The Smile

I see her and I wish there was,
a reason she saw me.
But I am nothing special
and nothing for her to see.

Unrequited and ignored,
but there's something still worthwhile.
Though she doesn’t know it,
I cherish her lovely smile.

I realize she doesn’t know,
and probably doesn’t care.
Being without her hurts,
and why I feel despair

We could be two feet apart,
though it is more a mile,
I am not seen and so depressed,
and then I see her smile.

I know she is better off,
though her attention I would prize.
I have nothing of value.
And worthless in her eyes.

She sends her gaze to someone else,
a man with more appeal.
He may deserve her more than me,
But her smile I will steal.

J.A.Scott

Chicago: Streets & Stores

For me, nothing says Chicago like an abandoned building. Nice brick work.

Make that two abandoned buildings. But you gotta love the structure! Curse the hanging wire, I need to photo-shop that out.

Not my favorite photo, but I love street signs and the angle of the photo.

Here is a still shot from within one of the "greasy spoons" we visited. It was called Clarke's Diner and actually fairly charming. {1704 N Damen Ave}

Inside the Exchange (1524 N Milwaukee Ave), I found many wonders. I was debating getting the Blonde item you see on the shelf. I didn't this time. But maybe an excuse to return?

Just about ready to head home, this is a mural I spotted just before getting in the car. Had the guys wondering what I was doing. In the end, one of my favorite shots.

Chicago: Goose Island Brewing Company

During a recent trip to Chicago, I had the opportunity to tour the Goose Island Brewery. Who doesn't like to see how beer is made? Oatmeal Stout. Mmmmmm, one of my favorites.


To be honest, I wasn't very familiar with the beer company. Truth be told, I generally stick to either Import beer, or local breweries. But it's always nice to try something new for a change.


The tour was a bit smaller than I was accustomed to. A lot of us were crammed into a small space. But if you can get past that, it's an interesting tour set inside the actual pub where the beer is then sold.


During the tour we were able to enjoy whatever beer we already purchased up in the bar, while waiting for the tour to begin. Our tour guide enjoyed one as well as he described some of the uses of the various equipment.


After the tour was complete, came the taste testing. A selection of 6 different beers for available to sample, via taste, smell and looks. Also provided was a pint glass.


As we did our sampling, the tour guide was available to inform us of what each beer was, and what some of the additional ingredients were, outside the typical four; water, grains, hops and yeast.

CD Review: Jessy J - "Hot Sauce"

I typically listen to two types of jazz. One type I like to listen in the early morning with a cuppa. The other type is usually listened to late at night, when I'll be enjoying a nightcap. Usually, there is a slight distinction between the two. It's hard to describe, it's just a feeling I get when I listen to the music. But then I listened to Jessy J and her most recent album, 'Hot Sauce', where I have the hardest time trying to figure out when I enjoy her music most. This album is so versatile and full of surprises, it's one of the few CD's I can actually listen to at any time in the day.

Starting the CD is the dreamy 'Remember Last Night' tract. It's a great song to listen to in the early morning as one goes over the events of the past evening. Jessy J is fantastic on the sax and already a surprise in store for everyone. Featured on this piece is Paul Brown on the Guitar, what a great appearance.

By the time the title track shows up, 'Hot Sauce', I realize this is not simply music to wake up to. The song is just as the title suggest, HOT! One immediately wants to get up and dance. Perfect for a fun filled evening with the missis.

Rainbow Gold is another song preferable to listen to in the evening. It's got enough funk and jazz to keep one motivated in whatever task one may be working on, and yet still not too distracting if one simply wants to rest after the stressful day and simply unwind. The hidden gold available here is the inclusion of Joe Sample and Harvey Mason.

Switching gears once more, 'We Kissed', is another great song to listen to as the day is starting off. Perhaps the kiss this song refers to is what we are remembering from last night. In addition to playing sax, Jessy J sings, helping us remember exactly what the kiss from last night was about. "We kissed, in the moonlight. We danced, and we held each other tight. We smiled, for everyone to see; while we sang, our simply melody. We kissed."

Closing out the CD are a few more surprises. 'In A Sentimental Mood' features Saunders Sermons on vocals and 'Last Night' including both Joe Sample (on Piano, Organ and Keyboard) and Ray Parker Jr. on Guitar and background vocals. 'Last Night' is truly a fun song geared for any time of the day. Jessy J assists Ray Parker Jr. on vocals and leaves you wanting more, which is sort of ironic considering it has a built-in encore.

Truly, this is one of the best CD's I've purchased in quite a while. My final surprise of this review is you haven't run out and purchased yet. What are you waiting for? 'Hot Sauce' will make any Jazz collection complete.

