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EDM is a highly referential and cooperative genre. Borrowing from current trends and classic music alike the resulting work has, in turn, created inspiration for mainstream pop musicians worldwide. Top EDM artists like deadmau5, SKRILLEX, Avicii, and Afrojack spend their nights playing to clubs full of girls wearing sexy costumes and lingerie at Yumdrop.com and their days jet-setting to their next gig or working in the studio. In between all this, however, they are listening to their peers for inspiration. Where did these artists come from and who are they listening to?

deadmau5

Hailing from Niagara Falls, Ontario, deadmau5 (aka Joel Zimmerman) got his stage name during his days as a computer programmer. A frequent visitor of chat rooms, he changed his username after finding a dead mouse in a computer he was working on. Zimmerman has built a brand around the mouse, wearing a large and often ornate mouse shaped headpiece during most of his performances. He hopes to one day work with Boards of Canada or Autechre.

EDM influences:

• Irish-born British artist Aphex Twin
• English solo artist Squarepusher
• Boards of Canada, a pair of Scottish brothers
• Danish EDM producer and player of many instruments: Trentemøller

Other influences:

• Heavy Metal bands: Slayer, Megadeth and Metallica
• Landmark alternative British rockers Radiohead
• Icelandic band Sigur Rós, known for their post-rock/ambient sound

SKRILLEX

American Sonny Moore, based in Los Angeles, has been a bit of a chameleon throughout his career. He made a name for himself as the lead singer of From First to Last, a post-hardcore/screamo genre metal band. In his current artistic manifestation, he has collaborated with the surviving members of the Doors on the track “Breakin’ a Sweat”. The artist is a prime example of the dynamic abilities the genre has in collaborating and meshing styles to create heart pounding music.

EDM influences:

• The aforementioned Aphex Twin
• Flux Pavilion, English DJ, producer, and label co-founder
• British artist Doctor P
• Dutch trio Noisia
• British trio Nero
• J.Rabbit

Other influences:

• Marilyn Manson, industrial metal musician and performance artist
• Industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails

Avicii

Performing as Avicii or Tim Berg, Tim Bergline is a Swedish born artist. His most popular song is widely considered to be “Levels” on which he sampled Etta James. The artist had the honor of being introduced at Ultra Music Fest by none other than Madonna earlier this year, adding to the eclectic outreach the DJ has. His cited influences are generally within the EDM genre.

Influences:

• Laidback Luke, a Dutch DJ and producer
• French duo Daft Punk
• Swedish House Mafia member Axwell
• Eric Prydz, Swedish DJ
• Swedish House Mafia, the now defunct Sweden-based trio
• Steve Angello, also formerly of Swedish House Mafia

Afrojack

Dutch artist Afrojack, aka Nick van de Wall, started playing piano at age five and hasn’t looked back. His career is already prolific despite being so young. He’s collaborated with Beyonce, Pitbull, David Guetta and Eva Simons, amongst many others. Like Avicii, he has been influenced by Laidback Luke and Swedish House Mafia. Afrojack is in the middle of a worldwide tour, taking him from Vegas to South Africa, another example of how his music is reaching every part of the globe.

Article by Suzanne Philips

Photo copyright EVPS

Tune in at 9am on Halloween morning to Channel 13 in Las Vegas to catch Elite Vegas Paranormal Society on “The Morning Blend” show.  The Paranormal team was asked to be on the show to discuss the Halloween Ghost Hunt at Bonnie Springs Ranch which will begin at Midnight on Halloween night.

Ever wanted to do a Paranormal Investigation like you see on shows such as “Ghost Adventures” and “Ghost Hunters”? This is your chance.  Members of the Elite Vegas Paranormal Society will be taking attendees around known “hot spots” at Historic Bonnie Springs Ranch such as the Opera House, the Wax Museum and the General Store Museum where they will have a hands-on experience using actual equipment such as K-2 Meters, Spirit Boxes, Mel Meters, Digital Recorders, Cameras and much more.  The investigation runs Midnight to 2 AM and the cost is $60 a person.  Get your tickets online at www.ticketleap.com or just show up between 11-11:30pm at the Opera House at Bonnie Springs Ranch.

For more information, check out www.elitevegasparanormalsociety.com and be sure to tune into the “Morning Blend” tomorrow at 9am!

Eddie Izzard as “Grandpa”, Sam Dracula in this Munsters remake.

“Mockingbird Lane” was introduced by my favorite Blutbaden  and starred Eddie Izzard, one of my favorite comedians.  Disappointment came rather quickly. This pilot episode did not leave me wanting more.

“Grandpa Sam Dracula is essentially Dracula who assembled Herman because no man was good enough for his daughter Lily, a sexy vamp. Lily’s niece Marilyn the freak is actually normal and Lily and Herman’s only child, Eddie, has his werewolf tendencies surface in puberty, forcing the family to relocate to their famous 1313 Mockingbird Lane address.”  Imdb.com

This is an excellent cast and the characters are good for the most part. Something went wrong when the writers got the whole thing together. It just didn’t click.

