#MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND MUSIC FEST

[clearwaterhonorfest]

Clearwater Honor Fest | Memorial Day Parade and Music Fest

Clearwater Honor Fest is a 1 day event in Clearwater, FL that honors our veterans. It includes a parade, memorial ceremony and music festival in Coachman Park.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day Parade

Veterans

Clearwater

Florida

Music

Parade

Festival

Tampa

Florida Veterans Coalition

MAY 25, 2024

The Clearwater Honor Fest is a day to remember the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

1000 N Hercules Ave.

Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 386-8283

DETAILS

Date:May 25Time:

8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Cost:$10.00 – $50.00

VENUE

Coachman Park – Clearwater Florida

[kurayami10]

They invite you to see the sea with them

Jack/ Ruggie/Floyd/Rook x reader

A/N: Something small for the twst port fest event

Re-uploading my stories is prohibited.

After the hours of the musical parade that Jack and his friends had, everything went very beautifully in the musical!

And out of where Jack took out his jack showing his strong muscles and you found yourself very surprised from this. ‘I mean really obvious he works so hard..’ you smile for him and how he looks so happy when he’s playing the drunk sticks.

Once the musical performance, Jack gazes toward you. You wave to him and smile at him while some churros are in your hands and since you were in Team Leona and you made some for yourself.

You have watched the entire performance and how he looked great!

Before 20-30 mins when the performance began —  you were filming the whole thing and this going to be a perfect memory that you have and you’re going to make the biggest memory of all time. And yes you do love Jack all your heart and this is the first time you see him in a sailor outfit and his cute ears popping out from his hat.

Once the performance is over, you went over to find Jack as he’s having a tiny of problems, and that problem is that there bunch of crowd around and him and others, you just sweat of this.

Of course, people would love this also yourself but you just recall something before when you went here to the Port Festival. And it is that Jack told you to meet somewhere near the sea where the white boats are, and that is what you did waiting for him after the musical performance.

After about a while of waiting you see Jack running at you, and you wave at him happily! “Jack, there you are!” you exclaimed while he took a break he’s been out of breath since he was running, “I am sorry I came late I was having some problems while at the restaurant with an issue that just happened,” he looks at you and hoping you won’t be mad and then he continues, “and I want to make up to you..” and you sighs not in the frustrated more like it was ‘it's okay”

“It's alright, Jack! I mean we have all day anyway so don’t worry too much!” hoping that its okay for Jack not feel bad about this, but still, he just wants to spend his day with you *cough* he just like you a lot *cough* anyway it been a long day he enjoys this day and spend time with his friends and most importantly is you! <3

“Y/N…..” the sound of Jack calling your sweet name and you turn toward him as he sudden blushes to appear on his face and his ears lower down a bit, “I love you…” soon it was your turn to blush and you didn’t know what to say, and you just close your eyes and slowly kiss Jack into his lip and step back slowly, “I love you too, Jack..” you look at him with a small smile on your face, and honestly you and Jack standing with a view on the ocean while birds and decorations around you and Jack make the scenery perfect.

When Ruggie was helping Jack at the someone when a male customer’s wallet has been stolen by a robber and run away and of course, he have to help Jack with it.

Ruggie promises to meet you somewhere near the water because he said he has something to show you, and you quickly said “Yes” that made Ruggie happy he also bought his favorite donuts for himself and you. 

But while he was in there the store he ran into trouble that he found a lost child who was looking for their mother but licky Cater was there for him.

After finding the child's mother, Ruggie went to find you, and you were sitting on the bench waiting for Ruggie. You could feel the soft cool breeze blowing toward your silk hair and soft skin, and it's perfect —  especially when is the port festival!

As Ruggie goes running where you are, while you admire the passing ships and some people were riding one, and you wish to get in one but you have the afford one and sigh sadly. When you’re lost on your little own and unaware Ruggie is behind you, he put his hands in your two eyes, this causes you to shock a little bit and you know the familiar feeling of his hands.

“Ruggie, is that you?” Ruggie soft chuckles and he turns you toward him, you look at him, “Shishishi, I love the way you make that face when every time I surprise you.” he sits next to you and he put the bag a-side of him.

He grabs the box of donuts and opens them, then he gives you one of your F/F and he knows you love that flavor very much. You grab the donuts and take a bite and you love the flavor so much, “How do you know my favorites.” Ruggie suddenly blushes at this, and the reason he knows is that he asks one of his close friends where to go it. This spot where the view of the sea is very beautiful so deep and fresh air around it and you enjoy this very much.

Anyone wonders why Floyd would ask you to meet him on the ship since your BFFs Ace and Deuce ask you what Floyd asked you and you said “ He said wanted to meet me at the ships and I wonder is it.” and Ace and Deuce look at each other as if something bad is gonna happened but is nothing bad so they just want to your okay.

Floyd was so excited to spend his time with you! Oh boy, he wants to you his instrument that he has and he does know music since he was in middle school with his twin brother and Azul.

After a few hours went he out to find you, and soon he find you — you were getting some sweets such as cotton candy and cream waffles with syrup.

“Shrimpy!!” Floyd said with a hug smile on his and open arms ready for you, when you were saying something.

 Floyd quickly hugs you very tight and spins you around making you kind of dizzy and you try to pull out yourself from Floyd but he’s very strong, after a minute he stops and laughs with an unusual himself.

“Shrimpy there you are!” he’s so excited while not letting the excitement get to him but he just could not wait to be with you.

You look at Floyd with a small smile on your face, “Hello, Floyd, are you ready to go?” Floyd nods and with that Floyd holds your hand and leads the way. After you and Floyd arrive at the destination, you see can the sea and how the sea creature swims around. Floyd laughs at your curiosity at the — he finds this amusing.

“Shrimpy!! Look at me.” you look everywhere around you but couldn't find Floyd and when you were about to give up, suddenly something popped out at the water, and it was Floyd holding a Passiflora Coral Sea, and they look very pretty. 

“This for you, Shrimpy!” he smiles while he lids up at the flower at you, and yes, you get the flower and smile at him. Honestly, he looks so cute with his sailor outfit before when turning to his eel form, but still, maybe you’ll tell him to take pictures with him.

Rook invited you somewhere on a ship and you said, “I would love to go with you, Rook.” with a smile on your face.

So Rook has his sailor uniform and gotta today that he looks like those 1900’s sailors films and with his charms would amaze you!

When you and Rook when to an expanse ship he rents it just for you. You look at Rook, “Rook, this is very beautiful….” then he smiles and gets closer to you, “Not beautiful as you.” making you blush.

You and him most romantic moment because you and he brought some waffles and coconut cream and there so good! And went to the ships again but bigger!

Once you and Rook get there, you can see the sky turning orange and how beautiful it looks.

You walk toward the edge of the ship and you look down at how deep the ocean is and you feel cool air blowing around, the shy still orange as the seagulls fly around the port festival — honestly this is the best thing this happened to you. While on your little thoughts, Rook slowly stands behind you and he whispers sweet things to you, “Mon chéri, you look very delightful right now.” he says softly into your ears.

You look at Rook and smile, “Rook, you know this best day I could ever have and with you is even better!” as hugging him and of course, he hugs back his chère is very special to him — as you and he watch the glowing orange in the sky.

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 5.17

Holidays

Bugloss Day (French Republic)

Children’s Day (Norway)

Constitution Day (Nauru)

Dia das Letras Galegas (Spain)

DIPG Awareness Day

Discovery Day (Cayman Islands)

Dogbert Day (Dilbert)

Dressed to the Nines Day

Falling Off a Log Night

Famine Memorial Day (Ireland)

Firefighters’ Day (Latvia)

Galacian Literature Day (Spain)

International Art of Giving Day

International Child Helpline Day

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

International Internet Day

International Twm Sion Cati Day (UK)

King Arthur Day

Liberation Day (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Merry-Go-Round Day [also 7.25]

Minecraft Day

National Book Day (Indonesia)

National Curves Day (Illinois)

National Cyber Safety Awareness Day

National Day Against Homophobia (Canada)

National Donkey Welfare Day (Kenya)

National Emo Day for Women

National Famine Memorial Day (Ireland)

National Graduation Day

National Graduation Tassel Day

National Idaho Day

National Linda Day

National Numeracy Day (UK)

National Pinkfix Day

National Real Estate Day

National VA2K Walk & Roll Day

National Work From Home Day (UK)

Navy Day (Argentina)

Pack Rat Day

Peasant Day (a.k.a. Agrarian Reform; Cuba)

Pink Shirt Day (New Zealand)

Railroad Day

Raja Day (Perlis, Malaysia)

Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Thailand)

Rubber Band Day

Slottsplassen (Norway)

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day (UK)

Supermodel Day

Tell An Umpire "I Love Your Outfit" Day

Uff Da Day (North Dakota)

Walk Safely to School Day (Australia)

Watch A Baby Fall Asleep Day

Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day

World Horticulture Day

World Hypertension Day

World Information Society Day (UN)

World Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day

World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day

World Orienteering Day

World Recycling Day

World Stationary Day

World Telecommunication Day (UN)

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Cherry Cobbler Day

National Mushroom Hunting Day

National Walnut Day

Pinot Grigio Day

Independence & Related Days

Constitution Day (Nauru)

Constitution Day (a.k.a. Seventeenth of May or Syttende Mai; Norway; 1814)

Kappan Empire (a.k.a. Holy Empire of the Kappa; Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Syttende Mai (Constitution Day; Norway; from Denmark, 1814)

3rd Friday in May

Arbour Day (Prince Edward Island, Canada) [3rd Friday]

Asakusa Sanja Matsuri begins (Geisha parade) [3rd Friday]

Ascension Friday (Belgium) [Friday closest to Ascension]

Bike-to-Work Day (US) [3rd Friday]

Endangered Species Day [3rd Friday]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Fountain Pen Friday [3rd Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

International Virtual Assistants’ Day [3rd Friday]

NASCAR Day [3rd Friday]

National Bike to Work Day [3rd Friday]

National Defense Transportation Day [3rd Friday]

National Pizza Party Day [3rd Friday]

National Wear Blue Day [3rd Friday]

Native Nonprofit Day [3rd Friday]

O. Henry Pun Off Day [3rd Friday]

Teacher’s Day (Florida) [3rd Friday]

Wear Red for VEDS Day [3rd Friday]

World Meditation Day (UK) [3rd Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning May 17 (2nd Full Week)

Mike, the Headless Chicken Weekend [3rd Friday & Saturday]

Festivals Beginning May 17, 2024

Aalborg Carnival (Aalborg, Denmark) [thru 5.25]

Anderson Valley Pinot Festival (Anderson Valley, California) [thru 5.19]

Arizona Restaurant Week: Spring (Statewide, Arizona) [thru 5.26]

Bath Festival (Bath, England) [thru 5.20]

Bayou Bon Vivant Cajun Music, Food & Art Celebration (Norfolk, Virginia) [thru 5.19]

Beaufort Music Festival (Beaufort, South Carolina) [thru 5.18]

Chocolate Fest (Long Grove, Illinois) [thru 5.19]

Crawfish Festival (Fountain Valley, California) [thru 5.19]

Fort Worth Zoo Annual Beastro (Fort Worth, Texas)

Georgia Mountain Fire & Smoke Cooking Festival (Hiawassee, Georgia) [thru 5.18]

Hangout Music Festival (Gulf Shores, Alabama) [thru 5.19]

Hermann Maifest (Hermann, Missouri) [thru 5.19]

Karneval der Kulturen (Berlin, Germany( [thru 5.20]

Magnolia Blossom Festival & World Championship Steak Cook-Off (Magnolia, Arkansas) [thru 5.18]

Manchester Jazz Festival (Manchester, United Kingdom) [thru 5.26]

Moers Festival (Moers, Germany) [thru 5.20]

Morel Mushroom Festival (Muscoda, Wisconsin) [thru 5.18]

Motor City Comic Con (Novi, Michigan) [thru 5.19]

New Jersey Seafood Festival (Belmar, New Jersey) [thru 5.19]

North Carolina Potato Festival (Elizabeth City, North Carolina) [thru 5.19]

OC Greek Food Festival (Anaheim, California) [thru 5.19]

Oregon Homebrew Festival (Corvallis, Oregon) [thru 5.18]

Palm Beach Ribs, Wings & Rock Festival (Palm Beach, Florida) [thru 5.19]

Picklefest (Atkins, Arkansas) [thru 5.18]

Preston Trout Days (Preston, Minnesota) [thru 5.19]

Rhubarb Festival (Intercourse, Pennsylvania) [thru 5.18]

Stockton Flavor Fest (Stockton, California) [thru 5.19]

Taste of Maplewood Street Festival (Maplewood, Missouri) [thru 5.18]

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival (Temecula, California) [thru 5.19]

Wave-Gotik-Treffen (Leipzig, Germany) [thru 5.20]

The WhiskyX (Brooklyn, New York)

World Expo of Beer (Frankenmuth, Michigan) [thru 5.18]

Feast Days

A.J. Casson (Artology)

Antonius (Positivist; Saint)

Bruno of Wurzburg (Christian; Saint)

Cathan (Christian; Saint)

Dave Sim (Artology)

Dea Dia (Goddess of the Cosmos; Ancient Rome)

Eugene (Muppetism)

Falling Off a Log Night (Shamanism)

Feast of ‘Azamat (Baha'i)

Gio Nicola Buhagiar (Artology)

Giulia Salzano (Christian; Saint)

Karl Burman (Artology)

Laval Homeboy Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Let Your Star Shine Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Maden of Brittany (Christian; Saint)

Madron (a.k.a. Madern (Christian; Saint)

Maxime Emile Louis Maufra (Artology)

Mifune Matsuri (Boat Festival; Japan)

Neo-Pagan Fertility Ritual (Philippines; Everyday Wicca)

Ogham (Celtic Book of Days)

Paschal Baylon (Christian; Saint)

Restituta (Christian; Saint)

Silave (Christian; Saint)

Single Malt Whisky Day (Pastafarian)

Sjofn’s Blot (Pagan)

William Hobart Hare (Episcopal Church (USA))

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 137 [33 of 72]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [23 of 37]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [25 of 57]

Un Giorno Nero (A Black Day; Italy) [Friday the 17th] (1 of 1 for 2024)

Premieres

About a Boy (Film; 2002)

All Men Are Mortal, by Simone de Beauvoir (Novel; 1946)

At Dawn We Spley, by Gordon W. Prange (Historical Novel; 1982)

Babel-17, by Samuel R. Delany (Novel; 1966)

