#glam nation tour

[pinkelephanti]

When I did that tag game for posting songs from your ON REPEAT playlist, I thought they were all good songs but probably didn't represent me very well. So I thought it would be a fun exercise to come up with a list of 10 songs that have meant the most to me through my life. So:

Choose 10 songs that have had a big impact on you or have been a major part of the soundtrack of your life. No explanations necessary unless you want to!! Tag 10 people.

tagging: @worldsofdreamers @medicinelarrie @whatifai @louisgrayhairs @ayalabida @milfmas @redpantslouis @wecantalktomorrow @thechavier @505louis

No pressure and if anyone else wants to play please consider yourself tagged 😊

[goddessofwisdom18]

Part 3 in my “Taylor albums if they were first released in the past couple years” series!! I just know Fearless era Taylor would love Megan Moroney and taking girls’ trips to Nashville ✨🌃🏈🎠🐴

[bisnes-socks]

The Big Finnish Music Project for International Kääryleet, part 3.

Go to part 1 for all the context. We pick up where part 2 left off, as the list is (more or less) in chronological order.

Turn of the century is upon us in Finnish music.

Nylon Beat

An iconic girl duo who were the it girls of the turn of the century. Two nasal glam girls, who annoyed the living shit out of most men, and empowered most girls. If you are old enough to remember the likes of Spice Girls or Britney, ou know how it was back then. Nylon Beat were our version of all that. This is their biggest hit, Viimeinen, from 1999. The video is hilarious btw.

Tiktak

More girl power! And these were GIRLS, they are like 13-15 years old in the linked video. They were huuuuge especially with young girls. Songs about very relatable things like friendship, girlpower, all that. If i rember correctly, Jere has used Tiktak songs in his instagram stories before. This is their break through hit Lopeta from 1999.

Bomfunk MC's

An iconic Finnish hiphop and breakbeat group. Referenced in Viulunkieli. Freestyler is a song that broke through and topped the charts in many European countries. It was released in Finland in 1999 and in Europe in 2000. An iconic video and a song that is basically every Finnish persons national duty to know.

Darude

Sandstorm. You know Sandstorm. I know you know Sandstorm. From 2000. So here, watch Finnish people partying to Sandstorm on New Years Eve in 2016, as we were counting down the minutes to kick off the year 2017, which was the 100th year of Finnish independence. Sandstorm is the logical way to kick off a special new year.

Fintelligens

You know Elastinen from Toiset samanlaiset. Elastinen and Iso H, aka Fintelligens, were like some of the OG's of Finnish hiphop. Their influence on pretty much all Finnish rappers is kinda undenible. I chose this song, because Jere also references this in his verse on Toiset samanlaiset: listen carefully at the beginning of this song, look out for televisiooo ja radiooo.

HIM

One of the most successful Finnish bands of all time, HIM is just an icon in the world of rock. Their influence on European rock in particular is also undeniable. They used to play Tavastia every New Years eve, it was tradition. Their logo, the heartagram, is still fixed to the ceiling of Tavastia. The singer, Ville Valo, has a well regarded solo career now, also known as VV.

This is their hit Join Me in Death from 1999.

Sidenote: back in the day there was a force in the Finnish music industry known as Dynasty. Dynasty was an association and a record label, and it was made up of the three bands next on this list: The Rasmus, Killer and Kwan. Their aim was to strenghten co-operation between bands within the industry. Dynasty is why you might come across Finnish people (like myself) to whom The Rasmus, Killer and Kwan are sort of a unit if you will.

The Rasmus

You've probably seen the photo of teen Jere with Lauri Ylönen from Rasmus? And you might have heard In the Shadows - probably have if you were alive in 2003. But I chose F-F-F-Falling, because this one was one of their biggest hits in Finland before breaking through internationally. Fun fact: the current guitarist of The Rasmus started her career in Tiktak.

Killer

Sadly no longer active, Killer was a pop-rock group that had a very strong run for about 3 years and produced nothing but bops and bangers. Not the most influential groups, but here because the song is a bop and because they were a visible part of the early 2000's music scene. This is their biggest hit All I Want.

Kwan

One of the most original groups in Finnish hiphop, Kwan were massively popular in the early 2000's. They were also critically acclaimed and well respected for their unique sound and style. They disbanded a long time ago but made a wee reunion tour last summer. This is their massive hit from their first album in 2001, Late.

The Crash

If you've heard pop music in the last decade, you've probably heard something Teemu Brunila has written. You might have even heard his voice, as Cherry from Studio Killers, but i think we're still supposed to pretend it's a secret. It was never a secret to Finnish people though, because we'd recognise that voice anywhere. Because of The Crash. An iconic rock group at their height in the 2000's. Here's one of their biggest hits, Lauren Caught My Eye.

End of part 3. The next part covers mostly metal but some other early 2000's mega hits as well.

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Hey I have trouble with sending asks so if you see this twice pls disregard. I just wanted your opinion.

In regards to the “Tour” post, I’d love to see it actually. I’d love if the big four break up the states in one big visit to cover more territory. Nothing against C&C. If anything they should handle the DC, New England elite circle.

Will & Cathrine can take Appalachia. Kate has drug addiction patronage, if it’s not too touchy (hard to avoid though) they can also listen to the addiction problems that plague the indigenous & rural community. Cathrine can deal with education and early years and Will can touch on the biodiversity stuff.

Sophie & Will can touch on the Civil Rights south. I’d love to see them partner up again. Very touchy, I’d know 👋🏾 but better to face it and get the backlash then keep avoiding it. Sophie does a lot of visits on the African continent & well, William is the heir, of & Tusk.

