lot of things changed, things inside of me as well as external things. But the proximate cause was my desire […]

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Who Was Eddie Fisher?

With the stunning deaths this week of Carrie Fisher on Dec. 27 and her mother, Debbie Reynolds, the following day, the media has been awash in articles on Star Wars, cocaine abuse, extra-marital affairs on the set of Star Wars, depression, Singin' in the Rain, Tammy and the Bachelor, Elizabeth Taylor and whether a mother can die of a broken heart one day after the death of her daughter. All but forgotten in all of this, however, is Eddie Fisher, the former husband of Reynolds and the father of Carrie Fisher.

Who was Eddie Fisher, why was he special and how bright a light was he in the galaxy of pop stars? To most people unfamiliar with his recording career, Fisher was a singer who married Debbie Reynolds in 1955 and ran off with the couple's best friend, Elizabeth Taylor, in 1958. But if we table the tabloid stuff for now and just focus on Fisher's singing career, we find that he was a bonafide superstar and one of the most successful pop singers in the pre-Elvis 1950s. Between 1950 and the end of '55, Fisher had 47 charted pop hits. Nat King Cole had 45 and Tony Bennett had 20.

While it may be hard to understand how a full-bore traditional crooner like Fisher could become cat-nip for millions of female record buyers and catch the eye of female movie stars, we'll need the historic context and well as clips to sort this out. In short, Fisher's success was hardly an accident, and he was every bit a vocal heavyweight and dazzling charmer. 

Born in Philadelphia, Fisher showed early promise as a singer. His first broadcast appearance was on WFIL-AM in Philadelphia, and he eventually performed on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts radio broadcast. In 1946, when he was 18, Fisher dropped out of high school in his senior year to become a professional big-band singer. By 1949, while in New York's Catskill Mountains singing at Grossinger's Resort, he was discovered by singer-comedian Eddie Cantor, who put him on his radio show. Fisher was quickly signed by RCA in 1950.

Those are the bare biographical bones. Interestingly, his big, formal vocal sound derived not from the casual style of Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra but from Al Jolson, a family favorite. Fisher also was strikingly handsome, relaxed and naturally affable. Viewing YouTubes of him back in the early 1950s, you find a perfect-pitch singer who made it all look easy and put others at ease. Girls he somehow missed with his seductive voice were hooked on his smile and the crinkle in the corners of his eyes. In 1951, Fisher went into the Army and sang for the troops in Korea and Europe until his discharge in 1953. Then his career and fame exploded.

The reason for his mass appeal, in a word, was television. Fisher had a perfectly wonderful voice, albeit one you'd find on a Broadway stage. But as television sets became affordable for an expanding number of households, Fisher, unlike earlier crooners, connected with female viewers. Part of his appeal was a full head of hair, making him matinee-idol material. He also carried himself well and seemed to have an emotional transparency. Nothing was an act. What you saw and heard was who he was.

But TV alone didn't make Fisher a star. Several other events helped provide the momentum. One was the public's acceptance of vinyl 45 single and 10-inch long-playing albums. The new formats made pop singers hot properties starting in 1952. Where vocalists had once been sandwiched briefly between stretches of instrumental music on either end, the tables had turned by the early 1950s. Singers became the center of attention.

Even more important than television and new, more convenient recording formats was the virtual absence of Frank Sinatra. The singer's popularity plummeted in the early 1950s as Columbia bungled his career, packaging him no differently than it had in the late 1940s, except for the addition of creepy novelty tunes. By the end of 1952, he hit commercial bottom and the label dropped him. It would be a year before Sinatra staged a comeback—not on records but in the movies.

Fisher was able to exploit the vacuum. If Sinatra's vocal personality then was that of a confused and bruised romantic in need of female tenderness, Fisher was more confident and more emotionally open. There was something about his voice that made girls and women feel safe to dream.

During this unique period of male emotionalism, Fisher and a handful of other new pop singers were dubbed "criers"—those who sang as if they were about to break down in tears. Girls seemed to enjoy it that way. This group included Johnnie Ray, Frankie Laine and even Tony Bennett (I Won't Cry Anymore), whose sound early on clearly was Columbia's answer to RCA's Fisher.

