#whitney's playground

[thehappywun]

Another independent music download. This one seeing Blues Lawyer as they get ready to tour Europe later this month, always a pleasure seeing George / Inna and band play, has been the third time this year, and loved that "Backwards Forever" has returned to the set and am liking new one "Scheme" a lot too.

[s3d4t3m3]

Damn I hate being sober

But me and my friends had fun on my birthday

[mias-playground]

Beautiful Whitney Houston

[music-tourney]

Round 2 polls

She's So High by Tal Bachman - Check the Rhime by A Tribe Called Quest

Rockafeller Skank by Fatboy Slim - Doll Parts by Hole

One Headlight by The Wallflowers - You Get What You Give by New Radicals

Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice - No Scrubs by TLC

Istanbul (Not Constantinople) by They Might Be Giants - Santa Monica by Everclear

Say My Name by Destiny's Child - Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer

What is Love by Haddaway - Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio

What's my Age Again by Blink-182 - Voodoo by Godsmack

Criminal by Fiona Apple - Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground

Around the World by Daft Punk - Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve

Creep by Radiohead - Dragula by Rob Zombie

Smooth By Santana Ft. Rob Thomas - Two Princes by Spin Doctors

Glycerine by Bush - Ironic by Alanis Morissette

Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill - The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) by Missy Elliot

I Will Always Love you by Whitney Houston - Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-a-lot

Pretty Fly (For a White Guy) by the Offspring - Ready to Go by Republica

Jerry Was A Racecar driver by Primus - Closing Time by Semisonic

Closer by Nine Inch Nails - Semi Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind

Friday I'm in Love by The Cure - … Baby One More Time by Britney Spears

What's Up by 4 non blondes - Give Me One Reason by Tracy Chapman

Girls and Boys by Blur - Buddy Holly by Weezer

All Star by Smash Mouth - If I ruled the World (Imagine that) by Nas

Zombie by Cranberries - Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega

Killing Me Softly With His Song by The Fugees - Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz

Believe By Cher - Iris by Goo Goo Dolls

Jump Around by House of Pain - I want it that way by the Backstreet Boys

Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai - The Sign by Ace of Base

Brick by Ben Folds Five - Everlong by Foo Fighters

Common People by Pulp - Losing my Religion by REM

Barbie Girl by Aqua - Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine

Whatta Man by Salt n Pepa - Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Tubthumping by Chumbawamba - Ruff Ryders Anthem by DMX

[melsie-sims2]

It didn't take long for both of the girls to start rolling all of the sappy romantic wants.

They were all over each other.

"You know, it's my first time kissing a girl on a playground," Romy pointed out, gesturing toward the swings and the slide.

"Not me," Whitney smirked. "Don't worry, I was seven, it wasn't anything serious."

[starpiastri]

all of my friends think i’ve gone crazy…

Sebastian sinks his head further into his sweating hands. “Shut up. Seriously, Lewis, he’ll hear.”

Laughs from around the table, from the booth that Sebastian’s friends have decided to take up. He won’t hear, but it’s a nice excuse. He elbows Lewis either way, spills a bit of his drink onto the table, where it’ll now lie sticky.

They’re situated at a quieter corner, and Seb sits right at the back, looking out onto the bar, where Webber is stood. He sips on a pint and keeps glancing to Seb’s table, keeping a ‘close eye from a distance,’ as agreed. It’s driving him nuts.

“No, honestly. You’re like Whitney Houston, and he’s Kevin Costner.” Seb raises his eyebrow at Jenson’s reference and his pointing back and forth. He’s red in the face, beside himself with the entire situation. “And-“

Oh god, now he’s singing ‘I Will Always Love You’ at the top of his voice. It’s not a good rendition. His friends roar and wolf whistle, and Sebastian wants to die a bit more at the sound. He laughs but it doesn’t quite come out right.

It’s at this entirely opportune moment that Webber tilts his head towards the table, and makes eye contact with Seb. He grimaces, gestures with his hands wildly at Jenson near falling off his chair in laughter, and Webber smirks, brings the glass up in a ‘cheers’ motion. Sebastian gives him the V’s, and he chuckles, turns his attention back towards the door.

With the crowd numbing to a blind, singular noise, Sebastian lets himself admire Mark Webber, just for a moment. There’s more references being made to 90s rom-coms that he doesn’t care to react to, so he lets himself look.

There’s the way he towers over most of the people around him, scrambling for a drink. There’s the way he stands, casual but there’s something ready, trigger happy under his skin.

There’s the way that he’s not built particularly broad, but considering what happened, there must be some strength under the plain black tees he chooses to wear, day in and day out. That’s what he’s there for, he supposes.

Sebastian lets himself reminisce upon it, on day old memories of Webber behind him, hand gripping his bicep, steering him forward towards a clearing in the crowd, away from flashing cameras and bumbling paps. Webber’s voice, assertive behind him, his other arm stretched out to push stray reporters out of the way.

Sebastian feels a little flustered all over again. Maybe he should cause a scene to get Webber’s hands on him again, his body so close; and other crazed thoughts by Sebastian, tipsy and surrounded by mocking squawks. He’ll use that as an excuse - he’s only a product of his environment, none of these ideas are his own, logical creations.

Again, Webber quickly looks up from across the room, straight at Sebastian, and he feels as though he’s been caught. Surely his talents stop at reading minds. He mouths, “You okay?” and Sebastian pauses, because he is a little overwhelmed. It’s a lot to lip read across a bar, though, so he just nods instead.

“You sure?” And he carries on nodding, gives Webber a little hand waving motion to read, ‘go away.’ He smiles and rolls his eyes, and again, his attention is back to the other patrons of the bar, scanning for potential threats.