I can see Edward & Sophie in the northeast, maybe going to meet the migrant community. Visit some of the fruit farms. The US still sends fruit/food to the UK right?

It would be cool to see Artsy Cathrine & Edward in something art related. You can find that virtually anywhere in this country, bonus points if they avoid Hollywood. Visit some small local theaters. They can also meet up w\ The Princes Trust and definitely with some to the celebrities that work with the organization.

Will should definitely visit some public transportation systems. Places like NY, LA & even Chicago are likely out of the question because of the safety risk, and they’re well used but Sacramento and South Florida and even Atlanta would be good to visit. That would be nice to encourage more cities to adopt/expand a light rail/buss system. I know Florida needs to.

I would also absolutely, embargo this whole trip. Only mention that “members of the firm are coming” in advance then state the trip\visit the day of or the day before. Then have the big four with C & C meet up in DC for a very glam visit with the president( whoever it is) . By glam I mean, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring out the tiaras. The president or First Lady should borrow one from and American jeweler too. Americans may not understand royal visits and what it is the Firm can do for charities but we understand bling and how much we love-hate to see it. Like the MET Gala and all those Bridgeton shows people go crazy for.

Cathrine in Diana’s sapphire choker in DC & possibly the Wales kiddos on a school bus would be the absolute highlight in the fanfic tour of mine. ( I wouldn’t bring them for the whole tour, just DC). Make a school stop, early years plug or something. Especially in DC since the government is often talking about expanding maternity leave and Woman’s (reproductive) Rights.

So much potential but it’s worth it because it’s such a big country. It sucks to mention the obnoxious two but I’ve always dreaded them here (im over it now) and sometimes I’m surprised at the things they didn’t do. I’ve always expected them to do a “Harry learns America” type thing to win over the nation. They put out more PR about how much “America” was their new forever home and how much “the country” loves them, than they actually did visiting anywhere and showing it. Might have done them more good than going all the way to Nigeria and Columbia. Also, I don’t just mean LA & NY. Their NF (granted I never watched it)deal could’ve been all about that. Make visits in smaller overlooked places etc. I guess they went to Texas & allegedly partied with the wealthy in Wisconsin was it ?but that was always for their own photo op on a situation that others were already paying attention to. ( ex: Texas school shooting & some race in Miami, Just like this hurricane. It’s so inauthentic but that’s not new to them. Oh & I guess he’s surfing now. For all their loud mouth talk about colonialism and how evil the firm is they visited no plantations, no soul food restaurants to have well “SeAsonnED FoOD”? They really capitalized on the pre-existing anger we rightfully have against the firm and the blame its current members have inherited but there were so many other effective ways they could’ve really hammered the nail in. The best thing about these two is how shortsighted they are, because it does more to sabotage themselves better than anyone else could.

*********

It's a nice thought but it's never going to happen. If Charles, Camilla, William, Kate, Edward, and Sophie are all in the US at the same time, that means Andrew, Harry, or Beatrice will be deputized counsellors of state, alongside Anne, since the law requires 2 counsellors of state to act in the King's absence. So no way, no how.

I'm not going to lie - I really did expect one of the Netflix projects to be a "coming to America" docuseries where Harry adjusts to life in California all the weird idiosyncrasies that comes with living in America and being American, only because the Beckhams did it and Meghan is nothing if not a copycat.

(I deleted your comments about Kamala because it's going to rile up tempers but I did want to address one of them: "the powers that be" determining who the president is is the American public that goes to the polls and votes. If you think there's something, or someone, else choosing who the President is, then this is really not the blog for you.)

[user-needs-new-hyperfixation]

Thanks for the tag @seeingteacupsindragons!

Rare writer ask game: name three pieces of media that are not novels/short stories or movies/TV that were formative for you, and tag three people.

Oh damn, this is tricky and I love that. I don't know how much any of these are connected to my writing specifically, but they were formative to who I am and obviously that's always gonna tie into my writing somehow.

1. Ocarina of Time. It always will be one of my favourite video games, and the kind of games I like now are still often reflective of what I liked about it. Also, I said recently in another ask that Sparrabeth was my first ship, and it was definitely the first one I went all in on, but Link/Sheik was probably actually where I started (that Bolero of Fire bit, am I right?) Sheik was also probably technically my first queer fictional crush.

2. This feels cringe to admit 😅, but Adam Lambert's Glam Nation tour. I was 19 and juuuuust starting to internally acknowledge and accept myself as queer, and I would watch all the videos from the concerts and dance along in my room and sigh dreamily over Tommy Joe Ratliff's knees buckling while he got snogged within an inch of his life. It was the first time I remember being excited about being queer, because it seemed so damn cool. ("Fun" side note; writing this made me go "the heck ever happened to Tommy Joe anyway?" and apparently now he's a far-right Christian Trumpster, so that's a thing that happened. Somewhat disorienting that he was a little part of my journey away from that and then he went into it. Booooo.)

2. This song. One of my earliest memories is of my dad holding me and singing this song to me. I still can't listen to it without tearing up. And really just a lot of music I associate with being a kid in the 90s. There's so many songs that take me back to my mom hitting record on the tape deck when they came on the radio, to the way my dad whistled along to classic rock. But this one is right down at the foundation.

