#bahamas tour day 2

[iaketpauet]

A guide to Robin Finck in Guns n' Roses for people who can't stand Axl Rose

I've spent months reading, watching and listening to all things regarding Robin's time in Guns so you don't have to.

*extremely long post*

L to R: Chris Pitman, Bryan "Brain" Mantia, Robin Finck, Tommy Stinson, Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal. At Download Festival, June 11, 2006.

From Cirque to Guns

In the beginning of 1997 Cirque du Soleil was touring Los Angeles and Axl Rose went to see the show. Matt Sorum (GnR's drummer until then) pointed out to Axl that 'Robin from Nine Inch Nails' was playing the guitar.

"I told Axl to see him and he said, 'That's our guitar player,' I said, 'Bring in Robin to play alongside Slash', but Axl said, 'I want him to play lead.'" - Matt Sorum, 1999.

Robin got a call from Axl and then he started to jam with the band (already without Slash) every Monday, his day off (circus' dark day). In April, Chris Vrenna also joined for a few sessions before he split to focus on his Tweaker project, and Robin brought Billy Howerdel (former guitar technician for NIN) to help him program his sounds, but wound up staying for two and a half years with them.

In June, Robin quit the circus and joined the band.

2 years contract (August 1997 to August 1999)

Over the year of 1998, the band took shape, consisting of Robin and Paul Huge Tobias on the guitar, Tommy Stinson on bass guitar, Dizzy Reed on keys and percussion, Josh Freese on drums and Chris Pitman helping them with writing and engineering. Although Axl was contributing with ideas, he wasn't laying many vocal tracks at that time, as he was allegedly suffering with writer's block.

They wrote at least half of the Chinese Democracy album along with other still unreleased songs and many instrumentals in this period, including parts/ideas Robin had previously come up with during his circus days. Some sources had said they were working on 35 tracks.

Robin and Josh Freese in 1998 (from Josh's Instagram)

They also re-recorded Appetite for Destruction, which was never released but a segment of Sweet Child o'Mine was included in the closing credits of 1999's Big Daddy movie. Axl's intention was to use the entire song, but Slash and Duff didn't allow it, so they made a hybrid of the old version with their new one. You can listen to their segment starting at 2'58, with the second part of the main solo and the last one played by Robin:

It was rumored that Robin recorded an uncredited overdub of backing vocals for the track Mr. Brownstone in the Live Era '87-'93 compilation album. You can listen to it below, around 1'25 min.

Just in time for NIN's Fragility tour v1.0, his contract came to an end in August and soon he went to Bahamas with Nine Inch Nails to begin with their tour rehearsals.

Atlas Shrugged

"I have respect for Axl Rose, I wish him all the success that he deserves and if his album sounds a little industrial, I will take it like a compliment... On the other hand, when we played MTV awards, he made pass a press release announcing that it would cut of his disc all the parts of guitars played by Robin Finck and I find that a little ridiculous, it is a whim of star." - Trent Reznor, 1999.

"And they just said, 'Come over and do some stuff.' It's a long story to be honest and I won't bore you with all the details, but Axl was feeling that he was in a difficult place because the guitarist that he'd been working with on this new album had sort of replaced Slash, because they fell out, sadly. [...] The guitarist that had done most of the tracks had departed and Axl had a real emotional attachment to what he'd done, and yet he didn't want him on the album - and I hope I'm not saying too much here - he didn't really want him to stay on the album because he'd disappeared, you know - so he's feeling a kind of divided loyalty and he said: 'Brian, can you come and do stuff which I WILL LIKE, (laughing) and I won't feel too bad about ditching this other stuff?'" - Brian May, 2000.

While Axl was trying to cut Robin's work out of Chinese Democracy, hiring high-profile guitarists such as Dave Navarro and Brian May to lay guitar tracks, he started recording vocals for some of the songs, like HardSchool (now Hard Skool), Catcher in The Rye and The Blues (now Street of Dreams). Among them, the still unreleased Atlas Shrugged has lyrics which are allegedly about Robin.

An excerpt from Atlas Shrugged lyrics.

Whether it's about him or not, the lyrics go along with feelings of "following his heart" Robin expressed through interviews from that time.

"It was a difficult decision to make because I was so wrapped up in what I was doing at the time and I was proud of the work I'd done. But when it came down to it, I couldn't imagine NIN going out without me or with somebody else. I'm in a good place right now." - Robin Finck, 1999.

Prior to quitting the band to form A Perfect Circle with Billy Howerdel, Josh Freese helped Axl getting in touch with Buckethead. In early 2000 Buckethead was convinced to join in.

3 guitars lineup

"Originally it was gonna be a two-guitar player group. I split forever so I thought and went back to Nine Inch Nails. In my absence they were looking to replace me and Josh Freese, the drummer at the time, had brought Buckethead in to essentially fill the slot I had left. They really liked him but he's kind of a stunt guitar player. He does a very specific thing and he has a real genius sensibility about him. But he rarely plays the same thing twice ever and when you're trying to cruise through 'Nightrain' that just makes it a little (laughs) too different. So they needed someone to anchor the songs. They kept Buckethead to do what Buckethead does and they needed someone else to play alongside." - Robin Finck, 2014.

In late 2000 Robin returned to Guns for the upcoming gig as headliner act of Rock in Rio III Festival. As a sort of warm-up show, the band was booked for a New Year's Eve gig at The House of Blues in Las Vegas. It was the first time Robin performed live with Guns n' Roses.

Robin and Buckethead playing Paradise City at The House of Blues, January 1st, 2001.

With two lead guitarists, rumors that Robin and Buckethead weren't getting along very well began to emerge. And it seems that Axl encouraged competition between them.

"So it's taken a long time to pull these guys together and then have them develop a chemistry with themselves. When we first did our first show in Vegas, Robin and Buckethead didn't know each other at all, and you've got two lead guitar players trying to kill each other. You know, with their abilities. It's like when I tried to bring Zakk and Slash together. That didn’t go too well. (...) It was fun to watch." - Axl Rose, 2002.

Although neither Robin or Buckethead talked about it, years later Tommy Stinson showed his disdain for Buckethead on interviews and soon-to-be a member Richard Fortus has talked extensively about how difficult it was to make a lineup with three guitarists work. I'll return to this topic later.

Skullet

For these shows, Robin appeared with an extreme form of the mullet hairstyle, the skullet. Differing from his previous tours with Nine Inch Nails, this time he maintained the same haircut for the whole touring cycle: from the few performances in 2001 until their last gig in 2002. The only difference is that he straightened his hair in 2002.

At The Joint, Las Vegas, December 31st, 2001. Photo by Robert John.

From their US leg of the tour, 2002. Photo by George Chin.

Better

Between his comeback and early 2001, Robin came up with a song working titled 3 Dollar Pyramid, which turned out to be Better, the only song released with credits attributed exclusively to him and Axl Rose.

"[Better] was brought in after Josh [Freese] and was written by the band. It was Robin Finck’s song. We jammed it for a couple weeks and then went into the studio and recorded it." - Bryan "Brain" Mantia (GnR's drummer from May 2000 until June 2006), 2009.

Better without vocals

Richard Fortus

In 1999 Richard auditioned for Robin's place. He wasn't the chosen one but became good friends with Tommy. When Paul Tobias stepped out of his role as rhythm guitarist, Tommy called Richard to replace him for the 2002 tour.

Soon Richard and Robin formed a strong bond, which could be seen on as much as offstage throughout Robin's tenure, with Richard stating several times how much he loved working with him afterwards.

Richard and Robin during Nightrain at Allstate Arena, Chicago, November 18th, 2002.

Refusing to leave

After the 2002 tour being cancelled halfway through and "Guns' inability to complete an album", Buckethead quit in late 2003. In spite of the uncertainty of their situation as a band, Robin preferred not to leave them this time to tour with Nine Inch Nails. According to Reznor, his choice was driven by greed.

"Robin Finck [was] getting paid loads of money to hang out with Axl Rose and his house was getting paid for. You know what, f*ck you." - Trent Reznor, 2005.

Robin has never touched on this subject, but there are two things that need to be stressed: The album was very close to be finished and Guns was planning to perform in late 2005 - which only became reality in 2006 - so his decision might have been because of it.

2 guitars lineup?

"As far as I know, he [Buckethead] hasn't been replaced, but we already have enough guitarists". - Tommy Stinson, 2004.

"At the moment, Robin Finck and I are the only guitarists in the band. We switch off between lead and rhythm." - Richard Fortus, 2005.

They kept rehearsing as a duo until a few weeks before their warm-up gigs for the European tour at the Hammerstein Ballroom in May 2006.

"It was just Robin and myself, and we were doing rehearsals and Brain, and it was phenomenal, I mean, absolutely amazing. And literally, I think it was two days before we were supposed to do our first show, the energy was palpable. [...] Axl came down, he was like, 'This is the band I've always wanted.' The next day Bumblefoot comes in, and I guess, they found this guy and he came in, and the whole dynamic just completely shifted." - Richard Fortus, 2020.

Bullying Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal

Tommy had stated that they weren't doing auditions for a new guitarist, but Axl's team contacted Ron in 2004. Although nothing happened from it, in April 2006, Axl called him to "jam" with the band while they were rehearsing for their tour. Ron became Buckethead's replacement and stayed with them until 2015. In the beginning, he wasn't treated well by "some" members.

"Well, when I first joined the band, they did not want me in the band. And it’s not me - they just didn’t want a third guitar player. 'Cause at the time they had worked it out for two guitar players. Then suddenly the old manager at the time hits them up one day, and the tour was, like, two weeks away. He said, 'your new guitar player is coming down'. And they’re like, 'what the hell - who the fuck is this?', and I showed up, and they wouldn’t even look at me. For that first tour, you know, I was treated like shit. Like absolute shit. They wouldn’t really talk to me. If I spoke, they’d roll their eyes and walk out of the room. I was made to feel as unwelcome as possible. Until, finally, I had to get a little violent. And then they started realizing that I’m not gonna leave. They’re gonna get hurt. Physically. Then they realized that they couldn’t bully me, and that I was gonna fight at a level they weren’t prepared for. [...] ‘Cause I didn’t know why they were so cold to me, and I realized that they would have treated anybody that way. It was a set of circumstances, a lack of communication from the management that was there at the time, that set it up so it was almost like a stranger thrown into a crowded cage." - Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, 2013.

Note: By "physically", he meant he "tried to stab three people on stage at a show in 2006", as he told WickedInfo in 2010.

Extreme makeover

Robin playing the main solo of Sweet Child o'Mine in Chicago, 2002 (left) and in Los Angeles, 2006 (right).

"A third guitarist stood apart from the others both visually and sonically, effortlessly tearing through every riff and solo like a man possessed; think Jimmy Page on ecstasy. Even after Rose introduced the bearded, sunglass-wearing phenomenon by name, dressed like a cross between Jim Morrison and Chris Robinson, I still couldn’t believe I was looking at Robin Finck. [...] Exuding a confidence no amount of posturing can imitate, he brought a searing intensity to each Guns song with impassioned intricacy and soul. [...] Finck was great before his apparent bohemian awakening, but this was something else entirely. He was essentially running through a gallery of world-renowned portraits and landscapes, the best of their time and sacred to many, casting his own colors and impressions onto each canvas. Somehow, blasphemy be damned, he made improvements." - Antiquiet review of Guns N' Roses' performance at Gibson Amphitheater, December 16th, 2006.

Robin's definitive departure

On April 4th 2008 NIN.com broke the news that Robin was back to the fold with a picture of him at the studio. Without knowing for sure Robin's position, Axl showed being open for a return.

"Last I was aware, he had some interest in touring, though I can't say what that means until then. In our opinion, he's made things a bit awkward publicly, but that's just his way." - Axl Rose, 2009.

Unfortunately, even with the Chinese Democracy's release in the end of that year, Robin didn't come back afterwards.

One night reappearance

The guitarist had a surprise appearance on March 12 2012 at House of Blues venue in Los Angeles to perform his song, Better, and that was the last time he got up on stage with Guns.

That's it, most of the info and rumors here I've gotten from GnR forums: MyGnRforum.com, a-4-d.com and GnRevolution.com, so a big thank you to everyone.

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ CATHERINE'S YEAR IN REVIEW : NOVEMBER ✧• ─

1 NOVEMBER - Catherine visited Dadvengers. She was later spotted at Prince George's Football Game. 2 NOVEMBER - The Duchess of Rothesay and The Duke were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Moray (Major General the Hon. Seymour Monro) at Burghead Primary School. Afterwards, they visited Brodieshill Farm. Subsequently William and Catherine visited Day1 and were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Inverness (Mr. James Wotherspoon). 8 NOVEMBER - Catherine visited the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards Regiment at Robertson Barracks as their Colonel-in-Chief. 11 NOVEMBER - Catherine and William attended the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall. 12 NOVEMBER - The Princess of Wales along with Prince William and other members of the Royal Family attended the Remembrance Day Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. The broadcast of the 2023 Earthsot Awards, featured a video of Catherine and William snorkelling with Coral Vita in The Bahamas from their tour. 14 NOVEMBER - Catherine received Mr. Jack Shonkoff (Director, Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University) at Windsor Castle. In the evening, she attended a Shaping Us National Symposium Reception at the Design Museum. Finally, Catherine and William attended King Charles's Private Birthday Party at Clarence House. 15 NOVEMBER - Catherine held a Symposium on Early Childhood at the Design Museum. 16 NOVEMBER - She held a Meeting at Windsor Castle. 17 NOVEMBER - Catherine appeared in a video message to open BBC's Children In Need. 18 NOVEMBER - Kensington Palace released a new photograph featuring Catherine decorating a Christmas Tree to announce the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Concert. 21 NOVEMBER - Catherine and William welcomed The President of the Republic of Korea and Mrs Kim Keon Hee at the Four Seasons Hotel. They then accompanied the Presidential Couple to Horse Guards and were met by The King and Queen for the official welcome ceremony. Afterwards, they viewed an Exhibition of the Royal Collection items relating to the Republic of Korea. Finally, they attended the State Banquet thrown in the honour of the President and First Lady at Buckingham Palace. 22 NOVEMBER - Catherine and William held a Reception at Windsor Castle. 24 NOVEMBER - She was received by Mr. Martin Russell (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London) at Sebby's Corner in Barnet. 30 NOVEMBER - Catherine and William received Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel of Sweden at Windsor Castle. Afterwards, they were we're joined by Victoria and Daniel for the Royal Variety Performance.

