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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2012 9:56:52 GMT -5
Here's something interesting and I think relevant both for fan life and for a different take on creatives like Adam. It's a trailer for a new book called The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking, by Oliver Burkeman. The author has a good article in the Guardian as well: www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/jun/15/happiness-is-being-a-loser-burkemanIt seems that what this book confronts is the power of "negative" thinking: understanding the reality of insecurity, uncertainty, and failure in the creativity process. Excerpt: Stoics such as Seneca often counselled actively dwelling on worst-case scenarios instead – staring them in the face. Not only does ceaseless optimism make for a greater shock when things go wrong (and they will); imagining the worst also brings its own benefits. Psychologists have long agreed that one of the greatest enemies of human happiness is "hedonic adaptation" – the predictable and frustrating way in which any new source of pleasure we obtain, whether it's as minor as a new electronic gadget or as major as a marriage, swiftly gets relegated to the backdrop of our lives: we grow accustomed to it, and it ceases to deliver so much joy. It follows, then, that regularly reminding yourself that you might lose any of the things you currently enjoy can reverse the adaptation effect. Thinking about the possibility of losing something you value shifts it from the backdrop of your life back to centre stage, where it can deliver pleasure once more. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2012 9:36:16 GMT -5
Hi, Light Adam. Good morning. I wonder if anyone will join us today or if it's just you and me.  [waters the moon garden]  Saw a recent quote: "Grab life by the neck and kiss it." Sounds like Adam to me! (not to say, "Grab Adam by the neck and lick it" -- not the same thing at all). Also wanted to share this interview with Bill Murray in Esquire. The whole thing's terrifically wise and insightful about the show business life, but this quote about his teacher reminded me of Adam. The way he performs, the way he faces the criticism and second-guessing of haters and even his own fans, and the improvisational way he lives his life. He taught lots and lots of people very effectively. He taught people to commit. Like: “Don’t walk out there with one hand in your pocket unless there’s somethin’ in there you’re going to bring out.” You gotta commit. You’ve gotta go out there and improvise and you’ve gotta be completely unafraid to die. You’ve got to be able to take a chance to die. And you have to die lots. You have to die all the time. You’re goin’ out there with just a whisper of an idea. The fear will make you clench up. That’s the fear of dying. When you start and the first few lines don’t grab and people are going like, “What’s this? I’m not laughing and I’m not interested,” then you just put your arms out like this and open way up and that allows your stuff to go out. Otherwise it’s just stuck inside you.Bill Murray interview: www.esquire.com/features/man-at-his-best/q-and-a/bill-murray-interview-0612 |
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Post by mszue on Jul 10, 2012 10:35:52 GMT -5
Good morning Junie....this is a fly by post, I am afraid, as another busy day ahead but dd heading back tomorrow so things should settle a little.
I read the BM interview and you are right...it is interesting. He spoke of the dangers of saying yes to everything...I wonder what Adam has said no to? I am sure he has said NO a few times but we only hear of the things he says YES to...or at least, MAYBE.
Selfishly, I rather hope he does get the AI gig...I think it would be a win-win but it is interesting that one of the comments from a blogger [?] was that he didn't think it would be that much of a draw because peeps want to see/hear Adam sing...not talk. I chuckled to myself because how many times have fans spoken of how much pleasure we get from him talking....:-)
How much fun would watching AI be with Adam, Will-i-am, and ...hm....need a witty female here...kd would be an impossible dream...who else might work? How about Liza....bet she would be a blast...if we can resurrect Steven Tyler, why not Liza....or Shania...the best would be Jann Arden...very funny lady and great singer...
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annala
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Post by annala on Jul 10, 2012 12:48:27 GMT -5
Juniemoon - I'm always here daily - I usually only post if I think I might have something to say, but believe me, I love your insights and calming pictures, plus the contributions of others on this thread.
Now, here's my comment for today on the rumors of Adam as a judge on American Idol. He seems to be up for it, and if that's the case, then I'm up for it too. I seem to recall an interview done quite some time ago when he was asked what he might like to do in his later years, and he mentioned setting up some kind of foundation (or workshop) for creative talents, whether singing, design, whatever - and being a judge on AI would be a step toward this goal for the far future. I believe he would be a great mentor - encouraging freedom of expression, but also with honest guidance.