A careful listen to Fisher's recordings in the early '50s and beyond reveals an excellent lyric baritone with a throbbing feel who wasn't in the business of transfixing female fans as much as providing them with a courteous male prototype. In this regard, Fisher was the "new male," just as Sinatra had been in the mid-1940s. Here's Fisher's first hit, Thinking of You, in 1950, which went to No. 5...

Here's Fisher's first No. 1 hit, in 1952—Wish You Were Here...

Here's Fisher's second No. 1 hit, in 1953—I'm Walking Behind You...

Here's Fisher's third No. 1 hit, in 1954, I Need You Now, performed at the Hollywood Bowl that year. By then, Sinatra had outgrown his young audience and was being repositioned in the LP era for young adults. Fisher, by contrast, had a more relaxed, youthful confidence untouched by the Depression or World War II...

Here's Fisher with Louis Armstrong at the Hollywood Bowl in 1954. He wasn't as loose or as improvisational as Sinatra, but Fisher had soul (move the time bar up to 4:29 if you want the duet)...

Here's Fisher on his own TV special in 1954. Remember, he's only 26...

Here's Eddie Fisher with Perry Como in 1956 shortly after marrying Debbie Reynolds...

Here's Fisher with Reynolds on What's My Line? in 1956. Strangely, Fisher is more relaxed and camera-friendly than Reynolds. Also, notice what Fisher says at the end: "I always cry." Sensitivity as a badge of honor, which marked a dramatic change in the persona of pop stars (move the time bar to 15:15)...

Here's Fisher in 1961 singing Small World from Gypsy...

Here's Fisher in 1962 performing at New York's Winter Garden Theatre...

Fisher's career continued for some years. Here's Fisher with Dean Martin in 1966, who clearly had enormous respect for his voice and confidence...

And finally, to crystalize all I've said above, here's a fascinating TV segment from 1953, when Sinatra was at rock bottom and desperately in need of TV exposure. It offers a stylistic evolution of the crooner, from Rudy Vallee (1920s) to Bing Crosby (1930s), to Frank Sinatra (1940s) and Eddie Fisher (1950s)...

       

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OSHA cites plastics manufacturer after second worker suffers severe injury in less than 18 months at Ohio plant Lauren Manufacturing faces $274K in proposed penalties, labeled Severe Violator

Dec. 28, 2016 OSHA cites plastics manufacturer after second worker suffers severe injury in less than 18 months at Ohio plant Lauren Manufacturing faces $274K in proposed penalties, labeled 'Severe V

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OSHA cites lumber company for inadequate machine guards after worker suffers injury while setting up molding machine

Dec. 28, 2016 OSHA cites lumber company for inadequate machine guards after worker suffers injury while setting up molding machine MARATHON, Wis. — Federal safety inspectors found multiple wood

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OSHA cites Wisconsin metal fabrication company for safety failures after investigation of teenaged worker's fatal injuries, two weeks after starting job

Dec. 27, 2016 OSHA cites Wisconsin metal fabrication company for safety failures after investigation of teenaged worker's fatal injuries, two weeks after starting job COLUMBUS, Wis. — A federal

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Jack and Don in the Studio

I know little about Newvelle Records, other than they seem to spend big producing vinyl jazz packages for well-off listeners with high-end stereo systems who appreciate superb recordings of great artists. You'll find more on Newvelle and its offerings here. Reader David Langner brought the label to my attention primarily for two videos the label taped of well-known artists recording in its studios. I thought I'd share them with you.

The first is an interview with Jack DeJohnette on his history with the piano, intermingled with his recording of Return for a Newvelle solo release in 2015...

The second is the late pianist Don Friedman recording Strength and Sanity, a Booker Little composition, for a recent Newvelle album...

      

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3 Decorating Ideas for Winter Window Treatments

Inspire your windows with these 3 decorating ideas for winter window treatments and keep cozy during these cold months.  Consider the following ideas: adding a cheerful statement, considering bold prints and dressing up plain curtains.

