tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56160576808784434942024-03-26T22:59:29.649-05:00a TigerRAWk Filmhttp://youtube.com/TigerRAWkJoel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-53400543823025566852024-02-08T16:10:00.000-06:002024-02-08T16:10:04.062-06:00Messin' With Scammers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This project may be updated as more opportunities arise to mess with more scammers.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?si=OeDuf1BE1cH4G6fN&list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO4sqT-lnk0GxA1lvuyVAGq" width="560" youtube-src-id="playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO4sqT-lnk0GxA1lvuyVAGq"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO4sqT-lnk0GxA1lvuyVAGq">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO4sqT-lnk0GxA1lvuyVAGq</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing and boredom setting in, I started messing around whenever I got scam calls and tried to record some of them. I also would call back some of the numbers and, after finding out what the call was for and who made the call, I may mess with them that way as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B_YJXlsuF5o" width="560" youtube-src-id="B_YJXlsuF5o"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/B_YJXlsuF5o">https://youtu.be/B_YJXlsuF5o</a></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Initially, I made a video after receiving some mail from CitiBank in 2019 with a return envelope that was pre-paid. I had heard of folks doing this before, so I decided to fill the envelope with garbage and paper from the shredder as full as possible then sent it off. It is a prank where I will never see the payoff but the thought humors me! I did this a few times before I stopped receiving mail with those envelopes in it. The only one that still sends me a postage paid envelope is the college I attended seeking donations and I don't feel good about pulling this prank on the student who is likely working the mail room.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NlP99heFJjM" width="560" youtube-src-id="NlP99heFJjM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/NlP99heFJjM">https://youtu.be/NlP99heFJjM</a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OW-cGcgToX0" width="560" youtube-src-id="OW-cGcgToX0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/OW-cGcgToX0">https://youtu.be/OW-cGcgToX0</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YhlhuFlXrZU" width="560" youtube-src-id="YhlhuFlXrZU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/YhlhuFlXrZU">https://youtu.be/YhlhuFlXrZU</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nuazNl03WP0" width="560" youtube-src-id="nuazNl03WP0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/nuazNl03WP0">https://youtu.be/nuazNl03WP0</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jnMskPg30Vc" width="560" youtube-src-id="jnMskPg30Vc"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/jnMskPg30Vc">https://youtu.be/jnMskPg30Vc</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V7S1TxH7wFM" width="560" youtube-src-id="V7S1TxH7wFM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/V7S1TxH7wFM">https://youtu.be/V7S1TxH7wFM</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had also received mail from Car Shield addressed to "Nachelle" Swanson. I had in the past received some robocalls but this was the first physical mail I had received and found the name to be pretty funny. In the letter there is a phone number and a customer ID code and the vehicle supposedly owned that was due for the extended warranty. Now at that time, I had only ever owned cars handed down by family or purchased used with cash so to be eligible for any extended warranty seemed especially ludicrous. I called a few different times. The first time I called I told them I didn't have a Mercedes Benz and they asked about a Mercury instead. I said I didn't have a car at all and wondered why they were contacting me. I was meant to be removed from their list at this point. The next time I called I did so expressing my excitement that they were offering me a car (Mercedes Benz according to the mail) and after explaining that they would not be giving me a car, they then stated I'd be removed from the list. I called again, this time as a religious person concerned for the soul of the person I spoke to...I lost character a bit on this one and so it's a bit of a flop. I called once again and used the scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off of trying to reverse the mileage but the car fell off the jacks and out the garage into a ravine. I was asked what I was driving now and when I told them I wasn't driving anything they once again assured me I'd be off their list. I received another letter shortly after but no car listed this time so I called again. I said I didn't know "Nachelle" and wondered why they are sending mail to my house addressed to Nachelle. Again, they said they'd take me off the list. The final call in this series of messing with Car Shield I acted as though I were an attorney representing the person who kept getting unsolicited mail from Car Shield and that I'd have to resort to legal action if they did not stop sending mail to "Nachelle." I was put on with a manager who did not seem too happy. It seemed to work though...I haven't gotten any Car Shield mail since! Most of those videos were done in 2019 as well.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yuXOq50wvSs" width="560" youtube-src-id="yuXOq50wvSs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/yuXOq50wvSs">https://youtu.be/yuXOq50wvSs</a><br />As has happened to others, I received calls claiming to be an enforcement officer of the Social Security Administration in regards to fraudulent activity using my Social Security number. It was a robocall and very obvious at that. The recording asked for a kindly call back but when I tried, the number had been disconnected.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6LGdTb9ze14" width="560" youtube-src-id="6LGdTb9ze14"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/6LGdTb9ze14">https://youtu.be/6LGdTb9ze14</a><br />I had received several calls regarding my utility bill and a rebate. One of these in particular the person on the other end got rather aggressive with me telling me that if I didn't listen to what he had to say he would keep calling me "again and again and again." He hung up when I asked why I would listen to him when I know it's a scam.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zb9Zy7F2gps" width="560" youtube-src-id="zb9Zy7F2gps"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/zb9Zy7F2gps">https://youtu.be/zb9Zy7F2gps</a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I received some numbers from friends and this particular clip is from one of those numbers. Perhaps that friend owes a debt? I don't know. When they asked for my name and I made one up (they also had to ask for my last name) they said that the call was for someone else (not the name of my friend) and then argued with me after I said that they apparently have a wrong number. The argument they made was that I have the wrong number and that they talked to my wife on this line earlier today. I was using Google Hangouts (now Voice) at the time and hadn't even registered a number to it, ha!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VLTIjwnthus" width="560" youtube-src-id="VLTIjwnthus"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/VLTIjwnthus">https://youtu.be/VLTIjwnthus</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of these calls come while I am in commute home or to work and this is one of them. It was "Senior Benefits" robocall in regards to life insurance. I answered as I sometimes do with a Mr. Rogers voice. They hung up when I answered their question about my age with "99 years old."</div></div><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MwBwjAI0siU" width="560" youtube-src-id="MwBwjAI0siU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/MwBwjAI0siU">https://youtu.be/MwBwjAI0siU</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was another call with regards to utilities. This time apologizing for an overage and if I spoke to a representative then I could get my rebate. One would think the representative would at least know what utility you are using but he did not. I acted angry that they keep calling and even used their "again and again and again" line before being hung up on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p_WXdWAWC9U" width="560" youtube-src-id="p_WXdWAWC9U"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/p_WXdWAWC9U">https://youtu.be/p_WXdWAWC9U</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This cold call with in regards to "TV Service" at $59.99. They asked me if I pay that much and when I said that I don't need cable and I don't watch television they hung up on me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9V4bYhNrNSk" width="560" youtube-src-id="9V4bYhNrNSk"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/9V4bYhNrNSk">https://youtu.be/9V4bYhNrNSk</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was a robocall/cold call for "card member services" with a one time only low interest rate. When I asked who they were trying to reach, they hung up on me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nr_VPzzD1Us" width="560" youtube-src-id="Nr_VPzzD1Us"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Nr_VPzzD1Us">https://youtu.be/Nr_VPzzD1Us</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This robocall/cold call came from the "vehicle services department" about an extended warranty. Apparently Car Shield has competition. It hung up before the transfer to a human.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2tB1ML-t1Mo" width="560" youtube-src-id="2tB1ML-t1Mo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/2tB1ML-t1Mo">https://youtu.be/2tB1ML-t1Mo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On this call I returned a cold call (either one I received or possibly Elphie or some other friends...I don't recall at this point) which happened to come from "Auto Warranty Services" but only gave the option to "press one to opt out" and would disconnect after. I tried other numbers but it never would connect me with a human.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VvU3XJZ9hWo" width="560" youtube-src-id="VvU3XJZ9hWo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/VvU3XJZ9hWo">https://youtu.be/VvU3XJZ9hWo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had several cold calls with messages from "Credit National Assist" which was basically the same message and definitely the same voice however the recording identified itself as different names each time and perhaps the credit amount was different. When I called any of the numbers back, I couldn't get through to anyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/utdTdhINZsM" width="560" youtube-src-id="utdTdhINZsM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/utdTdhINZsM">https://youtu.be/utdTdhINZsM</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was another Social Security fraudulent activity scam call. When I called the number back it claimed to be the Social Security Administration fraud prevention line. I don't believe that it was as it claimed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kjizxdNFczs" width="560" youtube-src-id="kjizxdNFczs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/kjizxdNFczs">https://youtu.be/kjizxdNFczs</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I returned a call to another number that was a debt collections agency. This one allowed me to leave a message so I did so starting with a Mr. Rogers-esque "Hello, Neighbor" then proceeded to say how I didn't have debt, nor money, nor a place to live and that I'd like them to stop calling me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1k7fCnvPZK8" width="560" youtube-src-id="1k7fCnvPZK8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/1k7fCnvPZK8">https://youtu.be/1k7fCnvPZK8</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I returned another cold call to a debt collections agency and this time was similar to the first time in Episode 10 but I acted as "Bill from Car Shield" trying to offer an extended warranty. The debt collections agent stated that they were trying to reach a Shantelle, Christina, or Angel. I said, "I don't know any of them, my name is Bill" and proceeded to explain I was calling to offer an extended warranty. I also claimed I don't think we at Car Shield have a debt to be collected, ha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VW83_rUPZHw" width="560" youtube-src-id="VW83_rUPZHw"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/VW83_rUPZHw">https://youtu.be/VW83_rUPZHw</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On this short clip, the number I tried to call from the list of cold calls I or others had received answered with a simple recording saying "Thanks for your call...goodbye."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/USBYkEadrdI" width="560" youtube-src-id="USBYkEadrdI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/USBYkEadrdI">https://youtu.be/USBYkEadrdI</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I exhausted my list of cold calls, I decided I wanted to mess with Car Shield some more. I found that the number they have listed gets you a recording due to a change in their number and the new number disconnects when using Google Voice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lXDL_ZpwVZ4" width="560" youtube-src-id="lXDL_ZpwVZ4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/lXDL_ZpwVZ4">https://youtu.be/lXDL_ZpwVZ4</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yxz6zB5wgG0" width="560" youtube-src-id="Yxz6zB5wgG0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Yxz6zB5wgG0">https://youtu.be/Yxz6zB5wgG0</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I got a few cold calls regarding a Zantac class action lawsuit. I left a message which was meant to be returned within an hour. That didn't happen. I called it again using the character of Carl Shields saying all sorts of outlandish things about the "cancer" I was suffering from due to Zantac.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i_OO9vKApVg" width="560" youtube-src-id="i_OO9vKApVg"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/i_OO9vKApVg">https://youtu.be/i_OO9vKApVg</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bT1qqPfZPIo" width="560" youtube-src-id="bT1qqPfZPIo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/i_OO9vKApVg">https://youtu.be/i_OO9vKApVg</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A couple times while having some downtime at work, I called Car Shield again (I could get through on the work phone where I couldn't using my unregistered number through Google Voice). On both of these calls I would ask to speak with Car Shields. The first agent sort of went with it and asked for a customer ID which I had consequently due to them sending mail to former clients at the shelter where I work (I returned those letters to sender with a note telling them to stop scamming people). When I gave the customer ID, the agent hung up on me. The other call, that agent tried to reason with me as I asked for Carl Shields explaining how she worked at Car Shield. I had told her my name was T. Rucker and that I worked for Truck Helmet and was trying to offer Carl Shields an extended warranty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oES94VGWwyM" width="560" youtube-src-id="oES94VGWwyM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/oES94VGWwyM">https://youtu.be/oES94VGWwyM</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I called a number I had on a list of cold calls and it turned out to be a prayer line. I hit the option for prayer and was meant to receive a call back with spiritual guidance but I never received that call.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0vgZQRia8Xw" width="560" youtube-src-id="0vgZQRia8Xw"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/0vgZQRia8Xw">https://youtu.be/0vgZQRia8Xw</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Due to a lot of these calls happening during the 2020 election cycle, it made sense that at least one would be from a campaign. I tried to leave a message asking about which campaign but it cut me off quick and supposedly sent my message.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tj-mTxSB6Zc" width="560" youtube-src-id="Tj-mTxSB6Zc"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Tj-mTxSB6Zc">https://youtu.be/Tj-mTxSB6Zc</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this clip, I decided to have a little fun with a number I found posted on Facebook for a guy who wanted to have a Trump rally in downtown Cincinnati. I called inquiring about the time and exact location. The first call went to voice mail and the second a woman answered who then hung up after I asked about the rally. The third time I played a recording of a "yeehaw" and "Proud To Be An American." While playing those, there was a voice on the other end making weird noises. I called one more time and ended up speaking with the individual who wanted to have the Trump rally. It was an interesting conversation and leaves me wondering a bit about him in the wake of that 2020 election and the aftermath.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-LwZQ9OJk0" width="560" youtube-src-id="W-LwZQ9OJk0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/W-LwZQ9OJk0">https://youtu.be/W-LwZQ9OJk0</a><br />This final video (for now, at least) is a compilation of scam and spam emails and texts. I responded to the texts and got some responses too which were kind of funny.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A good amount of these numbers were likely cloned from average citizens. Several times I ended up connected to people who were clueless as to why a car warranty or Social Security, or health insurance would have called me from their number. I didn't choose to include any of those videos.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q4kATXZzDRk" width="560" youtube-src-id="q4kATXZzDRk"></iframe><br /><br />I will include this one other bonus...I decided to prank call my friend Skot while he worked the phones one evening at J.P.U.S.A. and used a terrible impression of Hank Hill. I figured he may find it funny. At the end of the call, the sigh sounded so defeated before he hung up. It was sad, yet I also found it to be quite funny.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Intro was created using Soundtrack Pro on a Mac Mini with animations and titles created using Motion4 on a Macbook.
Filmed using an iPhone 8 and CrossTour CR900.
Edited using Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Pro X on a Mac Mini.
Filmed and edited by Joel A. Swanson
aTigerRAWkFilm.blogspot.com</div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-7945751081224131362024-01-10T12:00:00.006-06:002024-01-25T18:14:10.388-06:00A Shared Life: Fall In Chicago and The Holidays (September - December 2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The footage compiled for this project begins after attending <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> and runs through the rest of 2023. I've typically begun the fall projects on October 1st but figured <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/09/audiofeed-2023-tigerrawknroll-summer.html" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> and <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/10/furnace-fest-2023-tigerrawknroll-summer.html" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> could bookend the summer well. I named both of those projects "A TigerRAWknRoll Summer" so it also felt right to just use them as seasonal bookends. I</span><span style="text-align: left;"> usually separate out the holidays but instead, I will create a project for October which will include Halloween festivities, November which will include hunting, Thanksgiving, and our northern family Christmas festivities, and finally December which will include our southern family Christmas festivites.</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KhrR2YdGXgk" width="560" youtube-src-id="KhrR2YdGXgk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/KhrR2YdGXgk">https://youtu.be/KhrR2YdGXgk</a><br /><b><u>October in Chicago and Halloween</u></b><br /><u><b>10.01.2023 - 10.05.2023</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday October 1st, 2023, I tried the newest version of <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> VooDew. It had a cherry taste. It was revealed that it was meant to taste like Cherry Airheads. I enjoyed it and would drink it again. On Tuesday October 3rd, 2023, it was 80 degrees and as I left work, I noticed someone had placed stickers around Uptown that read "Make America Gizz Again." It turned out to be a spoof Presidential run by a commedian named <a href="https://wolflarsen.org/" target="_blank">Wolf Larsen</a>.<br /><br /><div>I decided almost last minute to attend <a href="https://thrice.net/" target="_blank">Thrice</a>'s Artist In An Ambulance 20th Anniversary show at <a href="https://concordmusichall.com/" target="_blank">Concord Music Hall</a> on Thursday October 5th, 2023. I had been considering it for a bit but just hadn't bought the ticket. I thought at different times of stopping by their box office to purchase the ticket without the lame fees but I didn't seem to get in that part of the city at an opportune time to buy the tickets. <a href="https://theband68.com/" target="_blank">'68</a> was the opening band. Upon arrival, I tried to find somewhere to stand where I could see well (and capture video while not being a nuisance to anyone behind me). I tried a few different spots but seemed that most anywhere I tried there were fairly tall people blocking my view. I thought about trying the balcony but the only clear spot was somewhat obstructed but pillars and the lower ceiling. I captured a song from each set on video but both are somewhat blocked by the heads I had to try to look through (as well as the arm of the guy in front of me capturing video for himself). From the <a href="https://theband68.com/" target="_blank">'68</a> set, I ended up capturing a new song called "The Captains Sat." From <a href="https://thrice.net/" target="_blank">Thrice</a> I chose "Stare At The Sun" to capture.</div><b style="text-align: left;"></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QO7v9GGX2mM" width="560" youtube-src-id="QO7v9GGX2mM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QO7v9GGX2mM">https://youtu.be/QO7v9GGX2mM</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tXIhq7x1GCc" width="560" youtube-src-id="tXIhq7x1GCc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/tXIhq7x1GCc">https://youtu.be/tXIhq7x1GCc</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>10.06.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday October 6th, 2023, I decided to attend a show at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggie's</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Murphyslawnyhc/" target="_blank">Murphy's Law</a> was the headliner but I mostly went to see <a href="https://therumjacks.com/" target="_blank">The Rumjacks</a>. Tobin and Kyle Bawinkel were there as well as a few other Ollie Mob members and it was fun seeing and talking with them. Also on the bill were <a href="https://thebarstoolpreachers.com/" target="_blank">The Bar Stool Preachers</a> and <a href="https://grade2official.co.uk/" target="_blank">Grade 2</a>. I enjoyed each of the bands for the most part. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Murphyslawnyhc/" target="_blank">Murphy's Law</a> I ended up capturing "Crucial BBQ" which I happened to captured about two years ago when I saw them before. From <a href="https://therumjacks.com/" target="_blank">The Rumjacks</a> I captured "A Fistful O' Roses." I wasn't sure of the songs from <a href="https://thebarstoolpreachers.com/" target="_blank">The Bar Stool Preachers</a> or <a href="https://grade2official.co.uk/" target="_blank">Grade 2</a> that I captured. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madballNYC/" target="_blank">Madball</a> was playing in town as well which seemed like poor planning on the promoters end to have two different shows of New York Hard Core. I also captured some footage of a guy who put a skeleton head on his head and was dancing around during the show.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DPaLp-h_Hps" width="560" youtube-src-id="DPaLp-h_Hps"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/DPaLp-h_Hps">https://youtu.be/DPaLp-h_Hps</a></span><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v4jp8MUfySs" width="560" youtube-src-id="v4jp8MUfySs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/v4jp8MUfySs">https://youtu.be/v4jp8MUfySs</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/70HPJlXUYKI" width="560" youtube-src-id="70HPJlXUYKI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/70HPJlXUYKI">https://youtu.be/70HPJlXUYKI</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1zNXWt0jnrg" width="560" youtube-src-id="1zNXWt0jnrg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/1zNXWt0jnrg">https://youtu.be/1zNXWt0jnrg</a></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>10.07.2023</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday October 7th, 2023, we went to <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> for <a href="https://vnvnation.com/" target="_blank">VNV Nation</a> with <a href="https://traitrs.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">TRAITRS</a>. We arrived to find the balcony area mostly filled as far room to see much of anything so I was a bit frustrated at first. I checked the main floor and found there should be room to stand and see well enough but Elphie found a spot for herself in the balcony and that's where we stayed. I was able to see ok over Elphie's head or between her and the people next to her. I was able to capture clip from each set, capturing "When Is The Future?" by <a href="https://vnvnation.com/" target="_blank">VNV Nation</a> which is a favorite of Elphie's. As we drove to the show, I captured some footage of the downtown buildings with the Blue Cross Blue Shield building lit up to read "Hispanic Heritage Month."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0oETSThi9Vo" width="560" youtube-src-id="0oETSThi9Vo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/0oETSThi9Vo">https://youtu.be/0oETSThi9Vo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4aHiMlul9I0" width="560" youtube-src-id="4aHiMlul9I0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/4aHiMlul9I0">https://youtu.be/4aHiMlul9I0</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>10.08.2023 - 10.19.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday October 8th, 2023, I tried the <a href="https://us.coca-cola.com/" target="_blank">Coca Cola</a> Y3000 variant. I read it was supposed to taste like Circus Peanuts candy but I didn't find that taste at all. If anything, it reminded me of a cream soda but I didn't really care for it. I don't think I'd drink it again. On my way home from work on Monday October 9th, 2023, I captured a demonstration for Israel as I passed under the pedestrian bridge by North Avenue Beach on Lake Shore Drive. It was the second or third demonstration I saw recently during my work commutes but I failed to save the footage on my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> of the other ones. on Wednesday October 11th, 2023, Skot and I went out to capture some more footage to use for a music video of the song "I'm Not The Devil" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>. Most of the footage was captured at a few different churches around the city. I was able to finish the editing and get the project done in time to release on Halloween. On Saturday October 14th, 2023, we attempted to have a party at the house and burn the rest of the firewood we had. No one else ended up being able to make it but we enjoyed the fire anyway.<br /><br />On Thursday October 19th, 2023, Elphie and I attended the first night of <a href="https://t1fest.com/" target="_blank">T1 Fest</a> at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggie's</a>. <a href="https://t1fest.com/" target="_blank">T1 Fest</a> raises awareness and funds for Type 1 diabetes. <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> was headlining and Kyle Bawinkel offered VIP wristbands (along with several others from the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a>). This basically gave access to a balcony seating area above the stage. We utilized it and got some unique footage from that vantage point during the <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a> and <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> sets. I captured "I Don't Wanna Sit Around With You" from the <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a> (as well as the intro and "Pencil Neck"). From the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> set, I captured their cover of "Electric Avenue" and Elphie captured "I'll Fly Away" which she requested that I edit and post so she could share. Her brother was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a child and Elphie found him experiencing symptoms so this was a good event to attend for that reason. I also captured clips from <a href="https://takethereins.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Take The Reins</a>, <a href="https://spaceagezeros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Space Age Zeros</a>, and <a href="https://sexxdream.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Sex Dream</a> who covered "Oops! I Did It Again."<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ScvMS4wwww" width="560" youtube-src-id="5ScvMS4wwww"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/5ScvMS4wwww">https://youtu.be/5ScvMS4wwww</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r_S2vHzbiok" width="560" youtube-src-id="r_S2vHzbiok"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/r_S2vHzbiok">https://youtu.be/r_S2vHzbiok</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZKWFRctZ1x8" width="560" youtube-src-id="ZKWFRctZ1x8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ZKWFRctZ1x8">https://youtu.be/ZKWFRctZ1x8</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pCvwjwd1mC8" width="560" youtube-src-id="pCvwjwd1mC8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/pCvwjwd1mC8">https://youtu.be/pCvwjwd1mC8</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zyTWktRIEfY" width="560" youtube-src-id="zyTWktRIEfY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/zyTWktRIEfY">https://youtu.be/zyTWktRIEfY</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ffcpgx5posE" width="560" youtube-src-id="ffcpgx5posE"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ffcpgx5posE">https://youtu.be/ffcpgx5posE</a><br /><b><u>10.20.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I attended the second night of <a href="https://t1fest.com/" target="_blank">T1 Fest</a> at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggie's</a> on Friday October 20th, 2023. All the footage I captured ended up being under two minutes...proper punk rock I guess! I missed the first band but I captured clips from <a href="https://officialthequeers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Queers</a>, <a href="https://sackstreetrock.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Sack</a>, <a href="https://theragingnathans.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Raging Nathans</a>, <a href="https://flamingonosebleedpunk.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Flamingo Nosebleed</a>, and <a href="https://hospitaljob.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Hospital Job</a>.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FE0HNpaNkuI" width="560" youtube-src-id="FE0HNpaNkuI"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/FE0HNpaNkuI">https://youtu.be/FE0HNpaNkuI</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u8DxmkUI6VY" width="560" youtube-src-id="u8DxmkUI6VY"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/u8DxmkUI6VY">https://youtu.be/u8DxmkUI6VY</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WbszsaWDl-s" width="560" youtube-src-id="WbszsaWDl-s"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/WbszsaWDl-s">https://youtu.be/WbszsaWDl-s</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZJrxHukdGx0" width="560" youtube-src-id="ZJrxHukdGx0"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/ZJrxHukdGx0">https://youtu.be/ZJrxHukdGx0</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fdfx01Y9qyM" width="560" youtube-src-id="fdfx01Y9qyM"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/fdfx01Y9qyM">https://youtu.be/fdfx01Y9qyM</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>10.24.2023 - 10.31.2023</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On Tuesday October 24th, 2023, it was another nice weather day for a Chicago fall and Elphie decided to visit McKinley Park for a bit. She captured some footage and I included it in the project. On Saturday October 28th, 2023, Elphie made a spoof video for friends of "Pumpkin Pie Time" and made a mess. You can see that if you are facebook friends with Elphie. Later we visited Flex Luther for his house warming party then attended Nocturna's All Hallowed's Eve Ball at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. I captured the costume party as well as I could. It was a packed event and we were in the balcony I ended up having people climb over me onto the chairs we were sitting so that was fun and awkward.<br /><br />I worked on another video project with Skot Shaw for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>. It was for a song called "I'm Not The Devil" and we shot it at several different churches around Chicago. Skot wanted to add another clip but I didn't foresee us having the time. I had it release on Halloween. <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/10/im-not-devil-by-leper-music-video.html" target="_blank">You can read more here.</a><br /><br />On Halloween, Tueday October 31st, 2023, Elphie and I also celebrated our 10th Halloweeniversary by having dinner at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/breethairestaurant/" target="_blank">Bree Thai</a> then driving around the neighborhood in that area to see the Halloween decorations and Trick-or-Treating kids for a while before heading home and watching Donnie Darko.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-GZrFUpQ9-0" width="560" youtube-src-id="-GZrFUpQ9-0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-GZrFUpQ9-0">https://youtu.be/-GZrFUpQ9-0</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TAvnrKudLms" width="560" youtube-src-id="TAvnrKudLms"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/TAvnrKudLms">https://youtu.be/TAvnrKudLms</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>November in Chicago, Hunting, Thanksgiving, and Northern Family Christmas</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>11.01.2023 - 11.15.2023<br /></b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Wednesday November 1st, 2023, I captured a quick clip of the snow as I left for work in the morning. This was what was left after the Halloween snowfall. On Friday November 3rd, 2023 I captured some of the city lights including the lighthouse while driving on Lake Shore Drive for my commute home using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. I also decided to keep the footage showing the <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a> Ferris Wheel and the Blue Cross Blue Shield building with its epilepsy awareness message. On Saturday November 4th, 2023, I decided to take my target and <a href="https://excaliburcrossbow.com/" target="_blank">Excalibur Bulldog 440 Crossbow</a> to the abandoned section of Route 66 to sight it in. I figured I could likely get some unobstructed longer distance shots there fairly easily since there'd likely be no one around and a decent amount of empty land. While leaving our neighborhood, we passed by the neighbors and migrants who had been protesting the building of a migrant camp in an empty lot in the neighborhood. We arrived in the area of the abandoned Route 66 and parked in a lot for a nearby restaurant then lugged out the target, crossbow, range finder, and tripod. While sighting in the crossbow, I took shots as far as 60 yards out. It was interesting hearing the impact of the bolt well after pulling the trigger. I had previously only shot at about 20 yards and the impact is fairly quick after the pulling the trigger whereas 40 and 60 yards there's a noticeable delay. I figure I'm not likely to shoot longer than 60 yards out. I was satisfied with the shots as far as they landed vertically on the target but horizontally I had to make a few adjustments to the right. After doing so, I took one last shot using the <a href="https://excaliburcrossbow.com/accessories/boltcutter-broadhead-150-grain-6-pack/" target="_blank">Boltcutter Broadhead</a> and it ripped right through the target and into the folding chair I set the target on! While I wish I hadn't torn such a hole into the target, it was satisfying to know the damage a shot will do if given the chance during a hunt. I was hopeful I'd get my chance to have a successful hunt!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We decided to head to Pennsylvania on Wednesday November 8th, 2023. It allowed me four full days if needed to hunt deer with my crossbow due to Sunday November 12th, 2023 being an open hunting Sunday I assume due to Veteran's Day. We found out that the Sorensen family would not be doing the usual Thanksgiving dinner gathering so we figured we would just have it early with my family as well as do our Christmas while in town for hunting...with the hope of a successful hunt as well. This would also hopefully alleviate stress at work after what occurred in 2022 and I could remain in Chicago over Thanksgiving. We started the drive around 11am, stopping to get some <a href="https://www.krispykreme.com/" target="_blank">Krispy Kreme Donuts</a>. It would be the first long drive in our <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Chevrolet Bolt EUV</a> since the drive back to Chicago after purchasing it. We mapped out our charging stops and came to realize that the trip would be an extra 4 hours turning it into a 12 hour trip. We arrived in Warren around 1am. I began to prepare my hunting gear and got to bed about 2am...having to wake again at 5:30am.<br /><br />On Thursday morning November 9th, 2023 I headed into the same area I've been hunting these last few years but entered in through some relatives property nearby. It made for a bit of a longer walk but hopefully would result in less hassles from other people who own the land where I had been parking. I didn't get too far in before I realized I left my stool in the car. I went back to get it then continued on my way to a spot I had set up for the archery season based on how I've seen the deer move over the last few years. I also kept some mental notes on other spots to try if I didn't have any luck. As I walked, I noticed a deer trail going passed the tree where I shot a 4-point buck in 1994 with my Grandpa. I considered that if I had to return during the rifle season that perhaps setting up there might work out again. I disturbed a small buck who was bedded in the old compost dump and saw a lot of sign of deer there as well. Last year, I set up in there for one of the days I hunted...it was something I might consider doing again. I continued to the spot I had planned to go and then got situated and waited. The only movement for a while were chipmunks and birds. I suppose it was a good sign that the chipmunks were back in the area and I could see acorns on the ground around me as I was under an oak tree so it meant there was food around. A couple of doe came through in a nearby ravine after I had been sitting for a couple of hours. There was no chance for a shot due to the terrain and brush but it was nice to see some deer. Someone drove in on the nearby road in the posted area and was doing some sort of work. I assume he worked with the lumber company that owns the posted land. I didn't see much of anything until after he left. In the early afternoon, a couple of doe again came through but in the opposite direction using the same ravine and again not giving much of a chance for a shot. A short time after, around 2:30pm, while I was turning to survey the area to the north, I saw a buck had snuck up on me. I ended up measuring that it was about 40 yards away. I tried to make my movement as subtle as I could but reached for my crossbow and set up for a shot. The buck appeared to be legal. It began to stomp a bit and I figured it was getting ready to run away. It moved but did so in such a way that it gave me a better shot and I took it. I hit the buck and as I ran somewhat toward me then turned east into the posted land, I could see it was bleeding. I had concern though that I hit higher than I intended. I have read a number of stories about folks hitting a bit too high and missing the vitals. I just hoped I hadn't done that. I'm not sure if I aimed a little too high as I wasn't sure the exact distance, or if the deer might have ducked as I shot. I walked over to where I had hit it and found blood nearby where it ran. I could not find the bolt. I had heard the sound of impact on wood but I found that it appeared the deer kicked a downed tree and broke off some of it. I waited in hopes the deer wouldn't go too far and I wouldn't spook it. In the meantime I surveyed where I hit the deer hoping to find the bolt. I never did. 45 minutes or an hour after I took the shot, I began to track the deer. While I waited I went to my other blind I often use for rifle and checked it out to see if it was still solid or if there were any tracks nearby. I also ate my last sandwich and finished off my coffee before heading out to try to find the deer. I left the stool at my stand so it was one less thing to carry. I followed the blood trail into the posted land and up a very steep hill. The blood drops were becoming more sporadic as I went and I heard a deer snort as I got closer to the top but I couldn't see anything. I lost the trail a couple times but would eventually pick it back up and continued to follow it north until it was just too dark to see. I marked the spot on my <a href="https://www.basemap.com/" target="_blank">Basemap app</a> then headed down the hill to get my stool and head in for the night. I hoped I would be able to find it in the morning.<br /><br />On Friday November 10th, 2023, I went back into the woods following pretty much the same track I did the day before except I took an easier path to the top of the hill to get back on the blood trail. I spooked a couple deer as I made my way up the hill. I was able to find the blood pretty easily, but the drips after that continued to be more spread our and smaller. I lost the trail a few more times. After finding it again, I decided to take a quick coffee break. While doing so, a black squirrel was running around nearby. I switched to a bolt with field tips in case the opportunity to shoot at the squirrels presented itself. There was also a grey squirrel in the area. At a couple points, I considered trying to get set up to take a shot at the squirrels but never had a good opportunity. I followed the blood downhill a ways until I lost it for good. I searched all around and found several tracks but never found blood again. As I was circling back, several bucks came running by up the hill. While their antlers were similar to the one I shot the day before, I didn't see any indication on any of them as having been hit by a bolt. If ready, I probably could have gotten a shot at one of them at least. By this time, I decided to eat a sandwich so I found a spot to rest. I was texting with my uncle updating him on the search and seeing if he had advice. While doing so, those bucks returned and once again, had I been ready, I could have probably had at least a shot at one of them. They continued up the hill. I walked a bit in that direction just to see the terrain. I thought about reaching out to the lumber company for permission to hunt the land as well. As I prepared to head back to the last blood drop, which by this point had dried up due to the sun, several more deer ran by. There were a few doe and at least one buck. I could have had a shot once again but was not ready. I was also making a post seeking some advice from other hunters. I ended up walking downhill following some tracks. I figured checking the creek bed nearby was probably my best bet at that point. My uncle called me as I made my way down the hill and suggested the same thing. I walked along the creek bed in both directions but never found any sign of the deer having bedded down in the area nor any blood drops. I decided to head back to my spot and rest for a bit. I wasn't there long before a doe came through along the ravine and continued into the posted land. A short time later, a small buck came from the posted land straight toward me. I was set up and ready to take a shot until I saw the antlers and realized it was a protected buck. It walked within 5 yards of me, even stopping for a moment before continuing on its way It never acted as though it was bothered by my presence. After another hour, a buck walked along the road in the posted land then turned southwest coming back toward me but along the ravine and in the brush. It appeared to be following the doe's trail but the opposite direction. I could never get a good shot at it. It then encountered another buck to the south of me and they engaged in an antler wrestling match for a few moments then both continued on their way. Neither ever gave me a shot. It wasn't long before it became dark at this point so I headed back in. I talked with my uncle a bit more and decided to take up his offer of his ladder stand for Saturday's hunt.<br /><br />On Saturday November 11th, 2023, I had to get up a bit earlier to get to my uncle's house and he went with me to show me where to park and where to go to get to his ladder stand. I found it easily enough. As we parked, I saw a doe nearby by in a residental yard. I also saw a black squirrel. Once I got into the tree stand, I had a lot of bird, chipmunk and squirrels around making all sorts of noise. One red squirrel in particular seemed annoyed at my being in the tree. I could hear some shooting nearby...I assumed it was probably squirrel hunters using a .22. Around 10:30am, a couple of doe came through the thick brush to my right. They stayed just beyond where I felt comfortable taking a shot. I'm not sure if they ever noticed me. Where I had hoped that they might go, one began to head in that direction then turned and left the area with its companion. Around a half hour later, I heard a noise and a small buck was making his way through the thicket as well but never gave me a shot either and went the opposite direction as the doe. For the rest of the day I didn't see anything other than squirrels, chipmunks, and birds until just after sunset when a small group of doe came out of the woods behind me and to my right. I had my crossbow and was ready if they continued to walk in the same trajectory but the first one in the group spotted me, got spooked, and it sent the whole group running back into the cover of the dense woods. The first deer stayed where I could have possibly taken a shot but I couldn't maneuver well enough and still feel safe in the ladder stand. I eventually climbed down as it was too dark. I could hear the deer snorting in the woods and could see their movement as the hadn't gone that far in but there was no shot to take. I walked out and could see the silhouette of some deer running away from where I was heading. I decided I would go back to where I had been hunting before for the last day I had on this trip as I saw a bit more while there. I informed my uncle of my decision.<br /><br />On Sunday November 12th, 2023, I returned to the spot I had been hunting as I planned. I got set up and decided to reach out to a tracker to see if they might feel it is worth it to try to track my deer. As I typed, some doe came out of the posted land but I didn't have much of a shot at most of them. One was standing broadside and I decided to try to take that shot. I hit the wood on my blind instead and it sent all those deer running. Again, I could not find the bolt I had shot and really had no clue as to where it might have gone. Not too long after this a couple of ruffed grouse flew into the nearby hemlock tree. I had not seen any ruffed grouse in the previous years of hunting so I looked it up to make sure and then double checked the seasons to ensure if I could shoot one. I switched to a field tip bolt and took a shot. It seemed that I shot high as the bird ducked. It flew off into the posted land as I cocked the crossbow and the other one ended up flying off just as I was about ready to take another shot. I never saw anything else the rest of the day except a couple of chipmunks.<br /><br />That evening we had our family Thanksgiving dinner and exchanged Christmas gifts as we had planned to do. The Christmas tree got set up and even the neighbors had their inflatable decor up by this point. It probably was somewhat inconvenient to have "Christmas" so early but the hope was having a successful hunt and forgoing the usual Thanksgiving trip.<br /><br />We drove back to Chicago on Monday November 13th, 2023. We stopped in most of the same places we used coming out to Warren. We spent a bit of time in the Erie <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Walmart</a> while charging and I set a modest high score on the display model <a href="https://www.pacman.com/en/" target="_blank">Pacman</a> game. We added one stop at a rest area heading back to try to keep from getting too low on the battery. Our last stop had chargers which were showing as unavailable on the app but when I pulled up, they showed as available. I plugged in and it began to charge right away. I ended up getting a free charge!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Wednesday November 15th, 2023, I bought tickets using the <a href="https://gametime.co/" target="_blank">Gametime app</a> to see <a href="https://skinnypuppy.com/" target="_blank">Skinny Puppy</a> on their final tour and what would be their final Chicago date. They had added a couple other dates (Monday and Tuesday) which we may have been able to find cheaper tickets but we were traveling on Monday and I didn't check on Tuesday until it was too late. I had assumed that the Monday show which was the last one added due to demand was the final show and that the others were over the weekend. The show was at <a href="https://www.houseofblues.com/chicago" target="_blank">House of Blues</a> which is not a venue I particularly enjoy. It's run by <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a>/<a href="https://www.livenation.com/" target="_blank">Livenation</a> and also doesn't seem to have the best sound nor is it easy to see on packed nights like this one. At any rate, I finally got to see <a href="https://skinnypuppy.com/" target="_blank">Skinny Puppy</a> and I decided to capture and share the very last song that they played which was "Smothered Hope."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TbfUvV71Zx8" width="560" youtube-src-id="TbfUvV71Zx8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/TbfUvV71Zx8">https://youtu.be/TbfUvV71Zx8</a><br />On Friday November 17th, 2023, we went to the <a href="https://auditoriumtheatre.org/" target="_blank">Auditorium Theater</a> to see <a href="https://beetlejuicebroadway.com/" target="_blank">Beetlejuice: The Musical</a>. I captured some of the lights on State Street as we made our way from the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA</a> station to the theater. It was a fun musical. We were in seats way up at the top of the building but we could see decently well and had a good evening.<br /><b><u><br />11.18.2023<br /></u></b>On Saturday November 18th, 2023, there was a show in the Garden Room at <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/">J.P.U.S.A.</a> with <a href="https://kevinschlereth.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Schlereth</a> traveling in and <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> and <a href="https://christianwelch.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Christian Welch</a> playing on their home turf. On our way back from getting groceries in Indiana along I-94, we passed the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA</a> Holiday Train as it traveled south on the Red Line. It seemed a bit early for the Holiday Train. We captured the footage anyway using the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. Elphie also captured it with her iPhone. At the show, I captured a song from each artist as I usually do. <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> was a lineup of just Skot and Colleen and I captured the song "No More Wrong." After the show, we caught up a bit with <a href="https://kevinschlereth.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Kevin</a> and <a href="https://christianwelch.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Christian</a>. I asked about <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline Fest</a> which I missed due to hunting. It was good to see them all. As we left, we decided to drive through Wrigleyville then down Michigan Avenue to capture the city Christmas lights. We also went by <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html" target="_blank">Millennium Park</a> and captured the Christmas Tree. i used the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> for most of this as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UonOyX7J6gs" width="560" youtube-src-id="UonOyX7J6gs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/UonOyX7J6gs">https://youtu.be/UonOyX7J6gs</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pwp4DjZyuAA" width="560" youtube-src-id="Pwp4DjZyuAA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Pwp4DjZyuAA">https://youtu.be/Pwp4DjZyuAA</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dJ7bo1XJgAI" width="560" youtube-src-id="dJ7bo1XJgAI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dJ7bo1XJgAI">https://youtu.be/dJ7bo1XJgAI</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u><b>11.19.2023 - 11.30.2023</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Sunday November 19th, 2023, we attended the annual Disgracegiving with <a href="https://wastelandsuspensions.com/home">Disgraceland Wasteland</a> Suspensions at <a href="https://wastedyouthtattoo.com/home" target="_blank">Wasted Youth Tattoo and PMA Piercing Studio</a>. We stopped to pick up some chicken and fritters from <a href="https://whitefencefarm-il.com/" target="_blank">White Fence Farm</a> along the way. As we left to come home, I captured some Christmas Lights along one of the exits of I-55. On Tuesday November 22nd, 2023 I captured the Blue Cross Blue Shield building and its "Give Thanks" message written in its lights.<br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I decided to return to Pennsylvania for at least a couple days of the rifle season. I drove out on Thanskgiving day, November 23rd, 2023. I left at around 10am and arrived in Warren at around midnight. The trip wasn't too bad except the first charging stop had an Amazon truck parked in front of both stations blocking access to the one listed as unavailable while charging from the other one. I decided to continue the next 25 miles to the station in South Bend, Indiana where I was able to plug in and charge as I needed to. I ended up having Sbarro Pizza for Thanksgiving dinner. Elphie had Thanksgiving with friends at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityOJCR" target="_blank">Community of the Holy Trinity</a> house.<br /><br />On Friday November 24th, 2023, I showed my father that property information I had found on the area we typically hunt. I showed him where I had been entering through our relative's property and also showed another area owned by relatives that I had been given permission if we wanted to try that. I didn't get much of an answer from him, which is typical, so I decided I'd just go to where I had been hunting and if he wanted to go there too then he could. My mom attempted to try a harness on her cat Charlie and she kicked out of it and her collar while we watched hockey.