[foxes-that-run]

2016 Haylor Timeline

Timeline Tag, back to 2015.

1 January - Yachtgate with Kendall, OOTW video released with Haylor references galore, including HS on her wrist. 12 Jan - CH and TS seen for for last time till March.

6 January - Harry posted photo of rain on a window. On 6 January 2015 Taylor posted Clear Blue Water" which may have been the day they last broke up.

14 January - rather than dine alone with CH TS encourages 14 year old fan sit with them

16 January - taylor wears outfit and hair like Delicates making of a song to visit Jaime King

17 January - Taylor didn't acknowledge Calvin's birthday. Taylor is in New York

18 January - Tabloid gossip that Taylor is jealous of the yacht, she had been liking angsty Tumblr posts about Harry. Out of the Woods official release Taylor back in LA

20 January - Harry arrives at LAX. Also seen in LA 22 and 23rd. Harry’s iMessage leaks and is stylesh989@gmail.com fans confirm it syncs with his IG

21 January - Harry celebrates 22nd Birthday in London, early, with Nick Grimshaw, stylist spends the night in his house. Kendall flies LA to Paris…. if she and Harry were dating she would have flown a day early and been at his London birthday party??

23 January - Taylor releases New Romantics. Kendall and Harry at Jeff's birthday roast. Kendall is wearing a Big o' Fur (Pop tart??) and leaves alone.

24 January - Harry celebrates his 22nd birthday in LA, also early with Glenn (Jeff's wife) and presumably others.

26 January - 58th Grammys, Taylor performed Out of the Woods, Harry posted photo of woods.

27 January - Harry signs with Jeff Azoff, also in LA. timeline

29 January - Taylor posted ““So how do you spend your time now that the tour is over?”” in Genius shirt with video with Meredith, I love it.

1 February - Harry unseen on birthday, tweets "I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22."

2 February Harry looked fine AF in this Hawaiian shirt

11 February - Kanye releases Famous - it's snake time.

14 February - TN posts “you bring the James dean I’ll bring the red lip” Valentine’s Day. Harry at Clive Davis party

16 February - Taylor wins the Grammy Album of the Year for 1989. Calvin was at an after-party in a t-shirt. In Miss Americana (21 mins in) she says 'I remember thinking afterwards, Oh my god, that was all you wanted. You get to the mountaintop and you look around and Oh god, what now? I didn't have a partner I climbed it with, I didn't have anyone I could relate to, I had my mom, but I wondered shouldn't I have someone I could call right now? Harry in LA

20 February  - Harry records 'Sweet Creature' in LA. In the Album show at the Troubadour (21:40) Harry introduced 'Sweet Creature' saying it was the first song written in the studio a couple of weeks after his birthday. He was photographed in the studio 20 February.

21-29 February - CH starts Ole, it references Harry and Hendall The video (screen shots in the top line above) is about a guy who neglects his GF, the lyrics of the song are about a girl who cheats on her BF but goes on trips. The lyrics include "lowkey" aka 'Loki' and refer to the trip they take 2 weeks later - so he worked on it more. Kanye releases Famous

26 February  - Taylor out in LA

28 February - Taylor looks amazing at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party alone. Harry tweets 'you can shake an apple off a tree ' (Elvis Presley Stuck on You lyric)..... 0_0  and posted a colour photo to IG of a scrabble game thanking for voting for Brits. HS IG has been b&w since OOTW, but this was in screaming colour! ❤️

3 March - Harry tweets Norah Jones Come Away with me lyrics "The yellow grass grows knee high."

6 March - Harry seen buying groceries in Hampstead

7 March - CH and TS 1 anniversary TS thin and uncomfortable.

13 March - Harry in London, gets parking ticket.

13 - 15 March Taylor and Calvin Bikini photos in the Bahamas. A 5 hour flight, 3 nights, 4 swimsuits. Rumour they flew separately. Complete with swan inflatable for added shade. :/

15 March Harry back in LA at Cafe Habana Malibu

16 March - KK posts TS where’s the drop. Blind Calvin hooked up with someone. Harry in Beverly Hills, 24 at St Laurent

25 March - Taylor back in LA and Harry also back in LA same day, LA on the 6th, 11 April & 20 April (kid harpoons birthday).

3 April -Taylor and Calvin attended the iHeart Radio Awards, arrive separately. He looked bored, didn’t thank her. Made a face when Taylor thanked him, she didn’t every time. Calvin on his phone during her last acceptance speech. Rumors they are having trouble. Harry in LA he bought a fan’s family dinner the night before. Harry papped buying fuel in LA.

7 April - Taylor shopping at St Laurent, (which Harry had been wearing all the time) and looking like the Ready For It..? VM

8 April Blind Taylor and Calvin talk-fighting on paper walk. Harry seen shopping with Kid Harpoon and Kendall, “watch KUWK May 1

9 April Harry seen leaving Nobu Malibu

15 April -Coachella, black skinny jeans and Chelsea boots in top right of pool photo on Taylor’s instagram. Taylor at Coachella with bleached hair and a 'This Is What You Came For' jacket. CH performed. She also released that Drake Apple ad. KK there

16 April - Taylor vogue cover

22 April - Harry Tweet's "it's not the Ribbons in your Hair" Cars Just what I needed lyrics about not minding anything because a person is who they needed.

April 29 - this is what you came for:

28 April - Taylor is Bewjelled at Gigi Hadid's 21st birthday . Harry is not photographed there, but is also in L.A. the next day

29 April - This Is What You Came For is released. Taylor was an uncredited writer and has backing vocals. CH later throws shade about her not promo-ing it. Later blind that TIWYCF is about person Taylor cheating with. Calvin has an interview with Nick Grimshaw (!) in his house, where he says John Newman was there last week (Ole), talks about how John Newman has a great track coming, that the guide vocal (Taylor's) could not get better then he heard Rhianna's and it was much better:

30 April - Taylor NY for Met Gala dinner, wearing Billy Joel shirt. Calvin goes on radio and (at 2:30) says Taylor is on a break, they haven't spoken about a collab.

In August  the video has a similar hawaiian shirt but in red, he  posts to his instagram photos of him wearing one like Harry's

They then marked this day - in 2017 Harry marks the anniversary of this by getting papped in that same shirt! hahahaha

In 2018 - Calvin Harris later tweets that he grew a beard to get a Grammy

October 2022 - High Infidelity released, it opens with 'lock broken, slur spoken' and includes 'Do you really want to know where I was April 29th? Do I really have to chart the constellations in his eyes?

1 May - Taylor has dinner at Anna Wintour's house with Tom Hiddleston and James Corden!

2 May - Taylor at met gala, TS meets Joe, Hiddleswift starts.

5 May -  Erskine Records,

7 May - Harry, back in London, cuts off his hair - farewell LHH. 'Only a few songs' were recorded for his Debut before Dunkirk. Taylor posts photo of herself at Met Gala with "we never go out of style"

17 May - Harry’s friend Matt Irwin’s funeral.

18 May - Harry on set of Dunkirk in Dunkerque, shoots for next 10 weeks till 28 July.

May - 1D purchased its f to j shares back off the band and they sold director titles, each was paid £14m. They still receive royalties. Harry stopped using his twitter, PR tweets since

20 May - Taylor and Calvin seen together for the last time in a carpark. Blind that implies Calvin did something “I give the "relationship" another week […] what happened last night is going to open a whole bunch of boxes.”

22 May - Calvin in car accident, Taylor doesn’t go to hospital. Blinds implying drugs involved, but police report says no drugs and Calvin a passenger. He has a cut to the face in an SUV, other car a beetle with teenagers with pelvic features, the other car hit CHs

23 May - July  Harry shoots Dunkirk, in France on radio he said he just slept when not filming and did not make music.

29 May - Gemma Styles liked a photo of Taylor taken by Harry's friend Matt Irwin and posted that she had subscribed to Apple Music to hear 1989 earlier

2 June - CH and TS breakup confirmed on Twitter

13 June - Taylor rents house in Cornelia Street

14 June - Taylor first seen with Tom Hiddleston. Article on Taylor staged photos

16 June - tabloid gossip that Calvin Harris sent a music exec a dick pick was break up reason

23 June - both Harry and Taylor are in London. Calvin admits Taylor controlled break up media

2 July - Harry signed a solo contract for $80m, with Columbia

4 July - the last 4th July party, (until 1989-esk gathering in 2023) with I heart TS hiddleswift exploits. Harry was in London.

13 July - taylorswiftisoverparty hashtag trending CH was messy as hell on Twitter, TMZ reports taylor wrote TWYCF, the notes are now corrected. Joe in London

17 July - Kim K posts that she has a recording of Snake convo. Harry was quick to provide supportive comments.

21 July - Kendall posts "tea time" with photo Taylor later copies in LAWYMMD video. Also likes anti-swift posts.

28 July - Last time Harry seen shooting Dunkirk in UK

8 August - Taylor performs at oil heir Mike Hess's 30th birthday in the Hamptons and grinds on him, no Tom Hiddleston.

21 August - Daisy Lowe posts a person in a Harry styles tshirt to IG

24 August - Hiddleswift officially over, Tom has talked to media. Taylor wears this yellow outfit in New York which Calvin copied in the ole video.

25 August - Harry seen in LA, first time he has been seen for 16 days. Wears a similar shirt to Ole.

29 August - Taylor Lover Journal "this summer is the apocalypse" Nashville. Taylor still in NY. Rumour Harry saw her in NY.

30 August - Taylor not at VMAs due to Jury Duty

2 September - Kendall and Harry at Nobu in LA, Dunkirk wraps. Harry not seen for another 15 days after.

3 September - Harry buys LA House. He listed it for sale in May 2017 and in 2019 sold it at a loss.

5 September - Harry has dinner with Kendall then disappears. Could have been when he first went to Jamaica.

9 September - Taylor front row Gigi's fashion show

19 September  - Taylor writes a lot of reputation. Taylor flies to NY and attends Max Martin & Shellback studio. (The Swift Life video) Works on Gorgeous, I Did Something Bad, Delicate & King Of My Heart. Joe in London at Burberry show.

22 September - Hendall over, Harry hasn't been seen for 15 days.

25 September - Harry posts 3 white squares to IG

28 September - Taylor was with Cara Delevingne and Joe was in London.

29 September Harry’s another man mix tape with HS1 inspiration/ clues and Haylor love songs. Capital FM runs an article "DJs Are Just As Baller As Multi-Millionaire Rappers & Here's The Proof" and use a photo of Calvin copying Harry's St Laurent shirt!

4 October - Joe Alwyn in London, last seen 2 weeks earlier also in London. First time they are actually in same place since May. Lover Journal 3 January says they had been dating 3 months so that lines up. Their anniversary was never 28 September.

6 October - Harry in London, last seen 5 September in LA, next seen 3 November in LA.

11 October - Taylor, Cara, suki dinner, write it’s all part of the f***ing story on the tablecloth, post it, delete it and take it home

13 October - Taylor and Joe attend Kings of Leon show. In this video, Joe enters The Bowery with another blonde at (0:43) Taylor enters at 1:24. Joe in NY for 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk' Premiere and press conferences

15 October - Rumour that Harry was seen at the airport in Jamaica. He stayed there for 2 months writing HS1. (the funny thing about that is that the rumor was true and the 'insider' tumblr said it wasn't.) At 30 mins into Harry Styles: Behind the Album Harry says they had had a week in a 'total hole.' "I can't write songs" he said in the first time in a long time I had actually done something and then came back to the studio and wrote Carolina, which was the last song on the album. He's wearing the same blue hawaiian St Laurent Shirt while recording it.

20 October - Big Little Town releases "Better Man" written for Red.

21 October  - Someday is released. "Someday maybe when we're old and gray, We could be in love once more. Till then I won't give my love away, Darling, I'm forever only yours".

22 October - Taylor plays a very Haylor setlist at US Grand Prix and also performs TIWYCF

October - Harry records his debut in Jamaica. He meets Mitch - see behind the album. Worse version of Famous leaked.

24 October - Taylor at Drakes Birthday with a golden tattoo (dress) with Karlie Kloss

31 October - Taylor posts photos of Halloween party where she wore deadpool costume. Harry unseen, last seen on 6th in London

1 November - Taylor reveals she wrote Better Man in a post, it goes to #1

3 November - Harry seen back in LA at Kendall birthday and concert next day. Joe in Taipei Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk.

