text:
WHAT an OFFENSE!
Giants have scored the most runs in either league this year, I'll try to remember that if I get tempted again to post something negative about the offense. That run total figures to take a healthy add when we get to Colorado tomorrow.
Looking forward to watching Trevor Story. He's the first rookie to ever hit 7 hr's over any 6 game stretch in any season. That's a wild stat. Maybe start throwing this dude some off speed stuff? Because he seems to be hammering the fastballs.
Get to Denver and rest up. A tsunami of runs is pending…..
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Bozo said, on April 11, 2016 at 6:54 am
Very entertaining series, even the, shoulda, coulda been a win, loss was must see TV.
Pence is starting to heat up and Span will soon. Using Angel as the number 9 hitter has worked so far (he leads the team in Runs scored).
With the Shark, Peavy and Cain throwing at the rock quarry, we could see some crooked numbers getting put on the board by both teams. Although, I have a feeling Cain is going to pitch a gem.
willedav said, on April 11, 2016 at 6:54 am
Flav I hear your rant from 7:22. Warriors waltz into San Antone and win, something no one else has done all year on second night of back to back. Btw, the Spurs have won 65 games this year–9 more than LeCoach and 11 more than nearest competitor. And Steph got 37 despite every effort to stop him and his buddies.
Weird thing about Sherps is they won 2 of 3 in AZ and then let the Pads beat up on them in Katmandu.
Dodgers sure have to be feeling different about their pitching staff after this weekend than when they left Petco.
willedav said, on April 11, 2016 at 7:12 am
On yahoo this morning is a link to that blog Zum mentioned TrueBlueLA, from SB Nation. Pretty funny read, set up like the McCoveyCove blog. And yeah comments are awesome. Liked this one from Jack:
JP Howell
meet pasture
Lurker John said, on April 11, 2016 at 7:17 am
Hey Chuck, from yesterday, I think the reason Pop didn't rest more guys was because he wanted to keep the undefeated streak at home alive. Otherwise, I'd guess the minutes for his main guys would've been cut back quite a bit.
Lurker John said, on April 11, 2016 at 7:22 am
Hey Craig, who are the 2 Flappers in the picture from a couple of days ago?
alleykat69 said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:29 am
Yeah I would definitely feed Trevor Story a diet of off speed pitches, the dude is feasting on the cheese!
Lurker John said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:29 am
It's always nice when the Giants kick the crap out of the Dodgers. Getting the upper hand on them early in the season is a good thing. Can't wait til they play the Diamondbacks and see how we stack up against them.
willedav said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:40 am
LJ, AZ played 2 series at home so far and lost 5 of 7 after Cubs smacked them around.
Their team ERA is 6.57 and zero wins out of SPs.
Greinke is 0-2 and has given up16 hits in 10 innings.
Shelby Miller has given up 15 hits 10 runs 5 HRs in 11 innings.
They play at LA before Giants come in. LA spanked them last year, 13 Ws.
chipower9 said, on April 11, 2016 at 12:13 pm
And to think I was big on the Giants getting Miller.
Lurker John said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:30 am
Give NL pitchers some time and they'll find this guy's holes.
Carstie Clausen said, on April 11, 2016 at 9:01 am
Whodda thunk it just some few years ago when the Horse was regularly getting Cained in 2-1 and 1-0 games and when the Giants offense consisted of a buncha popguns and a couple rusty Iver Johnson revolvers. We are witnessing the arrival of an offensive juggernaut which can come atcha from anywhere in the lineup ~ at least when Bumgarner's batting 8th.
There is no concentration of power or OBP proficiency. When your predominantly #9 hitter leads the league in runs scored, we just ain't in Kansas anymore. LaBumbos pitching coaches hafta be shaking their heads and looking at videos and stats mumbling "how the hell can we pitch to these guys?" The major surprise is that SF hitters are close to the top in home-runs, with not one single hitter on the leader board.
Okay, so it's only Week One in a lonnng season. Yet, Flappers in general were looking forward to the offense this season. The power uptick is serendipitous, but we knew the OBP and Conga-line was to be an ongoing phenomenon.
More than one of us has mentioned it already ~ the series in the Box of Rox could readily score upwards of 50 runs (combined) in a three game series. Let's hope that the majority of the tallies come from the guys with an intertwined "SF" on their caps.
unca_chuck said, on April 11, 2016 at 9:35 am
Yeah, the hope that this offense would show signs of life are great to see early on. And this is without Span or Crawfish doing particularly well.
Every starter has a home run, plus Bummie, but no one has more than 2. Odd to say the least, but share the wealth I say. Production is scattered across the lineup.
chipower9 said, on April 11, 2016 at 10:51 am
Hey, Span had a couple of knocks yesterday…well, one was a swinging bunt, but when you're hitting below .200, you take anything you can get! I think Span will be just fine, and Blanco is, and will be, fine as a 4th/5th OFer.
Macdog said, on April 11, 2016 at 9:45 am
My big take from the weekend is the Giants beat the crap out of two of the Bums' starters. That team really is going to miss Greinke over the long haul of the season.
unca_chuck said, on April 11, 2016 at 9:59 am
Nice. When greed is greater than or equal to indifference, you get this. Call it the Pablito syndrome. Hey, Grienke might come around, but the hope is these guys get buried early and don't have the wherewithal to unbury themselves.
I feel like Grienke is a particular risk of implosion due to his social anxiety issue. If things turn negatively on the mound for him there's no telling how far this fall might go. He's been all good the last few years with medication and great success on the mound. Take away the great success and he might have a problem….
unca_chuck said, on April 11, 2016 at 10:33 am
Yeah, when (if) the fans turn on him, you have to wonder how that'll affect him.
Macdog said, on April 11, 2016 at 11:51 am
Greinke's last start vs. the Cubs was pretty similar to Cueto yesterday, although Greinke gave up only 3 runs in the first inning instead of 5 before settling in. It didn't help him that the opposing pitcher was Arrieta and not Kazmir.
gianthead said, on April 11, 2016 at 10:35 am
The Spieth meltdown is still hard to fathom. What I never understand is these greats over think so much. When he hot the first one in the drink, why didn't he just take the drop as close as possible and just wedge one up and on????
Spieth said he preferred an 80 yard shot to a 65 yard one but looked no longer than 50 yards from the edge of the water to the flag. He could have put it a little left and took the back traps out of play…but the Warriors victory was sweet. Must-win the championship after Wednesday's record setter…
Great observations and factual tidbits by all here this morn. So many times in the past I've whined about us not having a big slugger and hoped we'd have a FA signing or trade for one. Yet, the idea of a truly balanced offense – one like we might be witnessing the emergence of this year – was something I never really considered or believed possible. Simple arithmetic proves if all eight starters hit 20-25 hrs a season, the high end of that number places us in the top five power hitting clubs, the low is still in the top 10 (based on last year's stats). I understand it ain't all about dingers but we would'nt have survived this last series without them.
I sense our offense may be like one of those supercharged street racing cars with a gazillion horsepower .. sometimes when you stomp on the gas it's impossible to predict what is going to happen because that kinda power can get outta hand real fast and you can end up crashed and burnt in the ditch 40 feet from the starting line.
CWS and SF are the only teams with a zeroed DL. I'm gonna go light some incense and make an offering at the altar of the Eye-in-the-Pyramid-Shaped-Field Gods.
unca_chuck said, on April 11, 2016 at 11:56 am
I think we're more like a '68 Nova with a big fat engine.
Don't look like much, but it goes like a motherfucker.
You see this guy, don't race for pinks.
I love the line "you race a Bugatti Veyron, you win!"
chipower9 said, on April 11, 2016 at 12:28 pm
That is one bad ass Nova! Dual superchargers…giddy up motherfuckers!
unca_chuck said, on April 11, 2016 at 3:20 pm
Love the whitewalls. Those have to be pretty beefy tires to handle all that HP though.
chipower9 said, on April 11, 2016 at 10:56 am
What a great week of baseball. And yesterday was just wonderful. Our boys claw back from a 5-zip first inning deficit, and then the Warriors win in San Antone for the first time since 1997, and tie the record at 72 wins. Wednesday night they go for the record, at home, against the Griz. Go Warriors!
Oh, and the Sharkies open the NHL playoffs against their hated SoCal rivals the la la queens.
chipower9 said, on April 11, 2016 at 10:58 am
Hey GH – Blade and I have not talked specifics on the Giant-Boston series, but what I want to do is catch the second game in Boston, and then catch two at YankMee Stadium. Or, perhaps two in Beantown and one in NY. Blade and I are gonna talk details when he returns from Thighland. (I am trying to minimize how many vacation days I use for the trip.)
Both Boston games are 4:10 starts. Will let you know when we get things a bit more dialed-in.
zumiee said, on April 11, 2016 at 12:18 pm
"Grienke is a particular risk of implosion due to his social anxiety issue."
I've always wondered why it doesn't happen to more players. It's amazing to me the way these guys can perform in such a fishbowl environment in front of so many thousands. No wonder so many of them obsessively/compulsively spit, chew, or eat sunflower seeds. Bochy does that thing where he runs his tongue around the inside of his mouth. Dusty has toothpicks. No wonder the players, coaches, and managers have so many rituals. It's a way of calming themselves through acts of repetition.
unca_chuck said, on April 11, 2016 at 12:21 pm
Seeing Jim Leyland and Lou Pinella sneak down the clubhouse walkway for a quick smoke was always entertaining,
alleykat69 said, on April 11, 2016 at 2:19 pm
Yeah don't forget Earl Waver as well, especially when he brought in Dan? rr Don? Stackhouse..
Use to smoke a pack while he was in the game..
alleykat69 said, on April 11, 2016 at 2:24 pm
Damm phone, are my damm spelling as well , That's Earl Weaver, believe it was Don 2 pack Stackhouse!!
Bozo said, on April 11, 2016 at 2:58 pm
What? The two Flap Down cap give away. Man, I'd love one of those.
chipower9 said, on April 11, 2016 at 3:26 pm
chipower9 said, on April 11, 2016 at 3:27 pm
eBay…unless Elmer Fudd buys up all of those that are available…
unca_chuck said, on April 11, 2016 at 3:22 pm
Can't find my old bucket hat. Must have gotten it in the 90s. One of my kids took it . . . grrrrrr.
Macdog said, on April 11, 2016 at 3:46 pm
Went to my daughter's softball game at Barnegat HS in NJ today for a few innings before trudging off to work. But before the game started, I saw the Barnegat baseball team play an inning. Why am I mentioning this? Because their starting pitcher, a 6-5 lefty named Jason Groome, is one of the top prospects in the country and might very well be the top overall pick by the Phillies come June 9. Lots of scouts with speed guns behind home plate, although apparently not as many as last week when the kid made his first start. I saw him strike out the side in the 1st, max heater at 94, and froze one poor kid with a wicked curve for strike 3. He ended up throwing a no-hitter with 19 Ks and faced the minimum 21 batters. I last saw him pitch his final game as a sophomore, a 1-0 loss in the state playoffs where he had 17 Ks but gave up a run in the 7th on a walk, stolen base/error and passed ball. He then went to play at the IMG Academy in Florida last year, but decided to come back home and play for the school team for his senior year. So there it is, if the kid gets taken No. 1 overall, you heard it here first.
zumiee said, on April 11, 2016 at 4:15 pm
Wow, that kid's going to make a lot of $$$$$.
Macdog said, on April 11, 2016 at 4:49 pm
Haha, that too. His top speed today was 97.
pawliekokonuts said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:19 pm
a Flapclusive!
pawliekokonuts said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:24 pm
and a perfect name for hed writers
pawliekokonuts said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:19 pm
Can't we just walk Trevor "What's His" Story? Or is it against some unwritten rule to accord that much respect to a rookie?
pawliekokonuts said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:20 pm
Saw "Demolition." Liked it a lot despite some heavy doses of Hollywood sap.
pawliekokonuts said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:23 pm
Nearing completion of "A Fan's notes" by Frederick Exley. It stands alone as a "fictional memoir," but more sad than funny. Macdog and Loo, take note: about a fan obsessed with Frank Gifford and NY Giants. That, and insanity and alcoholism.
pawliekokonuts said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:28 pm
… saying take note if you are NY Giants fans, not crazy alkies…but still, if you are…no judgment here
unca_chuck said, on April 11, 2016 at 8:38 pm
I resemble that remark. Gonna get the Bill Walton book one of these days. Just read The Picture of Dorian Gray for some reason. Been on my list for years and finally got around to it. Pretty wild shit for the turn of the 19th century. . .
Haven't been reading much lately.
pawliekokonuts said, on April 11, 2016 at 11:07 pm
embarrassed to say have not read it
xoot said, on April 11, 2016 at 11:10 pm
Sorry, off topic on an off day. Local football. I sat next to a NFL QB on the flight home this evening. Pro Bowler these days, college star. Passer. Seemed like a great guy. (He was gracious and respectful to all the fans who asked for pics. Some of them approached with tears in their eyes, saying, "We've been season ticket holders since . . . ."). Anyway, the man has small, tiny, minuscule hands. I was surprised. My medium sized mitts looked like Willie Mays or Albert Collins by contrast. So just how "small" are Jared Goff's hands? How the hell do you measure hands, anyway? Seems like you'd need at least two dimensions, but the official stats only offer one. I predict Goff will go high in the draft later this month.
xoot said, on April 11, 2016 at 11:13 pm
Btw, I cut out: If Trump had shown those hands to America a couple of weeks ago, he' be long gone now.
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Friday, November 12, 2010
New Article from the Metropolitan about Alumni and current students taking over E.C's printmaking studio.
Alumni Amy Odorizzi is one of eight current and former Metro State art students who have taken over Good Thieves Press, the studio formerly run by Professor Eldon Cunningham. She began in the industrial design program, but switched majors after taking an entry level printing class with Cunningham. According to Odorizzi, with her changed major came a changed perspective of herself.
Along the studio's single room's northern wall is a row of mostly abstract print image — the studio's current show on display. The show commemorates the life and work of Eldon "E.C." Cunningham, a Metro State art teacher of 27 years, who committed suicide Oct. 1, 2010. Cunningham specialized in printmaking, a highly technical medium involving the use of a press to print handmade images onto a surface, sometimes made of metal or stone. He was the coordinator of Metro's printmaking program.
Gillian Waggoner, another Metro State art alumna, also helps run Good Thieves Press. She met Cunningham early in her education and was mentored by him during her last year at school while looking into a master's degree. She agreed with Odorizzi about Cunningham's passion and spoke about the high standard to which he held his students.
"You'll do 100 things that he'll just kind of frown at," Waggoner said, describing working in his class. "And you're just working and working to get better and finally you get that moment where he just cracked a smile and you knew that you had done well … He really pushed you technically and you can see that in his work."
Waggoner said she actually failed Cunningham's printmaking class the first time around, but throughout her time at Metro continued to go to him for critiques on other projects.
About the show, Odorizzi said it was only natural for them to celebrate Cunningham's life considering how instrumental he was in all of their artistic growth.
"We wouldn't have existed without E.C.," Odorizzi said of Good Thieves Press. "I couldn't be more different in my art style from E.C.'s. But I am as good at printmaking as I am only because of him."
The Good Thieves Press show will be open Nov. 11–14 at 2401 Stout St.
Read the rest of the article by Gabrielle Porter at The Metropolitan Online
Posted by Metro State College Denver -- Alumni at 12:18 PM
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When designing for the Renault Trucks UK 'Design A Livery' competition that I wrote about for my last blog post, I wanted to turn the non-metallic white truck cab into a gold one for an idea I had. Here's how I achieved that result, and I eventually found a technique that worked for gold, via creating silver as well. I felt this could be useful for some people, and that's why I've written a quick tutorial about it.
The Base Image:
Before we start, it's important to consider the base image, as generally, the lighter the vehicle's original colour, the easier it is to change it to something else. So here we are lucky to have a white truck cab.
1. To find gold, first you must find silver!
Due to the fact we want to darken the tones of the truck's paintwork it is necessary to go to the Layers Palette, and add a Curves adjustment layer. By altering the line into a curve, you can achieve the desired effect. It is worth bearing in mind that every image will probably require handling differently.
To isolate this change only to the areas we want, click on the Layer Mask button. By pressing Ctrl/Cmd + I to Invert the layer means the adjustment is now completely hidden. For layer masks, black hides and white reveals. Moving to the Brush tool (B), choosing a relatively hard brush (around 65%) allows us to brush white over the area we want to be silver. If you make a mistake press the X key to swap between white and black. I used a graphics tablet for greater control here, but you may find you want to use a selection tool such as the Magic Wand instead.
2. Adding the metallic flake to the paintwork.
While the truck now looks silver, it still is 'flat', which is holding back the overall effect. To create the metallic flakes, click the New Layer button at the base of the Layers Palette, set the Foreground Color to 50% grey (CMYK 0,0,0,50) using the Fill box in the Tools bar, and then selecting the Paint Bucket Tool before clicking once on the layer to cover it.
Then right-click on the layer and select Convert to Smart Object. By doing this now, it will allow us to make adjustments later on if necessary. By going now to Filter > Add Noise, and setting the Amount to 15%, Distribution as Gaussian, and ticking the Monochromatic box gives the desired effect. Again for other images you may need more or less noise.
With our layer mask already made in the first step, we can press the Option key (Alt) while clicking and dragging the later mask onto the noise layer, thereby duplicating it in the process.
Then we need to switch the Blending Mode (found at the top of the Layers Palette to Overlay, in order to blend the noise layer over the truck. Again, you may want to experiment with different blending modes if you want a slightly different look, or you can go back and adjust the level of noise.
3. Turning the vehicle gold
Thankfully Photoshop makes it easy to change the colour to gold. Double-clicking on the Noise layer brings up the Layer Styles dialogue box from where a variety of effects can be applied. Tick the Color Overlay, click the colour box visible, and enter the values FFB720 — a strong yellow — into the bottom box. Then the last thing to do is change the blend mode to Multiply to allow the truck to be visible beneath it. The advantage of a Color Overlay is that if you want to change the colour, it is a very easy change to make.
And that's it! From there, it is very easy to change the colour of the truck to something else entirely, or to increase/decrease the amount of metallic flakes visible.