Portia de Rossi as Lily Dracula Munster, Countess of Shroudshire is perfect. She is sexy, mysterious and slightly off since she gave birth to Eddie and didn’t eat him.

Charity Wakefield as Marilyn Munster had to work with an ambiguous character.  The writers seemed to struggle to get her into the pilot.

Jerry O’Connell as Herman Munster didn’t have the funky eccentric quality that you expect of Herman.  They wrote his part as a put upon “any man” that didn’t pop.

Mason Cook as Eddie Munster didn’t sparkle in the role. Maybe he was confused because the writers who wrote his part were confused.

Eddie Izzard as “D” was just enough weird to make Sam Dracula, Count of Transylvania interesting.  “D” was the one character in the episode that scratched the surface of its potential.

The pilot is hard to pin down. It isn’t “Dexter” but it tries to be on some comedic level. Grandpa drinking blood from a corpse wasn’t as funny as it should have been, it fell flat. The scene wasn’t  creepy like “Dexter”or entertaining the way you expect an Eddie Izzard scene to be. Izzard sipping blood should have been belly laughing funny.  In the end, Eddie Izzard and Portia de Rossi couldn’t save this mess. If there is another episode, which looks doubtful, they would be the only reason to give the show a second chance.

The following is from the NBC website.

“Mockingbird Lane,” based on executive producer Bryan Fuller’s (“Pushing Daisies,” “Heroes”) script and directed by executive producer Bryan Singer (“X-Men” film series, “House”), is a new, reimagined version of the classic 1960s comedy “The Munsters,” now as a visually spectacular one-hour drama with a darker edge and tone. The cast includes Jerry O’Connell (“The Defenders”) as Herman Munster, Portia de Rossi (“Arrested Development”) as his wife Lily, Eddie Izzard (“United States of Tara,” “The Riches”) as Grandpa, Mason Cook (“Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D”) as Eddie and Charity Wakefield (“The Raven”) as Marilyn.

In the original 1964-66 series “The Munsters,” the odd, but lovable family lived on 1313 Mockingbird Lane.

In “Mockingbird Lane,” sweet little Eddie Munster (Cook) is a normal kid about to enter the horrors of puberty. The truth is, he’s about to discover that, for him, becoming a teenager means growing hair in truly unexpected places – as in all over his body – every time the moon is full! Eddie’s got it pretty good though. His loving, supportive, run-of-the-mill family includes his mom Lily (de Rossi), the daughter of Dracula, his dad Herman (O’Connell), who brings new meaning to “Frankenstein,” and Grandpa (Izzard), who would give Dracula a run for his money if he weren’t actually Dracula! Of course, there’s creepy cousin Marilyn (Wakefield), who’s really the odd one because she’s so completely normal.

Buying a house these days is a nightmare, so Herman and Lily are shocked that no one scooped up the rambling Victorian mansion at 1313 Mockingbird Lane that was the site of a series of grisly hobo murders. Settling into their new place, they’re quickly onto the mission at hand: to gently ease Eddie into the reality of his werewolf adolescence. But it’s not always so easy to accept that your child is a little “different” from the rest of the kids. Meanwhile, Herman, who works as a funeral director, is suffering from a heart condition. Since he’s made up mostly of spare parts, he knew his makeshift heart would eventually give out. No worries though, because Grandpa, who is pretty good at procuring body parts, is on the case. All Herman cares about is finding a new heart with the same capacity to love Lily as much as he has for so many decades.

“Mockingbird Lane” is from Bad Hat Harry Productions and Universal Television. Executive producers include Fuller, Singer and Sara Colleton (“Dexter”). Singer also directed the pilot.  http://www.nbc.com/mockingbird-lane/about/

Big Engine Band will hold down the stage on Saturday night with is a super-charged, fully blown rock n’ roll machine.

– Halloween will be celebrated Oct. 26-27 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Fla with a Spirits on the Suwannee Haunted House, all sorts of ghouls, goblins, zombies and scary and bizarre things, trick or treating, golf cart parade, Monster Bash, costume contests for children and adults, Geocaching in the evenings, scary stories around campfires, face painting, pumpkin carving, cider sipping at the country store, Big Engine Band Saturday night, Honky Tonk Hitmen Friday night and lots more in the Music Hall and Crafts Village. Don’t you dare miss this exciting weekend with your family while the weather is perfect!

**Spirits on the Suwannee Haunted House admission each night is $3. Open Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26-27 from 7 – 11 p.m. If the Ghosts don’t get you, the spirits will so be prepared…to be spooked!!