5 November  - Harry seen at Meghan Trainor's surprise party

8 November - Karlie and Taylor at Lorde's birthday, this is the last time she is seen hanging out with KK. On 8 November Trump elected, KKs husband is connected.

November - To Zane Lowe (48 mins) Taylor said about Evermore

"There was a sort of a double meaning to the months that are mentioned and the feelings that are mentioned one of the meanings is that we were I wrote this song and these lyrics when we were coming up to the election and I didn't know what was going to happen. So almost I was almost preparing for the worst to happen and trying to see some sort of glimmer at the at the at the end of the tunnel. The last verse you know the song is it goes through walking through the forest barefoot in the middle of winter or standing on a balcony and letting the icy wind just hit you and you're catching your death. Then in the last verse the person goes inside and finally is warm and finally is safe. It's about the process of finding hope again but it also reflected back to an experience that I had that was pretty life altering when I went through like a bunch of bad stuff in 2016 in like July, November all those times were just sort of taking it day by day to get through trying to find some trying to find a glimmer of hope all of that so I was coming from both of those perspectives"

9 November - Joe in Hong Kong for Billy Lynn's Long Halftime walk premiere

11 November - Taylor goes to Joe's movie screening, he's not named in press about it.

19 November - Reputation magazine "how do you feel about having a song written about you" photo

25 November - Harry seen in LA, then not seen again till 30th.

26 November - Taylor thanksgiving in RI, Lily D, Lily A, and Todrick. Karlie not invited, Joe not pictured. Lily D posts on her snapchat that her uber driver (Taylor) is “so pretty.” Harry MIA

28 November - Gemma, Lou Teasdale and Lou's twin Sam Campbell go to Karaoke and post WANBGT lyrics and Sam captions it 'Talk to my friends.'

30 November - Harry got coffee in LA

3 December - Harry arriving at Heathrow in London

7, 8 December - Harry in London. 8th seen with an ambulance behind him and fans wondered if he was at a hospital, his step dad passed away a few months later.

10 December - "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" released with Zayn, there are HS looking figures and outfits like the 2015 VS show

13 December - Taylor has party in London house she rented in Frognall, near Hampstead which is in the Reputation book. Karlie Kloss posts a throwback photo of Taylor for her birthday, years later stories emerge that they had a falling out over Karlie throwing a party at Taylor’s NY apartment which TS refers to in LAWYMMD.

20 December - Harry in London

28 December - there is an unconfirmed sighting of Harry and Taylor (Lover journal indicates Taylor in London. Harry seen in London (the next day) and soon after Taylor gave Austin a record signed by a friend of Harry's where Sam Campbell comments 'LOL'

31 December - Photos of Taylor and Joe getting ready thought to be taken this day. Later only 7 photos leak in 2020.  Harry in Holmes Chapel on NYE

Continue in 2017

[total-drama-takes-takes-2]

ttwt character profiles - batch 1

we are SO CLOSE to the grand finale of tta and celebrity manhunt is in the works. in the mean time, ive decided 2 take some inspo from the world tour biographies and write one for each contestant!

ALBERT

What's your best quality? I care about things that most people don't even bother to notice Faves? (music, colour, movie, food)

Indie

dark green

Blackfish

dragon fruit

Describe your craziest dream. I was trying to terraform the moon, but the boots I was wearing were too heavy, so I got stuck on the surface Best memory from childhood? Probably hiking the Appalachian trail with my dad Most embarrassing moment at school? I've had a lot... I guess being dumped wasn't easy. Describe the first job you ever had. I've never had a paid job, but I've been volunteering since I was 12. my first project was a post-concert trash pickup at the Scotiabank Arena Ten years from now, what are you doing? Probably the same thing I'm doing now, but for pay My dream date would be with ___________, doing what? That's a hard question. I guess anyone who likes me back, probably in one of the parks around Toronto. Talking outside is free and easy! It’s the last day on earth. In five words or less, what would you do? watch sunrise in a meadow

AUSTIN

What's your best quality? My mojo, baby! Faves? (music, colour, movie, food)

Anything swanky is fine by me!

Orange, baby. The most sensual color on the rainbow

Pretty Woman

Chocolates are a true aphrodisiac, baby

Describe your craziest dream. Craziest? All my dreams are crazy, baby! Best memory from childhood? The day I woke up with a full jungle on my chest! Most embarrassing moment at school? ...When I realized that jungle is absolutely irresistible to the birds! Describe the first job you ever had. I hung out at the metro station, passing around pamphlets about how hot I am, baby! Ten years from now, what are you doing? Sitting pretty in a first class jet on the way to the Bahamas with my 24 civil partners My dream date would be with ___________, doing what? A right shagadelic bird or two in a first class jet on the way to the Bahamas It’s the last day on earth. In five words or less, what would you do? Round up the ladies!

ASS

What's your best quality? What are you, my mom? Faves? (music, colour, movie, food)

Easy. Grunge.

Am I five years old to you?

Wouldn't you like to know?

Anything non-repulsive.

Describe your craziest dream. I used to have this nasty recurring dream about this knock-out stealing my fiance. I got over that eventually. Best memory from childhood? When I grew out of it. Most embarrassing moment at school? The fact that I ever cared for a second about what those losers think of me. Describe the first job you ever had. I was a barista for a while. Now, I think I'd rather be drawn and quartered than hear the word "venti" again. Ten years from now, what are you doing? Married rich or dead. My dream date would be with ___________, doing what? I hate people. It’s the last day on earth. In five words or less, what would you do?

Celebrate.

BONNIE

What's your best quality? I guess I can be... understanding. Faves? (music, colour, movie, food)

I mostly listen to video game OSTs... some pop, but don't tell anyone I told you that!

Purple

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Noodles

Describe your craziest dream. Uh, I'll pass on that. Thanks. Best memory from childhood? I guess... I don't know. Christmas. I don't know. Most embarrassing moment at school? No, thanks. Describe the first job you ever had. I was an office assistant at my school. It got me out of class, at least. Ten years from now, what are you doing? Hopefully graduated from college with a good degree. It'd be fun to be a game designer or something like that, something creative. My dream date would be with ___________, doing what? I don't really think about that stuff. Whatever seems fun, I guess. It’s the last day on earth. In five words or less, what would you do?

Hang out with Caesar.

CAESAR

What's your best quality? Um, everything? Where do I start? Faves? (music, colour, movie, food)

I'm not too picky!

Lavender

I couldn't pick!

Goat cheese on rosemary crackers

Describe your craziest dream. I was stuck in a washing machine for like, six hours until someone finally let me out. Best memory from childhood? Getting my first camera. And my first tripod- it's like a light bulb just went off in my head! Most embarrassing moment at school? I tripped in the cafeteria and ruined my silk Valentino shirt on some freshman's chili. Describe the first job you ever had. I started my first YouTube channel when I was twelve. I did outfit reviews in my bedroom. Ten years from now, what are you doing? Hosting the most popular gossip show on TV! My dream date would be with ___________, doing what? Definitely my Bonbon. We'd get pedicures (if they ever let me take them), fro-yo, and then watch something gross and bloody at home. It’s the last day on earth. In five words or less, what would you do?

Probably spend it with Bonnie.

COURTNEY

What's your best quality? I'm a team player! Faves? (music, colour, movie, food)

I like fast-paced music, just in the background when I work

Hot pink

The Devil Wears Prada

Shortbread cookies

Describe your craziest dream. Crazy as in terms of reality, or personal significance? Oh, well- I guess my most "out there" dream was one I had where I was a pirate captain, sailing a crew across the Atlantic Best memory from childhood? Spending time with my friends when my parents were away. Most embarrassing moment at school? A mean girl in my grade ran for class council secretary just because I did... it was so humiliating that I dropped out of the race entirely. Describe the first job you ever had. I sometimes volunteer at the soup kitchen. Ten years from now, what are you doing? Graduated, with my dream job, living in a nice apartment in a big city, and overseeing a cooperative group of like-minded individuals. My dream date would be with ___________, doing what? Not a romantic date, but I'd love to meet my personal hero, Virginia Woolf, for a dinner. It’s the last day on earth. In five words or less, what would you do?

Cook a meal for friends

[pritishsblog]

TOP 4 HORROR MOVIES OF ALL TIME (IN MY OPINION)

Hi everyone! In today's blog I will be talking about my Top 4 Horror Movies of All Time

So let's have a look

1. The Shinning (1980)

(Overview)

The Shinning is a 1980 psychological horror film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick and is on the 1977 novel by Stephen King of the same name.

(Plot)

After landing a job as an off-season caretaker, Jack Torrance, an aspiring author and recovering alcoholic moves to the hotel with his wife Wendy and his gifted son Danny to the snow-covered Colorado's secluded Overlook Hotel. But writer's block prevents Jack from pursuing a new writing career. Everything has its time. First, the manager must give Jack a grand tour. Then Mr Hallorann, the facility's ageing chef, chats with Danny about rare psychic gifts. The mysterious employee also warns the boy about the cavernous hotel's abandoned rooms especially Room No.237 is off limits. Slowly Jack starts to lose his mind in the silent and secluded place which drives him to kill his wife and son. After all the strange occurrences and blood-chilling visions have trapped the family in a silent gargantuan prison hammered by snowstorms. Danny and his mother try to escape the hotel he is helped by his own spilt personality and the Mr. Hallorann. At the end, Jack is left stranded in the snow near the gardens of the hotel and Danny with his mother escape to live a simple life in the end.

(Cast & Crew)

The movie is directed and produced by Stanley Kubrick. The screenplay is written by Stanley Kubrick and Diane Johnson. The movie has a star cast of Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance,Shelly Duvall as Wnedy Torrance,Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrance,Scatman Crothers as Dick Hallorann. The cinematography of the movie is done by John Alcott and the movie was edited by Ray Lovejoy. The music of the movie was given by Wendy Carlos and Elkind.

(Other Details & Premiere)

The movie was distributed by Warner Bros Studios. The running time of the movie varied from continent to continent as it had running time of 144 minutes (2 hrs 24 mins) in America and 119 minutes (1 hr 59 mins) in Europe. The movie was released on 23rd of May 1980 in the United States and 2nd of October 1980 in United Kingdom.

(Box office & Accolades)

The movie was made on the budget of 19 million dollars and grossed in 47.3 million dollars. The movie received positive reviews from but critics but was criticized by Stephen King due to it's deviations from the novel. The film received 2 controversial nominations at the first ever Razzies in 1981 for the Worst Director and Worst Actress. The movie was selected to be preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress due to it being culturally,historically significant in American Cinema.

(Rating)

The movie has a rating 8.4/10 on IMDB with 1.1 million reviews and is 83% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with 106 critics reviews and more than 250K audience reviews

The movie available to watch on Youtube for 120 Rs.

https://youtu.be/9nkTthe1fgs?si=S6AvQbgOwyBCnHz9

(Sources)

2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

(Overview)

The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American psychological horror thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme based on the Thomas Harris's 1988 novel of the same name.

(Plot)

The plot of the movie revolves around a young FBI trainee who is hunting a serial killer by the name of Buffalo Bill who skins his female victims . To catch him,she seeks the advice of the imprisoned Dr.Hannibal Lector who is a brilliant psychiatrist and a cannibalistic serial killer. The FBI trainee is able to catch Buffalo Bill with the help of Hannibal's notes but in return Hannibal is able to escape the prison. Days after at the FBI Academy graduation party, the FBI trainee receives a call from Hannibal Lecter who is now in the Bahamas. As Lector assures that he won't pursue the young FBI trainee, he excuses himself from the call by remarking that he's having dinner with an old friend.

(Cast & Crew)

The movie is directed by Jonathan Demme and the screenplay of the movie is written by Ted Tally based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris. The movie has a star cast of Jodie Foster as Calrice Starling (the young FBI trainee), Sir Anthony Hopkins as Dr.Hannibal Lecter,Scott Glenn as Jack Crawford and Ted Levine as Jame Gumb/Buffalo Bill. The cinematography of the movie was done by Tak Fujimoto and was edited by Craig McKay. The music of the movie was done by Howard Shore.

(Other Details & Premiere)

The movie was distributed by Orion Pictures. The movie has a running time of 119 minutes (1 hr 58 mins). The movie was premiered at the 41st Berlin International Film Festival. The film was released worldwide on 14th February 1991. The movie is regularly cited by critics,other directors and audience ad one of the greatest and most imfluential films of all time.

(Box office & Accolades)

The movie was made on the budget of 19 million dollars and went on to gross over 272.7 million dollars. The movie won 5 Academy Awards including Best Director,Best Actor,Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay making it only the 3rd film in the history to accomplish that feat. It was also nominated for Best Sound and Best Film Editing. The movie won the award for Best Director at the Golden Globes. The film was listed in as one of the 100 greatest films in the past 100 years in 1998 by the American Film Institute. The movie was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2011.

(Rating)

The movie has a rating of 8.6/10 on IMDB with 1.6 million reviews and is whopping 95% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with 153 critics reviews and more than 250K audience reviews.

The movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Videos (MGM Plus)

(Sources)

3. The Conjuring (2013)

(Overview)

The Conjuring is a 2013 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wan. The movie is the first film in the Conjuring Universe Franchise based on the real-life incident of famous paranormal investigators Ed And Lorraine Warren.