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72816019157873948622018-10-18T18:24:27.437-05:00Rockstars and Randomnesslaurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-31264920552137178622017-06-28T03:24:00.000-05:002017-06-28T03:24:17.719-05:00Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole

I made this (with a few tweaks) for dinner last night. It was absolutely delicious.

I left out the cilantro. I hate the taste of it; it has a very soapy taste to me. I don't understand why anyone would want their food to taste like soap, but if that's what you like…go for it.

I also added Chipotle powder into the mix, and used a left over half of an avocado which I cut into chunks and sprinkled over the top during the last five minutes of baking.

I found the recipe on: TheKitchn

It was really great on it's own, making it into a burrito is also really awesome; I added some sour cream and Taco Bell Fire Sauce to the leftovers this morning to make it a breakfast burrito.

Oh, by the way, my baking dish is from The Pioneer Woman

You can buy them at here from Wal-Mart

I got this set from my sister for Christmas, during a game of Dirty Santa...she bought them for the game and was hoping to win them back for herself, however I ended up stealing it from her in the last round, which meant I got to keepthe set...I win! Everyone that night was saying "You're never gonna use that, what do you need those for?" Yeah, well look at me now; using them and whatnot. Making this wasn't even my first time to use them either.

-laurenmikael
laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-52132797488416163972017-03-23T13:30:00.002-05:002017-03-23T13:33:22.955-05:00Moving Day!I have officially moved to WordPress as of today.

Now to get to my blog go to: https://laurenmikael.wordpress.com/

I'm going to have my custom .com domain transferred over there soon as well, but that might take a little while.

See you at the new place!

-laurenmikaellaurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-199670721202595732017-03-13T22:10:00.001-05:002017-03-13T22:10:38.133-05:00Time to Move...I have made the decision to move Rockstars and Randomness over to WordPress. I feel like this is a much needed change.

Something I have wanted to do for a long time.

A fresh start.

Hopefully it won't take long to get everything situated over at WordPress, before I'm offically up and running over there.

-laurenmikaellaurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-38871668734787028442017-03-13T20:42:00.000-05:002017-03-13T20:50:26.982-05:00I Dirnt CareJust wanted to pop in and say hi!

I've got an exciting post coming tomorrow!

This meme will give you a hint:

-laurenmikael

PS: This meme makes me laugh every time I see it...well 'cause you know...Mike Dirnt.laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-60628128134959011602016-12-12T00:33:00.001-06:002016-12-12T00:49:45.031-06:00The (Phone) Who Died...WolfI'm not even gonna talk about how before December started I had fully intended to partake in Blogmas.

Eventually I am going to start really giving my blog the love and attention that it both needs and deserves. (I hope.)

Friday, I decided to take out the trash...cause as an adult that is something you need to and should do; frequently.

So I'm all..."look at me, going outside...taking out the trash. I'm such an adult and whatever." When all of sudden

**Wham!**

My precious iPhone 6 Plus had brutally found it's way to the pavement beneath me.

In sheer terror I pick up the phone from it's very hard fall. I quickly notice the chunks missing out of the left hand side of my beloved plus sized phone...

Then, the scrapes and cracks that had also appeared on the glass screen; the glass screen that only moments before had been perfectly unharmed...now. Now it was almost unrecognizable. As I pressed the home button I saw a rainbow of fuzzy colors dance across both Johnny Stevens' (of Highly Suspect) and my face. Where before the rainbow had arrived, we were just laughing and having a great time.

My poor phone seems to be much sicker than just a ruined screen unfortunately.

All of this would be much easier for me to handle if only I would have never set my phone to require a password before it will let itself unlock, which I did for the first time ever a few months ago during the summer, because I had started babysitting Doodlebug for the summer, like I do every year.

Only this year she had become even more obsessed with playing on phones and she had started answering my phone without my permission; if she heard it ringing while I was in another room....she would then bring the phone to me, whereever I was and say: "Here LaLa...It's (insert name here)"

Which yes, is sort of sweet of her...in a way. However also very annoying in cases when she had already answered the phone but personally I was not ready to talk to (insert name here) yet or at all. I guess Doodlebug doesn't know that sometimes people don't answer the phone for a reason. In her mind if the phone rings it has to be answered.

That being said, iCloud failed to back up anything that wasn't my contacts list or a digital copy of Highly Suspect's new record The Boy Died Wolf  which is a fantastic album so I was happy to see it in my Cloud...but I have that album in so many different forms that I wouldn't have lost it even if I had lost it, you know?

My THOUSANDS of photos and videos that can never be replaced or taken again (most of which had yet to find their way on to Facebook and/or Youtube)...gone; all gone.

My laptop still recognizes my phone, so this made me very excited once I had discovered this news, because I knew all I had to do to get my photos and videos back was to do a manual iPhone sync using iTunes. From there I would be able to pull the photos/videos off the phone and simply save all of them to my laptop.
YAY!!! Problem solved.

NOT!!!

 It would have been, but for the last few months there has/had been the afore mentioned password on my phone because of my sweet little Doodlebug.

If you have a passcode on your phone, then iTunes wants you to type it in on your phone's screen after you connect it to your laptop, and if you don't, it refuses to let you sync your device.

I can not use my phone to type in the code, because my phone's screen is too messed up to even recognize that you are trying to type the password in.

So close, yet so far.

Never again will I EVER put a password on any of my future phones after dealing with all of this shit!!!

So many photos and videos probably lost forever, just because of a stupid 4 number passcode. Sad day you guys, sad day.

-laurenmikael

PS: This post title worked out pretty perfectly...seeing as that was the only record left in my iCloud.

laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-54588370790537292132016-11-18T22:06:00.000-06:002016-11-18T22:39:00.710-06:00The Boy Who Died WolfToday The Boy Who Died Wolf the new album from Highly Suspect was released and to be totally honest, I don't think I could be any more excited about this record if I tried.

It's so great. I've been listening to it all day. I pre-ordered it a month ago. Of course I bought the MCID bundle. You know, that's how I do...I want all the things; all or nothing.

As soon as Highly Suspect had announced that they were releasing a second album, I knew it was going to be amazing. Everything they do is amazing...so it was sort of obvious.

Normally when I listen to a new record, I can tell you which track is my favorite, but with The Boy Who Died Wolf  I literally don't know. All 11 songs kick ass.

I've gotta give them major props for "Viper Strike." I love that they are standing up for their opinions and giving zero fucks what other people have to say. More people, and music should be like that...in my opinion.

"Chicago" is awesome. This song takes you through so many different feelings in just 4 minutes and 24 seconds. All the while showing you the more sensitive side of Highly Suspect.

"Send Me an Angel" shows you a similar piece of them as well. I dig it.

"Look Alive, Stay Alive" is pretty sweet. Love the energy of it. I really like the line "...you think you're better than everyone...well you're fucking not!"

"Wolf" is so good that I don't really even have words for it...give it (and the entire record) a listen. It'll be your first of many; trust me. One of the best lines in this track "...but baby I was born to rock, and now I gotta roll."

"Serotonia" is a song that has been out for quite a while now, no matter how many times I've heard it, with every listen I find myself loving it even more. The best part is when Johnny mentions slow dancing with Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey...then afterwards he'll bum a cigarette from Cary Grant.

The '60's was...err is my favorite era when it comes to movies. Breakfast At Tiffany's is my all-time favorite movie. I was Audrey for Halloween this year. (More on that in a later post.) Cary Grant, Marilyn, Humphrey Bogart...I love them all!

That's pretty much all I've got to say for now.

To recap:

The Boy Who Died Wolf Buy that mess, seriously...BUY it!

It's amazing. You can thank me later.

"Serotonia" (Official Music Video)

"Chicago"

I feel like this has to be done when Highly Suspect is mentioned in any way, so...MCID.

-laurenmikael

laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-79549187223902478022016-09-03T16:23:00.000-05:002016-09-03T16:23:21.817-05:00Should Have Started Doing This SoonerWoah! Ok, so it has been eight months since my last blog post...oopsie! Haha!

Truth is the end of last year/beginning of this year I was very depressed, like really bad. Hardly would go anywhere or even bother to get out of bed most days to be honest.

In May things started to get better and the depression "went away."

For the most part I'm very happy now.

I just wanted pop in and say hi! Also, I wanted to tell you about Ebates. They pay you to shop online (now even in stores.) Yep, you read that right...you can get paid to shop. That's pretty awesome if you ask me.

I've known about Ebates for years now, because other bloggers and through Youtube videos. Somehow it just recently occured to me that I should start using Ebates myself. Wish I would have started sooner!

They pay you anywhere from 1% to 40% back on your purchases. Tons of stores and websites paticipate. anywhere from Wal-Mart to iTunes and Amazon!

Click the Ebates link above and you can start getting paid to shop too!

I know I say this all the time, but I really am going to try to start posting on here more frequently. I have a lot of post ideas right now...I just need the time to be able to actually write them.

I hope you are all doing well!

-laurenmikael

laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-80133487197661517812015-12-30T12:22:00.000-06:002015-12-30T12:22:25.698-06:00"...All I Wanna Do is Fuckin' Sleep"Well, you guys...things have been quite a bit crazy lately (quite literally...) seems if you go over 25 days without any sleep, you go a bit crazy. Yep, 25 whole days and nights...not one little minute of sleep. Not kidding.

Hence the lack of blog posts and photo uploads.

Because of this I missed The annual The Revolutioners Thanksgiving Eve show at Stickyz.

If you know me even the slightest bit you know that I was not a happy lady at all...I never miss them...I had always joked the only reason I would ever not go to a show of their's would be because I was dead.

It was getting bad, so I decided to check myself into a mental hospital to see if they could do anything to help. Turns out that was a total waste of time, all they did was keep me for a week and gave me Ambien.

Ambien does nothing for me; except make me have really awful hallucinations. They had to start giving me Geodon (medicine for Schizophrenia) because I was starting to hear voices, but that medicine made things worse, you know how you can have closed captioning turned on your TV? Well they were on at the hospital and instead of thinking my thoughts, I would see them appear as the closed captioning across the TV screen.

Scared the hell out of me.

While I was in the hospital I was phoneless, so I had no idea until my Dad came to visit that my beloved second home; Juanita's had decided to shut it's doors for good after 30 awesome years.

"Bath Salts" by Highly Suspect, describes very accurately (basically word for word) how I have been feeling for the last month or so, since the insomnia started back up before Thanksgiving.

 I say started back up, because in 2010 I went a full 10 days with no sleep, seems I have a new record now.

"Bath Salts" Official Music Video

I am finally starting to sleep a little here and there at night. Sleep about an hour then stay awake for four or five hours before falling asleep for another 30 minutes, just to wake up again and basically say fuck it, guess I'll just be awake for the day now. At this point it is normally about 4 or 5 in the morning.

Those who know me well know that I am in no way whatsoever a morning person, as a teenager I would sleep all day until about 4 or 5 in the afternoon. wake up to eat and then go back to bed until the next morning. Truth.

Before the insomnia hit me hard again a few weeks ago, I would generally wake up around 10:30 or noon-ish.

I have no idea what is causing this, but I wish it would go away.

I have tried basically everything and honestly the only thing that seems to help in even the smallest way is if I drink a cup of Sleepytime Green Tea before trying to go to bed.

Back to the whole Juanita's situation...

Highly Suspect was the last "big" band to ever play Juanita's'. If you read the last post I wrote, you know they played with my friends The Revolutioners.

Loads of fun at that show, I'll tell you about it soon, yes...I know I say that all the time and then forget to write, but this show was too good to not to tell you guys about.

-laurenmikael

laurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-66105653196478502622015-12-23T19:24:00.002-06:002015-12-23T19:36:31.596-06:00Festivus for the Rest of Us!Happy Festivus to all my fellow Seinfeld fans!

