ADG Blog – Page 22 – The Research & Writings of ALISON D. GILBERT

Expressions of Creative Passion: Part Three-Timelessness

January 6, 2016 2 Comments

As mentioned in CREATIVE PASSION: PART ONE, there are many motivating factors that drive the creative passion within an artist. It is a challenge and an honor to have the opportunity to study, discover and identify them. It involves listening a great deal to the work of an artist, in this case, a singer, songwriter, producer and teen idol movie star. It also involves learning as much as possible about the artist from written research. If one is fortunate enough, there are primary research sources, as well. All of these elements exist in the case of our third example.

EXPRESSIONS OF CREATIVE PASSION: PART THREE

TIMELESSNESS EXEMPLIFIED BY TEDDY RANDAZZO

Teddy was an extraordinarily talented young man who started as a teen idol. He starred in four movies including two Alan Freed Rock ‘n Roll movies. Throughout his life, and at various times, he was either primarily a singer, songwriter and/or music producer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3T0CkwS5ks

He began his singing career as backup in a group that combined comedy and song. He quickly moved up to lead singer of ‘The Three Chuckles’. He was electric and romantic at a microphone or in front of a camera. Despite both of those skills, he withdrew into the background focusing on songwriting and producing. He worked with some of the most popular groups in the 1950’s and 1960’s and beyond. He wrote some of the great hits for groups like ‘Little Anthony & The Imperials’. Among them was ‘Hurt So Bad’ that had great success sung by not only Little Anthony but also Linda Ronstadt. His songwriting hits included, ‘It’s Gonna Take A Miracle, ‘Tears on My Pillow’, “Goin’ Out of My Head”, and “Pretty Blue Eyes” in the 1960s. His songs were also sung by great crooners like Frank Sinatra, Steve Lawrence and many other big names in the music industry. He was driven to express his creative passion. Sharing his art with the world was more important to him than, who shared it, who sang it or who became famous because of it. It was not a short lived proposition. It was a labor of love that had timelessness sewn into its very fabric.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlxaKr7IWas

“Teddy Randazzo was never quite as visible as other New York-spawned rock ‘n’ roll talent of the 1950’s — to name a few, Dion was more of a star and for a lot longer, and the various members of Jay & The Americans enjoyed hits right to the outset of the 1970’s. But Randazzo had his day in the sun as a singer, and he also wrote hundreds of songs, and saw many dozens of recordings of the best of his work.”[1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq5z_U8z_b4

The above quote from the YouTube comment about Teddy is shortsighted. In my opinion, he was extraordinarily talented as a singer. The fact that he did not experience the short lived singing fame that Dion or Jay and The Americans does not reflect a superior talent on their parts. In fact, I believe Teddy had more talent than all of his contemporaries. His focusing on writing rather than singing was to everyone’s benefit. Who remembers either Dion or Jay and The Americans now? Did they write hundreds of songs that other singers recorded, had and are still having success with singing today? Teddy Randazzo’s songs were sung by some of the greatest pop singers over decades and are sought after today. In fact, the tribute CD sung by Keith Galliher, Jr. has just being released.[2]

“Born in New York City in 1935, he was lucky enough to grow up in a musical family, and by 15 was a good enough accordion player to turn professional, as a member of the group the Three Chuckles, who were in the market for a new keyboardman and singer — the singing took a little time to develop, with help from his decade-older fellow group members Tommy Romano and Russ Gilberto, but when the group started recording, it was the sides that Randazzo sang on that initially hit, and by 1955, at 17, he was the frontman for the group. They had a number one hit with “And The Angels Sing”, which had a rocking beat and brought them to the attention of deejay Alan Freed, who put the group into his first jukebox movie, Rock, Rock, Rock (shot in New York, in the Bronx, actually), but also gave Randazzo a solo spot.