What would it take for him to linger? Immediately, Sebastian feels like shaking the thought from his mind, as soon as it crept in. Stupid, romanticised thoughts of this ridiculous situation. It’s not valid representation of how he feels about it all, which is, very annoyed.

“Sebastian and, fuck, what’s his name again?” Jenson looks so excited by his next words that Sebastian worries he might wet himself.

“Webber,” Seb resigns, and gets ready for the children’s playground rhyme.

“Sebastian and Web-ber, sitting in a tree-“

Fucking hell.

[thisisyourdriverspeaking]

Seeing as it is also Indycar race weekend in Road America, I give you US motorsport number twos the Indycar version. Enjoy 😊

Helio Castoneves (10th May 1975) - Freddy Fender - Before The Next Teardrop Falls

Takuma Sato (28th January 1977) - Rose Royce - Car Wash

Katherine Legge (12th July 1980) - Billy Joel - It's Still Rock And Roll To Me

Scott Dixon (22nd July 1980) - Paul McCartney - Coming Up

Ryan Hunter-Reay (17th December 1980) - Leo Sayer - More Than I Can Say

Will Power (1st March 1981) & Ed Carpenter (3rd March 1981) - Dolly Parton - 9 To 5

Romain Grosjean (17th April 1986) - Prince & The Revolution - Kiss

Marco Andretti (13th March 1987) - Huey Lewis & The News - Jacob's Ladder

Colin Braun (22nd September 1988) - Robert Palmer - Simply Irresistable

Graham Rahal (4th January 1989) - Bobby Brown - My Prerogative

Agustin Canapino (19th January 1990) - Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation

Marcus Ericsson (2nd September 1990) - Jon Bon Jovi - Blaze Of Glory

Josef Newgarden (22nd December 1990) - Madonna - Justify My Love

Alexander Rossi (25th September 1991) - Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations

Felix Rosenqvist (7th November 1991) - Mariah Carey - Emotions

Conor Daly (15th December 1991) - Boyz II Men - It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday

Kyle Larson (31st July 1992) - Madonna - This Used To Be My Playground

Jack Harvey (15th April 1993) & Scott McLaughlin (10th June 1993) - Silk - Freak Me

Tom Blomqvist (30th November 1993) - Elton John & Kiki Dee - True Love

Pietro Fittipaldi (25th June 1996) - Toni Braxton - You're Makin' Me High

Alex Palou (1st April 1997) - Spice Girls - Wannabe

Santino Ferrucci (31st May 1998) - Mariah Carey - My All

Kyle Kirkwood (19th October 1998) - Monica - The First Night

Callum Ilott (11th November 1998) - Barenaked Ladies - One Week

Linus Lundqvist (26th March 1999) - Whitney Houston ft Faith Evans & Kelly Price - Heartbreak Hotel

Pato O'Ward (6th May 1999) - Sixpence None The Richer - Kiss Me

Colton Herta (30th March 2000) - Lonestar - Amazed

Christian Rasmussen (29th June 2000) - Aaliyah - Try Again

Marcus Armstrong (29th July 2000) - Matchbox Twenty - Bent

Rinus Veekay (11th September 2000) - Madonna - Music

Christian Lundgaard (23rd July 2001) - Blu Cantrell - Hit Em Up Style (Oops)

Sting Ray Robb (3rd September 2001) - Jennifer Lopez ft Ja Rule - I'm Real

David Malukas (27th September 2001) - Alicia Keys - Fallin'

Theo Pourchaire (20th August 2003) - Chingy - Right Thurr

Kyffin Simpson (9th October 2004) - Usher ft Alicia Keys - My Boo

Nolan Siegel (8th November 2004) - Ciara ft Petey Pablo - Goodies

Added to this playlist 😊

[diamondfroot9]

Megastars and superstars

- After party, superstar 11574

- A whole new world, superstar 11287

- Boss witch, superstar 11554

- Bring me to life, superstar 11367

- Canned heat, superstar 11136

- Can’t stop the feeling, superstar 11346

- Can’t tame her, superstar 11985

- Chacarron, megastar 12045

- Cure for me, megastar 12376

- Danger! High voltage (16-bit version), megastar 12708

- Despecha, superstar 11764

- Disco inferno, superstar 11845

- Drivers license, superstar 11573

- Dynamite, superstar 11270

- Flowers, superstar 11685

- Gimme more, megastar 12101

- Good 4 u, superstar 11783

- Happier than ever, superstar 11182

- Heat waves, superstar 11934

- How you like that, superstar 11846

- I knew you were trouble, superstar 11276

- I wanna dance with somebody, superstar 11086

- I wanna dance with somebody (extravaganza version), superstar 11135

- If you wanna party, superstar 11628

- I’ll make a man out of you, superstar 11289

- I’m good (blue), superstar 11197

- Kill bill, superstar 11839

- Last Friday night, superstar 11243

- Levitating, superstar 11677

- Magic, superstar 11983

- Makeba, superstar 11390

- Numb, superstar 11177

- Playground, superstar 11147

- Sail, megastar 12065

- Save your tears, superstar 11023

- Seven, superstar 11152

- Shine a little love, megastar 12562

- Stronger, superstar 11872

- Survivor (fitness version), superstar 11537

- Swan lake, superstar 11126

- Tainted love, megastar 12158

- Titi me pregunto (barbecue version), superstar 11927

- Top of the world, superstar 11007

- Toxic (just dance 2 version), megastar 11287

- Treasure, megastar 12127

- Vampire, superstar 11657

- Wannabe, superstar 11009

- Wasabi, superstar 11830

- When will my life begin, superstar 11068

- Whitney, superstar 11048

- Witch, superstar 11237

- Woof, megastar 12128

- Wouldn’t it be nice, superstar 11259

- Zero to hero, superstar 11073

- Zooby doo, superstar 11592

32 superstars

9 megastars

Highest score

- 12562 Shine a little love (2024)

- 12708 Danger! High voltage (16-bit version) (2023)

- 12045 Chacarron (2022)

- 11289 I’ll make a man out of you (Disney season)

Highest superstar

- 11985 Can’t tame her (2024)

- 11983 Magic (2023)

- 11737 good 4 u (2022)

- 11298 I’ll make a man out of you (Disney season)

[thegamecollection]

UBISOFT FORWARD 2023!