Lost?

Watch this...it should clue you in.

Festivus is celebrated on the eve of Christmas Eve. My friends and I normally celebrate, but this year if they celebrated; I am missing out, since I'm already at my parents for the holidays...

-laurenmikaellaurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-58108269041544216512015-11-22T13:44:00.001-06:002015-11-22T13:44:26.451-06:00"...This Band's Not Good, but They Don't Suck"I have become addicted to a new band (new to me anyway.)

Highly Suspect.

Phil recommended that I download their album a few weeks ago, haven't been able to stop listening to it since. He's always right when he makes music recommendations to me.

Lucky for me, Highly Suspect will be making a stop in Little Rock at Juanita's next month. December 14th. Can't wait...it'll be a good one.

If you haven't heard of them I highly recommend that you check them out. My personal favorites are "Lydia", "Bath Salts" and "Claudeland"

Don't stop at just those three though, give the whole record a listen. You'll love it!

The album is on iTunes; it's titled "Mister Asylum"

"Lydia" (Music Video)

"Bath Salts" (Music Video)

"Claudeland"

-laurenmikael

PS: Title of this post comes from lyrics of "Claudeland" you probably know that though if you just listened to the video I posted above. If you didn't listen to it, what are you waiting for? Do it...do it now.

laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-21748964680859874002015-10-12T22:54:00.001-05:002015-10-12T23:00:12.939-05:00Capes, Top Hats and Long Sleeve PantsLast night was um, well...very interesting to say the least. Went to Juanita's to see Aranda play with Theory Of A Deadman.

Not gonna lie, went to the show solely for Aranda. Never been much of a Theory fan.

First up was a band that I had never heard of; Artifas. They have good stage presence, but I'm not quite sure that they are my type; to be honest.

Next up was Aranda. Love those boys, never going to get tired of seeing them play. Dameon is still on vocal rest, doctor's orders. The Aranda brothers still pull off a fantastic show despite the fact that Dameon isn't allowed to let his vocals shine. However, he is still killer on the guitar. I gotta say though I can't wait til he gets cleared to sing again. Nothing like seeing Aranda in full effect. So much energy, and always a fun show, whether you are seeing them for the first time...or the millionth.

Aranda's set seemed to be a bit rushed and cut short. Totally not a fan of that...I'd watch them play forever if I could.

Shaman's Harvest was on the bill too. I've seen them a few times, they put on a good show. They do an awesome cover of Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana" I'm gonna have to start listening to them more often for sure.

 Lead singer has a pretty amazing head of hair. Totally capable of pulling off a nice man bun with all that hair. Hair can either make or break a photo for me. Either it is always in the artist's face and each shot comes back looking a bit Cousin It-ish; or if you play your cards right...you could come back with some really cool hair flinging shots. With Shaman's Harvest I seem to have captured both.

Then It was time for Theory Of A Deadman to hit the stage, all of Juanita's seemed to go crazy with excitement.

I swear that was quite literally the loudest show I have been to so far, very loud crowd. Wish I would've had some ear plugs. I need to invest in a pair of those, with as often as I go to shows. Always front row, at that. Shame on me for not already owning a set of them.

I must admit, I did end up enjoying TOADM a bit more than I thought I was going to, with that being said, still don't like them.

Quite a few of their songs just seem to rub me the wrong way and the lyrics just make them sound like complete and total assholes.

For example "Bitch Came Back" HATE that one...so damn repetitive. The lyrics are complete crap.

"The bitch came back the very next day
Oh the bitch came back thought she was a goner
But the bitch came back she couldn't stay away
Don't you know the bitch came back
I like her so much better when she's down on her knees
Cause when she's in my face that's when I'm starting to see
That all my friends are laughing thinking that we belong
Well she's so fucking stupid that shes singing along
The trouble with girls is they're all the same
Forget the diamonds and pearls they just want a ring
Before you know it you're like a dog on a leash
Well you can try and change the world but you won't change me."

Repeat all of the words above 5 times and then the song finally comes to an end.

...and then there is " Hate My Life"

"So sick of the hobos always begging for change
I don't like how I gotta work and
They just sit around and get paid
I hate all of the people who can't drive their cars.
Bitch you better get outta the way
Before I start falling apart

I hate how my wife is always up my ass
She always wants to buy brand new things
But I don't have the cash.

I hate my job, all of my rich friends
I hate everyone to the bitter end.
Nothing turns out right There's no end in sight
I hate my life!''

Also can't stand this song...well because, um just read the lyrics. There they go again sounding like asses.

Sorry if you are finding this post to be a bit harsh, but I don't really care. I am allowed to voice my opinion. If you are a big fan of theirs, power to you. No judgement. I'm just not feeling it.

I've always been completely honest on here and I intend to keep it that way.

Now they do have a few songs that I do like. Such as "Bad Girlfriend", "So Happy", "Heaven (Little By Little) plus a few more that I can't think of right now.

After the show is pretty much always my favorite part. Getting to talk to and hang out with a lot of the musicians that I go see perform on a pretty regular basis. Many of which have become good friends of mine through the years.

Gabe Aranda had on a shirt that featured Marilyn Monroe sporting a basketball jersey, I am a big Marilyn Monroe fan...telling him this, Gabe replies "Yeah, she's hot!" Which then lead us to talk about how she probably isn't all that hot now; you know with her being all decomposed and whatnot. Morbid, Yeah, I know. Oh well.

A little bit later, Dameon, Sydney (a friend of mine, who also happens to be one of the main reasons I became a photographer) and I went outside.

This is where everything starts to get...interesting.

I seem to have this problem where I drop everything, like...all the time. So, cue me dropping my purse. Dameon; being the big sweetheart that he is, picked it up and carried it for me until we were no longer on the sloping ramp that leads into Juanita's. Had he not done that, I probably would of just dropped it again, cause I'm just good at life like that.

No, that's not the interesting part; I just thought it was nice so I figured I would mention it.

We talked to Dameon for a little while longer, until he had to go help the rest of the band finish loading up.

Night time in Little Rock can get dangerous, so Sydney didn't want to leave me alone while waiting on my ride to come pick me up.

This, this is when stuff gets interesting.

Sydney and I were just sitting there talking about photography, clothes and other random stuff.

When just suddenly this guy comes up, and just starts talking to us...proceeds to sit on the bench beside Sydney (he's quite drunk.)

While he is talking to us, Sydney and I burst out laughing, because out of nowhere comes another guy just walking down the street in a cape and top hat, just going on about his life like his outfit was no big thing. cause that's normal...um no, did Halloween come early and we were not informed...like, what is this? I might not be remembering correctly...but I believe it was a white suit with a red and blue cape and matching top hat.

Meanwhile, drunk guy thinks we are laughing at him. When in truth, I'm pretty sure both of us were trying to ignore him with everything we had.

He refused to be ignored. Kept going on about where he was from (Chicago...I think?) Whatever. Then about how the weather here differs from there. Ok, cool. What are you weatherman or something? Let it go dude.

Then he starts talking about wearing shorts, then sometimes it's cold so you have to wear long sleeve pants. LONG SLEEVE PANTS?!?

That's pretty much where both Sydney and I seemed to lose our shit. Probably the hardest I have laughed in a while. Pants. Honey...just pants. Last I checked pants don't have sleeves. Goodnees! Leg holes, maybe; but no sleeves.

Then drunk guy (Jason...I don't know, maybe but I do remember his name started with a J) asks to borrow a phone, so he could find out what happened to the cab he says he had called to come get him over an hour ago.

Cab company answers and he tells them to come pick up The Captain. He has now apparently dubbed himself The Captain...um ok, whatever.

Then he grabs my hand and starts kissing all up on it...didn't really see that one coming. Sydney almost had to beat him away with her Theory of A Deadman drumstick, she had it at the ready. Didn't have to use it though. Since his cab had finally arrived. Before leaving he leans over to me and says "They just don't want us to be together."

I said nothing to this. I was slightly confused.

They? They who? The cab company...me? No. We both just want you to get in the car and go on your merry little way.

Honestly one of the best times I've had at Juanita's in a while.

Little Rock, you full of crazy.

-laurenmikael

PS: Photos from this show coming soon. Go give Lauren Mikael Photography a "Like" so you won't miss them...by clicking here

PPS: Check out Sydney's blog and photography
laurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-68403827553224008602015-09-25T16:52:00.000-05:002015-09-25T16:52:31.788-05:00Fall To June and The RevolutionersTonight will be loads of fun! I talked about it a few days ago in my last post, but if you missed that one (well scroll down a bit and read that mess) if you are super lazy however, like me...I don't blame you; so I'll just tell ya again.

I'm going to Conway to see friends of mine (The Revolutioners) play with a really cool band called Fall To June. This show is at a really awesome venue TC's Midtown, I love shooting when I'm at TC's...in a photographical sense of course.. Ha!

Is Photographical a word? According to Blogger's spell checker it isn't...but I like it and I feel like it should be. I can spell and define it so in my book...totally a word.

TC's has great lighting and their stage is at the perfect level for me. Unlike Juanita's where the stage is up so high I feel like I have to practically break my neck in order see anything and the photos of whatever artist I'm seeing when I'm there always seem to come out at weird and awkward, mostly unflattering angles.

They should totally fix that for people in wheelchairs, like me, and/or short people. Don't really mean to call Juanita's out like that... love that place and they have always been super good to me, if it was possible for them to fix that one thing though. It would be perfect and make me so unbelievably happy.

 Anyways...random-ish rant over (this is Rockstars and Randomness...I'm allowed to get randomly off topic whenever I choose...otherwise it would just be called Rockstars and that would probably be weird.)

Can't wait to finally put my new Canon 5D Mark III into action tonight. Plus I get to hang out with lots of really amazing people.

Fall To June "Bruised"

Cool, just found this video that was actually taped at TC's Midtown sometime last year.

The Revolutioners "Razors and the World"

Probably my favorite song from The Revolutioners.