**Monster Bash Party is Saturday, Oct. 27 from 6 – 8 p.m., kids welcome, wear your costumes. Costume contest for ages 10 and under with first, second and third place prizes. Contact Michelle at 386-209-2798. **Adult costume contest will be held at 11 p.m. Saturday night in the Music Hall.

**Other activities Saturday also include a golf cart parade at 7 p.m., trick or treating, pumpkin carving, arts and crafts, face painting, Geocaching, scary stories around campfires and cider sipping and shopping at the Country Store and Crafts Village. It will be a memory-making weekend with lots of excitement for everyone who attends.

BANDS

Big Engine Band will hold down the stage on Saturday night with is a super-charged, fully blown rock n’ roll machine. This band plays more than 300 shows a year for hundreds of thousands of fans! Their nitrous fueled, guitar driven, high-energy music leave the uninitiated singing along with their fists in the air to their catchy choruses and instantly memorable lyrics. This Jacksonville four-piece is in demand everywhere they go, “We often have to turn down shows because we’re booked, sometimes we’re playing two shows a day.” says founding singer/ guitarist Tony Mikus. The band’s surging popularity comes from the buzz on their amazing live show, where the band whips the audience into a wild frenzy, laying down well-known hits like “That Girl’s a Freak” to “Wasted” and their anthematic theme song, “Party Like a Rock Star.” These road warriors maintain a rabid cult following with bikers and gear heads alike from their many appearances at rallies like Sturgis and NASCAR and NHRA events all over the country. When they’re not headlining they are the go-to guys for arena acts like Buckcherry, Drowning Pool, Motorhead, Bret Michaels, Vince Neil, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, Ted Nugent, Shooter Jennings and many, many more.

The Honky Tonk Hitmen Band starts the weekend with a rafter-shaking evening Friday, Oct. 26. This band is a high energy and plays music from every genre, specializing in Southern rock, classic rock, old school, country and new sounds. It’s a fun band that has played many times at the SOSMP to great reviews. The Honky Tonk Hitmen band loves to have fun and make sure the audience has a good time, too. The band hails from Brooksville. These guys will have you rockin’ the entire holiday weekend so be sure and don’t forget those dancing shoes! Producing music that spans all genres, the band entertains crowds in all venues ranging from country, Southern rock, classic rock, dance music, classics and hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s and will move your feet regardless of your taste in music!

MORE ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND

Other activities include golf cart rental, mini or disc golf, canoeing, mini golf and disc golf, kayaking and hiking. During the weekend you may want to fish a while in Rees Lake or just kick back in one of our beautiful cabins and take time to enjoy life doing absolutely nothing! Right next door to the Music Hall and the SOS Café and Restaurant in the Crafts Village is our new ice cream shop with every flavor. The Country Store is fully stocked with everything you’ll need for a camping weekend including soft drinks, food, mementos and much, much more! And don’t forget to check out the crafts shops where you will find several new shops with wonderful crafts to delight every taste. You might even want to do a little Christmas shopping while there to get that perfect gift before someone else snatches it up!

In the Crafts Village you’ll also find the SOSMP radio studio where Bluegrass’ own “Dr. Don” can be found each Sunday afternoon from 5 – 7 p.m. broadcasting bluegrass music for your enjoyment! Pull up a chair and listen to this ole country boy talk, you’ll get a kick out of him and his show! He might even pull out his banjo and entertain a while. If he does, be prepared for a real treat as he’s a banjo pro having performed on the Grand Ole Opry and for former US President Jimmy Carter!

IF YOU’RE ARRIVING EARLY

If you’re arriving early, there is karaoke in the Music Hall every Monday and Thursday night with one of America’s most outstanding Elvis Tribute Artists, Ted “Teddy Mac Elvis” McMullen. Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner and shows begin at 7 p.m. when Teddy Mac Elvis is in the house! Come show off your musical talent, and you may just get a chance to hear Teddy Mac Elvis sing a few songs also!

MUSIC HALL OPENING TIMES

Doors to the Music Hall open at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday night for dinner, shows begin at 8 p.m. Admission is free. As always, the SOSMP’s SOS Café and Restaurant will be open and have available delicious food at regular prices along with nightly specials and a full service bar.

CONTACT US FOR OVERNIGHT RESERVATIONS

If you would like to make reservations for RV parking, cabins, primitive camping or camper parking for the SOSMP, call 386-364-1683, email

spirit@musicliveshere.com or go to www.musicliveshere.com. You may also contact the SOSMP to inquire about any of the many exciting events coming up such as Kids Music Camp, Raid on the Suwannee Civil War Re-enactment, Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival, Thanksgiving Dinner community style (bring a covered dish and $5 per person), Old Tyme Farm Days and Swap Meet Annual Heritage Festival Thanksgiving weekend, Suwannee Lights and many other wonderful events. See the SOSMP website for more information including many 2013 events already planned such as the Aura Festival, SpringFest, Wanee and the 2013 Suwannee River Jam.

