#this is a spaghetti western free zone

[peach-moths]

Vaquero mikey and donnie

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

Prairiewolf -Deep Time

One more plug for Prairiewolf's new album — Deep Time! It's out today on digital, LP and CD (the latter edition with a mystery bonus disc 👻). Very proud of it, though it's really Jeremy and Stefan who make this shit sound so good. Also shout-outs to Matt Loewen for his insanely great clarinet solo on "Revisionist Mystery;" Sean Conrad for his expert mastering; our labels Centripetal Force (North America) and Worried Songs (UK/Euro). And thanks to anyone out there who listens! I'll shut up now, but after the jump, you can read what one of our favorite writers, Brent Sirota, had to say about the album:

Prairiewolf make easy listening music for an age of fracture. They almost do it in spite of themselves. No one can seriously question the head music bona fides of the members of this Colorado-based trio. Guitarist Stefan Beck has already assembled a formidable discography of jewel-toned guitar zone-outs under his Golden Brown moniker. And keyboardist and guitarist Jeremy Erwin and bassist Tyler Wilcox have both made their reputations as chroniclers of the vast world of out music. Erwin helms the indispensable Heat Warps blog, a performance-by-performance archive of Miles Davis’s labyrinthine electric period. And Wilcox has been covering the ragged edges of psychedelia and experimental rock at Aquarium Drunkard and other publications, not to mention his own virtual basement for heads, the great bootleg blog Doom and Gloom from the Tomb. These guys come by it honestly. And yet, given their backgrounds, Prairiewolf’s self-titled debut last spring was remarkably free of face-melters, brown acid blowouts, and ascendant spiritual jazz odysseys. Instead, they dropped a record of beautiful, elegant, low-key cosmic groovers that sounded like the piped-in background music to a resort hotel on Jupiter. It was an unlikely psychedelia, brocaded with mid-twentieth century sonic threading from the hi-fi era: vintage synthesizers, smears of spaghetti western, luxe tropical details, the faint schmaltz of space age pop. Imagine something like a Harmonia residency in the airport lounge. And yet somehow it all worked brilliantly. Prairiewolf became last summer’s cool-down standard.

After a year woodshedding around Colorado’s Front Range region, the Prairiewolf boys have fired up their trusty Korg SR-120 drum machine for another outstanding collection of suborbital exotica. The appropriately titled Deep Time operates in its own chronology, unspooling at its unhurried pace. All its incongruous period and stylistic references—the new age pulses, Hawaiian steel, shaggy hippie rambles, lysergic guitar spirals, and orchestral synthesizer flourishes—float atop the album’s own singular temporality. Deep Time makes its own time. From the moment Beck folds his slide guitar, origami-like, into a sound resembling the call of gulls on the tranquil album opener, “Peach Blossom Paradise,” there is a sense of departure from everyday life. The shimmering “Lighthouse” has a similar sunbaked nonchalance, like an afternoon passed day-drinking in a seaside bar. That they named their lush, kaleidoscopic downtempo track “The Meander” pretty much says it all. The ranging, propulsive “Saying Yes to Everything” seems like a nod in the direction of Rose City Band’s brand of wookie krautrock. And the motorik noir of “Demon Cicadas in the Night” also goes hard. Beck and Erwin’s intertwined guitar jam on the eerie album standout “The Cold Curve” evolves into something that sounds like primitive computer music. A genteel bassline from Wilcox on another album highlight, “Revisionist Mystery,” sets the stage for a loopy space jazz turn from guest clarinetist Matt Loewen of Rayonism. The title of post-rock cowboy tune “Another Tomorrow” might refer to the alternative future that so many critics heard in the music of Prairiewolf’s first album. Or it might simply refer to the persistence of time, however deep.

Either way, I’m thankful for the way Prairiewolf make each of their tunes a little oasis or sanctuary, each subsisting according to its own crystalline little logic for a few minutes. It is no simple task to filter out the omnipresent anger and anxiety of everyday life these days. But Prairiewolf are out here making it seem easy.

Brent S. Sirota

[thesunlounge]

Reviews 344: Oto No Wa

I’m overjoyed to write again about Music for Dreams’ “Serious Collector Series,” not only because this run of compilations has produced some of the best vinyl sets of the past few years in the form of Jan Schulte’s Tropical Drums of Deutschland, Moonboots’ Moments in Time, and Basso’s Proper Sunburn, but also because the newest such collection, Oto No Wa: Selected Sounds of Japan 1988 - 2018, features a trio of curators who have all influenced this blog in significant ways. Listed first on the breathtaking cover is Ken Hidaka, who in addition to having a storied career as a DJ, journalist, and international record label liaison, has had a significant hand in coordinating many of my favorite reissues from the past few years…things such as Gigi’s Illuminated Audio on Time Capsule and Yutaka Hirose’s Nova + 4 on WRWTFWW, not to mention facilitating serenitatem…that spellbinding collaboration between Yoshio Ojima, Satsuki Shibano, and Visible Cloaks released last year on RNVG Intl. Then there’s Max Essa, one of the premiere practitioners of the balearic beat, whether it’s remixing tracks into euphoric seaside cruisers or producing expansive original works such as “Panorama Suite” for Is It Balearic?, the Lanterns LP for Music for Dreams, or his recently concluded trio of EPs for Hell Yeah Recordings: Themes From The Hood, The Cad & The Lovely, Haz Zan Roc, and The Great Adventure. And finally comes Dr. Rob, a far-ranging musical adventurer and gifted wordsmith whose reviews, interviews, mixes, and stories spread across Test Pressing and Ban Ban Ton Ton showed me entirely new ways to write about music, with his expressive poetics, deep references, and inimitable sense of cleverness rising far beyond standard music criticism and going a long way towards inspiring the creation of this very website.

As far as the music comprising Oto No Wa is concerned, Dr. Rob gives some background at Ban Ban Ton Ton, where he speaks of the trio meeting after one of their Lone Star nights at Bar Bonobo and compiling an initial list of some 200 hundred fantasy selections, which was miraculously whittled down to just 20 tracks. But then, the typically unflinching Japanese record label ecosystem slashed that list to all but nothing, leading Ken, Max, and Dr. Rob to reconsider the entire experience. I like to think that this was ultimately for the better, for in reworking the concept and flow of Oto No Wa, our trio of selectors struck upon the brilliant idea to, in the words of Dr. Rob, ”plot a course from pioneers, through to younger generations who`ve picked up the baton,” resulting in a spectacular set of balearic eclecticism focused on the 90s and 00s, which are periods often missed in the world of Japanese archival reissuing. Indeed, in contrast to the environmental ambiance, city pop, fusion, and jazz so often considered, the sounds here lean much closer to the romantic seaside vibrations of Flower Records’ Silent Dream CD mixes and the Ibizan chill out comps of React, as house beats are repurposed for summer fusion sways, sun-dappled ivories seek out a panoramic horizon, strummed acoustics jangle in an island breeze, electric guitars slide across cinematic deserts, dubwise basslines stroll down white sand beaches, chamber strings play themes for impossible sunsets, and steel pans bring touches of Caribbean splendor. Elsewhere, balafons dance through tropical forests, oceanic soundbaths wash the spirit clean, deep sea explorations transmute into Berlin school magic, and ceremonial drum layers surround barely there violin reveries, with the entire experience being bookended by a pair of kankyō ongaku drifters.

Oto No Wa: Selected Sounds of Japan 1988-2018 (Music for Dreams, 2020) Yoshio Ojima’s “Sealed,” the sole track here from the 80s, comes from the second volume of the producer’s now legendary Une Collection Des Chaînons: Music For Spiral collection and sees glowing hazes moving in slow motion…these harmonious swells mimicking the motions of some celestial sea while textures of digital crystal twinkle overhead. The vibe is hopeful and soothing, though there are moments where the swelling drones turn minor key and melancholic and the glass and gemstone atmospheres get caught in hyperspeed delay trails. But we always return to the floating stretches of major key majesty, with the music perfectly suited to scoring the motions of clouds across the sky or leaves drifting down a stream. And like many of Ojima’s tracks, there is a false ending…a fade to silence preceding a rebirth, wherein the melodic textures from before are reconfigured into mysterious forms…as if the cerulean sky scene mentioned earlier has been washed out by moody grey rainclouds. The original mix of Olololop’s “Mon” revels in washy 90s post-rock atmospherics, with increasingly free ambient jazz drumming underlying cascading pianos and plucked harps. And while the “orte Remix” by Kumi Hayashi and Takaaki Suzuki preserves many of these elements, the vibe here is more oriented towards classical chill out. The beats are rigid and slamming as they lock into a mechanized seaside swing, with the original’s jazz drumming fluidity replaced by pounding kicks, panning ride taps, and sketchy shaker patterns. Piano and harp flow into the stereo field, dropping plucked rays of golden harmony and washes of ivory ethereality before settling into a balearic dreamdance, one carried by gentle trance electronics and layers of droning bass positivity. At some point the rhythms pull away and we find ourselves in an extended beatless bliss out, wherein melodies of ocean crystal pulse around melodious harp motions, abstracted kick taps flutter on echo breezes, and pan-pipes sparkle in the distance. And later, the mix reduces to an industrial downbeat drum sway and a ceremonial hum of subdued choral mesmerism as the piano continues merging vibes of new age fusion and beachside romance.

Among my favorite cuts here is Kazuya Kotani’s “Fatima,” coming from the 2007 CD Made in Love. Seed shakers and rainsticks roll through echo machines, oceanic string panoramas shift in phase, and bongos and congas beat out a seaside beat as a cooing voice whispers sweet nothings in a way reminding me of Sth. Notional’s “Yawn Yawn Yawn (Dream… Another Reality Mix)”. Bulbous basslines bring touches of gentle dub exotica and a glorious chill out breakbeat swings with infectious forward momentum even as it lands like air, while pianos shimmer and shine via wavering chord mirages and prismatic delay leads that presage Coyote’s use of the instrument. The way everything locks in is so perfect, with hand drums bopping alongside the seaside breakbeat cruise and angelic strings glowing beneath sparkling ivory dreamspells…the whole thing coming together like some prototypical cut from one of José Padilla’s Cafe del Mar compilations or a Phil Mison curated Real Ibiza collection. At some point the drums pull away, leaving behind soft piano flutters, breathy whispers, and overlapping waves of orchestral resonance. And when the beats return, they are joined by heartwrenching chamber string progressions…a sort of swooning dance of cinematic sunset majesty before the track effortlessly glides back towards beachside chill out perfection. The B-side opens with “N.I.C.E. Guy” by Scha Dara Parra, who Dr. Rob describes in the liner notes as “Japan’s answer to the Beastie Boys.” The “Nice Guitar Dub” of the track presented here takes us into the world of the Major Force dance collective, and sees house kicks, hand drum loops, and clipped snares underlying lysergic repetitions of “feel good / checking things out” before dropping into a summery groove led by walking sunshine jazz bass, Hiroshi Fujiwara’s acoustic guitar strums, and Hirofumi Asamoto’s piano…a sort of ambient honky tonk cascade scoring some lagoon adjacent saloon. Occasionally, heavenly strings blow through the stereo field to envelop the vocal samples and there’s a strange midtro given over to urgent stick clicks and rimshots while towards the end, b-boy drum cut-ups and turntablist flourishes disturb the flow.