1 Remember the Night
2 Rio Grande
3 Hot Sauce
4 Rainbow Gold
5 'Till You Make Up Your Mind
6 Meant to Be
7 We Kissed
8 Leave Right Now
9 In Sentimental Mood
10 Last Night

Other CD Notes: Performances on the CD feature Jessy J on Tenor Sax and vocals. Helping out in one or more songs are: Marco Basci (Keys/Stings, Bass, Drum Programming), Paul Brown (Guitar, Drums), Jeff Caruthers (Keys, Guitar, Bass, Drum Programming), Deyon Dobson (Keys, Drum Programming), Josh Guinta (Drums), Gregg Karukas (Keys, Strings), Janis Liebhart (Background Vocals), Harvey Mason (Drums), Jon Notar (Piano), Ray Parker Jr. (Guitars, Vocals), Michael Ripoll (Guitars, Bass) Joe Sample (Piano), Nick Sample (Bass), Jordan Scannella (Electric Bass), Toni Scruggs (Background Vocals), Saunders Sermons (Vocals), Roberto Vally (Bass), Lawrence Young (Keys)

Recorded: Funky Joint Recording Studios; Sherman Oaks, CA

Where you can find Jessy J:
Official Website
Twitter
Facebook

CD Review: Martha Berner - "Fools Fantasy"

It's a rare treat to actually see one of my musical idols live. It's quite another thing to actually be introduced to, chat with and shake the hand of a musical talent before I even realize they will be a new idol of mine. Thus can be said of Martha Berner. You may have noticed a photography set I did a few months ago when I was invited by a friend to watch the taping of 'Brew City Bands', a cable access program dedicated to local bands. On this occasion, Martha Berner was in house.

What I didn't know at the time, was how much I was going to fall in love with her music. From the word go, I was entranced. But I digress, I'm supposed to be doing a CD review. To be fair, I'm actually setting up why I came to enjoy the CD so much and how I acquired it.

As I worked on my photo shoot I listened intently to each song, and grew to love the music more and more. Once the taping was done, there was an interview session where I got to learn a bit more about Martha. It was a great day, with great music, and I acquired a great new CD to enjoy. Martha is truly a Local Idol, and I didn't have to listen to Simon Cowell prattle on to find her.

Matha Berner & The Significant Others
Fools Fantasy

"Fools Fantasy" is the title track of the CD and immediately demands your attention with it's first few notes. What starts off with a somber cello solo soon picks up with Martha singing, soon to be joined in with the rest of the band. A great start to the CD, and a personal favorite of mine.

The song "All The Rockstars" starts a little different. This time Martha starts the song off, with her voice which draws you right in. Of course the rest of the band join in and you are treated to one fantastic song. The ending always tricks me though, as I tend to think the song has ended and another one starting. You'll understand what I mean when you listen to the CD. Because you WILL right?

Another favorite song of mine is, "Where Does The Day Go?" Not only do I ask the very same question several times a week, I also look for the answer to 'Where does the love go. When you throw it away?' A question addressed in the song. The ending of the song is just as interesting as anything else on the album. A very short pause, continues slowly, then quickly picks up pace. It's fantastic and I love it.

I don't need 'Fools Fantasy' to tell me how much 'People Are Crazy', but it's nice to hear someone else agreeing with me. The song of this title is another great musical piece. I've found it to be a real toe tapper, and a delight to listen to.

Another thing I love about this album, all the great musical instruments used. It's not your standard - guitar, drums, singer, type of music. It's all very original and thought provoking. Most songs have something very unique and interesting about them. I certain my review hardly does justice to this great piece of art.

Essentially, What I'm trying to say is I love this CD! I could continue praising each song, but what would be the point? You need to experience this for yourself!

1.) Fools Fantasy
2. Brave
3. Cry
4. All The Rockstars
5. Some Stay A While
6. Where Does The Day Go
7. Adore Me II
8. Wolves
9. Irene
10. People Are Crazy
11. Never Talked To Oz
12. Burning Candles

Where You Can Find Martha

Martha Berner & The Significant Others - Website

Facebook Page

Youtube Channel

For additional photos, check out the pictures from her performance on Brew City Bands.
*photos courtesy of Jeffrey Scott Photography

Jeffrey Scott’s – Best of his Blogs 2011

As some of you are probably aware, I run not one, not two, but three blogs. Back in the day I only had one blog, but suddenly felt it was getting confusing with all my Health and Fitness posts mixed with my Science Fiction post. So I decided to launch a separate blog dedicated solely to Fitness. This left the other blog for everything else. However during the next few months I started to do more Doctor Who episode reviews. Because of that, any blog postings of my photography, poetry or other writings quickly got buried. So, I decided to split my blog once more. But I digress - As I did last year I've decided to create a cross-over blog. This will post on all three sites and highlight various postings of each. If you like what you see, please leave a comment.

January
Tegan - V - A reboot.... or something else? (Part 1)
Earlier in the year, my thoughts on the now cancelled series.
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser Rewind - S11E01
I start blogging recaps of Biggest Loser Season 11

February
Tegan - Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 20 "The Wheel In Space"
Introduction of companion Zoe.
Carrot Sticks – Fitness Product Review
I review one of the Weight Watchers 'Smart Ones' meals.
Jeffrey Scott – Jeffrey Scott's Coffee Klatch
I try my hand at writing a variety blog series.

March
Tegan - The Adventures of Quisp
Just to do something different, I did a cereal review.
Carrot Sticks – A-Z Fitness - Zeal
The year before I started a fitness series. This was the final one.