Bad Blood, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2015)

Blurryface, by Twenty One Pilots (Album; 2015)

Bon Voyage! (Film; 1962)

Catch-22 (TV Mini-Series; 2019)

Cinderella Goes to a Party (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1942)

Comic Cuts, by Alfred Harmsworth (UK Comic; 1890) [1st regular comic published]

Don’t Look Back (Documentary Film; 1967)

Five Puppets (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1935)

Gentle On My Mind, recorded by Glen Campbell (Song; 1967)

Godspell (Off-Broadway Musical; 1971)

Grin and Share It, featuring Droopy (MGM Cartoon; 1957)

Groove Me, recorded by King Floyd (Song; 1970)

The Guns of Avalon, by Roger Zelazny (Novel; 1972) [chronicles of Amber #2]

History of Modern Art, by H. Harvard Arnason (Art History; 1968)

Hobo Bobo (WB MM Cartoon; 1947)

If (Animated Film; 2024)

The Importance of Being Earnest (Film; 2002)

In a Lonely Place (Film; 1950)

Information Please (Radio Quiz Show; 1938)

The Inimitable Jeeves, by P.G. Wodehouse (Novel; 1923)

John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum (Film; 2019)

King Porter Stomp, recorded by Teddy Hill, featuring Dizzy Gillespie (Song; 1937)

La Planète des Singes (The Planet of the Apes), by Pierre Boulle (Novel; 1963)

Le Quiet Squad (The Inspector Cartoon; 1967)

The Love Boat (TV Series; 1976)

Mesmerize, by System of a Down (Album; 2005)

Mr. Big Stuff, recorded by Jean Knight (Song; 1970)

My Mortal Enemy, by Willa Cather (Novel; 1926)

The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan (Book; 2006)

Pink of the Litter (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1967)

Puss in Boots (Ub Iwerks Cartoon; 1934)

Random Access Memories, by Daft Punk (Album; 2013)

A River Runs Through It, by Norman Maclean (Novella’ 1976)

The Rookie Bear (MGM Cartoon; 1941)

See You Yesterday (Film; 2019)

Shéhérazade, by Maurice Ravel (Song Cycle; 1904)

Shutter Bug (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1963)

Stay (I Missed You), by Lisa Loeb (Song; 1994)

The Sultan’s Cat, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Swiss Ski Yodelers (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

Thank God It’s Friday (Film; 1978)

The Tree of Life (Film; 2011)

Tommy, by The Who (Album; 1969)

Uthal, by Étienne-Nicolas Méhul (Opera; 1806)

Wacky-Bye Baby (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1948)

What About Bob? (Film; 1991)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum (Novel; 1900)

Today’s Name Days

Dietmar, Pascal, Walter (Austria)

Gizela, Heraklije, Paškal, Paško (Croatia)

Aneta (Czech Republic)

Bruno (Denmark)

Taido, Taidur, Taimar, Taimo, Taivo (Estonia)

Maila, Maili, Mailis, Maisa, Rebekka (Finland)

Pascal (France)

Antonella, Dietmar, Pascal (Germany)

Andronikos, Iounia, Junia, Solon (Greece)

Paszkál (Hungary)

Pasquale, Restituta (Italy)

Dailis, Herberts (Latvia)

Bazilė, Gailė, Paskalis, Virkantas (Lithuania)

Harald, Ragnhild (Norway)

Bruno, Herakliusz, Paschalis, Sławomir, Torpet, Weronika, Wiktor, Wiktoriusz (Poland)

Andronic (România)

Gizela (Slovakia)

Pascual (Spain)

Rebecka, Ruben (Sweden)

Pascal, Pascha, Pascual, Turner (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 138 of 2024; 228 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 20 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 6 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ji-Si), Day 10 (Xin-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 9 Iyar 5784

Islamic: 9 Dhu al-Qada 1445

J Cal: 18 Magenta; Foursday [18 of 30]

Julian: 4 May 2024

Moon: 72%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 25 Caesar (5th Month) [Antonius]

Runic Half Month: Ing (Expansive Energy) [Day 8 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 60 of 92)

Week: 2nd Full Week of May

Zodiac: Taurus (Day 28 of 31)

[brookston]

Holidays 5.17

Holidays

Bugloss Day (French Republic)

Children’s Day (Norway)

Constitution Day (Nauru)

Dia das Letras Galegas (Spain)

DIPG Awareness Day

Discovery Day (Cayman Islands)

Dogbert Day (Dilbert)

Dressed to the Nines Day

Falling Off a Log Night

Famine Memorial Day (Ireland)

Firefighters’ Day (Latvia)

Galacian Literature Day (Spain)

International Art of Giving Day

International Child Helpline Day

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

International Internet Day

International Twm Sion Cati Day (UK)

King Arthur Day

Liberation Day (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Merry-Go-Round Day [also 7.25]

Minecraft Day

National Book Day (Indonesia)

National Curves Day (Illinois)

National Cyber Safety Awareness Day

National Day Against Homophobia (Canada)

National Donkey Welfare Day (Kenya)

National Emo Day for Women

National Famine Memorial Day (Ireland)

National Graduation Day

National Graduation Tassel Day

National Idaho Day

National Linda Day

National Numeracy Day (UK)

National Pinkfix Day

National Real Estate Day

National VA2K Walk & Roll Day

National Work From Home Day (UK)

Navy Day (Argentina)

Pack Rat Day

Peasant Day (a.k.a. Agrarian Reform; Cuba)

Pink Shirt Day (New Zealand)

Railroad Day

Raja Day (Perlis, Malaysia)

Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Thailand)

Rubber Band Day

Slottsplassen (Norway)

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day (UK)

Supermodel Day

Tell An Umpire "I Love Your Outfit" Day

Uff Da Day (North Dakota)

Walk Safely to School Day (Australia)

Watch A Baby Fall Asleep Day

Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day

World Horticulture Day

World Hypertension Day

World Information Society Day (UN)

World Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day

World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day

World Orienteering Day

World Recycling Day

World Stationary Day

World Telecommunication Day (UN)

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Cherry Cobbler Day

National Mushroom Hunting Day

National Walnut Day

Pinot Grigio Day

Independence & Related Days

Constitution Day (Nauru)

Constitution Day (a.k.a. Seventeenth of May or Syttende Mai; Norway; 1814)

Kappan Empire (a.k.a. Holy Empire of the Kappa; Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Syttende Mai (Constitution Day; Norway; from Denmark, 1814)

3rd Friday in May

Arbour Day (Prince Edward Island, Canada) [3rd Friday]

Asakusa Sanja Matsuri begins (Geisha parade) [3rd Friday]

Ascension Friday (Belgium) [Friday closest to Ascension]

Bike-to-Work Day (US) [3rd Friday]

Endangered Species Day [3rd Friday]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Fountain Pen Friday [3rd Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

International Virtual Assistants’ Day [3rd Friday]

NASCAR Day [3rd Friday]

National Bike to Work Day [3rd Friday]

National Defense Transportation Day [3rd Friday]

National Pizza Party Day [3rd Friday]

National Wear Blue Day [3rd Friday]

Native Nonprofit Day [3rd Friday]

O. Henry Pun Off Day [3rd Friday]

Teacher’s Day (Florida) [3rd Friday]

Wear Red for VEDS Day [3rd Friday]

World Meditation Day (UK) [3rd Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning May 17 (2nd Full Week)

Mike, the Headless Chicken Weekend [3rd Friday & Saturday]

Festivals Beginning May 17, 2024

Aalborg Carnival (Aalborg, Denmark) [thru 5.25]

Anderson Valley Pinot Festival (Anderson Valley, California) [thru 5.19]

Arizona Restaurant Week: Spring (Statewide, Arizona) [thru 5.26]

Bath Festival (Bath, England) [thru 5.20]

Bayou Bon Vivant Cajun Music, Food & Art Celebration (Norfolk, Virginia) [thru 5.19]

Beaufort Music Festival (Beaufort, South Carolina) [thru 5.18]

Chocolate Fest (Long Grove, Illinois) [thru 5.19]

Crawfish Festival (Fountain Valley, California) [thru 5.19]

Fort Worth Zoo Annual Beastro (Fort Worth, Texas)

Georgia Mountain Fire & Smoke Cooking Festival (Hiawassee, Georgia) [thru 5.18]

Hangout Music Festival (Gulf Shores, Alabama) [thru 5.19]

Hermann Maifest (Hermann, Missouri) [thru 5.19]

Karneval der Kulturen (Berlin, Germany( [thru 5.20]

Magnolia Blossom Festival & World Championship Steak Cook-Off (Magnolia, Arkansas) [thru 5.18]

Manchester Jazz Festival (Manchester, United Kingdom) [thru 5.26]

Moers Festival (Moers, Germany) [thru 5.20]

Morel Mushroom Festival (Muscoda, Wisconsin) [thru 5.18]

Motor City Comic Con (Novi, Michigan) [thru 5.19]

New Jersey Seafood Festival (Belmar, New Jersey) [thru 5.19]

North Carolina Potato Festival (Elizabeth City, North Carolina) [thru 5.19]

OC Greek Food Festival (Anaheim, California) [thru 5.19]

Oregon Homebrew Festival (Corvallis, Oregon) [thru 5.18]

Palm Beach Ribs, Wings & Rock Festival (Palm Beach, Florida) [thru 5.19]

Picklefest (Atkins, Arkansas) [thru 5.18]

Preston Trout Days (Preston, Minnesota) [thru 5.19]

Rhubarb Festival (Intercourse, Pennsylvania) [thru 5.18]

Stockton Flavor Fest (Stockton, California) [thru 5.19]

Taste of Maplewood Street Festival (Maplewood, Missouri) [thru 5.18]

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival (Temecula, California) [thru 5.19]

Wave-Gotik-Treffen (Leipzig, Germany) [thru 5.20]

The WhiskyX (Brooklyn, New York)

World Expo of Beer (Frankenmuth, Michigan) [thru 5.18]

Feast Days

A.J. Casson (Artology)

Antonius (Positivist; Saint)

Bruno of Wurzburg (Christian; Saint)

Cathan (Christian; Saint)

Dave Sim (Artology)

Dea Dia (Goddess of the Cosmos; Ancient Rome)

Eugene (Muppetism)

Falling Off a Log Night (Shamanism)

Feast of ‘Azamat (Baha'i)

Gio Nicola Buhagiar (Artology)

Giulia Salzano (Christian; Saint)

Karl Burman (Artology)

Laval Homeboy Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Let Your Star Shine Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Maden of Brittany (Christian; Saint)

Madron (a.k.a. Madern (Christian; Saint)

Maxime Emile Louis Maufra (Artology)

Mifune Matsuri (Boat Festival; Japan)

Neo-Pagan Fertility Ritual (Philippines; Everyday Wicca)

Ogham (Celtic Book of Days)

Paschal Baylon (Christian; Saint)

Restituta (Christian; Saint)

Silave (Christian; Saint)

Single Malt Whisky Day (Pastafarian)

Sjofn’s Blot (Pagan)

William Hobart Hare (Episcopal Church (USA))

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 137 [33 of 72]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [23 of 37]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [25 of 57]

Un Giorno Nero (A Black Day; Italy) [Friday the 17th] (1 of 1 for 2024)

Premieres

About a Boy (Film; 2002)

All Men Are Mortal, by Simone de Beauvoir (Novel; 1946)

At Dawn We Spley, by Gordon W. Prange (Historical Novel; 1982)

Babel-17, by Samuel R. Delany (Novel; 1966)

Bad Blood, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2015)

Blurryface, by Twenty One Pilots (Album; 2015)

Bon Voyage! (Film; 1962)

Catch-22 (TV Mini-Series; 2019)

Cinderella Goes to a Party (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1942)

Comic Cuts, by Alfred Harmsworth (UK Comic; 1890) [1st regular comic published]

Don’t Look Back (Documentary Film; 1967)

Five Puppets (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1935)

Gentle On My Mind, recorded by Glen Campbell (Song; 1967)

Godspell (Off-Broadway Musical; 1971)

Grin and Share It, featuring Droopy (MGM Cartoon; 1957)

Groove Me, recorded by King Floyd (Song; 1970)

The Guns of Avalon, by Roger Zelazny (Novel; 1972) [chronicles of Amber #2]

History of Modern Art, by H. Harvard Arnason (Art History; 1968)

Hobo Bobo (WB MM Cartoon; 1947)

If (Animated Film; 2024)

The Importance of Being Earnest (Film; 2002)

In a Lonely Place (Film; 1950)

Information Please (Radio Quiz Show; 1938)

The Inimitable Jeeves, by P.G. Wodehouse (Novel; 1923)

John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum (Film; 2019)

King Porter Stomp, recorded by Teddy Hill, featuring Dizzy Gillespie (Song; 1937)

La Planète des Singes (The Planet of the Apes), by Pierre Boulle (Novel; 1963)

Le Quiet Squad (The Inspector Cartoon; 1967)

The Love Boat (TV Series; 1976)

Mesmerize, by System of a Down (Album; 2005)

Mr. Big Stuff, recorded by Jean Knight (Song; 1970)

My Mortal Enemy, by Willa Cather (Novel; 1926)

The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan (Book; 2006)

Pink of the Litter (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1967)

Puss in Boots (Ub Iwerks Cartoon; 1934)

Random Access Memories, by Daft Punk (Album; 2013)

A River Runs Through It, by Norman Maclean (Novella’ 1976)

The Rookie Bear (MGM Cartoon; 1941)

See You Yesterday (Film; 2019)

Shéhérazade, by Maurice Ravel (Song Cycle; 1904)

Shutter Bug (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1963)

Stay (I Missed You), by Lisa Loeb (Song; 1994)

The Sultan’s Cat, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Swiss Ski Yodelers (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

Thank God It’s Friday (Film; 1978)

The Tree of Life (Film; 2011)

Tommy, by The Who (Album; 1969)

Uthal, by Étienne-Nicolas Méhul (Opera; 1806)

Wacky-Bye Baby (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1948)

What About Bob? (Film; 1991)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum (Novel; 1900)

Today’s Name Days

Dietmar, Pascal, Walter (Austria)

Gizela, Heraklije, Paškal, Paško (Croatia)

Aneta (Czech Republic)

Bruno (Denmark)

Taido, Taidur, Taimar, Taimo, Taivo (Estonia)

Maila, Maili, Mailis, Maisa, Rebekka (Finland)

Pascal (France)

Antonella, Dietmar, Pascal (Germany)

Andronikos, Iounia, Junia, Solon (Greece)

Paszkál (Hungary)

Pasquale, Restituta (Italy)

Dailis, Herberts (Latvia)

Bazilė, Gailė, Paskalis, Virkantas (Lithuania)

Harald, Ragnhild (Norway)

Bruno, Herakliusz, Paschalis, Sławomir, Torpet, Weronika, Wiktor, Wiktoriusz (Poland)

Andronic (România)

Gizela (Slovakia)

Pascual (Spain)

Rebecka, Ruben (Sweden)

Pascal, Pascha, Pascual, Turner (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 138 of 2024; 228 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 20 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 6 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ji-Si), Day 10 (Xin-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 9 Iyar 5784

Islamic: 9 Dhu al-Qada 1445

J Cal: 18 Magenta; Foursday [18 of 30]

Julian: 4 May 2024

Moon: 72%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 25 Caesar (5th Month) [Antonius]

Runic Half Month: Ing (Expansive Energy) [Day 8 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 60 of 92)

Week: 2nd Full Week of May

Zodiac: Taurus (Day 28 of 31)

[sughoshperur]

Blend the 10-day Madikeri Dasara Fest With Thrilling Tadiandamol Trekking

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit On Tadiandamol Trek

Are you ready to embark on a journey that seamlessly blends the vibrant traditions of the 10-day Madikeri Dasara festival with the exhilarating thrill of a Tadiandamol trek? Our blog takes you on an unforgettable adventure, where the rich heritage and festivities of Madikeri's grand celebration unite with the rugged beauty of Tadiandamol, the highest peak in Coorg.

