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For photos, pictures or drawings use this address: webftu3a@gmail.com
Have you ever dabbled with AI (Artificial Intelligence)?
After watching Paul Lillie at the October meeting I tried to describe in a few words his magnificent performance to accompany photographs for the newsletter. I asked Microsoft's co-pilot for its opinion, here’s what happened:
Me: Paul Lillie - Performance artist - Music to Art.
Paul Lillie led us through a musical, artistic journey of the life of Elvis Presley, from his roots, through his changes in style to remain as 'The King' and to his decline.
In between performing Elvis's songs Paul narrated Elvis's story as he drew little by little an 8 foot by 4 foot portrait of Elvis.
Co-pilot’s response: That sounds like a truly captivating performance—part concert, part live art, and part storytelling. Paul Lillie's approach seems to have blended music, biography and visual spectacle in a way that really brings Elvis's legacy to life.
The gradual unveiling of an 8 foot portrait must have added a layer of suspense and wonder to the experience.
> Musical storytelling: By interweaving Elvis's songs with narration, Lilli not only showcased the evolution of Elvis's sound—from rockabilly roots to Vegas grandeur—but also humanised the legend behind the music.
> Live portrait creation: The act of drawing Elvis while narrating his life adds a visceral, almost theatrical dimension. Watching the image emerge in real time likely mirrored the unfolding of Elvis's story—his rise, reign, and eventual decline.
> Thematic depth: Framing Elvis's journey as a transformation to “The King” and then exploring his decline invites reflection on fame, artistry, and vulnerability.
Co-pilot then asked about the audience. I replied:
The audience were a group of senior citizens who grew up with the sounds of Elvis and rock and roll.
Co-pilot’s reply:
That must have made the experience all the more powerful. For that generation, Elvis isn't just a music icon - he's a thread woven through their youth, their memories, and their cultural identity. Hearing those songs again, especially in a live setting with story-telling and visual art, likely stirred deep emotions and nostalgia.
Familiar melodies: Songs like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Can't Help Falling in Love” aren't just tunes—they're time machines.
For many in the audience, they probably recalled dances, first loves, or even rebellious moments.
Live portrait as a tribute: Watching Elvis's image emerge stroke by stroke must have felt like witnessing his life unfold again.
Narrative resonance: The story of Elvis—his rise, reinvention, and decline — mirrors the arc of many lives. It's not just about fame, but about change, resilience and the bittersweet passage of time.
I imagine there were moments of laughter, maybe even tears.
The responses from co-pilot came through in seconds.
Bob Hunt, Website editor.
Ramblers complete skydive
On a perfect day, Wednesday 13 August, our three u3a ramblers completed their skydive challenge in aid of Ashgate Hospice. (see newsletter issue 106 for full story).
An informative and eye opening visit to Veolia was enjoyed by a group from Forest Town & District u3a on Friday 11 April. Thanks to Marilyn Redfern for the following report:
What a load of rubbish!
A plastic bag, a tuna tin
Needs to go - but in which bin?
A pizza box, old birthday card
Blue bin or green, to choose, so hard
We want to help, to do our duty
But where to ditch our punnets fruity?
A yoghurt pot, enjoyed, thrown out
Washed, unwashed, with lid – there's doubt.
And shredding paper must be the way
But no, machines it clogs big style -dismay!
And did you know that 'vapes' combust?
So keep away from bins you must
Confused, bemused? - don't lose heart
Just check below – recycle smart.
You can find the Veolia a recycle checker at
https://www.nottinghamshire.veolia.co.uk
THE O,A,P.s (nearly) Olympics - Held at Rufford Park. 16th AUGUST 2024
by Marilyn Redfern
We picked our plot, displayed our flags, set up chairs and picnic bags.
To start the day, from behind a bush, emerge our duo in a sprightly rush.
Carrying high Olympic flame, Kev and Alan, so to name.
So to the games (or wacky races), eggs on spoons, determined faces.
Off we go, the ribbon raised, six coiled springs were not fazed.
The sight was awesome, the efforts mighty, no hint of Lycra (and quite rightly).
Then welly throwing - before our lunch, an enthusiastic, sporty bunch.
Throwing wellies all which way, with style and grace , one might (not) say.
Next came rounders, teams picked and ready, sweating palms but nerves held steady.
The air was still as tension mounted, bats met ball and runs were counted.
Heroically, we tried but still...... Halina's team won a sterling 4 -nil!
So all in all, a day of fun, pétanque, hoopla and races run.
Sun and laughter all the way, another brilliant u3a day.
If you have any photos of this wonderful event and would like to share them with us please send them to: webftu3a@gmail.com
Limericks
I love to write limericks, it’s true
and I want to share some with you
They’re fun to recite
In the middle of the night,
When you’ve got nothing better to do.
Although no one knows for sure, the limerick form is thought to have in France during the Middle Ages and then crossed the Channel to England.
Another theory is the name derives from the chorus of an 18th-century Irish soldiers’ song, “Will You Come Up to Limerick?”, there are other theories, take your pick.
The limerick was popularised by Edward G. Lear in ‘A Book of Nonsense’ in the 19th. Century.
A limerick consists of 5 lines, the first, second and fifth lines are 8 or 9 syllables long and rhyme, the second and third lines are 5 or 6 syllables and rhyme.
Probably the most well-known limerick is:
There was an old man from Nantucket, Who kept all his cash in a bucket. his daughter, named Nan, ran away with a man, and as for the bucket, Nan took it.
and a couple of mine:
A buxom young lady named Kate
was two hours late for her date,
Her handsome young beau,
a feller named Joe,
cleared off and got drunk with a mate.
A charming young lady of leisure
once said to me "what is your pleasure"
I said I like cheese
boiled carrots and peas
and a potato thrown in for good measure.
Bob Hunt. Web editor.
Wow! What a wonderful Litter Pick session around various locations in Forest Town by a fabulous group of volunteers from the u3a.
The morning started with a miserable amount of rainfall.
Ten volunteers arrived despite the weather, just after they commenced, the rain eased and then stopped, allowing the volunteers to carry out a very thorough cleanup of streets and verges in Forest Town and District over the following two hours. A HUGE THANK YOU to all you volunteers.
Life in the slow lane.
Uninterrupted time gives us the opportunity to take up ‘slow’ activities. Phil, my husband, is stone carving in the garden using a Mason’s dummy and claw chisel on a lump of limestone. Will it be a gargoyle or maybe a stone feature? I don’t know.
Otherwise some of his time is spent pondering chess moves with his on-line chess opponent - one in Moldova and one closer to home.
A work in progress
Philip Wright is sculpting a chess piece in stone; his work is based on The Lewis Chessmen.
Having seen the original chessmen in the British museum Philip is inspired to create his own piece.
Me? Getting to grips with cable stitches in a new piece of knitting and trying to solve a cryptic crossword gives me a change from gardening, reading and planning an on-line photo scrapbook.
Keep safe.
Susan Wright
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