When Teddy finished the movie, Randazzo had decided to go solo. “He continued recording for Vik Records, a unit of RCA Victor, and enjoyed a minor success in 1958 with “Little Serenade”, and made an appearance in Freed’s next movie, Mister Rock And Roll, as well as in the 20th Century-Fox CinemaScope color production The Girl Can’t Help It, among other movies. By 1960, he’d moved to ABC-Paramount, where he had another minor hit with “The Way Of A Clown”, and in 1963 he had another small hit with “Big Wide World” on the Colpix label.”[1]

Creative Genius, Teddy Randazzo, Photo credit: Dominique Randazzo — Teddy Randazzo, Photo credit: Dominique Randazzo

“But it was mostly as a songwriter and producer that Randazzo busied himself and made his real success in the music business; he wrote some 650 songs over the ensuing decades, and saw them recorded by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dionne Warwick. “Pretty Blue Eyes”, authored with Bob Weinstein, was a number one hit for Steve Lawrence. But it was with Little Anthony & The Imperials that he had his longest success — in addition to producing the group, he authored “Going Out Of My Head”, “I’m On The Outside Looking In”, and “Hurt So Bad” (later covered by Linda Ronstadt), among other hits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms7Z0IkT9pM

“Randazzo became less visible as the 1960’s wore on, and in the 1970’s was largely forgotten by all except oldies fans. He remained active as a songwriter and behind-the-scenes, and did the occasional live performance to keep his hand in, but by then he was earning a good income from his annual royalties. He busied himself in local production in both Florida and Hawaii, especially the latter, and reportedly enjoyed a very happy second marriage — his son from his first marriage, Teddy Randazzo Jr., has also had a successful music career. Randazzo died in his sleep in 2003.”[1]

As I listen to the following song written by Teddy and sung by Frank Sinatra, I can’t help but feel that this is his good-bye song.The photos include those he worked with and those he was close to. I feel such sadness and such pain. But he will always be remembered, remembered for his songs. Anytime you hear one, it could have just been written. His songs are evergreen.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES
• [1] Published. May 1, 2012 on YouTube by John1948TwelveC
• [2] Soon to be released tribute CD, ‘Teddy’s Songs’ recorded by Keith Galliher Music Jr. with Clarence Collins on Imperials Plus Records
• Interviews with Teddy Randazzo Jr
• Interviews with Tony Page
• Teddy Randazzo Bio, Wikipedia.
• Bruce Eder, AllMusic Guide
• Teddy Randazzo Bio, iTunes
• Songwriters Hall of Fame, Teddy Randazzo Bio
• Teddy Randazzo Bio, Spectropop.com
• Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups

PASSIONS OF MUSIC AND ART & DESIGN

Expressions of Creative Passion: Part One-Perseverance

January 2, 2016 11 Comments

WHAT IS CREATIVE PASSION? How can one define or describe it? I am writing this blog post, and others to come, in an attempt to answer these questions. There are many types of expression of creative passion. For the sake of manageability, I am focusing on the art of music in this series. In addition to this discipline, I am narrowing my exploration to American Music History from the 1920’s to the 1970’s.

American Music History from the 1920's through 1970's facebook page — American Music History from the 1920’s through 1970’s facebook page

You are welcome to visit the above page, American Music History from the 1920’s through the 1970’s. There are obviously many other great periods and countries where creative passion lived within the soul of an artist and blossomed. But this is meant to be an introductory blog post to whet a reader’s appetite. Maybe one day there will be a book composed of chapters of these kinds of artists. But for now, we have a small feast of five. Let’s go to:

Expressions of Creative Passion: Part One
PERSEVERANCE
AS EXEMPLIFIED BY SISTER ROSETTA THARPE

A great example is one of my favorite singers who spanned many of the decades of this study. Her name was Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Click on her name for the link to Wikipedia about her. She is considered the ‘Godmother of Rock ‘n Roll. But if I were to ask most Rock ‘n Roll enthusiasts who she was, they would have no clue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5Ge7mDZQe8

The above video is of Sister Rosetta singing, ‘Didn’t It Rain’ in her UK appearance as part of the American Folk Blues Festival that took place between 1963-1966. Click on the link for more information about this event. Suffice to say, a collection of the greatest living American musicians came to Europe to tour and introduce European audiences to American music. The European response was the British Invasion which to a great extend ‘copied’ the American music they had been introduced to.

Sister Tharpe is credited with inventing the guitar picking style of Elvis Presley and the music styles of many other musicians. But one can see how obscurely she is mentioned on the poster promoting this several year tour event.