Good morning/afternoon/some time of the day or night from across the pond! I'm making the most of this jet lag with some Peanut Butter m&m's and a blog on our time at yesterday's Ubisoft Forward event! It was a morning accompanied by popcorn that showcased their (very) impressive lineup for this year and beyond!

Before I get into it, can you believe there's no coffee machine in this hotel room? Why must I suffer? It's simply unacceptable.

Now that I've had a moan we can get into it. Thanks for listening.

We had planned some video content for TikTok but upon arrival and having passed the awesome Assassin's Creed cosplayers above, we were met with this potentially day-ruining sign:

We're sorry. It's not our fault.

JUST DANCE 2024

The event got underway with one the most popular music game franchises (if not THE most popular) of all time, back for 2024 with 40 new tracks and a vibey trailer that somehow transitioned from screen to live dancers on stage! I'd be lying if I said Just Dance was personally my thing but its player numbers around the globe speaks for itself! Fans will be pleased to know that "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus has made the cut, as well as all-time banger "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston!

Launching on 24th October, you can now pre-order with us here.

AVATAR: FRONTIERS OF PANDORA

Getting to see more on this first person action adventure that gives us the opportunity to become Na'vi and seek revenge on the invading RDA, well, it was absolutely fantastic. We weren't exactly sure on how this title would play out but after yesterday's gameplay, consider us SOLD. Set after the events of the first Avatar film, you’ll embark on a journey across the Western Frontier, a never-before-seen continent of Pandora! Fans of Far Cry will no doubt have also been frothing at the choice of weapons, skills and stunning scenery that awaits on this breathtaking planet! Oh and we got a release date too...

Launching on 7th December, you can now pre-order with us here.

THE CREW MOTORFEST

Car enthusiasts, fasten your seatbelts! The Crew Motorfest will officially launch on 14th September and will be using the vibrant island of O’ahu, Hawaii as its playground! The 3rd instalment in the franchise looks the part, that's for sure. From the Lamborghini Revuelto to the Toyota Supra, Hummer EV or Porsche Taycan Turbo S, there's a set of wheels and a racing feel for EVERYONE!

We were told no photos but I did manage to snap this beauty as we were leaving! Sorry, Ubi - it was too good to leave without memento.

You can now pre-order with us here.

PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE LOST CROWN

No, we didn't get any news on the Sands of Time Remake but after its announcement at Summer Game Fest last week, we did get to see more on this epic side-scrolling, sword slashing, time-dashing new adventure in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown! Play as Sargon and evolve from sword-wielding prodigy to extraordinary legend as you master acrobatic combat and unlock new Time Powers and unique super abilities.

Having seen this earlier in the year on a confidential presentation, its improvements since then are astounding. This metroidvania type game has found huge popularity in recent years with many titles adopting the style! But nevertheless it stands out from a crowd and looks to be an absolute MUST play for me!

Launching on 18th January 2024, you can now pre-order with us here.

SKULL AND BONES

We're all familiar with this right me hearties? Of course. It's been due to set sail for a number of years but has regularly been met with choppy waters and uncertain tides...

Yesterday didn't deliver too much on when we can actually expect Skull and Bones to get those anchors away, but we were treated to this new trailer accompanied by a live performance from the band 'Home Free' as they sang their tune from the game!

The Closed Beta will be available 25th-28th August and you can now register here.

Of course with this already being announced, you can pre-order on our website here!

STAR WARS OUTLAWS

Having seen the trailer a couple of days ago for the long awaited open world Star Wars game that was originally teased in 2021, we've already been feeling pretty blessed... But seeing a 10 minute gameplay walk-through yesterday has excited all of us scummy, villainous gamers to no end!

Seeing Kay Vess and the adorable Nix in heist action reminded us of the loving relationship between Cal and BD-1, and that is NEVER a bad thing. From the heat of blaster-fire battle to the foot-down freedom of a speeder chase, this footage shows that 2024 will be a great time to be an Outlaw!

No official launch date has been confirmed and so there's no pre-orders just yet! But sit tight, watch the gameplay again and prepare to revel in what will be the first and incredibly ambitious open world Star Wars game to date!

ASSASSIN'S CREED MIRAGE

We're finishing up here with the extended gameplay section we saw from Assassin's Creed Mirage, and its back-to-basics stealth-centric footage that fans in the presentation were cheering for with joy and rapture!

Our assassin Basim is light on his feet and making even lighter work of those that stand in his way... The gameplay showed that mixing stealth with creativity really does deliver supreme results! Smoke bombs, blow-darts, hidden blades, it's all in a day's work for this agile and acrobatic executioner!

Ninth-century Baghdad has never looked better and we can't wait to take our place with an ancient organization known as the Hidden Ones...

Launching on 12th October, you can pre-order with us here.

If you've made it this far then I thank you for reading! For those wondering exactly how I've made it without that coffee, a five minute break at Dunkin' Doughnuts around the corner has gotten me over the line!