<br /><br />On Saturday November 25th, 2023, it was the first day of the rifle season for deer. I entered the woods from the property owned by my relatives once again. I didn't forget anything this time! I drove separately from my father as he wasn't quite ready to go yet and appeared he'd prefer to drive himself. I took the long walk in and as I approached the pipeline near the tree where I shot my 4-point buck in 1994 with my grandpa, I spooked a couple deer who took the path right by that tree. I followed their trail, deciding not to use that spot. I continued toward the compost dump and found a spot not all that far from where I shot my 8-point buck in 2014 but decided to continue and set up where I had been during the archery season. There had been a lot of movement while there so I hoped it might continue. I got set up and situated and found my father had texted and that he had forgotten his rifle and got his car stuck. I responded to his question on how I entered the woods and then saw a group of deer coming out of the posted area probably about 100 yards to the north of me. They continued and never got any closer as far as I could tell. Not too long after that, a group of turkeys came through the exact same path, keeping about 100 yards from me. One of each group stopped in a clear spot and looked, perhaps seeing me, before continuing on their way. I could hear gunfire but most of it wasn't all that close. One shot did seem very close then another not that much further off. The second sounded as though it could have been in the direction where my father sets up but it wasn't him. At around 10:30am, I heard noise and saw movement in the posted land. There were deer running that appeared to have been spooked by something. They appeared that they would continue further into the posted area at first then made a turn toward me! I got myself set and ready to take a shot if the deer continued toward me and they did! I picked one out and could see clearly that there were no antlers then I took my shot and hit it! I could tell right away by its reaction and watch as it ran a short distance before crashing into a downed tree. I actually lost sight of the deer itself but the movement of the tree once I heard it crash told me exactly where the deer ended up. The other deer with it ran south, though one stopped in a spot where I could have gotten a shot at it as well. I ejected the spent shell and reloaded in case I might need to take a second shot. Once the other deer had run out of sight, I got up and found the blood right away. I had hit this deer pretty close to where I had hit the buck during the archery season...probably only a few yards difference. I really didn't need to follow the blood trail as I could see the body laying by the tree. It was pretty evident it was dead but I checked anyway by poking at it. I informed my parents and Elphie that I had gotten a doe. I went back to get my backpack so I could begin gutting it. My father came out from his stand and helped me out. It turned out the doe still had milk in her! That was weird and a first for me. My father said he had gotten one like that once. We got the deer gutted and started to drag it out. I ended up using the road in the posted land to make it a bit easier terrain to navigate. My father took the deer while I went to get my car. The gate into the old compost dump was open so once I got my car, I drove through to get to my father and the deer. A couple other folks came down on ATVs. The second guy spoke to me for a moment and said the first ATV had an 8-point buck. I explained that when I saw the gate open I decided to drive in to pick up the deer so we didn't have to drag as far and the guy said there's no point in doing more work than you have to. We went back to get my father's car unstuck then took the deer, got it hung up, and began the work of skinning and butchering it. I thought about going back out to see if I could get a buck as well but determined that the meat from this deer would probably be sufficient for us and I didn't need to try to get another. I also needed the time to cut as much as I could before heading back to Chicago. I spent the evening working through some pieces I was able to get off of the body of the deer as well as some of the back strap (or chops). Most of the meat would be used for grinding or stew that I worked on. I watched the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Penguins</a> hockey game while butchering the meat.<br /><br />I spent most of the day on Sunday November 26th, 2023 working on the meat I could get off the body of the deer while watching the <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> beat the <a href="https://www.bengals.com/" target="_blank">Bengals</a>. I started out working around the ribs and backbone...seeing what I could get off of that. I also worked a bit on the neck meat. Once I got as much off of it as I thought I could at that time, I hung the ribcage back up and then brought the tarp down off of the hill to spray it as clean as possible for the transport back to Chicago. I went inside to work on the pieces I had cut from the deer while my father decided it was time to put his winter tires on their cars. He decided for some reason it would be a good thing to try to mess with my car which always results in conflict and issues. I continued to work on the meat. We ended up having a dinner of the tenderloin and it was very good. I finished up as much as I could before it got very late then prepared everything for the trip back to Chicago.<br /><br />On Monday November 27th, 2023, I got up around 8am and began to get ready for the long trip back to Chicago. I began to load the car with the meat in quarters as well as the ribcage, hide, and head of the deer. I used garbage bags and freezer packs in hopes to keep the meat cool and from being spoiled on the trip. I also loaded up all my hunting gear (except the rifle and ammunition) in case of an opportunity to hunt either in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, or Michigan dependent on some information I received of people with properties who may be willing to let me hunt. During the drive back, there was light to moderate snow between Warren and Erie. Once in Erie, I stopped for a charge however all the chargers were occupied. Thankfully, I was able to get a full charge while plugged into the garage at my parents house and was able to utilize that to get to a Sheetz on the east side of Cleveland where I took a fairly long charge. I worked out the rest of the charges to be spaced out about an hour apart in hopes to lessen the stop times a little bit. I was able to get to each station with a good amount of leeway except the last one...on that one I was pushing it a bit but I did make it. It had to be a longer charge but the machine didn't charge me once again! I got back to Chicago and unloaded everything but the meat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I spent my hours off work butchering and processing the meat from the deer over the days that followed. On Tuesday November 28th, 2023, I worked primarily getting the meat of the bones I mostly finished that so I was able to put most of the meat into the refrigerator at that point and Wednesday November 29th and Thursday November 30th, 2023, I cut the meat into steaks and other cuts. The rest of the meat I separated to be put through the grinder in order to make burgers and jerky. I also separated some to be used in stews as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><u>December in Chicago and Southern Family Christmas<br /></u></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yQ7GAHIM-vY" width="560" youtube-src-id="yQ7GAHIM-vY"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/yQ7GAHIM-vY">https://youtu.be/yQ7GAHIM-vY</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>12.01.2023</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday December 1st, 2023, Uptown was having its annual Wilson Winter Walk. I didn't realize this until I was leaving work and saw the people out and about. I decided to take my things to my car and checked <a href="https://everybodyscoffee.com/" target="_blank">Everybody's Coffee</a> to see if they were having music again. Sure enough, once again they had <a href="https://gkaisersoze.wixsite.com/" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser</a> and <a href="https://thecrossing.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Crossing</a> playing tunes. I decided to head over there and caught the last couple songs by <a href="https://thecrossing.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Crossing</a>, capturing "March Of The Kings Of Laois/Scotland." <a href="https://gkaisersoze.wixsite.com/" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser</a> played solo this year and I decided I wanted to capture a song where he used his cigar box guitar. I captured the only song where he used it which was "The First Noel." After the show, I headed back home to work a bit more on the butchering process of my deer. I didn't do a lot of work on this night but I did get some done.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K7lLFrd77uA" width="560" youtube-src-id="K7lLFrd77uA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/K7lLFrd77uA">https://youtu.be/K7lLFrd77uA</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iriNuD9q8RY" width="560" youtube-src-id="iriNuD9q8RY"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/iriNuD9q8RY">https://youtu.be/iriNuD9q8RY</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>12.03.2023 - 12.08.2023</u></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Sunday December 3rd, 2023 I grilled a couple steaks I freshly cut during the week from the deer. I hadn't even put it in the freezer yet (I did have it in the refrigerator)! It turned out great! Elphie made some mashed potatoes to have with the steaks while we watched football. On Tuesday December 5th, 2023, I cut as much meat as I could off the ribcage and alone the spine and neck. On Wednesday December 6th, 2023 I detached the deer's head from its hide and worked the hide off the head. I saved the tongue, some meat from the cheeks, and salvaged what I could from the rest of the neck. I worked off as much skin and other tissue as I could then put it in the freezer to deal with another time. On Thursday December 7th, 2023, I captured footage of the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA</a> Holiday train passing through Uptown Chicago using the <a href="https://www.ccc.edu/colleges/truman/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Truman College</a> parking garage. I went out as it passed southbound and captured the footage. As it happened to work out, I was able to capture it again as it returned northbound after I got off of work.<br /><br />On Friday December 8th, 2023, I took my lunch break at the <a href="https://www.christkindlmarket.com/" target="_blank">Christkindlmarket</a> in Wrigleyville. I also stopped by <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> to get tickets for Nocturna coming up. I got pierogis from the <a href="https://www.princeofpierogi.com/" target="_blank">Prince of Pierogi</a> booth then went into the Sweet Castle to get some Christmas Soda and Topkuss candies. That evening, I went to a show featuring several Oi bands from Montreal put on by Kyle Bawinkel. His band <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fuerzabrutaoi/" target="_blank">Fuerza Bruta</a> also played. It was in the <a href="http://Ballroomprojects.tumblr.com" target="_blank">Archer Ballroom</a> just a couple miles from the house. I'm not sure exactly what the space is used for but the ceiling supports remained in skeletal form and it was interesting. I got there just as <a href="https://lostlegionchicago.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Lost Legion</a> began but being a floor show and the crowd, I couldn't really see anything. I saw where Daniel Feldstein was and moved up to talk to him a bit then managed to secure a spot where I could at least see a little bit better. They played a short set and before I could get and footage, they were done. <a href="https://roachlegrecords.bandcamp.com/album/spleen-demo" target="_blank">Spleen</a> played second then <a href="https://roachlegrecords.bandcamp.com/album/puffer-s-t-ep" target="_blank">Puffer</a>...both out of Montreal and sharing members. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fuerzabrutaoi/" target="_blank">Fuerza Bruta</a> was third followed by <a href="https://betonarmeoimtl.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Béton Armé</a> who were the other Montreal based band (also sharing members from the others) and the night closed with <a href="https://mockexecutionpunk.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Mock Execution</a>. It was cool to hang with Daniel a bit during and after the show. I didn't edit and process this group of videos until after obtaining my new <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> with <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> installed. I am still adjusting to the new program and computer. I found some things to be much easier which is nice. When making the title, I could not find my preferred font (Portago ITC) so I went with something else that appeared similar. I'm not sure I really like how it turned out. After the editing, processing, and uploading of these videos and the next one, I downloaded the Portago ITC font and that appears it works with <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> so future projects will utilize it. I also played around with the settings to get some other aspects of the titling more to my liking.<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/geYhqOy2aSM" width="560" youtube-src-id="geYhqOy2aSM"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/geYhqOy2aSM">https://youtu.be/geYhqOy2aSM</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_dLSe4WFikY" width="560" youtube-src-id="_dLSe4WFikY"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/_dLSe4WFikY">https://youtu.be/_dLSe4WFikY</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8EOIPHGm_CI" width="560" youtube-src-id="8EOIPHGm_CI"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/8EOIPHGm_CI">https://youtu.be/8EOIPHGm_CI</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8p2cDe44Gw" width="560" youtube-src-id="Y8p2cDe44Gw"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/Y8p2cDe44Gw">https://youtu.be/Y8p2cDe44Gw</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JG7oBYLlSdo" width="560" youtube-src-id="JG7oBYLlSdo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/JG7oBYLlSdo">https://youtu.be/JG7oBYLlSdo</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><u>12.09.2023</u></b></div><span>On Saturday December 9th, 2023, Elphie and I went out to Tinley Park to catch the Hooked on the Holidays improv show at the <a href="https://www.tinleyparkdistrict.org/location/tinley-park-performing-arts-center/" target="_blank">Tinley Park Performing Arts Center</a> which had a couple sets by <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a> mixed in. I captured <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Oh</a>s playing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." It was the opening song of the first set that they played. I used <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> once again to edit and process this video and my lack of familiarity with the program as well as the my preferred font )Portago ITC) not being available, I ended up with the title you see here. I have since downloaded the Portago ITC font and after messing around a bit with the settings, I have it looking pretty much how I prefer now for the next projects. As for the night, it was a fun show and it was cool to see the Robieson's again...it had been a while since they recently birthed a child. Before heading out to the show, I worked on processing the meat I was able to get off of the head and upper neck of my deer. Most of it was best suited for grinding but I did manage to get a few more pieces to put in the stew packages. After the show, we stopped to get a charge at a Level 2 charger in Tinley Park. It turned out to be free!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jBVlcC0iAEo" width="560" youtube-src-id="jBVlcC0iAEo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/jBVlcC0iAEo">https://youtu.be/jBVlcC0iAEo</a><br /><b><u>12.10.2023 - 12.17.2023</u></b><br />Sunday December 10th, 2023 I brought out the meat grinder and got to work on the remaining venison. The plan was to make some of it into burger meat. I had purchased some beef tallow to use to help get the meat to stick together to form into burger patties. The rest we planned to turn into jerky using the dehydrator that Moses had given us. I had placed an order for some pink salt then later a jerky gun from <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Walmart</a> in order to make the jerky. We had most of the seasonings needed but picked up a few items such as the liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce. Running the meat through the grinder was interesting. At some points it came out a bit wetter than I expected and some blood came out the where the attachment connected to the motor. It also appeared to cook the meat a little bit as it went through. At the end of the process I had found some fat and tendon and wrapped itself around the gears and began to cook. As I cleaned up after, I took it all apart and got rid of those pieces. In the end, we had about 10 pounds we made into burgers. I'm not sure how much we made into jerky but it took three sessions. The first we started on Friday December 15th, 2023 after obtaining the jerky gun. It took several hours to dehydrate the meat and while that process was going, it made the house smell quite good. We did the second batch on Saturday December 16th, 2023 prior to heading out to <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> for Nocturna that evening. We got to see a few friends at Nocturna and it was a good time as usual. The final batch of jerky was made on Monday December 18th, 2023. It didn't require all five levels of the dehydrator. The jerky turned really good and we dispersed a lot of it as Christmas gifts.<br /><br />On Sunday December 17th, 2023, the <a href="https://www.flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a> had a Christmas gathering at the Theisen House in Dyer, Indiana. Jon Pratt grilled some meats and those who were part of the secret Santa gift exchange attempted to partake in that by zoom as many folks are in other parts of the world. There was a quick live streamed acoustic <a href="https://www.flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>/<a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a> show from Bob's music room which I handled the camera duties by holding the phone. I held two phones at the beginning so I could capture "Christmas Is Here" performed by Tobin, Josh, and Anastasia. I used the 0.5 zoom giving it something of a fish eye effect but capturing the entire room. It was a fun night hanging out with friends. I shared some of the venison jerky we made over the weekend as well with those who wanted a taste. Elphie tried out a game that had something to do with monkey tails which were inflated and hooking them on a cardboard cut out thing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8oN-oUecyHk" width="560" youtube-src-id="8oN-oUecyHk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/8oN-oUecyHk">https://youtu.be/8oN-oUecyHk</a><br /><b><u>12.20.2023</u></b><br />On Wednesday December 20th, 2023, I had to wake up way too early to be at work for the holiday party for the men's program at <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a>. It went fairly well, everyone seemed to have gotten enough to eat and most folks got what the needed from the gifts we had available as well. At home that evening, I made a quick update video with regards to my purchase of a new <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> installed with <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a>. I have used these on the last few video posts I made (The oi show, The Uh Ohs, and the Ollie Mob Christmas). I used my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a> on all those videos as most of this update video as well but I captured a clip using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> in order to test it and see how it worked with the computer and program. It worked fine. In fact, so far, <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> has proven to be much easier to work with than <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro 7</a> had been. I would take the video files and have to import them through <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id377298193" target="_blank">iMovie</a> before working on them in <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> before. I have been able to import all the files directly into <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> which lessens the time considerably. I also exporting the file is much quicker and simpler in <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a>. I haven't had to use <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/compressor/" target="_blank">Compressor</a> (or download it if it's not included) because the option to make a compressed video for social media use is built into <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a>. I always resisted the move to <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> because it sort of felt "dumbed down" but I am finding the ease of operation to be quite refreshing. I'm sure as I learn the program and do more things such as music videos there will be a lot I will need to figure out but these simple projects I'm starting with have really been quite easy to create. I ran into a preference issue early on. The first few videos use a font I wasn't particularly happy with and the formatting wasn't coming together as I would have liked. I spent some time messing around with it then looked up my preferred font called Portago ITC and downloaded it. I also downloaded "Bones" while I was as it. I got both to work in <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> and can proceed with my preference in that regard. The catalyst for finally upgrading was when I tried to import some music into my <a href="https://www.apple.com/ipad/" target="_blank">iPad</a> and the old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> could not do the necessary software update to complete that task. I had to use Elphie's <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/" target="_blank">Macbook Air</a>. I also have had to use Elphie's <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/" target="_blank">Macbook Air</a> to import video from my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhones</a> for the last several years due to the old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> not being able to complete that task very well either. This was another complication I am glad to not have to deal with...and I'm sure Elphie is glad I don't have to ask to use her computer anymore, ha! This was the last thing I would get done in 2023...all the seasonal and holiday projects will be edited and completed in January probably. At that point, I will learn the process of adding the soundtracks and hopefully that will be relatively easy as well. There is more to be read on this if you wish, here.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lm7iP6D-LzY" width="560" youtube-src-id="Lm7iP6D-LzY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Lm7iP6D-LzY">https://youtu.be/Lm7iP6D-LzY</a><br /><b><u>12.22.2023 - 01.06.2024</u></b><br />On Friday December 22nd, 2023, we departed for the south for the Southern Family Christmas. Before leaving, we handed off the rib cage from my deer to our friend James who had plans to make some sort of art. He also turned out to have access to flesh eating beetles through <a href="https://www.woollymammothchicago.com/" target="_blank">Woolly Mammoth</a> and I hoped maybe I could drop off the deer skull as well so to lessen my efforts on cleaning that thing. I had mapped out the plan for charging and we left with the car around 80% charged. Getting out of Chicago proved to be a slow process and so we stopped for a quick charge in Merrilville, Indiana. After getting the charge we needed (and perhaps a little more) we left to go stop at <a href="https://www.albanesecandy.com/" target="_blank">Albanese Candy Factory</a> where I picked up a couple of bags of goof ups. Heading back toward the highway looked to be another long effort so we tried a detour down to the next exit south and got on the highway from there. We had to make our next stop in Layfayette which was the one that seemed most concerning due to the reviews I had read but upon our arrival, there was a station available and no sign of anyone waiting. We pulled in, plugged in, then went into <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Walmart</a> to get some food. There wasn't really any restaurant options close by and it was raining pretty hard so we found some made to go foods to eat while we charged. From there, we had to drive to Indianapolis for our next charge which was in a mall parking garage. We walked around a bit in the mall while waiting. Once charged, we left and encountered someone dancing in the crosswalk. We did one more charge once we arrived in Cincinnati so that we could depart in the morning without having to stop right away. We got to the Sheehy's house a bit later than we had intended and hoped. This was mostly due to having to learn to adjust with the charging but also could be partially blamed on the slow commute out of Chicago.<br /><br />On Saturday December 23rd, 2023 we set out for North Carolina. I had once again mapped out our charging stops and for the most part we kept close to schedule. We had doubts we'd make it in time for one of the family gatherings taking place that evening. Our first charge stop in Georgetown, Kentucky was at a <a href="https://pilotflyingj.com/" target="_blank">Pilot</a> station with <a href="https://www.evgo.com/" target="_blank">EVgo</a> chargers. While there and waiting, we saw a <a href="https://www.circlek.com/" target="_blank">Circle K</a> truck fueling up and I found it to be funny. I was able to get a bottle of <a href="https://ale8one.com/" target="_blank">Ale-8-One</a> to drink for the drive. We had a second stop in Kentucky near the Tennessee border. It was necessary but I had intended on making a stop in that area anyway due to the significant energy use we'd be facing entering into the mountains in just a few miles upon entering Tennessee. That station had no water therefore no fountain drinks, coffee, slushies, or anything of that nature. While there, I cleaned our windows pretty good during the wait. As we went through Tennessee I captured the usual, the old abandoned amusement park and large cross. We stopped at <a href="https://www.bojangles.com/" target="_blank">Bojangles</a> just before our next charge and I found that they no longer serve <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Southern Shock! After charging again, our next charge was planned in Asheville. I captured our cross into North Carolina and the tunnels before arriving in Asheville. I found out that the station we planned to use was not in service. We had a friend, Steve Weese waiting to see us there so we went ahead as planned by getting food and eating at <a href="https://www.tacobell.com/" target="_blank">Taco Bell</a> while hanging out with Steve. I found an alternate charger which was about 20 miles away in the direction we were heading. It was at a college and was listed as potentially free. I believe I ended up getting charged for it though. We stopped there which added probably another hour to our trip. We also did a quick detour to see the Tryon Christmas light display. Instead of actually driving through it, we pulled into a parking lot and walked to see the entire display before continuing on our way to Elphie's family.<br /><br />On Sunday December 24th, 2023 we slept in then decided to utilize a nearby fast charger at a park to get our battery level up. We walked around the ball field checking out the decorated trees then played around in the playground area as we waited. There was another <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Chevy Bolt EUV</a> there as well. As we got close to finishing our charge, another electric vehicle pulled in so as soon as we got to 80%, we unplugged so that driver to utilize the charge. That evening, there was a family Christmas gathering with some great food and the exchanging of gifts. Elphie got several things that made her quite happy!<br /><br />On Monday December 25th, 2023, we got up so Elphie could see her nieces and nephews open gifts, then visited with her brother to see the kids there for a bit. In the afternoon we went to Elphie's mom's house, exchanged gifts and then got Chinese for Christmas at <a href="https://2000cafe.com/" target="_blank">2000 Cafe</a>.<br /><br />On Tuesday December 26th, 2023, Elphie had her niece and nephew go with us to <a href="https://www.katesonline.com/#/" target="_blank">Kate's skating rink</a>. I brought my own skates but decided to not skate this time. The kids mostly wanted to play the games and we got in a few games of air hockey.<br /><br />On Wednesday December 27th, 2023 we stopped at <a href="https://www.krispykreme.com/" target="_blank">Krispy Kreme</a> then drove to South Carolina to see Elphie's cousin. We brought her mom along as well.<br /><br />On Thursday December 28th, 2023, Elphie took her mom to get her hair did. I took the time to charge at a free Level 2 charger by a nearby hotel. We got <a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/" target="_blank">Chick-Fil-A</a> at the food court before the hair appointment then got <a href="https://www.redlobster.com/" target="_blank">Red Lobster</a> afterwards. We also visited another mall before calling it a night.<br /><br />On Friday December 29th, 2023 we got up to get our <a href="https://rosbbq.com/" target="_blank">R.O.'s Bar-B-Que</a> fix. Elphie's friend D came out as well as her mom. In the evening Elphie's brother-in-law celebrated his 50th birthday at the Moose Lodge. I was curious as to where the Moose head on the wall might have come from.<br /><br />We began our journey back north on Saturday December 30th, 2023. We made alternate plans for charging in Asheville because the <a href="https://www.evgo.com/" target="_blank">EVgo</a> station we intended to use was still out of service. We tried an <a href="https://www.electrifyamerica.com/" target="_blank">Electrify America</a> station and got some food at <a href="https://www.bojangles.com/" target="_blank">Bojangles</a> beforehand but the station was full with several cars lined up in waiting. I looked up another station at another college and we took the chance of going there hoping it would be open and it was! Elphie's friend Arthur came out to sit while we charged. A couple of other cars showed up while we were charging. One left and one left then returned. I unplugged at 80% so that person could get a charge and we could get on the road. The rest of the stops heading toward Cincinnati were the same as the drive down only it seemed we were using more energy on the return trip. It was a bit cooler but it also felt the trip was more uphill than down heading north. As we got into the Cincinnati area, we saw a light display at the ballfield for the local <a href="https://florenceyalls.com/" target="_blank">Florence Yalls</a>. We stopped at the <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> to get a stash of <a href="https://ale8one.com/" target="_blank">Ale-8-One</a> to bring back with us. We stayed with the Sheehy's again and though we were again later than we had hoped, we hung out a bit with them and chatted. They gave us a couple gifts and we gave them some jerky and a some silverware with bats on it.<br /><br />On Sunday December 31st, 2023 we set out to head back to Chicago. We stopped to see Lisa which took us across the river from Kentucky into Ohio then back to Kentucky. We hung for a bit then stopped to see the Humans as well. All this probably was longer than we should have been but we hadn't seen our friends in quite some time so it was good. We charged in Cincinnati and got <a href="https://www.pandaexpress.com/" target="_blank">Panda Express</a> as we waited. The weather conditions were such that we kept getting fog on our windows and as I tried to figure out a solution with the climate controls, we seemed to use a lot more energy heading toward Indianapolis than we had on our drive down. We made a change of plans for our charging stop using an <a href="https://www.electrifyamerica.com/" target="_blank">Electrify America</a> on the south of the city at a <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Walmart</a>. Making this stop allowed for a strange sight for Elphie as she sat in the <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Walmart</a>...a lady had brought her goats into the store and was walking with them. They apparently wore diapers as well. We got the charge we needed, though I changed stations after initially plugging in and getting a very low charge rate then headed to Layfayette for our next charge. We got there and no one else was using the stations so we were able to again plug in right away. A couple other folks came and charged but there was never a line of folks waiting and so I went ahead and charged fully to 100%. I hoped it would be enough to get home but we felt as we approached Merrilville that it might be good to get a little bit more charge before heading into Chicago. This was probably a good idea, however, I think we would have made it home. Once we got home, we arrived with about 15 minutes to spare before the eastern time New Year. We turned on the broadcast and watched it then I went out to unload the car and collect any mail. We had our Chicago New Year and I prepared us some glögg to drink. The neighborhood had quite a bit of fireworks going on and I captured some footage of that before settling in.<br /><br />On Monday January 1st, 2024, we had some more deer steak for dinner, we watched the Winter Classic hockey game, and we went to the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo Lights</a>. It took a bit to find parking but I did get parked and we were able to see the entire display before the zoo closed. It was the last free night of the season. We also visited with Christie and Mikey up at <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/">J.P.U.S.A.</a> and I captured some footage of the <a href="https://wilson-abbey.square.site/" target="_blank">Wilson Abbey</a> Window Advent display.<br /><br />On Saturday January 6th, 2024, we went to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityOJCR/" target="_blank">Community of the Holy Trinity</a> for their annual Twelveth Night/Epiphany party. We shared some more jerky with friends and had some good food and conversation while there. I also brought the deer hide and skull in case James' friends at <a href="https://www.woollymammothchicago.com/" target="_blank">Woolly Mammoth</a> happened to come out. They did not so I unloaded it once back home. We watched the video for "Auld Lang Syne" by <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a> and "In The Bleak Midwinter" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>. Stein sat on the TV stand as we watched.<br /><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Autumn Shelter" by <a href="https://fanlink.to/velour100" target="_blank">Velour 100</a>, "I'm Not The Devil" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, "Devil's Night" by <a href="https://godmodule.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">God Module</a>, "All Hallow's Eve" by <a href="https://danielson.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Danielson</a>, "Deviltown" by <a href="https://eeriewanda.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Eerie Wanda</a>, "Candyman Theme" by <a href="https://www.magicswordmusic.com/" target="_blank">Magic Sword</a>, "Don't Fear The Reaper" by <a href="https://marniestern.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marnie Stern</a> and <a href="http://www.fredarmisen.com/" target="_blank">Fred Armisen</a>, "Halloween" by <a href="https://oneida.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Onieda</a>, "Thriller" by <a href="https://scandroid.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Scandroid</a>, "Skeleton Dance" by <a href="https://voltaire.net/" target="_blank">Aurelio Voltaire</a>, "Artifice" by <a href="https://vnvnation.com/" target="_blank">VNV Nation</a>, "The Novemberist" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/braziltheband/" target="_blank">Brazil</a>, "Warm November Day" by <a href="https://geology.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Geology</a>, "The Boar's Head" by <a href="https://www.joshgarrels.com/" target="_blank">Josh Garrels</a>, "The Boar's Head Carol" by <a href="https://kevinmax.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Max</a>, "Good King Wenscelas" by <a href="https://sethmartinandthemenders.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Seth Mountain</a>, "I Wonder As I Wander" by <a href="https://deerhoof.website/" target="_blank">Deerhoof</a>, "What Child Is This" by <a href="https://timbre.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Timbre</a>, "Shatter The Dreams Of Darkness" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thinplacesband/" target="_blank">Garrett Viggers</a>, "O Holy" by <a href="https://wearefaintheart.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Faint Heart</a>, "Today" by Erin Tuttle Lockridge, "My Deer Hunter" by <a href="https://wearefaintheart.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Fear Before The March Of Flames</a>, "Hunt" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, "The Butcher" by <a href="https://www.project86.com/" target="_blank">Project 86</a>, "Americana Christmas" by <a href="https://thebellandthehammer.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Bell And The Hammer</a>, "Have Yourself A SCARY Little Christmas" by <a href="https://graverobberpunk.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a>, "Christmas Love" by <a href="https://candyclaws.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Candy Claws</a>, "All Christmastime Sings" by <a href="https://ronniemartin.org/" target="_blank">Ronnie Martin</a>, "O' Holy Night" by Untold Dream, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FrostLikeAshes/" target="_blank">Frost Like Ashes</a>, "Carol Of The Bells" by <a href="https://themyrrhderers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Myrrhderers</a>, "Coffee Slinger's Christmas" by <a href="https://harleypoe.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Harley Poe</a>, "Hark! The Herald Angel Sing" by <a href="https://folkangel.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Folk Angel</a>, "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaintOlafAndTheElectricReivers/" target="_blank">St. Olaf And The Electric Reivers</a>, "Carol Of The Bell (Tower)s" by <a href="https://www.project86.com/" target="_blank">Project 86</a>, "Auld Lang Syne" by The Lonesome Travelers, "Auld Lanxiety" by <a href="https://www.fiveironfrenzy.com/" target="_blank">Five Iron Frenzy</a>, and "12 Days Of Christmas" by <a href="https://www.relientk.com/" target="_blank">Relient K</a>.<br /><br />Footage filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>, </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 12 and 14</a><span> and </span><a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a><span> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles and other animations created and project e</span><span>dited using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a><span> by Joel A. Swanson.</span></div></div></div><span><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix</a></span>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-43524703007861449752023-12-21T12:00:00.000-06:002023-12-21T12:00:23.535-06:00Equipment Upgrade: New Mac Mini And Final Cut Pro X<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lm7iP6D-LzY" width="560" youtube-src-id="Lm7iP6D-LzY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm7iP6D-LzY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm7iP6D-LzY</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I made a quick update video on Wednesday December 20th, 2023 with regards to my purchase of a new <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> installed with <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a>. I have used these on the last few LIVE video projects I made (The December footage from oi show, The Uh Ohs, and the Ollie Mob Christmas). I used my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a> on all those videos as most of this update video as well but I captured a clip using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> in order to test it and see how it worked with the computer and program. It worked fine. In fact, so far, <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> has proven to be much easier to work with than <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro 7</a> had been. I would take the video files and have to import them through <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id377298193" target="_blank">iMovie</a> before working on them in <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> before. I have been able to import all the files directly into <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> which lessens the time considerably. I also exporting the file is much quicker and simpler in <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a>. I haven't had to use Compressor (or download it if it's not included) because the option to make a compressed video for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> use is built into <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a>.<br /><br />I always resisted the move to <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> because it sort of felt "dumbed down" but I am finding the ease of operation to be quite refreshing. I'm sure as I learn the program and do more things such as music videos there will be a lot I will need to figure out but these simple projects I'm starting with have really been quite easy to create. I ran into a preference issue early on. The first few videos use a font I wasn't particularly happy with and the formatting wasn't coming together as I would have liked. I spent some time messing around with it then looked up my preferred font called Portago ITC and downloaded it. I also downloaded "Bones" while I was as it. I got both to work in <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> and can proceed with my preference in that regard. I had been using my old <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook Pro</a> to access <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> for some of the title work due to <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion</a> no longer working on my old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a>. It seems I won't have to do that anymore with <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a>.<br /><br />The catalyst for finally upgrading was when I tried to import some music into my <a href="https://www.apple.com/ipad/" target="_blank">iPad</a> and the old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> could not do the necessary software update to complete that task. I had to use Elphie's <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/" target="_blank">Macbook Air</a>. I also have had to use Elphie's <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/" target="_blank">Macbook Air</a> to import video from my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhones</a> for the last several years due to the old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> not being able to complete that task very well either. This was another complication I am glad to not have to deal with...and I'm sure Elphie is glad I don't have to ask to use her computer anymore, ha!<br /><br />This project was the last thing I would get done in 2023...all the seasonal and holiday projects will be edited and completed in January probably. At that point, I will learn the process of adding the soundtracks and hopefully that will be relatively easy as well.<br /><br />I will keep the old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini (late 2009 model)</a> around...there is likely some use for it. I haven't attempted making a DVD yet with the new <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> and it doesn't come with a CD/DVD drive. While I have the external DVD drive that I had used due to the internal drive on the old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> not really working right anymore, it is possible that it may not work with the new <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a>. If that is the case, that will be one of the uses of the old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a>. Some of the photos and such that were in the old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> Photos app did not move over to the new <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> so those photos may end up staying on that computer as well to store.<br /><br />So the equipment I am currently using is as follows: <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini (late 2009)</a> and the new <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">2023 Mac Mini</a>, <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro 7</a> on the old <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> and <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a> on the new <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a>. An <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a> and a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024</a> for video capture along with occasionally using Elphie's <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 12</a> and the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> dash cam. Also there's the chance of using Skot and Rachel Shaw's <a href="https://gopro.com/" target="_blank">GoPro Hero</a> on occasion.<br /><br /><a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2021/10/equipment-upgrade-canon-rebel-t6s-with.html" target="_blank">I created an upgrade update on the camera side of things...more specifically as it relates to the Canon Rebel T6s a couple years back you can check out here if you wish.</a><br /><br /><span>Footage filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a> and </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a>.<span> Titles and other animations and e</span><span>dited using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a>. Filmed and edited<span> by Joel A. Swanson.</span></div></div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-87723501900165528882023-10-31T09:59:00.003-05:002023-10-31T09:59:44.892-05:00"I'm Not The Devil" by Leper (Music Video)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-GZrFUpQ9-0" width="560" youtube-src-id="-GZrFUpQ9-0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-GZrFUpQ9-0">https://youtu.be/-GZrFUpQ9-0</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Skot Shaw approached me with another video idea for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> which we got started on shooting in the middle of September 2023. The song this video would be for is called <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/track/im-not-the-devil" target="_blank">"I'm Not The Devil"</a> off of the <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/chasing-shadows" target="_blank">"Chasing Shadows"</a> release and it's about not judging others on appearances or other differences.<br /><br />The idea Skot had for settings for these shoots were in front of several churches around Chicago. His directive was to get as much detail on the art and architecture as I could while shooting the clips. Another idea he had was to use images from the art of Gustave Dore that depict the devil from Scripture as well as works such as Dante's Inferno or Paradise Lost. I found eight images that I felt worked and originally set them at the beginning of the video synced up to synth bass sounds. Skot suggested dropping them into spots throughout the video so I attempted to do that as well...adjusting the opacity to layer it over the exiting footage. I really ended up using one of the shots as the primary footage to work off of and then worked to sync the rest of the footage to that clip and later to the audio track. I messed around a bit with the settings until I was able to get the audio to be able to be "scrubbed" which allows me to visually see the levels of the audio and sync to that as well as attempting to read lips or guitar strumming patterns. All this was completed in a surprisingly low amount of time. I sent a first draft to Skot to make sure I was working the project in the right direction. After getting his approval, I worked on adjusting the appearance of the footage. I used the gradient colorize effect to bring the footage to a black and white appearance. I made some adjustments to ensure that the building architecture and art wasn't lost. I did this to each different clip as the lighting was different in each place where we captured footage. I then added in the old film effect to degrade the quality somewhat and also added in the vignette effect that seems to work well with the old film effect. I sent it to Skot for final approval. We discussed a few changes he'd like and worked out how to do them. Now it is available for all to see. Skot had an idea to shoot somewhere where there is a sunflower for him to cut, however, we never did get to that.<br /><br /><span>Footage filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> throughout Chicago.</span><span> Title created using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a><span>. Images by Gustave Doré found and downloaded from <a href="https://www.google.com" target="_blank">Google</a>. Edited using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a>.<span> Filmed and edited by by Joel A. Swanson. Directed by Skot Shaw.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">TigerRAWk Music Video Playlist</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl</a></div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-5282653471250847662023-10-16T12:28:00.008-05:002023-10-16T19:19:08.830-05:00Furnace Fest 2023! (A TigerRAWknRoll Summer Part 2)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v15x55ZcGTQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="v15x55ZcGTQ"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/v15x55ZcGTQ">https://youtu.be/v15x55ZcGTQ</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">When the full festival announcement was made for <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest 2023</a>, the inclusions of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ghotihookers/" target="_blank">Ghoti Hook</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrainingForUtopia/" target="_blank">Training For Utopia</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ninetypoundwuss/" target="_blank">Ninety Pound Wuss</a> pushed me over the edge on deciding to spring for the tickets. I bought them before a price hike would occur and I think I paid about the same price range as I did in 2021. There were a lot of great bands billed that I also wanted to see but those three were the catalyst to finally make the decision.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Elphie wasn't going to come on the trip this year so I booked a flight on <a href="https://www.southwest.com/" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a> to leave on Thursday and return on Monday morning so I'd only have one day off of work (and use a P.T.O.). I had talked to some friends about lodging possibilities but it seemed to fall through so then I got the idea of renting a vehicle to car camp in. This was the plan for a few months until <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate Allen</a> reached out to me about going and seeing about lodging together. I told him what I had planned but that I could make changes easily enough. We talked some more and then I began searching out hotels that didn't cost too much but had the amenities we both could live with. We settled on the <a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/alabama/homewood/quality-inn-hotels/al228" target="_blank">Quality Inn</a> in Homewood, Alabama which was about a 15 minute drive to <a href="https://www.slossfurnaces.com/" target="_blank">Sloss Furnaces</a> where <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> would be held.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I saved the artist announcement graphics and hoped to do a similar thing as I did with my <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/09/audiofeed-2023-tigerrawknroll-summer.html" target="_blank">Audiofeed project</a> for use as a promo video and intro to the whole project. I used the announcement graphics on each video clip of the artists positioned in the lower left corner along with date, song title (if I knew or could figure it out), and credit information. I ended up having to download an alternative version for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/showbread/" target="_blank">Showbread</a> because I couldn't find any graphic for them that matched the style of the others. I also made a couple for <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marco Castro</a> and <a href="https://destroynateallen.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a> to use for their performances during the Friday night after show that they threw by using one of the other graphics then copying/pasting a photo I took using my phone of them performing over the artist on the announcement then also pasting text over the artist's name. I took the polaroid style image on the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myonlypassenger/" target="_blank">My Only Passenger</a> instagram to use as a graphic for their performance and in the promo project as well. I put together the intro project after editing through all the other footage for this project. I used "Step Up (I'm On It) by <a href="https://www.mayleneandthesonsofdisaster.net/" target="_blank">Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster</a> as a soundtrack to the promo video as well as the beginning of the project as a whole.<br /><br />I made two travel map animated clips to use for the flights to Birmingham and back to Chicago on <a href="https://www.southwest.com/" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a> using <a href="https://www.google.com/maps" target="_blank">Google Maps</a> and a graphic I found and downloaded of a <a href="https://www.southwest.com/" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a> jet. I used both during the travel sequences of this project.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Adding in the after party that <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a> organized with <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marco</a> at <a href="True Story Brewing " target="_blank">True Story Brewing</a> on Friday night and the the <a href="https://officialzao.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">ZAO</a> clip from <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> on September 20th, 2023 in Chicago, I captured 47 clips or full performance videos from artists who played at <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>!<br /><br />I think I am basically happy with how everything turned out. The <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> footage is all from my iPhone due to their camera restrictions and sometimes it was hard to get decent shots when taller folks ended up directly in front of me but I think I mostly got the best shots that I could. I really do try to not hold my phone over my head where I'd be likely blocking the view of someone who may be behind me. I try to also set myself up in a place where I'd not going to be a nuisance by trying to capture some footage. If I was at all a nuisance to anyone else or blocked the view for a few minutes, I am sorry.<br /><br />That said, I think I am pretty well satisfied with this footage this year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>BONUS CONTENT</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>09.20.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xwHt05ML2pM" width="560" youtube-src-id="xwHt05ML2pM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/xwHt05ML2pM">https://youtu.be/xwHt05ML2pM</a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On Wednesday September 20th, 2023 I went to <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> to see <a href="https://officialzao.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">ZAO</a>. It was like attending a <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> pre-show since my flight wouldn't arrive early enough to attend any of them in Birmingham. I only ended up capturing footage of <a href="https://officialzao.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">ZAO</a> performing "Croatoan" though the other acts were quite good as well. <a href="https://capraband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Capra</a> ended up getting added last minute to <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> due to the unfortunate cancelation of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExtolOfficial/" target="_blank">Extol</a> (which set off quite the reaction for one person in particular but was a disappointment to us all I think) and I believe the members of <a href="https://yourspiritdies.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Your Spirit Dies</a> were around the grounds for <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: underline;">09.21.2023<br /></u><u><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6u380rtL6Xs" width="560" youtube-src-id="6u380rtL6Xs"></iframe></u><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/6u380rtL6Xs">https://youtu.be/6u380rtL6Xs</a></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;">After working at <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a> for the full day on Thursday September 21st, 2023, I drove home from work, ate dinner as I packed my bag the rest of the way, then walked to the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA Orange line</a> to catch a train to <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Midway Airport</a>. Passing through the security check went fairly smoothly and I found my way to the gate. There were announcements about it being a full flight and folks needed to check their luggage as there wasn't enough space in the bins. It was indeed a full flight with quite a few folks headed to <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> as well and I opted to push my bag under the seat in front of me. I ended up with an aisle seat as the plane had filled up quite a bit already. I picked a seat by a rather large man and lucked out that the middle seat remained empty. During the flight, I watched football. The flight attendants never brought drinks...I suppose due to the turbulence. I'm not sure if the seatbelt signs ever turned off. Once on the ground in Birmingham at <a href="https://www.flybirmingham.com/" target="_blank">Birmingham Shuttleworth Airport</a>, I reached out to <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate Allen</a> to see if he was still at the venue where he had a show. It turned out that he was so I ordered an <a href="https://www.uber.com/" target="_blank">Uber</a> and made my way to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/truestorybrewing/" target="_blank">True Story Brewing Company</a> and connected with <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a>. I was too late for his show, unfortunately but he was working on setting up an after show for Friday night at the same spot. He had Caleb with him from <a href="https://mustbuildjacuzzi.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Must Build Jacuzzi</a> and he'd also be staying in the hotel with us. <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marco Castro</a> never made it to the show and was able to get a room with folks he was volunteering with during <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>. We drove over to the <a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/alabama/homewood/quality-inn-hotels/al228" target="_blank">Quality Inn</a>, passing by the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/statue-vulcan" target="_blank">Vulcan Statue</a>, and after a few attempts to ring the bell, I finally got us checked in. We picked the entrance which was furthest from our room, ha! We got situated and got rest for the long weekend ahead.