Tagging (as always no pressure!) @hergan416 @shreddedleopard @soapy-soartp

[eurovision-revisited]

Eurovision 2005 - Number 25 - Wig Wam - "In My Dreams"

A scandal-free national final?! The first act to truly bring metal to a Eurovision audience?! Norway, in 2005, you're doing it right. Wig Wam are a schlager-infused rock blast of fresh air in a year of girl bops and controversy. In their own bombastic, spandex-clad way, they're a harbinger of things to come, but ever moreso, they represent the beginning of the end of the mid-2000s Eurovision experience.

They're a rock 'n' roll revolution alright.

Having come close to Eurovision in Melodi Grand Prix 2004, Wig Wam managed to win 2005 in a classic national final. Eight songs in a final, a four-way 'Gold' final and a very evenly split televote. The televote may have been announced regionally but what mattered were the total number of televotes. It's far less easy to quibble with than any arcane points system (Austria, please take notes).

In My Dreams is a classic blast of peak 80s hair metal that took glam rock to its heart. Glam, Teeny, Flash and Sporty are the metal Spice Boys. Feather boa, bandana, scarf tied to the mic-stand, one-piece, figure-hugging body suit that hides nothing, all the tropes are present and correct. This is pure fun, wearing joyful rock exuberance and fringed sleeves.

Leading off with a snippet of the blasting chorus, it settles down into the chugging verse, filled with guitar licks and riffs and then it's back to the anthemic, cheeky chorus that everyone can sing along to. It's a stadium filler, and it doesn't let up. There's even a key change to fulfil its ecstatic Eurovision duties.

On the night of Eurovision, this stood out. It wasn't the only rock song, but it was the definitive rock song of the evening. No form of metal music had ever been on the Eurovision stage to this point. It blasted away notions of what could be on that stage musically and offered a way forward, away from the pop.

National finals had been trying to do this for a while. 2004 in particular had a wide range of musical genres including quite a bit of rock of different styles. None of them made it. 2005, in truth, had seen less of it as broadcasters went for what seemed to be the winning strategy, but Norway bucked the trend.

In the Eurovision semi-final, Wig Wam cruised through in a safe sixth place, then managed a top ten finish for Norway in ninth place, in a little cluster of rock songs on the scoreboard. A significant section of the voting Eurovision audience wanted some rock. Wig Wam showed us that the ice that had been quietly creeping in to freeze Eurovision into a pop-meta, could be melted. The process could be reversed and we'd all be smiling as it did so. Here's to 2006.

Wig Wam are still touring and writing music. They recently wrote the theme song for HBO Max DC Universe series Peacemaker, which seems appropriate. They haven't changed.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

I'm on tour with my new novel The Bezzle! Catch me TOMORROW in SALT LAKE CITY (Feb 21, Weller Book Works) and then SAN DIEGO (Feb 22, Mysterious Galaxy). After that, it's LA, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix and more!

#15yrsago Tesla coils sing the Doctor Who theme in orgy of electric awesomesauce https://arcattack.com/about-us/

#15yrsago HOWTO Make a duct-tape corsage https://www.instructables.com/How_to_Make_a_Duct_Tape_Corsage_and_Flowers/

#15yrsago 419 scammer impersonates the nation of Ethiopia, takes $27 million from Citibank https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/21/nyregion/21scam.html

#15yrsago On the demise of books, newspapers, music and movies https://web.archive.org/web/20090301000000*/https://www.internetevolution.com/document.asp?doc_id=171555&

#15yrsago Future of News video from 1981: epitome of foolish futurism https://memex.craphound.com/2009/02/20/future-of-news-video-from-1981-epitome-of-dumb-futurism/

#10yrsago Comic explains problems with Oakland’s Domain Awareness Center surveillance plan https://medium.com/the-nib/the-testing-ground-for-the-new-surveillance-db4f129a7177

#10yrsago Well-Sorted Version, an alphabetical Bible https://www.wellsortedversion.com

#10yrsago Sculptor collaborates with honeybees to cover statues with comb https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/02/artist-aganetha-dyck-collaborates-with-bees-to-create-sculptures-wrapped-in-honeycomb/

#10yrsago Obama’s top Trans-Pacific Partnership officials were given millions by banks before taking the job https://www.republicreport.org/2014/big-banks-tpp/

#10yrsago Report from a meeting of Wall Street’s secret, tasteless plutocrats’ club https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2014/02/i-crashed-a-wall-street-secret-society.html

#10yrsago Edgar Allan Poe’s interior design proscriptions https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/edgar-allan-poe-interior-design-critic-180949543/

#10yrsago Museums and the free world: keynote from the Museums and the Web conference in Florence https://mwf2014.museumsandtheweb.com/paper/glam-and-the-free-world/

#5yrsago Florida inmates sue prisons for digitally confiscating the music they were sold https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2019/02/19/florida-prisoners-could-form-class-action-to-demand-refund-on-confiscated-media-players-and-files/5881894007/

#5yrsago Owner of civil war reenactment business sues school district that canceled field trips after his far-right social media came to light https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-rileys-farm-lawsuit-oak-glen-20190219-story.html

#5yrsago FDA: infusing young people’s blood will not improve your health https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/19/health/plasma-infusion-young-blood-fda-bn/index.html

#5yrsago A malicious USB cable with its own wifi rig https://twitter.com/_MG_/status/1094389042685259776

#5yrsago Magic Lantern: feature-rich addons for Canon EOS cameras https://www.magiclantern.fm

#5yrsago Google admits Nest security product has a secret mic, insists it wasn’t supposed to be a secret https://www.businessinsider.com/nest-microphone-was-never-supposed-to-be-a-secret-2019-2

#1yrago Turbotax is blitzing Congress for the right to tax YOU https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/20/turbotaxed/#counter-intuit

[ghostcaterwaul]

Overview of My OCs

Putting this under a read more thing because it’s… pretty long even though it’s not even their full bios.