(Plot)

The movie is inspired by the real life reports of the famous demonologitsts Ed and Lorraine Warren who come to help the Perron Family who move into a farmhouse in Harrisville,Rhode Island with their 5 daughters Andrea,Nancy,Christine,Cindy,April and their dog Sadie who refuses to enter the house on the day of moving. During the game of hide and seek the girls discover a boarded up entrance to an unknown cellar. Paranormal events start to occur in the house within the first few nights. Every clock in the house stops at 3:07 am. Carolyn awakens with additional large bruises every morning. One day, they find Sadie dead in the yard and Carolyn and Christine both encounter a malevolent spirit. They contact the Warrens for help who meet to agree and conduct an initial investigation during Lorraine feels a dark spirit which has latched itself to the Perron family. After a few months,the malevolent spirit named Bathsheba who claims full control and possesses Carolyn who sets her sites on to kill the daughters of the Perron Family. Later in the night, Warrens are summoned to help the Perrons and free Carolyn from the possession of Bathsheba who is trying to kill the daughters.

(Cast & Crew)

The movie is directed by James and is written by Chad Hayes. The movie is produced by Tony DeRosa,Peter Safran and Rob Cowan. The movie has a star cast of Vera Fermiga s Lorraine Warren,Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren,Lili Taylor as Carolyn Perron,Ron Livingston as Roger Perron,Shanley Caswell as Andrea,Hayley McFarland as Nancy,Joey King as Christine,Mackenzie Foy as Cindy,Kyla Deaver as April. The cinematography of the movie is done by John R.Leonetti and was edited by Kirk Morri. The music of the movie is given by Joseph Bishara.

(Other Details & Premiere)

The movie is distributed by Warner Bros Studios. The movie has running time of 112 minutes (1 hr 52 mins). The movie premiered at the Cinerama Dome on the 15th of July 2013 and was released worldwide on 19th of July 2013. The movie after release received a lot of positive reviews by critics and was received positively by the audiences as well.

(Box office & Accolades)

The movie was made on the budget of 20 million dollars and went on to gross over 319.5 million dollars. The movie turned out to be a great success and worked as a revival of a dying horror genre. The movie went on to become the highest grossing horror movie of all time only to be broken by IT in 2017. The movie was nominated for many awards be it the Best Sci-Fi /Horror Movie at the Critics Choice Awards,It went on to win the Award for the Best Horror movie at the Golden Schomes Awards and IGN Summer Movie Awards. The movie also won the award for Best Horro Film at the Saturn Awards.

(Rating)

The movie has a rating of 7.5/10 on IMDB with 556K audience reviews and is 86% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with 228 critics reviews and more than 100K audience reviews.

The movie is available to watch on Netflix

(Sources)

4. Hereditary (2018)

(Overview)

Hereditary is a 2018 American psychological supernatural horror film written and directed by Ari Aster in his feaure directorial debut.

(Plot)

The plot of the movie revolves around the Graham Family which includes Annie Graham a miniature,her husband,her son and her daughter. The story begins with viewer looking out from the window in a workshop to a tree house, then turning and zooming in to a bedroom in a dollhouse that is in the workshop. As her mother passes away, she and her family prepares for her mother's funeral,unsettling occurrences and palpable situations manifestations start nesting in the secluded house's dark corners. A thick veil of grief and guilt and a sinfully pleasant sense of relief increasingly shroud the already troubled mother. The mounting distress of Annie's 13 year old Charlie becomes evident, and her older brother Peter begins to feel the relentless anguish of culpability. Now little by little, a sinister dark presence robs Annie of her free will, demanding a cruel sacrifice ins exchange of glorious rewards.

(Cast & Crew)

The movie is directed and written by Ari Aster. The movie is produced by Kevin Frakes and Lans Knudsen. The movie has a star cast of Toni Collette as Annie Graham,Gabriel Byrne as Steve Graham,Alex Wolff as Peter Graham,Milly Shapiro as Charlie Graham and Ann Dowd as Joan. The cinematography of the was done by Pawel Pogorzelski and was edited by Jennifer Lame. The music of the movie was given by Colin Stetson.

(Other Details & Premiere)

The movie was distributed by A24 Films. The movie has a running time of 127 minutes (2hrs 7 mins). The movie was premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on 21st January 2018 and was released worldwide on 8th of June 2018. The movie was received with positive reviews by the critics and the audience.

(Box office & Accolades)

The movie was made on the budget of just 10 million dollars and went on to gross over 82 million dollars. Making it the highest grossing movies for A24 Films till the release of Everything Everyhwere All at Once. The movie was nominated for several awards Toni Collette Won the award for the Best Actress at the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards and at the Gotham Awards. Ari Aster was also nominated multiple awards which includes Best New Filmaker and Breakthrough Director at the Fangoria Chainsaw Festival and the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards.

(Rating)

The movie has a rating of 7.3/10 on IMDB with 379K audience and is whoop 90% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with 383 critics reviews and with 10K audience reviews.

The movie is also available to watch on Amazon Prime Video

(Sources)

And that's the list folks,that's it for the blog and I'll meet you with next one. Until then

CIAO

[hunterssm00n]

Brighter Than the Sun / part 2 /

Lex is starting to feel like herself again after the events on Bouvetoya Island... with a little help from a tall, dreadlocked knight in shining armor at her side! | Lex/Scar |

part 2 of 3

my Scar & Lex series on ao3: here

*no cw, just humor and fluff*

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧‎♡‧₊˚

hunterssm00n © All rights reserved by me. I do not allow this work to be used or adapted in any way without my permission.

Lex managed to get herself up and out of bed by ten in the a.m., which was actually pretty impressive considering she hadn't gotten home from her tour until around two in the a.m. Right now, she was still living in her little cubby in the Adirondacks. It was a bit chilly, since it was still winter in upstate New York (and by a bit chilly, she meant cold as hell). Lex had always liked the cold, and Bouvetoya, whilst colder than anything she'd ever experienced (in more ways than one), had done nothing to diminish her love for the crisp air. She knew that her intergalactic friend from the stars wasn't very keen on the cold, and this fact made her realize even more that he indeed had a soft spot for her; she suspected he wouldn't willingly come to this icebox for just anyone.

After dressing, she unhurridly began making breakfast. She had the day off, and she planned on doing absolutely nothing. Recently, she had started taking steady work again, and it was such a relief to be back at her game again. She loved her job; loved the self-fulfillment of it, as well as showing other people the beauty of the world. Her tours were continuing in the mountains right now, and she had taken a big group on a long hike yesterday that had tired her out. It had also taken a lot of her night up, which she had expected. That was why today, she was going to park her sore butt on the couch, and kick back with some junk food and movies.

As she was eating her pancakes and bacon on the couch, flipping through tv channels, she found her mind wandering to her alien pal yet again. It was funny to think those of those two words in one sentance: alien pal. Who ever in a million years would've thought? Lex had never really been one to believe in any of that anyways. She hadn't discounted it entirely - she knew, being a partial scientist, that many things were indeed possible, and didn't always have explanations. Truthfully, she had just never really thought about humanoids existing from other galaxies. Life on other planets, sure. Like water, and plants, and organisms that had capability of movement. But a seven foot tall, scale covered dude with dreadlocks and a pension for violence? Hell no.

This had to be the farthest thing in the universe away from how she thought her life would turn out. And there was still more to come. Lex wondered, as she often did, what was awaiting her in the future. Would this relationship - friendship she had with this extraterrestrial continue? Would it escalate? Would he grow tired of her, and how very different she was from his race? Her brow furrowed at the thought; she didn't want to consider that.

A knocking sound came from her front door, and, mouth full, she turned her head towards it. Who would be visiting her at eleven a.m. on a Tuesday? Swallowing, she placed her plate on the couch cushion beside where she had been sitting, and rose to investigate. Pulling her sweater more tightly around her body, she crossed the short walk towards the entry to the house. Reaching one hand out, she peeked out the curtain, more of that bright sunlight streaming in through the window pane, making her squint to see who was at her door. A blonde woman, pretty face, waved excitedly back at her. Karen. Holy shit. Lex had completely forgotten that she had invited her friend over to her home that morning for coffee; she hadn't seen the woman in weeks, and Karen was finally back in the area after a brief vacation to the Bahamas.

Smiling back, Lex opened the heavy oak door and met her friend with open arms. "It's so good to see you! I'm so sorry, I totally forgot; I feel like the worst friend ever!"

Squeezing her tight, Karen didn't sound the least bit upset, a smile in her voice as she replied cheerily, "Oh, no worries, you've been busy as all hell! I'm just glad you're here - it's been way too long!"

Apologizing again for having pajama's on, Lex invited Karen into the warm house. She decided to make more pancakes and bacon for her friend to share, as well as turning on her coffee maker, while the two engaged in idle, pleasant chit-chat. Karen and Lex hadn't been as close as they normally had been lately. But to be fair, Lex had never really been close with anybody - she didn't have a best friend. And the friends that she did have, she grew even more distant from after everything had happened in Bouvetoya. She looked forward to talking with Karen more often; it was always refreshing to get together and just hang out with a friend, talk about life, recent experiences, etc.

There was one recent life experience, though, that Lex planned on keeping to herself. Karen probably wouldn't take too lightly Lex talking about aliens after knowing about her supposed 'unstable' mental state since the events on the frozen island. Though nobody else but herself knew that aliens were the cause of that misfortune, but she planned to keep everything to herself just the same. For her own safety, and for Scar's.

A little while later, Lex and Karen were sitting on her couch, coffee mugs in hand, talking about another one of their friends, Mariah, who had recently gotten engaged. Lex had been so disconnected from everything, that she hadn't even known Mariah had met someone. They were laughing about past dating experiences when there came a sudden thud from the roof. Lex, eyes wide, swallowed her coffee noisily in realization, and Karen jumped. "Oh, Jesus, Lex, that must scare the shit out of you every single time! That's the problem with living under the trees: once the snow comes crashing down, it sounds like an avalanche!" she giggled. Lex laughed with her, trying very hard to discern whether or not it was actually snow, or if it was something else. Someone else. For a few moments, there was no other noise besides Karen speaking, continuing their subject from before, and Lex was just about to relax when the scrabbling of feet (claws) on her roof made the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

Worst. Timing. Ever.

Lex had grown to really like Scar, but she had no idea how she was going to explain this one to Karen. Crap.

"Man, that stuff's really coming down!" Karen exclaimed, looking up at the ceiling, "Do you think my car's okay out there? It's under one of those giant pine trees,"

"Um, yeah, you know what? I'll go check on it." Lex stated, setting her coffee down on the table a little too forcefully, so some sloshed over the rim and onto her coffee table.

"Oh, I'll come wit-"

"Oh no, Karen, it's fine, really! It's cold out there, you stay in here where it's warm, I've got it, don't worry!" Lex said in a rush, practically running towards the door. Karen gave her a puzzled look before shrugging it off and sipping at her warm beverage.

Lex practically threw her coat around her shoulders, not even zipping it up before she was out the door, slamming both of them shut in her haste. She had closed them just in time, too, because as soon as she did, a huge creature that seemed to fall straight from the sky (or rather, her roof) landed heavily on two feet in the snow right in front of her porch. Straightening from his crouched position, Scar stood to his full height, chittering in greeting at her.

"Scar, hey buddy, um, listen -" She barely made it off the porch before she was swept up into those massive arms and squeezed against that brick wall of a chest in a giant bear hug. "Ow, Scar, can't breathe..." She patted him on the back in greeting as he set her down on her feet, holding a hand on her shoulder to steady her. Swaying as she gazed up at him, she once again tried to explain the situation to him. "Hey, can you come back in, like, two hours? I, um, someone who doesn't know about you is h-"

"Lex?" Came a faint voice from behind her, growing louder as a creak preceded the door opening, "Are you alright? I hear voices." Lex swung around towards her female friend, wondering how on earth she was going to explain the massive being in front of her. Well, this is going to be just great.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧‎♡‧₊˚

AN: I do not own the Alien vs Predator franchise or any of it's characters. Karen is an OC made up by me. I also do not own the song 'Brighter Than the Sun' by Colbie Caillat.

part 3

[jules-has-notes]

2017 VoicePlay spring travels — all over the map

VoicePlay were some busy bunnies in early 2017, and they continued to get by with some help from their friends, particularly their three substitute singers for live shows.

.

The guys started their spring with a mini-tour through Georgia. They picked up J.None and traversed the state to play four shows in five days.

Some auditions go more smoothly than others, but they're always amusing.

.

Howdy, fellas

When their pals Home Free came to town, the guys couldn't resist seeing them do their thing.

.

Then they grabbed Erik Winger and hit the road again for a whirwind weekend. First they hopped over to Texas for a student workshop and a concert in Lake Jackson. (While they were there, Winger also earned cool points with some fans' kids via backstage shenanigans.)

Next they flew up to Pennsylvania to headline a local high school a cappella festival. Then they headed down to Washington, DC for a private event.

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Workin' day and night

After they got home, Layne, Tony, and sound guy Paul Kaleka spent most of the next week working on PattyCake's next project, "Michaeleficent", at a couple different locations in the area.

Geoff and Kathy spent some time making final preparations for the impending arrival of their little one, and VoicePlay brought in his paternity leave replacement — Bryant Vance, member of Vocalosity and Rockapella, and then-fiancé of their frequent collaborator Hannah Juliano — to get him up to speed.

