I never thought there would be a female vocal talent

[Sogo]

who could rival Barbara Streisand.

But IMO, Lady Gaga may even surpass Streisand.

I must admit to not having paid much attention to her in her early career, however. I just couldn’t buy into all her cray cray. I figured she must not have much talent if she had to do so many stunts for attention (the meat dress comes to mind). But ever since her work began with Tony Bennett, which really showcased her voice, I’ve become a fan!

She had a great performance at the Grammy Awards tonight….

[murielm99]

1. I recognized her talent early,

and defended her to many people. However, when she did some of those crazy things, my liking for her fell off. My husband's did not.

She is incredibly talented. And smart, too!

My liking for her has come back at full speed.

[mopinko]

2. she's got an amazing set of pipes.

i've been taking voice lessons for the last 2 years, and i get just green when i watch her sing.
so effortless. she opens her mouth and that huge sound comes out.
green, just makes me green.

[Harker]

3. I hear It's not easy being green. n/t

[mopinko]

4. no. it's not.

fortunately, after a lot of work, people dont tell me to shut up when i sing. my kids used to tell me to shut up when i hummed.

she's kinda inspiring, honestly. i'm at the point where instead of struggling my head off, i am more at the point where i am learning that if i open it up, it will come out.
and that's how it works, and it's so obvious, to me, when she does it.

[Harker]

5. That's great!

I used to sing only to myself, and would stop if anyone got within earshot - now I'll keep on going, and have no hesitation to pipe up unprovoked.

Fun outweighs embarrassment!

[mopinko]

6. it most def does.

so far it has mostly been my teach who has had to hear me, but if this plague ever ends, i am looking forward to irish bars where i can sing along.
it's just good fun.

[Harker]

7. Yes, good fun singing a few Irish bars. n/t

[mopinko]

8. lots of them in chitown, but

wherever you go around the world you'll find an irish pub.

[Harker]

9. There's a big smile.

I'd cheerfully live what remains of my life on the west coast of Ireland.

There's Jack's Irish Pub here in Worcester, NY, but a few painted shamrocks and cans of Guinness in the cooler doesn't quite turn the trick.

[mopinko]

10. ireland is the only other place i can imagine living.

i was all set to go in 2020, but yeah. sorta afraid i'll go and not come back.
so many ferrealz irish pubs here, tho.

[Harker]

11. You'd be tempted, but please don't let that stop you.

Your soul can get dual citizenship.

[mopinko]

12. yeah, just need to file the paperwork.

entitled on both sides. wonder if they'll ever go to dna for this stuff, tho. tho i have grandparents who were 'famine' refugees, i also have roots here almost to the founding. how i managed to be nothing but irish says something about my family, but i hesitate to think what, exactly.

[Totally Tunsie]

13. Head a bit east, Harker.

There's some good pubs in the Durham area, as I recall. Wasn't that area known as the Irish Alps at one time? Friends lived in the Cairo area for several years, and we'd hit a few pubs when I'd visit. Can't recall their names after these few years, but they were great fun.

Just looked up the area on Google, and found this that may be of interest - the East Durham Irish Festival coming up at the end of May:
https://eastdurhamirishfestival.com/
https://eastdurhamirishfestival.com/schedule/

Enjoy!

[Harker]

14. Totally right you are, Tunsie!

I'm still very new around here.

Last summer my wife and I went exploring around Durham, and I asked a bartender about the many references to Ireland. I think he said, "Irish Riviera", because so many Irish railroad workers vacationed there, but I'm uncertain.

I'll bust out my map, don some tweed, and we'll head back! Thank you for reminding me of it.

[Totally Tunsie]

16. That entire region is interesting.

My friends lived in Round Top, near Cairo. Their immediate area was quite Bavarian and has some fun German restaurants/inns/pubs. On Friday nights, The Bavarian Manor Inn holds a terrific Happy Hour with amazing hors d'oeuvres (free) and comraderie, and that kicks off the night of making the rounds to Riedlbauer's for their German band/dancing (think dirndls and lederhosen) and others.

Then it's just a short hop from Bavaria to Ireland for a completely different experience. Homeland pride obviously rules both areas.

Have fun re-exploring the area!

[Harker]

18. Can't miss, thank you!

My wife's German parents are visiting this summer, so we'll take your tip.

[UTUSN]

17. She's *ITALIAN*!

[mopinko]

19. well, sure, that helps.

i didnt know that, but i should have guessed.

[Auggie]

15. I agree

I've become a fan. Her acting work is outstanding too. And there's no way of knowing for sure (not that it should make a difference), but her generosity and compassion for others seems truly authentic.

Lady Gaga is on top of the world of right now. No woman in show business is close IMO.