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: underline;">09.22.2023<br /></u><u><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hsinhmz-faw" width="560" youtube-src-id="hsinhmz-faw"></iframe></u><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/hsinhmz-faw">https://youtu.be/hsinhmz-faw</a></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday September 22nd, 2023, <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> began! <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a> and Caleb got up for the hotel's breakfast but I decided to sleep a bit longer. apparently it wasn't particularly good. We started heading to the <a href="https://www.slossfurnaces.com/" target="_blank">Sloss Furnaces</a> but decided to detour to an <a href="https://www.rei.com/" target="_blank">REI</a> where <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a> and I purchased hydration packs. While a bit expensive, they seem to have been good investments. We arrived and found a spot to park fairly close to <a href="https://www.slossfurnaces.com/" target="_blank">Sloss Furnaces</a>. It was in grass along the side of a road. My only concern was the train crossing as I recall in 2021, folks getting stuck waiting for quite a while on trains to pass. I put the intro project in this spot between our arrival in the area and our entry into <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>. I got a shot of <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a>'s bumper sticker as well, ha! We passed through the security check point at entry and I proceeded to seek out the <a href="https://unoriginalvinyl.com/" target="_blank">UnOriginal Vinyl</a> crew to get the exclusive <a href="https://www.toothandnail.com/" target="_blank">Tooth And Nail Records</a> pressings for this year which were <a href="http://www.stavesacre.com/" target="_blank">Stavesacre</a>'s Friction, Songs From The Penalty Box Volume One, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/showbread/" target="_blank">Showbread</a>'s Age of Reptiles. I had Otto Jensen requesting I get him copies as well (and it worked out!). I ran into Jonathn Magee shortly after entering the grounds and we chatted for a bit before I continued my hunt for the <a href="https://unoriginalvinyl.com/" target="_blank">UnOriginal Vinyl</a> Crew. I also ran into John Derry from England then Chris Smith prior to finding the <a href="https://unoriginalvinyl.com/" target="_blank">UnOriginal Vinyl</a> Crew and getting my OBIs and some for Otto as well! At this point I decided to find the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HopesfallOfficial/" target="_blank">Hopesfall</a> table and get The Satellite Years vinyl as well. While they were sold out, <a href="https://www.equalvision.com/" target="_blank">Equal Vision Records</a> had some at their table which happened to be the next one over so I bought it as well as Arbiter and got a free <a href="https://www.equalvision.com/" target="_blank">Equal Vision Records</a> T-shirt as well as a bag to carry it all in. I met back up with <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a> to get his car keys and took the merch to his car so I didn't have to carry it all day and returned to the grounds. I went to the water hoses and figured out how to fill up the hydration pack. It took a minute to figure things out with it, ha! While there, I found Sean Huncherick who had just returned from Europe and Sarah Maloney as they left the Shed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/otbIsIMZmro" width="560" youtube-src-id="otbIsIMZmro"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/otbIsIMZmro">https://youtu.be/otbIsIMZmro</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first band I caught after all the merch dealing and seeing friends was <a href="https://orthodoxtn.com/" target="_blank">Orthodox</a> in the Shed. <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> sponsored that stage again. They played a good set and I captured some footage toward the end of the set.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xqnhWqhANTw" width="560" youtube-src-id="xqnhWqhANTw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/xqnhWqhANTw">https://youtu.be/xqnhWqhANTw</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.theundertakingrocks.com/" target="_blank">The Undertaking</a> was playing the Main Stage sponsored by <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a>. I captured "No Friends" and also captured some footage of the turf laid out in an attempt to alleviate the dust as well as the sign for the kid's mosh pit. I also captured a couple clips of the pond and fountain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A0fpvYPyn6I" width="560" youtube-src-id="A0fpvYPyn6I"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/A0fpvYPyn6I">https://youtu.be/A0fpvYPyn6I</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Back in the Shed on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage I watch <a href="https://www.withbloodcomescleansing.com/" target="_blank">With Blood Comes Cleansing</a> and captured "Bring Out Your Dead" from their set.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wgFg-Y0dfeU" width="560" youtube-src-id="wgFg-Y0dfeU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/wgFg-Y0dfeU">https://youtu.be/wgFg-Y0dfeU</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> Main Stage, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/showbread/" target="_blank">Showbread</a> played again...they still aren't a band, they say. After their set, I decided to walk around to see the food options for this year and consider what I might get for dinner. I ran into Kaylynn and her dad in a shaded area near the food and caught up with them for a bit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3iiFx7n14_A" width="560" youtube-src-id="3iiFx7n14_A"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/3iiFx7n14_A">https://youtu.be/3iiFx7n14_A</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.project86.com/" target="_blank">Project 86</a> also played at <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/">Baked Brothers</a> Main Stage and I captured a new song called "Metatropolis." They were definitely showcasing a heavier feel and played a really good set! I decided at this point to eat a lobster roll from And Lobster. It was a bit smaller than I had hoped. I noticed a guy with a Leper patch on his vest...as it would turn out, <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marco Castro</a> knew him of course! His name was Aaron and I spoke a bit with him later that night when Marco made introductions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KAgDvKJRKTI" width="560" youtube-src-id="KAgDvKJRKTI"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/KAgDvKJRKTI">https://youtu.be/KAgDvKJRKTI</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went back to <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> to watch a bit of the <a href="https://knucklepuckil.com/" target="_blank">Knuckle Puck</a> set. They were pretty good.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/olay9EVr6iU" width="560" youtube-src-id="olay9EVr6iU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/olay9EVr6iU">https://youtu.be/olay9EVr6iU</a><br />I headed back to the Shed to see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WallsofJericho/" target="_blank">Walls Of Jericho</a> play on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage. I captured "A Trigger Full Of Promises" from their set. It was definitely better seeing them in the Shed rather than on the Pond stage!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/okIpdH4-zqc" width="560" youtube-src-id="okIpdH4-zqc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/okIpdH4-zqc">https://youtu.be/okIpdH4-zqc</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://gideonal.com/" target="_blank">Gideon</a> played next in The Shed on <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> and I captured a song early in the set. Prior to the set, I captured a shot of the No Mosh sign hanging from a side wall above the ADA section.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LeO4mkqz1xI" width="560" youtube-src-id="LeO4mkqz1xI"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/LeO4mkqz1xI">https://youtu.be/LeO4mkqz1xI</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went back over to <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> to see some of the <a href="https://throwdownoc.com/" target="_blank">Throwdown</a> set and captured "Hopeless." They made a joke about the older guys in the pit, ha! As I walked toward the Pond, I captured the Sloss water tower.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J1rEGJ2-d-s" width="560" youtube-src-id="J1rEGJ2-d-s"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/J1rEGJ2-d-s">https://youtu.be/J1rEGJ2-d-s</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ninetypoundwuss/" target="_blank">Ninety Pound Wuss</a> Setlist:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. No Lo Contendre</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. The Dawning Of This Night Divine</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Cut Throat</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Hope</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Queen Maggot</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Short Hand Operation</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Torment In Tension</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Junk</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Nostalgia</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. Misplaced Society</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">11. Something (DeSantis) Must Break!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ninetypoundwuss/" target="_blank">Ninety Pound Wuss</a> played on the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> stage at the Pond. They were one of the acts that tipped the scales for me to attend Furnace Fest this year. I thought they played a great set and sounded good. They also had guest vocals from Shaun from <a href="https://middleagedqueers.com/" target="_blank">Middle Aged Queers</a> and Josh Dies from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/showbread/" target="_blank">Showbread</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ninetypoundwuss/" target="_blank">Ninety Pound Wuss</a> ended the set with their re-worked version of "Something Must Break!" that they are calling "DeSantis Must Break!" The stage attire, the inclusion of Shaun of <a href="https://middleagedqueers.com/" target="_blank">Middle Aged Queers</a>, and the re-worked "DeSantis" lyrics of course brought certain reactions on the internet though I didn't see much of anything negative expressed at <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>. It was my first time seeing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ninetypoundwuss/" target="_blank">Ninety Pound Wuss</a> and I am very glad I got the chance! I had ordered their vinyl before the festival figuring it would be one less line to worry about.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Ai2afuPfVA" width="560" youtube-src-id="0Ai2afuPfVA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0Ai2afuPfVA">https://youtu.be/0Ai2afuPfVA</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I headed over to the Shed and captured a shot of the moon shining above it. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HopesfallOfficial/" target="_blank">Hopesfall</a> was playing the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage and I captured "Escape Pod For Intangibles" from there set. I also saw Jon Clark from Cincinnati. It had been some years! We chatted between bands and caught up on things. It was good to see him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O8yUhg_DICU" width="560" youtube-src-id="O8yUhg_DICU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/O8yUhg_DICU">https://youtu.be/O8yUhg_DICU</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I stayed at <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage in the Shed for the <a href="https://normajeannoise.com/" target="_blank">Norma Jean</a> set. It was a great set...might have been one of the best I've seen from them! I captured "Anthems For Angry Brides." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MbyxavLB-po" width="560" youtube-src-id="MbyxavLB-po"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/MbyxavLB-po">https://youtu.be/MbyxavLB-po</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went back to <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> Main Stage to see some of <a href="https://anberlin.com/" target="_blank">Anberlin</a>'s set and captured "Someone Anyone." Stephen Christian mentioned several times how the set was historical for him. I thought they sounded good...it was a long time since I last watched an <a href="https://anberlin.com/" target="_blank">Anberlin</a> set.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QUADHZccRak" width="560" youtube-src-id="QUADHZccRak"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/QUADHZccRak">https://youtu.be/QUADHZccRak</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Returning to the Shed one last time for the night, I watched some of <a href="https://www.hatebreed.com/" target="_blank">Hatebreed</a>'s <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage set. I captured "Last Breath." After the set, while using a port-a-potty, I was surprised by the light! I also captured some of the ads and stickers in the port-a-potty.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ei0XbugeH6g" width="560" youtube-src-id="Ei0XbugeH6g"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Ei0XbugeH6g">https://youtu.be/Ei0XbugeH6g</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mxpx.com/" target="_blank">MxPx</a> closed the night on <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> Main Stage and I captured a collaboration with Jeff Suffering when they played "Fist Vs. Tact." It was another good show as <a href="https://mxpx.com/" target="_blank">MxPx</a> typically does.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate Allen</a> did indeed work out an after show at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/truestorybrewing/" target="_blank">True Story Brewing</a> where he played the night before. He got <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marco Castro</a> involved as well and Marco, the ultimate hype man, tried his best to get the word out. He did collect a group of folks from a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlindsideSweden/" target="_blank">Blindside</a> <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> chat group to come out. There was a Ms. Pacman game that <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a> and I played. My allergies were getting to me pretty badly and affected my Pacman skills, unfortunately. The bar offered their hot dog menu so I ordered a Southern Belle which was pretty good. It had a BBQ slaw similar to <a href="https://rosbbq.com/" target="_blank">R.O.'s</a> in North Carolina.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xVm4m6mFMZY" width="560" youtube-src-id="xVm4m6mFMZY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/xVm4m6mFMZY">https://youtu.be/xVm4m6mFMZY</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once all set up, <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marco Castro</a> started the night and did a few songs. I captured "Savannah" done in Spanish.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zz2p4Fpx4wQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="Zz2p4Fpx4wQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Zz2p4Fpx4wQ">https://youtu.be/Zz2p4Fpx4wQ</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate Allen</a> played a <a href="https://destroynateallen.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a> set and I captured a story he told about his first band as well as the song "Asshole." It was his first show played while wearing shorts, apparently! We hung around a while and my allergies really began to act up. That part was no fun but it was a good night overall!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: underline;">09.23.2023<br /></u><u style="font-weight: bold;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yo_pXeq3QWs" width="560" youtube-src-id="Yo_pXeq3QWs"></iframe></u><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Yo_pXeq3QWs">https://youtu.be/Yo_pXeq3QWs</a></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday September 23rd, 2023, on our way to the second day of <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>, we stopped for breakfast at a taco truck called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Tacos-Mami-Nor-100083121590825/" target="_blank">Tacos Mami Nor</a>. It was in a parking lot next to the hotel. I ended up getting three tacos and a Mexican coke. It was really good! <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a> and Caleb got platters. We arrived and parked in the same general area we did the day before and upon entry, I got to work on collecting vinyl from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrainingForUtopia/" target="_blank">Training For Utopia</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livingsacrifice/" target="_blank">Living Sacrifice</a> for Otto and myself. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livingsacrifice/" target="_blank">The Living Sacrifice</a> vinyl was a QR Code so I took a picture and sent it to Otto. I took the vinyl to <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a>'s car, having to maneuver around a train that had come to a stop across the street. I had to do the same coming back and captured a shot of <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marco Castro</a> hard at work at the gates, ha!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yg8lNPBrkCw" width="560" youtube-src-id="yg8lNPBrkCw"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/yg8lNPBrkCw">https://youtu.be/yg8lNPBrkCw</a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage, I watched <a href="https://www.instagram.com/faulenbham/" target="_blank">Faülen</a> play for a bit and captured "Snake Handler." They are a good and local metal band from Birmingham so it was cool to see something from the area!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FawgJretMMk" width="560" youtube-src-id="FawgJretMMk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/FawgJretMMk">https://youtu.be/FawgJretMMk</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://zuluca.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Zulu</a> was playing in the Shed on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage. There was a lot of talk about them so I decided to check out their set. It was a good set. I enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun! I captured a short clip of walking from the Shed to the main stage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C_W-oOoXcMg" width="560" youtube-src-id="C_W-oOoXcMg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/C_W-oOoXcMg">https://youtu.be/C_W-oOoXcMg</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/becomingthearchetypemusic/" target="_blank">Becoming The Archetype</a> played on the <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> Main Stage. I captured "The Epigone" which opened the set. I think they played pretty much the same set as they did at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>. They didn't play any of the new music but a good selection of the older material. Between bands, I decided to find some shade to rest for a minute. <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate Allen</a> was there along with the Magee's who set up a rest area. I was able to return <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a>'s keys to him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vJaoOTEVP28" width="560" youtube-src-id="vJaoOTEVP28"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/vJaoOTEVP28">https://youtu.be/vJaoOTEVP28</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://highvisuk.com/" target="_blank">High Vis</a> played next on the <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> Main Stage and I decided to catch some of their set. They were recommended by Kyle Bawinkel. They had a bit of a shoegaze sound but definitely their original take on it. I watched a few songs.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F32VAcx9ERw" width="560" youtube-src-id="F32VAcx9ERw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/F32VAcx9ERw">https://youtu.be/F32VAcx9ERw</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/livingsacrifice/" target="_blank">Living Sacrifice</a> was playing at the Shed on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage. they had DJ do one of the older songs then ended the set collaborating with <a href="https://www.demonhunter.net/" target="_blank">Demon Hunter</a> to do a <a href="https://pantera.com/" target="_blank">Pantera</a> cover of "I'm Broken" which I captured.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8WIX_RHQAgg" width="560" youtube-src-id="8WIX_RHQAgg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/8WIX_RHQAgg">https://youtu.be/8WIX_RHQAgg</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://officialzao.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">ZAO</a> was next up on <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage in the Shed. As expected, Ryan Clark did guest vocals on "Skin Like Winter" which I captured. I for some reason didn't realize it was that song while capturing it and stopped part way through so I "borrowed" some footage someone else posted to fill in the gap.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LRr5mJtKrN0" width="560" youtube-src-id="LRr5mJtKrN0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/LRr5mJtKrN0">https://youtu.be/LRr5mJtKrN0</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrainingForUtopia/" target="_blank">Training For Utopia</a> Setlist:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. 50,000 Screaming TFU Fans Can't Be Wrong</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. A Good Feeling </div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Brother Hezekiah</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. The Falling Cycle</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Dead Signal</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Pretty Picture Of Lies</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Thoughtless Reminders</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Out On Parole</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Two Hands</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10, Tennessee Midget</div><div style="text-align: justify;">11. New York City Is Overrated</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">12. Modus Operandi</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrainingForUtopia/" target="_blank">Training For Utopia</a> reunited after 24 years and played next on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> Stage in the Shed and I was able to move up along the wall area to near where the ADA section was located for this set. I captured the entirety of the set. It was one of the highlights of the year as well as one of my anticipated sets as I had never had the opportunity to see them before.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I took a dinner break at this point and decided on <a href="https://islandnoodles.com/" target="_blank">Island Noodles</a>. I figured it would be filling. While eating it in the shaded area, I saw Jon Clark again and got to talk a bit more with him. Unfortunately, I ended up missing <a href="https://scowl831.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Scowl</a> who I would have liked to have watched.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fQcHtDTqFYU" width="560" youtube-src-id="fQcHtDTqFYU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/fQcHtDTqFYU">https://youtu.be/fQcHtDTqFYU</a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went over to the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage to see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/holynamewxrship/" target="_blank">Holy Name</a> play. Holy Name was another that I highly anticipated and had hoped Audiofeed could get booked. This was their first official show in front of people rather than on the internet. They played mostly the same set, however, most of the guest vocalist were not there for various reasons. Ryan Clark did his and I thought about capturing it as well since I had captured the two other guest spots he did earlier in the day. I ended up capturing "Fall On Your Knees" and added in the opening prayer by Tommy Green. I thought it was a really good set and felt like the right space to pick up where Tommy left off with Sleeping Giant. In spirit, it was reminiscent of those Sleeping Giant sets as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kCzQcuZbbDw" width="560" youtube-src-id="kCzQcuZbbDw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/kCzQcuZbbDw">https://youtu.be/kCzQcuZbbDw</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I got into the Shed for the last song from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/terrorhardcore/" target="_blank">Terror</a>'s set on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> Stage. It ended up being "Keepers Of The Faith" naturally, and I was able to capture most of it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8V_B7vg46TM" width="560" youtube-src-id="8V_B7vg46TM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/8V_B7vg46TM">https://youtu.be/8V_B7vg46TM</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I stuck around in the Shed and next up on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> Stage was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/youthoftodayofficial/" target="_blank">Youth Of Today</a>. They definitely had the old school hardcore mentality and I felt the message they brought was good and positive. I captured "Break Down The Wall."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9x6FYUdtZRU" width="560" youtube-src-id="9x6FYUdtZRU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/9x6FYUdtZRU">https://youtu.be/9x6FYUdtZRU</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://gorillabiscuits.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Gorilla Biscuits</a> ended the night for the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> Stage in the Shed and I stuck around for that as well. I captured their final song, "Start Today" which was a lot of fun to watch. It was a good set overall as well.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Mav6Hvyg2I" width="560" youtube-src-id="2Mav6Hvyg2I"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/2Mav6Hvyg2I">https://youtu.be/2Mav6Hvyg2I</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.turnstilehardcore.com/" target="_blank">Turnstile</a> headlined the <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> Main Stage. I got a slice of pizza from the <a href="https://www.pazzobigslicepizzamenu.com/" target="_blank">Pazzo</a> truck just as they started their set. I hung toward the back of the crowd, It seemed like it might have been the biggest crowd of the weekend. I ended up capturing "Don't Play." I also captured some drones flying overhead during the <a href="https://www.turnstilehardcore.com/" target="_blank">Turnstile</a> set. At the end of the night, <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a> had helped someone who sustained a leg injury get across the tracks. As we left, he was still waiting on his ride so we ended up waiting with him. Another train came to cross the road as we waited.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><u style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>09.24.2023</u></div></u><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v07HNO_9H2c" width="560" youtube-src-id="v07HNO_9H2c"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/v07HNO_9H2c">https://youtu.be/v07HNO_9H2c</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday September 24th, 2023, we stopped at <a href="https://www.sonicdrivein.com/" target="_blank">Sonic</a> to get breakfast but we all ended up getting lunch food instead. We also stopped at the hotel where the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ninetypoundwuss/" target="_blank">Ninety Pound Wuss</a> crew were staying so <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a> could get a vinyl from them. It made me think I could have probably waited to get the vinyl from them as well rather than ordering it in advance. Oh well, As we drove, <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a>'s transmission seemed to be slipping which was concerning. Once we arrived at <a href="https://www.slossfurnaces.com/" target="_blank">Sloss Furnaces</a> for the final day of <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>, I once again went to seek out vinyl. This time it was from <a href="https://www.furtherseemsforever.com/" target="_blank">Further Seems Forever</a> for the 20th anniversary of How To Start A Fire. Otto wanted a copy of this as well so I picked up two copies. I found Chris Smith again and remembered to give him the Australia magnet to give his daughter. I also encountered Eric Shirey handing out compilations from the <a href="https://thecharoncollective.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Charon Collective</a> so I snagged a couple of those. I wanted to see <a href="https://www.thecallousdaoboys.com/" target="_blank">The Callous Daoboys </a>so I went to the Shed before getting the keys from <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a> to put the merch in the car.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w-wJDcLFr9k" width="560" youtube-src-id="w-wJDcLFr9k"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/w-wJDcLFr9k">https://youtu.be/w-wJDcLFr9k</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.thecallousdaoboys.com/" target="_blank">The Callous Daoboys</a> opened up the Shed for the day on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> Stage. They had several funny pit calls including one about giving anyone with a dick the cheapest vasectomy in town! ha!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After taking the merch to the car, I got back on site in time to join the <a href="https://www.slossfurnaces.com/" target="_blank">Sloss Furnaces</a> Tour Kaylynn and her dad were about to go so I decided to join it too. It was interesting seeing the furnaces and other parts of the steel mill even though I am somewhat familiar with what the machinery looks like from working temporarily as security in a steel plant in Pennsylvania. The one in Pennsylvania where I worked was more modern as Sloss shut down production in the 1970s so there was a lot that was different as well. I enjoyed the tour.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xop5cRlUfA0" width="560" youtube-src-id="xop5cRlUfA0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/xop5cRlUfA0">https://youtu.be/xop5cRlUfA0</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the <a href="https://www.slossfurnaces.com/" target="_blank">Sloss Furnace</a> Tour, I went to the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage and watched some of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sillygooseatl/" target="_blank">Silly Goose</a> set. It was an interesting rap rock sound and I captured a song.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_j8AuBHlp-Y" width="560" youtube-src-id="_j8AuBHlp-Y"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/_j8AuBHlp-Y">https://youtu.be/_j8AuBHlp-Y</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/valleyheartma/" target="_blank">Valleyheart</a> followed on the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage. I had heard a few of their songs and found their pop rock style to be enjoyable. I captured one of their songs while hanging back in a shaded area.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I decided to take the break at this point to get some food. I picked up tacos from <a href="https://www.tlhospitality.com/" target="_blank">Tuff Love Provisions</a> then a <a href="https://www.badluckburger.club/" target="_blank">Bad Luck Burger Club</a> burger to eat later. I remembered the tacos from <a href="https://www.tlhospitality.com/" target="_blank">Tuff Love Provisions</a> being really good in 2021. I think I got something different this time than in 2021...while still really good, it definitely tasted different. Maybe it was chicken rather than steak?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XwHPDAOGPBs" width="560" youtube-src-id="XwHPDAOGPBs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/XwHPDAOGPBs">https://youtu.be/XwHPDAOGPBs</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I watched <a href="https://www.facebook.com/trenches/" target="_blank">Trenches</a> as I ate while they played the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage. I captured "Eclipse." I remember seeing them years ago at Cornerstone probably around the time that they started.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/umTgxsuL1Zo" width="560" youtube-src-id="umTgxsuL1Zo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/umTgxsuL1Zo">https://youtu.be/umTgxsuL1Zo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't recall if I ever got to see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheInsyderz/" target="_blank">The Insyderz</a> before but I enjoyed their set at the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage. I captured "Seeing Voices" from their set. I also saw Raye after the set was over as a train made its way passed the festival behind the stage and passed the gates.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6MRxErhRowA" width="560" youtube-src-id="6MRxErhRowA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/6MRxErhRowA">https://youtu.be/6MRxErhRowA</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ghotihookers/" target="_blank">Ghoti Hook</a> Setlist:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Seasons</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Shrinky Dinks</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Middle Ground</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Drop Dead</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. South Capitol Street</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. My Bike</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Chevy Nova</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Lullaby</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Never</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ghotihookers/" target="_blank">Ghoti Hook</a> played on the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage. They opened and closed the set by telling the audience "You're Welcome." It was a fun set. The only other time I got to see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ghotihookers/" target="_blank">Ghoti Hook</a> was at Creation in 1999. They were yet another highlight for me and a set that drew me to come back to <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>. I captured the entire set.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjrLCXM4W3Q" width="560" youtube-src-id="xjrLCXM4W3Q"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/xjrLCXM4W3Q">https://youtu.be/xjrLCXM4W3Q</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I ate my <a href="https://www.badluckburger.club/" target="_blank">Bad Luck Burger Club</a> burger as I went to the Shed to see the end of the set by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pleajams/" target="_blank">A Plea For Purging</a> on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage. I ended up only seeing the very end which included Andy farting into the mic. Apparently they tossed burgers as well because Andy runs <a href="https://www.badluckburger.club/" target="_blank">Bad Luck Burger Club</a>. I missed this part.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HXzHmiBvn6A" width="560" youtube-src-id="HXzHmiBvn6A"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/HXzHmiBvn6A">https://youtu.be/HXzHmiBvn6A</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ascitiesburn/" target="_blank">As Cities Burn</a> played their last show during Furnace Fest on the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage. I really wanted to capture "Contact" which they opened the set with...unfortunately I was slow on the draw of getting my phone ready so I ended up capturing "Empire" instead which was ok.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uGt3AdgAwpI" width="560" youtube-src-id="uGt3AdgAwpI"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/uGt3AdgAwpI">https://youtu.be/uGt3AdgAwpI</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ascitiesburn/" target="_blank">As Cities Burn</a> became <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myonlypassenger/" target="_blank">My Only Passenger</a> during the set and played the final song of the set under that new moniker which also happened to be the name of the song that they played.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BDCXKbiHctU" width="560" youtube-src-id="BDCXKbiHctU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/BDCXKbiHctU">https://youtu.be/BDCXKbiHctU</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I headed over to the Shed to see some of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Strifelosangeles/" target="_blank">Strife</a> set on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage. I figured on continuing to see the old school hard core bands. I captured the song "Blistered" which closed out the set and I figured might be the most energetic as well. As I walked back over to the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage, I saw someone in the little Birmingham Fire Department ambulance getting treatment for what appeared to be a head injury. I hope he's ok.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NGqAPB-wec8" width="560" youtube-src-id="NGqAPB-wec8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/NGqAPB-wec8">https://youtu.be/NGqAPB-wec8</a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.furtherseemsforever.com/" target="_blank">Further Seems Forever</a> played on the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage and I thought they may be doing an album play through for How To Start A Fire. That was not the case but I captured "The Sound" from their set. I watched part of the set before returning to the Shed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pl_X8RFP7xQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="pl_X8RFP7xQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/pl_X8RFP7xQ">https://youtu.be/pl_X8RFP7xQ</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/judgewarriors/" target="_blank">Judge</a> was playing on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> stage in the Shed. It was another old school hardcore set and a lot of fun to watch. I captured the final song of this set called "Warriors."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0S8aKaQ8_Eo" width="560" youtube-src-id="0S8aKaQ8_Eo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0S8aKaQ8_Eo">https://youtu.be/0S8aKaQ8_Eo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I stuck around the Shed for the <a href="https://tribunalrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-rain-in-endless-fall" target="_blank">Prayer For Cleansing</a> set on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> Stage. I enjoyed them quite a bit. I ended up capturing their first song called "Feinbhas a Ghabhail."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XsOvMTT1Uj0" width="560" youtube-src-id="XsOvMTT1Uj0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/XsOvMTT1Uj0">https://youtu.be/XsOvMTT1Uj0</a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went to use the port-a-potties by the Pond and on my way back out, I captured a quick clip of <a href="https://www.whatismae.com/" target="_blank">Mae</a> playing on the <a href="https://www.monsterenergy.com/" target="_blank">Monster</a> Pond Stage through the fountain. I stuck around for a few songs and felt <a href="https://www.whatismae.com/" target="_blank">Mae</a> sounded a lot better than they did in 2021. I captured "Skyline Drive."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eWskzsXWOmQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="eWskzsXWOmQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/eWskzsXWOmQ">https://youtu.be/eWskzsXWOmQ</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://pennywisdom.com/" target="_blank">Pennywise</a> was playing the <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> Main Stage. I captured "Bro Hymn" because it seemed only appropriate. A massive dog pile ended up on the stage during the song!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/01mjzxZSzFs" width="560" youtube-src-id="01mjzxZSzFs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/01mjzxZSzFs">https://youtu.be/01mjzxZSzFs</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I headed back over to the Shed to see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hastetheday/" target="_blank">Haste The Day</a> playing on the <a href="https://www.plugyourholes.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Holes</a> Stage. Jimmy Ryan came out to do a few of the songs from when he was in the band and I ended up capturing "Blue 42." The crowd was pretty wild during this set! I assume with it being the very end, folks were letting out all the energy that they had left.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I captured the mass exodus from the Shed to the Main Stage after the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hastetheday/" target="_blank">Haste The Day</a> set with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/banecentral/" target="_blank">Bane</a> coming up to close the festival for 2023.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GBW1kx39Dtk" width="560" youtube-src-id="GBW1kx39Dtk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/GBW1kx39Dtk">https://youtu.be/GBW1kx39Dtk</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/banecentral/" target="_blank">Bane</a> closed out the festival on the <a href="https://bakedbrothers.co/" target="_blank">Baked Brothers</a> Main Stage. There were a lot of people on stage still...perhaps the entire dog pile from the <a href="https://pennywisdom.com/" target="_blank">Pennywise</a> set! I captured the drones flying over the crowd again and I captured the final song called "Swan Song" from the set.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I began to make my way to the gate and decided to capture some footage as I walked to see how much longer my phone battery would last. I also captured the painted wall by the gates of the festival. Once we got everybody situated, and all the various photos that <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marco</a> wanted, we tried to go find some food somewhere. Things weren't quite working out so the group shrunk a bit and ended up at <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> and eating in the parking lot in downtown Birmingham.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><u style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>09.25.2023<br /></u></div></u><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a95ucYAUoAM" width="560" youtube-src-id="a95ucYAUoAM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/a95ucYAUoAM">https://youtu.be/a95ucYAUoAM</a><br />It was around 2 a.m. on Monday September 25th, 2023 when I got to <a href="https://www.flybirmingham.com/" target="_blank">Birmingham Shuttleworth Airport</a>. Jeff who had been volunteering with <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Marco</a> and also volunteers at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> hooked me up with the ride as <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate</a>'s car was being problematic. Thanks Jeff! It was dark and appeared to be closed but the doors opened so I went inside, used the restroom, changed clothes and prepared for flying. I plugged in my phone to get some charge and waited. I tried to sleep but that didn't really happen. Around 3am the lights came on and I moved to the security check area then I waited some more. I got in line to go through security and was instructed to put everything in the same tray. I passed through my screening by my belongings did not....it was apparently the vinyl records I purchased that set off the alarm. Once I was able to collect everything, I went to wait on the flight and tried to sleep again. I still didn't really get any sleep. I boarded and this time I was able to get a window seat. This time my row did fill up with a couple other <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> attendees. The flight apparently was bound to Denver after Chicago but thankfully those in my row all were getting out so I didn't have to ask anyone to move upon arrival at <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Midway</a>. I got a couple clips of take off and landing this time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once in Chicago, I walked out to the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA station</a> to take the Orange line home. I got home, I felt terrible, ha! I debated going into work as I planned originally. I decided I'd take a shower and see how I felt after that. I also took a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> test since I had gotten increasingly congested as the festival went on. The test was negative and I felt a bit better after showering. I went to work and definitely felt the exhaustion. There was also a storm while driving the morning commute. A driver approaching behind me at a fairly high rate of speed lost control and hit the median on Lake Shore Drive. I could hear the contact and through I didn't feel anything, wondered if there was contact with my car. I found that there was no damage and arrived at work at 10am. I decided to check the footage from my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> dashcam to see what occurred with that car during the morning commute and made a short video out of it. It seems the driver was just going too fast for conditions and lost control on the wet pavement. Thankfully I was far enough ahead that as the car swerved, it did not hit me. I try to be conscious about maintaining my lane as much as possible, especially in the area where this occurred because of the curve and the other drivers. I included the clip into the video project.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gkL_TFn5NSo" width="560" youtube-src-id="gkL_TFn5NSo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/gkL_TFn5NSo">https://youtu.be/gkL_TFn5NSo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I managed to get through the work day, though it was a struggle at times. I also managed to get home from work then after dinner while watching Monday Night Football, I finally was able to sleep! This wasn't the best option of returning from <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> but I didn't have much time off to use and wanted to preserve as much as I could for the approaching holidays.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Overall, my <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest 2023</a> experience was great! It was good seeing several friends for the first time in a long time and others who were just at Audiofeed as well. It was really fun seeing some bands I wasn't sure I'd ever get to see or see again! With the announcement that <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> will host its last event in 2024 and the dates seemingly to work out with other travel plans, I went ahead and bought my ticket for <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest 2024</a> and I believe it will be a great year as well!<br /><br />There are a few other <a href="https://www.youtube.com" target="_blank">YouTube</a> accounts I know of (and probably a lot more) that have some great content from <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fes</a>t as well. If you're interested in seeing that other content and perhaps a different perspective of the <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> experience, check out the following:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@FurnaceFestCommunity" target="_blank">The Furnace Fest Community (perspectives from the stage with professional sound from the board...full sets and single song clips)</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MrJonmagee" target="_blank">Jon Magee (another perspective from the crowd with full sets and walkthroughs of the grounds)</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@boshxc" target="_blank">Diego Coguox (song clips from the crowd)</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@brimstonechronicles/" target="_blank">Brimstone Chronicles (clips from the crowd)</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@invisiblemusic5729" target="_blank">Invisible Music (song clips from the stage and the crowd)</a><br /><br />Below is the playlist of all my content from <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest 2023</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpNV1-f4XfK5-D2kFsHXJKSC" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpNV1-f4XfK5-D2kFsHXJKSC"></iframe></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpNV1-f4XfK5-D2kFsHXJKSC">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpNV1-f4XfK5-D2kFsHXJKSC</a><br /><br /><a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-tigerrawk-furnace-fest-xxi-2021.html" target="_blank">To revisit the project from Furnace Fest 2021 just follow this link.</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Additional soundtrack includes "Step Up (I'm On It)" and "The End Is Here, The End Is Beautiful" by <a href="https://www.mayleneandthesonsofdisaster.net/" target="_blank">Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Footage filmed using a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a><span> and </span><a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a><span>. Titles and other animations created using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a>.<span> Edited using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a>.<span> Filmed and Edited by Joel A. Swanson.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-50743958418333311442023-10-03T11:23:00.001-05:002023-10-03T16:25:29.337-05:00A Shared Life: Summer in Chicago (July-September 2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wy6E1KyXzG4" width="560" youtube-src-id="wy6E1KyXzG4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wy6E1KyXzG4">https://youtu.be/wy6E1KyXzG4</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This project begins just after <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> ended and continues through the end of September when I leave for <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>. That will probably leave about a week of September to be part of the "Fall In Chicago 2023" project. There were a good number of shows attended throughout the summer after <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>...including a couple unexpected events. Also a few odd road experiences and the purchase of a new vehicle for us.</div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>07.06.2023 - 07.08.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>, I returned to work on Thursday July 6th, 2023. During my morning commute the low clouds over Chicago looked interesting so I took what was captured from the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a> and sped it up by 1,000x as I passed downtown on Lake Shore Drive.<br /><br />On Saturday July 8th, 2023, I attended the <a href="https://www.majorleague.rugby/" target="_blank">Major League Rugby</a> Championship held at <a href="https://seatgeek.com/" target="_blank">SeatGeek</a> Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois (just outside Chicago). The game was between the <a href="https://freejacks.com/" target="_blank">New England Free Jacks</a> and <a href="https://sdlegion.com/" target="_blank">San Diego Legion</a>. The <a href="https://freejacks.com/" target="_blank">Free Jacks</a> would win by one point, taking the championship. Before the game, <a href="https://shaqsfunhouse.com/" target="_blank">Shaquille O'Neal</a> had a DJ set as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/djdiesel" target="_blank">DJ Diesel</a>. I captured the first five minutes or so of that set before going to find my seat. After the game was a show by the <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropkick Murphys</a>. During the halftime, a guy asked me if I wanted to go on the field for the <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropkick Murphys</a> set and I said "sure!" I was given a green wristband and directed to the general area to access the field after the game. When the game ended, I made my way to that general area and then down toward the field once I saw other people moving in that direction. It turns out, I probably really didn't need the wristband, however, I suppose I'd have not known that it was permissible to go on the field. I captured the beginning of the <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropkick Murphys</a> set which included the intro, "Cadence To Arms," and "The Boys Are Back" and I also included a short clip at the end where the champion <a href="https://freejacks.com/" target="_blank">New England New Jacks</a> were on stage with the <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropkick Murphys</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hopefully next year, I'll get out to a few more games in Chicago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After getting home, Elphie was wanting to go to <a href="https://www.westtownchamber.org/west-fest-chicago" target="_blank">West Fest '23</a> to see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NitzerEbbProduktTour/" target="_blank">Nitzer Ebb</a> perform. We got ourselves parked somewhat nearby and walked over to the area where the festival was happening on Chicago Avenue near Damen. The area was quite packed and we didn't have the best view however I did capture a clip from the show. There were folks hanging out of their windows to watch the show. I found a friend who was live streaming from near the front so we watched that for a while. Afterwards, we saw some friends and chatted a bit before heading home.</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cBGPILaNW8Q" width="560" youtube-src-id="cBGPILaNW8Q"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/cBGPILaNW8Q">https://youtu.be/cBGPILaNW8Q</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5BEdgOOgPQQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="5BEdgOOgPQQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/5BEdgOOgPQQ">https://youtu.be/5BEdgOOgPQQ</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sURUVgxSbp4" width="560" youtube-src-id="sURUVgxSbp4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/sURUVgxSbp4">https://youtu.be/sURUVgxSbp4</a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>07.12.2023 - 07.14.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Wednesday July 12th, 2023, as I arrived home from work, I got alerts on my phone about tornados in the area. The sky definitely had an unusual look to it, even though it had just been mostly clear as I drove. I captured some footage of the sky and soon, the tornado sirens began to sound. As I expected, the tornado didn't really come close to approaching us but did some damage not that far away. I assume it was surveying damage, but I captured some footage of a helicopter hovering in the distance where the storm had hit. While capturing that footage, more clouds rolled in and we got a second round. After that storm came through, I captured the rainbow and clouds once the storm had essentially left the area and was over Lake Michigan.<br /><br />On Friday July 14th, 2023 <a href="https://www.610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a> was playing a show with the ska bands <a href="https://greenroomrockers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Green Room Rockers</a> and <a href="https://theoperatorsska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Operators</a> at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a>. It became something of an unofficial <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a> BBQ pre-party. I picked up Kristina on my way home from work. She came by train and having planned to come a day early worked out for her to attend the show as well. It was a fun show and since it was on the Music Joint side of the venue, we got a great meal to eat while watching the show as well. I was able to capture <a href="https://www.610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a> covering "Take On Me" during their set along with clips from both the <a href="https://greenroomrockers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Green Room Rockers</a> and <a href="https://theoperatorsska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Operators</a>. The show went a bit long but it was a good night.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/07ExIp1BzMs" width="560" youtube-src-id="07ExIp1BzMs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/07ExIp1BzMs">https://youtu.be/07ExIp1BzMs</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qWqrujGdocE" width="560" youtube-src-id="qWqrujGdocE"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/qWqrujGdocE">https://youtu.be/qWqrujGdocE</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXEY9YiSKQQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="mXEY9YiSKQQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/mXEY9YiSKQQ">https://youtu.be/mXEY9YiSKQQ</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">07.15.2023 - 07.21.2023</b><br />The next day, Saturday July 15th, 2023, we attended the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a> BBQ at Tobin's house. It was a good time just hanging out with friends. No live performances this year. Tobin had a friend named Joe cook up the meat and it was great!