Sister Tharpe's name is barely visible — A poster for the American Folk-Blues Festival

Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s name is barely legible in the bottom right hand corner of the poster

“Born in Arkansas in 1915, Sister Rosetta Tharpe began performing as a child with her mother. One of the first gospel artists to perform in both churches and secular clubs, she is credited with bringing gospel music into the mainstream in the 1930s and 1940s. She toured until her death in 1973.” Quoted from biography.com. She was recognized by the USPS, with a stamp that was issued in 1988 as part of the ‘Gospel’ series.

The Sister Rosetta Stamp as part of the Gospel Issue in 1988 on her facebook page

It is posted on the facebook page of Sister Rosetta & the Rosettes at the beginning of this post. The page exists primarily in memory to both Sister and the Rosettes. It is maintained by Jacquelyn (Jacki) Harris, the niece of one of the Rosettes, Erma Fitzgerald (later Patterson) who was a very talented singer, igniting the church going community with her passion. I would love to see it get many more ‘LIKES’

Sister Rosetta on a PBS Special in 2013 — Sister Rosetta on American Masters:PBS Special in 2013

Essentially, Rosetta had faded away into obscurity. But the American Masters:PBS Special about her helped to revive interest and awareness. One wonders if she will ever get full, public credit for being the ‘Godmother of Rock ‘n Roll? I don’t think she has ever been inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Was there a glass ceiling in the musical world when she was at her best? In any event, to those who know her music, she is unforgettable and undeniable as a creative genius. Thanks to author and biographer of Sister Rosetta, Gayle Ward, we know as much as we do about the ‘Godmother of Rock ‘n Roll.

Under recognized creative genius — The Biography of Sister Rosetta Tharpe by Gayle Wald

Unfortunately, she died in poverty without the money for a gravestone. A memorial concert was held to raise the money for this beautiful stone she now has. January 11th has also been declared Rosetta Tharpe Day. That’s okay with me. I will listen to her music and watch her documentaries all day. Creative genius is no guarantee of eternal worldly riches or even a gravestone. But the love and respect for the creative geniuses can.

Creative genius is no guarantee for a grave stone — Sister Tharpe’s Gravestone

Future posts in this series will illustrate additional characteristics of creative genius and the people who exemplified them. They will appear on The Alison D. Gilbert Blog and on the American Music History from 1920’s through the 1970’s.

Sources and Resources
• Jacquelyn (Jacki) Harris, The Possibilities Artist (who is creative in
her own right) niece of Erma Fitzgerald (later Patterson) who was one of the Rosettes and a very talented singer, igniting the church going
community with her passion. Both by interview and The facebook page of Sister Rosetta & The Rosettes which she established and maintains
• AMERICAN MASTERS | PBS Special: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Godmother of Rock and Roll
• Biography.com
• Wikipedia
• AllMusic
• Popmatters.com
• Fusion.net
• The Guardian
• SHOUT, SISTER, SHOUT by Gayle Wald
• Where to Buy SHOUT, SHOUT, SHOUT by Gayle Wald

PASSIONS OF MUSIC AND ART & DESIGN

Degrees of Separation Introduced

November 27, 2015 1 Comment

INTRODUCTION
Degrees of Separation is a play on the words of the famous Broadway show that was made into a movie, Six Degrees of Separation. The playwright, John Guare illustrated how it is by six degrees of separation that everyone on the planet is connected. I am not sure that I agree. This blog post will explain why.

FIRST DEGREE: KEVIN
It all started with Kevin. I met Kevin J. Gillard on the Internet. He had developed a comprehensive marketing system using facebook pages and groups to enhance people’s ability to network and improve their businesses. It took me years to master his system. In the meantime, we became good friends. Besides inventing his own system, Kevin was quite good at discovering what other people were doing with social media.

He had found an online, streaming radio station, AmericaMatter.us that broadcast live around the world. He mentioned a particular show to me, A.M. News, unique in that it was correspondent driven. I jumped at the chance to sign on as a local correspondent. That was on February 10, 2015. I have listened to the three-hour, weekday morning show and been on the air almost every show since.

SECOND DEGREE: A.M. NEWS AND AMERICAMATTERS.US
Over time, I started listening to other shows on AmericaMatter.us. One show in particular caught my attention. It starred and is about, Keith Galliher, Jr., a Las Vegas attorney who realized after many years of practicing law that he also had a beautiful singing voice. Dedicated to pursuing both professions, he named his radio show, alternatively featuring law and music segments, Two Paths.