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is located at 3076 95^th Drive 4.5 miles north of Live Oak, Fl off US 129 at the famous Suwannee River. The park is 4.5 miles south of Interstate 75 and 4.5 miles north of Interstate 10 off US 129. Keep an eye out for the SOSMP sign and white painted board fence!

Electronic Dance Music (or EDM) making waves from continent to continent.

To borrow a legendary phrase from the canon of 1960s rock and roll, the evolution of electronic dance music has been a long, strange trip. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where the dance craze began, as some music critics would argue that it started as far back as the glittery disco era and the rise of mega-clubs like Studio 54, while others claim its true origins are with the thumping drum machines and synthesizers favored by the New Wave bands of the early 80s. However, the true lineage of dance music can be traced back to Manchester, England.

Known as the Madchester scene, bands like the Stone Roses and the Happy Mondays combined psychedelic guitars, baggy beats and woozy effects to send hordes of sweating, glow-stick waving clubbers into a communal frenzy. From famous party-spots like the Hacienda to cavernous warehouses where DJs would spin until dawn, the rave scene was born in the late 80s and early 90s. From that moment on, dance music has seen many offshoots and reincarnations. Techno, house, jungle, drum and bass, down-tempo, dub-step, there are so many categories and subcategories of dance music that it’s impossible for even a hardcore music aficionado to keep up.

Today, all these Euro-centric monikers have been stripped away, and the style of music that’s making waves from continent to continent is known simply as Electronic Dance Music (or EDM). What makes this style different from its many predecessors? It’s not only one of the most popular styles of music in the world right now, but the musicians creating it have broken into the Top Forty, won Grammy Awards, graced the cover of Rolling Stone and are as popular in America as they are in Europe. Chances are while you’re reading this you’ve got Skrillex or Deadmau5 playing in the background. So, if you want to impress that day-glow haired rave girl (or boy) with your knowledge of EDM, here are three ways you can show off your taste.

1. Show Your Love

The best way to shout out your love of the EDM scene is to become an amateur DJ. All you need is a turntable, a crate of records and a MacBook. Of course, when a DJ performs, they usually have some type of video montage behind them. You can easily rig this up. A montage of Kate Moss on the runway, Brooklyn Decker videos, a clip from your favorite science fiction film, all of these will work.

2. Get the Gear

EDM is as much about style and fashion as it is music. In other words, you better have the gear and apparel. If surf culture has Billabong and Roxy, then EDM has JOJO ELECTRO. It’s dance-wear devoted to late nights and DJ culture, so if you’re cruising the global scene, you better be dressed to the nines. J. Crew and L.L. Bean aren’t going to cut it.

3. Start a Music Blog

EDM and the Internet age go hand in hand, so why not start a music blog? You can review albums, concerts and talk to people with the same musical interests. A blog is a way to support the EDM community and impress readers with your taste and knowledge.

EDM is the third or fourth wave of raved-up music to hit the scene, but it’s by far the most popular. If you want to ride that wave into the glorious Ibizian sunset, now is your chance. Spread the word.

This post brought to you by Hpnotiq. All opinions are 100% mine.

Primp & Prep is where a girl can find everything she needs  to get her party on. This website is for women and about women. It has a comfortable feel to it. The colors are perfect and the topics are things that interest me. I admit I went straight to the make up video to "Master The Cat Eye".  Followed by a Taylor Swift  song.  With Hpnotiq Harmonies Pandora link you can get your hair down music up!.

Primp & Prep is one stop shop, where girls can go to get all of their beauty, fashion, style tips, gossip, music and more before they hit the town for their girls night out. They had me at "The Sexiest Shoes on The Red Carpet".

You can upload pics of you or of you and your friends, customize it in the photo app and have a chance to have you and your friends on Primp & Prep.

Inside this gorgeous and oh so collectible frosted, Champagne-like bottle is  "…a refreshing blend of French vodka, infused natural fruits and a touch of cognac. Delightful berry notes and a floral accent are what set it apart."  Hpnotiq (pronounce like hypnotic) is a beautiful liqueur. It adds a light fruit taste to drinks.

You may have heard of Hpnotiq Harmonie parties hosted by some of your favorite celebrities. Fit and fabulous Kelly Rowland at The W Hollywood, Cheryl Burke, Dancing with the Stars, in Tao, Model Brandi Glanville at Tao Beach, Singer John Legend in Las Vegas and cutie Kloe Kardashian Odom in NYC.

It looks beautiful in the glass. Invite friends over and they are going fall in love with color. There are recipes on Primp & Prep including one for your Halloween party called Hpno-Haunt that sounds yummy. You must be 21 years or older to drink alcoholic beverages and as always, please remember to drink responsibly.

The recipe for a Black Widow sounds as good as it looks. BYOTS Bring your own toy spider.