Join us as we delve into the heart of Karnataka's cultural extravaganza and then ascend to the summit of Tadiandamol, where misty jungles and breathtaking landscapes await. 

Madikeri Dasara Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza

Madikeri Dasara, celebrated with grandeur, is a unique festival that blends the local customs and traditions of Coorg. It is a 10-day event that typically falls in October, showcasing the rich heritage and art forms of the region. The celebrations include vibrant processions, traditional dance forms, and cultural events. The entire town comes alive with colours and music, and it's a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Apart from the cultural aspects, the festival also features various sports events, food stalls, and a display of the region's renowned coffee. To make the most of your visit, plan your trip around this festival, and you'll witness the heartwarming spirit of Coorg in all its glory. To book your slots for Tadiandamol Trek visit Universal Adventure.

>> Are you a trekking enthusiast? Check Kudremukh Trek.

Fabulous Tips for Celebrating Madikeri Dasara Festival!

Madikeri Dasara, a vibrant and culturally rich 10-day festival, is a must-experience event in Coorg, Karnataka. To make the most of your visit, here are five tips to ensure a memorable celebration:

Plan Your Schedule

Madikeri Dasara offers a diverse lineup of events, including processions, traditional dance performances, and art exhibitions. Before you go, research the festival schedule to ensure you don't miss any of the highlights.

Sample Local Cuisine

Coorg is known for its delectable cuisine. Take the chance to savour authentic Coorgi dishes like Pandi Curry (pork curry), Akki Roti (rice flatbread), and a steaming cup of Coorg coffee. Explore local food stalls and savour the flavours.

Wear Traditional Attire

Embrace the cultural spirit by donning traditional Kodava attire or opting for traditional Indian clothing. It's not only a sign of respect but also makes for great photographs.

Experience the Processions

The grand processions during Madikeri Dasara are a visual delight. Secure a good spot along the parade route to witness the spectacular floats, folk dancers, and music bands.

Immerse in Local Traditions

Engage with the locals and participate in traditional rituals and ceremonies. This will give you a deeper understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.

By following these tips, you'll ensure a fantastic experience at the Madikeri Dasara festival and create lasting memories of this enchanting celebration.

Elevate Madikeri Dasara Experience with Tadiandamol Trek

After celebrating the vibrant and culturally rich Madikeri Dasara festival, take your journey to the next level with the breathtaking Tadiandamol trek. Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, this trek offers a remarkable escape into nature's lap. The Tadiandamol trek distance, spanning around 8-9 kilometers, is the perfect post-festival adventure.

When you ascend, you'll be greeted with lush landscapes, dense forests, and panoramic views. The crisp mountain air and tranquil surroundings provide the ideal contrast to the festival's vibrancy. 

Moreover, the trek leads you to the highest peak in Coorg, offering a sense of accomplishment and unparalleled vistas. Make your Madikeri visit unforgettable by immersing yourself in nature through the Tadiandamol trek, a perfect complement to the Dasara festivities.

>> Planning for a Dussehra Vacation in Karnataka? Checkout Mysore Dussehra to experience an ultimate Dussehra experience.

Thrill on a Mesmeric Adventure Of Tadiandamol Trek

Imagine standing at the base of Coorg's highest peak, Tadiandamol, ready to embark on a thrilling adventure. The air is crisp, the forest beckons and the journey promises a perfect blend of challenge and serenity. This is trekking in Coorg at its best! Tadiandamol offers a mesmerizing trekking experience with a distance of approximately 8 to 10 kilometers, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced trekkers. 

You'll traverse through lush forests, open grasslands, and rocky terrain, all while witnessing the diverse flora and fauna of the region. It's an unforgettable journey that allows you to connect with nature in a way only Coorg can offer.

Conquer the Tadiandamol Peak With Crucial Tips

After immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Madikeri Dasara Festival, embark on an exhilarating journey to Tadiandamol Peak, the highest point in Coorg, Karnataka. This post-festival trek offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural splendour.

Rest and Recuperate - The festival can be draining, so take a day to rest in Madikeri before heading out. 

Early Start - Begin your trek early in the morning to avoid the scorching sun. The cool, misty forest paths make for an enchanting ascent.

Local Guides - Hire a local guide for an authentic experience. They can share insights into the area's flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.

Pack Wisely - Carry essentials like water, energy snacks, and a rain jacket, and wear comfortable trekking shoes.

Leave No Trace- Preserve the pristine environment. Do not litter and respect the natural beauty of the Tadiandamol region.

>> Looking for trekking tips? Visit Tadiandamol Trekking Guide.

Final Thoughts

Blending the 10-day Madikeri Dasara Festival with thrilling Tadiandamol trekking is an exceptional way to experience Coorg. You get to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region and simultaneously delve into its natural beauty. The Tadiandamol trek offers not just the satisfaction of conquering a peak but also the opportunity to reconnect with nature.

So, when planning your next vacation, consider this unique fusion of culture and adventure in Coorg. It's a journey that promises to leave you with cherished memories of festive colours and mountainous heights, creating an unforgettable experience.

[pinercam]

Beulah sausage fest

#Beulah sausage fest movie#

#Beulah sausage fest series#

#Beulah sausage fest free#

#Beulah sausage fest movie#

Location: One Civic Square and Carter Green in Carmel, IN 46032Īrtie Fest is a community celebration with cornhole, photo and chalk art contests, a classic car show, craft fair, a movie night, and more. Net proceeds support two merit-based scholarships. This year, the parade theme is "Back Together Again", and the fireworks will be synchronized to music on WHJE 91.3 FM. Preregister to compete in the CarmeFest Has Talent musical talent competition. June 26 - Street fair and live entertainment (3 to 10 p.m.), parade (6 p.m.) and fireworksĬarmelFest is in its 33rd year of celebrating Independence Day in Carmel.June 25 - Friday Night Concert (8 to 10 p.m.).June 24 - Car & Arts Show (6 to 9 p.m.).June 23 - 5k Fun Run (Evening, details TBD).June 22 - Tuesday Night Concert (7 p.m.).Spark!Fishers celebrates "everything uniquely Fishers" in the Nickel Plate District. This year's theme, Hometown Heroes, honors Fishers' residents, from essential workers to veterans, who have served their country and community. Location: Marion County Fairgrounds, 7300 E.

#Beulah sausage fest free#

Check out the special features including a baby contest, acrobatics show and lifelike animatronic dinosaurs.Ĭost: $5 daily admission. Military, police and firefighters admitted free with ID. The Marion County Fair showcases 4-H exhibits, pageants and other entertainment. Location: Bartholomew County Fairgrounds, 750 W. Check out the Elvis impersonator contest, watermelon relay, and Easterling magic show. The Hancock County Fair showcases 4-H exhibits, animal shows, a midway, and other entertainment. More information: Bartholomew County 4-H Fair Location: 700 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202 There will also be live music from local bands.Ĭost: $35 general admission, $45 VIP. Try local craft beers and local food at one of the longest running brewfests in the state. Location: 1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 This year there will also be free roller skating on a pop-up rink and a drum circle in honor of Juneteenth. This festival has highlighted local musicians, artists, and food vendors since 2002. More information: Independent Music and Art Festival This year, celebrate at Riverside Park with live entertainment, food trucks, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and a parade. Juneteenth is the annual holiday which celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. Location: German Park, 8600 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46217 More information: bit.ly/3eILJ8B SudzfestĬheck out the sixth annual Sudzfest for beers from four southside breweries, wine, traditional German food, and music. Location: Bradley United Methodist Church, 210 W. Main St., Greenfield Proceeds benefit six local nonprofit organizations: Hancock County Food Pantry Hope House Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen Love INC The Landing Place and the Dixie Ross Memorial Scholarship Fund at Bradley Preschool. Time: Pereshow at 7 p.m., performance at 7:30 p.m. (Performance)įull schedule and more information: 37th annual Strawberry Festival in GreenfieldĮnjoy a bowl of strawberry shortcake with ice cream.

June 24-27: Charley Creek Gardens (Wabash).

June 17-20: Barn at Matter Park (Marion).

#Beulah sausage fest series#

Their summer series features live performances of "Richard III" and "The Tempest." Patrons must bring their own seating. Hoosier Shakespeare Festival is a touring repertory Shakespeare company. Hoosier Shakespeare Festival, different locations Here's a list of fairs and festivals in and around Indianapolis with ticketing information. Check the websites before you go for information on schedule changes and mask requirements. Bring an appetite! For more information, see the festival website.Many fairs and festivals that were canceled or postponed last year are back and ready to help make 2021 a great summer. The festival will be held in Elberta Town Park from 8 a.m. This being the South, there’ll also be red beans and rice and barbecue! There’ll be plenty of music of the German and Polka and country varieties, over 200 arts and crafts vendors, and carnival rides. The festival, put on by the Elberta Volunteer Fire Department, expects to sell about 7000 pounds of the local sausage on Saturday, along with sauerkraut, stuffed cabbage, potato salad, and goulash. One of those days, March 28th, 2015, is almost here! And it’s that sausage that is celebrated twice a year in the town of Elberta, on the last Saturday of March and October. Stucki died in 1973, and over the ensuing years the recipe for the sausage has evolved, but its roots can be traced back to Mr. In 1953, a man named Alfred Stucki began managing Elberta’s Locker Plant in Alabama and it was there he originated the famous Elberta German sausage.

[irisheyesofblue]

Please vote for Missouri River Irish Fest!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9t7kx7y

[doomedandstoned]

13 Unusual Records That Rocked n’ Wrecked 2020

~By Billy Goate~

Photograph by Randy J Byrd

With all of the uncertainty and unrest we experienced in 2020, it was hard to imagine what kind of a musical year it would be last January. As it turned out, the music won out, with disquieted souls unleashing a bevy of sound and fury!

Following last week's parade of top albums from the Doomed & Stoned team, it's the editor's turn. I submit for your consideration 13 records that had me coming back again and again.

Nothing - The Great Dismal

The depressive rock vibes of Nothing captured so much of the spirit of 2020 -- wistful, jaded and, well, dismal -- with the sentiment, This will never end.. By October, we were really feeling it, too. Then along came NOTHING (originally a side project of Agalloch members Jason William Walton and Don Anderson) with what I regard as their finest longplay to date, spitting out along with it a plethora of visceral music videos that made The Great Dismal hard to ignore. Timely medicine for my jaded, weary soul. No surprise then that I listened to this album constantly throughout the year.

Isn't it strange Watching people Try and outrun the rain

5 R V L N 5 - The Black Mark

Chuck Clybourne (ex-Faces of the Bog) delivers one of the most authentic and gripping biographical albums of recent memory. I was in the Chicago studio on the final day of its recording and recall how dark and angry it seemed, a doomier kind of industrial metal. The Black Mark includes contributions from Chicago Doomed & Stoned Fest organizer Lara Noel. As I remarked on "Flesh" last January: "The song builds and builds in intensity, generating a wall of sound and fury contrasted with dreamlike vox and emotive synth licks that made me an instant fan of 5 R V L N 5. I suspect the effect will be similar for you."

Crimson Caravan - Big Big Bang

Screeeeeech! Stop the presses! Here's an unbelievable find! Didn't pick up on these Russian stoner-doomers until the New Year's dawn (to be fair, it was released on December 29th), but everytime I listen to Big Big Bang I'm awed at just how goddamn heavy it is. An outstanding specimen of the genre, with songs like "Heap of Junk" of an Electric Wizard, Monolord, or Dopelord aura.

Elder Druid - Golgotha

Those champions of winter, Elder Druid, brought us a compelling sophomore offering in Golgotha, which we were among the earliest to review on January 9th, at which time I gushed: "Every yard as epic as it’s title, its power and majesty bleeds through every low-fuzzed corpuscle and sinew." Almost one year to the day and I must say time was kind to this prodigious paragon.

Enslaved - Utgard

A worthy entry into a very crowded field of contenders, Utgard shows us the more experimental side of Enslaved -- roaring black metal meets seventies prog rock (yep, you read that right). Though their fifteenth (!) LP received some mixed reviews, it's definitely worth hearing because, you know, it's mother effen Enslaved! Plus it draws heavily on Norse mythology, which is always cool. As expected, the album was preceded and followed by a number of music videos that brought us the band in all its coldness, melancholy, and savagery

Ethyl Ether - Neon Chrome Jesus

It was a big year for the South African music scene, led by Cape Town's Ethyl Ether, who released their third album on the newly founded local label Mongrel Records. Keep an eye on this scene, and especially this band, in the year ahead. Psychedelic texture don an eighties rock sound for a very chill vibe, indeed.

Forming The Void - Omens

What can one say about this rapidly rising voice in metal, already a widely recognized voice in doom? The expansive soundscapes, serpentine vocals, and deluge of big low-end. Omens is another out-of-the-ballpark homerun for Ripple and a fitting fourth full-length for the band. We reviewed it in May, at which time I remarked: "It’s earthy moving rhythm is joined by the prophetic utterance of vocals that soar vastly overhead, surveying the horizon like a bird of prey. It’s a vibe that Slomatics fans will be used to, though arguably Forming The Void makes it much groovier. After all, you can’t avoid the influence of the blues in a place like Louisiana.."