Little Tempo is an ever shifting group of dub and reggae explorers led in part by Takeshi “Tico” Toki and his shimmering steel pan. The collective has played the world over and released an impressive number of albums since the mid-90s, one of which is Ron Riddim, a 2xLP from 1999 containing the track “Frostie.” A stoner beat moves beneath a tropical panorama of steel drumming, with hi-hats occasionally opening, shekeres scraping, and snares pushing through granular reverb, and as we drop into the groove, liquid dub basslines pulse and slide while a piano glistens in the moonlight. The ivory performance is powerful and awash in twilight romance and noir mystery, sometimes dancing in solo and other times accented by glimmering steel pan flourishes. Elsewhere, the pianos are replaced by electric guitars, which let loose bluesy slides and space western leads…the mixture of desert twang and equatorial riddim strongly evoking the dubbier sides of Tortoise. There’s a moment where the track gives over to martial snare intensity as amphibian lasers and telephonic tracers fire across the sky, with the latter sound pulling my mind to the work of Eddie C. And eventually, the track settles into a sort of bluesy reggae zone out, with subsonic basslines skanking and dubwise drums smacking while wavering steel drum mirages surround spaghetti western slides in the style of Doug McCombs. Karel Arbus & Eiji Takamatsu will of course be well familiar to readers of this blog, both for their amazing Some Backland Plaze tape on Max Essa’s Jansen Jardin and for that completely stunning rework of Cantoma’s “Kasoto” from last year. “Coco and the Fish,” taken from the aforementioned cassette, sees idiophones splashing through sea spray while enigmatic electronics swirl in the background…like a vortex of kosmische wonderment pulsating in colors of deep purple and blue, one that occasionally opens up to reveal deep house chord stabs. It’s hard to say whether the main instrument played is marimba or balafon, but either way, it’s a hyperkinetic performance exuding an energy at once meditative and ecstatic...all while phaser wisps, starshine sparkles, and hidden voices swirl in the distance.

I first heard globetrotting DJ and Flower Records alum Kentaro Takizawa courtesy of Phil Mison and his Pure Ibiza 2xCD set released by I Label in 2008, which included the “Silent Dream Version” of the song taken from the aforementioned Silent Dream compilation. Originally though, the track closed Takizawa’s album Gradual Life from 2006, and this is the version included here. Ride cymbals shine amidst glorious murmurations of ambient synthesis while percussive eco fx mimic the songs of lizards and toads. Elecrosnares rocket across the spectrum, beauteous acoustic guitar arps fall like summer rain, and further six-string solos move in counterpoint, with subdead leads mesmerizing the mind. As psychoactive threads of static surround decaying triangles, sundowner string orchestrations ascend towards the clouds, causing the heart to soar in that Sacha Putnam or Vangelis kind of way, and when the beat drops, it’s a lackadaisical sway led by rolling bongos and tapped cymbals. Guitars dance playfully over a backdrop of fourth world alien magic and ever so often, filmic string themes diffuse into the spectrum. Elsewhere, the drums wash away, leaving e-pianos to execute breathtaking descents before disappearing into a synthesized mirage. Rainsticsk flow over the stereo field as the track evolves even further towards new age bliss, with a harmonious conversation of acoustic guitar sunshine proceeding in a fantasy jungle, wherein sunlight reflects off of glistening palm fronds and tropical birds sing intoxicating songs. And after returning to the bopping rhythms and tapestries of chill out exotica, the tracks ends with guitars being replaced by pianos while mermaid pads whoosh through a sunbathed rainforest setting. Mystical percussionist Yoshiaki Ochi inhabited similar circles to Yoshio Ojima, releasing through NEWSIC and seeing his music played, like Ojima’s, at the arts center of Wacoal lingerie company, otherwise known as Spiral. In “Balasong,” taken from 1990’s Natural Sonic, balafons bounce playfully while executing Steve Reich-style pattenrs of minimalist exotica. The drunken daydream motions and otherworldly idiophone polyrhythms are occasionally interspersed by fast motion twiddles and rapid fire rolls, while at the edge of the mix gourds buzz and textures of metal sparkle…perhaps the ghostly chiming of temple bells.

Kaoru Inoue is a hugely influential figure who for decades has been perfecting his own esoteric combination of house, techno, ambient, and spiritual world music. “Wave Introduction” was originally released on the artist’s 2006 album Slow Motion before being repurposed as the opener for one of my favorite albums ever released: Inoue’s horizontal masterpiece Em Paz released in 2018 on Groovement Organic. The track features the relaxing sounds of waves crashing to shore, joined by twinkling synths, distant foghorns, and psychosonic liquid drips, which eventually transmute into a Reich-ian dream sequence awash in textures of mermaid crystal. Undulating bass arps support slow moving pads that drift like cosmic fog while rhythmic wisps of laser static tickle the mind and the whole thing takes on the feeling of a drunken dream dance that slowly moves towards ambient rapture. The influential Flower Records and its founder Eitetsu Takamiya are represented here by the highly sought after “Scuba” under Takamiya’s Little Big Bee alias. Psychedelic bubble clouds blow over Kenji Jinguiji’s slithering bass guitar romantics and the e-pianos of Plaza Fujisaki glow with a sort of new age spirituality while Hawaiian guitars slide across a sunburst sky. A hushed house beat is accented by gentle clacks and seed shaker pulses as Jinguji’s lowslung basslines lock into a balearic fusion dance replete with vocal slides up the fretboard and as the pacific breeze guitar slides swim between solar organ dub chords, spaceage arpeggiations flitter all around. I detect a definite lean towards The Orb’s early merging of dub, ambient, and techno, with a stereo field colored through by cut-off motions, resonance flares, and whalesong pads that settle into a haze of golden light. The beats cut away momentarily, leaving filtering cosmic synthetics, pulsing organ accents, and emotive basslines while stick clicks build a rainshower rhythm. Seafoam siren synths swell in strength and subsume the entire mix as angels breath rainbow mist across universal expanses and eventually, a liquid guitar slide reintroduces the south pacific chill out groove, which now features hyperkinetic click cascades.

Coastlines, the duo of Masanori Ikeda and Takumi Kaneko, are huge favorites around here and given that I reviewed their cover of Ralph MacDonald’s “East Dry River” when it was originally released as a 7” back in 2018, I’ll present a modified version of my words from that time: Joyously ascending piano chords and deep vocal bass percussions set the scene before we smash cut into a smooth coastal fusion jam, as tambourines and toms pound beneath radiant piano strokes and synthetic steel drum dances while four four house kicks and luscious sub-basslines move the body. Angels bring touches of pure euphoria as they rain down from the sky, and elsewhere, fretless bass solos wiggle above the island rhythm dreamscape…the Motohiko Hamase-style note clusters and liquiform slides trailing under subtle ping-pong delays while colorful hand drum accents evoke slow-motion dancing on some fantasy beach. There’s a brief moment where everything washes away, leaving lush piano chords and sparkling steel pans adrift in solitude, and later, after returning to the seaside house rhythms and melodic textures of jazz fusion fantasy, we are treated again to a crazed fretless bass solo, one that grows ever more frantic and chaotic before finally dispersing. Though beloved producer Susumu Yokota is no longer with us, his memory lives on via his profound influence and his intrepid bridgings of academic ambient and techno body pressure, not to mention archival projects such as the Jon Tye-assisted Cloud Hidden from 2019. “Uchu Taniyo” is taken from Yokota’s 1999 album Sakura and begins with a voice pushing through clouds of reverb as ritualistic percussion builds from the depths. Hand drums and wooden clacks lock into a ceremonial dance kissed by cosmic fx and growling ambient forms swirl into the stereo field…these morphing tremolo gurgles imbued with atmospheres of melancholy. Voices continue babbling as a violin enters the scene, letting loose folksy melodies and post-classical whispers that barely break through the layers of rhythmic repetition. And as the track comes to an end, the exotica drum webs fade out as frogsong electronics decay into the void.

The vibe continues to spread out towards horizontal ambiance in “Time and Space,” a track exclusive to this compilation from the duo of Isao Kumano and Kenichi Takagi, who are often found working with Alex from Tokyo in Tokyo Black Star, but who here appear in their “secretive” Chillax guise. Crystallized sequences, smoldering static waveforms, and hazes of ocean either intertwine as chiming melodies ascend on unseen currents towards a sun soaked sea surface, and I can’t help but think of the underwater kosmische of Iury Lech and Miguel Noya, as well as the seafloor ambient excursions of Shelter on Profondeur 4000 and Private Agenda on Île de Rêve. Soft focus chord bursts breath ambient house ether into the mix while tick-tocking arps build slowly in the background, eventually growing in strength and taking over the mix as the vibe flows from deep sea drifting to Berlin school melodrama, wherein searing filter motions surround the spirit and vocoder cyborgs chant amidst subsuming chord decays. I’ve said much about Takashi Kokubo across this blog, though thus far everything has been focused around his hugely influential Get at the Wave. And given how well mined that album is by now, I’m quite thankful that Ken, Max, and Dr. Rob have opted instead for “Quiet Inlet,” a track appearing on Kokubo’s Eternity from 2006. Waves lap gently against the shore of some hidden island scene...a place of peace and picturesque beauty known only to the fish, reptiles, and birds. A calming piano lullaby enters the scene, marrying Satie-like ambiance and Riley-ian minimalism while digital colorations and e-piano bubble clouds flit all around. A choir of angelic sirens bathe the mix in vocal radiance while bell trees mimic sunlight refractions on the ocean’s surface and after a false ending, the dreamscape ivory cascades, pointillist e-piano melodies, and heavenly choirs return, with everything shrouded by pearlescent pad layers and gaseous blankets of reverb. Windchimes blow on a sea breeze and periodic swells of mermaid magnificence work into the mix and as the sampled waves continue their motions, they lull the mind towards daydream visages of the titular seaside paraiso.

(images from my personal copy)

[alpineramble]

How many days are required to complete the Everest base camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp itself more than enough because it’s the base camp of the world’s highest mountain. However, The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most thrilling adventures Trekking trails in Nepal which offers the incredible beauty of nature and culture along the massive view of the Everest and Himalayas in Khumbu region. This trek is sure to be a trip of a lifetime. It may challenge for the very first trekkers but we are sure that you will defiantly enjoy the majestic view of the Himalayas and its landscape. In addition, this trek is all about love and eagerness which enthralls all adventurous to the nucleus of your own heart.

Everest Base Camp Trek has difference itineraries which based on the level of your physical structure and stamina.  Normally, 12 days hiking are recommended for the very first trekkers who are intended to trek to the Everest base camp which is included the 2 extra days for the acclimatization to adapt your body with a thin air at the high altitude. It’s more sufficient and doable from the age of 10 years to 75 years. However, the Everest base camp trek from Lukla is noticeable as per day to day trip itinerary which is given below.

Please kindly check the following day to day itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trekking.

Outline Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,610 m ) 35 min by air and trek to Phakding (2810 m) 4 hrs walk approximately

Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazzar (3,450 m/11,315 ft) - 5/ 6 hrs walk approximately

Day 03: Rest and acclimatization day at Namche

Day 04: Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,677 ft)- 4/5 hrs walk approximately

Day 05: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,485 ft) - 4/5 hrs walk approximately

Day 06: Rest/ Acclimatization Day at Dingboche

Day 07: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m/16,105 ft)- 4 hrs walk approximately

Day 08: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorkshep (5,185 m/17010 ft)- 5 hrs walk approximately

Day 09: 2 hrs Hike from Gorak Shep to Kalapather (5,545m/18,187ft ) than – Pariche (4,250 m/13,940 ft)- 5 hrs walk, overnight at lodge

Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazzar (3,450/11,315 ft) - 6 hrs walk approximate, overnight at lodge

Day 11: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,850 m/9,350 ft)- 6 hrs approximate walk, overnight at lodge.

Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu 35 minute by air, transferred to the hotel, overnight at Hotel

WHEN TO TRAVEL TO EVEREST BASE CAMP

The best time to travel in Everest region, during the dry season (Autumn), which runs from the mid of September to May and pre-monsoon season (Spring) March to May, these months are the absolute time and favorable months for trekking in Nepal Himalayas and Everest region, offers crystal clear view of fresh snowy mountains with the nice temperature and nights are quite cold normally temperature drops to the negative during the nights.

Trip Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

Trek to the foot of world’s highest peak Mount Everest

Scenic mountain flight to and from Lukla

Highest airport in the world at Syangboche

Reach Everest base camp (5364 m)  walking on Khumbu glacier

Explore the Sherpa culture and lifestyle

Visit ancient Tengboche monastery

Extensive Flora and Fauna

Trek through spectacular scenery with brilliant panoramic Mountains view

Hiking to Kala Patthar 5,545 m and see the amazing panoramic views from the top

World’s deepest Khumbu glacier

Accommodation during the Trek

Alpine Ramble Treks will be accommodated in the best hotel like 3 stars categories with the good facilities of WIFI, Hot Shower, and AC room with the best breakfast services on the selection in Kathmandu and all Accommodations are provided on the twin-sharing basis. The single supplement will be served if you are a single traveler. Accommodations during the trek in the mountains, basically you will be staying at basic trekking lodges where you will have a nice and clean room with the warm blankets, pillows, and comfortable matrices ( matrices size cannot be very thick size but still comfortable). All the facilities during the Everest base camp trek are not as same as Kathmandu but still very pleasant and suitable. Do not expect everything is the high level of standards in the mountain. Alpine Ramble Treks would be glad to ensure the attached bathroom in every possible place even on Everest region in advance booking, in some places; you have to compromise in sharing a bathroom at high altitudes area because there is no room with attached bath have being built at this elevations area.

How to Travel Everest Base Camp

Getting to Everest base camp, There are two different major transportation which is by airstrip and Local bus/jeep. however taking an airstrip from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the fastest ways to get the Everest base camp, and this trek starts from Lukla but if you take a local bus/jeep for this you have to have at least 3-4 days extra days behind above the itinerary. because you will have a transfer to Salleri which is the last bus station and you have to walk all the way up to Lukla for 2-3 days.

Meals during the trek in Everest region

The Everest base camp trek is well-established trekking route of Nepal Himalayas where you can get the numerous trekking lodges along the way in the whole journey and basic meals are available in the trekking lodge on this route. The meals are served by our company as per our inclusive way which is included on this Everest Base Camp trek program. Basically, the foods are provided in the same tea house where you stay overnight and there are no outside foods is allowed according to the rule and regulations of the local community but you can simply take the normal snacks, water and drinking stuffs from outside as you wish which are allowed. In order to complete the 12 Days Everest base camp, the food is one of the most important factors that you really need it to hike in the Himalayas. The meal in this trek is very convenient and fresh except meat items, usually, we take our breakfast and dinner at the same lodge where we stay and for the lunch, our trekking guide will be chosen every day at the best place possible along the way,

Food during the trek, you will have full options to select your preferred meals items from the menu which are provided by the local tea houses, the Menu offers verities of ethnic cuisines foods as well as western styles meals including Sherpa stew, Fresh vegetable items, Rara noodles, different soups, handmade bread items, rice items, spaghetti, pizza, eggs, potatoes items, Apple pie, Dal Bhat and various of drinking like Black tea, lemon tea, Hot chocolates, Ginger tea, Milk coffee/tea, green tea, black coffee, Lemon ginger tea are available on menu in this trek. The meals are quite surprising on this trek then other trekking routes Like Annapurna and Langtang regions of Nepal, all are selected items from the menu of the lodge will be fresh, hygienic and tasty. Some places, there are non-veg item meals are available however we do not recommend to take these meat items in the Everest region as they are not hygienic and healthy during the trek. The fresh and healthy meals during the trek like  Dal Bhat, Vegetable items and soups items ( Garlic soup, potato soup, onion soup with the food, ) are recommended which are prepared by the local supplement and do not store as a long period of time to serve it.

Note: The water is available everywhere during EBC trek which cost around 2-3 dollars per liter of botels or you can also use the normal tap water for free but water purification pills are required to filter. And we would like you to take a separate proper bottle for hot water reason because cold water cannot be fit every time in the high altitude area and it’s too cold.

The Everest Base Camp trek can be customized as per your time and requirements. there are various trekking routes to get the Everest base camp based on your holiday's timeframe. However, the required trip itinerary of Everest base camp trek can be provided as per your request, please do not hesitate to write to us. We will be pleased to help you as much as we can anytime. we make sure that our clients are in a position of the comfort zone.

[letterboxd]

Ballad.

Dominic Corry is in New York to see the Coen Brothers’ latest opus, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs starring Tim Blake Nelson (above).

The Coen brothers unveiled their latest work The Ballad of Buster Scruggs at the New York Film Festival last week, and it’s yet another masterpiece from the peerless filmmakers. Perhaps even more so than their acclaimed True Grit (2010), which garnered ten Oscar nominations, Buster Scruggs betrays their extreme affection for—and deep knowledge of—the Western, cinema’s first and longest-lasting genre.

The Netflix-backed project was erroneously initially reported to be a TV series, but according to the brothers it was always planned as an anthology film comprised of six individual stories. Each one embodies and gently subverts a particular Western sub-genre, from the singing cowboy films typified by those starring Gene Autry, to the fatalistic grime of Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns, to a wagon train drama, with multiple stops in between, ending on a dark tale that wouldn’t be all that out of place as a Twilight Zone episode.

It’s funny, tragic and savagely ironic in the manner only the Coens seem to be able to pull off. The stories feature a host of amazing actors doing fantastic work, including, but not limited to: Liam Neeson, Bill Heck, Zoe Kazan, Tom Waits, James Franco, Stephen Root, Tyne Daly, Brendan Gleeson and the great Clancy Brown (albeit briefly), whose presence elevates anything he appears in. The only person missing was the late Walter Brennan, the Western genre's all-time greatest old coot who I am confident is smiling down upon this film from wherever he may currently reside.

Zoe Kazan, Joel Coen, Tim Blake Nelson and Ethan Coen at NYFF 56. / Photo: Evan Agostini

Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art Thou?) is absolutely hilarious as the title character (the aforementioned singing cowboy), whose story kicks off the anthology. He joined the Coens on stage following the screening for a discussion of the work. Here’s some highlights:

On the origins of the project: Joel Coen: The first story [we wrote] was the first story in the movie. These are stories that were written over 25 years really, so that goes way back, that one. They follow, with a couple of exceptions, in a kind of chronological order in terms of when they were written, roughly. They just got put in a drawer because they were short movies and we didn’t know what we were gonna do with them. We probably didn’t even expect to make them until maybe eight or ten years ago when we started thinking, “well, maybe we could do these”. They could be seen as a sequenced series of stories or tracks on a record album or something like that. It’s a weird animal in terms of the format.

On whether or not they considered merging the stories into one larger narrative: JC: No. Like I said before we had these stories, they were all westerns so there was that and then they seemed to relate to each other, but kind of retrospectively, rather than consciously when we started doing it. There was never the impulse to [combine them] but as I said it’s kind of a strange form but it grew out of just the odd nature of how they came into existence.

On the experience of the actors: Tim Blake Nelson: We all got to read the entire script before we shot our individual constituent parts, unrelated to the others, but I think probably as actors we all felt a responsibility toward the genre of each film in which we appear. Because what I think is astonishing about this is it’s six different movies within the Western genre but then each one is in the vernacular of a sub-genre in and of itself. And that, at least for me, and I’m pretty sure with the other actors, just underscored one’s responsibility to appear indelibly within the genre in which you appeared. And so understanding that and then getting to see the successes of the others, it was just really rewarding to encounter that in all the stories. So that’s what was most gratifying about seeing the whole, was experiencing the success of others.

On the public confusion over whether or not this was a series or a movie, and whether or not any stories got culled: JC: I think that’s an artifact of what a strange animal it is. None of us really knew what to call it or how to classify it. Aside from the confusion about the classification, what we were going to shoot, the length of all the stories, which vary, there was never anything we were considering doing differently. There were never any more stories, and they were always intended to be seen together as a group.

On the large presence of animals in the film, which prominently features a dog and and owl, among other critters: JC: Flies are very hard to work with. There are a lot of animals. We do tend to load the movies up with domestic animals don’t we? It’s a Western, there are horses. It is true, I have to say, you do a Western, you spend 90% of your time dealing with and thinking about the horses.

Ethan Coen: And the oxen. The oxen were new to us. I asked Travis, who was the oxen wrangler, we wanted the oxen to do something specific for a take, and I asked him if he could do that and he just sighed. He looked at me like I was an idiot and said, “Driving oxen is not self-evident”.

On collaborating on this film with longtime composer Carter Burwell: EC: As Tim said, they’re all Westerns but they’re such different kinds of stories, we would talk about to what extent the music should play off those different [genres] and to what extent it should tie the things together. It’s a question we confronted. They’re so different. How much are you gonna accent the differences and how much are you gonna say it’s all the same movie [with the music]?

JC: It’s something that wasn’t just limited to the music, it’s an issue that came up in terms of the shooting styles and the color timing look of the movie, and how much to differentiate between the different stories and how much not to. How much to push that and how much to pull back a little bit in terms of your original instincts about it. And that went through a lot of iterations. It’s the kind of thing that’s very easy to iterate and re-iterate now that color timing is done in a computer as opposed to photo-chemically, so that went back and forth a little bit too and sort of found its place.

On how Joel and Ethan have evolved over the years as filmmakers: TBN: Yeah they finally know what they’re doing. They figured it out on this movie. [Big laughs from the crowd.] At a previous Q&A I suddenly realized the oxymoronic nature of who and what Joel and Ethan are as directors and filmmakers, because they’re incredibly, unbelievably, in an unparalleled way, meticulous and prepared as filmmakers. So that when you get to the set there really are no decisions being made during the shooting time that could’ve been made earlier, and that rigor pays off in an interesting way because it allows for the actors inside of that meticulous preparation, to be utterly free, to have all the time an actor could possibly want. So I think it’s the amount of preparation, with which I became familiar on O Brother, and I’d never encountered before in any movie I’d done with any director, or directors. And it’s repeated once more here, with the added challenge I think for Joel and Ethan that they were making effectively six films with six different linguistic principals inside the language of the Western and I found the specificity with which they were working on the one I’m in, unbelievable in terms of its extremes and its fearlessness. And the way that they were pushing me, and in certain cases allowing me to do certain stuff. And then seeing the whole movie, watching five other versions of that, was truly astonishing. So what I guess I really mean to say is that the opposite of my joke is true: they continue to be unparalleled in terms of the work they put in, the preparation they do, and the specificity borne out of the shooting and also in the result.

‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ is available on Netflix and in select theaters from November 16. Letterboxd recommends seeing it on the big screen if you can!

[zecretsanta]

“Scene: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico”

To: @silveredfoxxeh

From: @billyweird

Notes: Happy Holidays! I wrote you C-Team polyamory plus road trip plus lots of introspection and fluff.

Ao3

By the time Carlos found Akane lingering in the hallway outside the reception room, it was so late that drunk wedding guests had fallen asleep where they sat. Her back was to him and she held her dress up so the hem didn’t drag. Her bare feet were exposed and without her heels she’d lost three inches. She looked around dazedly, muttering to herself in Japanese, and startled when he tapped her on the shoulder. “Oh, Carlos!” She looked dewy and relaxed and like she couldn’t believe she made it this far. She sniffled, cried, and laughed all day and stumbled into her brother when they danced. They ended up in a bear hug swaying gently as the song petered out. Junpei’s hand was probably covered in makeup with how often he’d wiped her face.