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday July 21st, 2023, there were several unusual sights as I drove to and from work on Lake Shore Drive. In the morning, there were demonstrators with a "Free Assange" sign on the pedestrian bridge to the North Avenue Beach. As I was returning home, a taxi had apparently caught on fire. I could see thick black smoke in the distance as I drove south on Lake Shore Drive. The Fire Department was in the process of putting it out as I approached. There was a fire truck trying to get through the traffic. It appeared to be using the left lane and I eventually maneuvered to the middle only to find the firetruck was now in the right lane. As I approached the city, there was a guy sitting on the wall of the median of Lake Shore Drive for some reason and as I approached the light at Chicago Avenue, there was a disabled vehicle in the lane second from the left and a AAA flatbed truck sitting on inner Lake Shore Drive with the driver out and perhaps communicating with the driver of the disabled vehicle. <br /><br />Later that evening I went to<a href="https://livewireloungechicago.com/" target="_blank"> Live Wire Lounge</a> to catch Little Jessi playing with <a href="http://somethingtodo.ws/" target="_blank">Something To Do</a>. As I drove I captured someone named Randy Sax advertising for his Spotify as well as graffiti which read "Make Us Laugh." Unfortunately their set got cut short for some reason. They were the last to play for the night so perhaps it was after a noise curfew. It was an all ska show with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ToneZoneSkamOficial/" target="_blank">Tone Zone Skam</a>, Patois Six, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090460819653" target="_blank">Skapital Corruption</a> also playing. I captured a song from each set.<br /><br />As I drove home after the show, I encountered a significant traffic jam and it appeared that I-90/I-94 was inaccessible after the I-55 ramp. Thankfully, I just needed to get on the I-55 ramp and was able to maneuver my way over early enough to get out of that mess! I was never able to figure out what the situation was to cause this. It was an odd day driving in Chicago.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KeR3ieQvY4A" width="560" youtube-src-id="KeR3ieQvY4A"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/KeR3ieQvY4A">https://youtu.be/KeR3ieQvY4A</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zwhXeLrUI7Y" width="560" youtube-src-id="zwhXeLrUI7Y"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/zwhXeLrUI7Y">https://youtu.be/zwhXeLrUI7Y</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mytx2jNXDzs" width="560" youtube-src-id="Mytx2jNXDzs"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/Mytx2jNXDzs">https://youtu.be/Mytx2jNXDzs</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8P92i_RXnok" width="560" youtube-src-id="8P92i_RXnok"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/8P92i_RXnok">https://youtu.be/8P92i_RXnok</a></div><div><b><u>07.22.2023 - 07.31.2023</u></b></div>The odd sights while driving continued on Saturday July 22nd, 2023 as we went to Indiana for groceries. There were several accidents as we drove both directions. There was a spider that hung on the passenger side window the entire drive. I removed it once we stopped for gas. I attempted to toss our <a href="https://www.tacobell.com/" target="_blank">Taco Bell</a> garbage behind myself into the garbage can and missed both times. As we approached home, we saw a kid on a <a href="https://shop.mattel.com/collections/power-wheels" target="_blank">Power Wheel</a> (if those are still a thing) riding with the adults who were taking care of him. They were crossing Western at Archer. As I left work on Tuesday July 25th, 2023, there had been a shooting at Wilson and Broadway in Uptown. I captured the police activity as I passed using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>.<br /><br />We left to drive to Pennsylvania to pick up our new electric vehicle, a <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Chevrolet Bolt EUV</a>, on Friday July 28th, 2023. We had a good and uneventul trip through Indiana, Ohio, and on to Warren, PA. On Saturday July 29th, 2023, we drove out to Erie, PA to get our <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Bolt</a> from <a href="https://www.hallmanchevrolet.com/" target="_blank">Hallman Chevrolet</a>. My mom came along with us to drive our old car back. We decided to give it back to her so she could have a vehicle to drive since my dad never finished getting the other car they have to be functional. It was a bit of a longer process than I anticipated but we came away with our first ever brand new car! While it did take a bit, the process didn't feel forced or rushed by the team at <a href="https://www.hallmanchevrolet.com/" target="_blank">Hallman</a>. Elphie also got to sit in a Corvette while waiting! I took my mom to the nearby notary to take care of switching the old car over to her while waiting as well. There were some aspects to get used to such as the one pedal driving. I turned it off for the drive to Warren but would use it on the drive to Chicago and every day since! I was so quiet! We really liked the car. Back in Warren, we spent time moving the things we'd need from the old car to the new one. I cleaned it out the best that I could as well so I wasn't leaving my mom with a dirty car. I also re-installed the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> in the new car so we would still be able to capture footage during our drives...or, God forbid, we have an accident. The first song I played in the new electric car was "Electric Car" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a> as well as a cover by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063754790513" target="_blank">Flashlight Party</a>. We drove back to Chicago on Sunday July 30th, 2023. It was a longer trip because we now had to add in charging stops which can take a while. We figured it ended up being an extra two hours on the trip from Warren to Chicago. The first stop we made was in Erie, PA at a <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a>. We wandered around the <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a> while getting the charge. We stopped in the Cleveland area as well and used the time to get dinner. The rest of our stops were at rest areas and used the time to use the rest room or just sit and wait. We arrived back in Chicago after midnight and after nearly having an accident on our second day with the <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Bolt</a>!<br /><br />After picking up our new electric vehicle, our <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Chevrolet Bolt EUV</a>, entering into Chicago on the highway, we were nearly sideswiped if not worse by a crazy driver in a white car. It seems that they likely clipped the mirror of the car in the lane next to us but somehow managed to not make contact with our vehicle...other than shrapnel from the mirror bouncing off the road. It was quite the unnerving moment and it happened so far that reaction was nearly impossible. We are thankful that we did not sustain any damage less than two days into owning this car! The video only shows the front view because the rear camera of our <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> wasn't functioning for some reason.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BRY6EwHo-Ng" width="560" youtube-src-id="BRY6EwHo-Ng"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/BRY6EwHo-Ng">https://youtu.be/BRY6EwHo-Ng</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>08.02.2023 - 08.03.2023</u></b><br />My commute home on Wednesday August 2nd, 2023, was highly impacted by the road closures and preparations for <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a>. I captured some footage while slowly driving by. There was also a soccer game at <a href="https://www.soldierfield.com/" target="_blank">Soldier Field</a> which caused some traffic backup as well.<br /><br />On Thursday August 3rd, 2023, we went to Tinley Park to the <a href="https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEktFA/credit-union-1-amphitheatre-events" target="_blank">Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre</a> to see the <a href="https://boygeorgeandcultureclub.net/" target="_blank">Boy George show with Culture Club</a>. <a href="https://www.berlinpage.com/" target="_blank">Berlin</a> was opening as well as someone else I didn't recognize. Elphie road with me to work in the morning so we left from Uptown and she captured some footage of the sign about fence jumping as we slowly rolled by <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a>. It wasn't the best of experiences that night. Apparently not enough tickets sold for the lawn to be open so we were to be given new seats. This information was in an email I didn't read so we learned about it as we got to the entry gate. I had to take the blanket back to the car we usually sit on in the lawn. Once inside, getting our new ticket was another hassle. There were a couple workers who had tickets to give out and we had to wait in a line for the new ticket. We left the line to see if there were other workers at other spots to get these new tickets from but there were not. We ended up coming back to a shorter line to get tickets from a worker who had spread them all out on the ground to try to match them up. We ended up with a couple tickets on the far side of the amphitheatre at a fairly extreme angle. There was also a loud clapper there. I ended up capturing clips of "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" by <a href="https://boygeorgeandcultureclub.net/" target="_blank">Boy George and Culture Club</a> and "Take My Breath Away" by <a href="https://www.berlinpage.com/" target="_blank">Berlin</a>. I figured I'd get songs from movie soundtracks! <a href="https://boygeorgeandcultureclub.net/" target="_blank">Boy George</a> did a few reggae influenced songs that were performed quite well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0sm1lARoOTM" width="560" youtube-src-id="0sm1lARoOTM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0sm1lARoOTM">https://youtu.be/0sm1lARoOTM</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bFhMKjKKTtI" width="560" youtube-src-id="bFhMKjKKTtI"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/bFhMKjKKTtI">https://youtu.be/bFhMKjKKTtI</a><br /><b><u>08.06.2023 - 08.09.2023</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Sunday August 6th, 2023, we sat across Lake Shore Drive while the <a href="https://redhotchilipeppers.com/" target="_blank">Red Hot Chili Peppers</a> closed out the <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a>. We got dinner at <a href="https://www.fiveguys.com/" target="_blank">Five Guys</a> which we brought with us to eat during the show. People were standing along the fence making it difficult to see the screen this year. In years past, police would chase them off the fence and bike lane but this year they left the people alone. Elphie eventually moved her chair up against the fence for the end of the set. Marco Castro got to work as a driver again this year and picked us up after to get a ride back home and gave us a box of <a href="https://liquiddeath.com/" target="_blank">Liquid Death</a>. On Tuesday August 8th, 2023, as I went to get my lunch, I found a car parked in the middle of the driving lanes of the parking garage at <a href="https://www.ccc.edu/colleges/truman/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Truman College</a>. It was there when I returned from getting my food as well. No one in it or around it. Nothing made sense of this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Wednesday August 9th, 2023, after a visit to the dentist, I encountered a crash on my way to work on Lake Shore Drive. That evening, we went to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/liarsclubchicago/" target="_blank">Liar's Club</a> to see <a href="https://www.sallygrayson.com/" target="_blank">Sally Grayson</a>. Her drummer from Germany also happened to be in Chicago so he was able to join her for the show. I captured a new song from her solo album called "Intercede" with an awesome whistling part.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjiE6aYkuPE" width="560" youtube-src-id="GjiE6aYkuPE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/GjiE6aYkuPE">https://youtu.be/GjiE6aYkuPE</a><br /><u style="font-weight: bold;">08.11.2023 - 08.18.2023</u><br />On Friday August 11th, there was a BBQ hosted at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OrderJesusChristReconciler/" target="_blank">the Oracle of Jesus Christ, Reconciler</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityOJCR" target="_blank">Community of the Holy Trinity</a>, It was a good time and I captured footage of a couple airplanes as the came in overhead to land at <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">O'Hare Airport</a> as well as a shot of the sea glass art that Zach made. On Saturday August 12th, 2023, Elphie wanted to sit outside of <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark" target="_blank">Wrigley Field</a> for the <a href="https://www.pinkspage.com/" target="_blank">Pink</a> show with <a href="https://www.benatargiraldo.com/" target="_blank">Pat Benatar</a>. I walked to get dinner from<a href="https://www.cheesies.com/" target="_blank"> Cheesie's</a>. I captured some footage of the fireworks at the end of the night as well as the bucket boys drumming. We went to charge the <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Chevrolet Bolt EUV</a> somewhere on the Northside as the charger in our neighborhood read as full. We ended up with a 99% charge...I thought about trying to get the full 100% but didn't want to hog the charger and someone appeared to be waiting so we left at 99%. Driving home from work on Monday August 14th, 2023, I encountered flooding on Lake Shore Drive between the Queen's Landing and Buckingham Fountain. I moved to the middle lane in hopes to be in the least amount of water. There was also flooding under the<a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank"> CTA tracks</a> on Damen in McKinley Park which was likely deeper but I made it through. I had been noticing outlets in various spots in the <a href="https://www.ccc.edu/colleges/truman/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Truman College</a> parking garage and decided to try plugging in on Thursday August 17th, 2023. Where I had been parked, the door covering the outlet opened the wrong direction to be able to successfully plug in but I walked around and found an outlet at the corner where there was a stairwell exit had the door open the other way where I could plug in. There was a car parked in that spot on that level so I walked up to check the next level and it was open. I moved my car there and plugged in and began to successfully charge! I found I would get about 2% per hour which was about 10 miles per hour added to the estimated mileage. I figured I'd keep doing this as long as no one said anything! I kept and eye on the charge through the app on my phone as I worked the rest of the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />On Friday August 18th, 2023, I captured some footage of practice for the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html" target="_blank">Chicago Air and Water Show</a> using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> while on my commute and my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a> while stepping outside at work for a few minutes. That evening, I went to the <a href="https://www.chopshopchi.com/index.html" target="_blank">Chop Shop</a> to see <a href="http://www.aggroreggae.com/" target="_blank">The Aggrolites</a>. I hoped to captured "Countryman Fiddle" and missed the beginning instrumental, unfortunately. They played with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecrombies/" target="_blank">The Crombies</a> and <a href="https://theoperatorsska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Operators</a> with Chuck Wren DJing through the night. Russ was at the show too! It started a bit later than I expected based on the show information I had but that's ok.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4rPRPJHj8L8" width="560" youtube-src-id="4rPRPJHj8L8"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/4rPRPJHj8L8">https://youtu.be/4rPRPJHj8L8</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RxtEpRVfOfA" width="560" youtube-src-id="RxtEpRVfOfA"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/RxtEpRVfOfA">https://youtu.be/RxtEpRVfOfA</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nHRsVCpViZc" width="560" youtube-src-id="nHRsVCpViZc"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/nHRsVCpViZc">https://youtu.be/nHRsVCpViZc</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>08.20.2023 - 08.30.2023</u></b><br />Chicago had the <a href="https://americanlobsterfest.com/" target="_blank">Great American Lobsterfest</a> on <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a> again but this year it occurred during the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html" target="_blank">Chicago Air and Water Show</a>. Russ and I went on Sunday August 20th, 2023. I tried to plug in our <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Chevrolet Bolt EUV</a> while there but the station I chose wouldn't connect for some reason. While trying to figure it out, someone else pulled into the station next to me, plugged in, and walked off. They had no issue, it seemed. All the other chargers in that area were occupied so I was stuck at this one. I eventually gave up and we went into <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a>. We got the lobster quite quickly and were able to watch the end of the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html" target="_blank">Air and Water show</a> while we ate on the west side of the pier. It wasn't a particularly good view from there but hangs with Russ were good! Chicago experienced some extreme heat on Wednesday August 23rd and Thursday August 24th, 2023. I think the hottest was on Thursday afternoon and I captured a clip walking to my car with the screenshot of the temperature. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OrderJesusChristReconciler/" target="_blank">The Oratory of Jesus Christ, Reconciler</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityOJCR" target="_blank">Community of the Holy Trinity</a> hosted another BBQ on Friday August 25th, 2023. It was fun and good conversation once again. On Saturday August 26th, 2023 a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NocturnaChicago/" target="_blank">Nocturna</a> occured at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. We attended and hung out in the balcony as we've tended to do lately. Kate visited with us with her friend as well as Jason and Laura. When <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> decided to close the balcony for the night, we decided to leave. I had parked quite a ways from <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> so I went to get the car and we gave Kate and her friend a ride home. On Tuesday August 29th, 2023, our <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Chevrolet Bolt EUV</a> reached its first complete charge in the month that we'd owned it. After learning about the outlets in the parking garage at Truman, getting 10-15% charge each day which tends to be about double of what I use during the commute, it has allowed me to charge free (to me) and get to that point!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Wednesday August 30th, 2023, <a href="https://www.disturbed1.com/" target="_blank">Disturbed</a> played at <a href="https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEktFA/credit-union-1-amphitheatre-events" target="_blank">Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre</a> in Tinley Park with <a href="https://breakingbenjamin.com/" target="_blank">Breaking Benjamin</a> and <a href="http://jinjer-metal.com/" target="_blank">Jinjer</a>. Traffic was awful so we ended up getting there while <a href="http://jinjer-metal.com/" target="_blank">Jinjer</a> was playing. We were parked in the small lot behind the hill of the amphitheatre and the process of entry was considerably smoother than it had been our previous few visits. We got settled into a lawn spot in time to capture the last song from <a href="http://jinjer-metal.com/" target="_blank">Jinjer</a>. I captured "So Cold" from <a href="https://breakingbenjamin.com/" target="_blank">Breaking Benjamin</a>'s set and "Prayer" from <a href="https://www.disturbed1.com/" target="_blank">Disturbed</a>'s set. <a href="https://www.disturbed1.com/" target="_blank">Disturbed</a> had a lot of cool pyro and lighting throughout the set as well as effects on the video board (which was how we watched most of the show from as far back as we were).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tl--DFuuBd0" width="560" youtube-src-id="tl--DFuuBd0"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/tl--DFuuBd0">https://youtu.be/tl--DFuuBd0</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qIwh2e76KzM" width="560" youtube-src-id="qIwh2e76KzM"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/qIwh2e76KzM">https://youtu.be/qIwh2e76KzM</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2i0uQXNFEZo" width="560" youtube-src-id="2i0uQXNFEZo"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/2i0uQXNFEZo">https://youtu.be/2i0uQXNFEZo</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u><b>09.01.2023</b></u><br />on Friday September 1st, 2023 we went back to Tinely Park to the <a href="https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEktFA/credit-union-1-amphitheatre-events" target="_blank">Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre</a> to see <a href="https://www.robzombie.com/" target="_blank">Rob Zombie</a> with <a href="https://alicecooper.com/" target="_blank">Alice Cooper</a>, <a href="https://ministryband.com/" target="_blank">Ministry</a>, and <a href="https://officialfilter.com/" target="_blank">Filter</a>. The entry process was mostly smooth again (though I had issues scanning the mobile ticket from <a href="https://www.groupon.com/" target="_blank">Groupon</a>) and we ended up parked behind the hill again. We were sitting lower on the lawn for a bit then moved up the hill after Filter played in hopes to be high enough to see ok. Unfortunately this was a crowd who would stand most of the show so seeing the actual stage wasn't really possible most of the night. I captured "Dead City Radio and The New Gods Of Supertown" from <a href="https://www.robzombie.com/" target="_blank">Rob Zombie</a> while standing to see the stage. I captured "School's Out For The Summer" by <a href="https://alicecooper.com/" target="_blank">Alice Cooper</a> which is mostly just the screen due to not being able to see over the standing folks. I also captured "Deity" by <a href="https://ministryband.com/" target="_blank">Ministry</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tOe1aS2kW4c" width="560" youtube-src-id="tOe1aS2kW4c"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/tOe1aS2kW4c">https://youtu.be/tOe1aS2kW4c</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1yAwS4zt14" width="560" youtube-src-id="a1yAwS4zt14"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/a1yAwS4zt14">https://youtu.be/a1yAwS4zt14</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_nTvNIkyP9I" width="560" youtube-src-id="_nTvNIkyP9I"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/_nTvNIkyP9I">https://youtu.be/_nTvNIkyP9I</a><br /><b><u>09.02.2023 - 09.07.2023<br /></u></b>On Saturday September 2nd, 2023, we attended an event featuring <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theenigmalive/" target="_blank">Enigma</a> at <a href="https://sideshowgelato.com/" target="_blank">Sideshow Gelato</a>. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theenigmalive/" target="_blank">Enigma</a> and a few others performed sideshow acts. Elphie was especially excited about meeting <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theenigmalive/" target="_blank">Enigma</a> as he is a prominent figure of the body modification world. She found out he was doing puzzle piece tattoos in the city as well but it when she called on Sunday to get an appointment, it was too late. He had left town as there was no one on the schedule. He is covered in puzzle piece tattoos and signs with that as well on souvenirs.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Thursday September 7th, 2023, there was an oi show at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/onecitytap/" target="_blank">One City Tap</a> up the road at Archer and Ashland. I watched the first half of the first football game of the season then headed out to the show. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fuerzabrutaoi/" target="_blank">Fuerza Bruta</a>, <a href="https://bd666.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bullshit Detector</a>, and <a href="https://splatterpatternmke.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Splatter Pattern</a> all played and it was a fun show.<b><u><br /></u></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-vfi6vnt3x0" width="560" youtube-src-id="-vfi6vnt3x0"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/-vfi6vnt3x0">https://youtu.be/-vfi6vnt3x0</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cT2XmJV3zzY" width="560" youtube-src-id="cT2XmJV3zzY"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/cT2XmJV3zzY">https://youtu.be/cT2XmJV3zzY</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VXc1aiiwDXg" width="560" youtube-src-id="VXc1aiiwDXg"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/VXc1aiiwDXg">https://youtu.be/VXc1aiiwDXg</a><br /><b><u>09.15.2023 - 09.16.2023</u></b><br />On Friday September 15th, 2023, I got together with Skot Shaw to shoot some footage for a new video idea he has for a song called "I'm Not The Devil" of <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>'s album <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/chasing-shadows" target="_blank">"Chasing Shadows."</a> His ideas included shots in front of several area churches and so we visited a few around the north side of Chicago. Due to the Mexican Independence celebrating, we weren't able to go to some locations as traffic was backed up. We did get a few good shots in and the churches were pretty cool as well. I captured a few shots just to share here while the video is still being developed.<br /><br />On Saturday September 16th, 2023, while <a href="https://riotfest.org/" target="_blank">RiotFest</a> was going on less than a mile away, Elphie and I went to <a href="https://waterholechicago.wixsite.com/waterholechicago" target="_blank">The Water Hole</a> to see <a href="https://thetromatons.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Tromatons</a>. It was also a weekend for Mexican Independence celebrations throughout Chicago. As we left the neighborhood, we saw some lit up vehicles pass by...it turned out to be a group of ATVs and they were all sitting in the right lane under the tracks on Archer approaching Western. We passed by them and navigated our way through the Mexican Independence celebrating as we made our way to The Water Hole. We got stuck a bit about a block away from the bar but once we were able to try to park on the side street...where there was no parking, we were able to get turned around and park along Western about two blocks away. <a href="https://thetromatons.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Tromatons</a> were already playing as we arrived. We watched the rest of their set and I captured the song "My Girlfriend Is Alt-Right." We enjoyed their set and talked briefly with Andy before heading back home...once again navigating through the Mexican Independence celebrations.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vkkolxsc2EY" width="560" youtube-src-id="Vkkolxsc2EY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Vkkolxsc2EY">https://youtu.be/Vkkolxsc2EY</a><br /><b><u>09.17.2023 - 09.19.2023</u></b><br />On Sunday September 17th, 2023, we went to sit outside of <a href="https://riotfest.org/" target="_blank">RiotFest</a> to listen to <a href="https://www.thecure.com/" target="_blank">The Cure</a> play their set. Along the way we encountered graffiti letting <a href="https://riotfest.org/" target="_blank">RiotFest</a> know that at least some people did not welcome their usage of Douglas Park. We were situation behind the stage but the sound was pretty good from that area and <a href="https://www.thecure.com/" target="_blank">The Cure</a> sounded like they put on a great show. Before they played, Elphie got on the swing set for a bit. On our way back to the car, Elphie checked out the "Love Shack" which appeared to be a community food bank. On my way into work on Monday September 18th, 2023, as I approached Western on Archer, I had a large truck pass while it merged into my lane. It was one of those trucks with ridiculously wide rear view mirrors. I thought it may have gotten aggravated when I slowed down for the two taxis that came out of the road so to give them time to get out of the way rather than hit them but the rearview camera showed a considerable distance between that truck and me when I had slowed down. Nonetheless as it approached, it also merged into my lane so I had to somewhat use the median then left turn lane to avoid being hit. It was similar to what happened as we returned to Chicago at the end of July having only driven the car for a day but not at the highway speeds. The driver continued to Western Boulevard and didn't use a signal which is pretty much par for the course with these overly aggressive drivers in and around Chicago. The video consists of the real time moment along with it slowed down to 30% as well as a screenshot of the license plate.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LfcMYrofiN0" width="560" youtube-src-id="LfcMYrofiN0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/LfcMYrofiN0">https://youtu.be/LfcMYrofiN0</a><br />On Tuesday September 19th, 2023, I decided to purchase a ticket to watch the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/pirates" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> play the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs" target="_blank">Chicago Cubs</a> at <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark" target="_blank">Wrigley Field</a> one last time. I didn't realize it was still raining when I bought the ticket and the game ended up delayed by about two hours. In the meantime, I was able to connect with <a href="https://iamnateallen.com/" target="_blank">Nate Allen</a> on some <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> related plans ahead of that trip. The game was pretty terrible from the Pittsburgh point of view. It was a 14-1 loss with the only run coming from a Key'Brian Hayes home run. There was also an interesting moment with a Cubs player interfered with catching a foul ball but otherwise it was a very unpleasant game to attend between the result and the weather.<br /><b><u>09.20.2023<br /></u></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xwHt05ML2pM" width="560" youtube-src-id="xwHt05ML2pM"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/xwHt05ML2pM">https://youtu.be/xwHt05ML2pM</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div>On Wednesday September 20th, 2023, I went to <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> to see <a href="https://officialzao.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">ZAO</a> play. I figured if it turned out there was a conflict during their set at <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>, this made the decision to see someone else easier. At the very least, this was like my own <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> pre-show since I would not be in Birmingham in time for the pre-shows on Thursday. I did watch <a href="https://officialzao.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">ZAO</a> at <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> as well as on this night. They played different sets at both events. I missed the opening band but I got there during <a href="https://yourspiritdies.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Your Spirit Dies</a> and also got to watch <a href="https://capraband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Capra</a>. <a href="https://capraband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Capra</a> got added to <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> last minute due to the unfortunate circumstances of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExtolOfficial/" target="_blank">Extol</a> not being able to make it. I ended up just capturing a clip of <a href="https://officialzao.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">ZAO</a>'s set, capturing the performance of "Croatoan."</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ZpEwOfOzzE" width="560" youtube-src-id="8ZpEwOfOzzE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZpEwOfOzzE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZpEwOfOzzE</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rXfnX2Tnf8s" width="560" youtube-src-id="rXfnX2Tnf8s"></iframe></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXfnX2Tnf8s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXfnX2Tnf8s</a></div></span></div>I also saw <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaulHarrisonVideos" target="_blank">Paul Harrison</a> at the show and he filmed it as well so keep an eye out on his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> for his video post (or just watch it as linked above)! He captured the full set of <a href="https://officialzao.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">ZAO</a> and also made a short video project with clips from each band who played.<br /><b><u>09.21.2023</u></b><br />On Thursday September 21st, 2023, as I prepared to leave for <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>, Elphie captured Stein tearing up a newspaper. In reality, I believe this footage covers a few days during my <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> trip as well but I just left it all listed as occurring on September 21st, 2023.<br /><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Idiot Summer" by the <a href="https://www.ginblossoms.net/" target="_blank">Gin Blossoms</a>, "Ollie" by <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>, "Summer of '69" by <a href="https://timtimebomb.com/" target="_blank">Tim Timebomb and Friends</a>, "Summertime" by <a href="https://www.whatismae.com/" target="_blank">Mae</a>, "Electric Car" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a>, "Electric Car" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063754790513" target="_blank">Flashlight Party</a>, "Electric Sun" by <a href="https://vnvnation.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">VNV Nation</a>, "Sunlight" by <a href="https://knotts1.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">KNOTTS</a>, "I'm Not The Devil" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, "Swing Set Summer" by <a href="https://mustbuildjacuzzi.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Must Build Jacuzzi</a>, "The Love Cats" by <a href="https://www.thecure.com/" target="_blank">The Cure</a>, and "Cat Scatch Fever" by <a href="https://www.tednugent.com/" target="_blank">Ted Nugent</a>.<br /><br /><span>Footage filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>, </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 12 and 14</a><span> and </span><a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a><span> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles and other animations created using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> <span>by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a><span> by Joel A. Swanson.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-61396740957147001352023-09-02T16:55:00.012-05:002023-09-29T16:51:38.633-05:00Audiofeed 2023! (A TigerRAWknRoll Summer Part 1)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GrQH8y0v0RY" width="560" youtube-src-id="GrQH8y0v0RY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/GrQH8y0v0RY">https://youtu.be/GrQH8y0v0RY</a><br /><a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed 2023</a> was scheduled from July 1st through 4th. This was a bit different from other years in that it started on the weekend and ran until Tuesday which was a holiday. The way the schedule fell worked out well enough for us, I heard some complain about having to go to work and not be able to stay the whole time. I'm not sure I quite understand why using a different sequence of days off was so problematic as it seemed the typical amount of week days remained the same, they just occurred at the beginning of the work week rather than the end...or the middle. I suppose though, if folks complained, then they probably had valid grievances in that regard, at least.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another difference was the team running the festival. The previous team needed to step away after over 10 years of providing a space for this amazing community. Their time at the helm included navigating through the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 pandemic</a> which I'm sure added to the strain of it all. Those on this new team are mostly folks from within the <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> community and are also folks that I am familiar with and so I offered any assistance I could. This resulted in officially volunteering for teardown and cleanup. I decided to book our hotel on <a href="http://booking.com">booking.com</a> for Friday night through Wednesday morning. I figured that we would be on site when the "gates open" and initially, I figured we'd have the day after to hang out or help out as needed. It turned out, we would be helping out as needed and as we volunteered, ha! We were asked if we could come early but this was after scheduling our hotel and working out the time off from my job so I had to sadly say that we weren't available before Friday night. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">About a week before <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>, Elphie was approached about speaking regarding her book, which is a collection of journal entries about her struggles with living with mental illness. She was able to get a table for vending so we made an extra shopping trip to gather the supplies for bracelet making and placed an order for books. Because we offered to help with cleanup, she got the table for free! She was able to use the space to hang with people and seemed to really enjoy it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As for video, I decided to capture a full set each day again this year along with full song clips from the rest of the bands I experienced...57 in all, it would turn out! Ronnie Martin was the priority in regards to capturing a full set and I sort of winged it on the rest deciding the day of who else I would choose for the full set treatment. I ended up with <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, <a href="https://coxeysarmy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Coxey's Army</a>, and <a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">theillogicalspoon</a> for the other days of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>. Unlike previous years, I did not have one repeat in what I captured...sometimes the artists are scheduled to play more than one set or do so on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFrontPorchLiveMusicPhiloIl" target="_blank">The Front Porch</a> impromptu stage. While some did do multiple sets, I only saw and captured footage from one (there were some folks who played in multiple acts but each had a different name).<br /><br />I set the audio recording settings to be fairly low on my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> in hopes to not have any peaking and distortion. I also set the <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a> at -20db. I figure I can boost the volume while editing if needed...which I did with some of the footage. I have also noticed during the editing process that a lot of the low frequency is not really in the mix. I looked at the settings on the microphone and sure enough the switch was set to reduce the low end and I assume that means it was set that way the whole time at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>. It is possible that folks will need to turn up their volume on their devices more than usual for this video project.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I decided to use <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>'s full lineup announcement graphic in my project promo video along with the individual artist announcement graphics. I also decided to download or screenshot some of the other announcement graphics <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> used this year in order to keep with the theme and style they chose. I decided to download an old style television graphic and use that as well to have artist clips playing. I used the grow/shrink effect to have the full lineup graphic grow to regular size in the middle of the screen then used the move effect to place it to the right side of the screen. I used the same grow effect to bring each artist off the lineup graphic and arranged them to the left side of the screen while having the old television graphic toward the bottom...also on the left of the screen. I sped the artist announcement graphics up by 300% then took five seconds of the performance clips to play inside the tv graphic and used "bad tv" effect to transition between artists. I organized the artists into the order of seeing them and layered the graphics as I went as well. This part of the project ended up being pretty easy actually. The hard part has been trying to decide on a backing soundtrack. I've been wanting to use a <a href="https://starflyer59.fanlink.to/sf59" target="_blank">Starflyer 59</a> song. They were booked to play last year, even though they didn't make it and with Ronnie Martin being on this year, I figured it makes sense. Once I got the intro project mostly done visually and found it would be close to six minutes long, I decided to use "I Like Your Photographs" with "Moving On" by <a href="https://starflyer59.fanlink.to/sf59" target="_blank">Starflyer 59</a>. I really hope that the copyright won't prohibit this usage. I also added a couple of the clips of our arrival and departure with a few other clips that occurred during the festival to flesh it out a bit. I rearranged all this a bit to make it into an intro video to the project. I fit the modified project into the arrival at the grounds. I also used "Cloud City" by <a href="http://h-u-m.net/" target="_blank">Hum</a> for additional soundtrack. I guess the theme was <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> missed connections...so far.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also used the artist announcement graphics in each live music clip as a title for who the artist was, adding in text for the song, date, and my usual filmed and edited by-line. I downloaded a copy of the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up</a> logo then took screenshots for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723615388056388" target="_blank">The [Sub] Culture</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theparkaudiofeed" target="_blank">The Park</a> stages. I'm less happy with those because my preference is transparent (like the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up</a> logo) which I originally thought looks a bit nicer (though while working through the footage, the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up</a> logo is difficult to see due it being black on top of dark background video footage). I arranged this information to the lower left corner of the video as I usually do though my text file is next to the artist graphic so the information is closer to the lower center than I typically do.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>06.30.2023<br /></b></u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-decoration-line: underline;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dU9HgTzDyC0" width="560" youtube-src-id="dU9HgTzDyC0"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/dU9HgTzDyC0">https://youtu.be/dU9HgTzDyC0</a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had unrealistic hopes that we'd arrive in the evening to Champaign Urbana. This was not accounting for the traffic complications created by the <a href="https://www.nascarchicago.com/" target="_blank">NASCAR Race</a> in downtown Chicago which turned my typical 45-60 minute commute home into nearly two hours! We had someone set up to watch Stein who also was stuck in traffic. I began loading up our car while we waited for Alana, the cat sitter to arrive. This didn't take much time as we had done some packing the night before as well. It could have been worse but we finally left sometime around 7:30pm to make the trip south down I-57 to Champaign Urbana and arrived at the hotel sometime around 10:30pm. We were definitely too late to help on site at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> and also missed the pre-show of <a href="https://chrisbernstorf.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Chris Bernstorf</a> and <a href="https://christianwelch.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Christian Welch</a> that happened in town.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The video project opens with me getting a few things ready then heading to work in the morning which included a detour then our departure in the evening from Chicago. As we drove, we could see the glow of lightning bugs along the highway...I tried to capture it with the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a> dashcam but I'm not sure that it turned out so great The ones that met their unfortunate fate on our windshield showed up on camera though. I added the animated map file once again to the footage of our drive from Chicago to Champaign Urbana. After checking in at <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/america-s-best-inn-urbana.html" target="_blank">America's Best Inn And Suites</a>, and learning that the hotel was full after the damaging storms in the Champaign Urbana area from earlier in the week, we made a quick trip to <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> to get some food and drink items to get through the week. I had plans to grill a couple of the nights and figured we could support a vendor on other nights. The Shaws <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">(Leper)</a> and <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> had rooms just down the hall from us. We all got the east side of the building with a view of a billboard and the former site of the Lincoln Lodge. Both we and the Shaws had previously stayed there. We hung out with <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> and The Shaws in The Shaws room for a bit before getting some sleep ahead of the start of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed 2023</a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">07.01.2023</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EJe05d3FsPI" width="560" youtube-src-id="EJe05d3FsPI"></iframe></div></u><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/EJe05d3FsPI">https://youtu.be/EJe05d3FsPI</a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We got up and prepared to head into the first day of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> on Saturday July 1st, 2023. I had a cup of coffee and took a look outside at the lot that used to be Lincoln Lodge and the billboard. I used the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a> to capture the short trip from the hotel to the Champaign County Fairgrounds where <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> is held. After checking in, we drove in so Elphie could unload at her table.<br /><br />I included the promo video in the footage surrounding our arrival.<br /><br />Once unloaded, I drove back out and parked the car before walking back in while capturing footage with my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a>. I stopped to talk to Guy for a bit before returning to Elphie's table. She was set up next to the Hampton's <a href="http://www.orcsleather.com/" target="_blank">ORCS Leatherworks</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/ImCliffordToday" target="_blank">Clifford Close</a> who made a documentary last year of his <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> experience. He used a clip I had shot so I introduced myself to him and we chatted a bit. I got my camera set up and tried to clean the lenses as much as possible in hopes to remove any streaks or glare. I continue to get a diagonal light reflections upper left to lower right which I'm not entirely sure how to remedy. Anyway, as the day went on, I felt compelled to hunt down Tyler Hentchel. He was planning to borrow our tent and I hoped to catch him so he could set up before the forecasted rain. I also got to see a good amount of our friends either wandering by Elphie's table or as I wandered the grounds while looking for Tyler. I did eventually find Tyler in the hospitality building where band merch was set up.<br /><br />In the evening, I cooked some steaks and corn on the grill. I set the grill up where it seemed there was no one doing merch but the <a href="https://boonesoverstock.com/" target="_blank">Boone's Overstock</a> crew ended up setting up nearby while I was cooking! I did end up buying a few vinyl from them later in the week. We ate our meal and I gave <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Passionfruit Punch variant a try. It was one of the two new flavors released with Baja Blast for the summer. It was ok but I definitely prefer regular Baja Blast.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CUebYfSi_AQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="CUebYfSi_AQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/CUebYfSi_AQ">https://youtu.be/CUebYfSi_AQ</a><br />The first band I caught was <a href="https://www.bloodlinestx.com/home" target="_blank">Bloodlines</a> opening the festival for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> stage...seems fitting. I captured their performance of "Psalm of the Depths" and enjoyed their set. I had a little trouble getting the camera focused properly.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/thtm9bYkuK0" width="560" youtube-src-id="thtm9bYkuK0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/thtm9bYkuK0">https://youtu.be/thtm9bYkuK0</a><br />I went to the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> next to catch <a href="https://christianwelch.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Christian Welch</a>. I ended up capturing a new piece and he forgot words part way through so he had to get his book. I think he handled it well and even stated he'd rather be humble than get it wrong.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1CXm8sEWn9U" width="560" youtube-src-id="1CXm8sEWn9U"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/1CXm8sEWn9U">https://youtu.be/1CXm8sEWn9U</a><br />I went back to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> for the <a href="https://www.lightworkerband.com/" target="_blank">Lightworker</a> set and captured their final song, "Empyre."<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sc97ngxx4fc" width="560" youtube-src-id="Sc97ngxx4fc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Sc97ngxx4fc">https://youtu.be/Sc97ngxx4fc</a><br />As I was walking over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown Stage</a> to see some of <a href="https://orionwalsh.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Orion Walsh</a>'s set, the storm began to roll in and the clouds seemed to surround and converge on the fairgrounds. I took measures to ensure my camera didn't get wet as I navigated throughout the rest of the night. I captured "When The Hangman Calls" from the <a href="https://orionwalsh.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Orion Walsh</a> set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/96fd1HalFmg" width="560" youtube-src-id="96fd1HalFmg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/96fd1HalFmg">https://youtu.be/96fd1HalFmg</a><br />I went back to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> for <a href="https://www.theongoingconcept.com/" target="_blank">The Ongoing Concept</a> set. It was meant to be a play through of their album "Saloon" but one member couldn't make it which apparently had an effect on their ability to play all the songs from that album. I ended up capturing a performance of "Feel" off of Handmade instead.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hizO8swKjdU" width="560" youtube-src-id="hizO8swKjdU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/hizO8swKjdU">https://youtu.be/hizO8swKjdU</a><br />After helping Elphie load up from her table to the car, I stopped at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a> to see some of the <a href="https://hostylegospel1.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Hostyle Gospel</a> performance. I ended up capturing "Super Girl" which wad dedicated to the artists wife and daughter.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HXH6OWmp5lM" width="560" youtube-src-id="HXH6OWmp5lM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/HXH6OWmp5lM">https://youtu.be/HXH6OWmp5lM</a><br />I captured a song performance by <a href="https://familiesband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Families</a> in the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a>. I didn't see a lot of their set but I was able to catch a couple songs.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/24j8TOnpzuA" width="560" youtube-src-id="24j8TOnpzuA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/24j8TOnpzuA">https://youtu.be/24j8TOnpzuA</a><br />I went back to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> to see some of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/becomingthearchetypemusic/" target="_blank">Becoming The Archetype</a>'s reunion set. I ended up capturing "Internal Illumination" but cut off the very end thinking that they were going into another song with the call for a wall of death pit.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l0W6e-tg7vo" width="560" youtube-src-id="l0W6e-tg7vo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/l0W6e-tg7vo">https://youtu.be/l0W6e-tg7vo</a><br /><div><a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> set list:<br />1. Prayer<br />2. Lacrime Nere (Jet Black Tears)<br />3. Non Ho Piu Paura Di Dormire (I'm Not Afraid To Sleep Anymore)<br />4. Làmhan Craiceann (Skeleton Hands)</div><div>5. Red Words</div><div>6. Bat<br />7. Washed In The Blood</div><div>8. Saved By The Blood</div><div>9. Oh, The Blood</div><div>10. La Ca Vrei (Take What You Want)</div><div>11. Tha Thu Naomh (You Are Holy)</div>At <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a>, I captured the full set from <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>. I arrived a bit later than the scheduled set time so I thought they may have started already. In finding out that they hadn't, I set up to capture the entire set. Things started a bit rough due to Skot not having the right mix in his monitor but as the show went on, it seemed to be a pretty good performance overall. At the 30 minute point, when my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> stops automatically, I began to record using my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a>, however, I thought I started it up again only to have stopped it nearly immediately after the restart. In my attempt to get the camera recording again, I think my shooting with my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> was pretty shaky and not really pointed the right way. I was able to get the <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> footage and the <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> footage synced up pretty well I think, I also adjusted the audio levels to be more comparable so there's not too much of a noticeable change in that regard. I discarded the second or so of footage from when I thought I had restarted my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>...it just didn't seem worth the effort to squeeze that in. Overall, I felt I could have probably recorded this better. I think I had the tripod set in such a way that panning was more jerky than I'd have preferred. At any rate, this is what I got and I'm happy enough with it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h6SuJc3ySlA" width="560" youtube-src-id="h6SuJc3ySlA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/h6SuJc3ySlA">https://youtu.be/h6SuJc3ySlA</a><br />The last set I watched was from the 'supergroup' <a href="https://www.worldgonecold.com/" target="_blank">World Gone Cold</a> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a>. I captured the song "Burn" but I don't feel I captured it well. I was a bit jerky in trying to move the camera throughout and didn't get zoomed out to show the entire band. I think this was due to my positioning in the tent more than anything though.<br /><br />After the <a href="https://www.worldgonecold.com/" target="_blank">World Gone Cold</a> set ended, I had thoughts of catching <a href="https://slowcomingday.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Slow Coming Day</a> but by the time I headed into the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a>, the set had just come to an end. I was outside talking with some friends before making the decision to go into <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up</a>. I did capture a clip of the lounge set up though before heading back out. Elphie and I decided to go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a> to see if anyone was hanging around there. It turned out that the Larsen's, Tyler, and some others were hanging out there. We got a bit of leftover food and hung for a while until most folks decided it was time to sleep. It was fun to hang and chit chat for a bit though!