Image Source: Flickr

Adding a Cheerful Statement
Think big and bright when making these bold ornaments. Red and green scrapbooking paper in fun patterns adorns shapes cut from poster board. We found ornament silhouettes online then enlarged them to suit the window. Glue three papers onto each ornament. Punch a hole at the top, then hang them on red cording or yarn taped to the top of the window. A valance of live greens finishes the display. Source: MidwestLiving

Considering Bold Prints
Bright florals that attract traditional tastes and graphic geometric patterns that offer youthful spunk are some of the bold prints being seen on windows lately. “With pattern becoming more important, it will change the way a designer designs for the window and how the client views her [or his] window fashion,” says Barrett. Source: HGTV

Dressing up Plain Curtains
Although it’s hard to go wrong with simple, solid sheers or panels, why not take them a step further? Give them a custom look by painting on a pattern or stencil, try glueing on embellishments such as silk flowers, beads or pom-poms. Or add bands of contrasting fabric to the bottoms of curtains that need a little boost.
Budget: Modest. Pretty trims can be had for a few dollars, and unadorned curtain panels for not much more. You also can go heavy on humble fabrics and light on expensive ones to get a more upscale look for less cash.
DIY: Absolutely, whether you’re working the sewing machine or wielding a glue gun. Source: DIYNetwork

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

The post 3 Decorating Ideas for Winter Window Treatments appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.

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Affordable Waterproofing

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

 

You want to find a company that is experienced and trustworthy? Nice company to work with and one that you can count to the job right? Look no further –you have found them. At affordable waterproofing, we understand how stressful it can be for you to choose a bathroom contractor with the right skills to make your shower- room perfect and one that suits your bathing desires. However, our company has found out the solution to your concerns and we are now here to make your bath easy, healthy and enjoyable by providing affordable waterproofing services to all our clients. 

About Us

Affordable waterproofing LLC is a family owned company based in Delran, New Jersey, South jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware with cost-effective and superior waterproofing services for over 30 years. We pride ourselves on supplying the best bathroom waterproofing system installation, mold removal, and foundation and structural repairs around. Because of our commitment to our clients, we back all of our services with watertight guarantee and unparalleled customer service. Our friendly no-pressure approach to the business has earned us an A+ BBB rating and outstanding reviews from customers. We look forward to continuing to provide dry, confortable bathrooms for years to come.

Our Featured Products

There is no doubt that you are wondering why you should go for our products; the answer is simple, we carry quality bathroom fixtures that are not sold in big box stores. Our featured products section has been carefully created to bring you the ultimate home SPA experience. Steam showers, whirlpool tubs and far electromagnetic steam bath in this selection are the latest European design. These models will transform any bathroom into an ambient oasis for health, well-being and pure soul pleasure. We believe our products improve people’s lives daily and contribute to vitality and vigor. We have included our best-selling units that offer an elite array of features to bring you the perfect bathroom makeover and make a dramatic statement. Check out what we have to offer and you will be pleased with what you find.

Why Us

Our affordable waterproofing company is trustworthy, efficient and cost-effective. Our customers will vouch that we can fix bathroom leakage problems both big and small, from a moldy crawl space to full-out bathroom flooding; leaving your bathroom super dry, healthy and confortable for daily stress less bath. We take customers satisfaction very seriously, so we provide free inspections. Competitive pricing, lifetime warranties and a guarantee of excellent customer service. Put simply, we will get your bathroom dry and keep it that way, and do so with smiles on our faces.

What Our Clients Are Saying

We got the last of our shower together and connected without so much as a micro problem. You have a great product and it is our delight and privileged to do business with such an honorable and honest business which is a rare thing these days. We will be recommending you and your products to all of our friends and associates and our contractor is also equally impressed and said he will be ordering your products for his future projects as well. (Debbie and John G. Halifax NS)

 

 

The post Affordable Waterproofing appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

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OSHA finds global railroad company retaliated against worker who reported safety concerns about track defects

December 28, 2016 OSHA finds global railroad company retaliated against workerwho reported safety concerns about track defects BNSF Railway to pay more than $147K in back wages, damages to former emp

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OSHA names new administrator for Dallas region

December 28, 2016 Contact: Office of Communications Phone: 202-693-1999 OSHA names new administrator for Dallas region WASHINGTON - Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr.