Carlos smoothed down some hair that had fallen out of her elaborate style. When he touched her he thought that he should’ve asked her for one more dance today and one more kiss last night. “Congratulations.” His hand lingered on her cheek, and she held hers over it. Was it bad etiquette to tell a married woman she was beautiful if you weren’t her husband? The wedding wasn’t officially over—she was still a bride. Everyone told the bride she looked amazing. “I’m so happy for you two.” Her face softened and she held onto his hand when he tried to pull away. “Then why do you look so sad?” “Do I?” He stroked her cheekbone with his thumb, accidentally streaking some blush that clung to him like the bittersweet feelings he carried leading up to this day. “It’s champagne. You know how I get when I’m drunk.” “You’re an awful liar,” she said. “‘Say what you need to while there’s time to say it.’” She remembered that far back, and from another history? Of course. She was Akane: she knew the answer to every trivia game show question, how to breakdown fringe science theories, and the Latin names for at least 20 breeds of rabbit. “I guess I’m happy and I’m sad. I, uh…” Even head over heels for them, Carlos felt hopeless and clumsy with romance. “I picked a crap time to say goodbye, but I’m gonna miss you two. We had some good times, and you guys made even the darkest moments bearable.” And he’d never forget the morning after a bar crawl when Junpei clarified their kiss last night wasn’t impulsive by pulling him in by the collar. Sitting by the phone all night waiting for news that Junpei was out of surgery. Coming home from a 24-hour shift to find them sleeping in his bed. How proud Akane was when he wolfed down her first edible batch of spaghetti napolitan. “And you gave me something I never thought I’d have.” He was content with being alone until they all met, and now he counted the seconds until she walked away. “So thank you. Go be happy together.” He expected her to smile knowingly and echo similar sentiments, until she brushed his hand aside. She stood on her tiptoes, braced her hands on his chest and tilted her head up. Her typical cue to kiss her. When he hesitated, she bit her bottom lip. “Hey.” Their same dance—he put his hands on her waist, her wedding dress so fragile and smooth in his grasp, and kissed her until her lipstick rubbed off on him. “We’re happy with you,” she said when they pulled away, him holding onto her even as she eased back onto her feet. “I didn’t think I had to say that.” She smiled and rubbed her hand over his mouth so her fingers came away colorful. “Junpei is my husband. That doesn’t change that you’re mine, too.” She touched his mouth once more. “Speaking of him, I need to go.” She pushed his hands off her waist and turned away. Carlos grabbed her arm but she slid through his grip, looking over her shoulder once before disappearing into a side room. Even though she was gone he floated in the moment suspended by hope and cautious joy, until she yelped and he ran to action. He arrived in time to find Junpei holding up an empty tumbler, gloating in Japanese to a passed out Aoi, before he too slumped forward. The glass shattered as he fell off the sofa. Carlos and Akane spent the rest of the night in the ER, waiting to hear about her husband and brother who’d given themselves alcohol poisoning because they wouldn’t quit a drinking contest. “I can’t believe them!” she groaned, and Carlos put his arm around her and let her fall asleep on him. Akane kept her promise: they continued showing up at his door unannounced or actually reaching out to make plans, and during those visits it was like they were never apart. He and Maria were the only Westerners invited to their second, traditional wedding ceremony in Japan (under strict orders not to tell Junpei’s family they were already married, as if Carlos spoke enough intelligible Japanese to direct them to the bathroom). They treated Maria and Aoi like their respective in-laws. The dry spells—when they were gone for months at a time for work and semi-unreachable—ground him down. He found their toiletries and clothes around his place and sighed instead of smiled. It all came to a head when they hit three years together, including one year married for Junpei and Akane. “It’s not that easy to up and leave here,” Carlos said for the millionth time and Junpei rolled his eyes. “What’s hard about it? You move in for good, you don’t have to think about money again, you—” “I’m not me anymore.” He couldn’t keep frustration out of his voice. “The Carlos you guys like is a firefighter. He’s a brother. He can take care of himself.” He slumped a bit. “You make me happy, but you’re not my whole life.” “Does a life with us sound that bad?” Junpei narrowed his eyes, lay down on the couch, and looked at the ceiling like he knew his question was pointless. In the armchair, Akane murmured in her sleep and curled up tighter. Carlos suspected Junpei brought this up now because she wasn’t awake to tell him to respect Carlos’ feelings and drop the subject.  

“Don’t guilt trip me.” “Answer my question.” “If you have to ask…” Carlos began, but trailed off seeing how Junpei started snapping one of Akane’s hairbands on his wrist. Carlos sat with him on the couch and pulled Junpei’s legs onto his lap. It was a little-known Junpei fact that he liked foot massages, and he twitched when Carlos started at his arch. “My sister and my job need me, too.” “It’s just easier when you’re around, you know,” Junpei said. He didn’t elaborate but let Carlos play with his stocking feet until he relaxed and fell asleep. In the morning, Junpei made “Forget That Conversation Happened” crepes and Akane contributed by cutting fruit into cute shapes. Presentation and making tea were the only cooking skills her brother taught her that stuck. When she was done she put her chin on Junpei’s shoulder and pointed at the skillet as he worked. “No leeks,” he said in English so Carlos would understand, hoping to win someone over to his side. “He’s saving you from yourself, Akane,” Carlos said, leaning in the doorway. Watching them together always charmed him even when they squabbled during the Decision Game. “It tastes good.” “Call your brother if you want catered to,” Junpei grumbled, but put his free hand over her arms wrapped around his chest. “You think you’d both be nicer to me since our anniversary is coming up.” Their anniversary always seemed to be “coming up” when Akane wanted something. The real date floated because the day they all met was morbid and they never sat down and declared this an official Thing. The only tradition surrounding it was they traded off who got to pick the celebration. “Speaking of.” Carlos tapped his fingernails against the fridge, over a picture of Maria in a forest in Oregon. He was low-key jealous that Aoi still lived with his sister. Carlos missed Maria to death even though he was happy she enjoyed her life on the road. She was enamored of the landscape, the people, and the weather and swore Oregon was a different world. “I know what I wanna do.” 