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">07.02.2023</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Du7oHVTeGB8" width="560" youtube-src-id="Du7oHVTeGB8"></iframe></span></div></u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Du7oHVTeGB8">https://youtu.be/Du7oHVTeGB8</a><br />I began the morning on Sunday July 2nd, 2023 with some coffee and decided to wear my way too tight Scurvies shirt as I tend to do at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>. I bought the shirt at <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone</a> and what I was given was a women's small. The first time I put it on, it definitely felt like it wasn't fitting properly...since then I cut off the sleeves and the sides. It probably won't last many more years. After making the quick trip over to <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>, we found that Honz Cartee showed up! He had apparently recently had a mishap at a show resulting in some broken ribs. He was hanging out by Elphie's table.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y7WKsJCZILs" width="560" youtube-src-id="y7WKsJCZILs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/y7WKsJCZILs">https://youtu.be/y7WKsJCZILs</a><br />Though I missed a couple of speakers I hoped to hear, I did make it to the fest in time to catch <a href="https://dadjokesska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Dad Jokes</a> playing on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest">Bloodline</a>. They were a late addition to the festival and so I created a makshift flyer for them to put at the beginning of the video clip. Little Jessi Dills played trumpet for the band and I captured the performance of "The Man Called Sting." While Dad Jokes was still playing, I captured some footage of Jordan from <a href="https://gafferproject.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Gaffer Project</a> giving haircuts as he often does at these events along the side of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> stage.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R2HsztSLjWg" width="560" youtube-src-id="R2HsztSLjWg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/R2HsztSLjWg">https://youtu.be/R2HsztSLjWg</a><br />I forgot that Joel David Weir was playing at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723615388056388" target="_blank">[Sub] Culture stage</a> and ended up missing his set. I'm disappointed in that I missed both the set and his speaking engagement. I did go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a> to catch the interview by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/ImCliffordToday" target="_blank">Clifford Close</a> of <a href="https://ronniemartin.org/" target="_blank">Ronnie Martin</a>. The entire interview can be heard on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/ImCliffordToday" target="_blank">Clifford's</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com" target="_blank">YouTube</a> channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/ImCliffordToday" target="_blank">"I'm Clifford Today."</a> I captured a short clip while I was there.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hp0c2z-LTVk" width="560" youtube-src-id="Hp0c2z-LTVk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Hp0c2z-LTVk">https://youtu.be/Hp0c2z-LTVk</a><br /><a href="https://locallegendsska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Local Legends</a> was playing on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline stage</a> next. We had the opportunity to see them play in Chicago a couple weeks prior to <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> and it was good to see them play again. I ended up capturing a song featuring Little Jessi on vocals too!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/av9ytUl5OPM" width="560" youtube-src-id="av9ytUl5OPM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/av9ytUl5OPM">https://youtu.be/av9ytUl5OPM</a><br />Next up on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> was <a href="https://2minuteminor.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">2Minute Minor</a>. I had hoped to capture a new song but ended up with "Change My Life" instead. I'm happy for this because Wiley gave a short talk on the importance of this song to him and felt it was definitely worth sharing.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NOJddev6k9o" width="560" youtube-src-id="NOJddev6k9o"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/NOJddev6k9o">https://youtu.be/NOJddev6k9o</a><br />I went down the hill to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723615388056388" target="_blank">[Sub] Culture stage</a> to catch some of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UpstandingGents/" target="_blank">Upstanding Gents</a> set. I captured "Raise A Toast To Johnny."<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uJ0WkSWRlj0" width="560" youtube-src-id="uJ0WkSWRlj0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/uJ0WkSWRlj0">https://youtu.be/uJ0WkSWRlj0</a><br />Back at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a>, <a href="https://narrowarrow.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Narrow / Arrow</a> was playing and I captured the fourth song of the set, apparently. I'm not sure what it was called but that is what Cody announced at the end of the song. I never really connected with Jonathan Hape before they left and that's a bummer.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KxLLT7wIZto" width="560" youtube-src-id="KxLLT7wIZto"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/KxLLT7wIZto">https://youtu.be/KxLLT7wIZto</a><br />I nearly forgot that the Noisy Do-Gooders were on stage at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theparkaudiofeed" target="_blank">The Park</a>. I got there just before their last song which was "Thunderstorm." I was able to get set up just in time to capture it! I decided to capture a panoramic shot after the Noisy Do-Gooders set at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theparkaudiofeed" target="_blank">The Park</a> capturing the activity in the area before starting to cook our dinner.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KngiUvyNLso" width="560" youtube-src-id="KngiUvyNLso"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/KngiUvyNLso">https://youtu.be/KngiUvyNLso</a><br />While cooking dinner, <a href="https://riotforromance.com/" target="_blank">Riot For Romance</a> started playing on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline stage</a>. They played a cover of "Dungeon" by <a href="https://starflyer59.fanlink.to/sf59" target="_blank">Starflyer 59</a> and so they intrigued me. I ended up going in to see the last few songs while the meat cooked on my grill. I also bought a vinyl from them.<br /><br />After our venison burger and corn was done cooking, I decided to give the <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Caribbean Splash a try while we ate dinner. It also was ok but my preference remains with Baja Blast. Both of these other variants aren't ones I would avoid but I also wouldn't go out of my way to try again.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MbLVgVCJ0KY" width="560" youtube-src-id="MbLVgVCJ0KY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/MbLVgVCJ0KY">https://youtu.be/MbLVgVCJ0KY</a><br />After eating dinner, I went over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a> to check out the set by <a href="http://www.jeremiahdirt.com/" target="_blank">Jeremiah Dirt</a>. Upon arriving, he was tossing beef bologna to the audience. He made sure all in attendance knew it was kosher, ha! I captured a song and watched through a few songs before moving along. I missed <a href="http://www.jeremiahdirt.com/" target="_blank">Jeremiah Dirt</a> last year and was made aware by Marco Castro that this was the <a href="http://www.jeremiahdirt.com/" target="_blank">Dirt</a> from <a href="http://www.locustfist.com/" target="_blank">Shadow Of Locusts</a> who did a guest vocal on Breathe Babylon by <a href="http://www.payableondeath.com/">P.O.D.</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZlU1g5MXiqg" width="560" youtube-src-id="ZlU1g5MXiqg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/ZlU1g5MXiqg">https://youtu.be/ZlU1g5MXiqg</a><br />Over in the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a>, the synth heavy night was beginning with <a href="https://www.helloluna.band/" target="_blank">Hello Luna</a>. I captured the song "Wait So Long" and watched most of the set. I enjoyed their style.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BIigPHaxsec" width="560" youtube-src-id="BIigPHaxsec"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/BIigPHaxsec">https://youtu.be/BIigPHaxsec</a><br />I returned to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a> to catch some of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Brother-ReD-Squirrel-100063628800931/" target="_blank">Brother Red Squirrel</a> set and captured "Lord, Your beautiful / The Game." As I think is the usual with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Brother-ReD-Squirrel-100063628800931/" target="_blank">Brother Red Squirrel</a>, this was a fairly long song. It was quite good. He had a couple guest musicians with him including one of the <a href="https://bohatribe.com/" target="_blank">Boha Tribe</a>.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZOaV0iMbE5I" width="560" youtube-src-id="ZOaV0iMbE5I"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/ZOaV0iMbE5I">https://youtu.be/ZOaV0iMbE5I</a><br />I missed <a href="https://idlethreatnashville.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Idle Threat</a> last year while cooking dinner so I wanted to make sure I caught at least part of their set at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a>. I captured a performance of "Beige." It was a good set, however, I think I had a different impression of their sound. Not a bad thing, just a different impression.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1XJZ4XmvdRs" width="560" youtube-src-id="1XJZ4XmvdRs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/1XJZ4XmvdRs">https://youtu.be/1XJZ4XmvdRs</a><br />While checking in on Elphie to see if she wanted to load her merch up, the Donley's came by to chat for a bit then along came Josh and Anastasia who was wearing her golden shiny shorts she found (and wrote a song about). After hanging a bit with them, I decided to head over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a> to catch some of the <a href="https://bohatribe.com/" target="_blank">Boha Tribe</a> set. I assume the song I captured is probably called Hallelujah. It was quite long and I think possibly somewhat improv-ed. <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u5JMl4c_vJc" width="560" youtube-src-id="u5JMl4c_vJc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/u5JMl4c_vJc">https://youtu.be/u5JMl4c_vJc</a><br />I went back to <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> to catch the <a href="https://lonewild.com/" target="_blank">Lone Wild</a> set and captured the song "Spitfire." I enjoyed this set as well. I think Ryan did a pretty good job with his booking this year and on this night in particular.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6PI9TRJndas" width="560" youtube-src-id="6PI9TRJndas"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/6PI9TRJndas">https://youtu.be/6PI9TRJndas</a><br />Returning to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a>, I caught some of the <a href="https://www.americanarson.com/" target="_blank">American Arson</a> set. It was quite loud and sounded like they may have been overpowering the system as the vocals seemed pretty distorted from probably peaking the amps. It was cool to see them as I had missed their previous performances at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> in past years.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yf2fS_UIa-w" width="560" youtube-src-id="Yf2fS_UIa-w"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Yf2fS_UIa-w">https://youtu.be/Yf2fS_UIa-w</a><br />After helping Elphie move her stuff back to the car, I returned to the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> to catch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deaththerapy/" target="_blank">Death Therapy</a> for a bit. I captured their performance of "It's OK To Not Be OK" which was somewhat different than it sounds on the album.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p84zo53OvG0" width="560" youtube-src-id="p84zo53OvG0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/p84zo53OvG0">https://youtu.be/p84zo53OvG0</a><br />I jumped over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> for a bit to see <a href="https://myepicrock.com/" target="_blank">My Epic</a>. I captured a new song called "Northstar" and was able to stay for a few songs. I tried to catch a few minutes of <a href="https://knotts1.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Knotts</a> as well but they were still setting up when I went over to Burningtown and I wanted to captured the entire <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a> set so I wanted to make sure I got into the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> with plenty of time so I wasn't rushing to get my camera set properly. I probably could have caught a bit of <a href="https://knotts1.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Knotts</a> as it turned out there was quite a bit of time before the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a> set began.<br /><br /><a href="https://chrisbernstorf.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Chris Bernstorf</a> put together a mocktail night at the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> during <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deaththerapy/" target="_blank">Death Therapy</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a> sets. These were phenomenal! I was able to get a few drinks and we very much enjoyed each one we tried. Elphie decorated her hair with the umbrellas...she also wore the appropriate dress attire for the evening by putting on her Hawai'ian shirt. <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vGHwsU64glE" width="560" youtube-src-id="vGHwsU64glE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/vGHwsU64glE">https://youtu.be/vGHwsU64glE</a><br /><a href="https://ronniemartin.org/">Ronnie Martin</a>/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a> full set<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Starcadia</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. We Are Rock</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. The Robot Beat</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Dance To Moroder</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. The Matterhorn</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. The Harsh Effects Of Time</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Red Will Dye These Snows Of Silver</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Most Terrible Archer</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. From The Womb Of The Morning The Dew Of Your Youth Will Be Yours</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. What Electricity Made<br />11. Whose Voice Will Not Be Heard</div><div style="text-align: justify;">12. Drum Machine Joy</div><div style="text-align: justify;">13. Sugar Rush</div><div style="text-align: justify;">14. Monosynth<br />The <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> seemed pretty packed for the <a href="https://ronniemartin.org/" target="_blank">Ronnie Martin</a>/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a> set. <a href="https://ronniemartin.org/" target="_blank">Ronnie</a> had the guys who played live with him last about 12 years ago rejoin him for this performance. The set was similar as well to the last time I saw a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a> show with a couple additions from his new solo work as well as from the last <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a> album. I thought it was a fairly good set considering the amount of time that past since <a href="https://ronniemartin.org/" target="_blank">Ronnie</a> last performed live. I was happy to be able to see it happen again!<br /><br />After the music ended, we didn't really find much of anyone hanging around late at night. We did hang for a bit at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a> with Jim Judge of <a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.com/" target="_blank">theillogicalspoon</a> as he was awake and had no desire for sleep at the time. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a> was preparing the hog roast for the next day and Jim got some coffee while we caught up on life. As we left the grounds, we found Marco Castro putting up flyers so we gave him a ride back to the hotel.</div><u><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>07.03.2023</b></u></div></u><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o2XrmUfDnBc" width="560" youtube-src-id="o2XrmUfDnBc"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/o2XrmUfDnBc">https://youtu.be/o2XrmUfDnBc</a><br />The footage for the third day of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> on Monday July 3rd, 2023 begins with a clip of Lore Roberts speaking on their experience as part of the Christian and LBGTQ+ communities in the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a>. For most of the clip, I had the camera pointing toward the ceiling for some reason. I decided to cut a still frame where Lore was in the frame and play around with the Bad TV effect.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4tFSB3X67ps" width="560" youtube-src-id="4tFSB3X67ps"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/4tFSB3X67ps">https://youtu.be/4tFSB3X67ps</a><br />After that talk, I stepped out of the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> and found Skot Shaw, Colleen Davick, and Roirdan and Royce Hanly doing a celtic jam at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theparkaudiofeed" target="_blank">The Park Stage</a>. I captured a tune then got some footage of the hose for drinking water and a wizard walking through the grounds while sitting at the table with Elphie for a bit.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EOZm6AZSfX0" width="560" youtube-src-id="EOZm6AZSfX0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/EOZm6AZSfX0">https://youtu.be/EOZm6AZSfX0</a><br />Back in the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a>, Nate Allen was speaking and performing some <a href="https://goodsaintnathanael.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Good Saint Nathanael</a> tunes. It was sort of like a storytellers set up with the songs woven. Nate would talk about where he was in life as certain songs were written. I captured the performance of "Making Repairs" along with his talk before the song about. I ended up having to leave the talk a bit early to get over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723615388056388" target="_blank">[Sub] Culture Stage</a> to catch the <a href="https://coxeysarmy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Coxey's Army</a> set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5F8HUpGiR6s" width="560" youtube-src-id="5F8HUpGiR6s"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/5F8HUpGiR6s">https://youtu.be/5F8HUpGiR6s</a><br /><a href="https://coxeysarmy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Coxey's Army</a> full set<br />1. Vagabond Son</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Boys On The Docks<br />3. Faithful</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Send 'Em Packing</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. The D5C</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Working</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Farewell, Godspeed</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. 'Til The End Of the Line</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Blue Color Pilgrim</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. You're Gonna Make It</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I decided I wanted to capture the entire <a href="https://coxeysarmy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Coxey's Army</a> set for day 3 of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>. They played on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723615388056388" target="_blank">[Sub]Culture stage</a> which was quite small. I tried to get set up a bit early just to be able to have a better view. I ended up with a fairly center stage spot at the edge of the short tent which allowed me to be able to see and capture the whole stage fairly well. I went with the shorter lens since it was so close up. It was a good set with a soccer style beach ball being kicked and tossed around throughout the set. Some of the kids got a little rowdy with it! Thankfully no camera equipment was damaged for me or anyone else ha!<br /><br />Elphie captured some footage of the merch area. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/ImCliffordToday" target="_blank">Clifford Close</a> was gone for the day. Amy Aldrich had come to hang out! It was good to see her again. Elphie also captured some footage of the Charioke set on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFrontPorchLiveMusicPhiloIl" target="_blank">Front Porch</a>.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pzIYnw_nTvk" width="560" youtube-src-id="pzIYnw_nTvk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/pzIYnw_nTvk">https://youtu.be/pzIYnw_nTvk</a><br />I went over to the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> to catch <a href="https://bravedays.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Brave Days</a>. Honz went over with me as well. They played a pretty good pop punk style. They talked a bit about their excitement of finally getting to play after trying for several years.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S0jjikxWsiM" width="560" youtube-src-id="S0jjikxWsiM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/S0jjikxWsiM">https://youtu.be/S0jjikxWsiM</a><br />At <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/harry.gore.75" target="_blank">Harry Gore</a> was up and I captured a new song called "Dead Man Blues." He had his all star cast of players. He said before they started the song that none of the band had played or heard it before...but it sounded pretty good to me.<br /><br />Honz broke out his guitar for a Honz Solo set. He also got interviewed for <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up</a>. This might have been a case of mistaken identity and they had asked me to do an interview earlier in the day, ha! I never did get interviewed. Oh well...<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W4Dbzcl1Ijk" width="560" youtube-src-id="W4Dbzcl1Ijk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/W4Dbzcl1Ijk">https://youtu.be/W4Dbzcl1Ijk</a><br />I stopped over at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723615388056388" target="_blank">[Sub]Culture stage</a> to catch a little bit of the <a href="https://deadbirds.xyz/" target="_blank">Dead Birds</a>. I was there for a few songs and captured one on video that had a somewhat country sound to it. I went back to Elphie's table so I could prepare to make our <a href="https://johnsonville.com/" target="_blank">Johnsonville Better with Cheddar</a> hot dogs for dinner. While doing so a hot dog eating contest began at the other end of the merch area. I captured a short clip and then Elphie captured more while I was cooking. She even captured the winner!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AWt80YgMg8w" width="560" youtube-src-id="AWt80YgMg8w"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/AWt80YgMg8w">https://youtu.be/AWt80YgMg8w</a><br />I made it into <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> to capture the end of the <a href="https://analecta.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">analecta</a> set, I believe I captured the song "Ikigai" and possibly the end of something else at the beginning of the clip. It was the first time seeing analecta with vocals which Sarah Maloney performed. I listened to the whole set from outside while eating and thought it all sounded good!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Zdm_QhMNno" width="560" youtube-src-id="-Zdm_QhMNno"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/-Zdm_QhMNno">https://youtu.be/-Zdm_QhMNno</a><br />The only performance I caught on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFrontPorchLiveMusicPhiloIl" target="_blank">Front Porch</a> was Bryan Hampton's new project called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bryanfromtheshows" target="_blank">Chalklines</a>. His flyer called it a Genre Reveal Party and I captured the beginning which he called "Name It and Disclaim It" asking folks not to share the performance on social media due to some of the content. I kinda thought it would be funny to share that part and got permission from Bryan to do so.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GMSc7mT0cjo" width="560" youtube-src-id="GMSc7mT0cjo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/GMSc7mT0cjo">https://youtu.be/GMSc7mT0cjo</a><br />Back in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a>, <a href="https://wearespaceships.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">SPACESHIPS</a> opened their set performing "Spillt" with Sarah Maloney performing the guest vocal. It was another good set and Nathaniel Danger FitzGerald had some important things to say during the set as well that I hope folks took to heart. While watching <a href="https://wearespaceships.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">SPACESHIPS</a>, I saw Todd Finney walking his dog which had ear muffs on behind <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a>.<br /><br />As I headed back to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> for the <a href="https://oyarsanoise.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Oyarsa</a> set, I captured some footage of folks playing games in the field as well as Jonathan Magee in his <a href="https://kevinschlereth.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Schlereth</a> attire. This was a fun thing that Jonathan did that day, ha! He had also injured himself on the first night so I hope he's healing ok.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_2w2HkLt6WM" width="560" youtube-src-id="_2w2HkLt6WM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/_2w2HkLt6WM">https://youtu.be/_2w2HkLt6WM</a><br />I could hear <a href="https://oyarsanoise.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Oyarsa</a> last year as I pulled in to park but I didn't make it to the stage in time to see them. I was glad to catch them this year on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a>. Joe McElroy said he has been able to play every <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> which is cool!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3asfKRrzS4o" width="560" youtube-src-id="3asfKRrzS4o"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/3asfKRrzS4o">https://youtu.be/3asfKRrzS4o</a><br />Also on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline</a> I was able to capture some of <a href="https://chrisbernstorf.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Chris Bernstorf</a>'s set. I captured the performance of "Imago Dei In The Blood" which was toward the end of his set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/obwD2aoQyIs" width="560" youtube-src-id="obwD2aoQyIs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/obwD2aoQyIs">https://youtu.be/obwD2aoQyIs</a><br />I walked over to Burningtown to catch some of <a href="https://ping.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Elbel + Ping</a>. During the set, I also captured someone in a Fox suit hanging out near Andrew Pickett. I captured the song "Rhyming Dictionary" which has a music video that was shot last year during <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BMjUPksVgeg" width="560" youtube-src-id="BMjUPksVgeg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/BMjUPksVgeg">https://youtu.be/BMjUPksVgeg</a><br /><a href="https://gafferproject.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Gaffer Project</a> closed the night at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline Stage</a> and was the last band I saw as well. Jordan seemed to have changed his vocal approach somewhat I thought from what I recall in previous times seeing them play.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />After the <a href="https://gafferproject.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Gaffer Project</a> set, we hung around the merch area where Elphie's table was set up. Jim Judge from <a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.com/" target="_blank">theillogicalspoon</a> came by, Honz was still around, and Brock who put on Ellis Fest back in 2013 came by. It was a good time to hang and chat. I also captured a few shots of the moon with both my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a> and my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>.<br /></div><u><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>07.04.2023</b></u></div></u><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f7cJ3xIrngg" width="560" youtube-src-id="f7cJ3xIrngg"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/f7cJ3xIrngg">https://youtu.be/f7cJ3xIrngg</a></div>Upon arrival at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> for its fourth and final day on July 4th, 2023, we got things set up in <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> for Elphie since she was speaking in there. While we were setting up the Intentional Community Roundtable was going on and I captured a clip from that. I stepped out of the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge </a>and captured some footage of the festival from that perspective. The celtic jam was going on again at The Park. I got something from Elphie's table at the merch area to bring back to the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> then listened to the presentation by <a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.com/" target="_blank">Jeremy Siegrest</a> of <a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.com/" target="_blank">theillogicalspoon</a> on ecology, anarchism, and faith and captured a clip of that. Elphie was scheduled next to speak about her book. She was nervous about it but I think it went fairly well.<br /><br />We stuck around for the <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> Leadership Question and Answer session. I captured a clip at the beginning where Jim Eisenmenger gave a brief introduction of the new team who each individually introduced themselves. One big takeaway from this session that didn't get captured on video was that the leadership team felt the ticket sales allowed them to meet their goal of not accruing debt! They also gave reason for hope for at least another year!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wjCOIG55baU" width="560" youtube-src-id="wjCOIG55baU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/wjCOIG55baU">https://youtu.be/wjCOIG55baU</a><br />After all the speakers, I finally started to capture some footage of music with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teelshortmusic/" target="_blank">Teel Short</a>'s set at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a>. I was able to capture the last song of the set. While editing this clip, I kept getting an error message just about as the file was created. After several tries, I found a slight glitch in the clip with less than two seconds left so I cut just before that point of the clip.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nexXtVsus08" width="560" youtube-src-id="nexXtVsus08"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/nexXtVsus08">https://youtu.be/nexXtVsus08</a><br /><a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> played next at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a> and I captured their peformance of "Side by Side." They recruited Skot Shaw to play drums as well as someone to play bass this year!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hMPm-cEKwCI" width="560" youtube-src-id="hMPm-cEKwCI"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/hMPm-cEKwCI">https://youtu.be/hMPm-cEKwCI</a><br />I went to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723615388056388" target="_blank">[Sub]Culture Stage</a> to see some of the <a href="https://www.pacificorock.com/" target="_blank">Pacifico</a> set. I wanted to check this out because they put a <a href="https://starflyer59.fanlink.to/sf59" target="_blank">Starflyer 59</a> tribute album out featuring a number of bands. It was a cool set but I ended up cutting out a bit earlier than I intended as I realized I didn't have my water bottle. I found it back at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a>.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uIwM8wfNjBI" width="560" youtube-src-id="uIwM8wfNjBI"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/uIwM8wfNjBI">https://youtu.be/uIwM8wfNjBI</a><br /><a href="http://www.convictionsrock.com/" target="_blank">Convictions</a> played a parking lot pop up set near where the remaining food vendors were set up. It was a fun show. I believe that they were meant to have a stage headlining spot on a different day but got booked elsewhere so it was cool that they were still able to make it to <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> and play a set. I captured the song "Teeth."<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r7IBH0CjA5M" width="560" youtube-src-id="r7IBH0CjA5M"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/r7IBH0CjA5M">https://youtu.be/r7IBH0CjA5M</a><br />At the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723615388056388" target="_blank">[Sub]Culture Stage</a>, <a href="https://jessiebearmusic.bandcamp.com/">Jessie Bear</a> was playing and I captured a song right before a storm hit. Thankfully I was able to stay under the tent and keep my camera dry. As his set ended, the rain had let up so I wandered over to the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> for a minute before heading to Elphie's table before it started to come down pretty good again. It was a short lived storm, thankfully.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dSHXMfw-xcw" width="560" youtube-src-id="dSHXMfw-xcw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/dSHXMfw-xcw">https://youtu.be/dSHXMfw-xcw<br /></a>Back at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a>, <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a> were playing. I captured a song from their <a href="https://almightychristmas.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Almighty Christmas Compilations</a> called "Nobody Said." It was a fun set after the rain ended. Josh took the opportunity to plug the sponsor of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theparkaudiofeed" target="_blank">The Park</a>, Not Bored Games during the set as well.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BnVlwLfLG_g" width="560" youtube-src-id="BnVlwLfLG_g"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/BnVlwLfLG_g">https://youtu.be/BnVlwLfLG_g</a><br />As I was heading into <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline Stage</a> to check out <a href="https://adjy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Adjy</a>, there were furries making their way into the tent as well! I captured a song called "Stepping Into The Same River Twice." <a href="https://adjy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Adjy</a> reminded me some of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AllTheDayHoliday/" target="_blank">All the Day Holiday</a>.<br /><br />After the <a href="https://adjy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Adjy</a> set, I noticed a guy riding on the trailer as a truck made its way toward the front gate and decided to capture that.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y1b8cZ8Lc6Q" width="560" youtube-src-id="y1b8cZ8Lc6Q"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/y1b8cZ8Lc6Q">https://youtu.be/y1b8cZ8Lc6Q</a><br />Over at the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a>, <a href="http://everythingwillburn.insomniacfolklore.com/" target="_blank">Insomniac Folklore</a> played as a solo act...only Tyler could make the trip. I captured the closing song, "Behold The Ram" as well as Tyler speaking a bit before the tune. It was a good performance.<br /><br />I took the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> music break to pull my car up to load Elphie's books and everything else we had at the table. I left the car sitting there the rest of the evening. <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PlIFUkt2rBY" width="560" youtube-src-id="PlIFUkt2rBY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/PlIFUkt2rBY">https://youtu.be/PlIFUkt2rBY</a><br />I ended up capturing a short song by <a href="https://destroynateallen.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a> while they played in the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> called "An Ode To Urban Living." It seemed an appropriate enough song! It was a fun and classic <a href="https://destroynateallen.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a> set with it just being Nate and Tessa this time.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bCt7gPRh_yE" width="560" youtube-src-id="bCt7gPRh_yE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/bCt7gPRh_yE">https://youtu.be/bCt7gPRh_yE</a><br />I ran over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline Stage</a> to catch some of <a href="https://pocketvinyl.com/" target="_blank">Pocket Vinyl</a>. They were closing the night on that stage. I captured a tune that was described as a waltz. It was cool to get to see them and see the visual art being created during the set. I stepped outside the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bloodlinefest" target="_blank">Bloodline stage</a> and noticed the moon was clear so I decided to get a couple shots of it, again.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cj5ek4EWz6M" width="560" youtube-src-id="cj5ek4EWz6M"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/cj5ek4EWz6M">https://youtu.be/cj5ek4EWz6M</a><br />I made my way to the end of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050677513379" target="_blank">M-Low</a> set at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BurningtownMusicFest" target="_blank">Burningtown</a>. I captured Mike talking a bit before closing the set with a solo song.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2fr5NSj3gb4" width="560" youtube-src-id="2fr5NSj3gb4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/2fr5NSj3gb4">https://youtu.be/2fr5NSj3gb4</a><br /><a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.com/" target="_blank">theillogicalspoon</a> Set List:<br />1. Who's The Cowboy Now?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Ragged Claws</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Feel, Feel, Feel</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Rainstorm Swimming</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Moon and Fire<br />The final set of the fest was <a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.com/" target="_blank">theillogicalspoon</a> in the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned up Lounge</a> and I decided to capture it in its entirety. It was a fun set and felt like a good way to end <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>. Unfortunately, they had to cut a song. They also played the next night at <a href="https://wilsonabbey.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Abbey</a> in Chicago but sadly we didn't make it.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After all was over and <a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.com/" target="_blank">theillogicalspoon</a> was done playing. I hung around a bit with some friends before assisting with the tear down. I captured a clip of Lee winning fifty cents from the slot machine set up in the among the merch at <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a>. I also took a moment to capture some footage during the tear down efforts while I was gathering various cables and cords to wrap and organize. I think we ended at around 2:00am and headed back to the hotel to try to sleep a little bit before getting back to help some more in the morning.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>07.05.2023<br /></b></u><u><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s-wZgWksx9o" width="560" youtube-src-id="s-wZgWksx9o"></iframe></u><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/s-wZgWksx9o">https://youtu.be/s-wZgWksx9o</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After a few hours of sleep, we woke on Wednesday morning, got ready and loaded up to go. Elphie found evidence of bed bugs which explained the various bite marks on her body. We informed the hotel so that they would hopefully treat the room. We had to wait around a bit for our deposit and the whole process was a bit confusing due in part to having a hard time hearing the person working the desk and also the accent. We did get it all figured out eventually though and headed back to the fairgrounds to assist with the rest of the <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> teardown and cleanup efforts.<br /><br />Elphie and I mostly focused on the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up Lounge</a> stage area again, Elphie did some restroom cleaning. We cleaned and stacked a few more tables and swept up the floors. We also went around the grounds to pick up trash that was still laying around. It wasn't hard work and we were happy to do it. While we helped out, Tyler Hentchel returned our tent. I loaded that up then continued picking up trash. We checked in to see what else we could do to help and once it was said that we were done, we went over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a> area to say our goodbyes to Mama Linda, Tara, and the crew. We hadn't had much of a chance to see them during the fest. As we left, I made a point to take a picture of the footprint left behind by Guy Allen's snack booth. It was a bit funny...especially in light of a social media post and thread later that day. Jonathan Magee makes a cameo as well...he informed us that his injury would be projected to be healed up in time for <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>! Good luck, Jonathan!<br /><br />We stopped to get some lunch at <a href="https://www.bobevans.com/" target="_blank">Bob Evans</a> as we left Champaign Urbana. It seemed that everyone else probably had left the area. I captured footage during the drive home again using our <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a> and used the animated map clip for further documentation of our return. Along the ride home, I also captured some windmills, what appeared to be a military helicopter landing, a Lincoln statue, the water tower for Monee, and the Chicago skyline as we approached the city. Back at the house, we brought everything out of the car, and sprayed it in hopes to kill any remaining bed bugs. We sprayed the car as well as the trunk and put all our clothes into the wash. It seems we were able to get rid of the problem! We thankfully were able to get it all done before another storm came through. We seem to have just missed one and throughout the weekend while we were gone it seemed that there was considerable rain as well.<br /><br />In addition to all the video footage shared, there's also photos and such shared at our respective <a href="https://www.facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> feeds.<br /><br />Also, for other perspectives, check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ImCliffordToday" target="_blank">I'm Clifford Today</a> on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>. <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up</a> has some written articles as well as video interviews and whatnot on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@tuned_upmusic" target="_blank">Tuned Up YouTube</a>. I'm sure that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@jeffsummstl" target="_blank">Jeff Summers</a> will also contribute to the live footage archive on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> as well (I have come to realize he was unable to attend <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> this year but he has quite a bit of footage on his channel dating back to the Cornerstone years to check out). I'm sure there are others who have shared their experience of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> on the internet who I am not yet aware of.<br /><br />There are also some who don't share to the internet like our mullet wearing friend, Lee who surely has an immense collection somewhere! I remember seeing him with camera in hand the first time I went to Cornerstone in 2004!<br /><br />Of course check the various internet homes of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> where I'm sure there is a lot that has been shared and probably still to be shared from the official media team.<br /><br />I felt that <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed 2023</a>, went quite well. The new team booked fun acts and seemed to handle the responsibilities quite well. Jim was still heavily involved lending a hand where he could and Zach and Luke also were still quite involved but the new team took the reins well I think. I captured footage from 57 artists or speakers along with an assortment of other footage! I am hopeful for the future of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed!</a> The announcement already went out for the 2024 edition which will be the 10th event. It's a couple years delayed due to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> but it is exciting to reach the 10th <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> and can't wait to see what they got in store. I included the announcement of the 10th <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> at the end of the video.<br /><br />Additional soundtrack includes "I Like Your Photographs / ...Moves On" by <a href="https://starflyer59.fanlink.to/sf59" target="_blank">Starflyer 59</a> and "Cloud City" by <a href="http://h-u-m.net/" target="_blank">Hum</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span>Footage filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>, </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 12 and 14</a><span> and </span><a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a><span> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles and other animations created using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> <span>by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a><span> by Joel A. Swanson.<br /><br />Full <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> 2023 Video Playlist<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?si=HBMBqR2-DObOqIJs&list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpOy7juNkjT7epZyk1mWm_WQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpOy7juNkjT7epZyk1mWm_WQ"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpOy7juNkjT7epZyk1mWm_WQ">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpOy7juNkjT7epZyk1mWm_WQ</a></div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-42202062397665998922023-08-12T01:10:00.003-05:002023-09-29T16:51:51.638-05:00A Shared Life: Spring In Chicago (April - June 2023)<p></p><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The footage that is compiled to make this Spring 2023 video project begins after our return from <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-shared-life-visiting-southern.html" target="_blank">Australia and New Zealand</a> and goes through the end of June when we head off to <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed 2023</a>. There is some live show footage and another <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> music video that I was able to put together fairly quickly once I had the time to work on it. We made a couple short trips this Spring...one day trip to Michigan to see <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> and the <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a> and a weekend trip to Pennsylvania which included a day in Pittsburgh on my birthday to visit with friends, get a tattoo, and eat some great food. Elphie had family visit which is highlighted somewhat in this project as well. We were able to have a few bonfires throughout the season with friends and family. One oddity was that I didn't get to any shows in the month of May...a first time for me, I think, of going over a month without seeing a show that wasn't due to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e3j6jCLo2xQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="e3j6jCLo2xQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/e3j6jCLo2xQ">https://youtu.be/e3j6jCLo2xQ</a><br /><b><u>04.01.2023 - 04.20.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Tuesday April 3rd, 2023, Elphie helped our friend Daniel finish up moving from his apartment. I was at work but when I got done, I met them to help with the last few things. I was still feeling the jet lag effect a bit. Daniel treated us to Raymond's Tacos nearby for helping him. On my morning commute on Wednesday April 4th, 2023, I kept encountering road blocks. The first was due to work in my neighborhood so I went one block over to get around it. Then on Archer, one of the main streets, traffic was being stopped at Western, another main corridor, by police and emergency vehicles, so I turned to go another way. In hindsight, perhaps taking a route that directly got me on the highway at this point might have been the better and quicker choice. Instead I decided to try 35th street only to encounter more road blocks at Western. I followed another car up an alley and found a road not blocked accessing Western however getting across Western was not an option so I continued north. As I went, all routes leading to/from Western continued to be blocked by emergency vehicles. Some police and emergency vehicles began to follow me and the other traffic that managed to get onto northbound Western. At Ogden, most of the emergency vehicles turned east and so I continued driving north on Western then took I-290 east into the city. I kept the footage I captured using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> of this detour including the low cloud cover over the the city once I was out of the detour and heading to work on Lake Shore Drive. I sped up the footage at 1,000%. The detour ended up being due to a firefighter passing away during a morning fire on the south side. On Thursday April 5th, 2023, during my morning commute, there was a fire in one of the condo buildings along Lake Shore Drive. Apparently another firefighter passed away during this fire as well. I captured all the firetrucks around the building as well as some smoke using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>.<br /><br />On Saturday April 8th, 2023 we gave Peeps cereal a try for the Easter holiday. On Sunday April 9th, 2023, we attended the Easter service held at <a href="https://wilsonabbey.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Abbey</a> by <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/">J.P.U.S.A.</a> and then hung around and had dinner with friends afterwards. There was another fire during my morning commute on Monday April 10th, 2023. This time it was on Archer a bit further north than I would typically drive so that didn't necessarily have much of an effect. I could see the smoke while waiting at the light at Damen Avenue then a firetruck drove through. Once on I-57, I could see the smoke again...it was a large plume and it did have an effect on driving through as visibility was considerably lessened and, of course, the morbid curiosity to try to see what's going on.<br /><br />On Saturday April 15th, 2023 we attended Nocturna at Metro. We got to see a few friends and Elphie was able to give out some souvenirs from our <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-shared-life-visiting-southern.html" target="_blank">Australia and New Zealand trip</a>. On Monday April 17th, 2023, we had our last snowfall...I think. I captured it on my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> as I cleared off the car to drive to work. The evening commute on Wednesday April 19th, 2023 had a storm with quite a bit of lightning. I used my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> to capture the lightning as I drove. This clip took quite a bit of time, painstakingly searching through to see where the lightning occurred over the duration of the drive and then slowing down the footage so to maximize the lightning on the video.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>04.21.2023</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday April 21st, 2023 I left work a little bit early and we drove to Grand Rapids, Michigan for a show featuring the <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a> and <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>. Elphie met me in Uptown and we got lunch at <a href="https://www.pokiologychi.com/" target="_blank">Pokiology</a> before leaving. I also gave the <a href="https://us.coca-cola.com/" target="_blank">Coca-Cola</a> Move variant try. It ended up tasting somewhat similar as the Starlight variant though not as good. I heard the flavor was meant to transform but it didn't seem to do so. We were unfortunately a little late to the show and ended up missing <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brandonreidmusic/" target="_blank">Brandon Reid</a> opening the night. The show was at <a href="http://skelletones.com/" target="_blank">Skelletones</a> which recently re-opened. I had heard a lot about the venue from friends who played during its previous era so it was cool to get to experience the place. Some of our Michigan friends made it to the show, the Smiths, The Hamptons, and Adam. I captured a clip of "No Luck Again" by the <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a> and "I'll Fly Away" by <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>. I captured "I'll Fly Away" because Josh from the <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a> played with <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> for the song. After the show, Elphie and I detoured to the Kalamazoo area to visit with the Smiths and gather the vinyl Chris had obtained for me from <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest 2022</a>. We stayed for a few hours then returned to Chicago in the wee hours. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fe6ibCMlS24" width="560" youtube-src-id="fe6ibCMlS24"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/fe6ibCMlS24">https://youtu.be/fe6ibCMlS24</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SYj7QL5gPLU" width="560" youtube-src-id="SYj7QL5gPLU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/SYj7QL5gPLU">https://youtu.be/SYj7QL5gPLU</a><br /><u><b>04.22.2023</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday April 22nd, 2023, I found that the <a href="https://pilfers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Pilfers</a> were playing in Berwyn, Illinois just outside Chicago and decided to go to the show. It was all ska bands and in a bar called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/El-Corral-Night-Club-100063661925512/" target="_blank">El Corral</a> and it was the first time I had caught a show there. It was a different sort of establishment. I ended up there quite early too apparently. <a href="https://pilfers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Pilfers</a> ended the night with Patois Six, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090460819653" target="_blank">Skapital Corruption</a>, <a href="https://forgottentribe.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Forgotten Tribe</a>, and <a href="https://rudeechoes.