Every night is girl's night  if you are hanging out with Hpnotiq. There are so many categories it is hard to pick which one to go to first.  Take a look at the photo  below to get an idea of what is in store for you. 

This post brought to you by CENTURY 21. All opinions are 100% mine.

It has been a while since my last visit to New York City and I can't wait to go back. First on my to do list will be a visit to a Century 21 Department Store. I suggest everyone go for a day of unparalleled shopping. The only way to describe the store is fun! It is like dreaming about shopping but actually being there. The staff is friendly and you will always find the stores neat and clean. There are two Manhattan store locations: Lincoln Square (1972 Broadway) and Downtown (22 Cortlandt Street).

Go to  the Century 21 Facebook page and enter the Empire Hotel sweepstakes  for a chance to win a $500 Century 21 wardrobe makeover and a two-night stay at the iconic Empire Hotel in NYC! If you win feel free to take me as your plus 1.

A piece I want from the online store is This LUC KIEFFER Slender Purple and Gold Bangle ITEM: 6128-0582  ususally sells for $250 is on sale for $49.97. This beautiful would normally be out of my price range but at 80% off I can afford it.

The prices and choices in the stores are absolutely amazing  like: Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani, See by Chloe, Valentino, Ferre, Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Giorgio Armani kids, Armand Basi, Faconable jeans, Oscar de la Renta, Malo, Guess, Lucky, DKNY, Calvin Klein and Columbia are all up to 65% off retail 100% of the time.

Some of us aren't lucky enough to be in New York City to see celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Olivia Palermo, Stacy Keibler, or Lindsay Lohan popping into a Century 21 Department Store. We are able to get the latest fashions and look great by going to Century 21 online. At the bottom of the page there is a list of upcoming sales on designer fashions. You should definitely sign up. You are welcome to use my email address for the member that invited you. losille@gmail.co

While looking through the site I saw my two favorite words "free shipping" on orders over $75.00.

I must have this PASABAHCE 42 oz. Denizli Pisa Decanter. Normally I would pass it by but this one is affordable at $29.97

My next order will include this LIMITED EDITION BY EDIE 20" x 20" 3-Dimensional Petal Pillow. Pure luxury for only $24.97. Savings me 55%!

Bonnie Raitt will be appearing at Magnolia Fest, SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK, LIVE OAK, FLA

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Listen up fellow music and festival lovers, the 16th Annual MagnoliaFest is arriving Oct. 18-21 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park on the famous Suwannee River in Live Oak, Fla with a HUGE lineup of fantastic artists. Artists include renowned American blues singer, songwriter, musician, slide guitar player and winner of nine Grammys Bonnie Raitt, multi-award-winning bluegrass group the Del McCoury Band, singer-songwriter, musician and winner of 12 Grammys Emmylou Harris, multi-Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale, Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett (Of Little Feat), JJ Grey & Mofro, Mickey Hart Band, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Donna the Buffalo, Jimmy Herring Band, Anders Osborne, The Lee Boys, New Orleans Suspects, Col Bruce Hampton, The Mosier Brothers, Tornado Rider, Honey Island Swamp Band, Sloppy Joe, Truth & Salvage, Kristy Lee, Flannel Church, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Quartermoon, Cathy Lee, Big Cosmo & Friends, Steve Pruett’s Back from the Brink, Jon Stickley Trio w/ Lyndsay Pruett, Canary in the Coalmine, Bonnie Blue, Klob, Saltwater Grass, JacksonVegas, Sentropolis, Simplified, Cope, Juke, Jason Lamar, Oscar Mike, Acoustic Ensemble, Farther Along: The Music & Life of Gram Parsons and more! This festival is lining up to the best MagnoliaFest yet!

The Del McCoury Band is a bluegrass band started by McCroury back in 1967.

The weather and setting are perfect and the music will flow through the pines and live oaks for four full days of fun, relaxation and festival atmosphere with many great vendors including food, clothing and more.

Emmylou Harris has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, garnered a remarkable 12 Grammy Awards. Join her at Magnolia Fest!

Events kick off Thursday, Oct. 18 and continue through Sunday, Oct. 21, on a variety of stages around the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Additionally, there will be the free Music Farmers Workshop stage with workshops ongoing from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Workshops (bring your instruments) will include guitar with Tom Nelly, finger style blues guitar with Arvid Smith, ukuleles and parlour banjo with Jeff Sachs and Sloppy Joe, mandolin with Mickey Abraham, songwriting with Will Kimbrough, fiddle with Lyndsay Pruett, sing along jam session with Big Cosmo and Beth Judy, Banjo with Jeff Mosier, acoustic ensemble with Mickey Abraham, slide guitar with Arvid Smith and song and poetry circle with Cathy Lee and friends. Don’t miss these once in a lifetime opportunities.

JJ Grey & MOFRO is a soul/funk/R&B/blues/southern rock band from Jacksonville, Florida.