* Akane floored the gas pedal until the needle passed 80mph and the desert and highway signs blazed by in Carlos’ peripheral vision. He thought of every high-speed collision scene he ever worked, and opened his mouth when Junpei beat him to the punch: “You’re gonna kill us!” Akane giggled. “You never let me drive.” “This is why!” At least SUVs have a large crumple zone, Carlos thought—but oh fuck, rollover—"Akane for God’s sake!“ Carlos clenched his hand over hers on the wheel and she hesitated a moment before taking her foot off the pedal. Once they slowed to a highway-legal speed, he turned on cruise control. “No more Speed Racer.” She pursed her lips. “You two used to be fun.” In the backseat, Junpei sank back with relief and sighed. “I want a divorce.” It only took him four hours on the road to get to that old line. Carlos knew that at the next rest stop Junpei would still nag her to eat, holding a yogurt cup in one hand and fresh fruit in the other, and surrender when she grabbed two pudding cups and a bag of sour gummy octopi. When she ate those he refused to kiss her but, hey, more for Carlos. He liked that it was three years down the road and she still blushed when he bent down to steal a sweet-and-sour kiss. Carlos daydreamed about this for years: a road trip through the middle of nowhere, taking pictures everywhere and driving each other insane. When he was thirteen his family tried it but he spent most of it sick, sunburned, and babysitting seven year-old Maria who got the worst of both. The destination was Truth or Consequences, New Mexico—a place he’d been too grumpy and ill to enjoy as a kid—and he pitched a 17 hour, 1,000 mile plus drive with promises of stops at Death Valley, Vegas, and Coconino National Forest along the way. Akane begged for at least one ghost town visit and he caved in the face of her excitement. Whenever Junpei tired of the ride or his companions, he complained that he just wanted to be in Truth or Consequences’ hot springs already. “I need some music,” Carlos said, and the others looked to the car stereo in anticipation. A minute later they were all yelling along to “Womanizer.” Akane undid cruise control and picked up speed, Junpei lowered his window to put his head out, and what a sight they must’ve made: racing the wind with Britney Spears as their battle cry. * They nearly melted in Death Valley, and got fleeced in Vegas (where they also had to sneak out of their hotel via fire stairs before staff could kick them out due to noise complaints when they came back drunk, disorderly, and singing the associated Katy Perry song). They acted their age just enough to avoid arrest and just ridiculous enough to keep each other on their toes. Aoi threatened to block their numbers if Junpei and Akane kept calling him in the middle of the night to say they’d been abducted by aliens or saw a cryptid. By the time they made it to Coconino, the car was full of eclectic souvenirs, empty water bottles and receipts for dinners at wherever sounded interesting. Refreshed at the thought of a nature park that wouldn’t broil them, they arrived early in the morning at Crescent Moon Ranch with their hearts set on splashing around in Oak Creek. “Does he realize he’s gonna scare all the fish away?” Carlos said as he and Akane sat watching Junpei wade around, focusing intently on the water. He’d wandered in without care for his shoes and jeans, and was up to his knees in his own world when Akane called out to him. “He thinks he is one. He always liked going swimming in school.” “And you were a scaredy-cat at the pool?” “No!” Akane adjusted her sunhat and pulled the brim down to hide her face. “I just liked having a swimming partner.” Carlos tried to pull her hat up and she clutched it tighter. “So there are no stories of you crying in two feet of water or needing the teacher to carry you out?” “None!” “Junpei told me.” He snorted when she buried her face in the hat. “It’s cute. I’ll be your swimming partner.” “Shh, I’m thinking of how to get back at him.” That morning, Akane took one of his favorite photos from the trip: him carrying Junpei on his back in the water. They were mid-conversation about who could catch a fish with their bare hands, and then how to get Akane to join them. They ended up picking her up and dangling her between them and she didn’t stop shrieking and kicking until her feet hit the creekbed. They held her sandwiched between them to show they’d never let her drown. (Akane’s revenge was picking the eeriest ghost town along the way and disappearing. When they searched for her, she jumped out at them from behind a corner and a group of kids giggled at Carlos’ and Junpei’s screams.) * Junpei booked their hotel because it was the the first one on the tourism website that boasted in-room hot spring baths: the Blackstone Hotsprings. He’d pored over their website before they left for the trip and decided on two rooms: one with the largest bath and the one beside it so the third person jettisoned there by hotel occupancy policy could come over at bedtime. Carlos assumed he’d be that third while the married partners roomed together, but he watched Junpei pick up his and Carlos’ bags and drag them into the <i>As The World Turns</i> (God, he could remember Mom rushing him off to nap so she could watch that soap) room while Akane winked at him and settled into the solo room. Carlos lay facedown on the king bed and let Junpei toss their bags were he would. He drove the last stretch from Coconino and his back ached. “These people are staring at me,” Junpei said, and when Carlos turned his head he saw on the wall a looming photo collage of former soap cast members with shellacked hair and garish makeup providing a study in Unfortunate Fashion History. “There better not be anything like that in the bath.” The thought of old soap stars watching him bathe was worse than the memory of Delta’s surveillance. Junpei turned to his serious task of arranging various alcoholic beverages in the fridge before rushing to see the spring room without unpacking anything else. The spring bath passed his inspection: a three-walled corner tub with stone waterfall that promised hot spring water for unlimited in-room soaking. “I’ll see you in an hour,” he said, and shut the door in Carlos’ face. He heard water running, clothes hitting the floor, and a heavy contented sigh as Junpei settled into the tub. Akane was taking a nap when he peeked in on her, so Carlos took the opportunity to snap photos of the room, the patio, and the stone and wood decor. Since Maria hit the road last year for her indefinite road trip to “experience real life,” he looked forward to the dozens of photos she sent him. She captured everything from architecture to animals, and more recently a tentative shot of a “new friend” she made in Oregon. She was a girl Maria’s age, who with her flower crowns and pastel clothes was the epitome of the style fifteen years ago. Maria beamed in every photo of them together, and though she wouldn’t say he had a feeling she’d bring her home to him someday. Yay Carlos left the house! she replied. Are you having fun?? Send more pics of Junpei and Akane I miss them. :( </3 Definitely, he typed back, but you should’ve come. Why it’s your anniversary!! A moment later she added, And idk when I’ll have time to drop in cuz I got a job. :D Tell you later xoxox. Her response gave him pause. She was right but it felt odd to acknowledge that there was a part of his emotional life that didn’t include her. Odder still to realize that he’d texted her sporadically during the trip but hadn’t thought about her as often. Or that she wasn’t rushing to tell him about her big milestone. Look forward to it. Xoxo. Junpei found him lying in bed, sipping a drink from the coffee bar in their room and watching a syndicated true crime show. He lay down next to him and moaned. “You gotta try that.” When Carlos didn’t respond, he looked at him. “Uh, hello?” He gestured to the show. “This can’t be that interesting.” “I’m fine.” Carlos set the mug down on the floor. “Just had an epiphany is all.” “Doesn’t look like a good one.” Junpei rolled onto his side and propped himself up on one elbow, resting his cheek on his fist. “What’s up?” “I don’t think Maria’s coming home.” Thinking it and saying it out loud were two different but equally difficult things. “She likes Oregon, so that’s good, but I always thought this was temporary.” Even though she asked him to ship a bunch of her personal things to Oregon a month ago, and she hemmed and hawed when he asked what to do about renewing their lease. “Sorry man.” Junpei muted the TV. “I know she means a lot to you. Akane would be a wreck if Aoi left.” Carlos sat up and leaned back against the wall but bumped his head on the picture frame. Damn rich people and their haughty expressions. “I shouldn’t complain. I wanted her to be happy. If she is now, who am I to stop her?” The thought of moving back into a small apartment and putting her things in storage made his heart sink. She was a massive part of his life but his presence in hers shrunk more by the month. “Good point.” Junpei sat up and folded his arms over his chest. “She’s gonna be fine. So will you.” “I still have my job.” “You still have us.” He leaned into it when Carlos kissed his temple. Junpei didn’t say more, but that was part of his comfort: that he didn’t need to do much to convey what anyone meant to him. “I guess we should wake up Akane?” “Or she’ll keep us up aaallll night talking about alien sightings in New Mexico.” * To her credit, Akane talked about aliens for only half the night. She was preoccupied with finding a restaurant with the most promising dessert menu, and walking her husband through a boutique of oddities while debating what they should get for Aoi. Junpei scoffed but lingered over the photography and clayworks like her, tilting his head once and asking Carlos if “this one looks like the Funyarinpa.” Carlos nodded along, and Junpei bought it and refused to let anyone else touch it. “Hey Carlos,” Akane said as they stood outside the store debating where to go next. She grabbed his left hand and slid a truly ugly red-and-black ring onto his index finger. “Oh yay, it fits! It reminded me of a fire truck.” She held his hand between both of hers. “I know you can’t wear it at work, but you can for the rest of the trip.” “Of course.” When she released him Carlos twisted the ring on his hand. Two over from the ring finger. Junpei hadn’t had his fill of baths yet, and with his determination and a likely bribe managed to secure a last-minute evening booking for the largest outdoor private bath. The Turquoise Room could accommodate eight people with the bath to prove it, and after a quick shower Carlos sat on the ledge and kicked his feet in the hot water. He had to buy swimming trunks on the way here and he picked ones in “bunker gear yellow.” Junpei and Akane wore blue and red respectively, and Carlos thought to himself how silly that they made up the primary colors. “Carlos. Bath. Relax,” Junpei ordered while submerged up to his neck with his eyes closed. “I am relaxed.” Akane scooted over to him on her soaking ledge and pulled on his arm until he sank into the water beside her. He was used to heat, but he still gasped and braced himself. After a while his muscles relaxed and he tilted his head up, admiring the sunset visible through the gap between the canopy and the walls. Everyone was quiet and still, and it let his thoughts wander. Whether he liked or not, his life wasn’t the same as when he was 28. He didn’t miss being broke and sleep-deprived and watching Maria sleep away her childhood. Twenty-eight year-old Carlos would never believe that in his thirties he’d have his sister back and time for friends outside of work and two people who loved him. If everything was better now, why was he so anxious about letting go and allowing himself to enjoy something new? “Can we just keep SHIFTing back to this day?” he said. “Could we go back to this exact moment in time whenever we want?” “Agreed,” Junpei said. He hadn’t moved from his exact spot and Carlos worried he’d fall asleep. Akane shook her head and perched her heels on the ledge so she’d curl in on herself. “You could, but eventually you have to make another choice: to stay in that loop or let go.” “Huh?” “You can’t resist the flow of time forever.” She tilted her head. “Well, I suppose SHIFTers could, but eventually we would have to choose between living in the past or the present.” She put her arms around her knees and looked over the water. “I think about it a lot. Radical freedom is a big responsibility, and I’m still not used to it.” “You take 20 minutes to pick your morning tea,” Junpei said fondly. He rose and waded over to them, sitting at Akane’s feet because there was no more room on the ledge. “But isn’t it cool to know you can technically do anything, even if it’s unappealing? You never know the good that might come of it.” When neither answered, he added, “Or maybe I’m just talking out my ass.” “It’s terrifying,” Carlos admitted. They both looked at him with concern and surprise. Their rock was not invulnerable. “To know that right now I’m free to do whatever I want. I know how to deal when things are hard. When everything seemed impossible, I had a sense of purpose. I did only what I had to do for others.” He looked between them and held Akane’s hand, and she reached out and took Junpei’s when he offered it. “I wasn’t unhappy per se, but I’m happier now.” He looked at them both but couldn’t hold eye contact when he spoke his next thought. “And I want to go with you. What if I regret it and we can never go back to the way things are?” “Carlos.” Junpei shook his head. “That’s the point—when you can do anything of your own free will, you’re the only one to blame if you hate how it ends. It scares the shit out of everyone.” Carlos shrugged. “Point taken.” “Junpei and I aren’t the same people we were when we got married.” Akane squeezed her husband’s hand and Junpei returned it. “But continuing with the idea of radical freedom, we choose each other every day despite the headaches and fears. Nothing forces us to stay together or break up except ourselves.” She ran her thumb over Carlos’ hand in circles. “And maybe you’re second-guessing because you realize all your insurmountable obstacles are in your head.” Carlos mulled over her words before letting go and getting out of the bath. “You might be right.” He toweled off and sat down in a turquoise Route 66 motel chair and looked back up at the sky. The sunset wasn’t a pleasant distraction anymore even though it was still beautiful. He chose to stay with them for three years. He chose to go on a road trip. He chose to admit that he wanted to live with them. What now?

Junpei and Akane exchanged words in Japanese, muffled by the fountain in the room. He never learned enough to keep up with them, but he was familiar with their habits. If they were speaking it in front of him they were either talking about work, a surprise, or something intimate they could only explain to each other. Suddenly, Junpei got out and helped Akane up. He wrapped a towel around her when she shivered. “We’ve got two in-room baths between us,” he said when Carlos pointed out their 50 minutes weren’t up. They piled into the same bedroom and Junpei and Akane covered him like cats. They went over all the photos they’d taken between them, and idly discussed how they might just come back here next year. Akane had even more sweets delivered and Carlos marveled that she could eat dessert for dinner and still crave a candy bar, a pastry, and a sundae afterward. She held it out of Carlos’ reach when he tried to grab it, and glared when Junpei took it from her and shoved a spoonful in his mouth. They found a monster movie marathon on TV and watched it late into the night. At 2AM, Junpei flopped back on his pillow and nudged Akane away from him with his feet. “I’m exhausted. Go to sleep.” “I’m not tired,” she complained and then crawled over Carlos to bracket him. They both fell asleep before him, leaving him to think in circles again. Of course those two turned his existential crisis into a philosophical discussion that exacerbated it. He looked to Junpei on his left: the one who took the gun from his hand after he killed Delta and never once judged his decision. Who hated phone calls but sat through every late night confession that Carlos couldn’t stop thinking about it. Who taught him how to kiss and hoarded all the pillows when they shared a bed. He looked to Akane on his right: the one who never gave up hope they could find a peaceful solution to the Decision Game. Who never hesitated to turn dinner into a debate and refused to back down unless someone made a good argument against her. Who couldn’t sing but thought she was an idol. Both of them, who admired him for who he was and not just what he did. They reminded him every time they came back to him. They never said the words but always showed that they loved and needed him. Who just might wait for him until he told them to leave. Carlos pictured himself at a crossroads, stepping forward and backward in all possible directions before all the branches merged into a single path. Carlos woke to Junpei shaking him. “Dude, stop talking in your sleep. You’re so loud even I woke up.” Beside him, the bed shifted as Akane sat up. “I was?” “About little green men,” Akane joked, and pushed his hair back from his forehead. “And your past life as a train robber.” “Take a sleeping pill or something.” Junpei slid his legs over the edge of the bed, but Carlos grabbed his elbow and tugged him back so he fell across his chest. “Hey!” He wriggled but Carlos put his arm around him and even Junpei’s strength couldn’t defy a steadfast firefighter. “I guess I was thinking out loud.” Carlos’ throat hurt and he swallowed before continuing. “About radical freedom.” Akane perked up. “Yes?” She was always up for a meandering hypothetical conversation. Junpei resigned himself to his fate of being stuck awake with them and stopped struggling. “I think it’s easier to say I ‘have to’ do something than think about the alternative. I ‘have to’ wait for Maria. I ‘have to’ be a firefighter to still know myself. I’m jealous that it all comes so easily to you two.” “I choose to stay sober during these conversations,” Junpei added. “It’s not an easy choice.” “And I choose not to gag you right now,” Akane said. Carlos pushed through their banter. “So…what if I chose to stay with you two?” He hesitated, but kept going with his mouth running faster than his thoughts. “Staying in Nevada is ideal, or at least in America. Somewhere where Maria is only a few hours away if she needs me. But if I had to I’d go farther away. I actually kinda like traveling. And my job—” “Carlos,” they both interrupted at the same time. Did he sound like a fool? “Who says HQ is in Japan?” Junpei said. “Or that we can’t find a use for say…a fire investigator?” Akane nodded. “Someone with EMT training, too. Or search and rescue? You could still help people.” “Those are options.” There were too many of those all of a sudden, and for a moment he feared he spoke too soon and he couldn’t take anything back without losing them. “Where would we go?” “A home big enough for you and us and my brother.” Akane grabbed his hand and began playing with his fingers, lingering over the ring he hadn’t taken off. “And rabbits.” “I’ve only ever had cats.” “My brother likes cats. And you.” “Really?” “We’ll make him understand you’re there to stay,” Junpei said. “I would be,” Carlos said softly. “I’d need time to quit my job. I can’t just disappear on them.” And then he’d need months, years to mourn what he left behind. That grief and the happiness he imagined with Junpei and Akane could co-exist, but it would take time. “We won’t handcuff you and drag you on a plane today.” Junpei twisted in his grip and Carlos finally let him go so he could roll over and prop himself up on his elbows. “You’re not doing this because you think you ‘have to,’ right?” “Everything is a free choice.” He chucked Junpei under the chin. “This one is messy and complicated, but it’s mine.” He felt the course of his life diverge and one path lock into place like train tracks. No reversing the course, no way of telling his eventual destination. Just the enthusiastic, clumsy kisses they peppered his face with right now, and the hope that someday he’d look back and thank God that he took a dip in the healing waters of Truth or Consequences and finally cleared his mind.