Frayle - 1692

The Ohio atmospheric doomers outdid themselves in 2020 by taking us back to another year: 1692. It was on March 1st that the Salem Witch Trials began in Salem Village of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Witnessing their performance at Chicago Doomed & Stoned Show gave me a new appreciation for the thoughtful execution of every note, and the arch that links them all together. They played "Dead Inside", and it was all chills for me. You would be hard pressed to listen to a number like "Burn" and walk away with anything short of adoration.

Greg Puciato - Fuck Content

If you were missing the Dillinger Escape Plan in 2020, their enigmatic singer came back just in time with new solo material, published under the banner of Federal Prisoner. And while there's a lot to love about the album Child Soldier: Creator God, it's the live album that really reached me. It's hard not to get caught up in its adrenaline fueled performances ("Fire for Water"), grungy rumblers ("Deep Set"), incendiary ballades ("Don't Wanna Deal"), and narcotic chill ("Evacuation").

Hellvetika - redux series

Love Spit Love // redux by Hellvetika

Aaron D.C. Edge is one hell of an improviser and absolutely wowed us with this rather brilliant bunch of sludged-up tributes to the musical greats. Under the project name Hellvetika Aaron recorded whole albums of these damning transformations, including covers of: Alice in Chains, AC/DC, Deftones, NIN, Willie Nelson, STP, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure, Clutch, Depeche Mode, Helmet, Audioslave, Joy Division, Weezer, Radiohead, Sting, and a whole lot more. I have no idea how long the project took him, but it certainly gives release to a lot of pent up emotion, perhaps borne of crushing isolation, and if so that's something I can entirely relate to. The series is also available sans voix right here.

I Am Low - Illusions

Illusions by I Am Low

I've been sort of low-key predicting that Grunge is poised for a big comeback. It's only natural, as the last two decades we reexamined the music of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Hell, Brazil is a few years ahead of us, with grunge bands popping up left and right. Now, from Sweden comes Grunge med båda fötterna på Umeås jord ("Grunge with both feet on Umeå's soil")...I Am Low. Great name for a grunge band that meddles in doom, by the way. Their EP 'Illusions' (2020) (another late-December release) pulls you right in with its filthy tone, shimmering solos, and characteristically dulled singing. Like the disaffected youth of yesterday, they come with a disaffected message:

Here we are now All forgotten They betrayed us All for nothing

Sleepwulf - Sleepwulf

Then out of nowhere the following month, these standing stones of southern Sweden sent us their sublime sounds. Needless to say, we were enamored with the band's eponymous debut. Their feet firmly planted in the Pentagram school of doom, Sleepwulf are kindred spirits of Denmark's Demon Head and Norway's Dunbarrow. The band's debut LP was reviewed by Reek of STOOM in February.

Slift - UMMON

We introduced them to you on episode 18 of The Doomed & Stoned Show, but French band blew up weeks before with the widely-praised single "Hyperion." We wondered where these psychedelic krautrockers had been all our lives! Toulouse is the answer, and UMMON wasn't their only laudible opus, either.

☿

What were your favorite records of 2020? Leave a comment below and let us know! As 2021 unwraps, we want you to join us on a quest to find the best in heavy underground music. Give Doomed & Stoned a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily updates and subscribe to our weekly podcast for our choice cuts from the latest doom metal and stoner rock spins!

[vesuvianoak]

In Reprise – Love Like Yours Fest Day VIII – Ąžuolas Tobeluk x Portia Devorak – Anastasia AU

Title: In Reprise Author: Vesuvian Oak Fandom / Setting: The Arcana — Anastasia AU Characters / Pairings: Ąžuolas Tobeluk x Portia Devorak Rating: T+ Word Count: 1019 Recommended Music: "In a Crowd of Thousands" from Anastasia – Official Broadway Recording | The scene Warnings / Notes: Written for Day VIII of @lovelikeyoursfest – Free for All

I chose Musical AU for the freebie square—and then when revisiting Portia's route, she mentioned wanting to be / pretending to be a lost princess, so this fell into place!

I imagine the story being like this: At one time, the Devoraks were the prominent political family in their home country, but a coup ousted them from power. Julian escaped the country, but the rest of his family was lost—however, rumors swirl that his younger sister may have survived, sparking a desperate search with promise of a substantial reward for whoever finds her. Enter Ąžuolas Tobeluk, a con artist who wants to claim the money as a stepping stone to a better life, and Portia, a young woman with no memories and a longing to know who she really is.

It was the middle of the night when the screams woke Ąžuolas. He all but fell out of bed, barely managing to put on his glasses before staggering out of his room and rushing into Portia's rooms. "Portia—?"

He barely had time to react before a glass shattered against the wall next to him. He threw his arms up to protect himself from the spray of glass, then lowered them to see Portia, wild eyed and shaking, a second glass clutched in her hand. "The voices—they keep coming back—" Her voice was pitched, trembling with fear.

"That's all they are," he soothed, taking a few steps closer, hands lifted placatingly. "Just voices—" He reached out and gently worked the glass from her iron tight grip. "You're having a nightmare." It was hardly the first time, and part of Ąžuolas suspected it wouldn't be the last—gods only knew what she had nightmares about, but such things were sometimes better left undiscussed…

Portia's fingers laced with his, replacing the glass briefly before closing around his wrists. "Stay with me, Ąžuolas, please."

"C'mon—tai tai…" With a gentle tug he led her back to the bed, gingerly kicking a few of the bigger pieces of glass out of the way. "Better, right?"

"Who do you think I am?" Portia asked—demanded, her gaze locking on Ąžuolas'.

"If I were your brother," he reasoned slowly, taken aback by the urgency in her voice, "I would want you to be Lady Pasha of Nevivon."

"You would?" she said, searching his face for a sign he might be lying to her.

"I would want her to be a strong, intelligent, beautiful young woman," he went on.

"Is that what you think I am?" she murmured, her expression almost awestruck.

It was only after he said it that Ąžuolas seemed to realize that he'd said too much—but now that it was out, what could be done?" "…I do," he confirmed, nodding slowly.

"Oh…" Color rushed to Portia's cheeks as she lifted a hand to tuck a few unruly curls behind her ear. "…Thank you."

Ąžuolas' mouth opened and closed or a few moments, his whole attention on her, on the subtle movements and quiet grace with which she moved. Finally, something managed to slip out—"…You're welcome."

After a moment, Portia's characteristic, almost catlike grin took shape on her face once more, and she playfully nudged him with her elbow. "I was starting to wonder if you'd ever pay me a compliment."

Ąžuolas rubbed the back of his neck, looking at her askance, searching for something clever to say but coming up short. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately…

"Do you really think I might be her?" she asked after a moment more, her voice softer, as she leaned into his line of sight.

Ąžuolas looked down at his hands, the way his fingers twisted for a moment before sighing. "I… want to believe you're the little girl I saw once, many years ago."

"I… I don't understand," she admitted, drawing up her legs to sit cross legged on the bed.

"It was… like I said, a long time ago," Ąžuolas began. "June… I was ten. There was a parade of the…" He waved a hand vaguely, searching for the right words—bourgeoisie, said with contempt, was the commonly accepted vernacular, but it felt out of place. "The nobility of the country, and there was… a girl. She was just eight but you would have thought her a queen, the way she sat and carried herself—proud and serene and… amid this crowd of thousands of people, I was just taken with her—I guess you could call her my first crush?"

"That's adorable!" Portia enthused, hands pressed together as if to contain her delight.

Ąžuolas smiled slightly, heartened by her enthusiasm, before continuing. "I didn't want to lose sight of the carriage so I started to run along the route—calling her name and running as far as I could, until this bend in the road, and I held out my hand—" He lifted a hand, caught up in the memory, his expression warming.

"What happened next?" Portia asked, leaning in with interest.

"She smiled at me, just… warm and kind." His arm lowered. "The carriage kept going and then the sun was in my eyes and… she was gone after that. But… This is gonna sound silly, but I know that if I had to, I could find her again."

"You’re making me feel like I was there, too," Portia said, her eyes bright.

"Maybe you were," Ąžuolas replied, shifting slightly to mirror her pose. "C'mon—make it part of your story."

She lowered her hands, loosely laced together, to rest in her lap, tipping her head back and closing her eyes, immersing herself in the scene Ąžuolas has described and finding her place in it. "A parade passing by…" she began, slow, thoughtful. "It was hot, not a cloud in the sky—" Her expression softened as she smiled. "And then a boy caught my eye. He was thin, not too clean—"

"You're not wrong," Ąžuolas interjected, eyes heavy lidded with contentment, resting his chin in one hand.

Portia opened one eye, grinning at him, before immersing herself in the story once more. "Even though it was so warm and there were all these people and guards, he could still be seen so plain—dodging and running along the route, keeping pace—I tried not to but I couldn't help but smile, especially when he… bowed—"

They came to the realization at the same time, but it was Ąžuolas who gave it voice—"I never told you that part."

"You didn't have to—" Porita wheeled on him, her hands covering her mouth and her eyes wide. "I… Ąžuolas, I remember!" Their hands found each other's, and she squeezed his fingers, as if it would impress upon him the gravity of these recovered memories. "I remember everything—and you! I remember seeing you in the parade—and my parents, my brother, the palaces—"

Ąžuolas lifted a hand to brush a few curls behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek. There she was—"Your Highness…"

[bellabooks]

These six LGBTQ events will have you cheering this August

August, you beautiful double-edged sword, you. You’re hot, you’re the last real month of summer, you’re buggy and beautiful. It almost feels like the rainbow flags and glitter of Pride month are but a distant memory. But don’t fear! There are still super queer things to do in the steamy month of August. Here are six events to put on your calendar, but hurry up, you don’t have much time to lose! Charlotte Pride Week, Charlotte, NC (August 9-18) Head on down to the (Yasss) Queen City for a week and then some of activities, festival and parade. Here in the South, we have to have our Prides later in the summer or fall because HOT, and there’s lots to enjoy in the charming city of Charlotte. Drag! A doggie fashion show! Comedy! Mixers! And that’s just a handful of the events listed. Source: NorthHalstead Events Market Days, Chicago, IL (August 9-10) What are you doing this weekend? Well if you are in the Chicago area, heck the Midwest, then shimmy your way down to Market Days. This two day festival is full of exciting musical performances from folks like Icona Pop, Jake Shears, and tons of local LGBTQ acts and DJs. This event is huge, drawing in over 100,000 people annually. Source: GayDays.com Disney Gay Days, Orlando, FL (August 15-18) Grab your Mickey ears because it’s time to paint the mouse house rainbow. Disney Gay Days has been happening since 1991, and still going strong. If you’ve ever wanted to explore Disney World AND do it with a 180,000 other LGBTQ folks, then you’ll want to put Gay Days on your calendar. There are special events, meetups, and of course, all the magic that comes along with a trip to Disney World. Source: Liz Arocena/LezVolley LezVolley, Fire Island, NY (August 17) If you love getting down in the sand, then you won’t want to miss the annual LezVolley tournament in the Cherry Grove section of Fire Island. An easy train ride from NYC, Fire Island is a gay destination for New Yorkers during the summer. While the island tends to skew heavily gay male, ladies rule during LezVolley. Started in 2011 by queer nightlife entrepreneurs Danielle Stanziale and Kristine Bungay, the volleyball tournament is now over 500 women and allies strong. Source” Brandi Carlile Facebook Brandie Carlile, various cities and dates Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile is making a pretty good case for herself in the competition for Queen of the Lesbians. Out and proud, Brandi has been making music that matters for years now, and is finally getting the mainstream recognition she deserves. This August, she’s touring all over from Edmonton, Alberta to St. Paul, Minnesota. Grab tickets while you can and experience Brandi live! Source: aGLIFF aGLIFF, Austin, TX (August 22-25) The All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film Festival works year round to bring LGBTQ+ content to Austin, but it’s their weekend long film fest that brings folks from everywhere. (I’m personally geeked to be attending aGLIFF as a guest to support the documentary Queering the Script. I’ll also be signing my Bella book, Savor the Moment, after the screening in collaboration with Book Woman Austin.) There are shorts, features like Vita and Virginia and Bit, plus tons of documentaries and even a tribute to filmmaker Rose Troche‘s groundbreaking 1994 film, Go Fish. You can buy a pass or individual tix now. Bonus: the films are playing at the Alamo Drafthouse, so you can enjoy a drink and a bite during the films! http://dlvr.it/R9r73j

[jeffsmudde]

#RealEmoPhotography

Off of Old Falls Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, 2013

When you ask me what kind of photographer I am, I will either say concert or landscape. It often depends on the context.

My passion lies in both music and photography, as I am a musician and a visual artist. Combining those two passions of mine allows me to call myself a music photographer. My passion for the outdoors, preservation of nature, and wildlife allows me to call myself a a landscape photographer.

This is how I connect passions.

Photo from my trip to Boston, MA, 2010

I have been formally studying photography since about 2013, but I always think that you begin your photographic "career" once you start seeing photographically. For me, that was when I brought a 7.1 megapixel camera to Boston, Massachusetts.

I am now studying at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. I started off in Music Business and Graphic Design, but dropped the former after not liking the program. Not too long after that, I changed my major from graphic design to photography. I realized that most of my designs used photographs that I made, and that I found more enjoyment with making those photos than making the designs.

Rozwell Kid at Wicker Park Fest, 2018

It was in early 2017 that I started concert photography by shooting some local shows with a Canon Rebel T6i that I was borrowing from a friend. The images weren't that great, but I had such a good time doing it that I knew I wanted to continue. Lo and behold, right before the 2017 fall semester started, someone posted about Bloomington's Castle Theatre looking for a new photography intern. I jumped on that opportunity. Through that internship, which I was a part of from August 2017 until May 2018, I photographed some of my favorite bands, and some new favorites of mine. The likes include Portugal. The Man, Lacey Sturm (Formerly of Flyleaf) Remo Drive, Hippo Campus, the Milk Carton Kids, Knuckle Puck, Free Throw, The Story So Far, Righteous Vendetta, and so many more. It was an opportunity that I will never forget. And much like my realization with landscape photography, this job told me that my professional career lies in music photography.