THIRD DEGREE: KEITH AND TWO PATHS
I started listening to Two Paths as often as possible. I got to know a bit about Keith and his unusual story. I also noticed, after a while, that whenever the show was about music, Keith would mention a man named Clarence. Clarence always seemed to be within earshot on the music shows. I became curious about him. Some of his story emerged on Two Paths. He was the founder and part of the very popular, Little Anthony & The Imperials group from the 1950’s and 60’s. But I did not know how he and Keith met. My curiosity was aroused. I could not imagine the catalytic connection.

FOURTH DEGREE: CLARENCE COLLINS
It turned out that Clarence has settled in Las Vegas. Keith’s law practice is in Las Vegas. Clarence Collins needed to consult with an attorney on a musical matter. He sought out the legal services of Keith Galliher. When the time came for Keith to take his step into the music world, who did he turn to for guidance, musical arrangement and production? He sought out none other than the ‘man of music’ himself, Clarence Collins.

Clarence Collins, founder of Little Anthony & The Imperials

Once I found out this connecting detail, I wanted to know more. I got permission to speak with Clarence on the phone and had a delightful conversation that lasted about an hour. During that time, I found out many things we had in common. There were the coincidences of both having lived in Brooklyn. He briefly worked for a butcher. My great-great grandfather was a butcher. That was enough connections for one day. But it was only the first of many connecting conversations to come.

FIFTH DEGREE: THE TWO BROTHERS
One Friday afternoon when my husband and I were listening to Keith’s music show, something was mentioned about ‘two brothers’. I only vaguely caught the gist of the conversation until I heard these words. I am paraphrasing. ‘We really have to find these brothers and we just know that Alison Gilbert can do it’. My husband and I turned to each other with our mouths dropped open. Before we could even recover to speak, the challenge was repeated. ‘We have been looking for these brothers for over a year and we just have to find them. We know that Alison Gilbert, our ‘Ace Detective’ can do it if anyone can’.

Somewhat in shock, I picked up the phone to call the radio station. But the show had just ended and they were no longer on the line. Since Keith calls in from his office in Las Vegas to do the show with Clarence, I realized I could call there directly. Keith was on a business call but Clarence was still there and available. So I was able to speak with him. I asked him what kind of challenge I had just been given? I needed a bit more information to live up to my reputation as an ‘Ace Detective’. Somehow that is what they decided I was or would be when I found these missing, mysterious brothers.

My questions ranged from were these ‘birth brothers’ or ‘brothers from the hood’? How did he know about them and what was the reason they needed to be found? The story goes something like this. Clarence knew their father, a man also in the music business. But Clarence could not remember his name or find the demo of the brothers’ songs that their dad had given Clarence. Clarence and Keith has searched high and low throughout music industry organizations including Halls of Fame, etc. But all they had were the names of two songs. ‘Good Times, Good Times’ was one of them. No one was able to direct them to resource archives or provide a clue.

The Molfetta Twin Brothers, Jon Paul and Rich

So given the ‘father and two brothers’ challenge, I commenced to my sleuthing. By coincidence, in talking with my musical sister, I learned that the Library of Congress was a great resource for musical archives. So my next step was to call there. I was connected with the Music Dept. and after a few steps that required additional information from Clarence, I was able to locate a page in the Library of Congress musical archive with the name of the song, ‘Good Times, Good Times’. There were several gospel versions that I knew were not what the brothers had composed. But there was one that was copyrighted around the year that fit the brothers’ profile and could be their style of music.

So the next thing I did was click on the year link provided on the records. It brought me to a page. Without having final confirmation yet, I knew I had found all of them, Clarence’s contact, John Paul Fetta, their dad and his twin sons, JP (Jon Paul) and Rich, the two brothers.

CONFIRMATION
I was also able to find a page for one of the brothers on facebook. JP lives in New York, north of NYC. I live in New York south of NYC. His phone number was on his page so I was able to call him, asked him a few questions and quickly confirmed that the year old mystery was indeed solved. I asked JP for his dad’s phone number in Las Vegas and excitedly called Clarence’s number to give him the good news. I left him a message. While I waited for him to call back, I had an initial interview with Jon Paul while he was driving to a business appointment.