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Rude Echoes</a> playing as well. Little Jessi showed up and it was good to see her. <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SKd5tVWyTfg" width="560" youtube-src-id="SKd5tVWyTfg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/SKd5tVWyTfg">https://youtu.be/SKd5tVWyTfg</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-K3zvzhtoI" width="560" youtube-src-id="Q-K3zvzhtoI"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Q-K3zvzhtoI">https://youtu.be/Q-K3zvzhtoI</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-t3ucz5rCSY" width="560" youtube-src-id="-t3ucz5rCSY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/-t3ucz5rCSY">https://youtu.be/-t3ucz5rCSY</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EwmrunKX0T0" width="560" youtube-src-id="EwmrunKX0T0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/EwmrunKX0T0">https://youtu.be/EwmrunKX0T0</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c4fvN1ri6Y0" width="560" youtube-src-id="c4fvN1ri6Y0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/c4fvN1ri6Y0">https://youtu.be/c4fvN1ri6Y0</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u><b>04.23.2023 - 05.01.2023</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I left work early again on Thursday April 27th, 2023 to head to Pennsylvania. We drove to Warren and arrived in the late evening. It was a fairly uneventful trip. On Friday April 28th, 2023, we drove to<a href="https://www.joneschevrolet.com/" target="_blank"> Jones Chevrolet</a> to look at an EV. I had been told that there would be a <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Bolt EV</a> on the lot however, upon arrival, we found out that I had received bad information. We also learned that with the EVs, they had to be typically ordered as they are not sitting on the lots. Also we learned that the <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Bolt</a> was now only in <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">EUV</a> for whatever that matters. We tried to get a Baja Freeze then from <a href="https://www.tacobell.com/" target="_blank">Taco Bell</a> but apparently the Freeze machine wasn't working. We had dinner with my brother and parents, eating <a href="https://www.dominos.com/en/" target="_blank">Domino's Pizza</a>. I gave the <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Summer Freeze variant a try and felt it was similar to voltage but the flavor seemed "watered down". We then drove to Pittsburgh where we'd spend the next day. We got a hotel at <a href="https://www.redroof.com/" target="_blank">Red Roof Inn</a> in Cranberry. As we drove out of the Warren area, we witnessed something that looked like an explosion and then fire. We're not sure what it was and my searching for information didn't turn anything up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday April 29th, 2023 we spent my birthday in Pittsburgh! We started the day going to <a href="https://burgatorybar.com/" target="_blank">Burgatory</a> to get lunch using the gift cards I had won during the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> Predictor a few years back, thanks to Chad Ruhwedel! We had to get the order to go so that we could get to <a href="https://inthebloodtattoo.com/" target="_blank">In The Blood Tattoo</a> on time for my appointment with Justun Wanted. I was able to get the entire piece I wanted done with Justun because he works quickly while still doing a great quality job! I am really happy with how it turned out! It was good to see him again and to catch up as it had been quite a few years. Perhaps I can make a yearly visit and get some more work done each time! After settling up, we left to visit <a href="https://six16piercing.com/" target="_blank">Six16 Piercing</a> studio so Elphie could get the dermal in her forehead removed. She had an MRI coming up and felt it best to get it taken care of this way by someone she trusted. She had Ryan Feagin remove it and we had a few minutes to catch up with him as well. After this, I stopped for gas at <a href="https://www.speedway.com/" target="_blank">Speedway</a> and redeemed a free <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> as well as Birthday Bonus Points. I had tried to reach out to Dylan and Amber to see if they were free but hadn't gotten a response so we just pulled up to the house. Amber was making dinner for their kid and Dylan was doing a job. We caught up a bit with Amber then Dylan got home and we caught up a bit with him as well! It had been a long time since we'd seen either of them or been in the house and a lot had changed. Next we headed to <a href="https://www.rolandspittsburgh.com/" target="_blank">Roland's</a> for Lobster ravioli, a Hot Lobster Roll, and hangs with Joe! He gave us free <a href="https://primantibros.com/" target="_blank">Primanti Brothers</a> coupons and ended up comping us the dinner as well. We made it through Pittsburgh without paying for food! I left a big time tip for him as we left. We also saw Kathryn Manning who happened to be at the bar with her partner on their way to some other shenanigans. It was a good day in Pittsburgh!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday April 30th, 2023, we stopped at <a href="https://primantibros.com/" target="_blank">Primanti Brothers</a> for lunch, using the coupons that Joe gave us, and then stopped at <a href="https://burgatorybar.com/" target="_blank">Burgatory</a> again to get shakes to take back to Warren. My mom was interested in trying the expresso shake! We got back to Warren before the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/pirates" target="_blank">Pirates</a> game began due to a rain delay. They ended up losing which began quite a slump for the team after a promising and over-achieving start to the season. We had Easter with the family, that evening. We drove back to Chicago on Monday May 1st, 2023, stopping in Erie at <a href="https://www.hallmanchevrolet.com/" target="_blank">Dave Hallman Chevrolet</a> to see if they happened to have a <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Bolt EV</a> on site to check out. They did, however, it was owned by someone. We were given the impression it could take 6-8 months to receive a <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-euv" target="_blank">Bolt EUV</a> on order so we placed an order while we were there and made the commitment to buy a new car for the first time! The plan was to pick it up in November while in Warren for Thanksgiving and hunting season. We made it back to Chicago...it was another relatively uneventful drive.<br /><br /><u><b>05.05.2023 - 05.08.2023</b></u><br />On Friday May 5th, 2023, during the evening commute home, I encountered one car with a large Mexican flag on display...apparently celebrating Cinco de Mayo. I also captured another interesting car closer to home using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. On Saturday May 6th, 2023, while Elphie was trying to organize the souvenirs from <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-shared-life-visiting-southern.html" target="_blank">Australia and New Zealand</a>, Stein decided to take up residence in the bag! It's funny that he has a perfectly good cat bed but won't utilize it...instead sitting in a bag or on paper that he eventually decides to rip to pieces too. On Sunday May 7th, 2023 we attended the anniversary party of Lyda and Ron Jackson at <a href="https://wilsonabbey.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Abbey</a>. They renewed their vows and had a ceremony. There also was cake which was quite good. We hung around for a bit into the evening. As we drove home, we caught a lightning storm using the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. We also captured the local peddler of balloons, roses, and other odd items as he peddled while the storm approached. Monday May 8th, 2023 I used my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> to capture some interesting cloud cover over the city. I did the same on Tuesday May 9th, 2023 though I sped up the entire commute due to the way the clouds seemed to linger over the areas closer to Lake Michigan. I also captured that the Buckingham Fountain had finally been turned on for the season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><u><b>05.11.2023 - 05.23.2023</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Elphie's mom came to visit and on Thursday May 11th, 2023, we picked her up at <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Midway Airport</a>. In doing so, I missed the turn while returning from the cell phone lot and had to get turned around. I had an airplane take off overhead while doing this. On Friday May 12th, 2023 we took Elphie's mom to the <a href="https://zenleafdispensaries.com/" target="_blank">Zenleaf</a> dispensary so she could get her marijuana to get through her time in Chicago. We also stopped at the new <a href="https://www.7-eleven.com/" target="_blank">Seven Eleven</a> in the neighborhood.<br /><br />On Saturday May 13th, 2023, Elphie took her mom to get her hair and nails did. I stayed home and began the work on the <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-shared-life-visiting-southern.html" target="_blank">Southern Hemisphere vacation project</a>. When they got done, we stopped at <a href="https://www.portillos.com/" target="_blank">Portillo's</a> so Elphie's mom could get a Chicago style hot dog. She opted for a chili cheese coney instead. After <a href="https://www.portillos.com/" target="_blank">Portillo's</a>, we had friends come over for a bonfire in the backyard. Quite a few friends were able to visit and it was a good time. On Sunday May 14th, 2023, we took Elphie's mom to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/breethairestaurant/" target="_blank">Bree Thai</a> and drove up to Chinatown on Archer. We didn't do a lot of driving around due to my brakes going bad. I had an appointment the next day to get them checked out. I set the appointment on Friday and they got considerably worse through the weekend!<br /><br />On Monday May 15th, 2023, with my new set of brakes, I found that Lake Shore Drive was closed for me going back home. I took a detour and while doing so, passed a truck at Montrose Avenue stuck under Lake Shore Drive. On Tuesday May 16th, 2023, Canadian wild fire smoke had infiltrated the Chicago area making for a hazy evening. We also were being hit with a <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/pneumonia-front-lake-michigan" target="_blank">"Pneumonia Front"</a> which causes a drastic temperature drop in just a few hours. It had dropped 10 degrees during my commute home! I captured some photos and video of the hazy sun due to the smoke after getting home using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. I took screenshots to try to show the temperature drop. It wasn't as extreme as it seemed it would be but still, two degrees in less than an hour is pretty extreme! I also picked up a <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's</a> Chicago style deep dish pizza for dinner so Elphie's mom could experience that.<br /><br />Elphie and her mom went out on their own on Wednesday May 17th, 2023 and Thursday May 18th, 2023 to the <a href="https://www.sheddaquarium.org/" target="_blank">Shedd Aquarium</a> and <a href="https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/tours-and-attractions/the-bean-chicago/" target="_blank">"The Bean (CloudGate)"</a> while I was working. On Friday May 19th, 2023 we took Elphie's mom with us to shop for groceries in Indiana at the <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a>. We also got a car wash at <a href="https://www.speedway.com/" target="_blank">Speedway</a>. before leaving, they played a game of "Wig Out!"<br /><br />On Saturday May 20th, 2023, we went to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/garfield-park-conservatory" target="_blank">Garfield Park Conservatory</a>. We had not gone there before and it was fairly enjoyable. I decided to visit the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shit-fountain" target="_blank">Shit Fountain</a> next, I figured Elphie's mom would appreciate it! While there, the artist who created the fountain came out of his studio and invited us to check it out. It was interesting! We drove through the north side neighborhoods up to Uptown, stopping at the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/graceland-cemetery" target="_blank">Graceland Cemetery</a> to show Elphie's mom the various sculptures, memorials, and mausoleums including <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/eternal-silence" target="_blank">Eternal Silence</a> and <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/inez-clarke-monument" target="_blank">Inez Clarke</a>. We then drove by the <a href="https://www.staugustine.edu/" target="_blank">Saint Augustine College</a> where Elphie had taken classes (and the former <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/essanay-studios" target="_blank">Essanay Studios</a> where silent films were created) before heading to Montrose Beach to see the dogs play in the water. After getting dinner at <a href="https://online.sonicdrivein.com/" target="_blank">Sonic</a>, we drove up to Winnetka to see the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-home-alone-house-winnetka-illinois" target="_blank">Home Alone house</a> and, along the way, the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bahai-temple" target="_blank">Bahá'í Temple</a>. Coming back to the neighborhood, I detoured by <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/zion-evangelical-lutheran-ghost-church" target="_blank">Zion Evangelical Lutheran Ghost Church</a>. We made one last stop at <a href="https://www.eatandys.com/" target="_blank">Andy's</a> for custard before heading in for the evening. Elphie's mom was tired out. On Sunday May 22nd, 2023, Elphie's mom was to fly home from <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Midway</a>. We took her to <a href="https://www.culvers.com/" target="_blank">Culver's</a> for dinner before her flight. We dropped her off at <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Midway</a>. Elphie went with her as far as security would allow and she eventually made it back to North Carolina after some delays due to weather somewhere in between I guess.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KJo_A05YGMU" width="560" youtube-src-id="KJo_A05YGMU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/KJo_A05YGMU">https://youtu.be/KJo_A05YGMU</a><br />On Tuesday morning May 23rd, 2023, I decided to take a detour on my way to work using Pershing Road to get to Damen rather than Archer. There was a significant traffic backup for some reason. At Pershing and Damen, there is an asphalt plant that can also cause some delays as trucks are let in and out of the facility. This happened as I approached so I waited in the traffic. Someone driving a "Lease Uber/Lyft" Ford vehicle got impatient behind me laying on their horn while I couldn't really move due to the traffic ahead. The light changed to red as well but this person continued with the horn. Prior to arriving behind me, they had passed another vehicle on the curb side in the bike lane. That person then pulled up on the curbside in the bike lane next to this impatient driver using the "Lease Uber/Lyft" vehicle then after a short time, they pulled around me on the curbside using the bike lane then proceeded through the intersection on a red light. The impatient driver of the "Lease Uber/Lyft" vehicle did the same while giving me the middle finger! ha! I then proceeded with a green light through the intersection and as I approached that "Lease Uber/Lyft" vehicle, the driver again took the curb side bike lane and we both reached the next intersection. I was using the left turn lane. The light was again red. The "Lease Uber/Lyft" vehicle would then proceed through another red light as did a motorcycle heading the opposite direction. Using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>, I was able to capture their license plate: Illinois DR 16568 and the number for the "Lease Uber/Lyft" which was (773) 999-1500. Later on my morning commute, I captured firetrucks on Queen's Landing near the Buckingham Fountain during my commute. I'm not sure what was going on with that. I included bonus footage of calling the number on the Lease Uber/Lyft vehicle.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>05.25.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Skot Shaw had asked me to put together another music video. This one is for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>'s song "If I Ever Fall In Love" off the <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/dark-places" target="_blank">Dark Places</a> album and using a clip his bandmade John Betten shot during an open mic. After some back and forth on the arranging of that footage with the additional footage I shot with Skot in his studio The Empathy Crypt, we came to a place of agreement where what you see was the finished product. <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/05/if-i-ever-fall-in-love-by-leper-music.html" target="_blank">There is more information one can read here.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z9n2YGhgydU" width="560" youtube-src-id="z9n2YGhgydU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/z9n2YGhgydU">https://youtu.be/z9n2YGhgydU</a><br /><b><u>05.28.2023 - 06.05.2023</u></b><br />On Sunday May 28th, 2023, we attended a BBQ at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityOJCR" target="_blank">Oratory of Jesus Christ Reconciler Community of the Holy Trinity house</a>. We got to see a few friends and hang out while enjoying good food. We ended up doing a bonfire on Memorial Day - Monday May 29th, 2023 with Russ. We caught up on life and I cooked up some <a href="https://johnsonville.com/" target="_blank">Johnsonville</a> Better with Cheddar sausages.<br /><br />During my morning commute on Monday June 5th, 2023, I encountered an accident that looked fairly serious. I wore my Denmark National jersey in recognition of Denmark's Constitution Day. I found that they celebrate by eating hot dogs, apparently. I had left overs from the weekend so I ate one as a good Dane.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>06.06.2023 - 06.08.2023</b></u><br />Elphie's sister and her family came to visit us for a few days. They arrived on Tuesday June 6th, 2023. We took them to <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's Pizza</a> so that they could experience a Chicago Deep Dish style pizza. Elphie's nephew stated he could eat an entire Chicago deep dish pizza in one sitting so I challenged him to do so. He ended up balking at the idea once the pizza was there in front of him. It was Sweden's national day so I wore my Sweden National jersey. Some guy in <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's</a> attempted to pick a fight with me thinking I was wearing a St. Louis Blues jersey, ha!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />On Wednesday June 7th, 2023, with Elphie's family visiting, I took a few hours off work early to meet up with them to walk around at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html" target="_blank">Millennium Park</a> and <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a>. There were a few other ideas Elphie had in mind but that was all we got in. They had driven up to Uptown and Elphie took them to see the dog beach at Montrose while I finished up some work related things. While in <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html" target="_blank">Millennium Park</a>, we visited the Palladium, the <a href="https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/tours-and-attractions/the-bean-chicago/" target="_blank">Bean (Cloud Gate)</a>, <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/crown-fountain" target="_blank">Crown Fountain</a> with the faces, walked through the butterfly garden, and walked to the playground area. While at <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a>, Elphie's family road the <a href="https://navypier.org/location/centennial-wheel/" target="_blank">Centennial Wheel</a> and when we got dinner, they got some Dragon Breath cereal which is frozen in nitrate so one could appear to be blowing smoke. We walked to the end the the pier earlier then found a spot probably halfway down to watch the <a href="https://navypier.org/eat-drink-and-play/fireworks/" target="_blank">Navy Pier Fireworks</a>.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dzz2gNhkdSM" width="560" youtube-src-id="dzz2gNhkdSM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/dzz2gNhkdSM">https://youtu.be/dzz2gNhkdSM</a><br />On Thursday June 8th, 2023, Elphie and her family met me on the northside of Chicago after I got off of work. They had gone on an architecture cruise along the Chicago River earlier in the day. I met them near Wrigleyville and we walked along Clark Street, passing <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark" target="_blank">Wrigley Field</a>. Elphie wanted to take them to <a href="https://www.cheesies.com/" target="_blank">Cheesie's</a> for dinner. While there, I ordered a shot of <a href="https://malort.com/" target="_blank">Jeppson's Malört</a> for Elphie's sister to try. She found it as unpleasant as most folks do! We intended to have a bonfire that night but with the early flight out and the travel from their trip, Elphie's family decided that they'd rather take it easy and prepare for their leaving in the morning.<br /><br /><b><u>06.09.2023</u></b><br />On Friday June 9th, 2023, Elphie and I attended another ska show. This was was at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fallout/161222787676569" target="_blank">The Fallout</a> in Pilsen. We had gone to this spot right before the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 pandemic</a> to see a punk show. It appeared some work had been done since then. We missed <a href="https://www.thecirclecitydeacons.com/" target="_blank">Circle City Deacons</a> but got there in time to see Little Jessi play with <a href="https://locallegendsska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Local Legends</a>. They will be playing at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> too! We also saw <a href="https://stucklucky.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Stuck Lucky</a> and <a href="https://bumsyandthemoochers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bumsy and the Moochers</a>. We hung with Little Jessi throughout the night and after the show until "the man" kicked everyone out. We got a quick opportunity to meet the guy who is booking the space too.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/roN9JbmRNxg" width="560" youtube-src-id="roN9JbmRNxg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/xMkNinOTki4">https://youtu.be/xMkNinOTki4</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xMkNinOTki4" width="560" youtube-src-id="xMkNinOTki4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/roN9JbmRNxg">https://youtu.be/roN9JbmRNxg</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/elzMCdK54k8" width="560" youtube-src-id="elzMCdK54k8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/elzMCdK54k8">https://youtu.be/elzMCdK54k8</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>06.10.2023 - 06.16.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday June 10th, 2023, we decided to have a bonfire to celebrate our 8th anniversary. We ended up with a few friends coming over and it was fun to hang with them. The weather was pretty good too...the temperature was pretty much perfect for a bonfire and no rain. On Sunday June 11th, 2023, we decided to brave the elements and go to the <a href="https://andersonville.org/events/midsommarfest/" target="_blank">Midsommarfest</a> in Andersonville. It was quite cool on this day and rainy too. Well below the average temperature for June in Chicago. There were not too many people there, probably due to the weather. I was able to get a Glögg slushie from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/simonstavern" target="_blank">Simon's Tavern</a>. It was pretty good...similar to regular, warm glögg but frozen instead. We walked around a bit then decided to try the "Swedish hotdog" from one of the food vendors. This was the first I had heard about a "Swedish hotdog" but it was pretty good. After finishing eating, we decided to head back home and warm back up! On Tuesday June 13th, 2023, our official anniversary, I stopped at <a href="https://lukeslobster.com/" target="_blank">Luke's Lobster</a> downtown. It was quite the rainy day so we ended up getting it to go and just eating it at home. I watched the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank">Stanley Cup Final</a> game as Elphie watched <a href="https://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent" target="_blank">America's Got Talent</a>. We both got Luke's Trio which is a sampler of the three rolls that they serve: lobster, crab, and shrimp. We both got the Lobster Bisque as well. It was all very good as usual! I guess, being a weekday and rainy, we just kept it pretty low key.<br /><br />I caught a couple of baseball games on Wednesday June 14th, and Thursday June 15th, 2023 between the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/pirates" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> and the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs" target="_blank">Chicago Cubs</a>. They played a game on Tuesday as well but being our anniversary I chose not to go...and then it rained as well. <a href="https://www.mlb.com/pirates" target="_blank">The Pirates</a> lost all the games and the scores of the two I went to were 10-6 and 7-2. In both cases the games started out well in the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/pirates" target="_blank">Pirates</a> favor but one bad inning changed that. So much for the good start to the season. It was also quite cool during the games for June. In fact on Thursday, it was cold! I don't recall it as cold as it got during that stretch in June before. On the bright side, I got relatively good seats and parked in such a place that getting home wasn't too bad! While I know I edited the footage I captured on June 14th, 2023, I seem to have mistakenly deleted it as well as the raw files. I included a couple still shots instead to replace what I lost. It's frustrating though.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>06.17.2023</u></b><br />On Saturday June 17th, 2023, it was the annual <a href="https://anti-procreation.wixsite.com/holiday" target="_blank">Anti-Procreation Day</a> brought to you by <a href="https://anti-procreation.wixsite.com/advocacy" target="_blank">The Advocacy For Anti-Procreation</a>. This day ended up being a two event day along with our Indiana grocery trip to <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a>. The first show was at the Thiesen's house in Dyer, Indiana. It was a last minute show in a way due to another show falling through for the traveling acts. It featured <a href="https://sammykaynj.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Sammy Kay</a>, <a href="https://www.sethandersonmusic.com/" target="_blank">Seth Anderson</a>, Brandon Sanders, and <a href="https://www.610band.com/" target="_blank">Tobin Bawinkel</a>. It was a nice hang out opportunity as well with some friends and members of the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a>. We left immediately after to go to the 35th Anniversary of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NocturnaChicago/" target="_blank">Nocturna</a> at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. There was a special performance by <a href="https://www.adultperiod.com/">Adult.</a> We were in the balcony and it allowed me to see some of the synth work during the performance. We saw Kate, Larry, Laura, Jason, and Daniel. We decided to leave when Kate and Larry were ready to go so we drove them home. Since sunrise was near its earliest of the year, I decided to try to catch it on video. We drove over to the <a href="https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/" target="_blank">Alder Planetarium</a> and parked then I walked around behind it to set up the camera but the Canadian wildfires continue to cause smoke so the sun never appeared at the horizon. We did happen to see it a bit higher in the sky as we left to go home and sleep. It still looked pretty cool with the smoke screening it some but I had hoped to capture it as it rose over the lake.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RJmQiSfRpIs" width="560" youtube-src-id="RJmQiSfRpIs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/RJmQiSfRpIs">https://youtu.be/RJmQiSfRpIs</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vI_2E3GUaCc" width="560" youtube-src-id="vI_2E3GUaCc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/vI_2E3GUaCc">https://youtu.be/vI_2E3GUaCc</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l45qZvThLuA" width="560" youtube-src-id="l45qZvThLuA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/l45qZvThLuA">https://youtu.be/l45qZvThLuA</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4ElZMifnsDw" width="560" youtube-src-id="4ElZMifnsDw"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/4ElZMifnsDw">https://youtu.be/4ElZMifnsDw</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lgD58jntleY" width="560" youtube-src-id="lgD58jntleY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/lgD58jntleY">https://youtu.be/lgD58jntleY</a><br /><b><u>06.18.2023 - 06.30.2023</u></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Elphie went downtown to the <a href="https://www.artic.edu/" target="_blank">Art Institute of Chicago</a> with some friends on Thursday June 22nd, 2023. She was able to also go into the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_culturalcenter.html" target="_blank">Chicago Cultural Center</a> and see the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tiffany-dome" target="_blank">Tiffany Dome</a>. Throughout the week of June 26th through 30th, 2023, Chicago was again under the cover of the smoke from Canada's wildfires. This has been in the area for a while now but during this week, it was worse! This caused for "air quality alerts" and even a bit of an odor in the air. I thought it mostly smelled a bit like after a bonfire is put out though Elphie and some others felt they noticed a more chemical smell to it. I captured footage of the effect of the smoke obscuring the skyline and making everything quite hazy using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. I also captured the sun as it was setting filtered through the smoke in the air using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. Chicago was also preparing for a <a href="https://www.nascarchicago.com/" target="_blank">NASCAR Race</a> in downtown along the lakefront at Grant Park. I captured some footage driving through during my commutes of the preparations to build the track including on Lake Shore Drive where I technically drove on part of the track on Wednesday June 28th, 2023. This also caused a detour for my commute home on Thursday June 29th, 2023 and both commutes on Friday June 30th, 2023...thus causing a delay on leaving for <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> after work on Friday. At lunchtime on Friday June 30th, 2023, I gave the <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> Grimace shake at try. I found that the only way to purchase a Grimace shake was to purchase a meal with either the Big Mac or a 10 piece McNugget. I decided to go with the Big Mac...which I recalled being considerably bigger in the past. The Grimace Shake tasted fruity.</div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Additional soundtrack includes "Baptized In Fire" by <a href="https://celldweller.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Celldweller</a>, "Pittsburgh" by the <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a>, "Pittsburgh Shoes" by <a href="https://www.thehomelessgospelchoir.com/" target="_blank">The Homeless Gospel Choir</a>, "Ccclouds" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeIsLegendNC/" target="_blank">He Is Legend</a>, "I Am In The Garden" by <a href="https://timbre.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Timbre</a>, "Shits Up In The Air" by <a href="https://pilfers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Pilfers</a>, "Garden Of Serenity" by the <a href="https://www.ramones.com/" target="_blank">Ramones</a>, "The Friendly Ghost" by <a href="https://koalafires.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Koala Fires</a>, "The Bonny" by the <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropkick Murphys</a>, "Sweet Home Chicago" by <a href="https://glennkaiser.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser</a>, "Fire" by <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a>, "Smoke Blower" by <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>, "When The Smoke Clears" by <a href="https://rancidrancid.com/" target="_blank">Rancid</a>, "Smoke" by <a href="https://starflyer59.fanlink.to/sf59" target="_blank">Starflyer 59</a>, and "All Fire" by <a href="https://thebellwethersyndicate.com/" target="_blank">The Bellwether Syndicate</a>.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Footage filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>, </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 12 and 14</a><span> and </span><a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a><span> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles and other animations created using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> <span>by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a><span> on a </span><a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a><span> by Joel A. Swanson.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix</a></span></div></div></span></div></div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-7000833241161340032023-07-10T21:33:00.005-05:002023-09-29T16:52:07.972-05:00A Shared Life: Visiting The Southern Hemisphere - Australia and New Zealand (03.11.2023 - 03.31.2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Throughout last year, Elphie and I discussed ideas of what to do and where to go with our vacation time. A previously planned trip to Russia fell apart with the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID19</a> restrictions and any thoughts to try to reschedule fell apart due to war. The funds we had saved for that trip would be used for this trip. Some discussions were had about the idea of New Zealand due to connections we had there. About two years ago, my supervisor at <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a>, Jeremy Nicholls and his family went to his home country of New Zealand for what had initially been planned to be a visit and has since become an extended stay without any real insight as to what will come next for them. When September 2022 came to pass without a return from the Nicholls to Chicago, I reached out to see if they thought that they would remain in New Zealand at least until the start of Spring 2023. Jeremy got back to me that while much was still in the air, he figured that they would still be there and a visit could work out for us. We would need to figure out lodging as they didn't really have enough space for visitors. That wasn't a problem! We began to plan our ideas which expanded to include a visit to Australia as well. Elphie kept watching flight prices to try to gauge a good time to make our purchases...eventually settling on Black Friday. As time passed after that, it appeared we probably did get the best deals possible though perhaps earlier and better deals may have been available too. Our first day of travel included three flights with several hours of layovers in between while our return was one long flight. We settled on visiting Auckland New Zealand because that is where the Nicholls lived then determined that in Australia, we would go to Sydney. Elphie later learned that Melbourne likely had more of a subculture scene than Sydney but it was after we had our flights booked. I think Sydney ended up being a nice visit!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A couple weeks after booking the flights, a minor change occurred. This was around Christmas and there were all sorts of flight related issues going on, at least in the U.S.A. so we looked into the possibility of changing to a more direct option but the cost remained much higher than we paid so we just adjusted with the schedule and hoped not much more would change. There was only one other change that occurred ahead of time and it was somewhat major as it was moved to the next day, ha! We worked with it though.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We also originally took advantage of a Black Friday Deal on <a href="https://www.booking.com/">booking.com</a> a hotel for Sydney called <a href="https://www.adinahotels.com/" target="_blank">Adina</a>. We thought we might need much of the time to recover from jet lag so we somewhat planned around that looking for accommodations we could relax in and had food options nearby including groceries. With the flight change which ended up giving us an extra day in Sydney, I tried to add another day to our booking but it increased the cost significantly. When I looked to make a completely new booking at the same hotel, the price was much closer to what we had booked originally so I canceled then rebooked. We canceled again a few weeks before the trip when Elphie found a more "luxury" option for a fairly decent price at <a href="https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/" target="_blank">Meriton Suites</a>. I was thinking it was a bit more than we initially would have paid but it turned out to be less than <a href="https://www.adinahotels.com/" target="_blank">Adina</a> after we had to add the day. It seems that we got a pretty good deal! The hotels were basically in the same area but the <a href="https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/" target="_blank">Meriton Suites</a> offered a complimentary ride from the airport rather than us having to figure out transit upon arriving so that also was a nice additional perk! It also had a pool!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We also booked an <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> for Auckland fairly early in our planning. We figured we could cancel if we found a better deal or option. It was also somewhat close to where the Nicholls' lived so connecting with the should be fairly easy. We ended up sticking with what we originally chose and the host was great and really friendly!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Both accommodations were quite close to public transit which we planned to utilize. We were actually able to keep our phones in "airplane mode" the entire time rather than paying for international service! I expected we might need service occasionally through the trip but we got by on wifi for the most part without much issue. There was one hiccup with regards to work related things which I could had addressed if I had activated cell coverage but ultimately it didn't matter all that much in the end. The maps on our <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhones</a> were mostly functional as well which helped us navigate fairly easily.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We learned that we needed to apply for ETA Visas to enter both countries. It turned out that Elphie's little run in with the law some years ago would be a factor for Australia...she ended up having to fill out a lot more paperwork and it cost a lot more too but both of us received notification that we were permitted to enter both countries. We likely should have done that part first but we initially lacked the awareness of this need. I suppose it will be something we will keep in mind for whatever future international traveling we do.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In preparation for the long hours of travel, layovers, and major time zone changes, Elphie did research in hopes of finding a solution to lessen the affect of jet lag on us. Again, part of our plan was to use the hotel in Sydney to adjust if needed. She also researched options for toileting on the go in hopes to not have any repeats of some issues we dealt with in Europe including a bout of vertigo as we left. She gave incontinence pads a try in case she had to pee with no where to go however it didn't hold up well. She found <a href="https://traveljohn.com/" target="_blank">"Travel John"</a> and purchased a pack of those and they proved worthy during a test run. Also, she was recommended to try the hydration powders to supplement her water intake by Nora Thiessen which did seem to help with the jet lag affect. Elphie ended up purchasing <a href="https://www.dripdrop.com/" target="_blank">Drip Drop</a> brand at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a>. After all her research and planning to be able to use the toilet whenever she wanted or needed, I found that both Australia and New Zealand were quite friendly to the public with their plentiful public restrooms. I learned this while I was researching navigation to get around Sydney and Auckland to find certain things we wanted to be sure to check out. Elphie never had to utilize her <a href="https://traveljohn.com/" target="_blank">Travel Johns</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It seemed that we were well prepared before we left. I had done a currency exchange at <a href="https://www.pnc.com/en/personal-banking.html" target="_blank">PNC Bank</a>. We worked out for Carlos to stay with Stein and had all food and litter box items that should cover the time we were gone. We scheduled and paid ahead of time for the <a href="https://www.hobbitontours.com/" target="_blank">Hobbiton tour</a> through <a href="https://www.cheekykiwitravel.com/" target="_blank">Cheeky Kiwi</a>. I borrowed a <a href="https://gopro.com/" target="_blank">GoPro</a> from Skot Shaw (thanks Skot!) to use in the event I had a chance to go in the ocean and record fish or whatever else I could see underwater (I also bought a pair of goggles too!). We collected some stuff for the Nicholls family from their Chicago family/friends that wanted to get something to them as well as some food items that they were missing. On Friday night before leaving we got most everything packed up and ready to go for the next morning. The only thing we didn't have worked out was a ride to the airport. While prepping my cameras by charging batteries and trying to ensure that the lenses were clean and clear, I tried turning on the <a href="https://gopro.com/" target="_blank">GoPro</a> and testing it. As it turned out, the mini-SD card I use for my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> was to large in capacity so I had to make a final quick trip to <a href="https://www.target.com/" target="_blank">Target</a> to buy one that was 32GB (the largest the <a href="https://gopro.com/" target="_blank">GoPro</a> would allow) or less and thankfully the store in the neighborhood had one in stock! It seems strange that it couldn't function with the larger than 32GB card but I am glad I tested this before we left!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It seemed that we were all ready for this trip...all documentation was ready...we completed the check-in process on my phone. All we had left to do then really was to try to sleep then get on a <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA</a> bus and train in the morning to head to <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">O'Hare International Airport</a>!<br /><br />There are photo dumps from each day with some details about the trip posted to social media...those who know us, know where to look and see all that (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/joel.swanson" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tigerrawk/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>).<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tFAfXhn15_M" width="560" youtube-src-id="tFAfXhn15_M"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/tFAfXhn15_M">https://youtu.be/tFAfXhn15_M</a><br />I took screenshots of the map app off my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a> as well as a couple screenshots of <a href="https://www.google.com/maps" target="_blank">Google Maps</a> and found images of airplanes to animate along with drawing the route as a dotted line in the <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> program on my <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> to create animated maps and I used those files during the travel footage layering it at some points over the footage as we went along. I used one of those animated map files for the title sequence as well, also using some of the photos we took and creating an effect to appear the photos are dropped on the map as I have done in recent years. I decided to do a soundtrack for the promo and title project, taking audio clips from "Down Under" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/menatwork/" target="_blank">Men At Work</a>, "Dance Monkey" by <a href="https://www.tonesandi.com/" target="_blank">Tones And I</a>, "1998" by <a href="https://rancidrancid.com/" target="_blank">Rancid</a>, "Leaky Tub" by <a href="https://therumjacks.com/" target="_blank">The Rumjacks</a>, "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" by <a href="http://www.pogues.com/" target="_blank">The Pogues</a>, "The Fields Of Athenry" by <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropkick Murphys</a>, "Poi E" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057188991158" target="_blank">Patea Maori Club</a>, "One Tree Hill" by <a href="https://www.u2.com/" target="_blank">U2</a>, "Hey Ho To The Bottle I Go," "Fine Brew Of The Green Dragon," and "Far Over Misty Mountain Cold" from <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903624/" target="_blank">The Hobbit</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_6_nm_2_q_the%2520lord%2520of%2520the%2520rings" target="_blank">The Lord of the Rings</a>... then splicing them together with some radio static noise. After creating that soundtrack, I scraped the radio noise idea and replaced it with the unique sound to alert one that they can cross the street in Australia and New Zealand. I also used <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> to create the end credits with logos from various businesses that we used to make the trip possible. This is basically the same process I have been doing on these little projects to add into the full video project for a few years now.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H31FfpFZZLQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="H31FfpFZZLQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/H31FfpFZZLQ">https://youtu.be/H31FfpFZZLQ</a><br />I made a short video shortly after we arrived in Australia attempting to document if the water flushes the opposite way in the Southern Hemisphere. I did this by filming as I flushed the toilets at home in Chicago, at the <a href="https://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers" target="_blank">Vancouver International Airport</a>, during the flight on <a href="https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home.html" target="_blank">Air Canada</a> to New Zealand, at the <a href="https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/" target="_blank">Auckland International Airport</a>, and the <a href="https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/" target="_blank">Meriton Suites</a> once we settled in Sydney, Australia. Using <a href="https://www.apple.com/imovie/" target="_blank">iMovie</a> on my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> I quickly edited and posted this video to social media. I wanted to add text but when I could not find a text option initially, I just posted the video and figured that I could I add some text to label where each flush occurred with the result and post it again, this time to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> as I created the full video project to document the trip.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Traveling to Australia 03.11.2023 - 03.13.2023<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xehn_S3UaBQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="Xehn_S3UaBQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Xehn_S3UaBQ">https://youtu.be/Xehn_S3UaBQ</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We woke up fairly early for us on a weekend in order to try to leave the house by 10am on Saturday March 11th, 2023. Since we were mostly packed already, we made pretty good time getting ready to go. I made sure to document the direction of the toilet flushing before leaving home. We rode the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA</a> Western Bus to the northern arm of the Blue Line where we caught the train to <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">O'Hare International Airport</a>. I didn't capture any footage of the commute once we got on the bus until we got off the train and headed into the airport. I took the promo video and placed it in this spot for this project to act as a title scequence. Once at <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">O'Hare</a>, we went through the various processes of getting our bags checked and tagged and passing through security screening. We didn't have any issues! We got to our gate and as we waited, I watched some hockey and heard a flight being called for Erie, PA. I had earlier learned about the one flight on a small airplane each day from Chicago to Erie. Shortly before our flight, I decided to get a deep dish <a href="https://www.unos.com/" target="_blank">Uno Pizza</a> and <a href="https://us.coca-cola.com/" target="_blank">Coke</a>. Our first flight was Chicago to Vancouver. Our boarding time was shortly after the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Penguins</a> game began, unfortunately.<br /><br />Our first two flights were with <a href="https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home.html" target="_blank">Air Canada</a>. We left Chicago around 3pm and arrived in Vancouver, British Columbia around 6pm. I captured our take off and landing for this trip as well as a couple shots while we flew over the clouds. After landing at <a href="https://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers" target="_blank">Vancouver International Airport</a>, we had a few hours of layover during which we left one gate and proceeded down a walkway, through a room where our passports were scanned more or less returned to the area we had come from but a floor below. We checked out some of the exhibitions on display in the terminal. I had hoped there would be an option to get poutine since we were in Canada but it did not seem to be available in the terminal where we were. I considered the option of getting something from <a href="https://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers/shop-dine-and-services/dine/229" target="_blank">A and W</a> but didn't really feel that hungry. Elphie got some food at <a href="https://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers/shop-dine-and-services/dine/243" target="_blank">Hanami Express</a> and then we waited for our flight. I could not access the streaming site I had often used for hockey to be able to watch the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Penguins</a> game that I missed on the flight (and it wasn't available in the inflight entertainment) so I spent the time nearly completing the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367279/" target="_blank">Arrested Development</a> series. I ended up one episode shy! Elphie forced me to drink water with the <a href="https://www.dripdrop.com/" target="_blank">Drip Drop</a> hydration powder as well. I decided while we were there, and having consumed the water with hydration powder, I would capture the toilet flushing in <a href="https://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers" target="_blank">Vancouver International Airport</a>. We boarded the Auckland New Zealand bound <a href="https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home.html" target="_blank">Air Canada</a> flight. We had the last row of seats and it turned out to be a row with just two seats! This was nice so we didn't have to bother anyone when using the restroom. By the time that we were served our meal, I was finally getting hungry! Once again, I captured our take off. At some point, over the ocean I captured a shot of the glowing pink clouds. I also captured a shot of the airplane toilet flushing! I'm not sure when exactly we crossed the international date line but whatever we experienced of Sunday March 12th, 2023 was lived while in the air. We landed in New Zealand on Monday March 13th, 2023 at around 10:30am. I captured a few clips as we approached the islands of New Zealand and of course the descent and landing. Once at <a href="https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/" target="_blank">Auckland International Airport</a>, we once again had to pass through another screening process which included getting rid of all liquids such as the can of <a href="https://us.coca-cola.com/" target="_blank">Coke</a> I had from the flight. This seemed a bit silly but I decided to go ahead and drink it and eat the sandwich I had saved as well before going through the checkpoint. During this check, my camera bag was stopped for an extra search. Apparently it was due to having "loose" AA batteries for the <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>. Once the security found those, they were taken and tossed out. In hindsight, I wish I had asked to switch out the partially used battery in the microphone for one of the unused ones that they were going to throw in the garbage. This frustrated me, but what can you do? It seems something new comes up each time. Once we got through that process, we turned a corner then went up some steps toward our gate.<br /><br />We found the service desk for <a href="https://www.airnewzealand.com/" target="_blank">Air New Zealand</a> which was our connecting flight to Sydney, Australia and checked with them about our checked luggage to be sure we weren't supposed to collect it somewhere as we thought we had heard we might need to do. Once they assured us that our luggage would be transferred for us, we sat down and waited for the next flight for a few more hours. I ended up taking advantage of the shower in one of the restrooms. Unfortunately I dropped my bar of soap and tried to get all the dust, dirt and hairs it accumulated off of it! I also didn't have a towel handy so I dried off the best I could using the clothes I had been wearing previously. Again, I captured the toilet flushing and I believe this one was the best example I captured showing the water spinning counter clockwise and opposite from what we see in the northern hemisphere. We boarded our flight to Sydney around 6pm after delay. It was a few hour flight and again I captured taking off, some cloud shots, our approach to Australia, and the descent and landing at <a href="https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/" target="_blank">Sydney International Airport</a> at around 7:30pm. Once off the airplane, we visited the restroom then proceeded through the very long line to be processed by customs and immigration. Some folks pushed through as though the line didn't pertain to them! We finally got through and I had no issues but unfortunately, again due to the legal situation in her past, Elphie was pulled aside to be questioned. I collected our bags and made contact with our ride who was waiting for us. We had arrived late due to the delay and then the customs process added to that. Thankfully, he was able to wait for us. It was a ride share rather than a taxi or shuttle and we had to tell him which hotel to take us to. By the time we got to the <a href="https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/" target="_blank">Meriton Suites</a>, it was around 9:30pm. We got checked in and hurried to the <a href="https://www.woolworths.com.au/" target="_blank">Woolworths</a>, the local grocery store. We found options for local meats such as Kangaroo at the grocery store as well as <a href="https://www.krispykreme.com/" target="_blank">Krispy Kreme</a> donuts! We gathered what we would need for breakfast, including an Australia Bush Foods cereal, and stuff to make sandwiches for the day. We also gathered some drinks and coffee too. We came back to our room and Elphie decided to shower as I attempted to figure out the television situation. It turned out that the plumbing for the shower was clogged! Elphie's shower water was flowing out of the bathroom! We called the front desk who moved us to a different room on the other side of the building! We gathered all of our stuff, including the groceries we had just put away and moved to our new room. It took us a couple trips to do this. We immediately turned on the shower to make sure everything would drain properly and it did. We found that the bathroom sink however did not drain. We decided to just use the kitchen sink for everything instead. Other than the odd plumbing issues, the accommodations were awesome! We settled in and went to bed fairly early after the long travel days we just experienced.