This was from their tour with Saving Abel last December, at Kress Live in Biloxi, Mississippi. I was supposed be at this show, but that didn't end up working out. I was pretty bummed about that. Seems like a really neat venue.

-laurenmikaellaurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-42872300425242074802015-09-20T15:23:00.000-05:002015-09-20T15:23:34.377-05:00Catching UpSo, obviously August Break was a fail. Now we are close to October. It's crazy how fast time goes by.

Hasn't been anything exciting going on lately. Unless that's what you would call going to the dentist and having to get a tooth pulled...which is totally not my idea of exciting at all. Terrifying is more like it.

Been trying to eat healthier, basically not eating any processed foods, cutting out sodium and going back to green smoothies and salads. It's only been about a week and I already feel so much better.

Going to start apartment hunting soon, (for real this time) where I am now is just not cutting it anymore. Feels a bit barbaric; no dishwasher and no washer or dryer. I'm not a very big fan of hand washing dishes...grosses me out and it takes up too much time. I'm getting sick of sharing a laundry room.

Finally bought my dream camera (Canon 5D Mark III) Can't wait to shoot a show with it.

Speaking of shows; Falll To June with The Revolutioners this Friday. Haven't been to a show in a while, almost a month actually.

"Delta Breakdown" Fall To June"

"Five" The Revolutioners

-laurenmikaellaurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-69289227780893644232015-08-03T19:38:00.003-05:002015-08-03T19:38:50.980-05:00August Break 2015It's that time again...August Break.

I didn't participate in it last year, somehow I completely forgot about doing it.

I love when August Break rolls around. I like the idea of taking a photo everyday.

It's like a 365 project, except it only last through August, so 31 days this year. The great thing about August Break is there are no rules. So I don't have to be completely committed if I don't want to. Whereas with a 365 I commit myself to a photo every day for the entire year.

Since there are no rules, I'm starting today.

This is a sample size from Starbucks, I didn't know they would give you samples. It's so cute. A little baby Starbucks cup and straw.

-laurenmikael

laurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-81490869246609262532015-07-21T15:50:00.001-05:002015-07-21T16:01:18.362-05:00I've Been Gone Away A While Been having computer problems for a while that made me unable to access the internet; therefore making me unable to blog or post photos anywhere ( my photography Facebook, Flickr.)

Went through some pretty emotional situations while I was gone, so those alone would have made me be silent on the internet for quite some time; even if my computers would have been working properly.

What I went through doesn't need to be discussed here (or anywhere for that matter.)

Let's just say it has left me depressed (even more than I always have been.)

It was something I never thought would happen to me. Funny how life works that way, isn't it? Everyone always thinks they are invincible to something, until that something happens to them.

"Oh, THAT will never happen to me..."

Trust me, whatever THAT is that you think/say will never happen to you, is just as likely to happen to you as it is anyone else. Sorry, but you aren't that special hun.

This is turning into quite a downer post, sorry about that...then again, maybe I'm not sorry; maybe someone (maybe you) needed to hear (err read) this to be reminded that anything can happen to anyone. Never think that you are exempt from the bad things in life (or the good as well, I guess.)

Which unfortunately was not the case for me...the good, I mean.

-laurenmmikael

PS: Happier posts are coming...I promise. Just hang in there and give me time.

Inspiration for the title of the this post comes from the song "Gone Away" by SafetySuit.

laurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-56846509998868296172015-05-22T18:32:00.001-05:002015-05-22T18:32:35.046-05:00Welcome To My Life

So, remember how I used to write about a band called Boom The Wheel...? Yeah. Well they aren't together anymore...but a few members of BTW started a new band called Chariot The Moon

Chariot The Moon released their first song today. I'm pretty sure I can't even find words to tell you how excited I am about this. It's called "Welcome To My Life"

It's so good!

Listen to it here

Told you it was good.

I can't wait to see them play at Juanita's with August Burns Red next month.

It's been so long since I got to see Avery and Jance, I'm really excited and It'll be good to meet the other members.

Pretty sure I only missed one Boom The Wheel show the whole time they were together, They were back then (2010 through early 2013-ish...I think? ) what I guess you could say The Revolutioners are to me now.

If that even makes sense to you, it does to me. Never really missed a show for either of them. Hell even both the lead singers try/tried to fall on me all the time. Haha!

I swear not one show went by that Natalia didn't almost fall off stage right on top of me, only difference is, Phil (The Revolutioners) actually did. That was Buckcherry's fault though; how rude of them to kick him off stage like that.

Anyway that's a story for another time. Thanks to Natalia for preparing me to always be at the ready to catch a falling lead singer, without you Phil's ass might've just had to hit the ground. Ha!

It'll be interesting to see Chariot The Moon. From what I've heard so far they are just as good...if not better!

-laurenmikael

laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-41806368398140778632015-05-21T20:51:00.000-05:002015-05-21T20:51:07.573-05:00Meet DexterI've always loved animals, had a lot of pets while I was growing up. hampsters, fish, cats, dogs, birds, ducks, rabbits, hermit crabs and chickens.

Dogs have always been my favorite though.

In 2011, I got the first dog I had on my own, that wasn't considered my whole family's pet;he was/is a Sheltie named Eddie. ,

When I decided to move to Little Rock I moved in with a roommate that didn't like dogs, so unfortunately for me, I had to find Eddie a new home.

I still check-in on Eddie and his "new'' family fairly often via Facebook.

In November 2013 I decided to live completely on my own, I like my own personal space and needed to be by myself.

Immediately after getting my own place, I started the process of getting a service dog, Which ended up being a horrible decision. The company I was trying to adopt a service dog from didn't seem to really want to help me.

I can't think of a single nice thing to say about the organization that was "helping" me get a service dog, (Paws In Prison/Paws 4 Hope.) So I am gonna be a good person and say nothing at all.

Sometime in October 2014 I got tired of waiting around for PIP/P4H to give me the service dog they had promised me, but people kept telling me to hold out a little longer for the service dog. Which I ended up doing because I am a people pleaser.

However for the first time in my life I have decided within the last few months to stop being a people pleaser.

 You only get one life so you need to live it the way you want...not how others want you to/say you should.

That being said, finally brings me to the real point of this post: Dexter.

On May 6th 2015 I adopted a 9 week old Beagle from The Little Rock Animal Village. For some reason, ever since I was little I've always told my Dad that I wanted a Beagle. Maybe because of that movie Shiloh, I don't really know why. I've just always thought they were adorable and knew I had to have one.

Here is a photo of him from the day I first went to look for a dog,(May 2nd) and decided he was the one I had to have:

I wasn't able to take him home that day, the people at the shelter said he was still too young, and that another person was interested in adopting him when he would become available a few days later (on May 6th.)

May 6th finally arrives and I get to the shelter bright and early in the morning ( I am by no means a morning person...like, at all.) before the shelter even opened to make sure that I got to the little Beagle first, since I knew someone else wanted him, and the shelters policy is first come first serve.

After all the shit I've been through trying to get a dog in the past, I was determined that this precious little baby boy was coming home with me.

...And he did! Dexter (Yes, I named him after the Miami Metro blood spatter analyst/serial killer from the television show Dexter.

If you have never watched that show...well watch it. It's awesome! Like, Netflix it right now...welcome to your new favorite show. You can thank me later, because you are probably too busy binge watching Dexter now.

Today Dexter discovered door stoppers...he's adorable. I know...just watch:

I've got a lot more to write about, but we'll save that for later...maybe tomorrow.

-laurenmikael

laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-53303364980773683502015-03-05T16:00:00.001-06:002015-03-05T16:00:19.876-06:00Insert Creatively Witty Title Here ('Cause I Got Nothin')Well, it's been a while; not that should come as a shock to any of you. Haha! Not much has changed. I just haven't really felt like writing/nor have I had anything worth writing about.

However tomorrow night my favorites (The Revolutioners) are playing at a place called Stickyz.

I am way beyond super excited for this, seeing as it will be their first home show since they went on tour with Saving Abel this past December. That's totally crazy; because I am used to seeing them play all the time (like, practically once a week) ...and sometimes even watching them play multiple shows throughout the day.

Plus, I'm just super excited because I haven't been to a show since the beginning of January when Saving Abel came and did an acoustic set.

March seems to be shaping up nicely so far:

Tomorrow: The Revolutioners

March 13th: Saving Abel

March 31st: The Revolutioners, and Buckcherry

-laurenmikaellaurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-2336094374900046782015-01-09T17:09:00.000-06:002015-01-09T17:14:55.251-06:00"There Are No Open Doors, the Floors Are Cracked...Just Like These Hearts that We Ignore"
My friends The Revolutioners just released a lyrics video for their song "Razors and the World" I've mentioned a time or two that this track is my favorite...watch/listen to the video below and you'll see why.

-laurenmikael

PS: You should buy their album "Crooks" on iTunes. Trust me...you won't regret it!
laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-46895287579243141022015-01-08T13:00:00.000-06:002015-01-08T13:00:00.422-06:00Saving Abel Tonight!Tonight I am going to see Saving Abel. This will be my second time. I gotta say I'm pretty excited about it. My favorites (The Revolutioners) just finished touring with them in December. From what I've heard they had fun...but, I personally am glad that my boys are back home. I might have missed them; maybe...just, like, you know...a little bit. ;)

I've heard this show is gonna be acoustic. So that should be interesting.

Oh and I realized yesterday after I posted that last blog update, I forgot to say that I hope you had a wonderful holiday/New Years and all that fun stuff...so here it is now. :)

I know I say this all the time (but I really do mean it this time) I am gonna start posting more often. That should be much easier for me to do now that I finally have a new laptop.

My last laptop is from when I graduated high school (2008) it runs so slow now that it is almost completely worthless. I always planned to blog all the time and then I would remember...

''oh wait, your computer sucks, it takes like an hour and a half to do even the simplest little task; nevermind, the blog can wait then."

"Mississippi Moonshine" by Saving Abel:

"Like A Knife" by The Revolutioners:

Hope you guys have a fantastic day!