Meanwhile, J.None was a busy bee. He recorded some vocals for a friend's EP; squeezed in a quick cruise gig with one of his other regular groups at the time, Paradigm Party Band; volunteered at an annual event to uplift unhoused people; and then met up with Paradigm again for an electrifying night at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Once J was available again, VoicePlay scooped him up for a private event at Disney World.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by J.None 🧈🎶 🎙📝🎬🎹🎸📽🤣 (@itsjnone)

clips of "A Whole New World", "I Want It That Way", & "Hound Dog"

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Here comes a son

And then it was time to meet the newest, tiniest member of the Castellucci family (a couple weeks sooner than expected).

Geoff's announcement on Twitter // the Steins' first visit // wrangling the baby and the fur baby

Kathy posted a video on Instagram for William's seventh birthday that includes footage of them in the hospital before and after his birth. The kid's become quite a little bundle of energy, as Geoff predicted.

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Bright lights, several cities

Bryant started his subbing duties the next week with a corporate gig in Fort Lauderdale. A couple days later, the guys pulled Geoff out of the house for one day to film their next video with J.None.

The week after that, they gathered up Winger and met Bryant in Washington, DC for a private event at the Library of Congress.

Back at home, J.None and his friend Daniel provided a live serenade for another friend's marriage proposal. (She said yes.)

Some of the gang followed Bryant home to NYC, and had a bit of an aca-reunion with Hannah and former 4:2:Five tenor Danny Alan. The Edge Effect's Instagram account joked that they were forming a supergroup called the RockaLocity PlayEffect. (They do have all the vocal parts covered…)

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From the seas to the plains

In the middle of May, the guys set sail for the Bahamas on the Disney Dream once more, again with both Winger and Bryant. (Some high seas hijinks ensued when Erik fell asleep in the wrong cabin.)

During their week at home in between trips, Eli and Ashley bought a new house.

Then VoicePlay finished the month by hitting the road again with J.None and Geoff back in the mix for a show in Toledo, Ohio.

Toledo, OH show — photos by Mary D. Fox

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Functioning privately

June was a bit quieter, allowing the guys to do some work at home in preparation for future projects. Layne, Cyndi, and the girls even recorded a family music video of "Dear Theodosia" from Hamilton for Doris's first birthday.

VoicePlay did have a couple of private events booked for the middle of the month, though. The first was at a marina in Vancouver.

The second was at the top of a hotel in Miami Beach.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stephanie Ansley (@stephansley)

sound check of "Don't Stop Me Now"

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A post shared by VoicePlay (@thevoiceplay)

backstage shenanigans (No, I don't know why Earl is saying "fish".)

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Ships in the morning

They closed out the season with one more trip on the Dream, where they crossed paths with their pals The Edge Effect.

[amberfaber40]

64 Photos of Paul McCartney Through the Years

64 Photos of Paul McCartney Through the Years

In honor of the living legend, here's a look back at the storied life and career of the Beatles frontman.

Gissela: Photo

Behind Beatlemania: Intimate Photos of Paul McCartney

A new book chronicles the evolution of a musical icon

Musicians on Musicians: Taylor Swift & Paul McCartney

On songwriting secrets, making albums at home, and what they’ve learned during the pandemic. The first in a series of new conversations between artists

no mourners, no funerals

Happy birthday, Sir James Paul McCartney! 18 June 1942

The Beatles Photos on Twitter

“Paul McCartney 1969 the #Beatles”

Francois LOCHON //Getty ImagesPaul McCartney is a Beatle, a solo artist, a GRAMMY winner, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. From his time as the leading man of one of the most popular bands in history all the way up to his participation in 2018's March for Our Lives to end gun violence, the living legend has had, well, one hell of a life. Even today, as he nears 80, McCartney is still a sight to behold on the stage. To celebrate the release of the 2021 documentaryThe Beatles: Get Back, we take a look back at his storied life and career in photos.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 1 Keystone//Getty Images The young future Beatle, 6, sits in front of his older brother, Mike, in an English field in 1948. 2 Getty Images Paul McCartney poses for the camera, with a camera of his own, at the Southend Odeon cinema on December 9, 1963, in Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom. 3 Getty Images The musician on set of the TV show Ready Steady Go! at Television House in London on October 4, 1963. 4 Getty Images Bass in hand, McCartney performs at Alpha Television Studios in Birmingham in 1963. 5 Getty Images The star lounges on a bed in London in 1964. 6 Getty Images McCartney scrolls through the pages of a Beatles magazine (with his own face on the cover) in 1964, when "Beatlemania" was stronger than ever. 7 Getty Images Ringo Starr and McCartney relax in a Paris hotel room in 1964. 8 Getty Images Champion boxer Muhammad Ali and The Beatles pose for a funny photo op during a press event in New York. The band was promoting their American tour in 1964. 9 Getty Images The Beatles model for a portrait in front of an American flag in New York City in 1964. 10 Getty Images John Lennon, McCartney, and Starr (l. to r.) are overwhelmed by view of the New York skyline as seen from Central Park in 1964. 11 Getty Images The Beatles at rehearsal the day before their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in NYC in 1964. 12 Getty Images McCartney backstage before performing on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. 13 Bob Gomel The jokester laughs poolside at the Deauville Hotel in Miami Beach in 1964. 14 Getty Images Even music sensations need to rehearse. Here, McCartney practices before a show in Miami Beach in 1964. 15 Getty Images The leading man completes a crossword puzzle with Patti Boyd (right) and another extra during the filming of A Hard Day's Night in April 1964. 16 Getty Images McCartney is shocked to meet the wax version of himself at London's Madame Tussauds on April 29, 1964. 17 Getty Images The Beatles wave to fans at London Airport after returning from their 1964 Australian tour. 18 Getty Images McCartney shows his iconic Hohner bass some love in 1965. 19 Getty Images Cheers! George Harrison pours his bandmate a soft drink at a sidewalk cafe in Paris in 1965. The famous trio are surrounded by curious onlookers. 20 Getty Images McCartney gives the thumbs up to fans waiting on the roof of the Queens Building at London Airport, on the group's return from filming Help! in the Bahamas in 1965.

[bowtiesnmusicals]

Here is my recap of the To The Max (Adler) episode of the podcast.

Jenna makes a joke that Kevin is the special guest. Kevin says grim…you couldn’t do better then me.

Max is probably the only cast member that was actually in show choir. Kevin said he was the most qualified person on the show. Jenna said she is surprised they didn’t audition him for Puck. Kevin said Robert Ulrich had a vision and really nailed it. Kevin said he trusts Robert Ulrich.

Max talked about his son. He said he is talking up a storm into planes, garbage trucks and construction vehicles. He said they a re battling to get him to sleep in his own room.

Max talked about the writers strike. He said he is trying to figure out life amongst the strike. He is producing and acting. Kevin said it is interesting because the last time the writers strike happened Glee happened. It worked out for them last time. Maybe a reboot. Max said maybe he could be a shoe(schue) in no pun intended. The mentioned a reboot. Max joked that he wouldn’t be invited back. Jenna and Kevin said same that they also would just be watching. Max mentioned a podcast called Strike Talk. It’s all about the strike. They also had a whole conversation about mini rooms which is like a show writer and two writers that write an entire season of a show instead of like a team of ten writers. This is much like how Glee was for the first two seasons. It was just Ryan, Ian, and Brad. Glee was also unique in that it was 22 episodes and not 8, 10, or 12 like many shows that might use a mini room.

Jenna asked Max about his audition for Glee. Max said he was doing the valet/restaurant/day job game. He was working at Macaroni Grill and missed a shift for a callback for a Montana Meth project. Meth was a big problem in Montana and they were trying to battle that through PSAs. He booked this gig. He was fired the same day he got into SAG. He worked at another restaurant and was doing bit on Ghost Whisperer and What About Brian. He had an agent and begged him to get in for a series regular on Glee. He mentioned that he and Jenna were the only people in show choir. He was a huge show choir person in high school. They toured and competed. He sang and danced. He went to the Bahamas and Chicago. He lived the Glee life. He loved Nip/Tuck. He would have parties at his parents house and friends houses. When he heard the creator of Nip/Tuck was doing a show about show choir he was like please please get me in. Kevin said nothing is more specifically right for you. Max said right, right but in the world of Hollywood they didn’t see him. They didn’t see it and didn’t think he was right. He dropped his headshot off every week at Unique A casting. They brought him in for two lines one day for both Karofsky and Azimio. He had to read for both parts. He coached on it for 2 hours. It was the big monologue where he talks to Quinn and Finn. He was like who is this guy and why is he saying this and wanted to stand out. He waked in so prepared and there were like 45 dudes and he saw Ashley Angel from O-Town and was like I’m going to go back to the restaurant game. There is no way they are going to go for me. He went in and did his thing and Robert in the room said I think you are the guy for this. This never happens. He was like that was the best read of the day, I think you are my choice. Max was like this would be a dream come true, give me two lines I want to be on this show. There’s was already this hype and buzz that the show was going to be shooting to the moon. He was pumped just to get on. When he got the call he was doing Richard II with the Shakespeare group Porters of Hellsgate where he met his wife. Jenna asked if he was doing this in LA. Max said yes. Kevin said acclaimed actor. He was like if he can do Shakespeare he can bang out these two lines on Glee. So he got the call and it made his day and then went on to change his life.

It was really exciting and he had no idea where it would go. It was just two lines and the biggest thing about it was the slushee. He was called in advance to practice with a dummy. Jenna said he was the first slushee thrower that he was the og. Kevin said there were slushee’s in the pilot and that someone slushied Lea. You didn’t see there face though. Max said the prop master was passionate about the slushees. They had started with rubber pieces but it bounces off the face. They will heat it in the microwave so it won’t be so cold but it wouldn’t read. Then he said f it we are going to use real slushee but don’t miss you’ve only got one take. If you miss your are going to mess up the clothes and make up and the set and everyone is going to be pissed. He came in and they adjusted it to Cory’s height. He was like go for the nose we want it to explode all over the face. Don’t get the chest. Don’t get the chin. There was so much pressure. Max was like what I’m an actor. I’m not a slushee thrower I don’t know what is going to happen. He said the prop master would be in a corner stirring and waiting for Cory to come around the corner right at the last moment Max was like I better get it right and luckily he did. Jenna said he threw a lot of slushies. Max said he got slushied once but he had zombie make-up covering his face so it wasn’t as bad. Kevin said must be nice. Jenna said were you guys slushied in the same episode. Was it the Super Bowl episode? Max said yeah they were coming down the hallway in their letterman jackets and they were slushied by the Hockey players. Kevin that hockey team that you ere originally a part of. Max said yeah there was that yeah I think so the hockey team turned football team. Kevin said all the sports. Max said something about a change of heart. He was an athlete or jock.

Kevin asked how did go from you getting these two lines to you becoming a huge central figure to the entirety of the series. Max said first of all thats very nice. Kevin said your characters influenced one the biggest characters on the show and that he had an incredible and crazy storyline through all 6 seasons. Kevin said he loved that it all started with Max dropping his headshots off at the casting directors office and him getting called in and workin on those two lines. He asked did they call him back for Azimio and Karofsky back for another couple of lines here and it just evolved. Max said he only thought there was that one and every actors dream that they notice something and ask him back but he was like what can they notice in two lines. Then he got the call they wanted to bring him back and he did the Supercuts line. He was like great I will come back. He was like if I can get enough of these I can quit the restaurant. Max said it was the dream because he was a fan of the show. Cory welcomed him with his gigantic heart and arms. He introduced Max to his mom. Max said it was five episodes for the first season.

Max said he remembered the season 2 premiere party at Paramount. Someone turned to him and was like this is for cast only. He said he still wasn’t recognized as part of Glee even though now he had done 5 episodes. Ryan came up to him party and like kind of secretly is like we just wrote something really special for you. Jenna joked on episode 21. Max was like a rainbow slushie or magical slushie. Then he got the script, someone would deliver them an actual paper script. It was Never Been Kissed where Karofsky kissed Kurt. He said it was outstanding because he had coached this whole time about what is this guys problem. What does he want? Why is he being a bully? He tried to understand bullies. He was giving it so much more then he felt he had to but he is so glad it developed into something that felt real and grounded. It gave him purpose for doing everything he had been doing. In his mind it was natural jealousy that Kurt gets to sing a song and be in a show choir and I’m a jock and I am going to bully you for that. But then when it was revealed these were the reasons it got so much more complex and so much more depth. Max said he knew people like that in high school. It was kind of a dream come true. He said Dante Di Loretto had been cold to him and Dante watched the rehearsals for the locker room scene. It was the first time he smiled, gave him a nod, patted him on the back and handshake. Max was like okay this means something and he took it very seriously and is happy with the way it came out. Kevin mentioned they just watched the episode and that him and Chris were phenomenal in the episode. He said Karofsky was beating the shit out of Kurt the whole episode. Jenna was like wow that is intense. Max said there were times when he was shoving Chris into the locker bay and someone in the crew would say can you not push him that hard. Let’s just take it easy. Max was like I’m sorry I was trying to make the sound and get into it. He felt so terrible and was like are you okay, I’m so sorry. He said he definitely beat him up and he pushed Darren gate in that episode.