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Sydney Australia (03.14.2023 - 03.18.2023)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vW14BFiVfDI" width="560" youtube-src-id="vW14BFiVfDI"></iframe><a href="https://youtu.be/vW14BFiVfDI">https://youtu.be/vW14BFiVfDI</a><br />We woke up around noon I believe on Tuesday March 14th, 2023. It had been raining but we started to look into some ideas of things that we could do in Sydney since we were awake and felt rested. I shot some footage of the suite we were staying in at the <a href="https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/" target="_blank">Meriton Suites</a> including from our deck showing the cars traveling the opposite direction than in the U.S.A. We had breakfast and coffee. The Australian Bush Foods cereal was great! Elphie captured a short clip of a morning cartoon then we headed off as the rain had stopped. I put a short clip of the screen capture of Sydney from <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/" target="_blank">Google Maps</a> along with a Sydney logo into the project here between us leaving the hotel and heading into Sydney. We used the public transit and after figuring out how to get an <a href="https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal#/login" target="_blank">OPAL</a> card, we headed into Sydney on a train. The middle portion of the train cars are double decker! We arrived at the Circular Quay station where one can also catch ferries to cross the harbor. Elphie used the public restroom and decided to capture another flush to see which way the water would go. It proved inconclusive. As we left toward the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a>, Elphie captured a clip of the sea gulls as she said "Mine" in reference to <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266543/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_finding%2520nemo" target="_blank">Finding Nemo</a>. I captured footage of the Harbour Bridge then several shots around the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a>. Elphie also captured more footage quoting more lines and making references to <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266543/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_finding%2520nemo" target="_blank">Finding Nemo</a>. I also captured some battle ships sitting in the Harbor from the east side of the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a> as well as the skyline and the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/royal-botanic-gardens-sydney" target="_blank">Royal Botanic Garden</a>. We decided to walk around the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a> to the harbor side of it and as we passed, we could hear was sounded like a rock band playing or practicing inside. I tried to capture a clip of a guy standing back turned toward the window...perhaps the sound engineer or something. Once on the harbor side of the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a>, I captured a shot of <a href="https://www.lunaparksydney.com/" target="_blank">Luna Park</a> under the Harbour Bridge and happened to find a seal resting on the steps which lead into the harbor. There was a sign about the seal being monitored and assessed and of course to leave it alone. We captured some footage of it then began to head toward the city side of the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a>, stopping once for more footage of sea gulls and to say "mine!" to them. We went into the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/royal-botanic-gardens-sydney" target="_blank">Royal Botanic Garden</a> from here, using steps. I captured footage of some sculptures along the way. We also happened to walk by <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/memory-is-creation-without-end" target="_blank">"Memory Is Creation Without End"</a> but I didn't realize it until we were back at our suite checking off <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> sites we had visited. We continued through the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/royal-botanic-gardens-sydney" target="_blank">Royal Botanic Garden</a>, encountering various birds which Elphie faked like she was going to feed them so they started following us! We found a restroom...Elphie again tested the flushing direction. We found what I believe to be a <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/water-dragons-of-the-chinese-garden-of-friendship" target="_blank">water dragon</a> near the restroom. Elphie was somewhat afraid of it...and the ants! ha! I captured footage around the area and as we made our way out of the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/royal-botanic-gardens-sydney" target="_blank">Royal Botanic Garden </a>as well. There was a plant sculpture that looked like a whale then we found the rose garden and a couple of fountains on our way out. We did not see the bats in the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/royal-botanic-gardens-sydney" target="_blank">Royal Botanic Garden</a> as they had been moved elsewhere to try to preserve the trees. Next to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/royal-botanic-gardens-sydney" target="_blank">Royal Botanic Garden</a> was the <a href="https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">New South Wales State Library</a>. There were statues around it, including one of Matthew Flinders and his <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/trim-the-cat" target="_blank">cat Trim</a>, who apparently sailed with Matthew Flinders and even fell off a boat and climbed back in! We continued south on MacQuarie Way, passing the <a href="https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/sydney-eye-hospital" target="_blank">Sydney Hospital</a> and a statue called <a href="https://www.cityartsydney.com.au/artwork/il-porcellino/" target="_blank">Il Porcellino</a> which appeared to have slots to accept coin donations. Apparently one is meant to rub its nose as well. We continued passed the Mint, which had signs in recognition of the indigenous people of the land, and arrived at the <a href="https://mhnsw.au/visit-us/hyde-park-barracks/" target="_blank">Hyde Park Barracks</a> which has <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/australian-monument-to-the-great-irish-famine" target="_blank">a memorial to the Great Irish Famine</a> on one of its walls. We continued toward <a href="https://stmaryscathedral.org.au/" target="_blank">Saint Mary's Cathedra</a>l. We crossed over to Hyde Park and got some shots of the cathedral then I got some shots of the <a href="https://www.cityartsydney.com.au/artwork/archibald-memorial-fountain/" target="_blank">Archibald Memorial Fountain</a> just before a rainstorm came in...and as the bats began to fly! I got a couple shots with my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> before putting it away so as to not have a repeat of poor luck like in New Orleans. I got a few more shots using my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> and Elphie did as well. We took shelter under the roof of a lawfirm building nearby and I hoped to be able to get more and better shots of the bats than either of us were able to do. Once the rain subsided, we continued our journey around Sydney...we made our way toward the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/forgotten-songs-sound-sculpture" target="_blank">Forgotten Songs Sound Sculpture</a> which was in an alley of the more upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment area of the city. The alley was called Angel Place. On our way to it, Elphie captured some footage of a ritzy store front display. I ended up capturing a shot of the Australia Coat of Arms on one of the buildings. <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/forgotten-songs-sound-sculpture" target="_blank">The Forgotten Songs Sound Sculpture</a> was created to honor the many species of birds which were now extinct in the Sydney area due to human encroachment. From here, we walked down George Street where we encountered PRIDE decor along the road and then decided to head uphill on Essex to get to Cumberland in order to find the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sirius-building" target="_blank">Sirius Building</a> and see if we could find somewhere to eat dinner. We ended up walking by a building where an excavation was preserved as part of the <a href="https://mhnsw.au/whats-on/exhibitions/collected-sydney-living-museums-acquisitions/" target="_blank">Sydney Living Museums</a>. As we looked at menus on the different restaurants, we ended up deciding on a pizza restaurant and bar called <a href="https://australianheritagehotel.com/" target="_blank">The Australian Heritage Hotel</a>. It took a bit but we finally figured out the process of ordering and placed our order for a Coat of Arms pizza which had kangaroo and emu meat on it! It was very good! Elphie again documented the toilet flush before we left! ha! Afterwards, as we thought about it, we realized that the pizza at <a href="https://australianheritagehotel.com/" target="_blank">The Australian Heritage Hotel</a> was something that we had researched prior to leaving on this trip as an option for a meal. We walked toward the harbor in order to hopefully see the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sirius-building" target="_blank">Sirius Building</a> on the next block or so. I captured a shot of the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a> lit up from the hillside where we were. The <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sirius-building" target="_blank">Sirius Building</a> was under renovation so seeing it didn't really work out so well but we did see its site at least. We continued to walk down the hill and found a business where one can climb on the Harbour Bridge! As we continued to the waterfront, I captured some footage of <a href="https://www.lunaparksydney.com/" target="_blank">Luna Park</a> lit up across the harbor, The Harbour Bridge, and the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a>. We walked down Hickson Road and passed a Post Office Box as we made our way toward a series of piers. There were many people fishing off the piers and in one building there were a number of dance classes going on. We walked around there for a bit then decided to start heading back to our hotel. I navigated us and directly as I could toward Circular Quay, and ended up climbing a staircase then a bit of a hill which was near the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sydney-observatory" target="_blank">Sydney Observatory</a>. While up there, we could see and hear the bats! I captured some footage of that, though it is very dark. I'm not sure how well it will turn out but I will be including it in the project anyway. We continued toward the neighborhood called The Rocks where we found a phone booth and on to the Circular Quay transit station to commute back to the hotel. It seems that some of the nightlife at least in Sydney is based in The Rocks though most businesses were closing up as we came through around 10pm. It ended up being a fairly productive day with a lot of sites visited!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EKYjAdLKIho" width="560" youtube-src-id="EKYjAdLKIho"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/EKYjAdLKIho">https://youtu.be/EKYjAdLKIho</a><br />I woke up around 10am on Wednesday March 15th, 2023 to watch a stream the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Penguins</a> Tuesday hockey game. I was able to catch a couple of the games during our time in Australia. After watching the game and getting ready, Elphie and I decided to have a beach day! We started out heading to one that had a plane spotting location. On the way to catch the bus, we passed Elphick Street! We had a bit of a walk from the closest bus station to the beach. We had to pass through Sir Joseph Banks Park and I think we took the longer route around the pond to get where we could cross a highway and finally get to Foreshore Beach. It was next to an industrial park or loading dock as well as the <a href="https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/" target="_blank">Sydney International Airport</a>. As we approached, there were signs warning to not swim within three days of rain due to pollution runoff. We walked to the Mill Stream Lookout and captured a few planes taking off and a couple landing. We were to the side of the runway...I had hoped we'd be where the planes would be able to take off or land directly overhead as I have seen videos of happening on the internet. Nonetheless, it was sort of cool to capture take offs and landings from quite close! We had a crow with a strange voice visit us as well while on the lookout platform. I decided to get in the water, despite the warning signs, and tried out the <a href="https://gopro.com/" target="_blank">GoPro</a> that Skot Shaw had allowed me to borrow. The water wasn't particularly clear. I shot a couple of the take offs from the water as well just for fun. We left Foreshore Beach and found a quicker route around the pond in the park to get to the bus stop. We took three busses to get near the Clovelly Beach. We stopped to have our first Fish and Chips at <a href="https://www.outoftheblueclovelly.com.au/" target="_blank">Out Of The Blue</a> before proceeding to the beach. We sat and ate the Fish and Chips just outside the restaurant with a roundabout intersection right next to us. It was interesting to watch the traffic at this busy intersection! The Fish and Chips were good...fairly salty but definitely better than I had anticipated. I guess my mindset was the equivalent to fish sticks and it couldn't be further from that garbage! ha! We decided to take the bus down the hill to Clovelly Beach. It was a narrow cove with sand on one end and the surf out the other end at the ocean. It also had a pool next to the water which I assume also was filled with sea water. We crossed around the sandy beach and set up on the rocks on the north side of the cove. Elphie hung out there and I went in the water by way of a small staircase with the <a href="https://gopro.com/" target="_blank">GoPro</a>. I was able to capture some footage of fish and the sea floor though trying to actually film steady was difficult with the waves pushing me around. I apologize for any sea sickness to occur to anyone who watches this section! I spend a little time in the water then we made our way to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/waverley-cemetery" target="_blank">Waverley Cemetery</a> which sits between Clovelly and Bronte Beaches along the sea! It is an old cemetery and there is a walkway attached to the cliffside over the ocean We didn't explore too much in the cemetery as it was somewhat overgrown. There was a magpie on one of the stones and another walking through a pathway in the cemetery. I captured the sea motion a bit as well while in this area. As we walked to the cemetery, we passed a rugby practice as well as a bowling club. We proceeded to Bronte Beach which also had a bath. I decided to get in the bath and see what that was like. There were also surfers at this beach and I was able to capture some footage of the surfing. The sun was setting while we were at this beach and the bats came out. I captured a few shots of those bats as we waited on a bus to get to <a href="https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/" target="_blank">Centennial Parklands</a> where our research indicated that the bats were now residing. Unfortunately, we were unable to get there before dark and the darkness of the park made Elphie a bit nervous so we hustled our way through the park to catch a ride on the tram to the central station in Sydney and we could get back to our hotel. We did capture footage of gargoyles at the entrance to the park and while I didn't get to capture any of it, we could hear the bats and sometimes see them swoop near us. As we made our way to the transit center, we passed a couple stadiums. I ended up developing a case of turf toe as well, possibly from hustling through <a href="https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/" target="_blank">Centennial Parklands</a>. It was an inconvenience throughout the rest of the trip and even beyond once back home. <br /><br />On Thursday March 16th, 2023, it was forecasted to be a scorcher! We decided to partake in the <a href="https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/" target="_blank">Meriton Suites</a> pool during the early afternoon then head out as it began to cool off. I took the <a href="https://gopro.com/" target="_blank">GoPro</a> with me in the pool and played around with it in that controlled environment. I let it sink to the bottom and found that it would sink lens first every time. I also took it into the sauna room and the spa tub for the fun of it. When we ventured out later in the day, we headed to the <a href="https://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/" target="_blank">Sydney Olympic village</a> out on the edge of town. It has a special train just to get there. I noticed that we passed the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/rookwood-cemetery" target="_blank">Rookwood Cemetery</a> which is the largest in the southern hemisphere! We saw a few of the stadiums then began to walk toward where some shipwrecks sit in the water. I'm not sure I would necessarily describe them as shipwrecked but they were left to rot. Some of them, such as the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ss-ayerfield" target="_blank">S.S. Ayrfield</a>, had <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/badu-mangroves" target="_blank">Badu Mangroves</a> growing out of them! Getting to the shipwrecks meant walking something of a nature trail. We passed an interesting mound called the Bay Marker. Elphie wasn't particularly happy with this walk as there were bugs and spiderwebs about but we made it! I was able to touch a couple of the ship wreckages as well as the mangrove trees. We made it shortly before sunset then made our way back to the <a href="https://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/" target="_blank">Olympic village</a> transit station. As we made our way back in probably a bit more direct route, we passed a structure called a Brickpit Ring Walk and I captured a shot of a couple stadiums. I wish we had realized where the Olympic Cauldron was but we ended up missing that due in part to finding a bus arriving that we could take to get to North Strathfield for our dinner at <a href="https://outbacksteakhouse.com.au/" target="_blank">Outback Steakhouse</a>! Elphie thought it would be funny to go there while visiting Australia so we did...and she ordered a Bloomin' Onion! They brought out two because they were out of the regular large onions. Elphie was disappointed. We walked around a bit in North Strathfield after finishing our meal at <a href="https://outbacksteakhouse.com.au/" target="_blank">Outback Steakhouse</a> then caught a train back into Sydney. I suggested taking a short walk once we got to the Central station so we could see the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mortuary-station" target="_blank">Mortuary Station</a>. As we walked, we found a fairly busy area of the city at least later at night. We also found the Charles Darwin University. We made our way to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mortuary-station" target="_blank">Mortuary Station</a> and captured some dark footage of that before heading back toward Charles Darwin University and the Central Transit hub. I also captured footage of a another interesting building on a corner near the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mortuary-station" target="_blank">Mortuary Station</a>. We checked out the busyness going on near the Central Transit hub...there was a <a href="https://mcdonalds.com.au/" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> (but no Shamrock Shake) and a <a href="https://tacobell.com.au/" target="_blank">Taco Bell</a> (but no Baja Blast or any <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a>) along with a few other restaurants. I captured some footage of a guy on his skateboard and the corridor through the Central Station as we made our way to the proper track to head back to the hotel.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R_Hlzrd4_1k" width="560" youtube-src-id="R_Hlzrd4_1k"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/R_Hlzrd4_1k">https://youtu.be/R_Hlzrd4_1k</a><br />Friday March 17th, 2023 was Saint Patrick's Day and in our research we found that the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a> would be lit in green that night so one of the things we planned was to try to get somewhere that we would be able to see it. We started the day by going to <a href="https://www.lillipadcafesydney.com/" target="_blank">Lillipad Café</a> which served Aboriginal food. We picked a sampler plater. It was really good food! We found out about the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/lillipad-cafe-sydney" target="_blank">Lillipad Café </a>through <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a>. After we finished up our meal, we decided to go check out Chinatown. There was a weird tree sculpture that we passed that had gold tongues on it and dripped water into a puddle called the <a href="https://www.cityartsydney.com.au/artwork/golden-water-mouth/" target="_blank">Golden Mouth</a>. We saw that there was a <a href="https://paddysmarkets.com.au/" target="_blank">Paddy's Market</a> and decided to check it out. While walking there, we heard a busker playing "Hallelujah." Inside the market, we ended up buying most of the souvenirs we would need. There was a fresh fruit and meat section as well as other oddities besides Australian souvenirs. We walked through pretty much all of it and then decided to head back to the <a href="https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/" target="_blank">Meriton Suites</a> so we didn't have to carry all the souvenirs for the rest of the day. We were quite close to the Central transit hub so we caught a train back to Mascot to deliver our goods. As we approached Central Station, we found a tree full of noisy cockatoos! We made one other stop at a corner store because we were not finding any jerky which we hoped to buy. After dropping off our stuff at the hotel, we decided to head out to the Newtown part of Sydney where there had been advertised a "Full Moon Fire Jam." Strangely, we had not seen the moon at all so far while in Australia. We caught a couple of busses then we got off on the edge of Newtown and decided to walk the main drag. This was the first area of the city where we saw considerable graffiti and other urban art. It was definitely a busy area and seemed to have a night life as well. There were a few badly dilapidated buildings as well. We also found <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gould-s-books" target="_blank">Gould's Book Arcade</a> as we passed by. We captured some footage of the neighborhood as we walked and then made our way to the park where this fire jam was meant to be taking place. We found a group of folks partaking in wine and a few bats as well...I even captured a couple on video! We walked around the entirety of the park and as we were about ready to give up, Elphie asked a few folks walking by if they knew anything about the fire jam. One guy spoke up that he was also looking for it. He had a unicycle and a variety of fun circus like items to use including such that one would use at a fire jam. It turned out he was the only other one looking for the event. I eventually found a wifi signal and based on the information I had, it seemed that the fire jam had been postponed to the next week or the week after that. The guy ended up showing Elphie a few things with a set of rings that looked like eights. She got something of a hang of it. I captured that on video as well as some of the tricks that the guy was doing and some more bats. We hung out for probably an hour there before going our separate ways. We figured out a way to get downtown and headed that way to catch the bus. From there, we transferred to a train to cross the Harbour Bridge and were able to see the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a> lit in green from the train. I captured it going both ways on the train. We headed back to the hotel at this point. We didn't see a whole lot of Saint Patrick's Day celebrating except for one guy passed out on a bench at the Mascot transit station. I wish I had been prepared to capture that on video.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0bABBHk2VK4" width="560" youtube-src-id="0bABBHk2VK4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0bABBHk2VK4">https://youtu.be/0bABBHk2VK4</a><br />On Saturday March 18th, 2023, we decided we would do at least something that would require a ferry ride. Ferry transit was included on the <a href="https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal#/login" target="_blank">OPAL</a> card so we made a plan to cross the harbor to North Sydney and see a couple more <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> sites before heading over to <a href="https://www.darlingharbour.com/" target="_blank">Darling Harbour</a> for the fireworks. We also decided to stop at a souvenir shop near the Circular Quay transit station to see about their jerky availability. Before leaving the hotel though, I went to check in for our flights on <a href="https://www.airasia.com/en/gb" target="_blank">Air Asia</a> only to find there were additional charges at this point that were not part of our initial booking. It caused a slight issue with my credit card at <a href="https://www.pnc.com/en/personal-banking.html" target="_blank">PNC Bank</a> as it looked suspicious I suppose, even though I did give notice of our travel plans. I ended up picking the wrong option which would have locked my card so I had to communicate with <a href="https://www.pnc.com/en/personal-banking.html" target="_blank">PNC Bank</a> through a chat since I hadn't activated the cell service. Thankfully, I did get it resolved with no further issues. Once we got off the train, we saw decor regarding the Saint Patrick's holiday but we didn't see much of anything going on other than crowded bars. We stopped at the <a href="https://mcdonalds.com.au/" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> again to see if there was a Shamrock Shake but there was not. We then went into <a href="https://www.australiathegift.com.au/" target="_blank">Australia The Gift</a> souvenir store but decided against buying the jerky that they were selling and hoped maybe in the airport we could find a better deal. Elphie also realized at this point that she had promised to get a souvenir tile for her friend Kathleen. As we exited the souvenir shop, a Naked Bike Ride rolled passed the area. We then went to the wharfs to board the ferry and figured out where we needed to be. We just missed the opportunity to board so we had to wait for the next one. I captured some footage of the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a> and as one of the ferries pulled in and the people unloaded. I also captured footage of the voyage over to the <a href="https://www.lunaparksydney.com/" target="_blank">Luna Park</a> station. My <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> camera kept focusing on the dirty window rather than the scenery. Once we landed at <a href="https://www.lunaparksydney.com/" target="_blank">Luna Park</a>, I captured a shot of the <a href="https://www.lunaparksydney.com/" target="_blank">Luna Park</a> entrance and another shot of the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/" target="_blank">Sydney Opera House</a>. We began to walk toward a park where <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/wendys-secret-garden" target="_blank">Wendy's Secret Garden</a> was located. As we walked, we passed a construction zone around the Olympic pool with a notice to not post bills. We also passed a sign to welcome folks into either North Sydney or <a href="https://www.lunaparksydney.com/" target="_blank">Luna Park</a> dependent on which way one is traveling. Elphie needed to use the restroom and the nearby businesses weren't open but there was an interesting futuristic looking public toilet in a nearby park that she utilized. We continued on our way, capturing a shot of the Harbour Bridge, then entered into Clark Park in search of <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/wendys-secret-garden" target="_blank">Wendy's Secret Garden</a>. We walked into an overgrown area that had a path winding down the hill which was indeed <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/wendys-secret-garden" target="_blank">Wendy's Secret Garden</a>. It was an interesting spot to visit and pretty cool. We encountered turkeys in the garden! They are brushturkeys and apparently not that closely related to the American turkey even though they did look quite similar to me. We also encountered a philosophical lecture taking place in one of the gathering spots and wedding photos in another. We walked around it for a bit then as we left, we found the house of the Wendy who created the garden and her husband who was an artist. We walked from <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/wendys-secret-garden" target="_blank">Wendy's Secret Garden</a> through North Sydney passing the <a href="https://www.cclb.org.au/" target="_blank">Christ Church</a> and continued into Waverton Park, possibly taking a more difficult route than was necessary. Waverton Park was apparently a <a href="https://www.bp.com/" target="_blank">BP</a> oil refinery not too many years ago prior to revitalization of the area away from industry. We arrived at the nearby <a href="https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/coalloader" target="_blank">Coal Loader</a> which also is an area being revitalized toward sustainability from industry. It was here that we found the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/aboriginal-carving-whale" target="_blank">Aboriginal carving of a whale.</a> It wasn't easy to decipher. It had been found while someone was excavating the area and there is an attempt to preserve it. We ate some sandwiches for lunch while here then made our way back toward the harbor, hoping for a less hilly route. We still had to climb some hills though and I captured some cockatoos on an electric line where the trains roll through. We had a plan to get to where we needed to go but took a break to catch our breath when some locals, in an attempt to be kind, redirected us somewhat. We ended up following their directions to not look rude however I think we could have gotten where we were going if we continued as I had planned. We ended up encountering another nice and chatty local. We got back down to the harbor and I captured some footage of the Harbour Bridge, some folks climbing it, and the city skyline. We continued to the pier to catch a ferry into <a href="https://www.darlingharbour.com/" target="_blank">Darling Harbour</a> which we boarded just as the sun began to set. As we rode the ferry, I captured footage of the city. When we arrived at <a href="https://www.darlingharbour.com/" target="_blank">Darling Harbour</a>, I tried to figure out the logistics of the firework show. I thought I read it would be a half hour show! We figured basically where the fireworks should be for viewing and then went to find some food. We passed some street performer playing drums and another one was waiting his turn with a chainsaw. We decided to eat at <a href="https://www.planarrestaurant.com.au/" target="_blank">Planar</a> where I ordered Kangaroo and Elphie got Duck Ravioli. There was a robot busser that would roll through sometimes to be loaded with plates to take back to be washed. The food was great! We then left to find a spot to sit and watch the fireworks. The firework show only ended up being five minutes long! It was a good show but short. Many of the other people immediately left the area...I guess trying to beat the traffic. We took a casual walk around the harbor to the other side then made our way to a transit station. As we walked, we saw a guy riding a motorcycle with a dog sitting on the back! We rode the train back around to Circular Quay and got gelato at <a href="https://gelatissimo.com/" target="_blank">Gelatissmo</a> for a snack at the end of the night before returning to <a href="https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/" target="_blank">Meriton Suites</a> so we could begin packing up for our flight to New Zealand. We utilized the laundry facilities in our suite! We enjoyed our time in Australia and managed to use up nearly all the Australian money we had brought!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Traveling to New Zealand (03.19.2023)<br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9v5OhqSjc7o" width="560" youtube-src-id="9v5OhqSjc7o"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/9v5OhqSjc7o">https://youtu.be/9v5OhqSjc7o</a><br />On Sunday March 19th, 2023, we loaded up, left <a href="https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/" target="_blank">Meriton Suites</a> where we had a nice stay, and headed to the Mascot station to ride over to the airport. It turned out this was the day of Saint Patrick's celebrations in Sydney! We arrived at <a href="https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/" target="_blank">Sydney International Airport</a> and Elphie found someone to pass off our <a href="https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal#/login" target="_blank">OPAL</a> cards to that could use them. Once we passed through the security screening processes, we went to the Duty Free store to see about using up most of the rest of our Australian money. There were some packages of jerky so we bought those. We also bought meals for ourself at <a href="https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/eat/sumo-salad?terminal=all" target="_blank">SumoSalad</a> before boarding the flight. With the remaining little bit we had left, I bought a couple packages of gummy's and a <a href="https://www.coca-colacompany.com/au/" target="_blank">Coke</a>. We were left with two dollars and some change which we gave to other tourists who like to collect coins apparently. We would run into the again in Auckland at the <a href="https://tours.wetaworkshop.com/unleashed/" target="_blank">Weta Workshop Unleashed</a>! We boarded our <a href="https://www.airasia.com/en/gb" target="_blank">Air Asia</a> flight. It was a little chaotic as the announcements were hard to hear and some people just seemed to go where ever whenever. I wasn't too worried about it as we all had assigned seats we had to pick before hand. I'm not entirely sure I'd like to fly with Air Asia again though. Once loaded onto the plane, we saw them load luggage in large metal containers which was interesting. We took a long taxi before taking off which was the opposite direction than how planes were taking off and landing while we watched from Foreshore Beach. I captured the take off and while we were in the air, I captured another plane flying parallel to us...though appearing to be faster. I also was able to capture the vapor trail below my window. As we approached New Zealand, I captured footage of the shorelines and islands as well as our landing back at <a href="https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/" target="_blank">Auckland International Airport</a>. We got through the first part of the security screening and got our luggage quite quickly so I thought we would get out fast...we then encountered a group of long lines. We also ended up in the wrong one so we cut over to the proper one eventually. It was all for the customs part to determine if we were declaring anything we were bringing into the country. There was also a dog to sniff our stuff. Thankfully, we got through that without issue too despite it taking a very long time. Over an hour I believe. Jeremy and Beth Nicholls were there waiting for us as we came out the doors! It was nice to see them again! After greetings, we went with them to their vehicle and drove to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> as the host was wanting to meet us to check in. I asked if it would be ok so that we didn't make the poor guy wait too late! We saw a few sites along the way including One Tree Hill and some damage from the recent cyclone. Once at the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>, we unloaded our luggage and got a brief explanation of a few things. The toilet was in a different room than the shower which was interesting. Beth and Jeremy took us for Fish and Chips somewhat nearby at Glenn Eden Takeways and drove us around the neighborhood where we were staying called New Lynn. While we waited on the Fish and Chips, we walked around the block in Glen Eden. We took the Fish and Chips back to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> and ate there while catching up with Beth and Jeremy about life and also about <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a>. Jeremy told a bit about his work with the homeless folks in Auckland as well. We gave the things people left with us for them to the Nicholls as well as the snack foods that they were craving from Chicago. We made some plans to get together again on Tuesday as Mondays are quite busy for the Nicholls.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Auckland New Zealand (03.20.2023 - 03.30.2023)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We spent our first full day in Auckland on Monday March 20th, 2023 hanging around New Lynn. We didn't make much of a plan and figured maybe resting might be good. I captured a video tour of our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> then we headed out to the nearby <a href="https://www.lynnmall.co.nz/en/" target="_blank">Lynn Mall</a>. Elphie got a coffee while there at the Muffin Break and I found that they had free wifi in the mall! We ended up walking through the entire mall and checked out a shop called Enjoy, getting an idea of some souvenirs we could purchase from there. We continued through the rest of the mall and went out the other side where there was a cinema and a <a href="https://tacobell.co.nz/" target="_blank">Taco Bell</a> along with some other restaurants and a mini-golf place. Across the street was the new <a href="https://www.krispykreme.co.nz/" target="_blank">Krispy Kreme</a> donut shop. Beth and Jeremy told us that the people were pretty excited about it. We went in and Elphie got something that was local to Auckland. I went with a chocolate creme style I knew I would like. After getting donuts, we decided to go to the Countdown which was the local grocery store. We picked up cereal, sandwich meat and cheese, some drinks including <a href="https://www.coke.co.nz/" target="_blank">Coke</a> and L & P Soda, which was local to New Zealand, and some local candy too. We brought all that back to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>, then went back out again to see about getting transit passes. In Auckland, they were called <a href="https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/at-hop-card/" target="_blank">AT HOP Cards</a>. We went to the transit station in New Lynn to buy these. We went into another nearby shop called Joyful to see about souvenir options. We looked around some more at the restaurant options before heading to what appeared could be a beach area according to the map on my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a>. We walked a path through the neighborhood where we encountered Pukeko! They were little blue colored chickens apparently also known as swamp hens. We saw quite a few of these throughout the trip! We walked to Ken Mauder Park where there were people practicing cricket. We followed the trail around to the Whau River where I thought it looked like there could be beaches but it was more swampy type terrain. We saw another Pukeko in the water. We sat on a bench for a while here before continuing around the park. We decided to cross a small bridge over the river that had numbers printed all over it. There was also a pipeline next to the bridge. As we continued into the neighborhood, we encountered a cat and I captured some footage of the local trees. We continued back toward the business area of New Lynn and passed a House of Scotland. I captured some footage of the flags flying in New Lynn then we decided to get dinner at <a href="https://www.himalayanfusion.co.nz/" target="_blank">Himalayan Fusion</a>. It was very good food. Elphie got some sort of curry and I got something with prawn but I can't recall what it was now. We checked out a few of the other restaurants nearby including Bakeries because they make a meat pie which is a typical New Zealand lunch food. We headed back to the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> for the evening with plans to hang out with the Nicholls' the next day.<br /><br />On Tuesday March 21, 2023, Beth and Jeremy were going to pick us up in the early afternoon. Unfortunately it was a rainy day. Another unfortunate aspect was that the cyclone damage still had serious effects on some areas so many things that Beth especially wanted to show us were unaccessible. We headed out to see what would be accessible and the first stop was Titirangi Beach. I think Jeremy had another plan from there but the various mud slips wouldn't allow going the way he wanted to. We passed a monument to fungus at a roundabout, stopped at a corner store where Beth bought chocolates for us to try that were from a local company called <a href="https://www.whittakers.co.nz/" target="_blank">Whittaker's</a> then we headed to Lower Nihotupu Dam. It was an interesing view with the spillway. There were birds sitting at the top and behind it was mountains. We stopped at Cornwallis Beach then we continued down the road and eventually passed the house where the Nicholls' stayed at the beginning of this chapter of life in New Zealand. From there, we continued up a hill for a bit to where one could get quite a view but the weather made it difficult to see much. We did see more evidence of the cyclone in more mud slips. We stopped at another dam called Lower Huia. There we found a nature trail that was closed due to conditions and a lot of sheep! We visited the Huia Point Lookout next after driving by Foster Bay. While at the lookout, the skies began to clear and provided a fairly significant rainbow. The conditions changed pretty quickly so I kept getting footage of the same thing but it looked a bit different each time. Elphie had originally opted to stay in the car but got out once the rain stopped. We drove again to another lookout spot called Mount Atkinson which gave a view of the city as well as another perspective of the bay. As we got ready to go, the rain started again and at this point we decided to figure out a dinner plan. We ended up deciding on a Chinese BBQ restaurant in the Mount Albert neighborhood called Tasty BBQ. As we drove there, Jeremy showed us a place where some homeless folks he's worked with got transitional housing. We all ordered good food. I decided to try a smoothie that combined Green Apple and Pineapple...it was strong on the green apple and sort of tasted like what one might thing dish soap would taste like. Back at the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>, I asked the Nicholls where in the sky one might see the Southern Cross. Beth quickly pointed it out...it was in the southern part of the sky as one might figure out! ha! I tried to capture it on video along with getting some decent pictures of it. I also captured a clip of an airplane passing overhead.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hiaJtw9bVjE" width="560" youtube-src-id="hiaJtw9bVjE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/hiaJtw9bVjE">https://youtu.be/hiaJtw9bVjE</a><br />On Wednesday March 22nd, 2023, we decided to visit <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/waikumete-cemetery" target="_blank">Waikumete Cemetery</a> in nearby Glen Eden. It was a site on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> due in part to a memorial of the Mount Erebus Disaster where an airplane crashed in Antartica. The unidentified remains were buried at that spot. We had figured we'd take a bus or train but Jeremy offered to pick us up and drop us off. He drove us through the cemetery and then left us at the top of the hill where there were a lot of Moari gravestones. He offered to pick us up again later but we told him we'd take a bus so he didn't have to adjust his day for us. It is a very large cemetery! We walked for a few hours through the cemetery. It was quite windy so it seemed a bit cold at times. The Maori and other native folks had a lot of decoration on their graves. I got a decent shot of the Auckland skyline from one of the roads above the mausoleums. Elphie decided to do another toilet flush in one of the cemetery toilets. It appeared to flush clockwise which throws the entire experiment off! We continued our walk down the hill through some of the mausoleums then turned a corner toward a public mausoleum. The paths would connect again further down the hill. We reached a spot with a tree growing next to the road that Jeremy had told us was where he grandparents (I think) was buried and we found the stone for them. Down the hill a bit further and across the road was a very overgrown section of the cemetery. I'm not sure why it was so overgrown. We walked through it somewhat as we continued through the cemetery. As we continued, we found ourselves near the front of the cemetery. I checked <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> to see where the Mount Erebus Disaster memorial might be and figured it was somewhere around the building at the entrance. We did find it after going around the building as well as a tree dedicated to the memory of the Japanese folks who were on board that plane. Elphie was interested in seeing the children's section so we made our way toward the sign that pointed the direction, passing a few more unique grave sites. We also passed a small temple to Lord Harish Chandra Kovil with a little idol inside. It was interesting. We continued and found not one but two sections for infant and children who passed. In between we encountered a Jewish section with a memorial for the Holocaust. There were rocks on the gravestones similar to what is shown at the end of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108052/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_schindlers" target="_blank">Shindler's List</a>. After checking out the second children section, we decided to start making our way out of the cemetery. We probably only saw about half the cemetery during our walk, however, there were parts we saw while riding with in Jeremy in the other half so I suppose we did somewhat see it all. We decided to get food across the street at <a href="https://pizzaclub.co.nz/" target="_blank">Pizza Club</a> and were given a complimentary dessert! We ended up eating it sitting in a laundromat next door. We took a bus back to the AirBnB and relaxed for the night. We watched <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1560139/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_8_tt_7_nm_1_q_boy" target="_blank">Boy</a> by New Zealand director <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0169806/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" target="_blank">Taika Waititi</a> on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/" target="_blank">Netflix</a>. <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WUZ7aNpPRpw" width="560" youtube-src-id="WUZ7aNpPRpw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/WUZ7aNpPRpw">https://youtu.be/WUZ7aNpPRpw</a><br />On Thursday March 23rd, 2023 we started out by going to <a href="https://dennys.co.nz/" target="_blank">Denny's</a> and meeting with some friends Elphie made during a <a href="https://ywam.org/" target="_blank">YWAM</a> mission project many years ago. I got a Hawai'ian Burger! They gave us some Greenstone and some soaps as gifts. It was a good time meeting them for me and for Elphie to catch up. Things worked out because they had to come to Auckland to pick someone up at the airport that afternoon. We had originally planned to spend the afternoon and evening with the Nicholls' but Beth was working on a deadline for <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a> and needed to focus on that. We planned for the weekend to hang with them and decided to go into downtown Auckland and get an idea of where we needed to go for the <a href="https://tours.wetaworkshop.com/unleashed/" target="_blank">Weta Workshop Unleashed</a> on Friday. We also figured we'd just check out what there was around downtown. I worked out something of a route that would get us to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/symonds-street-cemetery" target="_blank">Symonds Street Cemetery</a> from the Britomart train station and we boarded the train into downtown. We found that the other direction on that line ends in Swanson. I captured a shot of the Mount Eden Stadium and jail as we rode by on the train. Once at the Britomart, Elphie used the restroom and captured video of the flush there as well. We walked out of the building and I got some clips of surrounding buildings and a Moari statue. We walked up Queen Street which seemed to be the main commercial district. We stopped in a couple souvenir shops and found Swanson Street. I had no idea that name would be somewhat important in New Zealand, ha! We turned on Victoria Street and headed toward the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sky-tower-2" target="_blank">Sky Tower</a>. I captured a clip of <a href="https://realgroovy.co.nz/" target="_blank">Groovy Records</a> as we walked toward the tower. We got underneath it and could see people walking on the edge! We did not witness any bungie jumping though. <a href="https://tours.wetaworkshop.com/unleashed/" target="_blank">The Weta Workshop Unleashed</a> was in the area of the Sky Tower and we found the entrance along with a casino. We continued down Federal Street and saw some street art as well as a cool looking old church building. In research I have found it is <a href="https://www.stmatthews.nz/" target="_blank">St. Matthew</a> and the home of the <a href="https://aucklandrainbowchurch.org/" target="_blank">Auckland Rainbow Community Church</a>. This was on Wellesley and we walked down that, checking out food options as we went. Once we got back to Queen Street, we continued south toward the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/symonds-street-cemetery" target="_blank">Symonds Street Cemetery</a>. I captured some more footage of buildings like the Town Hall and the Sunday School Union. We also captured footage of a bar called <a href="https://whitehouse.co.nz/index" target="_blank">The White House</a> with Uncle Sam painted on the front. It turned out the walk was uphill a bit. We reached Karangahape and turned left. Crossing the street we made it to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/symonds-street-cemetery" target="_blank">Symonds Street Cemetery</a>. Parts of it had been demolished to build a highway, according to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/">Atlas Obscura</a>. The part we started in had a sign showing some buildings that had been demolished for condos. We captured a bit of footage while in the cemetery and I ended up stepping in a poop. We left the part we were in and cross the street to find more of the cemetery! This part showed how the city had taken over parts of the cemetery more clearly than the other part. Some headstones were under a bridge which was built right over top and likely displaced or destroyed some graves. It turned out to be another section too that we never made it to but we caught a bus that took us unto the highway that was built through the cemetery! Back at the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> we watched another New Zealand based movie called <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10483044/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_9_tt_4_nm_4_q_cousins" target="_blank">Cousins</a> on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/" target="_blank">Netflix</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />On Friday March 24th, 2023 we went to the <a href="https://tours.wetaworkshop.com/unleashed/" target="_blank">Weta Workshop Unleashed</a>! We decided to take a bus into the city this time as it stopped closer to where we needed to go than the train would. We planned it out well enough that we got there about an hour early. We hung out outside for a while then went in and walked around the <a href="https://www.experienceallblacks.com/" target="_blank">All Blacks Experience</a> entrance and gift shop before heading up to the next level for the <a href="https://tours.wetaworkshop.com/unleashed/" target="_blank">Weta Workshop Unleashed</a>. There were several statues of characters from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit set up all around the gift shop. The experience itself focused on three movies in production and we were permitted to see some costumes and animatronic parts of the creatures for those movies. While I wasn't yet familiar with these movies, it was still pretty cool to see. One exhibit was a miniature of a set and we could climb through a tunnel in the bottom of it. There was a horror maze too that I guess we meant to be the inside of a lamb or something...maybe a meat locker. I'm not really sure, ha! It also turned out that the tourists we met at the <a href="https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/" target="_blank">Sydney International Airport</a> were also on this tour! We talked a bit with them. They rented a car and drove around New Zealand and would be headed to Wellington the next day for the other <a href="https://tours.wetaworkshop.com/unleashed/" target="_blank">Weta Workshop</a> tour. There were a couple points in which cameras were meant to take our pictures but only the first one worked I decided to share that in this video. After we finished up at <a href="https://tours.wetaworkshop.com/unleashed/" target="_blank">Weta</a>, we took a sky bridge under the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sky-tower-2" target="_blank">Sky Tower</a> and through the casino. We looked down into the main floor. It was interesting to see the workers standing so still at the black jack tables where no one was playing yet. It took a minute but we found our way out to the street again and began to seek out dinner options. We walked down Queen Street toward the Britomart checking out a few places along the way then found an alley which led to a bunch of food vendors and a concert stage. We walked along the vendors finally settling on one selling Shrimp Balls. We also stopped in one of the businesses to get a dessert waffle before walking up toward where the stage area was. We found a <a href="https://circlek.co.nz/" target="_blank">Circle K</a> there! We continued to walk south through the businesses on High Street for a couple of blocks to Wellesley. There was a monument fountain for Women's Suffrage along our walk. We turned right and then walked down Queen Street again to the Britomart. As we walked a religious group passed us singing songs then we passed a street preacher preaching. We arrived at the Britomart and boarded the Swansonbound train. Once back in New Lynn we walked through an alley capturing the art hanging above us before heading to the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. I ended up watching a documentary on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/" target="_blank">Netflix</a> about a tour group going to White Island and the volcano erupting while they were on the island.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J8FtxTdqTNY" width="560" youtube-src-id="J8FtxTdqTNY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/J8FtxTdqTNY">https://youtu.be/J8FtxTdqTNY</a><br />On Saturday March 25th, 2023 the Nicholls' came to pick us up for a day out with them. The first stop we made ended up being in Hillsborough Cemetery where Jeremy showed us a massive mud slip. Apparently some folks he had worked with stayed near this area before the storm. We saw headstones for a convent of nuns and quite a few other interesting ones. Toward the top of the hill, we could see quite a few great views around the area of the bays and some other mountains. Jeremy pointed out where Mount Eden and One Tree Hill were from the view we had. We rode through the city to a lookout called Achilles Point to the east of Auckland. From there we could see quite a few islands including Rangitoto, Motutapu, and <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/browns-island" target="_blank">Motokorea (Brown Island)</a> which is on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/">Atlas Obscura</a>. Apparently below us was a nudist beach and we could see a few folks partaking of that freedom. I got some footage of hte views before we moved on to try to find some lunch. We ended up at Browns St. Heliers where we got a traditional Kiwi lunch of meat pies! They were pretty good! We got there just as they were about to close so we ate on a bench just outside. We left there and headed through the city again along some waterfronts where we could see more slips and storm damage. We crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge and continued to Orewa Beach. We walked along there for a bit, collected some shells and rocks to take back with us. I captured some footage of the view which included Great Barrier Island. When we left, we stopped at <a href="https://www.paknsave.co.nz/" target="_blank">Pak n' Save</a> to get some food for a picnic. We had the picnic at Long Bay Beach and I captured more footage of the view. While visiting the restroom, I captured a peculiar stall with two toilets! As we left, we noticed a cemetery and pulled off. It was Pioneers Cemetery and we were able to catch the sunset behind it! We walked around there for a bit then Elphie's restroom need had us stop at Waiake Beach which had some islands just off shore and cool views to capture. There was also a little dog running around! As we left from here, we drove close to the shoreline and as we approached Auckland I captured a night shot of the city. The Nicholls' dropped us off at our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> for the night and we would reconvene the next day for <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/hangi-maori-underground-cooking" target="_blank">Hangi</a> and rugby!<br /><br />On Sunday March 26th, 2023 we reconnected with the Nicholls around lunchtime and went to <a href="https://hangishop.co.nz/" target="_blank">The Hangi Shop</a> to try out that native food of New Zealand which also was listed on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a>. It was a stew type meal and very good. We also got a dessert of steamed pudding. The meal was very filling and I didn't end up having a dinner! <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/hangi-maori-underground-cooking" target="_blank">Hangi</a> is a meal that is cooked underground using meats and root vegetables. On our way to Mount Smart Stadium to see the <a href="https://www.warriors.kiwi/" target="_blank">One NZ Warriors</a> play rugby, Jeremy took us by a little village of tiny houses run by the organization he works for, <a href="https://visionwest.org.nz/" target="_blank">Visionwest</a>. It is a housing option for homeless and low income folks. Nearby was Otahuhu Cemetery. We had some time still so we checked it out before heading to the rugby game. The <a href="https://www.warriors.kiwi/" target="_blank">One NZ Warriors</a> played against <a href="https://www.bulldogs.com.au/" target="_blank">Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs</a>. Our seats were in the endzone bleachers. It was a fun game and the Warriors won 16-14! As we left, one of the Nicholls' daughters found herself lost so she called. Jeremy got us back to the AirBnB and then left to find their daughter before it got too dark. I captured some clouds on the ride. We thought maybe we'd have time to play minigolf but we were just a bit too late. We went to Countdown though and got some more groceries for the week.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Eyh6LQrcb6M" width="560" youtube-src-id="Eyh6LQrcb6M"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Eyh6LQrcb6M">https://youtu.be/Eyh6LQrcb6M</a><br />On Monday March 27th, 2023 we did some exploring on our own. We started out by taking public transit to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/maungawhau-mount-eden" target="_blank">Maungawhau (Mount Eden)</a>. The directions my phone gave had us walking up through a residential area and up some steps which led to a road. We walked up the road to the edge of the volcano cone where we captured some footage and photographs. I decided to continue to walk the platform around the volcano. I stopped at an overlook of Auckland to capture some footage then continued to the other side. The summit was inaccessible as there was some work being done but I was able to capture One Tree Hill and some other scenery from that side of the volcano. I returned and Elphie and I walked around the other way as far as we were permitted before the construction zone. I captured some more footage of Auckland and the Mount Eden Stadium from a platform on that side. We walked down the hillside and through the Mount Eden neighborhood to catch a bus. It ended up being the first time riding a double decker bus. We decided to take it to Greenbay Beach. It was a pretty long ride and then we had to make a transfer and it seemed like a bit of a long wait. Unfortunately, we found that the water was marked as unsuitable for swimming. We headed back to New Lynn to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> then decided to check out the <a href="https://www.lilliputt.co.nz/dragon-quest" target="_blank">Lilliput Mini Golf</a> near the mall. We got there with just enough time to play through a game. It was a fun and interesting course. We decided to have dinner at Goode Brothers where we got a seafood sampler platter. After the dinner I captured the moon over our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> before heading in to go to bed.