Btw, I'm aware that some of the faceclaims are problematic people, I chose those faceclaims without knowing they were problematic but that's just... How those characters permanently look in my head now so I'm really sorry if some of my faceclaim choices bother people but I'm not likely to change them.

A Chaotic Love (Working Title)

Mallory Blythe A sheltered 18-year-old with a strict religious upbringing. Jeremy’s love interest.

Jeremy Wolfe Typical damaged bad boy with a dark past from the wrong side of town. Mallory’s love interest.

Suburban Secrets (Working Title)

Lieselotte “Lottie” Moon Impulsive and arrogant teenager. “Not like other girls”.

Heloise Moon Lottie’s younger sister. Super smart. In all AP courses.

Devyn and the Roses (Working Title)

Devyn Valentyne Electro-glam punk vocalist and guitarist. Levi’s love interest.

Levi Rose Glam goth Bassist. Devyn’s love interest.

Natalie Rose Goth girl. Keyboards/synths/drum machine. Levi’s sister. Is super possessive of him.

Untitled Occult Detective Series

Elliot Alexander Non-binary punk sci-fi nerd. Saw a UFO when he was 12. Wesley’s significant other.

Wesley Williams Indie emo hipster hacker. Sees dead things. Caffeine addict. Elliot’s boyfriend.

The 100 OCs

Misty Sawyer One of the 100. Arrested for attacking her abusive father. Sweet soft fragile bean. Has Classical-Like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Has AUs for multiple fandoms. (Faceclaim: Katie Jane Garside [in the 90s])

Liam Thorne Misty’s best friend. One of the 100. Arrested for helping her hide after she attacked her father. The therapist friend. Has a Z Nation AU and a Stranger Things AU. (Faceclaim: Landon Liboiron)

Elijah Stone One of the 100. Arrested for vandalism. Rebellious, hyper, a bit chaotic. Has AUs for multiple fandoms. (Faceclaim: Dominic Harrison AKA Yungblud)

Nimue kom Floukru Born Storm kom Azgeda. Was too soft and precious for the Ice Nation. led to join Floukru and changed her name to Nimue as a way of running from her past. Became a healer after joining Floukru. (Faceclaim: Lily Rabe)

Z Nation OCs

Vixen Ran away as a teen before the apocalypse. Did some illegal stuff to survive like selling drugs and firearms with an abusive boyfriend. Also has done survival sex work. She was working as a stripper when the apocalypse hit. (Faceclaim: Kaya Scodelario)

Riot O’Reilly Grew up with an artist for a mom and a biker for a dad. Dad died in a motorcycle accident when they were 5 years old. was the singer in a touring DIY queerpunk band called Rotten Rainbow Warhead Dolls From Planet 420 and was playing a show when the apocalypse hit. Dyes their hair as often as they can with whatever they can find (even if it’s not exactly hair safe, has even used sharpie ink) to maintain a sense of normalcy. (Faceclaim: Bex Taylor-Klaus)

VTM PCs

Izzy Strange A Malkavian glitter punk vocalist with BPD and substance addiction.

Sybil Kross A Malkavian artist with PTSD and abandonment issues. (Faceclaim: Kimberly Freeman)

Multifandom OCs

Jet Gray Goth boy. Videographer. (Faceclaim: Kett Turton [as Clive Webb in Gypsy 83])

Olivia “Olly” Gray Jet’s younger sister. Goth girl. Plays guitar. (Faceclaim: Heather Baron-Gracie)

Leo Anderson A survivor of institutional abuse. drug dealer. Sings and plays guitar. Lives out of his car and often couch surfs. (Faceclaim: Colson Baker AKA Machine Gun Kelly [as Wes in Roadies. If you can find me a faceclaim with that exact hair and MGK's jawline, I might change this faceclaim tbh because I cannot stand MGK now. I've learned too much.])

Emily Walsh Musician. Had to play marriage counselor for her parents from a very young age. (Faceclaim: Tessa Violet [specifically with pink hair])

Other Fandom OCs

Ophelia Power Rangers in Space OC. Purple ranger. Space sorceress born on planet Xoia. Has an otherworldly feline creature from her home planet as a pet named Indigo. (Faceclaim: Sóley Sigurþórs)

Deirdre Doyle The Originals OC. Witch. Lots of trauma. (Faceclaim: Kat Dennings)

Other OCs

Adelaide St. Claire Louisiana Creole trans woman living in New Orleans. Voodoo practitioner. (I’m currently researching everything to do with Voodoo and plan on hiring a sensitivity reader for whichever work I include her in. I promise I won’t fuck it up!)

Astrid Shelley Old lonely widowed witch that lives in the woods on the edge of town. Agoraphobic. Has a familiar, a black vulture named Edgar. (Faceclaim: Anna-Varney Cantodea)

Luca Giger 400 year old vampire. Was sex trafficked at the age of 12, is now voluntarily a full-service sex worker. Was bitten at 20 years old by a client. (Faceclaim: Bartek Borowiec)

Arthur Julius “AJ” Montgomery III Dark academia OC. Artist, writer, musician, stoner. (Faceclaim: Timothee Chalamet)

Stitches the Carnie Ghoul (CW: Horror OC. Proceed with caution) Murderous people-devouring necrophiliac. Keeps some of her victims’ corpses as dolls that she has tea parties with inside her circus tent. (Faceclaim: Peggy Giggles)

Jezebel Bathory A succubus. (Faceclaim: Rose McGowan)

Gwendolyn Lightweaver An angel turned human as a punishment. (Faceclaim: Katherine Shepard AKA Sylvaine)

Ozraphaeus “Ozzy” Embershroud A demon with a pet hellhound named Mordred. (Faceclaim: Ville Valo)

Willa Meadowsong Faerie OC. Seelie court (Faceclaim: Tori Amos)

Gossamer Greywood Faerie OC. Unseelie court. (Faceclaim: Xilmordas)

Alice Hansen An artist, writer and multi-instrumentalist who struggles with undiagnosed mental illnesses and substance abuse. (Faceclaim: Holly Henry)

[only-a-heartbeat-away]

Hi again!