“Tree,” December, 2017

In late 2017, into early 2018, I got back into landscape photography after years of absence from it. I hadn't done any kind of landscape photography since 2015 when I went to the Smoky Mountains, and when I went to Starved Rock briefly in the fall of 2016. It wasn't until January 21, 2018 that it hit me that I should be doing landscape photography. I went out one foggy morning to a nearby lake, and found one of the most beautiful scenes I had ever seen in central Illinois. I made no more than five photographs, and it sparked the series that I am currently working on, "Arbor, Neighbor". This is the first fine art series that I anticipate making into a photo book, and selling among the crowds of other fine art photographers.

Memorial Day Parade, for WGLT, 2018

In the spring of 2018, I got accepted to an internship with Illinois State University's WGLT, the professional radio station for NPR. I had never done proper photojournalism before, but I had studied Robert Capa and other Magnum photographers. It's an interesting and challenging job, being a photojournalist, and I can't understand why the big bosses of major publications see it as a job anyone can do, and end up laying off all of their full-time photojournalists so their field journalists can snap a few pic on their iPhone X.

As I continue studying away at photographic and visual art practices, I can already feel a shift, or rather, a growth in my visual art. The fear of video is leaving me slowly but surely, my conceptual projects are becoming more refined, and my visual aesthetic is slowly reaching a recognizable point. I hope that this blog will allow my potential viewers and clients insight into who I am as an artist, image maker, and person in the industry. I hope that this Blog will also educate aspiring photographers and artists to expand their work and seek to improve their vision on photography.

[some-cookie-crumbz]

Fighting the Clock

Fighting the Clock - Kidge Fest Prompt 3 Fill Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender Pairing: Kidge Summary: It’s New Year’s Day, and Pidge is a little miffed with Keith being away on a mission with the Blade after already missing the other holidays leading up to this. Standard Disclaimer: If you read and enjoy this, please give it a like/ reblog so I know if I should write more. AN: Previous two prompt-fills can be read [here] and [here] respectively. The final post for KidgeFest!... Or is it???? :3c

She wasn’t normally very fond of big crowds but she had always wanted to attend the ball drop in New York City in person. It was just like her to let her curiosity outweigh her discomfort or unease, but she wasn’t alone. Hunk and Lance had also been excited at the idea and agreed to come along. She had spent most of the early morning and afternoon alone, bundled up and waiting on the top of a parking structure, while Hunk and Lance had gone to do some sight-seeing and hit up some four-star restaurant Hunk had been raving about in the weeks since they’d agreed to coming with her. She had received a brief message on her communicator from him shortly before she was supposed to meet back up with them.

Keith’s smile on the screen twitched with nervousness at the corners.

“You aren’t going to make it, are you?” She asked bluntly, raising one eyebrow and forcing a teasing grin on her lips. It was hard to manage due to her disappointment, but a small voice in the back of her mind nagged that she shouldn’t really be surprised at this point. He had been unable to come back in time for Christmas. Or her father’s birthday. Or Thanksgiving.

It was just like him to be unable to be punctual when she had something important to talk to him about.

“I’ll be there, I’m just… Gonna be a little late,” He said, wincing a bit, and his tone sang of a thousand apologies she’d probably be hearing later. Evidently, her frustration must have showed through. So much for her poker face. “Not because of the Blade or the mission, though. I was fine leaving headquarters, I just… The coalition checkpoint is backed up all the way to the Big Dipper and it’s slow going.” He turned his communicator to show her the long, long line of ships ahead of his cruiser.

For the first time, Pidge resented convincing Allura to take them back to Earth so that they’re home world could join the coalition. If she’d known that so many aliens would want to come visit the planet the newest Paladins originated from she wouldn’t have said a damn word. Or, rather, she would have made a camouflage device for Keith’s cruiser so he could just bypass the whole circus. She’d never been a big supporter of bureaucracy and all that restrictive caution tape, anyway. “Have they given you any kind of E.T.A.?” She asked as the communicator focused back on him.

“A few hours… Probably closer to, like, ten or eleven o’clock tonight, if the estimate on the space-highway sign in correct,”

“Oh, well then we’re totally fucked, because those things are never right,” She barked, rolling her eyes.

He frowned. “Maybe things will go faster. You okay? You seem a lot angrier than I was honestly expecting you to be,” He said, his tone a bit softer. He had learned over the years that inquiring what had Pidge’s feathers ruffled was a science; tread carefully, and if she only rustled up even more than drop it until she felt like opening up herself.

She cast him a bland look, not even wanting to dignify that comment with a verbal response. He winced again and she let her shoulders sag a bit, trying to remind herself that getting angry wouldn’t help any. “You know, last time I checked, I was the one wearing the wedding band, not Kollivan.” She let a slightly more teasing note creep in to her tone. She didn’t want to end her year with making Keith feel like shit, thus starting the year on a sour note.

His smile was small and thankful. “Being married to Kollivan would be pure Hell, don’t even joke about that,” He laughed. She giggled as well and then stood up, making sure to keep her grip on the communicator so it stayed primarily focused on her face. “I’ve missed you.”

Her smile became softer and her eyes warmer. “I’ve missed you too, you big sap. I’m meeting up with Hunk and Lance so I have to go. If you can, let me know when you’re past the check point, though, so I can meet up with you,” She said.

“Will do. I’ll see you soon, promise,” He said, flashing her a quick salute before the feed shut down. With a deep sigh, Pidge stuffed the communicator into her purse, adjusted her scarf and gloves, and then scrambled to the elevator of the parking garage.

She ended up hailing a cab to get to the restaurant the other two had gone to, since it was across the city from her position, much to her chagrin. The drive had given her the chance to clear her mind and wonder what she would do if Keith ended up not making it in time to see the ball drop with her – as, she surmised, she could let it slide if he missed dinner – and the idea of kicking his sorry tail on to the couch didn’t seem quite strict enough. Her pettier side insisted that she make him spend at least two nights in his cruiser, since she knew that thing couldn’t maintain heat when shut down and tended to go in to an automatic shut down if left on free-flight mode for longer than three hours.

When she arrived, Hunk offered her a small plastic bag with a Styrofoam container inside as well as a water bottle. “I take it he got held up?” He asked, flashing her a sympathetic smile.

“He’s stuck in a long line waiting to pass through the coalition checkpoint,” She said, taking the two offered items, letting the bag hang from her wrist by the handles. She opened the water bottle and took a quick sip. “Thanks, by the way. How much do I owe you for it?” She asked while putting the water bottle in her purse and peering into the bag to verify that some plastic utensils were inside.

“Don’t even worry about it,” Hunk laughed with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“Yeah, we figured that Keith would get caught up in that mess,” Lance scoffed lightly, waving one gloved hand flippantly in indication of the sky above them. He indicated his head and started walking, Pidge and Hunk falling into step with him. “Last year we got caught in that whole headache bringing Allura and Coran down for Thanksgiving. Which is why they just come down here and stay from Halloween until the last week of January.”

“It can get pretty crazy, now that Earth has become a hotspot for alien travel,” Hunk agreed, shuddering a bit at the memory. They’d never divulged the full history of what they’d gone through trying to get back to Earth, but she was well aware that some less-than-diplomatic phrases had been exchanged between Allura and one of the Garrison staff stationed at the checkpoint.

Lance ended up leading them to Central Park, where they settled on a bench so Pidge could eat. She had nearly wept her gratitude as she opened the container and took a bite of the herbed chicken parmesan they’d picked out for her. It didn’t hold a candle to her mom’s homemade one, but it was a nice substitute that would leave her full throughout the rest of the days activities. As she ate, Hunk and Lance told her about some of what they’d done. They’d stopped in front of the Macy’s Department Store where the Thanksgiving Day Parade always stopped at and perused through. “It’s, like, twenty times bigger than any other one I’ve been to before! And it’s selection? Totally validated the size of that place,” Lance said.

They’d also gone to Broadway to see a musical right before lunch, which had Hunk thrilled to talk about. She remembered how Lance had enlisted her help to get the tickets the minute they went on sale, as there was a big bustle over the latest presentation of the renowned classic The Count of Monte Cristo. “I mean, I’ll always have a preference for the years old original Broadway casts recording,” Hunk said excitedly, showing her the bag full of merchandise he’d bought after the show, “but this was definitely an amazing performance! Especially the two they cast for Edmond and Mercédès! And their rendition of I Will be There was so amazing! They really sold it!”

“And this is why I’m the literal best husband in the world~!” Lance sing-songed proudly. Pidge chuckled but did have to admit that it was a sweet gesture. Hunk was a surprisingly big buff on classic literature and had loved the novel that inspired the musical many years later. It had always been his dream to see the musical in person if it were ever brought back to Broadway. So when Lance found out that very musical was being brought back for the new generation of musical buffs? He had known it would get him tons of bragging points if he got them in to see it.

Even if that meant waking up one very disgruntled Pidge at nearly two in the morning to guarantee the purchase.

They walked around the park after that, enjoying the sights and atmosphere. There were still plenty of people present, but there seemed to be more space for a bit of privacy between she and her friends. She watched Lance head out toward the water, pointing excitedly at some ducks and geese swimming close to the shore, tugging Hunk along with him. She stretched, humming in delight at the light pop and rush of relief, and stared up at the sky. She huffed quietly as she turned her attention back to Hunk and Lance, whom were now being chased by a disgruntled goose. For as much as she loved spending time with Hunk and Lance, she couldn’t help but wish that Keith was there with her.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Keith groaned and drummed his fingers along the armrest of his seat. He’d been sitting here for a whole hour and probably only managed to slip half an inch closer to the checkpoint. He looked at the watch he wore that was set to Earth time and scowled. He would still have another two hours of flight before reaching Earth even after the checkpoint. He groaned again and scrubbed his hands over his face, staring up at the slim gold band on his finger, then let his eyes close. It was a simply band but it was the engraving inside – Sword and Shield; the perfect pair – that always had him falling for her all over again.

You aren’t going to make it, are you?

Pidge’s disappointment had been painful, but what had been worse was how resigned she seemed to the notion. She had been expecting him to call and cancel his arrival just like he had for Christmas the week before. And Samuel’s birthday before that. And even Thanksgiving before that. The realization that he hadn’t seen his wife in person since the second week of November was a sobering one; he knew that he’d been gone for a long time, but putting it all in to perspective like that was like a punch to the gut.

You know, last time I checked, I was the one wearing the wedding band, not Kollivan.

She had meant it as a joke and clearly wasn’t trying to be underhanded or passive aggressive – mostly because Pidge didn’t do passive aggressive; she did regular aggressive – but it still hurt. This wasn’t the first time he’d been taken away for extended periods of time due to missions. In the last two years of their marriage, he’d spent a total of eleven months away from her – including his most recent stint – and it left him suddenly reeling as he realized that he’d spend nearly half their marriage away from his wife. They had been talking about starting a family before he got the call for this most recent mission but he got the feeling that talk would be non-existent for at least a month once he finally did touch back down on Earth.

He opened his eyes to stare at the wedding band again. What would happen if Pidge did get pregnant and he got another mission and something happened? While medical technology was advanced – and Allura was always just a call away – there were always risks that could come with a pregnancy. Or, his mind goaded, what would he do if Pidge went in to labor while he was away and he couldn’t be reached in time to make it back? What if he wasn’t there to support her through delivery and see the birth of their first child? ‘Well,’ A voice in the back of his mind scoffed, ‘you’re certainly getting yourself a splendid track record of being dependable and supportive. Assuming she doesn’t just dump your sorry ass for a better guy after all the shit you’ve pulled recently, you’d better be intending to make it up to her.’

That thought was all that was needed to steel his resolve. He sat upright and reached out, taking a grip of the throttles. In one quick motion, he sent his cruiser upwards, hovering just above his spot in the line-up as well as the tops of the other space crafts around him. He then twisted to the left, shoved his foot down and sent his ship spiraling around and past the lines. He knew that the patrol vehicles used by the Garrison in charge of the checkpoint didn’t get quite a much speed as the fighter pilot models – the ones that were similar to his own Blade provided cruiser – so as long as he got a decent head start on them, he could land his cruiser on the lot roof Pidge had gotten sealed off just for him – another perk of being a Paladin, she had said – and be well on his way into the crowd before they knew what hit them. He wouldn’t be able to change clothes like he wanted to, but he should be able to take the duffel bag he had shoved them in to with him.

Finding a bathroom to change in wouldn’t be hard, given their locations, and then it was just a matter of locating Pidge on the ground.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

He stole a glance at his communicator as he leaned against the wall of the handicap stall of a restaurant two blocks from the parking garage. 11:21. “Okay,” He breathed, a bit winded and winding down from the adrenaline rush that the chase had been, “all I have to do is call Pidge and find out where exactly she is. That shouldn’t be too hard.” He ran his fingers through his hair again before dropping his duffel bag and rummaging through. He changed in to his casual clothes as quickly as he could, then followed it up with a quick combing of his hair and brushing his teeth. He used a water bottle he’d had inside to rinse and spat in to the toilet, instead of the sink to avoid getting weird looks.

Well, more than he already got from when he first walked in wearing his Marmora suit and asking where the bathroom was.

He pulled on his gloves and grabbed his scarf from the bag, holding off on putting it on until he got outside and instead just tossing it over his shoulder. He rested the strap of the duffel bag on his other shoulder then headed out of the restroom. He took another quick glance at his communicator as he stepped out on to the street. 11:35. He started up to the link with Pidge’s communicator and watched the fuzzing noise line as it chimed to reach her before tying on his scarf and starting at a jogging pace towards the ball drop.

He ducked through the crowd and weaved between the other people, making his way to try and get as close to the ball as possible, while looking around and then back down at his communicator. Pidge would be as close as she could get – he was certain of that much – but then it became a concern of if she’d actually hear the communicator going off. He hoped that he’d be able to spot her in the crowd, but it was a bit difficult already. Between the light snowfall and everyone being bundled up in dark, heavy winter coats, it was near impossible to tell this huddled blur from that one.

He growled, terminated the attempt to reach her, and launched another as he checked the time again. 11:43. He looked around again before cupping one hand over his mouth. “Pidge!” He called out loudly. A few people turned to look at him with confused or annoyed expressions but none of them were the face he was looking for. He growled and tried calling for her louder, continuing to push through the throng. “Pidge! Pidge, are you around here? Can you hear me? Katie!” He shouted, getting louder and more frantic as he struggled against the current of other people.

He kept struggling and shouting, even as the crowd erupted into chanting out the count of the last minute before the ball dropped.