God bless America.

-Jack

[duranduratulsa]

Here are this week's 90's Fest Amazon Music Preferred Artists...

1. Nirvana (5 appearances)

2. Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Notorious B.I.G., Green Day, Pearl Jam (4 appearances)

3. Whitney Houston, The Goo Goo Dolls, Savage Garden, TLC, Rob Thomas, Dr Dre (3 appearances)

4. Aqua, Guns N' Roses, Coolio, LV, Sinéad O'Connor, Ice Cube, Counting Crows, Shania Twain, Backstreet Boys, Warren G, Nate Dogg, Metallica, Tracy Chapman Online, Outkast, Vanilla Ice, Smash Mouth, Sixpence None The Richer, Soundgarden, House Of Pain, Faith Hill, Beastie Boys, Matchbox Twenty, 4 Non Blondes, The Proclaimers, Beck, Blackstreet, Queen Pen, Salt N Pepa, Collective Soul, Ms. Lauryn Hill (2 appearances)

5. Nine Inch Nails, Naughty By Nature, Usher, Mariah Carey, Santana, Alanis Morissette, The Cure, U2, Third Eye Blind, MASE, Puff Daddy, Weezer, Extreme, Bryan Adams, The Verve, The Fugees, Keith Sweat, Sir Mix-A-Lot, The Smashing Pumpkins, Chris Isaak, Oasis, Mark Morrison, Bell Biv DeVoe, Aerosmith, Sarah McLachlan, R.E.M., En Vogue, Blind Melon, No Doubt, Soul Asylum, Cypress Hill, SWV, Spice Girls, Tim McGraw, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Paula Cole, Britney Spears, Barenaked Ladies, Snoop Dogg, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Dave Matthews Band, Destiny's Child, Korn, Sheryl Crow, Spin Doctors, Wilson Phillips, Queensrÿche, Lonestar, Meat Loaf, Ginuwine, Faith No More, Lenny Kravitz, Hootie and the Blowfish, Billy Ray Cyrus, George Michael, Sugar Ray, Jon Bon Jovi, NSYNC, Marcy Playground, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Shaggy (1 appearance)

#amazonmusic #amazon #90s #90sfest #durandurantulsas3rdannual90sfest #nirvana #RIPCurtCobain #redhotchilipeppers #notoriousbig #RIPNotoriousBIG #greenday #pearljam #whitneyhouston #RIPWhitneyHouston #googoodolls #savagegarden #tlc #RIPLeftEye #robthomas #drdre #aqua #gunsnroses #GNR #coolio #ripcoolio #LV #sineadoconnor #ripsineadoconnor #icecube #countingcrows #shaniatwain #backstreetboys #WarrenG #natedogg #metallica #tracychapman #outkast #vanillaice #smashmouth #sixpencenonethericher #soundgarden #RIPChrisCornell #houseofpain #faithhill #beastieboys #matchboxtwenty #matchbox20 #4nonblondes

[thehappywun]

From last Wednesday outside of Vesuvio's Cafe, which is one of my favorite spots in SF these days.

At this point, I'm preaching to the converted, but truly impressive to be hanging out in Jack Kerouac Alley, potent potable in hand, enjoying some tunes from one of the many talented local groups that call this home.

Both "Lydia" and "Scheme" are new, and "Symptoms" (first time hearing all three) is from their "A Day At The Fair" demos and B-sides collection.

[becauseiamnotanelephant]

Funday Friday

Another successful and exhausting NYC adventure.

The Highline (and a giant pigeon), The Whitney (and a surprise Alvin Ailey exhibit!), two playgrounds, banana pudding, Raffetto's (and some ravioli to bring home for dinner), and the Lego store. And perfect weather. SoHo has certainly changed a lot - some staple stores have closed - Crate and Barrell and the Swatch store were two that I noticed right away.

[mias-playground]

🎶 Whitney Houston

[travellm]

Family-Friendly Activities in New Haven: Fun Things to Do with Kids

New Haven, Connecticut, isn’t just known for its rich history and academic excellence—this charming coastal city offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that cater to children of all ages. Whether you’re looking for an interactive museum, a day in nature, or cultural adventures, New Haven has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the top kid-friendly attractions that will keep your family entertained and engaged throughout your visit.

1. Visit the Peabody Museum of Natural History

The Yale Peabody Museum is a must-visit for families who love dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, and science exhibits. Kids will be fascinated by the fossilized dinosaur skeletons, gemstone collections, and hands-on discovery areas. The museum also offers seasonal family programs like scavenger hunts and workshops where children can create fossils or study insects.

Address: 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT Tip: Check the museum’s calendar for special family days and free admission offers.

2. Spend a Day at Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse Point Park offers a mix of history, nature, and fun in the sun. Kids can swim in the Long Island Sound, explore tide pools, or take a ride on the 1920s carousel. The park also features a splash pad, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a perfect spot for a day of outdoor relaxation.

Activities Highlights:

Seasonal Carousel Rides

Picnic Areas with Grills

Sandy Beach and Splash Pad

Views of the New Haven Harbor Lighthouse

Tip: Bring a pair of water shoes for exploring the rocky tide pools.

3. Explore the Connecticut Children's Museum

If you’re looking for a space where children can learn through play, the Connecticut Children’s Museum is ideal. This museum offers immersive exhibits that inspire creativity, including play kitchens, puppet theaters, and reading corners. Kids can also enjoy storytelling events and STEM-focused activities throughout the week.

Address: 22 Wall St, New Haven, CT Best For: Toddlers and young children up to 10 years old Tip: The museum offers sensory-friendly times for children with special needs.