I am dismayed at reading responses to this rumor, smacking of homophobia and harking back to the AMA thing. I hope he keeps remembering Madonna's advice, "keep your eyes on the prize". In this internet age, it seems so easy to hide anonymously behind a computer and spew out nasty negative stuff. I also know that Adam is not the only person affected by this sort of thing - just about any celebrity or political figure gets it too. Although I'm certainly not a fan, I know Justin Bieber gets it in spades as well.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2012 9:21:54 GMT -5
 I dwell in Possibility – A fairer House than Prose – More numerous of Windows – Superior – for Doors –  Of Chambers as the Cedars – Impregnable of eye – And for an everlasting Roof The Gambrels of the Sky –  Of Visitors – the fairest – For Occupation – This – The spreading wide my narrow Hands To gather Paradise – Emily Dickinson |
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Post by melliemom on Jul 11, 2012 9:28:29 GMT -5
I dwell in Possibility – A fairer House than Prose – More numerous of Windows – Superior – for Doors – Of Chambers as the Cedars – Impregnable of eye – And for an everlasting Roof The Gambrels of the Sky – Of Visitors – the fairest – For Occupation – This – The spreading wide my narrow Hands To gather Paradise – Emily Dickinson Waxing poetic.. and so beautifully done |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2012 9:01:59 GMT -5
This is me today, awaiting Hammersmith #2:  What bridge is Adam crossing right now? What bridge am I crossing? Maybe sometimes you can cross a bridge without doing a thing. Too lazy to be ambitious, I let the world take care of itself. Ten days’ worth of rice in my bag; a bundle of twigs by the fireplace. Why chatter about delusion and enlightenment? Listening to the night rain on my roof, I sit comfortably, with both legs stretched out. Ryōkan  |
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mika
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Post by mika on Jul 13, 2012 15:20:23 GMT -5
Hello Moon Friends: I hope you're out there. (tap, tap) I was supposed to leave today to meet up with people elsewhere but I changed my train ticket and got a ticket for Sat night's show. I'm not sure why I'm so thoroughly entranced by these performances - as I remain a small 'f' Queen fan (love a few songs and the individuals but not the catalog). Adam is just radiating delight and energy -- it takes me back to early Idol and wondering how someone in such a tense competition could be having that much fun, esp while pushing the envelope like a glorious, mad creature instead of playing it safe. It's like watching someone almost bubbling with laughter while dancing along a high wire. At first there's a shock of cognitive dissonance and then you find yourself laughing along at the sheer joyful audacity of it all. Clearly it's a wonderful opportunity and experience for him-- but I wonder if that isn't greatly enhanced by the fact that it's also giving Adam a bit of a break from the stresses associated with launching/supporting 'Trespassing' full time? I know he's been very pleased with how it's been received but, as we well know, there is a great weight on his shoulders to promote Trespassing while negotiating whatever is going on with the label. And we know he likes being in charge but it has to be draining - esp the byzantine business aspects that can't be resolved through any amount of intelligence, talent or hard work. To be able to step away from all that briefly and focus primarily on performng while receiving this level of validation, respect, and affection from Brian, Roger, and many, many Queen fans (not to mention media) must be freeing - he can just let go and do what he loves most - sizzling, free-wheeling performances, unleashing his vocal mastery on demanding showcase songs he's loved for so long. And it's such a different vibe in the audience - more male rock fans really do add a different electricity. There are guys - younger and older - straining across the barricades towards Adam as he's singing - pumping their fists wth him, pointing to him, and singing along with every word, then going nuts when he takes the songs they love to town. The element that seems to have surprised and pleased them the most (once assured of his vocal power and genius) is that Adam, like Freddie, is also an eccentric, playfully self-aware showman but in his own unique way. And there is so much love for him - both on stage and off (though I wonder if Rufus is worried about sharing his inheritance - Roger really really seems ready to take Adam home permamently  ). Seems to me this can only further strengthen Adam's determination, confidence, and replenish his reserves as he refocuses on the battle to get his own music heard and appreciated. And last night with his family, Sauli, and friends in attendance, well, Adam couldn't be surrounded by stronger, more fiercely protective people. That pleases me greatly. I am curious and excited to see what Saturday will be like. (btw - There were also quite a number of genuinely hot guys in attendance and it turns out I'm not as old as I've been feeling lately... but that's another story  ) Hope someone still drops by - I miss you guys.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2012 16:22:10 GMT -5
mika, I've loved reading your recaps in the main thread and am thrilled for you that you are going to be attending the final show.
What you wrote about the audience is also thrilling -- glad to hear you felt the "heat" from the guys and returned it -- ;D. I think what excites me about what you wrote is the idea that the music exists independently of its commercialism. We have been so terribly bogged down (and again today on the main thread) with commercialism.
What happens here in these videos -- I can't even imagine what it must be like in real life -- is that the audience is not a consumer of pre-packaged entertainment, but just as creative, just as much a necessary part of it all as the performers. No one knows what is going to happen, exactly -- even Adam and Queen don't know! It's brought me back to a part of rock that I had, quite literally forgotten -- that is, how exciting and transformative a concert can be.
As for where all our buddies are, I haven't a clue. I'd give my eye teeth for an in-depth discussion. Where did you all go?
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Alison
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Post by Alison on Jul 13, 2012 17:23:04 GMT -5
Hi Junie and Mika, I'm here reading but don't have much to offer of late. My time is consumed by the youngins in the summer and any time spent at Atop has been primarily focused on Queenbert. I have been reading all of the news threads during these last few weeks--I normally just skim due to boredom or irritation. I have been downloading vids and trying to organize and protect my iTunes library (I have almost 7000 songs and haven't made back ups for three years). I have lost Adam stuff recently and my computer seems compromised, so I have been frantically downloading and saving. Next week I'm going to have my computer guy overhaul my pc because I have been abusing it with Queenbert fabulousness. Please be assured that the Moon Garden continues to be a refuge and is greatly appreciated by me. And Mika, I cannot tell you how happy I am for you to be able to attend these concerts. Imagining you in the audience just puts a smile on my face.  to all |
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). Seems to me this can only further strengthen Adam's determination, confidence, and replenish his reserves as he refocuses on the battle to get his own music heard and appreciated. And last night with his family, Sauli, and friends in attendance, well, Adam couldn't be surrounded by stronger, more fiercely protective people. That pleases me greatly. 
)