Jon Paul Molfetta's facebook page — Jon Paul Molfetta’s facebook page

SIXTH DEGREE: JOHN PAUL MOLFETTA, SR. AKA JOHN PAUL FETTA
I had secured the father’s phone number for Clarence. They both resided in Las Vegas. When Clarence called back, we were cheering with excitement. It has take me, their ‘Ace Detective’ about two hours to solve the mystery that they had not be able solve in a year. Clarence and the twins’ dad connected. The next thing I knew, two weeks later, Keith Galliher’s music show was dedicated to me and featured the two brothers. We all spoke on air and it was very exciting.

Rich and JP Molfetta have written and sung some extraordinary songs over the years. They had recording contracts with major music labels. But as family became a priority, they both went into the more financially stable business world. They still write and sing. In addition, Keith Galliher and Clarence Collins will be carrying on the Molfetta music legacy.

THE JOURNEY COMES FULL CIRCLE
Clarence Collins became famous at the tender age of 16 with the song, Tears on My Pillow. He had a long history as part of Little Anthony & the Imperials. When it was time to stop, he became part of Imperials Plus, Keith’s recording company. A journey of about 50 years brought Clarence full circle, writing music, recording music, arranging music and discovering talent for more music. Jerome Anthony Gourdine and the Imperials, Keith Galliher Jr. Music and Molfetta Music Productions are all contributors and beneficiaries of their serendipitous journey.

CONCLUSION
Is this journey six degrees of separation or layers of connections? Either way, it doesn’t matter. What is important is that it has happened. But personally, I prefer to think that we are not separated by degrees of a linear path but connected by layers of spontaneous bonds. And if you are on the same layer as someone, you will connect with them. Neither time, space nor circumstances can impede a process that is meant to be. You know it when it happens because you can feel it. That is why I am so strongly in favor of the concept of layers of connection.

The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

November 27, 2015 No Comments

Welcome to The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog. This blog serves as both a reflection of past entrepreneurial ventures as well as an exploration and investigation into new ideas, interests and passions. The Alison D. Gilbert Blog post categories focus on the following disciplines:

• The ALISON D. GILBERT BLOG Exploring ART & DESIGN and MUSIC | FOOD & HEALING JOURNEY | SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING | RAISING SOCIAL AWARENESS | THE ECONOMY & THE ENVIRONMENT. (Each title below links directly to the blog post category).

• PASSIONS of ART & DESIGN AND MUSIC
Exploring passions of ART & DESIGN created by me and other 2 and 3 dimensional artist. Passions of American music from the 1930’s to the 1960’s focusing on the multiplicity of indigenous styles of music from those decades.

• FOOD & HEALING JOURNEY
The joy of FOOD and the journey to HEALING are parallel. Discover HEALTH and HEALING technology with traditional nutrition as well as Eastern and Western healing modalities.

• SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Social Media Marketing has become the new means of marketing communicating for the creation of brand awareness, products and services offerings and stimulation of return business.

• RAISING SOCIAL AWARENESS
Raising social awareness of human conditions means having the consciousness to eliminate hunger, poverty, homelessness and establish a sustainable environment.

• THE ECONOMY & ENVIRONMENT
Man’s use of the earth for material gain impacts both the ecological balance and our survival. Our environment needs to be respected stabilized in order for us to survive.

FOOD & HEALING JOURNEY

Cholos Try Vegan Food

November 4, 2015 No Comments

‘Cholos Try Vegan Food’ is a video that proves an important point. If something tastes good, advertising for it does not have to be in good taste. It can still be great, creative promotional material. This piece is actually part of a new advertising campaign targeting the Latino market.

For those who do not know what a ‘cholo’ is, this is the Urban Dictionary meaning, “A cholo is term implying a Hispanic male that typically dresses in chinos (khahki pants), a wifebeater sleeveless teeshirt or a flannel shirt with only the top buttoned, a hairnet, or with a bandana around the forehead, usually halfway down over the eyes. Cholos often have black ink tattoos, commonly involving Catholic imagery, or calligraphy messages or family names.”

For those who do not know what vegan food is, let me explain briefly.

Alison D. Gilbert shared We are mitú 's 'Cholos Try Vegan Food' a video of them trying two of my favorite foods and…

Posted by Ali's Kombucha Kitchen on Wednesday, November 4, 2015

A review of the video on Klaq.com

The video on facebook

Vimeo version of Kale Chips & Kombucha.