[perfectirishgifts]

The Top 10 Gaming Photo Modes Revealed–With A Surprising Winner

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The Top 10 Gaming Photo Modes Revealed–With A Surprising Winner

‘Forza Horizon 4’ is one of ten games making waves on Instagram right now.

Photo modes are becoming an integral part of gaming, and why shouldn’t they? Even before the likes of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 landed, we’ve enjoyed utterly stunning games for years, which deserve to allow gamers to immortalize them in new and beautiful ways.

Ahead of the release of Cyberpunk 2077 tomorrow (November 10)–which is introducing its own top-of-the-line photo mode–research carried out by the photography community Shotkit has analyzed the popularity of gaming photography on Instagram, where trends like #ingamephotography and #virtualphotography are in their millions.

Thanks to the organization’s hashtag-heavy deep dive, we now have a definitive idea of which games dominate the image-happy social media site more than any other. And yet, despite the predictable appearances of games like Fortnite and Forza Horizon 4 on the top-10 list, a much more cinematic experience sits at number one, thanks to its deep and flexible photo mode.

‘Fortnite’ may have a player base of 350 million and rising, but it’s not number one on Instagram, … [] according to Shotkit.

10. The Sims 4 (4,800 posts)

Six years on, The Sims 4 is still going strong in the Instagram gaming community. It’s hardly surprising; after the year we’ve had, it’s understandable that people escape to a game that allows them to create a more attractive version of themselves (in my case, at least)–one who can live in a more trouble-free world, where the biggest danger is still the possibility of drowning in a fenced, ladderless swimming pool.

9. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (4,900)

While it might not have quite matched the generation-defining brilliance of its second outing–and the series’ original PS3 audience has largely matured to prefer Naughty Dog’s grittier The Last of Us–Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is still one of the most beautiful and cinematic games on the PS4. The tenth Jeep-driving chapter, The Twelve Towers, must account for at least half of its 5,000 photos.

8. The Last of Us Part II (5,300)

While it might not let you take a Watch Dogs: Legion-style selfie with the Rat King, The Last of Us Part II is still one of the most incredibly beautiful games of its generation–and certainly one of its most visceral. Its world is the gaming equivalent of Talking Heads’ ‘Nothing But Flowers’: one gradually reclaimed by nature, where as things fell apart, nobody paid much attention. Then again, there was a deadly virus kicking about, so you can’t blame them. Let’s move on before we get even more depressed about 2020.

7. Ghost of Tsushima (16,900)

It’s not even five months old, but Ghost of Tsushima is an Instagram hottie. It’s entirely predictable, given its art direction–and the fact it’s so loved, it yesterday won The Game Awards’ Player’s Voice Award (something that has since been hit with allegations of impropriety). Pictures like this, from Jafree’s Perspective, only prove how magnificent it can look.

‘Ghost of Tsushima’ is the newest game in the top 10.

6. Forza Horizon 4 (33,100)

I’ve plowed about 150 hours into Forza Horizon 4: one quarter completing it, another quarter somehow getting three stars on all drift zones, and half of it on photography. Its effortless photo mode and a huge selection of endlessly customizable cars mean it’s too easy to get snapping; the fact Playground Games later added the “Picture Perfect” photography achievement, which also featured in its prequel, undoubtedly got more people taking shots.

5. Horizon Zero Dawn (40,500)

While The Last of Us Part II captures a more believable downfall of modern society, Horizon Zero Dawn presents its most beautiful: the aftermath of a technocratic dystopia, now governed by increasingly deranged Machines that threaten humanity a second time. Its brighter color palette, beautiful vistas, and ridiculous action make for some pretty incredible shots.

4. Skyrim (46,200)

Well, this isn’t a surprise: Skyrim is fourth, not least because it’s been released on nearly every console of note since its 2011 debut, as well as Alexa, Etch-a-Sketch and your fridge. But its deep modding community, which also made the leap to consoles, continues to make this classic even more beautiful and photogenic.

3. Fortnite (135,000)

The king of battle royale is relegated to duke status in the royal succession of Instagram photos, picking up third place despite a player base last registered at 350 million and growing. Maybe it’s because of youngsters’ embrace of different social media platforms, but it’s still a good showing–and its popularity may push it up the rankings as time goes on. I’m now hyper-aware of my own age by referring to Fortnite players as “youngsters”.

2. Grand Theft Auto V (146,500)

The PS2 gave us three GTA games, while three consoles have coughed up GTA V. And yet, the game’s initial technical achievement, and subsequent upgrades, have made it an “enduring mystery” in terms of never-ending sales. Photos unsurprisingly follow this trend–but interestingly, it’s a more recent Rockstar game that takes the crown.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ is the biggest hit on Instagram among virtual photographers.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2 (165,200)

Despite being just over two years old, Red Dead Redemption 2 tops the Instagram list for the most popular game on the photo front. Given it’s the closest we’ll ever get to immerse ourselves in a spaghetti western, it’s perfectly understandable. The largely untouched features of 1899 America provide some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes known to man. The filters, as evidenced above, only add to the game’s majesty.

Speaking to Shotkit, Leo Sang–an insanely talented Brazilian virtual photographer whose skills have led to sponsorship by NVIDIA, whose own photos are above–explained what makes the perfect photo mode. He said: “A familiar and easy-to-use photo mode is less intimidating if you’re getting used to virtual photography; the basic camera controls and settings should have easy access and be intuitive.

“The camera’s movement can’t be too restricted; the wider the movement range, the easier it is to compose your shot. The same applies to the other settings: field of view, roll angles, depth of focus, and so on… being able to fine-tune your shot helps you experiment and create a lot easier.”

However, high-quality graphics aren’t everything to Sang, who added: “An element of fun is always important, especially if you’re trying to do this professionally. If the game is fun, your motivation to find great shots increases as you want to do the character justice. It’s what explains why games like The Sims 4 and GTA 5 made it onto the list.”

The only disappointment in this list is that Control doesn’t feature, despite being what I think is the most uniquely gorgeous game of its generation. But who needs Instagram when you’ve got books, especially when we’re inevitably robbed of the internet with our own, HZD or TLoU-style apocalypse?

From Games in Perfectirishgifts

[yywc]

HX Direct Flights (YVR-> HKG) Flight #s HX081 and HX080 Review

Hong Kong Airlines started service to Hong Kong recently (June 2017).Since it was a new route for them, there were some promos meaning cheap flights. The price of flight now has gone up, but since there were deals, I took a chance and booked a ticket for a short trip to Hong Kong using Hong Kong Airlines.  

My experience and opinions below. This is a combination of two flights serviced by two different crews with the same airline.

Check-In : I used their online check in option via their app/ website , and didn’t bring any luggage that needed to be checked so I went straight to customs when I arrived at the airport. That said, I can’t comment on ground staff check in service since I didn’t use it. Although passing by their counters on my way to customs, I saw long lines… so check in on line and print your boarding pass or have it handy on your phone. (Save trees that way too! )

They give you ample time to check in on line… you are allowed to check in 48 hours before your flight and pick your own seat….

However, their app can be buggy at times, it crashed on me when I tried checking in for one of my flights, so I had to resort to using my computer and doing it via internet, but in the end it worked. Also, their server sometimes laggy/overworked? I get server busy errors from time to time when trying to check my flight status. I guess it depends if lots of people are trying to use it.

Boarding :  From my understanding, they are supposed to board using 3 lines ( Business and then by zones A,B,C) The crew flying from Vancouver used this system, so boarding was fast and efficient since they fill the plane from both ends working towards the middle. The flight flying from Hong Kong was a little different, I am guessing since it was not a full flight, several of the ground staff walked around the seats/waiting area by the gate and just told everyone flying to Vancouver to line up for boarding.

Both flights were far from full.  There was ample room to move around and stretch out on the flights. I was smarter on my second flight and chose a seat in the middle, so I got a row of 4 seats for me to stretch out on.

The plane/service on flight :  The plane itself is supposed to be one of the newer ones. Their company boasts one of the youngest fleets flying around the world.  The flights were fast. We left the gate early both trips and arrived super early both trips. The take offs and landings were decent too.  They decorated the plane in red/orange?  It looks quite Asian….

The seating arrangement on their planes are 2- 4- 2. Compared to other direct flights I have been on (Cathay Pacific or Air Canada) this was ok for comfort. About as comfy as you can get in an economy seat… There are no buttons on the arm rests. To turn the light on you need to stand up and press the button next to the light. I couldn’t find a call attendant button though. I assume it exists somewhere… but I guess I could always walk to the back of the plane to find an attendant if I really needed one.

I’m not sure if its because the plane is newer, but I thought they were not equipped with a USB port to charge your electronics on a long haul flight… I couldn’t see the jack in the head rest … but I found it on my flight back to Vancouver when I lifted up the adjourning arm rest to stretch out my legs… the usb jack is located in next to your lower back , under the arm rest…. I guess its a better spot given how cables can’t get in the way if you want to charge your device. 

 I noticed when I first sat down that there was no entertainment unit in the back of the seat/ seat in front of me. This would be a problem on a long haul flight for some… 13 hours is a long time to go without some sort of distraction to make the time go by if you can’t sleep… The crew came around when the plane had reached cruising altitude to hand out their inflight entertainment system on an iPad. (Yay, free headphones!) 

 Their entertainment options and music options were good. A mix of Chinese, Korean and American offerings helped the time pass.

As soon as we were all seated and they had gone through the safety demonstration (played in Cantonese, English and Mandarin), we were handed complimentary goody bags containing ear plugs, sleeping mask, socks, tooth brush and tooth paste. This was a bonus! Those goody bags used to be handed out on Cathay flights a really really really long time ago… but I had not received in recent memory until this trip.

The pilot of the flights kept us informed as to when we were expected to land… EARLY… both flights.. I guess having a not very full flight + everyone being on time to the gate + good weather helped.  (We landed 1 hour EARLY in Hong Kong and 50 minutes early in Vancouver… both trips we took off 20 minutes early. ) Reading previous reviews on this airline for other flights, I saw they had a reputation for being tardy… no tardiness here and it was ok with the communication too !

The only caveat was that since we landed 50 minutes early in Vancouver …. We had to wait on the tarmac for the previous plane using the same gate to leave, but at least the pilot let us know why we were stopped in the middle of the tarmac… I know its a busy airport….

Meals aside, the crew did come around with water and juice offerings throughout the flight, but there was no snacks moving down the aisles in between meals. I figured out, after watching the various aunties and uncles on my first flight, that there were snacks laid out at the back of the plane for you to grab yourself. I checked it out on my second flight. Got some popcorn and Chinese Rice Crispy(馬仔).

Overall I found the service on the plane to be good. However, I’m not a needy person. The crew was professional, did all the things that other crews on other airlines do. Nothing out of the ordinary.  So compared to Cathay or Air Canada, I found no big difference.

Meals: They serve a dinner and a refreshment meal on these flights.