Max said that was a big one and right after that it was crazy. He got invited with Josh Sussman and Patrick Gallagher to go to D.C. to the Kennedy Center. He ws getting a sense of what the main cast had been living with. He said it changed overnight. The world became different through his eyes and it was crazy how that happened. He said he remembered getting invited to a cast and crew screening and Brad saying I think you are going to be really proud of the episode. He said Kevin after the screening ran into his arms for a big hug and it was validation. It was like welcome to the show. Kevin said it is one of those things. It’s so hard to get a job. You are happy to get your two lines and then to watch someone come on the show. It’s hard to be the person that pops in and out. It really is especially when it was an ensemble cast that was really close. He mentioned they talked to Josh Sussman about this and how those two related to each other because they had a similar trajectory on the show. He said to see someone get given that storyline and then be so good and the care Max had with Karofsky the entire time. He said we got to watch our friends sing and do these crazy scenes and were always so proud of each other and to see someone like Max just bring it seemingly going from oh I am just going to say a mean thing and push someone against a locker and then here you are with this really beautiful and sensitive storyline. It meant a lot to see that as a friend and fellow actor and just being fan of Max’s. It was special. Max said thank you and it felt special. He said even now it will be tough to find a role that is awesome and complex and nuanced and on a show that gets that many ratings and eyeballs. He said he has shot stuff before that and since then that you when you are shooting it you are like who knows if this going to see the light of day. Who know how many people will watch. He said it was exciting being on the Glee set knowing that what we are doing is going to be watched in a few weeks by 14 million people or whatever it was and it like this will change some minds and change some hearts. It will influence people and maybe save some lives. That was the biggest thing. It transcended just a role on tv to making a difference. He started getting letters, emails, messages of people saying they had seen some gay people portrayed on tv but they weren’t the masculine jock that you didn’t see coming. Thank god for this because they feel validated and seen. It was things were their family had disowned them and after seeing this episode they understood now who they were and reached out to patch the family back up. He said it was insane to just be a part of it. It made him take things more seriously. He was representing a lot of people that didn’t feel seen or heard which is the whole point of the show.

Max said what was so weird about that is that he never had the Ryan sit down or like this is what we are going to do or lets talk about what people are feeling about it. He said he would try but he would’ve get much of a response. He mentioned Life of Pi. He said he just wants that lion to look back and acknowledge him. He was like thats Glee. There was never anyone that was like hey we did it or good job on the storyline. It just kind of ended. He was like did just that happen and still waiting for that closure. He said he understand what they are talking about because he has been the bigger part of shows and its like you bond more because you spend so much time together. The guest stars are great and awesome. It’s like in high school where you can go the same school but unless you have that one night of partying where the truth comes out. You have that bond and talk about it the next day. Its like he’s in my science class but were not like that. He said he understood the pecking order. He said weird that the outside world was like you are on Glee and a cast member and doing it. He was like am I though. He was straddling the fence of when will I be back, will I be back. He was like am I going back to the bread lines. It was a very weird unstable 6 years but also the most exciting and rewarding. He said he is still trying to deal with that.

Jenna said he had such a big storyline even after the initial kiss to the big episode where you attempt suicide. It is a massive undertaking. She asked what it was like when he read that script. Did he know that was coming? Did Ryan drop any nuggets? What was the response? Did it shift at that point? Max said it solidified his place on the show. He worked with his coach and was like this guy in a small town worried about his sexuality getting out there, his dad, society. In reality he would probably think about suicide. Max was like they would never do that on a Fox musical comedy. So when it actually came to him he was like oh my gosh and thank you to the writers for doing this character justice and showing what could happen to someone in that situation and in that position. Let’s be real about it and let’s really touch lives and save some hearts and change peoples minds and open peoples eyes. He said it was a brutal episode to film. It’s as a very dark space. He had to understand what would lead to someone committing suicide. The hopelessness and not having anyone to turn to and being at the literal end of your rope. It’s dark. He said he remembers sitting in the golf cart with Brad Buecker right outside the studio for like an hour. He was telling Max really vulnerable things about his life and mindset and where he’s been. Max was confessing stuff to him about when his mom passed. It was a very emotional talk that put him in a great space to go in and film. He knows he is representing people. At this time Fox sent him to Dr. Phil, Access Hollywood, and Dr. Drew. He was out there talking about teen suicides and cyber bullying. This was the forefront of when Anderson Cooper and Ellen and everyone was talking about cyber bullying and teen suicides. He was like this is crazy that he was playing this role at this time in the world and that this might not ever happen again. It was huge. He said the biggest reward was that the Trevor Project flashed their hotline at the end of the episode and the calls went through the roof. It was the highest percentage of people that reached for help after that episode. He said to be a part of that was incredibly rewarding and an honor.

Keviin said how lovely it was that during Never Been Kissed and On My Way he had Brad Buecker at the helm both times. He is the most thoughtful and generous person. He asked if it was helpful because he was there for the advent of Karofsky real journey having him be a through line. He said the Dante and Ryan’s were doing other things. Buecker was editing the show at the same time he really knew all the characters so so well. He asked if he found that as an actor to have Brad connect those dots for him. Max said he absolutely loved working with Brad. He said he thinks it was the first time that he worked with a director that was an editor. Kevin mentioned Never Been Kissed was Brad’s first episode. Max said there must ave been 20 different takes for the locker room. He said it was so fun because he came through one door and Chris came through another door. He said Brad would go back and forth between Max and Chris and give them idea of things to try. Max said it was fun because they got to try everything he was feeling and didn’t have to hold back or try to get it right. He said he wanted to work with Brad again. He said the same thing with On My Way there was already that trust built in. He was like I don’t know how many tears you can get out of me. He said it was really great working with him. He said Brad treated where he walked through the locker room and saw fag on the locker and he was like its going to be in slow motion and I want to see your life leave your body. The way he shot and pushed in and cue Cough Syrup. He said he got emotional watching it. Brad and Max got invited to Sacramento for a couple of years and be a part of a program called Directing Change because of that episode. All of these high school students were making short films about mental health awareness, stigmas, and suicide prevention. Brad and Max were there to represent, they spoke to the kids and judged the videos. Now they were in the real world talking about these issues from the storyline. It took on a serious part of his life. He wanted to understand what he was talking about because he was talking to real kids going through it. This is more then just memorizing lines and showing up. It was a crazy time.

Kevin said it is crazy to think about how when the show came out and it started to do well they became conscious that x number of people are going to see what we are doing right now. When they did the first 13 episodes no one had seen anything but the pilot. He said knowing that you are doing these really serious things and then having a 3 week turn around. He asked in those 3 weeks did you ever get scared or nervous because every time he was on screen he had some really heavy shit. Kevin said for us they were like I am excited for my parents to see this musical number or I get to get out of the chair and dance. For Max, he was acting through some really tough things. Kevin said he got scared for people to see some things. He asked what was going through Max’s head knowing that 15 million people were going to see this. Max said excitement and there was no fear. He moved out to LA when he was 18 right after high school. He was like everyone was saying they were going college and he was like I’m going to LA an see what happens, don’t laugh at me. He was like I better make it because there was no plan b. He said to be on a dream show with a dream creator knowing people are watching it. He said all his high school friend were watching it. He had a big support base from family and friends. His wife Jenn studied theater in London with this guy Jeremy O’Keefe who ended up being a casting director. He overheard while he was working at a restaurant talking about how he also bartends at a bar called Silver Spoon. They had a back room where they would have Glee Nights. He said he things it was a gay bar. They would show Glee hand have drinks. Max was like you know I’m on that show. Jeremey said come on by and so it became a thing where Max would go with 20 friends and they would watch the episode and have drinks. He said he remembers when he got Never Been Kissed there were people that were like is your dad going to be cool with this. You are kissing a dude on national tv. What are you going to do? He said he didn’t even think about it until he was confronted with it. He was like no, I’m an actor, and a kiss is a kiss. Lips are lips. A storyline is a storyline. He didn’t really think about that element of it. He just thought about the character and the instinct of why he has been doing what he’s been doing for a year and this release. Kevin said he too it so seriously. Max said it almost felt like he was shooting a different show. It was crazy they were putting it in this episode. Jenna said we always say the Kurt and Burt, the heavy and heart of the show and then you have the clowns. It was sometimes two different shows. Max said that is what worked. Through the circus of that you have that little notice of let me pound you in the heart with this. He said it reminded of that American Beauty scene where Chris Cooper kisses Kevin Spacey in the garage. He said that scene rattles him still and was like that was powerful. He said if they can come anywhere close to capturing that feeling of just the release of what this guy must be feeling wondering what it feels like to kiss a guy after 16 years or whatever it is. Let’s show that release. Then he found out Ryan knew people like that in high school. Brad Falchuck had a friend named Dave Karofsky that messaged Max on Facebook. He’s not at all like the character. It was very rewarding and he was excited to do that storyline. He said it was more negative before Karofsky exposes what his deal is and then it became like thank you and I feel scene. He said this was a crazy ride.

Jenna said speaking of a crazy ride his storylines get crazier. Kevin said they don’t remember season 5 and 6 but mostly 6. Kevin said someone tweeted that they knew this is when I knew Glee went off the rails, when Karofsky and Blaine started dating. Kevin was like this happened. Kevin sand no offense to you or anybody he doesn’t know what happened with him and that he doesn’t know anything. Jenna said I don’t know where we were at that time. Max said they had checked out and were just along for the ride. It was a long time ago and they were a long time in and it was a cyclone blur and it was wild. Kevin said tell us about that experience. Max said at that point I’ve done what I’m going to do. The serious stuff with this character that is going to make an impact has stopped. The show has changed and the world has changed. He was happy to be along for the ride, happy to be a part of the show, happy to keep seeing everyone and keep putting on the jacket, and happy to have an income and be working. He said it was fun at that point. He said there was so much pressure on those earlier episodes. He said everyone would be having fun at base camp and he wold be in his trailer doing breathing exercises. He had one shot to nail this and represent hundreds of thousands of people. Kevin said these assholes are singing lady Gaga and I have talk about suicide. Max said I wish I was singing Lady Gaga. He said there was a freedom in that and they had each other and having fun. He was like this was on me and I have to nail it or I am not asked back. There was a very big pressure until season 6. He was like there is Jane Lynch telling me and Darren are related with a family tree at a restaurant. He said love Darren and that they hit it off from the beginning during Never Been Kissed and said they are still close. He was like this is insane but I get to work with you, my buddies and work with you and Chris and cool directors and have a good time. He said it was fun to be a part of it without the weight or pressure of what it was at that point. He mentioned that he got a nice happy ending that didn’t result in a suicide. It is okay to be out in the world and happy, to date , and go do line dancing at gay bars and be out there. It gives people hope that there is a life and a world that will accept you. People will understand you and feel free to reach out to people and try things. He was appreciative of that and that it didn’t end in a tragic way. He just had fun. It was weird thing. Him and Blaine dated. Jenna said Tina tried to date him too. Max said it was a good time.

Jenna asked Max what is the feeling that Glee leave him with. Max said longing. He said he knows that is kind of sad. It was a great time in his life. It was a huge hit show and all the perks that came with it and being seen for your work. He said it was like listening in a bottle. Who know if or when it will come again. He is a parent now. Everything is different now. He said he can’t believe that happened when they were in their 20s. They were footloose and fancy free. What a time. There won’t be a show like again. it won’t really be the same. it was very cool to be with people the same age and going through it. He looks upon those times very fondly. He said he wasn’t in the trenches or the drama as much as the main cast. It’s been all good for him. He misses it. Jenna said that’s awesome they are grateful to have him. She said watching it as a viewer vs an actor in the show it’s really different and profound. They get to see the work he put in and how serious he took the role and how he approached and it really paid off. She said they are really grateful for him and his time not he show, and what he shared with everyone and coming on and hanging out with them again and his friendship. Max said the feeling is mutual. He said thank you for everything you guys did on the show. Jenna said they were just clowns on Glee. Max said thanks for having me and congrats on the show. They said they will voice memo him if they have questions during the podcast. Max said bring it on and that he will be standing by. Kevin said thanks and that it was so good to see him. Max said it was so good to see them and thanks and to take care.

Jenna asked Kevin if he knew that David Schwimmer quit tv right before he got Friends. He quit and went back to Chicago to do theater. Marta Koffman and the creators of Friends were like we wrote this with you in mind. You have to come back and do it. He had a bad experience on another tv show and was like never again. They were like we promise this will be different just come back. He was like alright if you wrote it for me I will come back. Kevin was like see what happens when you are good. Max is just good. They had no idea he had all that formal training. He said you are sweet man and keep it up you are so talented. They said they will have to have him back. That they have so many more questions for everyone.

See you next time.

[the-eternal-quest-for-balance]

Pinta was built 16 years later to accompany the Nina. Both ships were built in Valenca, Brazil, by eighth-generation Portuguese shipwrights. It took a 20-person crew 32 months to build the Nina and 36 months to build the Pinta. It is a larger version of the archetypal caravel. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century.

The Nina and Pinta set sail in 1492 with crews of 24 and 26 people, respectively. Today, each ship usually has crews of at least 10.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and $6.50 for students 5–16. Children 4 and under are Free. The ships are open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No reservations necessary. 

Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call 787-672-2152 or visit our website www.ninapinta.org, click on ‘Take a Tour’ and fill out online form. Minimum of 15. $5 per person. No Maximum. Email ninapintatour@gmail.com 

Historic replicas of Columbus' ships, The Nina and Pinta sailing Ohio River this fall

By DAVE LAVENDER The Herald-Dispatch lavender@herald-dispatch.com

Sep 19, 2018

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — You can step aboard a bit of maritime history starting this weekend as replicas of The Nina and Pinta — two of three ships Christopher Columbus guided from Spain to The Bahamas in 1492 — will be docked at Point Park, 113 Ann St., Parkersburg from Friday, Sept. 21 until their departure early Wednesday, morning Sept. 26.