PASSIONS OF MUSIC AND ART & DESIGN

The Doo Wop Revival

October 6, 2015 No Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_fU06qGies

Doo Wop music was popular when I was a young teenager

So the revival of Doo Wop is really special and precious to me. In case you did not know there is a revival of Doo Wop music or even know what Doo Wop music is, this blog post will educate, enlighten and entertain. I promise.

Without going into great depth, this Doo Wop post will focus on three pivotal people and one musical group involved in this revival. To focus on more would become encyclopedic. The four focal points will start with, Little Anthony & The Imperials.

Doo Wop Revival — **Little Anthony & The Imperials**

Next is Clarence Collins who has the distinct honor of being not only the founder of this musical group but had a history with another group. When Anthony (nicknamed ‘Little Anthony’) came into the picture, the Imperials were born. Here’s Clarence’s own words about his story as only he can tell it.

Clarence Collins, Founder of Little Anthony & The Imperials

Keith Galliher Jr. Singer and King of the Doo Wop Revival
Keith Galliher Jr. is, in my opinion, the king of the revival of Doo Wop Music. His radio show, Two Paths, on America Matters Media reintroduced me to Doo Wop and resulted in my falling in love with Doo Wop all over again. He is also responsible for tying all of the above together. Without going into too much detail here, let me just say that Keith is an attorney. At some point in his career, he realized he could sing. He decided to take his talent seriously. He chose one of the most famous Little Anthony and the Imperials songs to record, Shimmy Shimmy Koko Bop.

As an attorney, Keith Galliher had met Clarence Collins, singer and founder of Little Anthony & The Imperials. The rest is history. Clarence became Keith’s music producer. They make music magic together. The videos on this blog show samples of original tunes as well as an example of something Keith has recorded with Clarence’s guidance. Many more can be found through a Google search.

Below is a video interview made by Doo Wop historian, Tom Meros. Clarence Collins, founder and member of Little Anthony & The Imperials is interviewed about the history of Little Anthony & The Imperials as well as Clarence’s own, very entertaining story starting off in Brooklyn, NY as a butcher!

Tom Meros, Music Historian
Almost nothing is known about Tom Meros except for his copious collection of videos and interviews with musicians from this general time period, referred to as the rock ‘n roll universe. Here is the collection on YouTube. He also has a Google+ page which is also a collection of music videos.

Doo Wop After Note
I had the honor of speaking with Keith Galliher Jr. who informed me that Clarence Collins is not partial to the term ‘Doo Wop’ to describe their music. So in deference to him, I am adding the fact that Clarence prefers the description R&B or rhythm and blues. That sounds good to me.

I hope he will forgive my calling this blog post ‘The Doo Wop Revival’ rather than ‘The R&B Revival’. Therefore, I will end this blog post with a website which will most likely be the topic of a future blog post, The Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

FOOD & HEALING JOURNEY

The Very Versatile Vegetable Pear

July 31, 2015 No Comments

A Facebook Mystery Q&A

This blog post, The Very Versatile Vegetable Pear, started as a facebook mystery Q&A. A photograph was held up on her facebook page by a friend, Dawn Leahy, who asked, ‘Could somebody please tell me what this fruit is’?

The Facebook Conversation

Well that started a facebook conversation about what this green produce item was. Guesses and suggestions came in from all around the globe. Recipes also flooded in. The irony was that they were for both fruit and vegetable dishes. Talk about it being versatile. I thought it might be a papaya. It did have a resemblance.

The outsides could be deceptive as they do have a resemblance. But once cut open, there is no mistaking one from the other. In addition, the versatility of the vegetable pear surpases the papaya and many other types of produce. The vegetable pear is known as chayote in Latin America, sayote in the Philippines, choko in Australia and chu chu, elsewhere. It is in the gourd family along with melons and squash. It can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, fried with butter and garlic as well as disguised as apples for apple desserts. These are just a few comments and recipes suggested by facebook and other friends, Myraflor Quinton Sario Atkinson, Marcus Sean Atkinson, Dominique Neuhofer, Nedvon Tree, Allado Janice Lara Nunes and Aaron Aveiro.