4. Take a Walk through East Rock Park

East Rock Park is an excellent spot for families who love the outdoors. You can walk along the easy trails or drive up to the summit for panoramic views of New Haven and Long Island Sound. The park also has several playgrounds, a duck pond, and picnic tables, making it a great spot for a family outing.

Activities:

Hiking and Biking Trails

Playground and Picnic Areas

Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting

Tip: Visit the Eli Whitney Museum nearby for an interactive history experience focusing on invention and creativity.

5. Discover the Yale University Art Gallery

Although an art museum may not seem like an obvious choice for kids, the Yale University Art Gallery offers engaging family programs. They feature art-themed scavenger hunts and workshops where kids can create their own masterpieces. Admission is free, making this an affordable way to introduce children to the world of art.

Address: 1111 Chapel St, New Haven, CT Tip: The gallery often hosts drop-in craft sessions on weekends—perfect for kids of all ages.

6. Enjoy Sweets at Arethusa Farm Dairy

After a day of exploration, treat the family to some of New Haven’s finest ice cream at Arethusa Farm Dairy. Known for its high-quality dairy products, this local shop offers kid-favorite flavors like cookies and cream and chocolate chip cookie dough. They also have delicious pastries and milkshakes that the whole family will enjoy.

Address: 1020 Chapel St, New Haven, CT Tip: Visit during the late afternoon when the line is usually shorter.

7. Catch a Show at the Shubert Theater

Introduce your children to the magic of live performances at the historic Shubert Theater. The theater hosts a range of family-friendly shows, including children’s musicals, holiday performances, and puppet shows. It's a great way to foster an appreciation for the arts from an early age.

Address: 247 College St, New Haven, CT Tip: Look for special family ticket packages or matinee performances.

8. Visit the New Haven Green

The New Haven Green is a historic park located right in the heart of downtown. It's an open space perfect for running around, having a picnic, or enjoying live music. Throughout the year, the Green hosts various family-friendly festivals, including food truck events and outdoor concerts.

Activities:

Playground and Open Green Space

Seasonal Festivals and Fairs

Ice Skating Rink in Winter

Tip: Check the city’s event calendar for free family events happening during your visit.

9. Take a Family Bike Ride along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail offers a scenic and safe route for biking, rollerblading, or walking with kids. Stretching through New Haven and beyond, this trail is perfect for a leisurely family bike ride. Several parks and playgrounds are accessible along the route, making it easy to take breaks along the way.

Tip: Rent bikes from local bike shops if you don’t have your own.

10. Explore the Marsh Botanical Garden

The Marsh Botanical Garden on Yale's campus offers a beautiful and peaceful experience for families. Walk through the garden's greenhouse filled with exotic plants, or explore the outdoor gardens with seasonal flowers. It's a fun way to introduce kids to plant science and nature conservation.

Address: 265 Mansfield St, New Haven, CT Tip: Call ahead to see if they are offering guided tours or family workshops during your visit.

11. Visit Edgewood Park for Outdoor Fun

Edgewood Park is a large urban park with activities that will keep kids entertained all day. It offers playgrounds, walking trails, and a pond where kids can feed ducks. In winter, the park transforms into a great spot for sledding. Edgewood Skate Park, located within the park, is also popular among kids who love skateboarding.

Tip: Stop by the community garden to see what local residents are growing.

12. Explore the Shoreline Trolley Museum

Just a short drive from New Haven, the Shoreline Trolley Museum offers a unique, hands-on experience. Kids can explore restored trolleys and even take a ride on one! The museum provides a glimpse into the history of public transportation and makes learning fun for children.

Address: 17 River St, East Haven, CT Tip: Bring a camera—kids will love posing inside the vintage trolleys!

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Family Adventure in New Haven!

New Haven is a vibrant, family-friendly destination with an exciting range of activities that will keep kids entertained while offering parents opportunities to relax and explore. From interactive museums and scenic parks to tasty treats and cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and make lasting memories with your family in New Haven .

[richardeitzel]

Conquering Peaks- Virginia's Extreme Hiking Enthusiasts

Welcome to the adrenaline-fueled world of extreme hiking, where the rugged terrain of Virginia becomes the playground for fearless adventurers seeking to conquer nature's challenges. Today we delve into the stories of local enthusiasts who have taken hiking to the extreme, inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of our state and beyond. One name that resonates in the hearts of fellow Virginians is Richard Eitzel, a 54-year-old entrepreneur whose journey has transcended mountains, continents, and personal boundaries.

Richard Eitzel, the visionary owner of ACL Insurance since 1992, is more than just a local entrepreneur. He's a testament to the indomitable spirit of Virginia's adventure seekers. At the heart of his journey lies a passion for extreme hiking that has led him to conquer some of the world's most daunting peaks.

The Inca Trail leading to the majestic Machu Picchu in Peru is a dream for many hikers, and Richard transformed that dream into reality. His footsteps echoed through the ancient path, breathing life into centuries-old stones and relics. The challenges of the trail, from steep ascents to altitude changes, reflect the essence of extreme hiking—a test of endurance that stretches both physical and mental limits.

While Virginia's landscapes offer their own allure, Richard Eitzel extended his reach to distant horizons. His pursuit of extreme hiking took him to the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the formidable Mt. Whitney in the United States, both stark reminders of human tenacity against nature's forces.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's majestic pinnacle, emerges as a symbol of nature's grandeur and human aspiration. Its awe-inspiring snow-capped summit looms high above the Tanzanian landscape, captivating adventurers from every corner of the world. Among these daring souls, Richard Eitzel's journey to conquer Kilimanjaro stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit that drives extreme hikers to scale its heights.