-laurenmikael'laurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-59568593300081586372015-01-07T14:51:00.001-06:002015-01-07T14:51:34.300-06:00Blank SpaceHave you heard this Punk Rock version of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" yet? If you haven't, you should do that right now. It awesome! I've pretty much been listening to it nonstop since I found out about it.

It's done by a band called I Prevail.

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To be honest, I like their version better than hers.

This version is available on iTunes.

-laurenmikaellaurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-50856610791889426562014-12-22T23:34:00.000-06:002014-12-22T23:34:12.367-06:00I Hope He Doesn't Lick Her Like a LollipopSaturday I went to see Framing Hanley for the first time. They come to Little Rock pretty often. I've wanted to see them for years, but somehow each time other plans came up that made it impossible for me to make it to the show.

There was only one other band that went on before Framing Hanley. I think they were locals. The band didn't have a singer...just instruments. I do not like music without words; I need lyrics.

I didn't even catch their name...but whatever it is, I know it involved the word elephant.

By this point you have probably figured out that I didn't like them. Their set seemed to last forever and I was bored out of my mind. I know that is harsh; but it's the truth. I can't lie. I never have been able to.

It was finally time for Framing Hanley. They are really good live. I am most definitely going to be at their shows when they come to Arkansas from now on. I loved it!

Plus...let's be honest Nixon (lead singer) is really pretty to look at and he is super sweet as well.

 I don't own any of their albums...yet. Although I have been listening to them on Spotify and Pandora for years. Believe me though I will be buying all of them as soon as I possibly can.

For Christmas I wanted a new dSLR camera, (Canon Rebel SL1) I was able to get it a little early. I ended up taking it with me to shoot the show. I'm glad I did, because it helped me realize that the dSLR that I already have was a much better fit for me. (Canon Rebel T1i)

Nixon:

This is one of my favorite shots that I took that night. There are a lot more, to see them click here. Give my page a 'Like" while you are over there if you want to keep up with my photography.

Before Framing Hanley performed one of their songs Nixon said; 'This one's about my grandma... (he pauses while everyone says awe) ...she's a bitch" everyone had a laugh at that. Turns out the song "about his grandma" was their remake of Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" I sure hope he doesn't lick his grandma. Haha!

In case you, for some strange reason have never heard the Framing Hanley version of "Lollipop" here you go.

(Official Music Video)

with Nixon and Ryan of Framing Hanley.

If I don't write before then...Merry Christmas! I hope you have a great one.

-laurenmikael

laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-57113850246983684652014-11-22T14:16:00.000-06:002015-03-05T16:10:48.477-06:00New Hinder
Yesterday Hinder released their first new song since the replacement of the band's former frontman Austin Winkler.

When I first heard the news that Austin was leaving, I wasn't happy at all. I didn't think
they would ever be able to find someone who could fill his shoes. Hearing this new song I was proven wrong.

"Hit the Ground"

New frontman Nolan Neal definitely has what it takes to be a part of Hinder in my opinion. I love the new song. I've been listening to it over and over again. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

-laurenmikaellaurenmikaelhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-81429553297932168392014-10-21T11:08:00.000-05:002014-10-21T11:08:18.528-05:00Use Me Til There's Nothing Left to GiveSo you know my favorites that I always post about; The Revolutioners. If you answered no to that, well then you obviously never pay any attention to me at all. I'm constantly going on about how great they are.

Now they have a lyrics video for their song "All The Same"

See, I told you they were great. You should go download their album "Crooks" it's on iTunes. They also have an EP on there as well. You should get that too. That way, in December when you go see them while they are on tour with Saving Abel. You'll know all their songs and you can sing along.

Yeah...they are going on tour with Saving Freakin' Abel, isn't that exciting?!?!?!

Yes, yes it is! I'm so proud of them, they totally deserve this.

Except I'm gonna miss them while they are gone, but that's ok,I'll just have to go on a road trip to see them on at least one of the tour stops. There isn't one in Little Rock, which isn't fair...but whatever.

-laurenmikael

PS: ...and incase you live under a rock and don't know who Saving Abel is, let me help you out.

"Addicted"

 "18 Days"

laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281601915787394862.post-72003285598423034402014-10-20T13:42:00.001-05:002014-10-20T13:42:42.620-05:00"...Man That Squirrel is Getting Close" A few of my friends were sharing this post about ADD on their Facebook pages this morning, it's to help those who don't have it understand what their friends and family who do live with it are going through a little better.

As someone who has ADD (never been officially diagnosed, but trust me. I do.) I'm sure if you've ever met me it's pretty obvious.) I can relate to everything in that post that I linked above.

After reading it earlier I was reminded of the song "A.D.D" by Loomis and the Lust.

(Official Music Video):

I love how they randomly show a clip of Bret Michaels in the video.

I saw Will Loomis a few years ago when he opened for Lovers and Liars, and Hawthorne Heights at Juanita's. I like him. He's a nice guy.

-laurenmikael

laurenmikaelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


text: No modern woman's wardrobe is truly complete without the new specs from Isaac Mizrahi New York. A sophisticated touch to any ensemble, the two new optical styles offer a chic round profile and a refined oversized cat-eye silhouette. Blues, pinks and burgundies are eye-catching options, while simple blacks, browns and grays make these frames ultra-wearable. Unexpected details like tie-dye finishes, metallic sparkles and charming polka dots jazz up the temples, while semi-translucent effects add understated flair. Check 'em out, below.


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DISTORTION/CRUNCH, based on a
fully original idea and circuit
( 3 gain stages in sequence, as
in the HiGain tube amps).
FET input, feat and defined
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The first stage is controlled by
a so-called VOICE control, it is
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generating even harmonics like a
tube pre-amp.
The second stage further
overdrives the first-stage output
signal and is controlled by
the GAIN which determines its
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It has a 2-mode switch: Crunch (
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Thanks to its 2 diverse modes and
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text:
First Settlers New Member Meet and Greet
PCA - First Settlers
Registration closed July 21, 2017 1:00 PM on July 21, 2017 1:00 PM EDT Registration ends July 21, 2017 1:00 PM on July 21, 2017 1:00 PM EDT Registration opens June 21, 2017 12:00 PM on June 21, 2017 12:00 PM EDT Registration runs from June 21, 2017 12:00 PM to July 21, 2017 1:00 PM
Join your First Settlers friends for a New Member Meet and Greet Social Event (Eastern Area Edition).
The Bay Club at Eagle Pointe, 1500 Eagle Pointe Way, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Come on out and welcome our newest members. ALL FSR members ("old" and new) are encouraged to attend.
Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and friends!!!
** We're also asking folks to help us support one of our charities, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, by bringing donations of protein products like peanut butter, canned or packaged tuna, chicken or turkey (lean, low sodium and packed in water), or canned beans. Their shelves get bare this time of year, so please join us in helping them restock so they can assist those less fortunate in our community.
There is a gate at the entrance to the community (and the club). We'll email the entry code to attendees the week of the event.
This is a no cost event, but please hit "Continue" to register so we can get a head count.


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We are woefully behind on the blog, I know. And we've got lots of new updates to share about Talvi's first trip westward. But I thought I'd just log on briefly to say that, despite the regression on the progress we were making on sleeping through the night, I'm having more fun at this whole parenting thing than I have up until now.
Talvi's totally a person. And she's hilarious. That's all.


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Raphael Biography Summary: Raphael Sanzio da Urbino (1483 – 1520) was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period, best known for his Madonnas and for his large figure compositions in the Vatican in Rome. Most of his work was produced in the Vatican Palace, there you will find the frescoed Raphael Rooms and these were amongst his greatest and largest bodies of work. He was greatly admired for his clarity of form and described as having serene and harmonious quality to his work, Raphael worked for two popes, Pope Julius II and the Medici Pope Leo X.
Raphael Fact Sheet: Who was Raphael? The following short biography and fact sheet provides interesting facts about the life, times and history of Raphael, the famous Italian Renaissance Artist. Raphael Fact File Biography: Lifespan: 1483 – 1520 *** Full Name: Raffaello Sanzio famously known as Raphael *** Date of Birth (Birthday): Raphael was born in Urbino, Italy *** Family background: His father was the artist Giovanni Santi *** Early life and childhood: Raphael grew up and spent the majority of his life in Urbino, Italy *** Raphael died on April 6th 1520
Facts about Raphael
Facts About Index
Raphael Fact 1: Date and Place of Birth – Raphael was born as Raffaello Sanzio on March 28th or April 6th in 1483 in Urbino, Italy.Raphael Fact 2: Background and Early Life – The Italian town of Urbino Urbino had become a centre of culture during the rule of Duke Federico da Montefeltro, who encouraged the arts and became a powerful patron of Renaissance artists. Raphael Fact 3: Family – His father was Giovanni Santi, a minor painter to the Duke of Urbino, his mother was called Magia. His father placed him as an apprentice in workshop of the Umbrian master Pietro Perugino.
Raphael Fact 4: His mother died when he was eight years of age and his father died in 1494, leaving him with the ambition to follow in his father's footsteps and become a painter.Raphael Fact 5: Introduced to the court of the Duke of Urbino by his father, Raphael grew up amongst the nobility and learnt their ways and gentile manners. By the time he was 17 years of age he was already displaying an extraordinary artistic talent. His first documented work was the Baronci altarpiece for the church of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino in Città di Castello. He was qualified as a master by 1500.Raphael Fact 6: Raphael received a glowing recommendation from a member of the Duke's family and in 1504 moved to Florence where he studied the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Fra Bartolomeo and learnt about the styles being created by other Florentine artistsRaphael Fact 7: During this period Raphael, under the influence of Leonardo da Vinci, created a great series of Madonnas including The Madonna of the Goldfinch (c. 1505), the Madonna del Prato (c. 1505), the Esterhazy Madonna (c. 1505–07), and La Belle Jardinière (c.1507). Raphael made particular use of the lighting techniques and the shading he had learnt from the great Master.Raphael Fact 8: Raphael then began to develop his own particular, extrovert style that reflected serenity, gentleness and his calm dispositionRaphael Fact 9: Raphael was a distant relative of the architect Donato Bramante, whose was engaged in work on St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City in Rome. Donato Bramante spoke about Raphael to Pope Julius II and in 1508 Raphael received an invitation from the Pope to attend the papal court in Rome.
Raphael Fact 10: Raphael made an immediate, favorable impression on Pope Julius II, possessing great charm, courtly manners, a handsome appearence. The Pope also recognized his great artistic talent and Raphael became so popular in the Papal court that he was called "the prince of painters."Raphael Fact 11: Pope Julius II became an influential patron and commissioned the artist to was to paint a series of frescoes in his personal suite of rooms in the Vatican. The suite of rooms were collectively known simply as the "Vatican Rooms".Raphael Fact 12: Pope Julius II gave Raphael (1483-1520) complete license to paint his apartments which included the Room of the Segnatura in 1508-1511, the Room of Heliodorus in 1511-1514, the Room of the Fire in the Borgo in 1514-1517 and the Room of Constantine in 1517-1524. Raphael Fact 13: The decoration of the Stanza della Segnatura was perhaps Raphael's greatest work. The frescoes on the walls include the 'Disputa', the School of Athens, the Parnassus and the Cardinal Virtues. Raphael Fact 14: The School of Athens shows Plato and Aristotle surrounded by other great philosophers in a magnificent architectural setting.Raphael Fact 15: The Disputa, depicts a celestial vision of God, his prophets and apostles above a gathering of representatives of the Roman Catholic church.
Short Facts about Raphael for KidsThe above short facts detail interesting information about the life, milestones, history and key events that occurred during the life of this famous artist. A fast, simple way to present a short biography of Raphael with important dates and info that provides details such as the date of birth (birthday), place of birth, education, family, work and career. An ideal educational resource for kids, schools, teachers and social studies.
Learn about this famous artist, Raphael, with concise and facts which provide answers to all of your questions in an easy timeline format for kids. Our short, interesting fact sheet about Raphael contains all the facts and info you need to know and more! Enjoy our fast, fact sheet for kids which helps to make the learning process fast and easy.