I hope it wasn't for so shitty a reason. It does hurt and you do have to not touch it too much but healing isn't that bad. I have done healing with both a ring and a stud. Despite everyone saying no rings, you can't heal them. I had better luck healing mine that was pierced with a ring rather than the stud.

There are quite a few artists who get slammed for 'native gear" that instantly tells me people didn't read. Blackie Lawless and his stuff in the Wild Child/Last Command era and his song Trail of Tears.. he's first nation, Blackfoot. Chuck Billy of Testament for his Native Blood and Trail of Tears songs. He grew up on a reservation. Grand Funk Railroad gets it and Farner is first nation. Ronnie Radke's tattoos. he's first nation. Robbie Robertson gets it for his "native" rhythms and that man is first nation too. Hendrix was Afro-Cherokee and no one remembers that which is why Little Wing sounds the way it does. I feel like we are so caught on this "rock and metal are just old white people/men" that no one actually sees or looks for the incredible diversity that exists in the musicians. I don't know how many times i have had to come out with knocking people over the head with "SLASH you idiots" when they say they have never seen a glam artist of African decent. Sorry, this is one of my personal soap boxes.

I had a funny encounter with a younger metalhead that was with their mother at a Sepultura show. They got on me for my Danger Danger patch that is right next to my Immortal patch on the back of my battle jacket and my Megadeth patch is surrounded by glam band patches. They started on the oh you probably don't like heavy music blah blah.. and I got to turn on them and show them pictures of me with bands that were on their patches on their vest. The mother's response still makes me laugh when she turned on her kid and said "you don't fuck with older metalheads. They'll teach you." Most of my encounters haven't been bad. I've gotten more bad reactions walking up to people with I love the band on your shirt and the oh this is a band, I don't care it was just a cheap shirt response than I have people walking up to me asking about what I am wearing.

Favorite shirts are hard. I have a Black Sabbath tour shirt that I cherish. It is too worn to wear any more but I was thinking about framing it because it has so much meaning for me. To wear, I have a Keifer Band shirt that is so soft, fits me like a glove and the imagery is so subdued I can get away with wearing it to work which I love for obvious reasons. I also have a Rotting Christ shirt with Dracula crawling out of the grave on the front that I love the artwork on.

I will never understand the I spent money on this thing that I have no idea about and don't even like. I ain't got the money for that, if I am honest.

I am not much into mainstream musicals but I have seen Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Rocky Horror both, a couple times each. I got to see Bach when he was in Rocky Horror on Broadway in the early 2000s which took me climbing on a Greyhound bus and a bunch of nonsense to get to. I got to see Lazarus, too, which is a musical Bowie wrote about Thomas Jerome Newton after the events of Man Who Fell to Earth. Sadly, I didn't see it until after Bowie passed. They did a single memorial presentation of it after and I about sold my soul to see it since they didn't think they would be performing it ever again. I saw Spamalot because Monty Python musical, you have to. I saw War Horse which left me in tears. The musical/play with all the puppetry for the horses is infinitely better than the movie in my opinion. I don't know if it counts as a musical persay, but it is a completely sung story. I saw King Diamond perform all of the Abigail album as one show which was amazing. I would argue that it is definitely a metal musical/opera/something like that.

I've always wanted to see the Evil Dead Musical and Jesus Christ Superstar but I haven't seen either of them live yet. Do you like Musicals? Are there any that you love or would love to see?

On a related topic, I adore the Dracula ballet. The costumes in it are stunning. How do you feel/do you like classical music performances? Things like symphonies, ballet, tap dancing, anything along those lines?

-Jake

Well one of them was my mom who is adamantly against any piercings that aren't the basic ear ones (which is really funny to me because she has a belly button piercing so...🤔), so she almost definitely exaggerated it on purpose, but the other two were professionals who likely felt obligated to explain all the risks and my stupid anxiety ridden brain overthought them. Regardless, now I'm thinking about going through with it, so thank you for that lol.

Hey, you're preaching to the choir here, to say I get pissed off by that is a big understatement. I once went off on someone who wholeheartedly claimed that there were "no women or black people in rock". I spent like three straight minutes just naming every black person and/or woman in rock I could think of, and really confusingly, when I said Jimi Hendrix, they scoffed and said "Oh come on, he doesn't count" like what??? And that Slash part reminds me of when my mom and I were watching tv and a commercial that he was in played, and my mom asked "wait, is Slash black?" I was like "how did you not know that?" (and before anyone's like "well maybe she never saw a picture or footage of him before" believe me, she has numerous times)

As someone who's a big fan of both glam and thrash metal, I get shit like that a lot. An older guy at my local record store was really tearing into me once because he noticed I was buying a Megadeth album with *shock* *gasp* several glam metal albums. He was saying all this nasty shit, including "you're only into metal because you think the guys in the band are hot". Yeah okay buddy, I'm a lesbian and asexual so not in the slightest but whatever helps you protect your fragile masculinity, I guess. Thankfully the owner was nearby, told the guy to fuck off and leave me alone, and even asked me if I felt safe being in the store alone after that, but like come on, that kind of shit should never happen. Also wow, Danger Danger, that's another band I hardly ever see anyone mention!