The ships open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 through Tuesday, Sept. 25. The boats will also be making seven other Ohio River port city stops this fall through mid November.

The closest it will be to Huntington is a Friday, Nov. 9 through Monday, Nov. 18 stay at Ashland Port & Riverfront Park 50 15th St., Ashland. Other stops are: Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, at Heritage Port in Wheeling, W.Va., Oct. 4-16 at Station Square in Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 19-23 at Marietta Harbor, Marietta, Ohio, Oct. 26-31 at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston, W.Va., Nov. 2-7 at City Park Dock in Gallipolis, Ohio, Nov. 9-18 at Ashland Port and Riverfront Park, and then Nov. 20-22 at Limestone Landing Park in Maysville, Ky.

This is the first stop in Ashland since 2015. The boats were last in Huntington in 2012.

The Nina replica was built first when American engineer and maritime historian John Patrick Sarsfield was hired by the Virgin Islands-based Columbus Foundation to design and construct the 15th Century Caravel in 1988. The Nina was built by hand and without the use of power tools and is considered to be the most historically correct Columbus Replica ever built.

Co-designer Jonathon Nance, a British maritime historian and lead project researcher, produced the Nina's 1,919 square foot sail plan.

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : MARCH ✧• ─

1 March - William and Catherine carried out engagements in Wales to mark St. David's Day. They started their day out by visiting Pant Farm in Llanvetherine before being received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent (Brigadier Robert Aitken). They later visited Abergavenny Market and Hwb Torfaen in Blaenavon. Subsequently William and Catherine planted a tree for The Queen's Green Canopy at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre.

2 March - William held a Meeting for the Earthshot Prize.

8 March - He received Mr. Alastair Martin (Secretary of the Duchy of Cornwall).

9 March - William and Catherine received the Lord Hague of Richmond (Chairman). Later in the afternoon they visited the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in London where they were recieved by the Ambassador of Ukraine (His Excellency Mr. Vadym Prystaiko).

11 March - William received received the High Commissioners of Belize, Jamaica and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (Her Excellency Mrs. Therese Rath, His Excellency Mr. Seth George Ramocan, His Excellency Mr. Ellison Greenslade) at Kensington Palace.

14 March - William and Catherine attended the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey. William later appeared in a video segment during the BAFTA Film Awards.

16 March - William attended a Trustees' Meeting for the Royal Foundation via video link.

17 March - William and Catherine attended the 1st Battalion Irish Guards' St. Patrick's Day Parade in Aldershot.

19 March - William and Catherine kicked off their Platinum Jubilee Tour of the Caribbean as they arrived at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize where they were recieved by the Governor-General of Belize (Her Excellency Ms. Froyla Tzalam). They later met the Hon. Juan Antonio Briceño (Prime Minister of Belize) and Mrs. Rossana Briceño at the Laing Building in Belize City.

20 March - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Che'il Mayan Chocolate Factory in Stann Creek. They later attended a festival of Garifuna culture and met marine conservation experts in Hopkins. William and Catherine also spent time diving at South Water Caye above the Belize Barrier Reef.

21 March - They visited Caracol Natural Monument Reservation and attended a training session of the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) in the Chiquibul Forest. Afterwards William held an Investiture at the San Ignacio Hotel. The Duke and Duchess attended a Reception to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee at Cahal Pech ruins where they were received by the Governor-General of Belize (Her Excellency Ms. Froyla Tzalam).

22 March - William and Catherine released photographs and videos of them scuba diving over the Belize Barrier Reef before departing Belize. They arrived in Jamaica for the next leg of their tour and were received by the British High Commissioner to Jamaica (Her Excellency Ms. Judith Slater) and Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith (Representative of the Prime Minister of Jamaica) at Kingston Norman Manley International Airport upon arrival. Afterwards they met Governor-General of Jamaica and Lady Allen at King's House and attended a Sports and Cultural Event at Trench Town Culture Yard.

23 March - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met the Hon. Andrew Holness MP (Prime Minister of Jamaica) at 1 Devon Road, Kingston. Afterwards they visited Shortwood Teachers' College and Spanish Town Hospital. Subsequently, Willliam and Catherine visited the Caribbean Military Technical Training Institute before attending a Reception Dinner to mark the Platinum Jubilee hosted by the Governor-General of Jamaica (the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen) at King's House.

24 March - William and Catherine attended the Commissioning Parade for the inaugural Initial Officer Training Programme at the Caribbean Military Academy before departing Norman Manley International Airport for the Bahamas where upon arrival at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Belize City they were recieved by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (Sir Cornelius Smith). Afterwards The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met the Rt. Hon. Philip Davis, MP (Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas) and Mrs. Davis at Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre in Nassau.

25 March - William and Catherine visited Sybil Strachan School and attended a Celebration for key workers for their work during the pandemic, at the Garden of Remembrance. They subsequently visited Parliament Square and took part in a Platinum Jubilee Sailing Regatta at Montagu Beach in the afternoon. Afterwards they attended a Reception at the Baha Mar Hotel hosted by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (Sir Cornelius Smith) to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

26 March - On their final day while on tour of the Caribbean, William and Catherine visited Daystar Church in Abaco. Afterwards they unveiled a Memorial at Memorial Garden, Abaco to commemorate those who lost their lives in Hurricane Dorian before visiting a beach area in Abaco to meet local stall holders. William and Catherine then visited Grand Bahama Children's Home and Coral Vita (Winners, 2021 Earthshot Prize to Preserve our Oceans) in Grand Bahamas for their final two stops on their tour. In the evening they departed Lynden Pindling International Airport for the United Kingdom in the evening.

27 March - William and Catherine arrived at the Royal Air Force Brize Norton from the Bahamas after wrapping up their Caribbean tour.

29 March - William attended the Service of Thanksgiving for The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey along with Catherine and their eldest children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

[seabreeze2022]

2023 Bahamas Cruise, Part 16. April 7. Driving Long Island.

April 5th we rented a car and drove south to the end of Long Island. At 0800 start calling SeaSide Car Rental on VHF ch. 16. Many businesses here in the Bahamas handle business by VHF. Turns out she had gone to the airport.

Once we got the car, Nancy stopped at the Beauty Salon. Marcie who we met by chance a couple of days earlier gave her an appointment for the next day. Marcie will not only cut your hair, but set you up with fish or crawfish. As she was doing with her customer at the time. No she does not have the fish actually in the shop. That is the beauty salon in the fish market in George Town, Exuma does that.

This is Dolly Fox, Marcies Mother in law. Dolly and Basil own the dock that us cruisers are graciously allowed to use. Her son Roger fishes the Jumentoes and Ragged Islands, you can make an appointment for fish at the beauty salon.

Looking through the windshield of the rental car. Don’t you hate getting in a rental car and having to figure out where all the buttons and switches are. This car is driven from the right side, so the gear shift is on your left. My turn blinker is on the left in my truck. Consequently I turned on the windshield wipers all day long before turning. They kindly put a sign at the top of the window, reminding you to drive on the left side of the road. This is most important when turning on to a road from an intersection. The roads in Long Island have many a pot hole. After avoiding a couple of pot holes in a row, it is easy to end up with the old habit of driving on the right side of the road. To make matters worse, the oncoming car might be avoiding pot holes and is not on their side of the road. P.S. After getting in the first time, never saw the “Keep left” sign again.

The yellow building above is the tourist information building. After picking their brain and armed with maps we headed south. Of course trying to keep in the left lane.

The building on the right is the Museum of Long Island. Patsy Cartwright, the curator, was a wealth of stories. She told us where to find a flock of 50 flamingos and the map to get there.

These young ladies run the public library in Buckly. Lauren, on the right, used to work at Gordon’s bar. So when we got there we mentioned her name. More on Gordon’s below.

“Six degrees of Kevin Bacon” or on Long Island, “Two degrees of separation”. There is a little over 3,000 Bahamians on the island . Most are related somehow. We always ask what their last name is. Here Lauren connects us to Gordon’s Bar.

You can’t say you have been to Long Island, if you haven’t been to Hamiltons Cave. Leonard Cartwright gives tours through the largest cave on Long Island. We spent an hour with Leonard while he showed us one of the three types of bats. Blind crickets, termites trails winding down from above. Lucayan pottery, Money Bats which are the large moths we have in the Keys. This cave has been in his family’s property for generations. People would hide from hurricanes here.

Two degrees of Long Island separation: Just spent the day with James Knowles. We mentioned Leonard Cartwright. James says, yeah he is my cousin.

This cave is not on any tourist map. It is in the Dunmore settlement area. Caves in this area were used by the Lucayan Indians. Directions were given to us by Patsy. Sign…what sign? Address…what address? You go past the blue house on the right, look for a house under construction on the left. Next left is the road to the cave. So here is the real life interpretation of the above instructions we received. There is a blue house about every 2 miles. The house under construction was stopped at least 3 years ago and is now overgrown. Seriously, this island does not have a single address for a building. There are no mail boxes, only PO Boxes. They had a “party line” up until 1992. Salt Pond, one of the bigger settlements only recently received running water. All houses are set up with cisterns.

This is St. Peter and St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Clarence Town. Designed by the famous Father Jerome Hawes and built in 1908. It has twin 55’ towers. Which were purposely designed round like lighthouses. I find it interesting that the majority of older churches on the island all face East. The older graves are a good compass since they face east. Ready for the day of resurrection.

When you live in the islands you have to be inventive. I believe this is the local Jiffy Lube franchise. Note the rock on each ramp ready as a wheel chock.

“Slave canal”, there are two canals in town to flood inland ponds with seawater to produce salt. These canals were hand dug by slaves. Probably 5 ft wide and up to 15 ft deep in a few places. There must be hundreds of miles of dry laid rock walls on this island alone. Most done by slaves. The rock walls were used to fence in livestock and mark property boundaries. Some extend out into the water where it is shallow.

The lady at the tourist bureau, told us about the two flamingos at Doctor’s Pond outside Clarence Town. Flocks of flamingos migrate through each year. But one flamingo hurt its wing and can’t fly. One flamingo has stayed over the years to keep it company. The one on the right has its wing hanging down.

This is Charlie and his roadside straw work stand. Nancy sorted through several baskets and bought a small one for $18. Chickens were running everywhere and she asked about getting some eggs for her basket. No eggs today.

Patsy at the museum told us she saw 50 or so flamingos out at the abandoned salt ponds the week before. With map not drawn to scale, we go off roading with the KIA rental car. Among other things we drive down the abandoned runway on the right side of the photo. Carefully fallowing the map towards a beach with the hope of seeing the flock of flamingos. We are in the middle of nowhere. Only 3,000 people on the whole 57 mile long island. I am worried about the car breaking down. How do you explain where you are, when you don’t know where you are?

Here comes another car at us, on the only section of dirt levee we can pass on. Who would of thought that. We keep going. Turning here and there, looking for the lost flight of flamingos. Then we see a vehicle towards the end of the road. Great, at least if we break down they can help us!

You know what Nancy, that vehicle looks familiar. There are two people. One is wearing a familiar color shirt. I think they were parked on the beach while we were at the blue hole in the dinghy.

Two degrees of Long Island Separation: These two Americans rent a house here for vacation and bonefish from shore each day. We were within sight of each other 21 miles up the coast two days earlier.

Gordon’s Bar and Restaurant at the very southern end of Long Island. Earnest is the proprietor. He recently was in a vehicle accident, that has restricted his ability to run the restaurant.

Cracked Conch with peas and rice, with the Bahamas beer “Kalik”. Kalik is the sound of cow bells clanging during Junkanoo festivals. If you look closely at the label you will see two cow bells.

Two degrees of Long Island separation: This is Lori. She is just volunteering for Earnest and tends the tables. No Bahamian accent. Uh….Lori where are you from? She answers, Jamestown N.D.. She was a nurse in the USNavy. Nancy was a nurse in the USAF. She went to the same nursing college as Nancy’s good friend. Within a year or so of each other.

Nancy mentioned the story about meeting Lori to Marcie during her hair cut. Marcie said they had a Low Country boil at Lori’s house the week before. Two degrees!

This is the famous “Deans Blue Hole”. The second deepest blue hole in the world at 663 ft. . The white raft in the middle is where people conduct free diving competitions. The only person to scuba dive to the bottom did it in 1992, James King. The Bahamas Cave expert is Brian Kakuk. Here is a link to the youtube video he shot on side passages.

The red lines on the above photo are the caves heading off underground starting at 150 ft. With the blue hole at the top left next to the cliffs.

S/V Sea Breeze, Thompson Bay, Long Island, Bahamas

[mayakshethra]

Explore the World: Top Travel Packages for Every Budget

Traveling the world is a dream for many, but the perceived cost can often be a barrier. However, with careful planning and a keen eye for deals, you can explore exotic destinations without breaking the bank. In this blog, we’ll explore top travel packages catering to various budgets, ensuring that everyone, from the frugal traveler to the luxury seeker, can embark on unforgettable adventures best travel agency in alappuzha

Budget Travel: Exploring the World Without Breaking the Bank

1. Southeast Asia Backpacking Adventure

Southeast Asia is a haven for budget travelers, offering rich cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine at affordable prices. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia provide excellent value for money. Many travel agencies offer backpacking packages that include accommodations in hostels or budget hotels, guided tours, and even meals.

Highlights:

Explore the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Cruise the picturesque Halong Bay in Vietnam

Relax on the pristine beaches of Thailand

Discover the vibrant street markets of Indonesia

2. Eastern Europe City Hopper

Eastern Europe is often overlooked but offers a wealth of history, culture, and beauty at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are perfect for budget-conscious travelers. A city hopper package can provide guided tours, transportation, and budget-friendly accommodations.