It was then that his eyes caught sight of a back. The person was wearing a black coat with a faux fun lining the hood and a bright blue scarf. What caught Keith’s eye was the fact that they were far too tall, towering twice as tall as those around him. He realized quickly that they were sitting on the shoulders of someone else, the two almost blurring together by the similar coloring of their coats. It was the scarf, however, that specifically caught him; he recognized the color and initials embroidered on the end.

L.M. Lance McClain.

He charged forward and felt his chest warm when he saw a slightly smaller figure standing just a few paces ahead and to the right of Lance, wearing a green and white stripped sweater and his red beanie with the white puff ball on the top. He shoved past Hunk and Lance, ignored the exclamation of protest he got, and reached to grab her arm as they reached the final few seconds.

10!

She whipped around, lips twisted up in a snarl, ready to spit venom. She was on edge already with so many people constantly bumping and crowding her, but when combined with the fact Keith hadn’t made it? She was starting her New Year on a note of irritation just as she’d been dreading. She gasped when her eyes landed on an all too familiar.

9!

“Keith! You made it!” She gasped, her irritation melting away. He looked distressed and his shoulders sagged a bit.

8!

“I’m so sorry I cut it so close. I was trying to get here faster but the Garrison was chasing me and I had to shake them and I didn’t think that running around in my Blade uniform would be a good idea in this weather and-!” He kept prattling on, his words laced in anxiety. She could tell he’d been rushing to find her, frantic to make it back and keep his promise.

7!

She decided to take pity on the poor guy and lightly pressed one gloved hand over his lips to cut off his rambling. Pidge could be petty and spiteful, but even she knew when it was time to bury the hatchet; especially when she could tell he felt sincerely bad.

6!

She let her hands slide to rest on either of his shoulders and grinned up at him. “Hey, you made it before the end of the year, right?” She teased.

5!

He blinked a bit before reaching over to cup both sides of her face, still seeming a little distressed. “I should have been here a few weeks ago,”

4!

“Yeah, but I’m willing to let us start the year off with clean slates. Sound like a plan?”

3!

His lips twitched up in a smile and he leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. “Well, at least let me make it up to you. For the sake of my own conscience,”

2!

“And what did you have in mind?” She mused, raising one brow at him inquisitively. His smile turned a bit more devious before he tilted his head and pressed his lips gently against hers.

1! Happy New Year!

She pressed her lips more firmly to his and let out an eager little purr. He took charge and surged forward, lightly tracing her lip with the tip of his tongue and letting one hand slide up higher, tangling in her hat-frazzled hair. She was more than happy to voice her contentment with a slightly louder moan. He left one hand in her hair but let the other slide down to wrap around her waist and pull her closer, his body sturdy and warm through their respective layers.

God, she’d missed him.

She’d missed being able to lean into him and press close, to share his warmth. She’d missed tucking under his arm or into his side and just resting there. She’d missed waking up with his face pressed into the crook of his neck and his arm around her waist, her back flush against his chest. She’d missed being jolted out of her work by a puff of air against her cheek followed by the soft touch of lips to the hinge of her jaw. She’d missed the two of them dancing around the kitchen together to make dinner or tidy up. She’d missed feeling like her partner-in-crime was just a brief hand gesture away.

She’d just missed him in general.

When they pulled away she smiled up at him, their foreheads touching again. It seemed that the world had faded back into focus and the ruckus around them sparked back to life. People were bustling around more aggressively than before and Pidge stepped even closer, curling up against his side to avoid getting moved around too much. “Glad we came this year. No way would we be able to do this next year with a little one,” She laughed.

He chuckled a bit and hummed. “Yea- Wait, what? Pidge, are you pregnant?” He asked, at first jovial and then freezing and staring down at her in surprise.

Her grin widened. “I’ve been waiting to tell you in person since I found out. I intended to tell you at Thanksgiving, and then when you came back for Dad’s birthday, and then I figured I’d just tell you at Christmas but that never panned out. And, I mean, I really should have just told you since I know that would have gotten you home, but that just didn’t feel right. Telling you in person was the only way I wanted to tell you,” She explained, nodding her head from side to side as she mentioned each time she’d planned to, and then nodding at her conclusion.

She watched his reaction carefully, his expression seeming to be frozen in shock, before his eyes sparked bright and his lips split in to one of his rare full smiles. He scooped her up with both arms and spun them around in a circle, laughing like a mad man while she squealed, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. When he skidded to a stop he looked up at her with such wonder and glee it left her a bit winded. “We’re gonna have a baby!” He breathed.

She flushed a little bit and giggled. “I’m about thirteen weeks in now. Due date is looking like mid-June right now, and we can find out the sex in February,” She mused, leaning down to press a small kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“Ah, so the lone wolf finally comes trekking back to the rest of the flock, I see?” Lance huffed as he and Hunk strode up.

“Um, Lance, I don’t think that you’ve got that quite right,” Hunk said meekly, squeezing the other’s hand with a small chuckle.

“Hunky, my love, I’m trying to make a point,” He said, looking up at him with a raised brow before turning his attention back to Keith and Pidge. Keith set Pidge down but still kept her pressed into his side with an arm around her waist, which she appreciated. Even with her heavy clothes, she was still a bit nippy. “Oh, and thanks for nearly send us toppling over. Couldn’t even say an ‘excuse me’?” He huffed, though there was a bit of a playful hint at the edges of his tone. While the rivalry still existed between them, they – Lance – had gotten better about letting the rivalry be more teasing than volatile.

“I’m gonna be a dad!” Keith blurted out excited, still grinning like mad. He then swooped in and gave Pidge a kiss to the forehead.

Lance opened his mouth – most likely to make some kind of teasing remark – but Hunk beat him to the punch. “Congratulations, you guys. You’re gonna be great parents,” He laughed happily.

Pidge wrapped her arms around Keith’s chest and nuzzled in while Keith, Lance and Hunk fell in to casual chatter. She wasn’t showing too much yet, but there was a little bit of a baby bump starting to become more prominent. She leaned up and kissed Keith’s chin when she felt his hand stroke against her side through her coat. She waged he had probably noticed the slight bulge now that she was pressed so close up to him.

She basked in the light glow that the year was starting on; well, until she had to get in to a screaming match with the Garrison over them trying to detain Keith after foregoing the checkpoint.

[tsgsanantoniotexas]

Memorial Day in SA

The summer season is set to be in full swing this weekend, and we’ve scouted out the best local happenings for you and your family to enjoy. From fireworks to folk festivals, we’ve got the skinny on how to make the most of your Memorial Day weekend!

On-going Fri + Sat: Memorial Day Mutts adopt-a-thon @ Animal Care Services Adoption Center Fri + Sat: Symphony Patriotic POPS @ Tobin Center Fri - Mon: Artisan Riverwalk Show near Rivercenter & Chamber of Commerce Fri - Mon: Kerrville Folk Festival @ Quiet Valley Ranch  Sat - Mon: Memorial Day Weekend Celebration @ Historic Market Square Sat - Mon: Memorial Day Sale @ Joyride Cycling 

Saturday, May 26th TX Salsa Fest @ Hemisfair Park  Barney Smith: King of the Commode Book Release @ 239 Abiso Ave Festival of Flowers @ Austin Hwy Event Center Push, Pull, Pedal, Dance and Drive Parade & Picnic @ Roosevelt Park

Sunday, May 27th Kid’s Day @ Feliz Modern Missions Game w/ Pat Green Performance @ Wolff Stadium  Vive L’amour: Annual Musical Shower of Roses @ Basilica of the Nat’l Shrine of the Little Flower

Monday, May 28th Memorial Day Cajun Crawfish Boil & Pig Roast @ the Bottling Department, Pearl Brewery  

[thekillerssluts]

Arcade Fire’s New Neighborhood: Indie Rock’s Biggest Act Is Infinitely Content In The Crescent City

In the music video for “Electric Blue,” Arcade Fire multi-instrumentalist and sometimes-frontwoman Régine Chassagne takes a stroll down Napoleon Avenue, walking, wiggling and singing her way through the aftermath of an unnamed Mardi Gras parade. While most New Orleanians will find a familiar sight in the hodgepodge of broken plastic beads, flashing police lights and clean-up crews, Arcade Fire sees something else. Namely the juxtaposition of beauty and alienation that has been a hallmark of the Canadian band’s work since their seminal debut, Funeral, turned indie rock on its head back in 2004.

“It was this really interesting scene right after the parade ends and before they clean it up. It’s this kind of desolate feeling of people stumbling around and the party’s over,” explains Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler, who co-directed the video with his cousin, Julia Simpson. “I just thought it was this really beautiful scene, with what it did to the light. It also fit some of the melancholy of the song a little bit, that feeling after the parade. It’s like, where do you go when it’s over?”

The emotional toll levied by that endless search for the next party is explored in more detail on “Signs of Life,” another single from Arcade Fire’s new album, Everything Now. For a band that has never had a shortage of things to say about the ways we find meaning in the monotony, this is thematically familiar territory. Though the music itself may have come a long way since the orchestral pop of their early releases, the message is as clear as it’s ever been. Arcade Fire is having second thoughts about society’s desire for instant and eternal gratification. Everything Now wants you to have second thoughts too, maybe even while dancing.

Primarily recorded in New Orleans, where Butler and Chassagne now reside with their four-year-old son (the pair have been married since 2003), Everything Now instantly shot to number one on the Billboard 200 when it was released earlier this summer. Yet despite its Big Easy origins, the city’s influence on the album is far from obvious. Songs like “Electric Blue,” “Signs of Life” and the title track seem to take more from the melodic disco of ABBA or the skittish new wave of Talking Heads than from anything associated with New Orleans’ storied musical history. If this town found its way into Arcade Fire’s sound, it did so in ways that are more abstract

“We weren’t looking to do what you would maybe think of as cliché New Orleans. [The city’s influence] was more in a feeling of freedom, in mashing genres and not worrying about it,” Butler says.

“We would go see the TBC Brass Band play a lot, and some of the other great brass bands. How these bands play in the pocket is very inspiring. It just makes you want to have a better feel I guess,” he adds. “Being in the same physical space as a band that’s so much better than you at something is… I think it’s the same reason the CBGB scene was what it was. You had the Ramones, the Talking Heads, Blondie, Patti Smith and it’s all so different from each other, but there’s no way the Talking Heads didn’t hear the Ramones and want to play harder and tougher. There’s no way that Talking Heads didn’t make the Ramones want to be poppier. In a certain sense, it ends up rubbing off on you. Even though the Ramones sound nothing like the Talking Heads, it still makes you want to get back and work, just being around greatness.”

“Every single time I see Charlie Gabriel [of Preservation Hall Jazz Band] play the saxophone, I stop whatever I’m doing. He’s on so many of the Motown records I’ve listened to my whole life. Aretha Franklin too. Pretty much every note he plays is so thoughtful and coming from a deep place. You can’t help but be inspired.”

Butler and Chassagne moved to New Orleans in 2014 following Arcade Fire’s second appearance at Jazz Fest. At the time, the band was in the middle of a grueling tour supporting their fourth album, Reflektor. That record marked a bit of a stylistic shift as the group veered further into dance rock territory and incorporated Afro-Caribbean musical influences, particularly Haitian rhythms, into their sound. It was an interesting move for an act whose previous album, The Suburbs, was lauded enough to earn a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. For some fans, the changes were divisive. But for Butler, the new musical direction—and the subsequent move to New Orleans—felt just right.

“I grew up in Houston and my dad came to New Orleans a lot for work, so I visited when I was a kid. Régine, my wife, her family is from Haiti and she grew up in Montreal,” Butler says. “If you were to make a triangle of Haiti, Houston and Montreal, [New Orleans] is kind of in the exact middle of that triangle. So we always felt culturally at home in a way that Régine never felt anywhere else in the U.S.”

“I think the last time we headlined Jazz Fest, we stayed there for like three weeks and we didn’t even really talk about it,” he continues. “It just kind of happened. We didn’t have a big conversation about it. We just kind of looked at each other and were like, ‘Yep, this is where we’re going to stay.’”

By the fall of 2014, Arcade Fire had wrapped up their Reflektor tour and settled into a performing hiatus that would last nearly two years. The much-needed break from the road gave Butler and Chassagne time to get better acquainted with their new home, and the pair quickly discovered an arts scene that was as vibrant as anything they’d encountered in other parts of the world. The fact that this scene extended beyond the confines of what most people consider “New Orleans culture” only made it that much better.

“I just barely caught it, but there was this huge graffiti project that happened on the West Bank,” Butler says, referring to street artist Brandan “B-mike” Odums’ acclaimed 2014 project ExhibitBE. “That was incredible. I thought that was a really world-class art event… I had to jump the fence to see it because they had just closed it, but that kind of shit I find really inspiring. There was so much great work and so many man hours put into it and such talent. That shit’s not happening in Brooklyn.”

Their extended break from touring also gave Butler and Chassagne a chance to get acquainted with some of their new friends in town, including Preservation Hall Jazz Band creative director Ben Jaffe. After meeting him at California’s Coachella festival, the pair quickly developed a rapport with the bassist/tuba player, who has since become one of their best friends. “Our kids play together,” Butler notes.

Arcade Fire’s growing relationship with Jaffe and the PHJB would eventually take the form of a very public collaboration when the time came to honor one of the greats. For Butler and Chassagne, David Bowie wasn’t just a musical and cultural pioneer; he was an early proponent of their work and, more importantly, a friend. His death in January 2016 affected them deeply, so when Jaffe suggested putting on a memorial for the late English rock icon, they got to work planning something special.

“I don’t think it was on anyone’s radar how hard it was going to hit when he passed, or that he would pass,” Butler says. “The way he made that record [Blackstar] and gave it to the world right as he died. The whole artfulness of his whole, basically his whole career, it just felt very fitting. It seemed like a lot of people would want to have some way to mourn him in a public way.”

Somber occasions often have a way of taking on a celebratory tone in New Orleans, and a memorial parade for David Bowie was the celebration many New Orleanians didn’t know they needed. At least not until the idea was presented to them. Before the PHJB and Arcade Fire announced the event, they secured a permit for a 400-person parade through the French Quarter. When the memorial went down two days later, thousands showed up to join in.

In hindsight, it’s kind of baffling that they expected anything less. The middle of January is the middle of Carnival season, after all. Beyond that, Bowie was nothing if not a champion of freedom and creativity. He may not have had many personal connections to this city, but none of his myriad personas would ever seem out of place in, say, the French Quarter. They certainly didn’t seem out of place that day when a mass of costumed people followed the PHJB, Chassagne and a megaphone-wielding Butler down Toulouse Street to the river.