I've also had more moments of me going up to someone wearing a band shirt and them being like "What? Oh, no, I don't listen to them. I don't even know who they are/I don't even like them" and taking offense to me daring to assume they're a fan then having people come up to me and question me on my band shirts. Again, I don't have anything against people who do that, it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but it's kinda weird to spend money on something you don't know or maybe even hate.

That Rotting Christ shirt sounds super cool! That framing idea is pretty good, it sounds like you wore it a lot and would be an excellent momento.

Those all sound awesome! I'm envious that you got to see RHPS, especially when Sebastian Bach was in it. That's a musical pretty high up on my "want to see" list. As you might be able to tell by that last sentence, I LOVE musicals. That was actually the type of music I was into before I got super into rock and metal, and I still love them dearly. And about the King Diamond thing, if a band has a concept album that they play the entirety of in one concert, I believe that counts as a musical. Might be an unpopular opinion but whatever lol.

I've seen Phantom Of The Opera, Love Never Dies, Rent, Cats (three times), Grease, Aladdin and Frozen. I'm also gonna be seeing The Lion King in just a couple weeks. And that's only counting "professional" ones, I've seen many more performed at schools and community theatres. Some shows I really want to see include Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, Six, Heathers and Rock Of Ages.

I like classical musical performances! Never heard of the Dracula ballet, but it sounds awesome. I saw The Nutcracker in 2019, and even though the audience wasn't great, the show itself was delightful. It was stunning seeing all the dancers on stage, and the costumes and lighting were all gorgeous. Would definitely go see it again if given the opportunity.

It seems to me that you've met quite a few musicians. If so, who was the nicest/your favorite? And if you're comfortable sharing, the least nicest/your least favorite?

[stuckthemarket]

What Do You Know About the Far East?

I know, you may not know what Far Eastern countries are. Far East countries include countries located in the east and southeast Asia. Now I am sure, you have an idea. Countries like China, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia are all far eastern countries.

They are a treasure trove of cultural richness, stunning landscapes, and historical wonders. From bustling cities to serene temples and lush islands, the region offers endless experiences for travellers seeking adventure, spirituality, and beauty. Book your far east tour packages and enjoy its uniqueness and cultural beauty.

Here are the top 5 destinations in the Far East.

1. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is Japan’s vibrant capital. It is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

What You Can Do In Tokyo

Walk along the bustling streets of Shibuya.

Take a look at the iconic Shibuya Crossing.

Visit Harajuku for quirky fashion and street culture. history and

Stroll through the Meiji Shrine and the Asakusa district, home to the historic Senso-ji Temple.

Don’t miss the view from the Tokyo Skytree.

Try the authentic sushi at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market.  

2. Great Wall of China, China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a must-visit when exploring the Far East. Spanning over 13,000 miles, it offers stunning views and a glimpse into ancient Chinese history. Popular sections near Beijing include Mutianyu, known for its restored beauty, and Badaling, a more accessible and bustling spot.  

3. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a bustling metropolis that combines vibrant street life with serene temples.

Places To Visit In Bangkok

Visit the magnificent Grand Palace and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Spend your evening at the riverside Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) offers stunning views, especially at sunset.

Taste the city’s street food culture in Chinatown.

Explore the lively markets of Chatuchak.

Experience the city’s skyline from rooftop bars like Vertigo or Sky Bar.  

Contact tour agency in india for further details and package prices.

4. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a vibrant blend of East and West. It offers a mix of skyscrapers, street markets, and natural beauty.

Activities To Do In Hongkong

Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour.

Hike the Dragon’s Back Trail

Visit Victoria Peak for breathtaking views of the cityscape.

Don’t miss the bustling markets of Mong Kok and the stunning Big Buddha on Lantau Island.  

5.  Bali, Indonesia

Bali is known for its lush landscapes, spiritual energy, and stunning beaches.

What You Can Do In Bali

Visit the Uluwatu Temple perched on cliffs.

Explore the artistic hub of Ubud, home to the Sacred Monkey Forest and traditional Balinese art.

Relax on the beaches of Seminyak or Canggu

Take a sunrise hike up Mount Batur for panoramic views.  

6.  Singapore

Singapore is a small island nation with a big personality. The futuristic Gardens by the Bay, with its iconic Supertree Grove is a must-visit.

Walk through Marina Bay Sands for stunning skyline views.

Explore the cultural neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.

Food lovers need to visit hawker centres offering local delights like Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab.  

Conclusion:

The Far East is a region of incredible diversity, offering a wealth of experiences that combine history, culture, natural beauty, and modern innovation. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples in Cambodia, enjoying the dynamic energy of Tokyo, or relaxing on the beaches of Bali, the Far East promises a journey of discovery and wonder. Start planning your trip and book far east tour packages from india. Let the magic of this enchanting region unfold before your eyes.  

[weaversweek]

10 "Careful" - Horse

writer Horse McDonald

Once upon a time, not so long ago, there was a band called Horse, named for their lead singer Horse McDonald. The group's debut album The Same Sky was soft indie pop rock, not a gazillion miles from Madchester bands like The Mock Turtles and World of Twist. "The speed of the beat of my heart" and "You could be forgiven" were standout tracks, but the album's closer blew them away.