Highlights:

Wander through the charming old town of Prague

Experience the thermal baths in Budapest

Explore the historical sites of Krakow

3. South American Adventure

South America offers diverse experiences, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains. Countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador are particularly affordable. Travel agencies often offer packages that include trekking, cultural tours, and budget accommodations.

Highlights:

Trek to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru

Explore the salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia

Discover the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador

Mid-Range Travel: Comfort and Value

1. Mediterranean Cruise

A Mediterranean cruise is an excellent option for travelers looking for a balance of comfort and value. These cruises often cover destinations like Italy, Greece, and Spain, offering the chance to explore multiple countries without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. Packages typically include meals, entertainment, and guided excursions.

Highlights:

Visit the ancient ruins of Rome

Relax on the beaches of Mykonos

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Barcelona

2. African Safari

An African safari can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you choose mid-range lodges and camps. Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa offer safari packages that include guided game drives, comfortable accommodations, and meals.

Highlights:

Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti

Explore the diverse landscapes of Kruger National Park

Experience the vibrant culture of Nairobi

3. Japan Cultural Tour

Japan offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels. A cultural tour package can provide guided experiences, comfortable accommodations, and a taste of Japan’s incredible cuisine.

Highlights:

Visit the historic temples of Kyoto

Explore the bustling streets of Tokyo

Relax in an onsen (hot spring)

Luxury Travel: Indulge in Premium Experiences

1. Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts

For those seeking luxury, all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean offer the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence. Destinations like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic boast resorts that provide gourmet dining, spa services, and exclusive excursions.

Highlights:

Enjoy a private beach cabana in the Bahamas

Experience a sunset cruise in Jamaica

Relax with a spa day in the Dominican Republic

2. European River Cruise

A European river cruise offers a luxurious way to explore the heart of Europe. Cruises along the Danube, Rhine, or Seine rivers provide elegant accommodations, gourmet meals, and guided excursions to historical sites and charming villages.

Highlights:

Visit the castles along the Rhine in Germany

Explore the vineyards of Bordeaux in France

Discover the historic architecture of Vienna

3. Australian Outback Adventure

For a truly unique luxury experience, consider an adventure in the Australian Outback. Luxury packages can include stays in high-end lodges, private guided tours, and gourmet dining experiences.

Highlights:

Explore the natural wonders of Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Discover the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef

Experience the cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people

Tips for Finding the Best Travel Packages

Regardless of your budget, there are several strategies to help you find the best travel packages:

1. Plan Ahead

Booking your trip well in advance can often result in significant savings, especially for flights and accommodations. Many travel agencies offer early bird discounts.

2. Be Flexible

Being flexible with your travel dates and destinations can open up more affordable options. Consider traveling during the off-peak season to take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds.

3. Compare Packages

Don’t settle for the first package you find. Take the time to compare different travel agencies and packages to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

4. Read Reviews

Reading reviews from other travelers can provide valuable insights into the quality of the travel package and the reputation of the travel agency.

5. Look for All-Inclusive Deals

All-inclusive packages can offer great value, as they often include accommodations, meals, and activities. This can help you better manage your travel budget and avoid unexpected expenses. Exploring the world is an achievable dream, no matter your budget. Whether you’re a budget traveler, looking for comfort and value, or seeking luxury experiences, there are travel packages available to suit your needs. By planning ahead, being flexible, and carefully comparing options, you can embark on unforgettable adventures and create lasting memories. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the world best travel agency in kochi

[allinonecc]

Discover the Unforgettable Experience: Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas

Why Choose Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas?

1. Unparalleled Natural Beauty

The Bahamas, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, offers a pristine setting for this one-of-a-kind encounter. Picture yourself surrounded by the beauty of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and the gentle lapping of the Caribbean Sea – an idyllic backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

2. Interaction with Friendly Pigs

The star attractions of this adventure are the friendly swimming pigs native to Big Major Cay. These sociable animals are not only photogenic but also enjoy the company of visitors. You’ll have the chance to feed, swim, and frolic with these charismatic creatures, creating memories that will be the envy of your friends.

Planning Your Trip

1. Best Time to Visit

To make the most of your Bahamas adventure, plan your trip during the dry season, typically from December to April. During these months, you can enjoy optimal weather conditions with sunny days and warm temperatures.

2. Choosing the Right Tour

Selecting the right tour operator is crucial for a seamless experience. Opt for reputable companies that prioritize the well-being of both visitors and pigs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable encounter. Research customer reviews and testimonials to make an informed decision.

Preparing for Your Experience

1. What to Bring

Pack essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof camera to capture every moment. Comfortable swimwear and water shoes are recommended for the swim itself. Remember to check with your tour operator for any additional items they may recommend.

2. Respectful Interaction Guidelines

Prioritize the well-being of the pigs by following guidelines provided by your tour operator. Avoid feeding them inappropriate foods and maintain a respectful distance to ensure a positive experience for both you and the animals.

Benefits of Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas

1. Stress Relief and Relaxation

Immersing yourself in the tranquil waters of the Bahamas alongside these delightful pigs can provide a unique form of stress relief. The combination of the serene environment and the playful nature of the pigs creates a truly therapeutic experience.

2. Unforgettable Memories

Few experiences rival the joy of swimming with pigs in the Bahamas. The memories created during this adventure will be cherished for a lifetime, providing not only stunning photographs but also stories to share with friends and family.

Conclusion

Swimming with pigs in the Bahamas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines the beauty of nature with the charm of these friendly animals. Plan your trip carefully, choose a reputable tour operator, and get ready for a journey that goes beyond the ordinary.

[deestimes]

Living the Dream Year 3 Day 217 - Day 2 of 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day on Allure of the Seas (Day 4 of 17-day Caribbean vacation). At Sea traveling from Cape Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas, Balcony 10536 video tour and deck 16 video tour

Year 3 Day 217 – “Living the Dream”. Tuesday, 12/05/2023.Day 2 of 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day on Allure of the Seas (Day 4 of 17-day Caribbean vacation).  The weather is perfect from the perfect temperature in the high 70’s to the gentle flat seas. We are slowly making our way to Nassau, Bahamas. When I say slowly, I mean slowly. I actually think most of the day we sat in the ocean. We could…

[brookston]

Holidays 12.26

Holidays

Alexandria Day

Annabel Nostra’s National Cozy Day

Awful Tie Day

Boxing Day [26th unless Sunday, then 27th, but generally ignored] (a.k.a. ... 

Boxing Day (UK, Commonwealth) 

Day of Goodwill (South Africa, Namibia)

Family Day (Namibia, Vanuatu)

J’Ouvert (Saint Kitts and Nevis)

Le Lendemain de Noël (Quebec, Canada)

Thanksgiving (Solomon Islands)

Dissolution of the Soviet Union Day

Father’s Day (Bulgaria)

Holiday Magic Days begin (Mystic Seaport, Connecticut) [thru 1.1]

Junkanoo (Bahamas)

Lava Day (French Republic)

Lunes Siguiente a Navidad (Spain)

Maomas

Mauro Hamza Day (Houston, Texas)

Mummer's Day (Cornwall, UK)

National Homeowners Day

National Ranboo Day

National Safety Day (South Africa)

National Thank You Note Day

National Whiner's Day

Proclamation Day (South Australia)

Recyclable Packaging Day

Sakewa (Sikkim, India)

Second Day of Christmas (Baltic states, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden)

Shenandoah National Park Day

Sports Day (Falkland Islands)

Stairway to Heaven Day

Utamanduni Day (Kenya)

Wren Day (a.k.a. Day of the Wren; Ireland, Isle of Man, Wales)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Blessing of the Wine (Luxembourg)

Candy Cane Day

Coffee Percolator Day

Irish Pub Day

Kitty Dukakis Day (Challenge to Drink 750ml in 24 Hours)

National Leftovers Day (Australia)

Unbottling Day

4th & Last Tuesday in December

Charity Giving Day [4th Tuesday]

National Co-op Day [4th Tuesday]

Independence Days

Essexia (Declared; 2017) [unrecognized]

Independence and Unity Day (Slovenia)

Istria (Declared; 1935) [unrecognized]

Marienbourg (Declared; 1935) [unrecognized]

Monmark (Declared; 2017) [unrecognized]

West Sayville (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

Abadiu of Antinoe (Coptic Church)

Day of Horus (Pagan)

Day of Theotokos (Byzantium)

Dionysius, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Fools, Day 1 (St. Stephen's Day)

Full Moon [12th of the Year] (a.k.a. ... 

Bitter Moon (China)

Christmas Moon (Colonial)

Cold Moon (Amer. Indian, Celtic, North America, Traditional)

Fruit Moon (South Africa)

Hoar Frost Moon (Traditional)

Long Night’s Moon (Alternate, Amer. Indian, Neo-Pagan)

Moon of the Popping Trees (Traditional)

Oak Moon (England, Wicca)

Peach Moon (Choctaw)

Snow Moon (Cherokee)

Southern Hemisphere: Honey, Rose, Strawberry

Unduwap Full Moon Poya Day (Sri Lanka)

Winter Maker Moon (Traditional)

Iarlath (Christian; Saint)

James the Just (Eastern Orthodox Church)

John Calvin Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Kwanzaa, Day 1: Umoja (Unity)

Linnæus (Positivist; Saint)

Maurice Utrillo (Artology)

Proclamation Day (Australia)

Saka Sirhind Martyrdom Day (India)

Scudge (Muppetism)

2nd Day of Noodlemas (Pastafarian)

Stephen (Western Church)

Synaxis of the Mother of God (Greek Orthodox Church)

Synaxis of the Theotokos (Eastern Orthodox Church)

Twelve Holy Days #1 (Aries, the head; Esoteric Christianity)

Twelvetide, Day #2; St. Stephens Day (a.k.a. the Twelve Days of Christmas or Christmastide) [until 1.5]

Veer Bal Dias (India)

Zartosht No-Diso (Zoroastrianism)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

The ABC Murders (BBC TV Mini-Series; 2018)

The Art of Self Defense (Disney Cartoon; 1941)

Brighton Beach Memoirs (Film; 1986)

The Exorcist (Film; 1973)

Fast & Furious Spy Racers (Animated TV Series; 2019) [F&F]

The Glass Menagerie (Play; 1944)

Happy, by Matthew West (Album; 2003)

I Want To Hold Your Hand, by The Beatles (US Song; 1963)

King Lear, by William Shakespeare (Play; 1606)

The Last Edition or Five-Scar Final (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 138; 1961)

Magical Mystery Tour (BBC TV Special; 1967)

Marvin the Martian in the Third Dimension (WB LT Cartoon; 1997)

Mati Hari (Film; 1931)

Measure for Measure, by William Shakespeare (Play; 1604)

Monterey Pop (Music Documentary; 1968)

Pluto’s Blue Note (Disney Cartoon; 1947)

The Private Afternoons of Pamela Mann (Adult Film; 1974)

Purple Haze, lyrics written by Jimi Hendrix (Song; 1966)

Queen Christina (Film; 1933)

Rashomon (Film; 1951)

Red-Headed Baby (WB MM Cartoon; 1931)

Rickety Gin (Disney Cartoon; 1927)

The Ritz (Film; 1976)

Road to Andalay (WB MM Cartoon; 1964)

Spice World (Film; 1997)

Subway Finish or An Underground Round (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 137; 1961)

Tequila, by The Champs (Song; 1957)

We Bought a Zoo (Film; 2011)

Wool: The Unraveling, by Hugh Howey (Novel; 2011)

Today’s Name Days

Stephan, Stephanie (Austria)

Iosif, Yosif (Bulgaria)

Kruno, Krunoslav, Stjepan (Croatia)

Štěpán (Czech Republic)

Stefan (Denmark)

Sten, Taban, Tahvo, Teho, Tehvan, Tehvo (Estonia)

Tahvo, Tapani, Teppo (Finland)

Étienne (France)

Stephan, Stephanie (Germany)

Constantios, Emmanouela, Emmanouil, Emmanuel, Manolis, Panagiotis (Greece)

István (Hungary)

Santo (Italy)

Dainuvite, Gija, Saulvedis (Latvia)

Gaudilas, Gindvilė, Steponas (Lithuania)

Stefan, Steffen (Norway)

Dionizy, Szczepan, Wróciwoj (Poland)

Štefan (Slovakia)

Esteban (Spain)

Staffan, Stefan (Sweden)

Joseph, Josephine (Ukraine)

Esteban, Estefania, Estefany, Estevan, Stefan, Stefanie, Stephan, Stephanie, Stephany, Stephen, Steve, Steven, Stevie (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 360 of 2024; 5 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of week 52 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Beth (Birch) [Day 1 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Jia-Zi), Day 14 (Wu-Wu)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 14 Teveth 5784

Islamic: 13 Jumada II 1445

J Cal: 30 Zima; Nineday [30 of 30]

Julian: 13 December 2023

Moon: 100%: Full Moon

Positivist: 24 Bichat (13th Month) [Linnæus]

Runic Half Month: Eihwaz or Eoh (Yew Tree) [Day 1 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 6 of 89)

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 5 of 31)

Calendar Changes

Beth (Birch) [Celtic Tree Calendar; Month 13 of 13]

Eihwaz or Eoh (Yew Tree) [Half-Month 1 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 1.12)