“Even if you don’t know someone, you have this intimacy from listening to their records. And he touched so many people at so many different points of his career,” Butler says. “He was someone I really looked up to and was lucky enough to collaborate with… He deserved a big send-off.”

Still, the gathering was not without its critics. Some locals wondered if the PHJB had strayed too far from its original mission, while others questioned whether it was right to call the event a second line (it was originally billed as such before quickly being relabeled a “memorial parade”). It’s an impulse Butler understands, even if he doesn’t think he’s the right target.

“New Orleans should defend its culture, of course, by all means necessary,” Butler declares. “I lived in Montreal for 15 years, where they have extremely intense laws about language… I think, ultimately, the reason that people still speak French in Montreal and they don’t speak French in Louisiana is because they fought extremely hard to defend that culture. So I think that it’s worth defending, and I personally don’t feel like us doing a parade for David Bowie really encroaches on the spirit of New Orleans in any way. It’s something that, if we tried to do it any other city, it just wouldn’t happen.”

“I don’t think I’m the best symbol for the problem of gentrification in New Orleans, but if people want to make me into that, then I’m cool with that too,” he continues. “That’s totally fine. I mean, I live Uptown. I don’t live in the Bywater. My neighborhood was gentrified like 200 years ago. But my only minor quibble is that I think there are a lot of people that aren’t actually from New Orleans that end up dominating the conversation. There are a lot of adoptee New Orleans people that, a lot of the time, have the loudest voices about some of the politics of it, but I think the instinct is absolutely correct.”

Around the same time that Arcade Fire led a very public procession through the streets of New Orleans, they privately began the yearlong process of recording Everything Now. While parts of the album were laid down in Montreal and Paris, the bulk of it—“80 percent to 90 percent” by Butler’s estimation—was recorded at the band’s own BoomBox Studios in New Orleans. These sessions featured production from Thomas Bangalter of French electronic music giants Daft Punk and bassist Steve Mackey of British alt-rockers Pulp. Lost Bayou Ramblers drummer Eric Heigle, whose production credits include Anders Osborne, Eric Lindell and GIVERS, engineered the whole album and helped the band get their studio up and running. The record was also mixed at New Orleans’ Parlor Recording Studio.

“Motown’s studio in Detroit is like down in the basement of a house. It’s this tiny room,” Butler adds. “Most studios you go to have this sound-deadening foam everywhere, and the idea is to suck up all the sound and to isolate everything. When I first went to Motown, they had lacquered wood on the walls about shoulder height. The idea was that sound bounces and hits the ears of the musicians and it’s a more exciting sound.”

“The idea [for BoomBox Studios] was to take—we had this really small space, maybe 18 feet by 10 feet with a really tall ceiling—just one room and put all the gear in there and have all the kinetic energy of everyone bouncing off each other physically, and the sweat, and just kind of play.”

Arcade Fire got into something of a routine as the album was coming together. Two or three week sessions with the full band—Chassagne, Win Butler, Will Butler (keys, bass), Jeremy Gara (drums), Tim Kingsbury (guitar, bass) and Richard Reed Parry (guitar)—would be followed by reflective periods in which the group listened to its new material and tinkered with arrangements. All those stints in New Orleans rubbed off on the other members too, especially Parry. Originally an upright bass player, his frequent trips to Preservation Hall inspired him to dive back into the instrument with renewed vigor. “He got pretty deep into it,” Butler recalls.

Arcade Fire recruited a few New Orleans musicians to join them in their new studio as well, including Helen Gillet, Rebecca Crenshaw and Preservation Hall’s own Charlie Gabriel. The Harmonistic Praise Crusade, a local choir, contributed some backing vocals, as did a choir consisting of Jelly Joseph (of Tank & the Bangas), Akia Nevills, Kayla Jasmine and Tracci Lee. Canadian musician and producer Daniel Lanois, who ran Esplanade Avenue’s famed Kingsway Studios in the ’90s, even added his pedal steel to two tracks.

Notably, Arcade Fire’s New Orleans–based fans have their own moment on the new LP.During the band’s headlining set at Voodoo Fest 2016, Butler asked the crowd to join him in singing part of what would become the title track from Everything Now. After a few minutes corralling the crowd, they got what they were looking for. “You’ll thank me when you’re older,” Butler joked at the time.

“It’s used in the breakdown, that kind of a sing-along part during the breakdown of the song,” he says. “It was tough getting people to sing something they’ve never heard before. Now that the record’s out, everyone sings it. But it was sort of an experiment because I was just kind of hearing a crowd singing that part, and it seemed like the best way to do that was to have an actual crowd singing that part rather than faking it.”

In the months after that Voodoo Fest set, Butler made a number of trips to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans’ Central Business District. He wasn’t there to rehearse for an arena tour. He was simply enjoying one of his favorite pastimes: basketball. A student of the game since childhood, Butler played reserve center and power forward on his high school’s varsity team. The 6’ 4” rock star even took home the MVP trophy at last year’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

When asked if moving to New Orleans has turned him into a Pelicans fan, Butler replies with a very emphatic, “F**k yeah, man.” His thoughts on the team could warrant a story of their own, but it’s safe to say he’s been following them closely. And like many fans of the Pelicans, he has a few ideas for turning their fortunes around.

“[Anthony Davis] is a once-in-a-decade sort of talent. That dude could totally bring a championship to New Orleans and they better try,” Butler says of the Pelicans star. “Jrue [Holiday] is a top-five defender in the NBA. AD is a top-five defender. We could be a dominant defensive team. So to me, it’s a bit like the Spurs where you just need dudes that can shoot and play defense… I don’t think you need a lot of playmaking and shit when you have Anthony Davis and Boogie. Those dudes are going to get 70 a night, and then everyone else on the court should be able to shoot and play D. No exceptions.”

Butler’s basketball fandom extends to the University of New Orleans too, and he often goes to shoot hoops at the school’s Lakefront Arena. When the team graduated a number of seniors last year, they needed an extra player to run 5-on-5 during practice. Butler was happy to be the tenth man for a couple of weeks.

“I would just come and scrimmage at the end of practice, which is pretty much my dream in life. To not have to do the basketball practice and like lift weights, but to play,” he says. “So I definitely have a soft spot for that team.”

Incidentally, Butler will return to the Lakefront Arena when Arcade Fire headlines the venue on September 26 as part of their “Infinite Content” tour. They’ll be supported by Wolf Parade, another indie rock outfit that got its start in the same Montreal music scene that birthed Arcade Fire.

“We’ve been doing these shows with the stage in the middle of the room, kind of like a boxing ring,” Butler explains. “There are so many musicians in the band, and the stage is really small, so there’s been an extremely fresh energy. It really changes how you play songs… We love playing Jazz Fest, but this will be cool too because the production of our show is something we put a lot of work into, and it’s really a whole different animal.”

Considering Arcade Fire’s upcoming touring schedule—the band has 40-plus dates in three continents on the horizon—Butler and Chassagne won’t be spending as much time in New Orleans as they’d like in the near future. “Unfortunately, my professional obligations are kind of like being in a pirate ship,” Butler laments.

Nevertheless, the pair would like to dedicate more time to their philanthropic endeavors when their schedule allows it. In particular, they’d like to continue their involvement with the Preservation Hall Foundation, as well as their work with the KANPE Foundation, a group that provides aid to rural communities in Haiti (Chassagne, whose parents fled Haiti in the 1960s during the Duvalier dictatorship, co-founded the latter organization). Those worlds actually collided in December 2015, when the PHJB helped KANPE bring instruments to a youth group in the Haitian village of Baille Tourible.

Additionally, Butler would like to assist groups that are fighting some of this state’s most important political battles. “Something that’s really close to my heart in New Orleans that—I’ve kind of put out feelers—but something that I would like to be a lot more heavily involved with is prison reform in Louisiana. To me, one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the last election was being so close to getting rid of private prisons and then having it be deferred, having all that work go in the garbage,” he says. “If anyone, through this article, has any way I can be helpful in moving that conversation along… I’m all ears.”

It’s encouraging to hear that Butler is concerned with local political issues. Over the decades—the centuries, really—artists who fall in love with New Orleans have been a dime a dozen. From Edgar Degas to Tennessee Williams and Trent Reznor, countless people have created beautiful works here, only to pack their bags when the muse calls them elsewhere. If one is truly to make their home in this place, they need to confront the bad as well as the good. When it comes to New Orleans, Butler has no qualms insisting his relationship isn’t a fling.

“It’s the only city in America I could imagine living in,” he says. “It’s where we’ve chosen to raise our son. We’re not pulling up stakes, other than this pirate ship of a tour that we have to do for an indeterminate amount of time. I have a picture on a wall in my house of my grandfather [swing era bandleader Alvino Rey] playing with Louis Armstrong. It’s not a passing flirtation.”

[365goalsfor365days]