They make an in flight announcement to let everyone know what the meal choices are- usually a western, a Chinese and a vegetarian option. I had a hard time understanding the Cantonese and English announcements on one of the flights… Probably just the crew member doing the talking… or my brain wasn’t understanding after intense focusing on what she was saying.

Dinner Meal HX 081 : Pork with Potatoes -or- Black Bean Sauce Fish with Rice   

The side dishes with this meal ( The tiramisu… OMG so GOOD)

The Refreshment Meal : Spaghetti and meat balls or  ??? I couldn’t understand the announcement or the attendant when she came around and asked again… only understood one was spaghetti…. So spaghetti it was… 

HX080 Dinner Service: Fish with Rice or Chicken and Potatoes 

Refreshment Meal : Chow Mein and Dim Sum or Sausage and Eggs … the chow mein was a bit salty… but the siu mai was good. 

Overall Impression: Good. Would fly HX again.

Honestly, when I first told people I was flying HX, people warned me. They somehow have a bad reputation, so I was not expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. Flights arrived early, ample room on the plane, good assortment of in flight entertainment and overall good food.  This could be because they are still a relatively new carrier to the HKG- YVR route so not many people know about them or because Cathay has a bigger fan base, but  I think Hong Kong Airlines can give Cathay Pacific a run for their money.  It was an added bonus that flights were bought on sale! I definitely got my money’s worth on these flights. There is definitely another option to fly direct from Vancouver meaning overall there maybe cheaper flights for all as each company needs to remain competitive to remain in the game. 

[smartshopperteam]

Your Horoscope This Week

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Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Is it actually possible to have it all? This week’s planets put our “perfect life ambitions” to the test. On Thursday, January 12, the year’s first full moon arrives in nurturing, domestic Cancer. Organizing our personal affairs will be the first step in the equation. Clear the air with close friends and family and dive into a decorating mission. If it’s time to move, this full moon could light the way to a dreamy listing. Both Cancer and the full moon represent the archetypal feminine force. These moonbeams will awaken the lady tribe to our power — and just in time for next week’s Women’s March on Washington.

There’s just one catch to all this cozy goodness. La luna will get in formation with wild Jupiter, control freak Pluto and unconventional Uranus — a four way tug-of-war called a Grand Cardinal Cross. This square configuration will draw our attention to all the important areas of life: career, relationships, personal growth and home. But the dueling demands of each could make us all feel pulled in too many directions at once. Balancing the moving parts is the key to our sanity — but things might have to get stressful before we realize where we need to dial things back a bit. Don’t ignore an important area of life to give your all to another. Thankfully, on Thursday, savvy Mercury moves into Capricorn, the sign of goals. This will help us all prioritize what’s most important — and profitable — as we move into our 2017 missions.

Capricorn

December 22 to January 19

Pairing is caring this week, Capricorn — provided your partnerships are equal and balanced. On Thursday, 2017’s first full moon lands in Cancer, your opposite sign and the ruler of your seventh house of relationships. A budding connection could blossom into something real — at last! How can you make your existing duos more dynamic in the year ahead? This could require some recalibration along with saner expectations of yourself! You can be a perfectionist, Capricorn, driving yourself to go above and beyond in all your ambitious quests. Although you want to bring your best, balancing the demands of your romantic desires, home life and career could feel like a spaghetti Western duel. That’s because this full moon falls into a tense four-way combat (called a Cardinal Cross in astrospeak) with Jupiter, Uranus in Pluto. Unsettling as this may be, it’s also a wake-up call. Are your loved ones clamoring for more attention — and is it more than you care to give? Real talk is required this week, either to make amends for being neglectful or to put up boundaries with a couple of demanding souls. Creative solutions may emerge, like finding ways to involve your inner circle in your quest for success. You might set up a home office or outsource some aspects of your mission that are cutting into your personal time.

Fortunately, you’ll get some help in the “asserting myself” department. On Thursday, expressive Mercury moves back into Capricorn until February 7, blessing you with the gift of gab. You already hosted the messenger planet from December 2 to January 4, but a good chunk of that time included a retrograde, that began on December 19. If you need a conversational do-over, carpe diem. Pick up personal projects that got shelved before the New Year — and let yourself dabble in new activities that have piqued your curiosity, even if you have zero proof of talent in the arena. You never know until you try, Capricorn.

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Aquarius

January 20 to February 18

Keeping up with the Joneses Jenners is like running on a treadmill, Aquarius. You’re constantly expending energy but never getting anywhere. This week’s full moon in Cancer and your finicky sixth house shines on a light on those perfectionistic tendencies that you should toss out for 2017. Keep your high standards, sure, Aquarius. But as the full moon locks into a befuddling Cardinal Cross (square formation) with liberated Uranus, seductive Pluto, and magnifying Jupiter the week could reveal where you’ve raised the bar to such an agonizing height that you can’t even enjoy yourself anymore. Give your routines and rituals a review. If you’re cramming too many activities into too short a window of time, something’s gotta give. If you need to quit an activity, forget guilt: Your true friends will understand your need for more breathing room! This full moon charges up your house of healthy living. If you’re going to add anything into your calendar, let it land in the self-care category like evening yoga and a monthly massage.

Another reason to clear some whitespace in your schedule? Social Mercury floats into your solitary, spiritual 12th house from Thursday until February 7. You’ll enjoy more time alone for the coming few weeks — to relax, dream, and get creative. The urge to purge could strike, so after you’ve penned those song lyrics, start the process of slowly downsizing. Your soul will feel lighter with less stuff to worry about!

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Pisces

February 19 to March 20

St. Valentine in the house! Yes, Pisces, we know it’s only January, but with Thursday’s full moon in Cancer activating your zone of true love, you could get an early call from Cupid. An attraction that’s been simmering for the past few months could finally become a real thing. Single Pisces could meet someone with more than just a glimmer of promise and potential. Pisces in relationships could have some next level news to share with friends — even a proposal or a pregnancy. But before you tease your friends with suggestive ‘grams, know this: The full moon arrives in a complicated Cardinal Cross (four-way square formation) with prickly Pluto, free-spirited Jupiter and unpredictable Uranus. Do you know what you’re getting yourself into here? Romantic as it feels to rush in, you may need to negotiate the terms of your engagement before committing to the next step. On the flip side are Pisces who are feeling resentful from making too many sacrifices for other people. While you want to be seen as the helpful, giving, compassionate companion, you’ve raised the bar too high for yourself. No need to be the guru or the giver; just drop the mask and ask for what you need. For much of the week that request might simply be “free time to roam without obligation to anyone.” Conversely, if you’ve been leaning heavily on others, you may feel guilty. Send flowers or a thank you card; make a gift by hand — you don’t have to spend a lifetime settling the score though!

Feeling crunched for time? Adopt the teamwork approach this week. From Thursday until February 7, clever Mercury cruises through Capricorn, encouraging collaborations. Technology will also be a serenity saver, so switch some of your old school methodologies over to software and apps. If you need to upgrade your devices, this Mercury cycle green lights an investment in a new laptop or home gadget that streamlines your daily routines.

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Aries

March 21 to April 19

Let your nesting instincts take hold, Aries. This week’s full moon in Cancer and your nurturing fourth house turns your attention to home and family. While you’ll crave more time in your hibernation station, things could get a little rocky under your roof before they become peaceful. That’s because this full moon will face off with control freak Pluto, unpredictable Uranus and magnifying Jupiter in a Cardinal Cross (a tense, square pattern in the sky). As you strive to have it all in 2017, you may discover that your career goals are upsetting someone in your personal life, like a relative or romantic interest. On the other side of the coin, you could sacrifice your ambitions to please another person but you’ll only wind up seething with resentment and regret. Pleasing everyone could mean satisfying no one. Novel idea: instead of going rogue, how can you include your loved ones in your 2017 game plan — or simply rebalance your demanding life so you can spend more time at home? You need your “me time” too Aries, so set up your house so you have enough privacy to relax and do your work without interruptions.

Fortunately, prioritizing your goals becomes easier after Thursday too as mental Mercury cruises back into Capricorn and your takin’ care of business 10th house until February 7. Socialize with the dual purpose of expanding your professional database. In other words, never leave home without a few business cards tucked in the old wallet. A conversation at a local Women’s March could organically turn into a client pitch. Thankfully, no one thinks on their feet faster than an Aries. Score!

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Taurus

April 20 to May 20

No more slacking, Taurus, it’s time to get organized. This Thursday marks the annual full moon in Cancer and your systematic sixth house. Unleash that Konmari magic as you downsize to possessions you love. There could be rapid developments at work too, but don’t get cocky — even if you have had your fair share of success. This full moon could be one of the most challenging lunations of 2017, astrologically speaking, because three intense, rabble-rousing planets — Jupiter, Pluto and Uranus — lock into a Cardinal Cross formation with the full moon (a stressful square pattern in the sky). You could easily blurt out a trade secret or trust the wrong person with company intel. If you’ve worked hard to bust through an old vice or addictive pattern, you might be tempted to backslide this week. If you don’t want to slip, avoid the slope altogether. Surround yourself with healthy people who incorporate self-care into their lifestyles. Integrate more vital habits in 2017, like meeting friends for mat Pilates instead of martinis (or maybe both some nights).

If the holidays were stressful for you, there’s a good chance you need a vacation after your “vacation.” Start pricing out Airbnbs. From Thursday until February 7, curious Mercury cruises through your ninth house of travel, green-lighting a getaway. Even a long weekend would be refreshing, but this is actually a stellar window for slipping away to a tropical island or a snowy ski lodge for, like, a week.

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Gemini

May 21 to June 20

It’s time to put ’em on notice, Gemini: In 2017, no one is getting the milk for free. This Thursday marks the annual full moon in Cancer and your money earning second house. You could get word of a job offer or a promising growth opportunity at your current gig. But there is a catch. The full moon forms a vexing Cardinal Cross (a tense square formation in the sky) between bawdy Jupiter, secretive Pluto and impulsive Uranus, which could leave you torn. On the one hand, you feel that “go big or go home” urge but you also need to look before you leap. Will your next big move land you in the fame category — or will someone else wind up getting credit for your work? It’s time to advocate for Numero Uno. Also, discussions about money must be hashed out lest you let your enthusiasm lead you to undercharging. Don’t cling onto opportunities as if they were your last (they’re not). Even if no offers flow in this week, get to work on your budget. When you respect the money you have, you set the right conditions to manifest more.

Some of that cash could even come from a shared bank account. You’ll feel a strong urge to merge assets as Mercury hunkers down in your house of joint resources from Thursday through February 7. Intimate exchanges will also go down in the personal realm. Secrets are best shared during slumber parties or via spicy pillow talk. Just make sure the trust is solid before you open up!

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Cancer

June 21 to July 22

Take your foot off the brake! This Thursday marks the annual full moon in Cancer, a time for upgrading your life and picking up the pace on your dreams. Progress invites change — and it’s been coming fast and furious lately. This can make you feel out of control, and with the full moon assembling into a Cardinal Cross (a stressful square formation) with intense Jupiter, Pluto and Uranus, you might want to bring everything to a screeching halt. There’s no turning back now, Cancer, so instead of letting fear take the wheel, reach out for support. With expansive Jupiter in your feminine fourth house, accomplished women will come to your support. Unconventional Uranus points to the men in your life who can help you drum up savvy solutions. Make sure you have plenty of support from BFFs or romantic partners too. This week it’s you who needs a sounding board, so ask them to lend you their ears.

Partnership possibilities heat up on Thursday too as flirty Mercury moves into Capricorn and your relationship zone until February 7. Suddenly, even the most innocent exchange feels charged with possibility. Did you read someone wrong during the retrograde this past December? You may decide to offer a second chance — or tell ’em boy bye, like, for good.