History and Nutritional Value of The Vegetable Pear

Thanks to Aaron Aveiro, owner of Aladay Organic Farm, a fact sheet from Google and other resources, I learned about the amazing nutritional value of The Very Versatile Vegetable Pear as well as other fascinating facts.”I found out, too, that these Mexican fruits, which the Aztecs called chayotli, are now widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. They are known as christophine or mirliton to Caribbeans, chocho to Madeirans, pipinella to Italians, and pipinola to Hawaiians. (The plant’s scientific name is Sechium edule, but most North Americans call them “vegetable pears.”)1

In Conclusion

I would like to end this blog post with what is the most exciting discovery about The Versatile Vegetable Pear. Due to its intrinsically bland flavor, it is the idea substitute for higher carb fruits, like apples and can be ideal for mock apple pie and apple crisp. The vegetable pear will absorb the apple juice and make the most delicious dessert. So used as a vegetable or a fruit, this once mystery item is a fantastic, nutritional discovery.

Resource Material and Recipes

1. Growing Chayote

Chayote squash side dish

Fried chayote squash

Braised chicken and chayote

Chayote (mirliton) nutrition facts

How To Make A Mock Apple Pie

PASSIONS OF MUSIC AND ART & DESIGN, SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

Rebranding: Creating A New Brand

May 24, 2015 No Comments

ADG Google + Page Cover

Why Companies and Individuals Rebrand

Over the years, rebranding has been a necessity for me as I have had numerous entrepreneurial projects, some at the same time and others at different times. It has been crucial that each looks not only like what it is but that it is different from another project. Rebranding involves primarily two distinct elements, visual and verbal. In other words, a rebrand will include changes in words, the name of a company, its tagline and mission. Equally important is the visual change, a new logo, a different color scheme and typefaces. These ideally have the feel or spirit of what the company or project itself is about. The sampler of some of my business Google+ pages illustrate these points.

A Google+ Page Sampler

I have rebranded myself as many times as I have changed entrepreneurial projects. That includes more times than I can provide examples, here. Now, as an officially retired person, I still need a new brand. The reason for that is because I have reached the point where I am my brand. I have become something of a media personality. My ‘product’ is me. My brand is myself.

Examples of Rebranding: ALISON D. GILBERT

Facebook pages are a clear way to understand the differences in my brands. This Facebook page has a photo of me as the icon. It clearly shows whose page this is. My last project ART & BYTES has a very different brand, visually and verbally. Take a look at it below.

ART & BYTES Facebook Page

Examples of Rebranding: ART & BYTES

The above Facebook page has a totally different brand. It starts with the color scheme. Light blue rather than yellow is the primary color. The typeface is totally different. The icon is an ‘&’ playing on and emphasizing the name, ART & BYTES. The challenge of creating the ART & BYTES brand was that this project was a combination of all my previous work. It was designed as an archive of all my work in MARKETING BYTES and ALISON*S ART. This my goal was to create a brand that would combine both and yet maintain its own identity.

Examples of Rebranding: MARKETING BYTES

MARKETING BYTES came right before ART & BYTES. Below is a sample of one of its social media headers, the blog post header. Notice there is another icon, a different typeface and a different image of me. There is some similarity to the color scheme of ART & BYTES. But the two brands clearly are different.

MARKETING BYTES Blog Header

Examples of Rebranding: ALISON*S ART, INC.

The last example of one of my brands is from a project of Alison’s Art, Inc. It was Decorative Painting. Below is a facebook page from that enterprise. The icon is quite complex. It has unique colors, shapes, images, type and is totally distinguishable from all the others. In fact the oval pattern was the original Alison*s Art logo that became the foundation for all my art projects. Decorative Painting was one of those projects.

Rebranding Conclusion

I would like to demonstrate the distinction between several of my brand by exhibiting both photo and logo icons. Clearly each is distinct. But at the same time there may be some similarity having been created by the same hand and a singular design sensibility, mine. At the same time, I think there is enough uniqueness to clearly demonstrates rebranding several of my projects.

ALISON D. GILBERT

The ART & BYTES Icon combining natural and digital design

The Marketing Bytes Icon

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An A.M. News Correspondent on AmericaMatters.us

May 19, 2015 No Comments

Becoming an A.M. News Correspondent on America Media Matters

I became an A.M. News on America Matters Media Correspondent on February 10, 2015, only two months and a few days ago. I had no idea how much starting my day with one simple phone call would elevate my life to such a joyful place to start each day. A.M. News Host, Eddie Floyd and A.M. News co-host Dennis Romeo have created a warm, entertaining and informative format.