Part of the UncoolTwo50 project, marking the best singles from 1977-99.

"Careful" is an earnest, honest, vulnerable love song. "Sunshine on your upturned face, everything falls into place. Blue sky above, sand underfoot, the happiest I have seen you look." Wherever Horse is, whoever she's singing to, she's in a good place. But there's an undercurrent of insecurity. "Careful with me, careful with my heart. The world keeps turning, my world falls apart."

The song lives in that gap, oscillating between unabashed adoration and buttock-clenching fear. A string section swells in the background, rising in volume and complexity with the song.

But it's Horse's vocal that stands out. She is blessed with a powerful and rich alto voice, exquisite tonal variation, and some astounding breath control. When we hear that Eurovision judges are asked to assess a song's vocal capacity, this is the mark we think of: anything coming close to "Careful" deserves the douze point.

Commercial success has always evaded Horse. "Careful" just missed the national top 40 in autumn 1990, and a re-release at Easter 1997 with spurious dance mixes was also a near-miss. Nevertheless, she's continued to play and to perform, and has become a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community, honoured with Diva magazine's Hall of Fame award in 2018. The song's been covered by Will Young, the poppet made a very fine try.

"Careful" lent its name to a semi-autobiographical play, which premiered on the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016 and toured in subsequent years. Reflecting ahead of the Edinburgh play, Horse mused,

"'Careful' is a touchstone. It's a thread that's run throughout my entire career. It's the song I always wanted to write. It's my 'My way'. When I wrote it I thought it was a lovely song, but I didn't realise the impact it's had on other people. The last few years some of my fans have reached out to me, and I never realised the effect it has until that happens. The first time it happened, a family sent me a video of them sitting in a circle, singing it, and your song's not your own anymore. Music has been such an important thing to me, so when I hear a song that's special to me, I get the gist of what my song might mean to people."

For my money, Horse's vocal here is the best female vocal in the entire top 50; even better than Montserrat Caballe. That it's attached to such a meaningful song just sees it soar up the ranking.

Also... Both The Mock Turtles ("…and then she smiles") and World of Twist ("The storm") were on the longlist. Horse transmuted from the band to the individual sometime in the mid-90s, around the time P J Harvey became Polly Jean, and around the time Simply Red became Mick Hucknell. No space in this list for Horse (London), a glam hair metal band who released mini-album Diesel Power and were all over the pages of Kerrang! in late 1989. And, however much those eedjits at Google might pretend otherwise, this is not a picture of Horse McDonald.

[mysterymirrors]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Xenia Boutique Gold Sequin Mini Skirt - 10 - Taylor Swift Eras Tour Style.

[travelcompaniontravel]

Discover Singapore's Best Tours for an Unforgettable Experience

Singapore is a vibrant destination that offers a diverse range of activities, making it a must-visit for travelers. With countless options available, finding Singapore's best tours is the key to making the most of your trip. From its stunning skyline to its rich cultural heritage, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy.

One of Singapore’s best tours is the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark experience. This tour offers panoramic views of the city and is perfect for photography enthusiasts. Combine this with a river cruise along the Singapore River for a unique way to see landmarks like the Merlion and Esplanade.

For nature lovers, a guided tour of the Gardens by the Bay is a must. This botanical marvel showcases stunning flower domes and the famous Supertree Grove. A visit to Sentosa Island is another option, where you can explore Universal Studios Singapore, relax on the beaches, or try the thrilling MegaZip adventure.

Cultural tours are also among Singapore's best. Visit Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam to discover Singapore’s multicultural roots. Each neighborhood offers a glimpse into the unique history and traditions that have shaped the nation.

If you’re seeking a taste of local cuisine, food tours are a fantastic way to explore Singapore’s hawker centers and Michelin-starred street food. Guided culinary tours introduce you to iconic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Singapore’s best tours offer a comprehensive way to experience this dynamic city. Book your next adventure with Tour.com and uncover the magic of Singapore!

[homeandawayblogs]

Discover the Best of Singapore with Our Top Holiday Package

Singapore, known as the “Lion City,” is a destination that combines futuristic marvels with rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, Singapore offers a plethora of attractions that cater to every type of traveler. From iconic landmarks to world-class shopping, green spaces, and exquisite dining experiences, this city-state has it all. Our exclusive Holiday Package to Singapore is designed to help you experience the best of this modern metropolis.

Why Choose Singapore for Your Next Vacation?

Singapore is a small island nation, but it packs a punch when it comes to delivering unforgettable travel experiences. It’s a city where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, making it a unique destination in Southeast Asia. Here’s why Singapore should be your next holiday spot:

Modern Architectural Wonders: Singapore’s skyline is filled with cutting-edge architecture, including the world-renowned Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, and the spectacular Singapore Flyer.

Green Spaces in the Heart of the City: Despite being a bustling metropolis, Singapore is also known for its commitment to sustainability and green spaces. You’ll find tranquil gardens like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the futuristic Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay.

A Melting Pot of Cultures: Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage can be seen in its neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Each offers unique insights into the country’s Chinese, Indian, and Malay influences, along with delightful local cuisine.

With our Top Holiday Package, you’ll experience all these highlights and more, ensuring your Singapore holiday is both comprehensive and enjoyable.

What’s Included in Our Singapore Holiday Package?

Our specially curated Holiday Package to Singapore includes everything you need for a hassle-free vacation. From luxury accommodations to guided tours, here’s what you can look forward to:

Luxury Accommodation

Stay in one of Singapore’s top hotels, offering comfort, style, and easy access to the city’s main attractions. Our Top Holiday Package ensures that your stay in Singapore is nothing short of luxurious.