April
Tegan – L.I.N.D.A. spots the Doctor at the Royal Wedding
The Doctor attends the Royal Wedding.
Carrot Sticks - Why Did Rulon Walk Off The Show?
A Biggest Loser Tirade
Jeffrey Scott - And Then…
I attempt a less comical poem.

May
Tegan – Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 33 "The Third Doctor In Review"
Having concluded my reviews of the 3rd Doctor, I give an over-view.
Carrot Sticks – When Jillian Leaves
A poem I wrote dedicated to Jillian
Jeffrey Scott - Bond Live at the Royal Albert Hall
I review the Live DVD.

June
Tegan - Doctor Who Graduation
My niece has a graduation with a Doctor Who theme.
Carrot Sticks – Top 15 Ways To Tell You've Joined A Bad Gym
A few reasons to hate fitness gyms.
Jeffrey Scott - Mitchell Park Domes - Tropical Domes
A photographic set I did of flowers and such.

July
Tegan – Dr. Who (The Early Years) - "And Now A Word From Our Sponsor"
Back in the 70's they were giving away Dr. Who themed prizes in cereal.
Jeffrey Scott - Bristol Renaissance Faire
Photos from my trip back in time.

August
Carrot Sticks - Reasons I'm Disappointed in My Fitness Gym
Another article on the state of gyms. My personal dislikes.
Jeffrey Scott - My Toys As A Writer
Photos of my personal writing devices.

September
Tegan – The Omega Men – Part 1 of 4
A short story I wrote based on Dr.Who and a podcast.
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser 12 - Battle of the Ages
A new season of Biggest Loser, here are the contestants.
Jeffrey Scott - Procrastination
A Song Parody I wrote.

October
Tegan – Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 51 "The Fourth Doctor In Review"
Having finished 4th Doctor reviews, here's a quick recap.
Jeffrey Scott - Martha Berner: Recording of Brew City Bands

November
Tegan – Sun Boy Explores the 21st Century
I turn a few screenshots from DC Universe Online into a short story.
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser S12E09 - What Kind of School Do You Teach?
One of my reviews from Biggest Loser

December
Tegan - Chicago Tardis - Costume Collection (The Companions)
Chicago Tardis Photos
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser S12E13 - And the Biggest Loser Is....
A review of the final episode of Biggest Loser Season 13.
Jeffrey Scott - CD Review: Diana Krall - "Steppin Out"
Hoping this'll be a new monthly, musical series.

Keep in mind, this isn't everything from all three blogs, rather, just a sampling. If you enjoy each, why not subscribe and follow? You’re bound to find something you like sooner or later. ;)
Jeffrey Scott

CD Review: Diana Krall - "Steppin Out"

I really only discovered jazz in the late 80's. At the time, it was a new genre for me and I didn't immediately take to it. Oh, I liked it, though initially I was introduced to Spyro Gyra and that was all I had to go on. But my musical tastes were just beginning to mature. I found a local jazz station, listened for a while and loved what I heard. It wasn't long before I was looking for CD's from some of the artists I heard. Diana Krall was one such artist. How could I go wrong? She's beautiful and I loved her music. Though 'Steppin Out' was not my first Krall CD, I imagine I would have fallen in love with her music just as much with this CD as any other. Starting off, the first track is 'This Can't Be Love'. The song is fast paced enough to pull you right in and her piano is excellent. As an additional bonus, the bass is awesome and drums can't be beat. (That was a drumming joke for you).

The second track is 'Straighten Up and Fly Right', a Nat King Cole song. Of course I didn't know that at first, you see my jazz knowledge was, is - still growing. In fact, to be honest, there are probably a lot of songs I'm unfamiliar with. But as I continue to grow in my jazz exposure, I'm sure to identify more and more. But I digress, I apologize.

'I'm Just A Lucky So and So' is another great song if you are into the faster paced songs. But if you are not, you'll appreciate the much slower 'Body and Soul'. A perfect song to sit back in a relaxing chair, drink in hand, and just meditate on the music. '42nd Street' starts off slowly as well, but picks up nicely. Mind you, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with slower songs, I just have to be in the right mood for it. Towards the end of the song, it mellows out once more which leads nicely into 'Do Nothin Till You Hear From Me', another great sassy song Diana performs well.

Other great instrumental songs are 'Big Foot' and 'Jimmie'. As we approach the end of the CD, we are treated to 'Frim Fram Sauce', another great playful song. Anyone familiar with Nat King Cole will surely recognize it. The CD is rounded out at the end with 'As Long As I Live'. A great song, and one that will only leaving you wanting more of Diana Krall. Never fear, she has many CD's to choose from.

Conclusion: If you like jazz, be it vocal or instrumental, this is the CD for you. Maybe not the best of her CD's, but then again who am I to judge? It's Diana's first CD and as such, a very rewarding listen. I highly encourage you to pick this up.


Other CD Notes:
Vocals, Piano: Diana Krall
Bass: John Clayton
Drums: Jeff Hamilton

Recording Dates: October 18, 19 1992