The ascent of Kilimanjaro isn't a mere climb; it's an odyssey that parallels the journey of life itself. Richard's decision to take on this towering challenge mirrors the choices we all face in our own lives – a fusion of determination, uncertainty, and the relentless pursuit of personal triumph. The mountain becomes a canvas upon which human strength and vulnerability intertwine, reflecting the spectrum of emotions and experiences that define the human existence.

Scaling Kilimanjaro is a battle against both external forces and internal doubts. The path to the summit is a daunting combination of rocky terrains, steep ascents, and the ever-present challenge of altitude sickness. Every step forward is a victory over the whispers of fatigue and the niggling voice of self-doubt. Richard's journey was a microcosm of this struggle, a vivid embodiment of how we all face uphill battles in our lives and the monumental rewards that await those who persevere.

The mountain's shifting moods are as unpredictable as life's twists and turns. The climber's encounter with varied weather conditions mirrors the unpredictability of life's challenges. Sun-drenched vistas can transform into cloud-covered obscurity, and balmy breezes can evolve into bone-chilling gusts. Richard Eitzel's climb was a dance with nature's elements, a reminder that life's journey is often a delicate balance between embracing the serene moments and weathering the storms.

Yet, beyond the personal triumph, Kilimanjaro's slopes embody a universal lesson in humanity. As Richard scaled its heights, he was not alone; he was accompanied by guides and fellow climbers, each with their own stories and motivations. The camaraderie formed amidst the challenges of the ascent mirrored the connections we build with those around us on our life journey. The mountain teaches us that while our paths may be unique, the bonds we forge along the way are what truly enrich our experiences.

Back in the States, Richard's ascent of Mt. Whitney was a homecoming of sorts. This peak, rising majestically to over 14,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada range, echoes Virginia's own rugged terrain. His journey to the top was a symphony of effort, perseverance, and camaraderie with fellow hikers—a demonstration of how the mountains can bring people together as they strive for a common goal.

While conquering mountains is a feat in itself, Richard Eitzel's journey expanded beyond physical accomplishments. The Camino de Santiago, a network of ancient pilgrim routes crisscrossing Spain and Portugal, became a pathway to both self-discovery and spiritual connection. Walking these historic trails, Richard found solace in the rhythm of his steps and a deeper connection with the world around him.

His pilgrimage on the Camino not only echoed the footsteps of countless pilgrims before him but also offered moments of introspection and renewal. The challenges faced on this path were as much internal as they were external, proving that extreme hiking isn't just about conquering mountains—it's about conquering oneself.

Richard Eitzel's life extends far beyond his hiking achievements. As a devoted father to his college student son, Joe, he understands the importance of fostering family bonds amidst life's adventures. Yet, Richard's aspirations don't stop at mountain peaks.

His vision of building an indoor adventure park resonates with the soul of a true explorer. This park will bring the essence of extreme hiking and adventure to fellow Virginians, offering them a chance to experience the thrill of the outdoors within city limits. Richard's commitment to this project is a testament to his love for adventure and his desire to share it with his community.

In a blend of adventure and altruism, Richard is also the founder and manager of "Team Virginia TGA," a 501c3 organization that merges his passion for extreme sports with the noble cause of raising organ donation awareness. Through this platform, he celebrates the successes of organ recipients in the realm of sports, illustrating the transformative power of organ donation. His dedication to this cause showcases the heart of a man who believes in giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

In the heart of Virginia, extreme hiking enthusiasts like Richard Eitzel redefine the boundaries of possibility. Their journeys are more than just adventures; they are stories of resilience, unity, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. From the breathtaking peaks of Kilimanjaro to the iconic trails of Machu Picchu, these daring souls remind us that the spirit of exploration and conquest lives within us all. As we celebrates these local adventurers, we invite you to be inspired, to lace up your hiking boots, and to embrace the call of the wild that echoes across our beloved state.

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Ranting and Raving: "Sussudio" by Phil Collins

This is ‘Sussudio.’ A great, great song. A personal favorite.

When American Psycho first came out in 2000, one of the ways that protagonist Patrick Bateman was shown to be utterly insane to the audience was through the way he would ramble on and talk about pop music as if he were talking about high art. At the time of the film’s release, nobody did this. Nobody could be bothered to examine vapid pop music made by Whitney Houston, Huey Lewis & the News, or Genesis/Phil Collins with any kind of analytical eye. It was decided that there was nothing worth exploring. His musings on “Hip to be Square” and Genesis’ career path from prog rockers to pop stars are interesting and people can now quote them on command, but make no mistake: It was supposed to be one of the many clues that revealed that this guy is a special kind of deranged. 

Twenty-three years have passed since then and Patrick Bateman’s strange, falsely profound manner of finding critical value in pop music has become the prevailing ideology. Bateman’s monologues come while he’s preparing to kill somebody with an axe, while he’s setting up equipment to film himself fucking two women at once, and while he’s watching the same two women feel each other up on a couch. Satire or not, it caused something to shift in the culture. People take mainstream pop music more seriously now than they ever have before. Pop music does have critical value to it and it’s only been within the last two decades that people have truly decided that maybe pop songs aren’t as vapid and shallow as we may think they are. There are now entire books dedicated to doing the kind of wild, deep, analytical study of silly pop songs and artists that Bateman does in the movie.

If you’ve seen American Psycho, you may notice that while he plays “Sussudio” (a strange choice of sex music) as he’s walking over to get busy with the women, he mentions that it’s a great song, but does not monologue over it. 

This is because “Sussudio” is indeed a great, great song. But it’s also a stupid, silly pop song that doesn’t actually say a hell of a lot. It doesn't need to. 