General Admission

4 day advance
$165 through Oct. 16, 4 day gate $180, Student/military $125 through Oct. 16, $165 gate; Patron Sponsorship $650. Advance and gate 4-day tickets include primitive camping.

Single day tickets
do not include primitive camping. Available for Thursday $50, Friday $70, Saturday $70, Sunday $50, gate only. Children 12 and under admitted free. For all questions regarding online ticket purchases, please contact the Elevate Support Team at support@elevate.com or 877-569-7767.

Festival-style seating will be in effect; first come, first served. Please bring lawn chairs and blankets. No dogs allowed in the park during festivals.

Bicycling, golf cart rental, hiking, jogging, canoeing, swimming in our pool for overnight guests, bird watching, fishing, mini golf and disc golf are among the many activities available during your stay at the beautiful Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

The SOSMP’s SOS Café and Restaurant in the Music Hall and the front porch is always open during events and will delight you and your guests with great food and a full service bar.

For more information about the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, reservations for RV parking, campers, primitive camping and cabin rental for this and other events please call 386-364-1683, email
spirit@musicliveshere.com or go to www.musicliveshere.com. You may also contact the SOSMP to inquire about any of the many other exciting events coming up.

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is located at 3076 95th Drive 4.5 miles north of Live Oak, Fl off US 129 at the famous Suwannee River. The park is 4.5 miles south of Interstate 75 and 4.5 miles north of Interstate 10 off US 129. Keep an eye out for the SOSMP sign and white-painted board fence!

Shake It Up with Tic Tac mints.

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Who hasn’t used a box of Tic Tac mints as a maraca? That sound is irresistible. BUT have you downloaded the Tic Tac app?  With the Tic Tac mints app you can use your phone to “Shake It Up”.  No, it won’t help your breath but it will be fun.

The Tac Tac mints app has a clever scanner, it says, “Launching An Augmented Reality Machine” who can resist that! It sounds like a machine you would want to experience. My favorite part of the app has tips for  random acts you can do during that day to “Shake It Up”. It encourages you to do things differently and expand your horizons. There are also micro games, one of which is “Break Up The Band”. You can be Yoko Ono! The singer that comes with “Break Up The Band” is hilarious.  “Tilt and Kiss”, I won’t describe, it is really something you should download and experience.

Crafters look at the Tic Tac containers and see a whole world of possibilities other than just holding those tasty Tic Tac mints. If you are a crafter, the odds are good that there are Tic Tac mints containers in your supply room with small beads, sequins or glitter stored in them. Tic Tac mints containers make good robots.

Visit the Tic Tac website there are several options to keep you busy one of which is building word clouds out of  Tic Tacs. There is a section about little known Tic Tac facts like, the mints were created in 1969, the same year as Woodstock. That might explain the Augmented Reality Machine. Tic Tac mints are animal product free for the vegans out there and gluten-free.
I am pleased to say that this post is sponsored by Tic Tac.

Shake It Up®is a rallying cry and a philosophy that playfully challenges people to explore new, exciting ways of doing things. If you’ve nodded off a bit in life, maybe it’s time to shake things up. The Tic Tac®Viewr mobile application is available for FREE to help you make the mundane world new and exciting! Use the app to dial down the boring and turn up the new and different. To get the app, text “MINTS” to 313131 (message and data rates may apply) or look for the app on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. The app is only available on iOS and Android devices. Source Tic Tac mints.

“Transformers 4” Michael Bay is back! No sacrifice, no victory!

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Transformers fans — don’t fret any longer! The wait is over. Michael Bay has decided to carry on the tradition of his trademark heart-racing, adrenalin-pumping, action-packed blockbuster hit series, Transformers. And thank goodness. Imagine what would happen if, after the movie magic and mastery of the first three, another director took the reigns? Utter chaos. Possibly Armageddon. The event, not the movie.

It all began in 2007 with Steven Spielberg executive producing a little movie based on the popular Transformers toyline. Add Bay, who, in the mid-to-late 90’s, had been busy winning awards for music video creation and making commercials for high profile products like Coca-Cola, Nike and the Miller Brewing Company (where he won the coveted “Gold Lion” for Best Beer Campaign), according to IMDb.

What We Can Expect

As far as his movie-making habits, Michael Bay is intense. In the June 2014 release of “Transformers 4,” expect a lot of dramatic visuals, slow motion shots, helicopters set in front of a backdrop sunset, a hot chic (who cares if she can act), big explosions and at least one appearance by the film’s U.S. President. Could we maybe get a cameo from his pet Bullmastiff, Grace? IMDb’s list of Bay’s film trademarks is classic.