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Technically, there are four ways the WonderPutter will help you…
The side benefit of playing with the Wonder putter is that making great putts on the green increases your confidence on the next hole. Success breeds success.
The WonderPutter is a mallet-style putter. Mallet-style putters have the highest Moment of Inertia (MOI) which put simply means resistance to twisting. A putter that twists, even imperceptibly on impact, loses energy, distance and directional control. The higher the MOI in your putter head, the better chance you have of making putts. This is why mallet-style putters are universally recognised as the most forgiving.
The putter length from sole to the top of the shaft is 935mm (36.75 inches). The shaft is a tapered hollow alloy shaft, directly bonded into the putter head. The grip is plain black rubber, round with a flat at the front.
At address the loft is zero degrees i.e. the face is vertical and the sole does not rest on the green. When struck from this position the ball dives into the hole and will not shoot over the top.
The stock shaft length is normally satisfactory whether using the Aussie or the American stance. It is unusual to have a tailored shaft length in order to use the club comfortably as may be the case with a traditional putter.
That said, the alloy shaft is hollow and can be shortened or lengthened easily by most pro shops. The existing grip allows an adjustment of up to 225mm (9 in.). An adjustment of this amount would not affect the integrity and its compliance with the Rules of Golf.
You could, but doing so would place you at a disadvantage.The club is designed to be used facing ahead toward the cup.The club head and shaft are shaped and angled for the forward facing arm movement that swings the club in a simple arc toward the hole.
The WonderPutter club is one part of the WonderPutter technique includes the correct stance.
Your WonderPutter comes with a full-sized stance mat that shows you where to place your feet in relation to the ball position and the line of putt. A User Guide CD shows exactly how to grip the putter and the finer details of positioning your feet, legs and head in relation to the ball and the hole.
Three reasons…
Getting a comfortable stance is a vital part of the WonderPutter system. Some people alternate right and left-hand use between sports. Deciding on the correct stance for golfing can pose a dilemma.
For the purpose of selecting the correct hand of WonderPutter, imagine you are riding a surfboard or skateboard. Which foot feels most comfortable at the front of the board? If left then you are a natural (right-handed). If right, you are a goofy foot (left-handed).
If you select one or the other and feel that it's not the right choice, get in touch and we'll arrange a swap-over.
Sure. We do this by offering a 100% moneyback guarantee.
Simply place an order and your WonderPutter package will be sent out to you.
Follow the instructions regarding stance choice, club swing technique and have a trial run on your club practice green before heading out for a game.
If you're still not satisfied within 30 days, please see our Satisfaction Guarantee page.
The club is fully compliant with the Design Rules that apply to putters (Appendix II) and the approved stances that we guide golfers to use are also fully compliant with the rule that applies to putting on the green (16.1e)
Both the WonderPutter and SmartPutter, used with the correct technique comply with proposed changes to Rule 14-1b.
Although these putters have been ruled legitimate by the USGA controversy continues to rage about the fairness and legitimacy of these styles. It is irrelevant to include WonderPutter in any such discussion.
The only body contact the WonderPutter has is through the hand grip – as with any traditional putter. The grip and stance is different, but there is no additional body contact and no fixed pivot point.
As a result no putter in the authentic WonderPutter or SmartPutter range is manufactured or sold with a face insert.
Note also that the original, authentic, classic WonderPutter package, in addition to the WonderPutter club, includes instructional details of the WonderPutter method, the stance mat and club headcover.
When you see your shopping cart you have the opportunity to modify your order if necessary. Before you can checkout you need to select your shipping destination (country and zip code) to lookup the correct delivery cost.
When this is complete click the "Proceed to Checkout" button where you will pay through Paypal. You do not need a Paypal account to use this system and you can use credit and debit cards to complete your purchase.
You will receive a transaction confirmation email and your WonderPutter will be dispatched with 2 working days.
That said, Paypal offers a very satisfactory and affordable means of making international transactions. It is reliable, trustworthy and very secure. If you utilise a Paypal account for buying and selling you can take advantage of other benefits as well.


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|Native Plant Hedge in 2018
In 2010, we had to take out the hedge between the neighbor's house and our house because the city had to get to the underground power lines. In a post, A New Hedge, I asked you, my fellow blog users for suggestions. I really found it hard to decide - where to go from here:
|Original Boxwood Hedge
to native? In May I had selected and planted the different shrubs - it was surprising how hard the decision was - and did a brief post about the selections called What happened with the hedge. Here's a recap:
- 3 Manzanita 'Sentinel' (max 3-5 feet high)
- 2 Manzanita 'Sunset' (max 2-3 feet high)
- 2 Coffeeberry (max 3-5 feet high- I hope)
I selected the Sentinel manzanita for the top part of the hedge, with the coffeeberry mixed in. Because the area closest to the house was the most shaded, I ended up with this sequence:
Coffeeberry - Sentinel - Coffeeberry - Sentinel - Sunset - Sentinel - Sunset
A year later, I posted Any News About that Hedge - at that point, the hedge was not impressive. Yes, the blossoms of the manzanitas were pretty. But they were growing slowly because of the drought - and also because good things often take time.
|Hedge 1 Year After Planting
Then we had several years of fairly serious drought. The hedge survived but did not thrive. It was a bit embarrassing so I didn't feel like blogging about it. The drama of failure or success is always fun. "I'm being patient with that hedge" is not something people want to read every year. But maybe it's time to have another look:
|Hedge in 2018 (neighbors repainted)
|Hedge in January - Manzanita is blooming
|Coffeeberry and Manzanita - An Attractive Divider
2 (3?) years ago I interplanted a few native pitcher sage plants. In summer, they can go almost dormant - but during the rainy season, they add a vibrant bright green to mix in with the other plants. I also love the fragrance and the flowers. Even better, they're really easy to take out.
And really, the ease of care and natural look is what I really like about this hedge. Hedge 1.0 had a hole where 1 boxwood had died. With hedge 2.0, we already have plants of different height and color, so a mishap can be remedied.
I trim the hedge once or twice a year, especially on the neighbor's side -- they were generous enough to let me select the plants and should not be inconvenienced by branches sticking out. When I trim, I always notice that some of the plants have an accumulation of leaves at the bottom. I'm never sure whether the neighbor's mow-and-blow guy is blowing things into the hedge, whether I just haven't been diligent about clearing the area, or both. I'm quite impressed that the manzanitas, well know for preferring a dry area around the trunk, survive somehow.
So - to the readers of this blog, a big thank you for helping me with the selection. I initially wanted to use just 1 plant, and that would not have worked. Here's hoping the hedge will continue to thrive, offering space for the little birds to hide, nectar for the bees in winter, and joy for the people walking their dogs along our street.