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Joe Alterman: Comin' Home

If you're like me, you probably grow frustrated when you run out of early recordings by pianists such as Red Garland, Ahmad Jamal, Ramsey Lewis, Gene Harris and Les McCann. You know, pianists who listened to themselves as they played and loved more than anything to swing and move souls. These pianists had a healthy respect for space, they loved single-note improvised lines, they didn't rush songs and they avoided jamming in as many notes as possible. Block chords were as tightly packed as they'd go, and they'd add them in just the right places. [Photo above of Joe Alterman by Lisa Piernot]

Pianist Joe Alterman to the rescue. Joe, who recently relocated from New York to Atlanta, just released a new album, Comin' Home to You, that has all of the ear candy I mention above. It's hard to express exactly what Joe is doing to capture your attention, but much of it relies on taste, technique, a healthy respect for lyricism and a strong sense of what exactly made past piano greats special. On the album, Joe works with a trio that includes bassist Nathaniel Schroeder and drummer Doug Hirlinger on some tracks and bassist Scott Glazer and drummer Justin Chesarek on others.

Joe's song choices are interesting, all the more so when given a classic jazz piano feel. Tracks include I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Nina Never Knew, Les McCann's Fish This Week, Carole King and Gerry Goffin's Take Good Care of My Baby, Daryl Hall and John Oates' Sara Smile, and Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely. Joe's two originals—Comin' Home to You and The Last Time I Saw You—are exceptional. He's a gorgeous songwriter. [Photo above of Joe Alterman with Ramsey Lewis]

This is one of those albums you put on and listen to repeatedly. It's inspiring music from an artist who hasn't forsaken the music's roots but has brought it along into modernity. Festivals from Newport to Rio and Nice should try to get Joe while they still afford him. A most impressive album and a must own. [Photo above of Joe Alterman with Houston Person]

JazzWax tracks: You'll find Joe Alterman's Comin' Home to You here...

JazzWax clip: Here's Nina Never Knew, which will give you a sense of how the rest of this album sounds. Perfect for thinking, creating and just watching pop in the fireplace...

Nina Never Knew

       

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John Deere Settles with OSHA on Whistleblower Allegations

Former employee to receive more than $200,000 for being terminated after reporting unsafe working conditions to OSHA.

John Deere has signed a settlement agreement with OSHA, resolving a lawsuit centering around the anti-retaliation provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

A pipefitter who was terminated from the company in 2012 will receive a total of $204,315 in back wages and "front pay" and $70,685 in other damages after reporting unsafe working conditions and filing a complaint with OSHA after John Deere failed to correct one of the unsafe conditions.

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7 Nancy Wilson Videos Clips

I'm convinced that one of these years, singer Nancy Wilson will become a Kennedy Center Honoree. Her artful ability to pull jazz into the pop realm and the peerless way in which she proved that pop was open to African-American interpretation without losing an ounce of pop's appeal was remarkable. Here are seven video clips to remind us why Nancy is special...

Here's Nancy on TV's Jazz Scene USA in 1962, hosted by Oscar Brown Jr....

Here's Nancy on TV's Hollywood Palace in 1964. The camera work here is sensational...

Here's Nancy on TV's I Spy in 1966...

Here's Nancy in 1987 at Carnegie Hall with conductor Masahiko Satoh...

Here's Nancy at the Playboy Jazz Festival in 1991 with Art Farmer on trumpet and Benny Golson on tenor saxophone...

Here's Nancy in 1992 at the Huis Ten Bosch Jazz Festival in Nagasaki, Japan...

And here's Nancy in 2004 with the Boston Pops and John Williams...

      

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