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Leo

July 23 to August 22

Before you can take flight with your New Year’s resolutions, make a stop at “baggage claim.” This Thursday marks the first full moon of 2017, which happens to fall in your 12th house of surrender and goodbyes. Don’t let drama that’s “so 2016” drag on into this next circle ’round the sun. Tie up loose ends, say your fond farewells and try to forgive people where you can. These moonbeams could bring a powerful “white light moment” for you, as they land in a rare Cardinal Cross — a square pattern in the sky — formed with truth-bearer Jupiter, transformational Pluto, and jolting Uranus. A situation that you’ve outgrown could be torn from your grasp igniting a long-overdue grieving process. Then again, you might just be laughing at the divine comedy of it. Um, how did you get so sprung on that one? Really? Emotionally, go easy on yourself because your mood could change on a second-by-second basis while you’re processing all the change. The feels shall pass — and quickly, once you make up your mind to deal. Better still? You’ll be amazed by all the new opportunities that come your way once you’ve lightened your load.

One thing you can take command of this week is your wellness routines. Savvy, systematic Mercury flows into Capricorn and your healthy living corner from Thursday until February 7. No need to spend the winter shivering under a pile of fleece blankets. Fire up the internal furnace with some blood-pumping cardio workouts and healthy cooked food. And lest you get swept up in the cleanse insanity, do this detox to rid yourself of seasonal body shaming before it has a chance to creep in.

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Virgo

August 23 to September 22

Sharing is caring this week — provided you get in formation with competent people. (The alternative can be brutal for the thorough and capable Virgo.) This Thursday’s full moon in Cancer beams into your 11th house of community, helping you radar in on your 2017 tribe. Already found them? Time to fill out the membership papers and make your participation official. A team effort could hit a milestone moment, giving you cause to break out the bubbles and raise a glass for the second time this year. But if you’re feeling stuck with the wrong squad, difficult decisions may be on the table because this full moon locks into a complex Cardinal Cross (a four-way tug of war) with volatile Uranus, strategic Pluto and expansive Jupiter. This stress-invoking starmap can pull your affections and desires in multiple directions. If you plan to move on, make a graceful exit instead of disappearing with a guilty conscience. That said, maybe dialing back your responsibilities — or stepping into a stronger leadership role — could actually change things for the better. If there’s still a ray of hope, give it a whirl for a couple weeks and see if the situation improves.

St. Valentine makes an early entrance in 2017. This Thursday, flirty Mercury floats back into Capricorn and your fifth house of amour until February 7. No need to wait a month for those red roses and foil-wrapped bon-bons. Take the initiative in love and turn up the heat. Already attached? Banish the winter blues by hitting the party circuit as a pair — or co-hosting a Critics Choice Awards fete for friends with red carpet, formal gowns and all.

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Libra

September 23 to October 22

Goals, goals, goals! It’s time to make those 2017 career resolutions as Thursday’s full moon in Cancer activates your ambitious 10th house. But as you map out your missions, get real with yourself: Do your personal and family relationships support your professional ascent? And have you created a strong foundation to help you rise through the ranks? As inspiring as this full moon may be, it also forces you to face some difficult contradictions. A challenging Cardinal Cross (square formation) with volatile Uranus, transformational Pluto, and daring Jupiter exposes the out-of-alignment aspects of your life — and this may cause temporary turmoil for the week! Instead of freaking out, seize the opportunity to get your universe back in sync. You need your inner circle to champion you, but that might mean letting them call you out too. Sunny, superficial conversations may be masking some messes behind the scenes that you actually need to clean up. It’s not just about looking good on the outside, Libra, but also being able to lift the curtain and reveal a well-oiled machine.

Spend some time feathering your nest this week too. From Thursday until February 7, orderly Mercury will lounge in your domestic zone helping you get Chez Libra up to style blogger’s code. A trip to IKEA’s Winter Sale might be on the weekend agenda. But if you’ve already got it dialed in, put a leaf in the table and host a dinner party or movie night. Your closest friends can warm you house better than any space heater, Libra!

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Scorpio

October 23 to November 21

As an esoteric Scorpio, you’ve never laid your cards on the table for just anyone. But when you finally decide to trust you are an open book. With Thursday’s full moon falling in your candid ninth house, the week could bring more than its usual share of soul-baring moments. Embrace the spirit of authenticity — but don’t underestimate the importance of a well-crafted delivery. The truth shall set you free when it’s delivered with tact. Timing is everything too, since this full moon lands in a complex Cardinal Cross (square formation) with unpredictable Uranus, shadowy Pluto and impulsive Jupiter. Remember this basic rule: email and text for confirmation, live hangouts for conversation. Typing (instead of talking) about a serious issue come back to haunt you — and the last thing you need is a “wardrobe malfunction” while you’re releasing a skeleton from the closet. Patiently wait for the right moment: You’ll get the best results that way. This full moon will awaken your wanderlust and your independent spirit. Consider booking a solo trip before January is through, even if you’re joining a new group of people once you arrive. Traveling to destinations where no one knows a thing about you allows undiscovered parts of your personality to emerge and shine.

You might even make it a road trip, Scorpio — or a staycation in a nearby town. On Thursday, curious Mercury sails back into Capricorn and your third house of transportation and short journeys until February 7. Even if you can’t escape to a Nicaraguan surf town, mix up your daily rituals a bit. Hanging out at a new coffeeshop or hitting the vinoteca instead of the dive bar could reboot your social options for 2017. Take it upon yourself to organize more nights out you’re your existing friend group too.

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

Sagittarius

November 22 to December 21

Money, power, respect — with a side of sexual tension: This week could feel like a game of thrones, thanks to Thursday’s full moon. Not only does this lunation fall in Cancer and your intense and erotic eighth house, but it locks into a four-way power struggle (known in astrospeak as a Cardinal Cross, or square formation) with daring Jupiter, compulsive Pluto and volatile Uranus. By all means, vie for that crown, Sagittarius — a little competition can be fun as long as you don’t veer into cutthroat terrain. Your fierce determination could spell money in the bank over the coming two weeks. Don’t forget the power of partnership because collaborating with other influencers could be your key to the kingdom. Romantically, this sultry full moon will give you an insatiable urge to merge. Alas, you also run the risk of coming on too strong. Pace yourself, Archer — and maybe take a cold shower here and there. If you pressure people, they’ll pull away; being a little mysterious and slightly inaccessible, however, will turn the tide in your favor. Got secrets? Thanks to the Cardinal Cross, your Spidey sense could be a little askew and you run the risk of revealing sacred information to a sketchy character. Save those confessional conversations for people with a solidly proven track record.

When you’re feeling too hot and bothered for your own good, dive into your work. It’s the perfect distraction because on Thursday, savvy Mercury settles into your second house of financial security. Make it your mission to get a better budget in place by February 7. Cutting back on your brunch splurges, say, can create savings for your vacation fund. Be diligent when at your desk. Those “lather, rinse, repeat” tasks need to get done — and your dedicated efforts will draw positive attention from the people who are signing your paychecks.

Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.

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from Your Horoscope This Week

[thesunlounge]

Reviews 315: Inre Kretsen Grupp

Sea-soaked guitars wavering in moonlight, basslines bouncing through playful echo panoramas, marimbas and vibraphones sparkling amidst tropical cloudforms, woodwinds calling out towards a spiritual sunrise, and skeletal rhythms moving between slow-motion dream funk, balearic boogie, exotic jazz, and dopamine dub…this is Dorisk Ordning, the debut 12” from Inre Kretsen Grupp. Though minimal and dominated by spacious, almost ghostly mixing, the music here is deeply transportive...the kind of immersive sonics that carry the mind towards sunset beach rituals, rainforest dance ceremonials, and cabana lounges on some hidden island. And given how cinematic and multi-colored everything is, you’d be forgiven for thinking Inre Kretsen Grupp is actually an ensemble. But despite the name, every sound here is sourced by a single soul named Martin Blomberg…a multi-instrumentalist from Mälmo with a deft command of that illusive balearic vibe. As well, Dorisk Ordning marks the welcome return of Fasaan Recordings, a chameleonic label working through the more outsider realms of dance music and deep listening that has featured such favorites as Prins Emanual, Golden Ivy, Free Arts Band, and Bufiman.

Inre Kretsen Grupp - Dorisk Ordning (Fasaan Recordings, 2019) “Loggia” sees cymbals tapping and reverb-soaked bass guitars slapping through funk motions while vibraphones fade in like morning mist. Kick drums and snare give the beat momentary shape before everything cuts away and in the remaining silence, pan-pipes blow spiritual ocean spells while mallet instruments lock into sparse yet affecting chord cascades...as if each hit is splashing through a tide pool haze. When the drums return their slow motion boogie glide, a dazzling melodic progression spreads out across multiple instruments, with pan-pipes leading to slap bass leading to sea-spray marimba chords…all while tremolo picked guitars fade in and out like some ghostly ether. There are moments where the rhythms cut away, resulting in witchy moonlight ceremonials of beatless funk ambiance. And towards the end, silvery streaks of string synthesis waft through the mix…these starshine tracers repeating like a siren. In “Campo Santo,” hi-hats tick and hand drums pop as howling winds carry laser-generated birdsong. Basslines sounding like a contrabass from another dimension bounce through drunken delays and soon after the track begins, the rhythms fade away in favor of mystical humming tones, virtualized jungle sounds, and lonely guitar meanderings, with sliding echo riffs reminding me of Fabror Resande Mac. Swaying chords waft in as the drums return to their tropical bop…a sort of moonlit dance of jazz exotica with ethnological percussion flashing all around the mix…and during another bass and drum fade out, these incredible orchestrations diffuse through the stereo field…with woodwinds and strings playing a bewitching sunrise incantation amidst ritualized vocal drones and Hawaiin guitar reveries. Then, as we morph majestically back into the beachside hypno-groove, fusion-colored organs alight on equatorial dream journeys. 

The title track opens side B with distorted bass pulses working through lullaby motions amidst a multi-layered panorama of sundown guitar riffing, with interlocking licks generating meditative polyrhythms and waves of deep earthen warmth. Kick drums keep a rural pulse and lead guitars play themes for spaghetti western vistas and surf rock sunrises as the music brings my mind to the work of Douglas McCombs and Pablo Color. Deep in the mix, psychosonic electronics filter wildly, though their effect is barely perceptible, and some of the guitar fx are so naturalistic…almost vocal…creating the effect of someone blues scatting through layers of crystalline guitar fog. Elsewhere, we devolve into weirdo bass sequencing, stick clicks, and typewriter mutations…a strange passage of ambient abstraction before building back towards folksy psych-guitar majesty. True to its name, “Dubbad Dougong” presents Blomberg’s vision of dub, starting with gemstone arps and hand percussion leading a romantic intro groove through a cloud of reverberating sea-foam. Lofi riddims of kick, snare, and hissing hats diffuse in as synthetic trumpets soar over brassy e-piano percolations. During a sharp cutaway, guitars and angel pads sing together and big woozy basslines start grooving through delirium delays while starshine dubchords echo into the void. As the rhythms resume a dubwise skank, the body sways on currents of psychotropic groove transcendence while basslines slip and slide through time-shifting fx tapestries. Elsewhere, the kaleidoscopic dub jam devolves into spiritual ambiance, with guitars and mermaid choirs intertwining and reggae stabs breathing white noise into the mix. And as the track builds back towards an ever-shifting dub riddim zone out, synthesizers tuned like melodicas sing sea-shanty folk songs.

(images from my personal copy)