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Italy Vacation Package - Travel Tour Package Italy-Rome-Florence-Venice-TuscanyRome - Assisi - Siena - Florence - Bologna - Padova - Venice - Montepulciano/Tuscany
Rome - Naples - Pompeii - Sorrento - Capri - Rome
This ten day, nine night Italian Vacation Package takes you to the best of the North and the South, from the fast paced glory of Rome, to the elegance of Florence, to the sheer beauty of Venice and the rustic charm of Naples. This package is a great way to get a taste of the real Italy, sampling wines in Chianti, visiting Capri and Pompeii and taking in many of the country's most glorious sites. Breakfast and most dinners are provided. Lunch is not included unless stated.Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (ROME ARRIVAL TRANSFER)
On arrival in Rome you will be greeted by our transfer driver and driven to your hotel. This will be your first chance to look around this ancient and fast paced city. You will be spending one night at this hotel so settle in and then go for a walk to find your own dinner at any one of the local restaurants. The pizza in Rome is incredible. Tomorrow the real fun starts.
Day 2 (ROME - ASSISI - SIENA - FLORENCE)
Today we leave the hustle and bustle of Rome to make our way to Florence, via Assisi and Siena. Rising early in the morning for your 7.15 am coach pick up, we make our way north in air conditioned comfort. Assisi is our first stop, about an hour to the North of Rome. This is the home of St Francis and the basilica dedicated to him. The walls surrounding the town were built in the middle ages and give a great perspective of life in this hillside town. You will be given time to wander this amazing town. St Francis's Basilica that rests in the centre of the town is a place you should visit, as it contains masterpieces painted by Giotto and Cimabue. Lunch can be purchased at any one of the local cafes that line the street. After lunch you will get back on the coach and taken to the medieval town of Siena. This shell shaped, ochre coloured town has tall buildings of red brick leading on to its centre, the Piazza de Campo, famous for the Palio horse race every year and an array of colourful festivals. Siena gives a very different view to modern and ancient Tuscany. Fruit can be bought at the market stalls lining the streets and you are guaranteed to find the best tasting offerings in the world. The shopping along these shady streets is wonderful. Siena is a traveller's paradise. Later in the afternoon, it's time to go back to the coach the short trip to Florence, or Firenze as it is known to the locals. On arrival in this most beautiful of cities, you will check into your hotel, have dinner with your fellow travellers and sleep the first of two nights in this jewel of Tuscany.
Day 3 (FLORENCE)
Florence is known as the cultural centre of Italy, as it takes its place as the centre of the Renaissance. It is full of some of the most striking and iconic buildings in the country, with many cultural and historical places lining every street. Today's tour starts after breakfast when you will be taken by coach around the city. The first place we visit is the Basilica Santa Maria Del Fiore, also known as the Doumo, the stunning domed Cathedral that sits in the centre of the city, whose walls were crafted by Filippo Brunelleschi. This is a stunning piece of architecture that needs to be taken in. After the Duomo, we visit the Campanile Tower and the Baptistery with its golden bronze doors, which were once calle the Gates of Paradise by Michelangelo. The tour finishes in the centre of the city at the Palazzo Vecchio, the large gothic building with its adjoining Piazza della Signorina, the medieval town square and the Santa Croce Basilica. Make an adventure of finding your lunch in one of the local cafes that line the streets. Also, spoil yourself with a gelato, as the ice cream in Florence is as good as it is anywhere else in the world, no matter what the weather. You will be returned to your hotel after lunch. The afternoon is free to do as you choose. We can suggest that you take the option to take a tour to visit Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower and the adjoining Square of Miracles. You can also spend the afternoon exploring Florence on your own, maybe visit the Statue of David or roam any of the amazing galleries, including the ubiquitous Uffizi Gallery. If you chose the Uffizi option, we suggest speaking to your hotel concierge to book your entry tickets as soon as you arrive in Florence to avoid disappointment. Dinner is provided in the evening, so make sure you're back to have fun with the rest of your tour mates.
Day 4 (FLORENCE-BOLOGNA-PADOVA-VENICE)
After breakfast and check out, we leave for the northern cities of Bologna and Padova (Padua), making our way to the wondrous city of Venice. The morning coach has its first stop in Bologna, after taking you through the porticos and arcades of this thriving, university town. There's a total of 38 kilometres of arcades and porticos in this ancient city. Bologna is known for its fantastic food and its vibrant appeal, helped along by all the students. The tour will take you to Neptune Square and Major Square in the heart of the city where you will be shown around this fascinating city. The tour of Bologna will also take in King Renzo's palace and San Petronio's Basilica , one of the largest in the world. Lunch can be taken in one of the many bistros and restaurants that line the streets and alleys of the city. After lunch we continue on to Padova, or Padua as it is known in the English speaking world and the setting of Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew." In Padova, we will visit the beautiful Sant'Antonio Basilica in the centre of the town. After Padova, later in the afternoon, the tour bus will take you the short distance to Venice. Settling into your hotel, you have the evening to yourself. You will be spending two nights in this hotel, so you can relax a bit and maybe start to explore this more famous and romantic of cities. This most amazing city, first built in the 1200s is built on 114 islands and has a fascinating history. You can find your dinner at a local ristarante or bistro - the hotel will have some recommendations. You may also like to arrange a first gondola ride, the traditional transportation method of Venice. Venice is a city you could spend a month in and not be finished taking in its splendour. Use your time well.
Day 5 (VENICE)
Today we show you the best of Venice. After breakfast you will take the vaporetti (water taxi) to St Mark's Square where you will visit the iconic St Mark's Square and Cathedral and the nearby Doge's Palace, the latter was used as a residence of the Dukes who ruled Venice. It is also the old seats of Justice and Government. From here, we walk the short distance to the beautiful Bridge of Sighs, the place where Casanova, among many others both famous and infamous, took their last look at Venice before being incarcerated or executed in the adjoining prison. The fascinating history of this most famous city will be told to you by your guide. The day trip concludes with a visit to one of the famous Murano glass factories. Lunch is not included. At the end of the tour you will be returned to your hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure. Venice has so much to see and do within its long and winding canals. On this free afternoon you can ride the Grand Canal on a vaporetto or a gondola, ponder the many amazing galleries or churches or just walk along the canals drinking in Venice's unique, ethereal beauty. Dinner can be found at any of the restaurants found within the city. Make sure you make the most of your time here.
Day 6 (VENICE - MONTEPULCIANO/TUSCANY - ROME)
Today we travel back to Rome through the beautiful Tuscan region of Chianti. Boarding the coach after breakfast and check out, we will make our way to this most beautiful central region that rests between Siena and Florence. Artists have found inspiration from this region for centuries. It is also well known for its sunflowers and the wine. The Chianti region is also filled with medieval castles, gentle hills and some of the most amazing colours in the world - make sure you have your camera ready. The wine from the region is known around the world. Chianti Classico the most famous drop is found all over the world in Italian restaurants.
From Chianti, you will travel to Montepulciano, home of Brunello wine and a fantastic jazz festival. Located north of Val d'Orcia, you will visit some of the wineries that make this amazing wine so that you can taste and purchase some of it. Montepulciano is also the place to buy some lunch in a local bistro.
Once we have finished taking in the joys of Montepulciano, we will take you by coach back to Rome to your hotel where you will be spending the next two nights. Dinner for this evening is not included, but you can find a meal in any one of the local restaurants. The evening is yours to do as you choose. Rome is a fantastic city to explore by night, with many of the antiquities and famous buildings illuminated. This should not be missed.
Day 7 (ROME)
Today's tour will take you to the major sites of Rome. Leaving from the hotel at 8 a.m, the excursion will take you the main sights of the city including the Piazza di Spagna or Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, one of architectures greatest achievements. The tour ends in the Vatican City at St Peter's Cathedral, home to the Pope and the Catholic Church for the last two millennia. At the end of the tour you will be taken back to the hotel. Lunch and dinner are not included and the rest of the day has no activities, but you are free to wander this amazing city on your own for the rest of the day. For those who like antiquities, a walk through the Roman Forum and the Colosseum is a must. There are hundreds of churches to explore. You can visit the Trastevere area on the banks of Tiber River and take in the colours. There is plenty to see and do in this vibrant, bustling city, make sure you enjoy yourself.
Day 8 (ROME - NAPLES - POMPEI - SORRENTO)
After an early breakfast and check out, departure for Naples is scheduled for 7.00 am. Taking the Sun Route motorway, we drive through the regions of Lazio and Campania, taking in the views from the Abbey of Montecassino. Arriving in Naples there will be a short tour of the city, visiting Margellina, Castel dell'Ovo, Plebiscito Square, the Royal Palace, the Maschio Angioino and the port. Lunch will be provided in a restaurant on our way to the ancient city of Pompeii. Here we will visit the famous excavations of the city destroyed by the volcano in 79AD. This is a fascinating afternoon wandering this well preserved city. After Pompeii we will get back on the coach and drive along the gorgeous coastline to Sorrento, where we will stay the night. After checking into the hotel, dinner will be had in a local restaurant. The seafood and fish from this area are known across the country.
Day 9 (SORRENTO - CAPRI - ROME)
After breakfast in your Sorrento hotel, you will check out and depart the hotel for the short trip to the docks, where we will board the boat for the island of Capri. This jewel of the South of Italy is a joyous playground of the rich and famous and home to stunning views. On arriving at Capri, weather permitting there will be a trip out to the Blue Grotto along the coast. After this tour lunch will be provided at a local restaurant and you will have some free time to explore the island for yourself. Later in the afternoon you will leave the island for the mainland, and on arrival at the docks be transferred by coach back to Rome and to the hotel. After checking in at the hotel the rest of the evening is your own to do as you please. Dinner is not included tonight, but this is a good opportunity to organise among your tour mates a final dinner.
Day 10 (AIRPORT DEPARTURE TRANSFER)
On this last day of your tour all there is to do is check out of your hotel and our driver will transfer you to the hotel for your flight home.


text:
"THE GLORY OF LEBANON SHALL COME UNTO THEE, THE FIR-TREE, AND THE PINE, AND THE BOX TOGETHER, TO BEAUTIFY THE PLACE OF MY SANCTUARY; AND I WILL MAKE THE PLACE OF MY FEET GLORIOUS."—Isaiah lx. 13.
GARDENING was probably one of the first arts that succeeded to that of building houses, and naturally attended property and individual possession. Culinary, and afterwards medicinal herbs, were the objects of every head of a family; it became convenient to have them within reach, without seeking them at random in woods, in meadows, and on mountains, as often as they were wanted. When the earth ceased to furnish spontaneously all these primitive luxuries, and culture became requisite, separate enclosures for rearing herbs grew expedient. Fruits were in the same predicament, and those most in use or that demand attention, must have entered into and extended the domestic enclosure. The good man Noah, we are told, planted a vineyard, drank of the wine and was drunken, and everybody knows the consequences. Thus we acquired kitchen-gardens, orchards, and vineyards. I am apprised that the prototype of all these sorts was the garden of Eden; but as that paradise was a good deal larger than any we read of afterwards, being enclosed by the rivers Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel, and Euphrates, as every tree that was pleasant to the sight and good for food grew in it, and as two other trees were likewise found there, of which not a slip or sucker remains, it does not belong to the present discussion. After the fall no man living was suffered to enter into the garden; and the poverty and necessities of our first ancestors hardly allowed them time to make____________________