It is very simple to become a correspondent. First, ‘Listen Live’ online at amm.streamon.fm. The show is on from 6 am PT to 9 am PT or the equivalent in your own timezone. Once you have a feel for the content and pace of the show, call in toll-free at 844-790-8255, text, 775-384-4444 or facebook message on A.M. News On AmericaMatters.US. You will be given a correspondent number. We have both United States and Foreign correspondents.

What A.M. News Is About

Everyone shares their first name, where they are from, the local weather, their local events and their personal activities, too. I get to share my specialty. I am the ‘Healthy Living’ Correspondent. There is an intense interest in learning about nonprofit activities and organizations around the world that correspondents as well as listeners can participate in. Many nonprofits have gotten exposure and support by joining the show. People needing prayers are welcome to call in for help and support. The show has become a loving, caring, informative community of ‘local-global’ neighbors.

A.M. News Broadcasts and Promotes Itself Using Cutting Edge Technology

A.M. News, online radio, makes the most of the latest in social media technology. There is a facebook group, listing as many correspondents as possible. The image below shows what a correspondent listing looks like. There is a correspondent post and then room for commenting by both the correspondent and others. There is also an A.M. News facebook page that is posted to daily by our hosts, with information about the show, specialty facebook pages like Truckers, Troopers and Lady Law Enforcers shown below, an America Matter Media website and more coming.

Alison D. Gilbert post and group comments. listing on the A.M. News — Alison D. Gilbert post and group comments.

What Our Global Group of International Correspondents Does

There are over 1,600 correspondents from around the globe. We learn about people that we would otherwise never meet. We are updated with local news, globally. We support nonprofit organizations that are run by our correspondents and we connect with each other outside of the show. There are also 1.5 million listeners who benefit from listening to our show.

1st Annual A.M. News Convention Facebook Page

The A.M. News Correspondent Family

Our group of worldwide correspondents have become like a family. Correspondents have become good friends. We are in touch outside of the show. Some of us are even on other americamatters.us shows as well. We are also planning to have our 1st Annual Correspondents Convention in Reno, Nevada as soon as we can organize it.

We have also formed correspondent groups that fit into special, specific categories. One of those, displayed as a facebook page, is Truckers, Troopers and Lady Law Enforcers.

The Truckers, Troopers and Lady Law Enforcers Facebook page

Teresa’s Garage on america matters media, part of NEVADA MATTERS INC.

Teresa’s Garage is dedicated to helping women learn more about automotive care. The reason it is being mentioned on this post is because Teresa’s pit crew are all correspondents of A.M. News. Teresa is a correspondent, too. We are one big family on NEVADA MATTTERS INC. There are more shows to come that our correspondents are also participating in.

The Teresa's Garage Facebook Page — The Teresa’s Garage Facebook Page

Saving The Best For Last, Talent Matters

As if being an A.M. News Correspondent were not special enough, we are now providing an opportunity for every correspondent to show their amateur talent to the world. Go the the facebook page of Talent Matters and get all of the instructions for submitting your one minute talent clip. Your talent clip will be posted on TALENT MATTERS social media including facebook, YouTube Google+ along with professional guest talent clips. This is the venue for you if you are just aching to show of your hidden talent. Only amateurs may compete but pros can submit guest clips to also be played on our new Internet radio show, Talent Matters, coming soon to americamatters.us.

An Invitation: Become An A.M. News Correspondent and Part of Our Family

Becoming an A.M. News correspondent has been such a special experience and it keeps getting better. Everyone gets to tell their ‘local’ story, share their special and unique activities. Connecting and networking with other worldwide correspondents can be fascinating and eye opening.

Here’s what I think about all of this. Let’s connect everyone in the world. Let’s share important information and have some fun doing it spending up to three hours a day together, Monday through Friday. It will become more apparent that we are all one family, the human family. As we get to know each other better, we will be able to make a better world. This planet is our home, everyone’s home. As Lawrence R. Gelber founder of #IDWP would say, I Declare World Peace.