2017 Bucket List - November Update (1/365) (Total: 87/365)

1. Become a homeowner

2. Do a 30 day Abs challenge

3. Reach goal weight of 120 lbs

4. Watch Rotten Tomatoes Top 100 Movies of 2016

5. Build a bear at Build-A-Bear

6. Buy a new winter jacket

7. See a Sunset-Retreat Ceremony at the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina

8. Obtain regular drivers license

9. Make homemade jam

10. Get a passport

11. Make a dream catcher

12. Make a mobile with 1000 origami cranes

13. Knit a scarf

14. Make homemade basil pesto

15. Go rock climbing

16. Tour the Chicago Connection tunnel in Moose Jaw

17. Tour the Passage to Fortune tunnel in Moose Jaw

18. Make herb butter

19. Go through the Edmonton Corn Maze

20. Attend a drop-in Spin class

21. Attend a drop-in yoga class

22. Get a pair of mukluks

23. Bowl a 100+ game

24. Catch a fish

25. Go Ice Fishing

26. Watch Rotten Tomatoes Top 100 Horror Movies (except the ones on the top 250 list from 2016)

27. Read “Animal Farm” by George Orwell

28. Take a ride on the High Level Streetcar

29. Read “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen and watch the movie

30. Read “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini and watch the movie

31. Read “The Ables” by Jeremy Scott

32. Attend a cooking class

33. Make Eggs Benedict

34. Make own soy candles

35. Donate $25 to a charity once a month for the year (12x)

36. Complete wedding photo book

37. Read “It” by Stephen King and watch the movie

38. Tour Candy Cane Lane

39. Find 5 Geocaches

40. Increase student loan payments to $300 each/month

41. See the stars at an observatory

42. Earn $1/day for 30 consecutive days

43. Visit the Devonian Botanic Gardens

44. Read all 36 books in the original “Dear Canada” series

45. Read all 54 books in the fictional “Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osbourne

46. Read all 51 books in the Adventures of the “Bailey School Kids” series

47. Read “Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers” by Mary Roach

48. Make a quilt

49. Try hot yoga

50. Watch an E-Ville roller derby bout

51. Go to a Paint Nite event

52. Read “The Shift: One Nurse, Twelve Hours, Four Patients’ Lives” by Theresa Brown

53. Make homemade fried chicken

54. Go to an Around Midnight show

55. Read “Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner” by Judy Melinek, TJ Mitchell

56. Do the Blogilates Thigh Slimming Challenge

57. Dye my hair blonde

58. Read “Every Patient Tells a Story” by Lisa Sanders

59. Make the “Curious Confection” Alice in Wonderland drink

60. Make the “Sirens Song” Little Mermaid drink

61. Make the “Glass Slipper” Cinderella drink

62. Make the “Belle of the Ball” Belle drink

63. Read “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks

64. Donate 10 lbs of food to the food bank

65. Solve a rubik’s cube

66. Make macarons

67. Host a holiday dinner for family

68. Make coconut cream pie

69. Pick berries from a berry farm

70. Visit the Dead Sea of Saskatchewan (Little Manitou)

71. Sew a dress

72. Sew a teddy bear

73. Make a lemon beeswax candle

74. Win something

75. Hold Crow Pose (Yoga)

76. Go to dinner theatre

77. Go horseback riding

78. Hold Sirsasana (Yoga)

79. Attend the Edmonton Heritage Festival

80. Hold Kala Bhairavasana (Yoga)

81. Have a meal at Bistro Praha

82. Try ax throwing

83. Eat a Noorish

84. Eat at Café Bicyclette

85. Get a hot stone massage

86. Read all 20 books from the Royal Diaries series

87. Pose for a nude painting

88. Be in a boudoir photoshoot

89. Read all the books from the Dear America series

90. Watch Rotten Tomatoes Top 100 Movies of All Time (excluding the ones from last year’s top 250 imdb movies)

91. Make my own bath bombs

92. Make homemade artisan soap

93. Make handmade coasters

94. Crochet a hat

95. Conquer my fear and hold a snake

96. Become a First Aid Instructor

97. Become a CPR Instructor

98. Learn how to play “Under the Sea” from the Little Mermaid on xylophone

99. Learn “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on ukulele

100. Make fancy homemade popsicles

101. Complete graduation photobook

102. Watch every movie on the IMDB top 250 movies list

103. Bake a chocolate chip filled beavertail

104. Make caramel-apple jello shots

105. Make homemade Bath Salts

106. Pick a pumpkin at upick

107. Crochet Christmas stockings

108. Do a cross stitch

109. Read “End of Watch” by Stephen King

110. Make homemade California rolls

111. Read “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Lawson

112. Get a position in Labor and Delivery or Postpartum

113. Complete the Neonatal Resuscitation Program

114. Do 100 Consecutive Push Ups

115. Make chicken curry

116. Read “Revival” by Stephen King

117. Read “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins

118. Read “They Left Us Everything: A Memoir”

119. Read “The House Girl” by Tara Conklin

120. Make candy apples

121. Read “Fangirl: A Novel” by Rainbow Rowell

122. Complete my Wreck this Journal book

123. Jog an entire 5K

124. Have a full day Harry Potter movie marathon

125. Read “We Need to Talk About Kevin” by Lionel Shriver

126. Complete a 1000 piece puzzle

127. Try the sensory deprivation chamber at Floatique Edmonton

128. Donate 5 items to the Ronald McDonald House

129. Watch Rotten Tomatoes Top 100 Documentary Films

130. Sew all badges on camp blanket

131. Make pecan pie

132. Watch The Good Dinosaur (2015)

133. Sign a petition

134. Learn how to do my taxes

135. See a play at the Fringe Festival

136. Visit the Edmonton Folk Fest

137. Go to the Muttart Conservatory

138. Have lunch at Ampersand 27

139. Fold 1000 origami stars

140. Play through Beyond Two Souls

141. Watch Rotten Tomatoes Top 100 Musical & Art Movies (with exception of the ones from last year’s top 250 list)

142. Explore the Art Gallery of Alberta

143. Go to the John Walter’s Museum

144. Eat at Earnest’s at NAIT

145. Bake a Baked Alaska

146. Have a girls night

147. Visit the Reynolds-Alberta Museum

148. Have a game night at the Table Top Cafe

149. Make beef and Guinness stew with Irish Bread

150. Cook lobster

151. Make tiramisu

152. Go to a Driving Range

153. See a movie and have dinner at the VIP theater

154. Bake Boston cream pie

155. Complete a coloring book

156. Play slots at a casino

157. Go skating

158. Try to escape The Cabin at Escape City

159. Watch an outdoor movie

160. Tour the Royal Canadian Mint

161. Go on a gelato date

162. Complete Sims challenge

163. Get a BBQ and have a BBQ with friends

164. Have a yard sale

165. Make blueberry bavarian

166. Successfully do winged eyeliner

167. Have dessert from Italian Bakery Edmonton

168. Try scuba diving

169. Eat at Native Delights food truck

170. Eat at the Three Bananas Café

171. Try fried chicken and waffles

172. Try a Po’Boy

173. Grow Parsley

174. Grow Oregano

175. Watch 28 days

176. Eat deep fried ice cream

177. Camp at Elk Island National Park

178. Make homemade tootsie rolls

179. Eat at The Buckingham

180. Roast pumpkin seeds

181. Marathon the Shrek series

182. Do 100 consecutive sit ups

183. Read “Tough Shit” by Kevin Smith

184. Read “Mugged by a Moose” by Matt Jackson

185. Go to a hot springs during winter

186. Watch a parade

187. Read “The Trouble with Alice” by Olivia Glazebrook

188. Go hostelling in Nordegg

189. Take a class at Greenland Garden Centre

190. Have lunch at the Harvest Room at Hotel MacDonald

191. Take a drop in class at the Art Gallery of Alberta

192. Read “Shine Shine Shine” by Lydia Netzer

193. Get dessert from the Duchess Bake Shop

194. Complete a 52 Week Savings Plan Challenge

195. Go to a couple’s massage

196. See a live show at the Roxy

197. Read “Hope’s Boy” by Andrew Bridge

198. Attend a show at the Rapidfire Theatre

199. See a U of A varsity game

200. Play at Breakout Edmonton

201. Have dinner on the Edmonton Queen Riverboat

202. See a film at the Edmonton Film Festival

203. Complete Wedding Scrapbook

204. Go paddle boating

205. See a movie at the Garneau Metro City Theatre

206. Try La Poutine!

207. Tube down the Pembina River

208. Attend a cooking class at Superstore

209. Read “I, Ripper” by Stephen Hunter

210. Read “Happyface” by Stephen Emond

211. Learn how to edit photographs

212. Read “The Mighty Miss Malone” by Curtis

213. Visit grandma’s grave

214. Design my own deck of cards

215. Start a scrapbook

216. Finish my red recipe book

217. Send out Christmas cards

218. Make homemade lip balm

219. Do a 30 day arm sculpting challenge

220. Read “In the Unlikely Event” by Judy Blume

221. Read “Church of Marvels” by Leslie Parry

222. Read “My Secret Sister” by Helen Edwards

223. Read “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Annie Barrows

224. Read “The Book of Negroes” by Lawrence Hill and watch the movie

225. Read “Nerd Do Well” by Simon Pegg

226. Read “Wild” by Cheryl Strayd and watch the movie

227. Read “I am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai

228. Eat at Plates

229. Read “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak and watch the movie

230. Read “Welcome to Nightvale: A Novel” by Joseph Fink

231. Read “1984” by George Orwell

232. Read “Nightmares!” by Jason Segal and Kirsten Miller

233. Read “The Bazaar of Bad Dreams” by Stephen King

234. Read “Finders Keepers” by Stephen King

235. Read “The Little Old Lady” series by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg

236. Read “Mr Mercedes” by Stephen King

237. Read “Left Neglected” by Lisa Genova

238. Read “Doctor Sleep” by Stephen King

239. Read “Bringing Adam Home: The Abduction that Changed America” by Les Standiford

240. Read “Carry On” by Rainbow Rowell

241. Read “A Spy Among Friends” by Ben Macintyre

242. Read “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” by Rebecca Wells and watch the movie

243. Read “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova and watch the movie

244. Read “Five Days at Memorial” by Sheri Fink

245. Read “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katerine Boo

246. Read “The Haunting of Sunshine Girl” by Paige McKenzie

247. Read “Dirty Jobs” and “Second Hand Souls” by Christopher Moore

248. Read “Two Shadows Have I” by Don Banting

249. Read “My Sister’s Keeper” and watch the movie

250. Bake Lemony Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

251. Bake Cream cheese, banana & coconut pain perdu

252. Make Smoked Salmon & Fresh Dill Potato Skins

253. Make Mexican Tostadas

254. Read “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” by J.K. Rowling

255. Read “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding and watch the movie

256. Read “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” by April Genevive Tucholke

257. Read “The Good Nurse” by Charles Graeber

258. Read “Four Past Midnight” by Stephen King

259. Read “When Rabbit Howls” by Truddi Chase

260. Read “Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland” by Amanda Berry & Gina DeJesus

261. Read “Anya’s Ghost” by Vera Brosgol

262. Read “Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them” by J.K. Rowling and re-watch the movie

263. Read “Birdie” by Tracey Lindberg

264. Read “The Trouble with Goats and Sheep” by Joanna Cannon

265. Read “I am Haunted” by Zak Bagans

266. Read “Dad is Fat” by Jim Gaffigan

267. Read “At Home in Old Strathcona” by Gwen McGregor Molnar

268. Walk across a suspension bride

269. Read “The Tumbling Turner Sisters” by Juliette Fay

270. Read “The Dangerous Animals Club” by Stephen Tobolowsky

271. Read “The Book of Speculation” by Erika Swyler

272. Read “Seriously…I’m Kidding” by Ellen Degeneres

273. Read “The Nurses” by Alexandra Robbins

274. Get ears pierced again

275. Make 365 new recipes

276. Catch all the Pokemon

277. Go Roller Blading

278. Read “Room” by Emma Donohue then watch the movie

279. Read “Seeing the Light” and “Drowning in Amber” by E.C. Wells

280. Walk at least 20 000 steps for 3 consecutive days

281. Build a fire myself

282. Read “Scrappy Little Nobody” by Anna Kendrick

283. Build a sandcastle

284. Build a snowman

285. Write a legal Advance Directive and get notorized

286. Get all Pokemon medals

287. Make a house key print tree ornament

288. Read “The First Phone Call from Heaven” by Mitch Albom

289. Read “The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August” by Claire North

290. Read “Joyland” by Stephen King

291. Read “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls” by David Sedaris

292. Read “If I Stay” by Gayle Forman then watch the movie

293. Watch Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

294. Photograph a robin

295. Photograph a blue jay

296. Eat at Craft Beer Market

297. Go apple picking

298. Subscribe to Novel Tea Club boxes

299. Fully decorate apartment for Halloween

300. Go to another TWOS Dark Matters Night

301. Cook every single recipe in a cookbook

302. Tie Dye a baby onesie

303. Try an alcohol shot

304. Swap customized handmade keychains with Daniel

305. Body paint with Daniel

306. Read “AB Negative”

307. Go canoeing

308. Play a game of chess

309. Play laser tag

310. Have a Chopped competition with Daniel

311. Read “The Astronaut Wives Club” by Lily Koppel

312. Read “I Never Knew That About the Irish” by Christopher Winn

313. Reach level 40 (highest level) of Pokemon Go

314. Do a 30 day butt lift challenge

315. Make fruit sushi

316. Eat at the Sugarbowl

317. Complete a 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge

318. Do the 30 day HIIT Challenge

319. Shoot a gun

320. Juggle 3 balls

321. Pick a door lock

323. Dance on my balcony with Daniel as it gently rains

324. Fit into size 6 pants

325. Write a love letter

326. Watch Now and Then movie

327. Complete Pocket Posh Logic book

328. Watch a hockey game from the stands

329. Watch a football game from the stands

330. Eat one of the meals at the High Level Diner that was featured on You Gotta Eat Here!

331. Use the old phone system in Alberta Government Telephone at Fort Edmonton Park

332. Make the “Sleep Cycle” Princess Aurora drink

333. Watch a film at Capitol Theatre in Fort Edmonton Park

334. Go to the Alberta Aviation Museum

335. Visit Jurassic Forest outside of Edmonton

336. Have breakfast at Under the High Wheel

337. Make the “False King” Disney drink

338. Make the “Ohana Colada” Disney drink

339. Have dessert at Block 1912

340. See a movie at the Princess Theatre

341. Go to an exhibit at the Fine Arts Building Gallery

342. Start an expense journal

343. Take a class at Purdy’s chocolates

344. Read “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” by Aron Ralston and watch 127 Hours movie

345. Make wine glass winter scene candle holders

346. Complete ACLS course

347. Read “Complications” by Atul Gawande

348. Eat Dippin Dots

349. Learn calligraphy

350. See a moose in the wild

351. Go paintballing

352. Watch Steel Magnolias movie

353. Go on a double date

354. Sew matching aprons for myself and Daniel

355. Can something with mom

356. Do a 30 Day Yoga Challenge

357. Have an entire grocery receipt with save, discount, or bonus air miles for every single item

358. Visit Dr. Woods House Museum in Leduc

359. Go on a bike ride around Telford Lake

360. Skip rocks with Daniel

361. Get free tea from DavidsTea

362. Do yoga outside at sunrise

363. Eat hungover breakfast with friends the morning after a party

364. Read “Fortune’s Bastard” by Robert Chalmers

365. Watch Rotten Tomatoes Top 100 Comedy Movies

[doomedandstoned]

Ohio Doomed & Stoned Fest

 ~Doomed & Stoned Festival Scrapbook~ 

Words by Dan Simone   |   Films by Scott Goldy of Project Concert 150

The inaugural Ohio Doomed and Stoned Fest took place over two hot and heavy days in July at the Buzzbin Art & Music Shop in beautiful downtown Canton, Ohio, and it was a blast!   24 heavy bands from Ohio and the surrounding region came together and just fucking rocked out. I was asked to do a year-end review as the lead organizer of the fest and I gotta admit, my recollections are a bit hazy. It was six months ago, after all, so while my memories may be lacking in specificity. I can assure you of this, however: while I began the first day stressed-out and more than a little bit scared of the many little things that could go wrong when coordinating so many people into something coherent and successful, it was so fucking worth it.

DAY ONE

Saturday, July 21st, was a pretty nice day, all things considered. Sunny and warm, with a threat of rain in the forecast, but we had planned for that with tarps and pavilions galore. A couple of the bands got to the Buzzbin right around the same time as me and though I didn't really know these guys well at the time, they immediately volunteered to help with the final preparations. I mention this to make a point about the heavy music scene here in Ohio. Everyone's just cool. It's something we love about our scene here. There really isn't much bullshit. Everyone involved just wants to make a bunch of really awesome music and play it really loud for everyone else.

Doomed & Stoned in Ohio by Doomed & Stoned

Anyway, got everything set up. Killer. We had two stages set up to run in 30-minute time slots, one stage inside and one outside (hence my concern about the rain). While band "A" played on one stage, band "B" set up and soundchecked so they'd be ready to go as soon as band "A" was done. Day One had 14 bands scheduled to play and for the first few acts I was running around like crazy making sure that everything was going well and everyone knew where to be when. Monastery from Cleveland started things off on the inside stage, nice and hazy and we were off!

God's Grave by Monastery

OctoSkull #1: Original Soundtrack by Doom Christ

Ascension by Cult Of Sorrow

Acceptable Level of Misery by DeathCrawl

Red Sky EP by Black Spirit Crown

Somewhere Out Among the Stars is Home by Matter of Planets

Tria by Night Goat

Dumb enough to care by Enhailer

Kali Yuga by Maharaja

International House of Mancakes by Bridesmaid

PALE GREY LORE by PALE GREY LORE

Astrological Passages by Weed Demon

Dead Seeds, Barren Soil by Horseburner

Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2 by Howling Giant

You guys, it was fucking great! The bands were on point, the fans were way in to it, the taco truck was selling grilled cheese sandwiches, and once we played and I settled down a bit, I was in heaven. Everywhere I turned my pals were having a great time. Someone brought in a bunch of ferns in hanging baskets and hung them around the outside stage, and then there were running fern battles throughout the rest of the evening.

Official Sponsor: EarthQuaker Devices

DAY TWO

Sunday, July 22nd dawned nice and sunny as well. My brother and I bummed around downtown Canton, which isn't particularly lively on a Sunday morning. There was some parade - we never really found out why - but we found our way around and had some food and drinks and girded our loins for what was sure to be another adventure of a day...and boy was it!

By the time we got to Buzzbin to start getting everything back in order, it was obvious that we weren't going to get a repeat of Saturday's perfectly beautiful sunny summer weather. The rain started misting down before Reflex Machine, our fist band of the day, even started inside. That was ok, as I said before we had pavilions and tarps set up all over outside, and the stage was covered on three sides.

Then the wind started blowing -- right in to the face of the stage. We delayed our second band, Urns from Pittsburgh, to see if it would blow over. The rain slackened enough that they were able to set up and play safely, if slightly damp, but it was obvious that it was only going to get worse. So we improvised! In a stunning display of Stoner Teamwork, we cleared the entire second stage area of all gear and transferred it inside, P.A. and all, in about 5 minutes. In another 10, we had recreated the outside stage and set it up perpendicular to the main stage. It got a little tight, but it worked and the show went on!

Reflex Machine/Ghost Embryo Split by Reflex Machine, Ghost Embryo

Borrowed Light by Sweaty Mammoth

Amps. Anecdotes. Annihilation. by supercorrupter

Good As Evil by BlackWater

BY GOD by goosed

Deny Everything by Contra

Abandoned by Pillärs

VI by Close The Hatch

Another Way to Fly by Silent Monolith

So there you have it, my recollections of the Ohio Doomed and Stoned Fest. I probably could've gone in to detail about each band's act, but I honestly missed several while dealing with behind the scenes stuff. The bands I saw were fantastic, as they always are, and judging by what I heard about the ones I missed, they were, as well. All-in-all, the festival was a total blast and we're very excited for Ohio Doomed and Stoned Fest II coming in July 2019. Stay tuned for details!