Iconic Attractions

Our Holiday Package includes visits to Singapore’s most famous landmarks:

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: Marvel at the stunning views from the top of this architectural wonder, where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city.

Gardens by the Bay: Explore the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome, which are home to thousands of plant species from around the world. Don’t miss the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at night.

Sentosa Island: Enjoy a day at Sentosa, Singapore’s resort island that offers beaches, entertainment, and attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

No trip to Singapore is complete without immersing yourself in its diverse culture and world-renowned cuisine. Our Top Holiday Package includes:

Chinatown & Little India Tours: Explore Singapore’s cultural heart with visits to Chinatown and Little India. Learn about the history and traditions of these vibrant communities while sampling some of the best local street food.

Hawker Food Tour: Singapore’s hawker centers are legendary for offering some of the most delicious and affordable meals. From Hainanese Chicken Rice to Laksa and Chilli Crab, this food tour is a must for foodies.

Singapore River Cruise: End your day with a relaxing boat ride along the Singapore River, taking in historical landmarks such as the Merlion, Clarke Quay, and the Fullerton Hotel.

Shopping Extravaganza

Singapore is a paradise for shoppers. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury brands or unique local goods, the city has it all. With our Holiday Package, you’ll have time to explore shopping hotspots like:

Orchard Road: The shopping mecca of Singapore, home to international designer brands and large malls.

Bugis Street Market: For those seeking more affordable and quirky finds, Bugis Street is a treasure trove of souvenirs, fashion, and street food.

VivoCity: Singapore’s largest shopping mall, located near Sentosa Island, is perfect for some retail therapy after a day of sightseeing.

Family-Friendly Fun

Singapore is also an excellent destination for families, and our Holiday Package is designed to cater to travelers of all ages. You’ll have access to:

Universal Studios Singapore: Experience thrilling rides and shows based on your favorite movies and TV shows.

Singapore Zoo & Night Safari: Visit the award-winning Singapore Zoo, known for its open enclosures, and embark on a Night Safari to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitats.

Adventure Cove Waterpark: For some splashy fun, head to Adventure Cove Waterpark, where you can enjoy water slides, a lazy river, and snorkeling with marine life.

Seamless Travel Experience

Booking our Top Holiday Package means you won’t have to worry about the details. We take care of everything, including:

Round-trip Flights: Our package includes round-trip flights from major UK airports to Singapore.

Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers to and from your hotel in Singapore.

Guided City Tours: Our guided tours ensure that you don’t miss any of the city’s must-see attractions, while also allowing time for independent exploration.

Free Time: In addition to guided tours, we’ve also allocated free time in the itinerary for you to explore Singapore at your own pace.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

Singapore is a year-round destination with a tropical climate, so there’s never a bad time to visit. However, the best months to travel are from February to April, when the weather is typically dry and pleasant. This is an ideal time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions, gardens, and beaches.

Why Book Our Top Holiday Package?

Choosing our Top Holiday Package for Singapore guarantees a well-rounded travel experience that combines luxury, culture, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this package offers excellent value for money, covering all the essential highlights of Singapore while giving you the flexibility to tailor your experience.

With our Holiday Package, you’ll benefit from:

A stress-free planning process with flights, accommodation, and tours included.

Exclusive access to Singapore’s top attractions and cultural experiences.

The perfect blend of guided sightseeing and free time to explore.

Conclusion

Singapore is a city that offers something for every traveler, from cutting-edge architecture and lush green spaces to a diverse cultural heritage and tantalizing cuisine. With our Top Holiday Package, you’ll experience the very best of Singapore in a seamless, all-inclusive travel experience. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re returning to explore more, this package will make your Singapore holiday truly unforgettable.

Book your Holiday Package today and embark on a journey to discover the wonders of Singapore!

[eurovision-revisited]

Eurovision 2006 - Number 47 - Roger Pontare - "Silverland"

Roger is back for his first appearance at Melfest since he won it in 2000. This time though, he's formed a super-team with two names who are going to be heard a lot more from now on. Marcos Ubeda and Thomas G:son.

Marcos has already written the lyrics to a Eurovision winner (Take Me to Your Heaven) while Thomas is only just getting going, but is possibly the most prolific Eurovision and national final songwriter there is. At this point however he's only had one Eurovision song (Listen to Your Heartbeat for Sweden in 2001), but in 2006 he has contributions to seven songs in Melodifestivalen.

Silverland is essentially a northern Scandinavian walking simulator in a song. Roger takes us on a tour of his home under night skies and moonlight and over snow and ice. It's starts rather grandly with an orchestral introduction before moving into the territory of a chant. It establishes a rhythm for voice and landscape, that's more of a stomp-along than anything complex. It feels either like nautical rowing or martial marching music. A song to sing along to keep up the tempo of manual labour or a long journey on foot. Walking through the night of the North of the world and trying to stay warm.

The chorus has more melody and less stomp, still there's a lot of repetition and Roger celebrates the cold landscapes. He's dressed well for it. It's a glam-Sami robe, pitched somewhere between Sinbad and Santa. Amidst the mists on stage, the song is compellingly foot-tapping. Enough to keep the cold at bay.

In terms of results this wasn't Roger's best effort. There was to be no return to Eurovision. He finished fourth in his heat, which which was enough to get him to Andra Chansen. In the second chance final, he once again finished fourth, this time that resulted in elimination.

However this isn't Roger's last appearance at Melfest - he's still got one more to go