What We Know

• The last three Transformers flicks have earned more than $2.7 billion (yes, that says “billion”) worldwide, according to the Huffington Post.
• Michael Bay did some soul searching after attending the, new at the time, Universal Studios ride, “Transformers 3-D,” in Hollywood. He didn’t want anyone to start off the new franchise by screwing it up, so he hopped back on board for the next installment, as mentioned in an interview with the Huffington Post.
• Shia LaBeouf and friends will be replaced with new faces; while new robots are sure to delight.
• The movie will begin where it left off in Chicago and will be carried on from there, Bay explains in the interview.
• Of course! Peter Cullen will be back as the voice of Optimus Prime, exclaims Bay to the Huffington Post.

How Can We Get to the Set?

Have you heard of a little contest called “Doritos Crash the Superbowl” contest? It’s been drawing amateur directors and commercial making hopefuls alike, into a world of consumerism and the social media voting system for 6 years. In other words, anyone makes a Doritos commercial, if it’s selected as one of five finalists, it’s posted online and votes are cast. Two winners will be determined by their online popularity and the commercial will be shown during the Superbowl, which will be played in New Orleans on CBS on Feb. 3, 2013, says USA Today. Fans will then vote between the two and, as they have in the past, the winner will win $1 million.

BUT WAIT! This year, there’s more. And it’s big! The winner gets to join Michael Bay on the set of the anticipated “Transformers 4,” which is slated to begin filming this coming winter after Bay’s current project,”Pain & Gain,” starring Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, is released and promoted.

There is another world in the making with the addition of “Transformers 4.” Sometimes it’s best for directors not to let go of their best works. What would have happened if Steven Spielberg turned over directing duties to someone else during the “Indiana Jones” series? Or if Peter Jackson dropped the reigns and hopped off the “Lord of the Rings” horse? Some things are just meant to be and Michael Bay should be the visual leader of the next Transformers.

Article by guest author Freddie Coull. Freddie writes about financial news and teaches Spanish at a local community college. He is planning another trip to Mexico City in the next year.

Bonnie Springs Ranch and Elite Vegas Paranormal Society Team Up To Present Paranormal Investigations During The Annual “Bonnie Screams” Event This October.

Historic Bonnie Springs Ranch will again be hosting its annual “Bonnie Screams” Haunted Attraction October 18^th – 31^st at the Ranch located in Red Rock Canyon.  Visitors can experience the “Phobia” attraction where they can examine their deepest and darkest fears, the Zombie infested “Apocalypse” attraction and the creepy “Clown Massacre”.  “Bonnie Screams” begins haunting guests on October 19^th at 7pm and tickets are $25.00 and are available at http://bonniespringsranch.ticketleap.com/.

This year in conjunction with the “Bonnie Screams” event, respected Las Vegas Paranormal group Elite Vegas Paranormal Society will be conducting nighttime paranormal investigations at Bonnie Springs Ranch after the “Bonnie Screams” event closes for the evening.  Those who are curious about being part of a Paranormal investigation and those already part of an investigation team are invited to come out and take part in the “Haunted Ghost Tours” which will take place on October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 30and 31^st.  Equipment will be provided or you can bring your own!  The investigations will run 2 hours and include several key “hot spots” on the Bonnie Springs Ranch property which are known to have Paranormal activity.

In addition to the paranormal investigations, several Celebrity Paranormal Investigators will be on-hand to investigate with attendees.  On Friday,October 19^th and Saturday, October 20^th  Jason Gates, star of Syfy Channel’s “Haunted Collector” will be joined by Actress and Paranormal Investigator Amanda Lynn Hills as they investigate with ticket holders in the haunted locations.  On Halloween night October 31^st, Psychic Travis Hill of “Psychic Kids” and “The Travis Hill Project”  will be at Bonnie Springs for a special Halloween investigation.  Tickets for the 2-hour Paranormal investigations will be $60 each and are available at http://bonniespringsranch.ticketleap.com/.  More information on the investigations and Elite Vegas Paranormal Society can be found at http://elitevegasparanormalsociety.com

Nick Groff

Star of hit Travel Channel Show “Ghost Adventures” performs songs from his album “The Other Side” at the 2012 Scarefest Convention.

Article and photos copyright Suzanne Philips

Day 2 of the 2012 Scarefest had a packed crowd flowing into the Lexington Convention Center trying to get a glimpse of their favorite Horror and Paranormal Celebs.  Four ballrooms hosted a multitude of panels on topics ranging from Exorcism to Nightmares.  Psychic Chip Coffey held a gallery reading for attendees lucky enough to get a ticket and those in attendance were amazed with his accuracy and humor.  “Destination Truth” star Josh Gates held a question and answer panel and delighted attendees with his stories of transportation woes and local cultures while filming the show. The expo hall was teaming with fans trying to get an autograph or photo with their faves or check out one of the Paranormal attractions present. All of the days events led up to the First ever Scarefest concert, which was help on Saturday night.