In my experience, “Sussudio” is one of those songs that you either love or despise. When Phil Collins backlash had reached a height in the nineties (due to him being so successful and inescapable during the previous decade that people were just sick of the guy) “Sussudio” tended to be one of the low-hanging fruits people went for when insulting the guy. Back in the day, famous internet frat guy Seanbaby had this old joke, which sums up the negativity well: "Sussudio" is what a normal word sounds like when you try to say it through a mouthful of dick. South Park went full playground bully and made entire episodes making fun of the guy, one scene having him sing the song with complete nonsensical babbling in the worst attempt at mockery I think I’ve ever seen (which is a low bar for South Park). Family Guy at least had a more light-hearted, complimentary joke about the song: During the season two episode, “The King is Dead,” Brian Griffin is seen doing vocal warm-ups before he and Peter Griffin put on their production of The King and I. Part of Brian’s vocal warm-up is to sing “su-su-sussudio” quickly. So people make jokes about this song, but not all of them are mean.

Personally, I’ve loved Genesis and I’ve loved Phil Collins for a really long time. I don’t mind going to bat for “Sussudio” because Patrick Bateman is absolutely correct: It’s a great, great song. It’s also a personal favorite of mine as well. 

Musically, this song is dated as all hell, but it’s dated in a “time capsule” kind of way. “Sussudio” is a song that only could’ve been made in 1985. The production just has all of the hallmarks of what was hot at the time, that if this had been made at any time before or after that year it wouldn’t have had the same impact. Sussudio works because it needs to be this big eighties monstrosity. Everything about the production is just a blast in the face in the best way. It’s the kind of song that you only need to hear about thirty seconds in order to know if it’s something you’ll love or hate. Phil spent most of the eighties trying to find the loudest and biggest drum sound he could make and he found it with this song. It sounds like your angry cousin turning his bedroom wall into swiss cheese but it grabs your attention immediately. You hear it and you know within the first few measures what song is playing. Beyond the drums (which are just a drum machine that he found the perfect programming for), there’s that colossal main keyboard riff that’s so pleasing to the ear and such a good hook that you don’t even care how many times it's played. “Jump” by Van Halen is a similar song that benefited from that. There’s the bass synth, guitar, and the horns all tucked in there as well. The important thing about this song is that while it sounds big and in your face, it’s mixed very well so it doesn’t sound like formless sludge. Make no mistake, this groove is  t i g h t . It’s locked in from the second it starts and remains that way until the end. It’s tight without ever sounding too stilted. It’s just right.

Now, Phil Collins attempting to get funky and make a dance track wasn’t any sort of record company request and it wasn’t him losing a bet or anything. It was a deliberate attempt to change things up. By the mid-eighties, Phil was afraid his image was getting too dark, too dour. His solo songs “In the Air Tonight,” “I Don’t Care Anymore,” “Do You Know, Do You Care?,” “Thru These Walls,” and the Genesis song “Mama” are all some shade of dark, moody, twisted, bitter, and angry. He was also getting worried that people were starting to see him as a sad balladier, “If Leaving Me is Easy” and “Don’t Let Him Steal Your Heart Away” being examples of that. He decided that No Jacket Required, his third album in 1985, needed to lighten things up. He needed to show the people that he could party. 

So he listened to Prince’s 1999 way too much and went from there. There’s an argument to be made that “Sussudio” is a Prince ripoff. Truthfully, I don’t think I fully agree with that. Yes, “1999”’s DNA can easily be found in “Sussudio.” The foundations of the track are pretty similar, mostly in that steady drum beat/keyboard riff combo. It has the aura of “Can we have ____? No, we have ____ at home” meme. Then again, if trying to make a party track is your goal, you might as well take inspiration from one of the greatest party tracks ever written. 

Phil wasn’t the only strange white guy trying to get funky in the mid-eighties. Hell, he wasn’t even the only Genesis member trying to get funky in the mid-eighties. Peter Gabriel tried it with “Sledgehammer” and Talking Heads tried it with “Burning Down the House” (and most of the Speaking in Tongues album). Both were attempts from weird white guys trying to take influence from Motown and old funk from the seventies and attempt to make something new with it. Both of them fail as the things they aimed to be, but succeed in their own weird and oddly charming way that narrowly avoids the usual “cultural appropriation” conversation that kind of thing would warrant. However, Steve Winwood took a stab at that same idea a year after “Sussudio,” but he ended up with “Higher Love,” a song so fucking lame and awful to listen to that it should be considered a hate crime to some degree. 

Anyway, “1999” is definitely the basis for the song, but I don’t agree with writing it off as a Prince ripoff. “Sussudio” goes in directions that the Purple One would’ve never gone. If anything, I’d argue Phil borrows more from Rick James than Prince. Those horns are blowing notes that wouldn’t sound out of place on something like “Give It To Me Baby” or anything off of his Street Songs album. The Prince comparison is very obvious and apparent, but what he’s trying to capture is the kind of party Rick James was legendary (and infamous) for throwing.

Speaking of those horns, Phil puts those horns to damn good use here. Those horns you hear are none other than the legendary Phenix Horns, better known as the main horn section for Earth, Wind & Fire. “Sussudio” is not the first time Phil has employed their help on a song. They appeared on Phil’s first four albums as well as “No Reply At All” by Genesis. By the time of this song, Phil was well aware of what he could get them to do and what they do here is just phenomenal. They add little flourishes here and there through the first half of the song, then just as the second half is starting, Phil stops singing and lets the horns speak for him. And boy, do they speak. It’s glorious. The Phenix Horns more less dominate the mix for the second half and they never shined brighter with Phil than they do right here. Sometimes, less is more, but for “Sussudio,” the goal is to go big or go home. 