“Ghost Adventures” Star Nick Groff opened the show with his amazing band playing songs from his album “The Other Side”.  Joining Groff onstage were Danny Bedrosian, who also produced the album, DJ Kos and Mike Anderson.  With a packed house waiting for Groff’s appearance, the musicians took to the stage dressed in hooded robes.  Groff and Anderson made their way through the crowd, also decked out in robes, and began the show from the audience. And once the show started, it never paused.  The intensity continued through out the set.

Mike Anderson

A heavy use of video pumping through the screens went hand-in-hand with the mood of the songs playing out onstage. A mixture of Hip-Hop, Rock and Electronica, the show was a big hit with the standing-room-only crowd.  The musicians were obviously having a great time and the audience certainly were right there with them. The  entire set was high-energy and Groff even debuted a new song off his upcoming December album.

DJ Kos and Nick Groff

After Groff’s set, a host of local Lexington bands played until well after Midnight.  The First Scarefest concert was a great addition to the annual event and a big hit with all of the convention attendees.

For more information on Nick Groff’s Album or to purchase “The Other Side”, go to http://www.dannybedrosian.com/theotherside.html.

Black Guy , Rabbi , Priest board a plane
This was on Tosh.0 and I didn’t think it was real but it is!

June 25, 2012 I’m on a flight on my way to Chicago , IL to visit a couple of friends & as i am texting family and friends from my seat I overhear a Rabbi speaking to someone who was claiming that the middle seat belonged to him & when i look up that “someone” happened to be of all things …. A PRIEST!!!! lolol ….What are the chances ??? #storyofmylife

Sean Astin guest stars in this weeks episode of Alphas. It’s Midnight Run, Alphas-style as Hicks and Kat transport a valuable Parish asset. Alphas Monday at 8/7c.

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“Alphas” is an “original” Syfy series. By original they mean it originated with them, not that the show has anything approaching an original premise or storyline.

If you have never seen “Alphas” the easiest way to explain it to you is that they call it “Alphas” because if they called it “X-Men”, Marvel would sue them. My expectations were high. X-Men is one my of my favorite group of characters. However, they didn’t create an X-Men style program they just copied it.

Free on Amazon. Alphas — Behind the Scenes Sneak Peek

The X-Men was founded by the paraplegic telepath Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X.  Xavier gathered the X-Men under the cover of a “School for Gifted Youngsters”. The “Alphas” were named by neurologist and psychiatrist Dr. Lee Rosen. Rosen gathered his team and operates under the auspices of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the criminal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. Good mutants fight against bad mutants. Good Aphas fight against bad Alphas. Magneto, battled the good mutant X-Men with his bad mutant Brotherhood of Mutants. Red Flag like the Brotherhood of Mutants fights the good Alphas and fights to prevent non-Alphas from doing away with the Alphas.

The show never grabbed my attention the way it should have. They have an excellent cast but the writers have no idea what to do with them. The story lines are thin and predictable.

Sean Astin – Videos Of His Impromptu Appearance At StarKid Panel At C2E2 – Fandom Crossover

One selling point for the show was Ryan Cartwright who played the part of  Vincent Nigel-Murray on Bones. That selling point went away quickly. The creators decided to include autistic alpha Gary Bell played by Cartwright.  “A young man with autism who is socially functional to a degree. A prodigious savant, his diagnosis is transduction meaning he has the ability to see all electromagnetic radiation/electromagnetic wavelengths and process information as fast as any computer.” If the definition of his ability seems vague and confusing to you don’t be alarmed the writers feel the same way. Instead of a wire tap they call Gary to listen in on any electronic transmissions.

If you think, “Lois! Lois! Lois! Lois! Lois! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Momma! Momma! Momma! Ma! Ma! Ma! Ma! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mommy! Mommy! Momma! Momma! Momma!” makes Stewie the most annoying character on TV you are wrong. Gary Bell is!  They are trying to give him clever lines but they don’t work. His catch phrase is “respect the badge”.  Trying to include Gary as a main character is painful to watch.  Gary is just randomly dropped into stories. It is as if they write the script then say, “OK, where do you want to stick Gary?” He is was disruptive to the story at times it had me fleeing to another channel.

Sean Astin: Interview 5 Questions On Running

Yes, Alphas has been off of my viewing list until it was announced that Sean Astin would appear in two “thrilling” episodes. I will watch pretty much anything staring Sean Astin.

 In his episodes, Sean Astin plays Mitchell, an Alpha with enhanced memory capabilities which allow him to store and replay other people’s memories and even draw individuals into them as if they’re actually happening. Believing he’s a major asset to their nemesis, Stanton Parish (recurring guest-star John Pyper-Ferguson), Hicks (Warren Christie) and Kat (Erin Way) are tasked with kidnapping Mitchell but his bone crushing body guard won’t give up without a fight, leading to a deadly showdown.

Alphas will have to be great with Sean Astin as one of them.