Everything about this song is just so over the top and fun in the best way. There are a lot of mid-eighties songs that sound too stilted, too lifeless, too processed. “Sussudio” doesn’t have this problem. It should, but there’s a strange magic to it where the song just feels alive. It sounds like a never ending party that everyone is invited to. It sounds like a song that’s so cheesy it doesn’t matter how you look while dancing to it, so long as you’re having fun. 

You wouldn’t think a song like this would work in a live environment, given how it sounds on record, but this song absolutely kills live. Phil performs the song live with the same energy given in the studio and since they’re not bound by a time limit for a single or space on a record, he can stretch the song out to lengths you’d never think possible. Live versions of this song can go on for about seven minutes. You’d think it would run out of gas after a bit, but it just doesn’t. He can have the horns go full blast for a little longer, he can throw it to just the guitar, just the bass, just the drums and keys, he can do crowd work with the vocals, whatever! It can keep going and it never feels like it’s overstaying its welcome. It feels like it shouldn’t, but Phil was just batting a thousand during that No Jacket Required period and the things he was writing at the time just worked. “Take Me Home,” the song that ends the album (“Sussudio” starts it) was given the same treatment. Live renditions of that song can stretch to the eight minute mark and it can just build up and go on and the crowd will just keep it going.

Now, the biggest question on your mind, whether you’re unfamiliar with the song or not, is probably this: what does the word “Sussudio” mean? The answer? Not a goddamn thing. 

It’s a nonsense word Phil used when he was writing the song. He explains as much in his 2016 autobiography, Not Dead Yet:

“I program a drum machine track and improvise some syllables over the top. The rhythmic word ‘sussudio’ comes out of nowhere. If I could have a pound for every time I’ve been asked what the word means, I’d have a lot of pounds. I can’t think of a better word that scans as well as ‘sussudio,’ so I keep it and work around it.”

It’s something that’s commonly found in a lot of songwriting demos. A writer will have the music written but it doesn’t have the words yet. They know how the vocal melody will go and the rhythm and meter that the words will eventually have to fit, so until the words get written, they just sing syllables that are meaningless. It’s just a placeholder. The chorus to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire is an example of a placeholder that just never changed. The band had most of the words but they didn’t have the chorus so they just sang nonsense over it and would figure out lines to fit with “say that you remember” and “dancing in September” later... and then they liked the placeholders so much that they never went back and added words. If it works, it works.

“Sussudio” is a complete nonsense word, but it’s a good nonsense word. It rolls off the tongue well and it’s easy to sing. Your lips make an O shape when you say it so you look like a horn while you’re saying it. It’s silly, but it’s a fun word to sing and you can come up with a number of ways to do it. Phil even sings it in several different ways. “Su-su-sudio” is the main way he sings it, but there are also points in the song where he just sings “sudio,” points where it slithers out of his mouth like a snake and he stutters like the Who on “My Generation” (“she makes me n-n-nervous, m-m-makes me scared” and “s-s-s-su-su-sudio”). Phil also goes the extra mile to really sell it and you can tell he’s just fucking ecstatic to be singing this. He almost makes it sound like a war cry of sorts. You don’t have to be a good singer in order to join him when he yells “OHHHHHHHH” after “just say the word.” “Sussudio” is a stupid nonsense word, but it sure is a fun one. It’s the first song I can think of that I would include in a playlist called “Party Music for Yuppies”.

I’ve spent so much time talking about how silly a word like “Sussudio” is, but the lyrics to the song aren’t completely brain-dead, they’re just not the thing you’re listening for. “Sussudio” is about something. It’s about a schoolboy crush and Phil sells it like this is the first time someone has ever fallen in love with someone. 

There's a girl that's been on my mind All the time, Sus-Sussudio, oh-oh Now she don't even know my name But I think she likes me just the same, Sus-Sussudio, whoa-oh

Listening to this song again, I began to wonder if anybody considered “Sussudio” to be the name of the person Phil is singing about. I wondered about it enough to ask friends and also put up a poll about it. My friends were divided, my poll was also pretty close, but the answer, “Yes, it’s her name” was the winning result. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. We’ve already covered that the word “sussudio” is gibberish. The music speaks for this song more than the lyrics ever could. Phil could’ve said anything over this song and it still would’ve been a hit. I was just interested in seeing if anybody else considered it a name, perhaps I did that as an excuse to try and find deeper meaning in places where there is none. According to Phil’s appearance on VH1 Storytellers back in 1997, his daughter apparently had a horse named “Sussudio,” which tracks because horse names are very strange. He also apologized if anybody had ever encountered somebody who had named their child “Sussudio.”

Regardless, the lyrics and the music work together to really sell the feeling of developing a crush on somebody for the first time or falling for somebody after not being interested in anyone for some time. It’s this really big, joyous, and wonderful feeling. It wouldn’t land that well if the music wasn’t blaring and busy being completely over the top. 

Ah, I've got to have her, have her now I've got to get closer, but I don't know how She makes me nervous and makes me scared But I feel so good if I just say the word, Sus-Sussudio Just say the word, oh, S-Sus-Sussudio, oh

Phil sought to lighten things up and make something more fun-sounding when starting No Jacket Required and “Sussudio” succeeds in doing that. It’s a fantastic opening track that hits hard and relishes in all the best parts of big eighties excess. This is the kind of song where you’re allowed to be silly with it and have fun. Dance to it like nobody’s watching! Sing along with it even if you’re not a singer! Enjoy it however you wish. The best pop songs are the ones that make things larger than life. They take you away from the world and send you to another one where you’re free to just enjoy yourself. 

All you gotta do is just say the word.