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MDEGLwsHhy4" width="560" youtube-src-id="MDEGLwsHhy4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/MDEGLwsHhy4">https://youtu.be/MDEGLwsHhy4</a><br />On Tuesday March 28th, 2023 we planned to have another outing with the Nicholls' followed by dinner at their house but those plans were unfortunately canceled. Beth had a small accident and thankfully there were no physical injuries. Elphie and I ended up going to the <a href="https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/" target="_blank">Auckland Zoo</a> instead. Jeremy told us if we were going there that we should also check out Western Springs nearby as well as the stadium where he saw <a href="https://www.u2.com/" target="_blank">U2</a> once. We took a bus to go to the zoo. When we got off, a trolley rollled by us. There also were several Pukeko walking around. In the zoo, we started in the African section with some giraffes, zebras, and ostrich all. in once exhibit. All the exhibits were pretty cool. When we got to where the lions stayed, they were eating and occasionally lightly roaring. We eventually got to the New Zealand section and went into the building where the kiwis stay. It was dark and the video didn't turn out so well. We got there prior to the presentation and decided we'd continue on rather than wait for it. Outside of the building with the kiwis were some eels that looked ready to eat us! As we continued, we got where the penguins stay and they scurried into hiding first under a boat then into the indoors part of their habitat. In the Southeast Asia section there were habitats for a couple different apes which I didn't get a good clip of but the habitat was interesting in that the apes could climb and swing overhead of the people! Further along where the tigers stay they also could go overhead of the people on a bridge. One was sitting on the bridge roaring as people were under it and around it taking pictures! Elphie was nervous about going through with the tiger on that bridge but eventually she decided to go...just as the tiger stood up, walked across the bridge over to where a viewing window into the habitat is and pooped. After pooping, it ran back across the bridge and out of sight, ha! We continued into other areas including the Australia section where we tried to see the Tasmanian Devil but it hid under some rocks. A bird flew by buzzing Elphie's head in this section as well. We then entered the American section where both crocodiles and alligators were sunning. While in this section, the announcement for the zoo closing began so we had to hurry out. Once out of the zoo, we encountered more pukeko, pigeons, and some wild chickens. We decided to walk the path around Western Springs and encountered all sorts of birds including geese, ducks, and black swans. I had never seen a black swan before and didn't even know they were a real thing! We continued around the spring and came across some more storm damage with some large trees knocked down. We didn't see the stadium that Jeremy was talking about though. At this point, we felt it was time to find dinner. We walked along the nearby businesses. Elphie didn't want fish and chips again so we looked for something different and settled on <a href="https://www.burgerfuel.com/">Burger Fuel</a>. It was pretty good! I got a chocolate thickshake and a Bacon BBQ Roaster. When we got back to the AirBnB, I attempted a <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/tim-tam-slam-australia-cookie-straw" target="_blank">TamTam slam</a>. This is sucking hot chocolate through a Tam Tam by biting off the ends. It didn't really work out as it was meant to.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eHOlo6CmOwE" width="560" youtube-src-id="eHOlo6CmOwE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/eHOlo6CmOwE">https://youtu.be/eHOlo6CmOwE</a><br />On Wednesday March 29th, 2023 we took a tour to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/real-life-shire-hobbiton" target="_blank">Hobbiton</a>. We booked this tour while still in Chicago through <a href="https://www.viator.com/" target="_blank">Viator</a>. We had to get into Auckland early in the morning to catch the ride with <a href="https://www.cheekykiwitravel.com/" target="_blank">Cheeky Kiwi</a> at one of the hotels by the Britomart transit station. Elphie went to use the restroom and the van pulled up a couple minutes later. As I waited for Elphie, the driver began to search for us, asking other folks if they were on the tour...which seemed to confuse them. I let him know it was us he was looking for and Elphie came out right then too so we loaded up and took the ride around Auckland as passengers were picked up at various locations. He was a friendly driver what a lot to say but unfortunately his microphone didn't work. He also told us he had cleaned out a different vehicle he intended on using but the company switched on him overnight. As we made our way out of Auckland to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/real-life-shire-hobbiton" target="_blank">Hobbiton</a>, we passed some interesting scenery. As we got closer to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/real-life-shire-hobbiton" target="_blank">Hobbiton</a>, we saw a lot of sheep! At <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/real-life-shire-hobbiton" target="_blank">Hobbiton</a>, we had some time before our tour so we got meat pies for lunch at the gift shop. The tour was the set which was preserved after the filming of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903624/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_q_the%2520hobbit" target="_blank">The Hobbit</a>. They had torn it down after <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/" target="_blank">The Lord Of The Rings</a> but turned it into a tourist attraction after <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903624/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_q_the%2520hobbit" target="_blank">The Hobbit</a>. It is mostly just exteriors with one Hobbit hole set up that you can go just inside the door. It's probably no more than a few feet deep. It was cool to see and walk through all this though. At the end of the tour, we were provided a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon. It sounded in the information we were given that there would be a special Green Dragon drink but the options were a stout beer, a cider, and a soda for the underage or non alcohol consumers. On the ride back, others took our back row which was fine by us. There wasn't much leg room there! We saw a waterfall in the mountains in the distance. We could hear the driver's commentary better as well. We stopped for some ice cream on the trip back as well. Back in Auckland, we decided to ride the train line to the end in Swanson. Elphie was sure to document my ride to Swanson, ha! There wasn't much there, it appeared on the maps that there may be a nearby cemetery but it was dark when we arrived. We found a pizza shop at a gas station so we got some <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Picollo-Pizza-100054253761270/" target="_blank">Picollo Pizza</a>. It was ok. We then rode the train back to New Lynn. Another passenger had missed her stop so she was nervously chatting about it trying to make sure she got where she was going.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j03bEE2ZroY" width="560" youtube-src-id="j03bEE2ZroY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/j03bEE2ZroY">https://youtu.be/j03bEE2ZroY</a><br />Thursday March 30th, 2023, we had delayed plans to meet with the Nicholls' at their home for dinner. This was moved back from Tuesday due to the car accident. As we waited for Jeremy to pick us up, we went to visit the Greenstone souvenir shop to see if we could find things to bring back to people. We didn't find anything we wanted to get there so we went back to the Lynn Mall and hit Enjoy again to pick up most of the souvenirs we wanted to bring home. We also stopped at Countdown one last time to get a few things. I decided to pick up some <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/chocolate-fish-reward-new-zealand" target="_blank">chocolate fish</a> since it was listed as a food item on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> that one should try while in New Zealand. We ate them back at the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> and they were very good...much like Easter candy. They were shaped like fish with raspberry flavored marshmallow filling. I also learned through <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> that leftover chocolate was used in another snack item of pineapple chocolate bites. We decided at this point since we had a little more time to check out The Warehouse. Jeremy described it as an equivalent to Wal*Mart in the U.S.A. We did not find anything that would work as souvenirs while there. When Jeremy came to pick us up, I asked him if there was anywhere convenient to stop for a few last minute souvenirs like post cards. He did take us to a place but we went to the post office next door and found what we were looking for in post cards. We then proceeded to their house where we found lots of ducks! While dinner was getting prepared, Jeremy took Elphie and I to see where he works. He continues to do service with homeless folks with an organization called <a href="https://visionwest.org.nz/" target="_blank">Visionwest</a>. They are in the process of moving to new offices but he gave a rundown of the various services done in the buildings at the location. Jeremy grilled steaks and Beth and Muriwai made a dessert called Pavlova and it was awesome! The entire meal was great! We then watched <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4698684/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_hunt%2520for%2520the%2520wil" target="_blank">Hunt For The Wilderpeople</a> which was a movie filmed in New Zealand by a native born movie maker named <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0169806/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" target="_blank">Taika Waititi</a>. Jeremy took us back to the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> after the movie and I got a night shot of Auckland as we drove. We organized our stuff to pack for leaving in the morning from the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> to head back to the Nicholls' house until it was time to head to the airport.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Traveling to Chicago (03.31.2023)</u></b><br />On Friday March 31st, 2023, we woke up and packed up at our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. We were meant to check out at 11am and the host was there to mow the lawn...he may have held off to not disturb our stay which was very nice of him. Jeremy was working in the morning and it was determined he would pick us up at the nearby <a href="https://www.lynnmall.co.nz/en/" target="_blank">Lynn Mall</a>. We first checked on the <a href="https://mcdonalds.co.nz/" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> but it didn't seem to have wifi. After our first visit to the mall, we found it had free wifi so that's where we went to wait and we chose the food court to be where we would hang out. I kept tabs on the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Penguins</a> hockey game as we waited Again, I was unable to access the actual game through the streaming sites I usually use. Jeremy came by to get us and then drove us to his parents house so he could borrow their vehicle. During the trip, we saw some more of the storm damage with the road having caved in due to a slip. Jeremy took us back to their house and we hung out there for a bit until it was time to head to the airport. It was nice getting to hang out with the Nicholls while there though unfortunate that the car accident derailed a few plans. We're grateful that there was no injury and for the most part everything was ok. We very much appreciated their willingness to take us around to see things and get us from the airport and back for our flight home! While we were there, we tried a fruit that wasn't particularly pleasant before leaving. Thankfully, it was not the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/noni-vomit-fruit-cheese-fruit" target="_blank">Noni</a>. If you check the link, you may see why, ha! It was called a feijoa.<br /><br />Once in <a href="https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/" target="_blank">Auckland International Airport</a>, we got our bags tagged, weighed, our tickets printed out at the kiosk for <a href="https://www.airnewzealand.com/" target="_blank">Air New Zealand</a>, and proceeded through the security screening process to return home. We got through all that with minimal issue though my backpack was checked out by security for some reason. We got a meal at <a href="https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/eat-and-relax/store/vantage-bar" target="_blank">Vantage Bar</a>. I got a burger and Elphie got a salad. While waiting on the food, I went to one of the convenience stores to purchase some <a href="https://www.whittakers.co.nz/" target="_blank">Whittaker's</a> chocolates and a bottle of L and P Soda to use up as much of the remaining Kiwi currency that we had. Once we got our meal in to-go boxes, we headed toward our gate. About halfway there, we found it blocked off with a lot of people waiting. The staff opened up the gate area and the mass of humanity made their way through, some more aggressive than others. We got through and once again had our passports scanned then sat to eat our food. We were pretty much the end of the line of gates! We had a couple of hours to wait so we finished our meals. It turned out to be a packed flight and this time, our row did have all three seats at the back of the airplane so we unfortunately had to bother the guy next to us a few times for restroom trips. Our return flight to Chicago was one very long flight using <a href="https://www.airnewzealand.com/" target="_blank">Air New Zealand</a> directly from <a href="https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/" target="_blank">Auckland International Airport</a> to <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">O'Hare International Airport</a> in Chicago. Once we were in the air, most of the time the windows were tinted so dark one couldn't really tell if it was light out. I didn't shoot much footage out of the window after take off until we got close to Chicago and it seemed we were nearing our landing. I did capture one clip of farmland though. The turbulence got pretty bad at times as we made our way through thunderstorms. I saw one bright flash of lightning and hoped to capture some of it as we made our descent but apparently there was no more lightning. We approached Chicago over Lake Michigan, apparently having flown by and turned around, possibly due to the storms. After landing, I captured one lightning strike beyond the airplane that was sitting next to us while we were at the gate waiting to de-board the plane. Once we passed through the customs process and arrived at baggage claim, we had to wait for the storm to pass so that the tossers could collect the baggage and then send it to the carousels. Skot Shaw picked us up and as he drove us home, more weather related alerts came in. We gave the chocolates we bought to Skot to take and share with Rachel. On the ride back, I captured some footage of the city and back at the house, some footage of reuniting with Stein to finish off the project. It was a very long day as we left Auckland around 8pm on March 31st, 2023 and arrived in Chicago around 5pm on March 31st, 2023...still. We went back in time! ha! Despite this, I had some trouble falling asleep I suppose due to the time changes.<br /><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Down Under" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/menatwork/" target="_blank">Men At Work</a>, "Dance Monkey" by <a href="https://www.tonesandi.com/" target="_blank">Tones And I</a>, "1998" by <a href="https://rancidrancid.com/" target="_blank">Rancid</a>, "Leaky Tub" by <a href="https://therumjacks.com/" target="_blank">The Rumjacks</a>, "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" by <a href="http://www.pogues.com/" target="_blank">The Pogues</a>, "The Fields Of Athenry" by <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropkick Murphys</a>, "Poi E" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057188991158" target="_blank">Patea Maori Club</a>, "One Tree Hill" by <a href="https://www.u2.com/" target="_blank">U2</a>, "Hey Ho To The Bottle I Go," "Fine Brew Of The Green Dragon," "Blunt The Knives," "Far Over Misty Mountain Cold," "Song Of The Lonely Mountain," and "The Lord Of The Rings Theme" from <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903624/" target="_blank">The Hobbit</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_6_nm_2_q_the%2520lord%2520of%2520the%2520rings" target="_blank">The Lord of the Rings</a>, "How Long" by <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>, "Window To Your Soul" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Delerium/" target="_blank">Delirium</a>, "Promise Ring (Australian Version)" by <a href="https://lassiefoundation.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Lassie Foundation</a>, "Bat Out Of Hell" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeatLoaf/" target="_blank">Meat Loaf</a>, "Bat" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, "Staring At A Bird" by <a href="https://www.thewaiting.band/" target="_blank">The Waiting</a>, "Keep Swimming" and "Keep Swimming (<a href="https://cat-music.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ian Catt</a> Remix)" by <a href="https://sodashopband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Soda Shop</a>, "Ghost And The Grave" by <a href="https://www.thequietscience.com/" target="_blank">Quiet Science</a>, "Beneath Water" by <a href="https://mikemainsmusic.com/" target="_blank">Mike Mains And The Branches</a>, "Like Fools They Bathed In The Pools" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joyelectric/" target="_blank">Joy Electric</a>, "There Go The Ships, Then Leviathan" by <a href="https://ronniemartin.org/" target="_blank">Ronnie Martin</a>, "Shipwreck" by <a href="https://www.covenant.se/" target="_blank">Covenant</a>, "Love Is Changing Hearts" by <a href="http://artoftravelogue.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Travelogue</a>, "The Last Serenade (Sailers And Fishermen)" by <a href="https://www.floggingmolly.com/" target="_blank">Flogging Molly</a>, "Urban Aire / Big Cat" by <a href="https://afroceltsoundsystem.com/" target="_blank">Afro Celt Sound System</a>, "Walkabout" by <a href="https://theblamedband.com/" target="_blank">The Blamed</a>, "All Your Waves" by <a href="https://wovenhandband.com/david-eugene-edwards" target="_blank">David Eugene Edwards</a>, "Rainbow Signs" by <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a>, "Of Nature" by <a href="https://matisyahuworld.com/" target="_blank">Matisyahu</a>, "Grave Digger" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlindsideSweden/" target="_blank">Blindside</a>, "Ghost In The Grave Yard" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ghotihookers/" target="_blank">Ghoti Hook</a>, "Escaping The Grave" by <a href="https://graverobberpunk.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a>, "Endurance" by <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/crossing" target="_blank">The Crossing</a>, "Song For Elie" by <a href="https://ballydowse.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Ballydowse</a>, "Since You Were Laid Low" by <a href="https://beast11.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">BEAST</a>, "Ain't No Grave" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SarahCarterMusic/" target="_blank">Sarah Carter</a>, "I Lay Sleepless In My Grave" by <a href="https://officialzao.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Zao</a>, "Bad Guy" by <a href="https://www.billieeilish.com/" target="_blank">Billie Eilish</a>, "2 The Grave" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MiddleFingerPunkRock/" target="_blank">Middle Finger</a>, "Grafton Street" by <a href="https://dylanrooke.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Dylan Rooke and Red Coal</a>, "Grave Digger" by <a href="http://www.aggroreggae.com/" target="_blank">The Aggrolites</a>, "Diggin' My Own Grave" by <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/glenn-kaiser" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser</a>, "Beachcomber" by <a href="https://pomegranatesart.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Pomegranates</a>, "Shared Graves" by <a href="https://wearespaceships.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">SPACESHIPS</a>, "Our Feet Like Anchors" by <a href="https://analecta.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">analecta</a>, "Gravestones And Burial Plots" by <a href="https://www.thetransplants.com/" target="_blank">The Transplants</a>, "Sports" by <a href="https://rodentemporium.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Rodent Emporium</a>, "Animal Kingdom" by <a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.com/" target="_blank">theillogicalspoon</a>, "Animal Woman" by <a href="https://lovedrugmusic.com/" target="_blank">Lovedrug</a>, "Animals" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deadpoeticpage/" target="_blank">Dead Poetic</a>, "Three Birds" by <a href="https://geology.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Geology</a>, "Where The Birds Always Sing" by <a href="https://www.thecure.com/" target="_blank">The Cure</a>, "I Love You Like The Little Bird" by <a href="https://starflyer59.fanlink.to/sf59" target="_blank">Starflyer 59</a>, "I Am Not An Animal" by <a href="https://ballpeenhammer.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Ball-Peen Hammer</a>, The Greatest Adventure" by <a href="https://kevinmax.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Max</a>, "Before The Rain" by <a href="https://vnvnation.com/" target="_blank">VNV Nation</a>, and "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door" by <a href="https://underoath777.com/" target="_blank">Underoath</a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Footage filmed using an <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 12 and 14</a>, <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>, and <a href="https://gopro.com/" target="_blank">GoPro Hero</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles and other animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO6kWwG-fyyI-o3ie7slnGR" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO6kWwG-fyyI-o3ie7slnGR"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO6kWwG-fyyI-o3ie7slnGR">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO6kWwG-fyyI-o3ie7slnGR</a></div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-12178807756409495212023-05-25T20:00:00.021-05:002023-05-26T16:07:44.393-05:00If I Ever Fall In Love by Leper (Music Video)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z9n2YGhgydU" width="560" youtube-src-id="z9n2YGhgydU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/z9n2YGhgydU">https://youtu.be/z9n2YGhgydU</a><br />Skot Shaw approached me about creating another music video using a clip shot by John Betten during a recent open mic performance at <a href="https://www.ashbarycoffeehouse.com/" target="_blank">Ashbary Coffee House</a>. I was a bit confused as first because the clip was of a partial song...and one I was less familiar with of the <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> catalog. Skot liked how that footage turned out and how it looked with some gradient effect to make it black and white so he wanted it incorporated into a full video for the song <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/track/if-i-ever-fall-in-love" target="_blank">"If I Ever Fall In Love"</a> off of <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>'s <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/dark-places" target="_blank">Dark Places</a> album.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I took the clip then synced it up to the studio track of the song and that's where the project sat for a couple of months due to the busy-ness of life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We made plans to shoot some footage but unfortunately Skot's wife Rachel had an emergency surgery which derailed those plans and once again, the busy-ness of life kept us from rescheduling. We did eventually work out a time after I got off work while Skot would be his studio in The Empathy Crypt and captured a few more takes of Skot performing the video. this footage was filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. This was convenient because the studio is in the basement of where I work!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I sat down to edit the pieces together which didn't take too long. I decided to add in at the end a clip I had from my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> of the Blue Cross Blue Shield building in Chicago lit up as a heart. I also reused some shots of the keyboard playing to fill in some space in the middle of the song where there was an instrumental break.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I tried to match the appearance of the footage I shot at The Empathy Crypt with the footage shot by John and felt it was a pretty good match though Skot felt that I needed to do more to degrade the quality of the footage a bit more. The first draft I made, didn't have enough of John's footage for Skot's liking so I went back and increased what I used from the clip John had shot then added more effects to degrade the quality of the footage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I added in the "bad film" effect to each clip separately, increasing the dust, hair and line elements to the max. I then added a second layer of "bad film" effect to the entire project along with the vignette effect to blur the edges a bit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the end, it was a fairly simple project to create and seems to have met the expectation of Skot. His vision was a bit different that how it turned out...he hoped I would use the majority of the clip John had shot where I blended it in with the footage I shot. While I did use more of John's clip at Skot's request, there was discussion to do more. After explaining my position on how I got to where it was, and suggesting that maybe it would work better for Skot to create this one on his own to achieve his vision, Skot decided that the project was good enough for him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Footage filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> in The Empathy Crypt and taken from a <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam">CrossTour CR-900</a> along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois by Joel A. Swanson. Other footage was shot at <a href="https://www.ashbarycoffeehouse.com/" target="_blank">Ashbary Coffee House</a> during an Open Mic in Willow Springs by John Betten. The title was created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. The projected was compiled and edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Skot Shaw directed the project.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl</a></div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-37539886972412342752023-04-14T12:00:00.002-05:002023-09-29T16:52:42.433-05:00A Shared Life: Winter In Chicago (January - March 2023)<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">We arrived back in Chicago after <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/02/a-shared-life-holidays-2022.html" target="_blank">the holidays</a> on January 8th, 2023 and I returned to work the following day. The winter season in Chicago tends to have a bit less going on, it seems...perhaps we're less active or I just don't decide as many goofy things I see during my driving time is worth keeping, ha! The footage includes, among other things, a quick hunting trip, a few shows, and fun with the Ollie Mob and WhirlyBall! I missed that last year and the previous year it had been wiped out by <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>. These clips occur between our return from <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2023/02/a-shared-life-holidays-2022.html" target="_blank">the holidays</a> and our trip to Australia and New Zealand in March of 2023.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lS475jJm048" width="560" youtube-src-id="lS475jJm048"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/lS475jJm048">https://youtu.be/lS475jJm048</a><br /><br /><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">01.11.2023 - 01.20.2023<br /></b>On Wednesday January 11th, 2023, I pulled out my <a href="https://excaliburcrossbow.com/" target="_blank">Excalibur Bulldog 440 crossbow</a> to check its accuracy after missing a buck in the fall despite hitting near a bullseye while shooting a target before the hunt. I had to make some adjustments and eventually hit bullseye again before packing it in. Perhaps in transit the scope got knocked off sight. The first shot I took went through a spot I've hit several times before causing the bolt to be buried and not visible. This gave me a bit of concern that I missed the target entirely and hit something beyond the target. I looked around beyond the target to see if I could find where it hit then On Friday January 13th, 2023 I drove to Pennsylvania and arrived with about 20 minutes left before hunting hours ended. I took a short loop into the area I hunt to see if I could see anything. I didn't see any deer. I hunted all day on Saturday January 14th, 2023 and didn't see any deer until the last hour or so of the day. They did not come near me...they may have been in range of the other spot I typically hunt from during the last few rifle seasons. I drove back to Chicago on Sunday January 15th, 2023 since I had no luck during the hunt. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Friday January 20th, 2023 we decided to catch the <a href="https://www.koffinkatsrock.com/" target="_blank">Koffin Kats</a> show at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mikeyclassic666/" target="_blank">Mikey Classic</a>, <a href="https://therumours.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Rumours</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/royalsonofaguns/" target="_blank">Royal Son of a Guns</a>. Elphie took up residence in the balcony and I decided to hang along the wall to the side of the stage. I ran into a couple problems capturing clips such as folks getting right on top of me or the guy filming for <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> (I think) standing directly in front of me but I captured a clip from each performance. I enjoyed all the bands.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YiF2g8XNpRQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="YiF2g8XNpRQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/YiF2g8XNpRQ">https://youtu.be/YiF2g8XNpRQ</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MooJjV6tMlM" width="560" youtube-src-id="MooJjV6tMlM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/MooJjV6tMlM">https://youtu.be/MooJjV6tMlM</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F-aScP8UC7w" width="560" youtube-src-id="F-aScP8UC7w"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/F-aScP8UC7w">https://youtu.be/F-aScP8UC7w</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FTjNtIWHyEs" width="560" youtube-src-id="FTjNtIWHyEs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/FTjNtIWHyEs">https://youtu.be/FTjNtIWHyEs</a><br /><br /><b><u>01.27.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday January 27th, 2023, Elphie and I decided to travel to Valparaiso to see <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> play at the <a href="https://franklinhousevalpo.com/" target="_blank">Franklin House</a>. I decided this partially because we would be gone during their annual Saint Patrick's show at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a>. It was a free show and the <a href="https://franklinhousevalpo.com/" target="_blank">Franklin House</a> was quite small so it was packed out. It was also a venue that allowed smoking indoors. It had been many years since having to deal with that! I wasn't really able to get any footage of the opening acts. After the first band I made my way to where the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> guys were setting up merch and was then able to set up side stage during their set to capture footage of "Black Thorn." I also went live on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> in the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a> group for the rest of their set. It was also cool to hang with the guys a bit as well as the twins and their mom who attend <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Gweb74k0j4" width="560" youtube-src-id="9Gweb74k0j4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/9Gweb74k0j4">https://youtu.be/9Gweb74k0j4</a><br /><br /><b><u>02.01.2023 - .04.2023</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Wednesday February 1st, 2023, I captured the frozen Lake Michigan during my commute to work using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a>. On Friday February 3rd, 2023, I documented the zero degree morning as I prepared to drive to work!<br /><br />On Saturday February 4th, 2023, we drove down to Channahon, Illinois for a celebration at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FineTunesMusicAcademy/" target="_blank">Fine Tunes School of Music</a> for their 10th anniversary. Tobin Bawinkel played a solo show featuring songs from <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> and <a href="https://www.610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a>. I inadvertently labeled the clip as <a href="https://www.610band.com/" target="_blank">"6'10"</a> since it was a <a href="https://www.610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a> song called "The Wanderer." <a href="https://joshcaterer.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Josh Caterer</a> from the <a href="https://smokingpopesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Smoking Popes</a> also played and I captured "Let's Hear It For Love" from his set along with "Melting America" which features Tobin so Tobin joined <a href="https://joshcaterer.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Josh</a> on stage to sing his part as well. It was a fun evening. There was pizza and a few other friends such as Andrew Tromaton and the Theissen's that we got to hang out with. We learned the unfortunate news that <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> and <a href="https://www.610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a> would not be playing <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> this year due to family commitments. It will be strange to not have them there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9UtjY0o4i1k" width="560" youtube-src-id="9UtjY0o4i1k"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/9UtjY0o4i1k">https://youtu.be/9UtjY0o4i1k</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QE4_U8sshyA" width="560" youtube-src-id="QE4_U8sshyA"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QE4_U8sshyA">https://youtu.be/QE4_U8sshyA</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B9uY_7x8h6Q" width="560" youtube-src-id="B9uY_7x8h6Q"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/B9uY_7x8h6Q">https://youtu.be/B9uY_7x8h6Q<br /></a><br /><b><u>02.11.2023 - 03.02.2023</u></b><br />On Saturday February 11th, 2023, I went to pick up Elphie at her friend Kathleen's house and then we planned to head over to <a href="https://metrochicago.com/event/nocturna-3/metro-chicago/chicago-illinois/" target="_blank">Nocturna</a> at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">The Metro</a>. On my way, I decided to capture the <a href="https://www.bcbs.com/" target="_blank">Blue Cross Blue Shield</a> Building's message written in its office lights that read "Black History 365." At <a href="https://metrochicago.com/event/nocturna-3/metro-chicago/chicago-illinois/" target="_blank">Nocturna</a>, I captured a couple of clips including one of a mosh pit that spontaneously broke out on the main dance floor. Apparently this was a first! It was sort of funny to see! We got a chance to hang with a few friends - Kate, Larry, Laura, and Jason. It was a good time! (It appears I documented this as the 12th...probably because we arrived after midnight. Oh well.) Tuesday February 14th, 2023, was a very rainy Valentine's Day and there was someone peddling balloons and possibly roses along Lake Shore Drive. This is a regular occurrence near our apartment on Archer but a first I saw it on Lake Shore Drive. The <a href="https://www.bcbs.com/" target="_blank">Blue Cross Blue Shield</a> building had a heart on it. On Sunday February 19th, 2023, we decided to take the car through the car wash again while on our trip to Indiana to get groceries and gas a bit cheaper. On Tuesday February 21st, 2023, I enjoyed a Paczki while at work. We had some at home too after getting groceries on Sunday. I also got my first Shamrock Shake of the season! As I left work late on Thursday February 23rd, 2023, I noticed that Clifton Avenue was flooding. It appeared it could be getting into the garage of <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a>...and it did. It was a lot of water standing in the middle of the alley.<br /><br />On Saturday February 25th, 2023, we got to return to the annual <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a> <a href="https://www.whirlyball.com/vernon-hills" target="_blank">Whirly Ball</a> outing in Vernon Hills! We had missed it last year due to being in <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-shared-life-hawaii-vacation-02112022.html" target="_blank">Hawai'i</a> and the previous event was not able to be scheduled due to the ongoing <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> restrictions. It was good to play again! I got to play in every game! It just turned out others needed a break and there would be one or more cars that needed filled so I went back out each time. We ate at <a href="https://www.portillos.com/" target="_blank">Portillo's</a> afterwards. It was a good chance to hang out with the Mob again! On our way home, using the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a>, we captured a building that always had decorations on it...this time it was for Saint Patrick's Day! On Tuesday February 28th, 2023, I captured the message of "Rare Disease Day" on the <a href="https://www.bcbs.com/" target="_blank">Blue Cross Blue Shield</a> building with my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a>.<br /><br />On Thursday March 2nd, 2023, there was a free show in <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/" target="_blank">J.P.U.S.A.'s Garden Room</a> featuring <a href="https://sunbaron.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Sun Baron</a>, <a href="https://kevinschlereth.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Keven Schlereth</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068087041444&paipv=0&eav=AfY5ITNFz3nx4M8920oUkErcmyGiRBRn97N-H2L4UG5qtAxJJYR_nPK6D3tIjSDG8Zk" target="_blank">Deiselah</a> who was playing with <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/teel-short" target="_blank">Teel Short</a>. I captured clips and photos using my newly acquired <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a>. I'm not sure if the quality is much better or not and I didn't do a lot to change any settings other than zooming in but I am happy with how it looks for now at least. <a href="https://kevinschlereth.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Schlereth</a> was playing his new release of Lenten Songs. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068087041444&paipv=0&eav=AfY5ITNFz3nx4M8920oUkErcmyGiRBRn97N-H2L4UG5qtAxJJYR_nPK6D3tIjSDG8Zk" target="_blank">Deiselah</a> and <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/teel-short" target="_blank">Teel Short</a> collaborated on some of <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/teel-short" target="_blank">Teel's</a> music during the set where <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068087041444&paipv=0&eav=AfY5ITNFz3nx4M8920oUkErcmyGiRBRn97N-H2L4UG5qtAxJJYR_nPK6D3tIjSDG8Zk" target="_blank">Deiselah</a> supplemented with her poetry.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/glLaRjuNvgI" width="560" youtube-src-id="glLaRjuNvgI"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/glLaRjuNvgI">https://youtu.be/glLaRjuNvgI</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_adxA_Xc2bU" width="560" youtube-src-id="_adxA_Xc2bU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/_adxA_Xc2bU">https://youtu.be/_adxA_Xc2bU</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Th7wMn8mdSc" width="560" youtube-src-id="Th7wMn8mdSc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Th7wMn8mdSc">https://youtu.be/Th7wMn8mdSc</a><br /><br /><b><u>03.03.2023 - 03.09.2023<br /></u></b>On my commute home on Friday March 3rd, 2023, there was a message on the Blue Cross Blue Shield building yet again. Upon investigating the video footage I found that it read "Go <a href="https://www.chicagofirefc.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Fire FC</a>" and assume that there was a game coming up either that night or on Saturday. On Monday March 6th, 2023, the <a href="https://www.bcbs.com/" target="_blank">Blue Cross Blue Shield</a> building had another message reading "#Blue For CRC" which is perhaps a political message, I'm not sure. On Wednesday March 8th, 2023, the building had "Tell Women's Stories" written in its lights. I also captured the Green Line train of the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA</a> crossing over behind me as I waited at the State Street light. I was taking a different route than usual home to pick up some cat food prior to our trip. I wanted to ensure Stein would have enough and his sitter wouldn't have to go about figuring how to get more.<br /><br />On Thursday March 9th, 2023, we decided to go to <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> for a show featuring <a href="https://www.dollyrots.com/" target="_blank">The DollyRots</a>, <a href="https://thevontramps.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Von Tramps</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRunAroundBand/" target="_blank">The Run Around</a>, and <a href="https://spaceagezeros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Space Age Zeros</a>. We saw pretty much this same lineup about a year ago at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> as well with the <a href="https://spaceagezeros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Space Age Zeros</a> being the only difference. <a href="https://spaceagezeros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Space Age Zeros</a> also had a member who runs the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FineTunesMusicAcademy/" target="_blank">Fine Tunes School of Music</a> where we caught a show in February. Little Jessi Dills was playing with <a href="https://thevontramps.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">the Von Tramps</a> again so we went in support of here. It was a fun show once again and we had some great food at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> as well! This was the second show captured using my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a>. As we left, it had begun to snow. I'm sure it added to the anticipation of vacation for Elphie since she hates the cold and snow!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xbcg-4tBxAo" width="560" youtube-src-id="xbcg-4tBxAo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/xbcg-4tBxAo">https://youtu.be/xbcg-4tBxAo</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IuLojnOQr5I" width="560" youtube-src-id="IuLojnOQr5I"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/IuLojnOQr5I">https://youtu.be/IuLojnOQr5I</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qifg2v-d0-Q" width="560" youtube-src-id="Qifg2v-d0-Q"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Qifg2v-d0-Q">https://youtu.be/Qifg2v-d0-Q</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8fxtjicJD-g" width="560" youtube-src-id="8fxtjicJD-g"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/8fxtjicJD-g">https://youtu.be/8fxtjicJD-g</a><br /><br /><b><u>03.10.2023</u></b><br />On Friday March 10th, 2023, I decided to keep some of the footage captured using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a> of my commute. It had snowed and the city was partially covered by thick clouds. This remained true on my return home. The city had a message of Mercy Home on the <a href="https://www.bcbs.com/" target="_blank">Blue Cross Blue Shield</a> building. This was the final day before our trip to the Southern Hemisphere with visits to Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand!<br /><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Snow Like Wool" by <a href="https://ronniemartin.org/" target="_blank">Ronnie Martin</a>.<br /><br /><div>Footage filmed using an <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 6, 8, 12 and 14</a> and <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles and other animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix</a></div></div></div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-50628612828000659822023-02-24T20:18:00.004-06:002023-09-29T16:52:57.353-05:00A Shared Life: The Holidays 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The footage for The Holidays begins with our usual trip to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving. While the plan was to finally have a regular Christmas visit to North Carolina, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> altered things a bit so the footage covers until a week after the New Year with the changed travel plans and holiday celebrations.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A8aUZnu9Ow4" width="560" youtube-src-id="A8aUZnu9Ow4"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/A8aUZnu9Ow4">https://youtu.be/A8aUZnu9Ow4</a><br /><br /><u><b>Thanksgiving, Hunting, and Northern Family Christmas (11.23.2022 - 11.28.2022)</b></u><br />I left work a bit early on Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 in hopes to make the drive to Warren, PA end earlier in the evening. This came with a bit of pushback by one co-worker and thus the trip was shortened by a couple of days as well. The drive was without incident and we arrived around 1:00am.<br /><br />Thursday November 24th, 2022 was Thanksgiving and we had the usual celebration at The Hinsdale house in Clymer, NY with the Sorensen family. It was a good time as usual and a lot of great food too!<br /><br />On Saturday November 26th, 2022, the Pennsylvania rifle season began for deer. I lost the footage I had from the hunting days. On the first day I used the spot where I last shot a deer in 2020. I didn't see much activity during the day and what activity I did see was out of shooting range. I had one deer come along the hillside east of me that I may have had a chance to shoot except I was looking in a different spot after seeing movement there. If I had caught a glimpse of the other deer just a few seconds earlier I think I had a shot. As it turned out, the only thing that I really had a chance to shoot would have been a porcupine that wandered by then climbed a tree. It later climbed back down and continued through the woods.<br /><br />On Sunday Nocember 27th, 2022, I went out to hunt once again. I set up in an area that appeared to have been used frequently by deer to cross through but I didn't see anything while I was there. When it began to rain, I moved to a spot under a hemlock the rest of the day in hopes to stay dry. It is a spot I've used before and have seen deer but I saw nothing all day except another hunter who drove in to an area that is posted. While I was hunting, my family decorated the Christmas tree. Elphie also captured footage playing with Charlie the cat. The Christmas celebration video footage is all from Elphie because I seem to have lost that as well.<br /><br />On Monday November 28th, 2022, we drove back to Chicago due in part to the lack of luck hunting and the incident prior to leaving with the co-worker in hopes to lessen the stress at work. As we drove through Ohio along the turnpike we noticed some helicopters. It appeared that they may have been working on utility lines and possibly had people hanging off ropes below them. We also saw a small plane come in for a landing at the Toledo Airport. We made the trip again without incident and arrived in time to watch the second half of the <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> game against the <a href="https://www.colts.com/" target="_blank">Colts</a>...<a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> WON!<br /><br />Driving into work on the morning of Tuesday November 29th, 2022, I captured the city skyline using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. I found out my old friend Russ had moved to town so we got some pizza at <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's</a> and caught up a bit on life.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>December and Christmas In Chicago (12.02.2022 - 12.28.2022</b></u><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday December 2nd, 2022 there was a little Christmas party for the staff at <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a>. That evening, Uptown Chicago had its Wilson Winter Walk and <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/glenn-kaiser" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser</a> and <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/crossing" target="_blank">The Crossing</a> played a show in <a href="https://everybodyscoffee.com/" target="_blank">Everybody's Coffee</a>. <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/glenn-kaiser" target="_blank">Glenn</a> had <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Skot Shaw</a> play drums with <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/glenn-kaiser" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser</a>. I hoped to capture a song with the cigar box guitar but <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Skot</a> didn't play on those songs. Instead, I captured "Silent Night" toward the end of the set. <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/crossing" target="_blank">The Crossing</a> played earlier. I wondered why they don't play Christmas songs at these events and apparently there were lineup changes since the Christmas album came out as well as the band not remembering how to play the songs. Driving home I saved the footage from my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> and sped it up showing the Christmas lights along Lake Shore Drive as well as the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo Lights</a>. I also captured the Go Team U.S.A. on the Blue Cross Blue Shield building overlooking <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html" target="_blank">Millennium Park</a> as well as the lights on <a href="https://www.soldierfield.com/" target="_blank">Soldier Field</a> as I made my commute home.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GdX4GN1bFoI" width="560" youtube-src-id="GdX4GN1bFoI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/GdX4GN1bFoI">https://youtu.be/GdX4GN1bFoI</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tS0XbI_Y9nI" width="560" youtube-src-id="tS0XbI_Y9nI"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/tS0XbI_Y9nI">https://youtu.be/tS0XbI_Y9nI</a><br />On Monday December 5th, 2022, I decided to go to the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo Lights</a>. It was the first time in a couple of years due to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> restrictions and the new policies on entering for the light exhibits. On my way to <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo</a> from Uptown, I captured the lights in Wrigleyville in particular using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> then speeding it up to be like a time lapse. By the time I got parked, I had nearly missed my ticket window for entry! There were the usual lights but a few new things including a Chicago skyline light display. No one was out carving ice. I went inside a couple of the buildings as well, the birds were back on exhibit following their quarantine that happened this summer due to an aviary flu. On my way home, I did the same for the lights along the <a href="https://www.themagnificentmile.com/" target="_blank">Magnificent Mile</a> on Michigan Avenue and captured the Christmas tree at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html" target="_blank">Millennium Park</a> with my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> while driving by. Back at the house, our house skeleton had a beard and Santa hat added to it.<br /><br />On Wednesday December 7th, 2022, before leaving Uptown after work I tried to capture the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA Holiday Train</a> as it passed through the neighborhood. Forgetting that due to ongoing construction which puts the usual northbound tracks on the east side of the platform out of commission, I didn't get a great shot. I had missed it earlier in the evening as it was headed southbound.<br /><br />On Thursday December 8th, 2022, I tried again to get footage of the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA Holiday Train</a> and this time I was able to capture it as it headed south and entered the Wilson Station from the corner of Wilson and Clifton. A truck pulled up and stopped in front of me which interfered a little bit but I was glad to capture what I did!<br /><br />On Friday December 9th, 2022, as I made my commute home from work a lit up trolley passed by going northbound on Lake Shore Drive.<br /><br />On Tuesday December 13th, 2022, I encountered someone broken down along the parks on Lake Shore Drive. They had a tow truck there to assist them.<br /><br />On Friday December 16th, 2022, I took my lunch break to visit the <a href="https://www.christkindlmarket.com/" target="_blank">Christkindl Market</a> in Wrigleyville. I was able to purchase some Christmas Soda and Schoko Schaumküsse in the Sweets Castle. Last year, I had to go to the downtown market because there was not Sweet Castle in Wrigleyville. The Wrigleyville Market is far less crowded than the downtown one. I also got some pierogis from the <a href="https://www.princeofpierogi.com/" target="_blank">Prince Of Pierogi</a> booth. Instead of a skating rink, there was a carousel set up this year. On My way home from work, on the ramp from Lake Shore Drive to I-55 there was a bus broken down that I had to navigate around.<br /><br />On Saturday December 17th, 2022, while shopping at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> in Highland, Indiana, we encountered Tally once again, this time in the candy aisle where a spill of chocolates had occurred. It sort of looked like some deer had been in the aisle and pooped on the floor! I also finished up work on the <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/12/red-words-by-leper-music-video.html" target="_blank">Red Words music video</a> for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, hoping it would meet <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Skot's</a> approval. He had some suggested changes though so I had to get back to work on it.<br /><br />On Sunday December 18th, 2022, there was an oi show and birthday party for a bunch of folks in different bands all having December birthdays. The show was at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/irishrebelpubandgrill/" target="_blank">The Irish Rebel</a> in Oak Lawn, IL. I sort of found out about the show during the week prior and Kyle Bawinkel was looking for someone to record the show. I offered. It was a free show. I left and realized I had forgotten something at home so I can to backtrack so I ran late a bit. I only got part of <a href="https://badsons.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bad Sons</a> for that reason. Kyle mostly wanted me to capture <a href="https://warthogspeakrecords.bandcamp.com/album/fuerza-bruta-somos-el-mal" target="_blank">Fuerza Bruta</a> and the surprise <a href="https://brickassassin.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Brick Assassin</a> set but I captured the rest of the night anyway. Other bands who played included <a href="https://galgun.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Gal Gun</a> and <a href="https://criminalkids.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Criminal Kids</a>. I shot the band footage using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>. Someone walked basically through me causing the microphone to break free from its base and so I had to hold it through the night. I used <a href="https://www.gorillatough.com/" target="_blank">Gorilla Glue</a> to fix it at home. My old friend Russ was there so it was cool to hang with him as well. I brought him some <a href="https://www.skylinechili.com/" target="_blank">Skyline Chili</a>! On my way to and from the show, I captured the lights at <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Midway Airport</a> as well as a plane coming into to land overhead as I drove down Cicero Avenue. I also captured a jeep decorated for the holidays. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M4x9PAJhCUk" width="560" youtube-src-id="M4x9PAJhCUk"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><a href="https://youtu.be/M4x9PAJhCUk">https://youtu.be/M4x9PAJhCUk</a><br /><a href="https://brickassassin.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Brick Assassin</a> Setlist:<br />1. C.B.C (Chicago Brick Crew)<br />2. Bonehead Dicks<br />3. Entitlement Generation<br />4. New Age (Blitz cover)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VaRbbW3VID0" width="560" youtube-src-id="VaRbbW3VID0"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/VaRbbW3VID0">https://youtu.be/VaRbbW3VID0</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/91uO6Fir22g" width="560" youtube-src-id="91uO6Fir22g"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/91uO6Fir22g">https://youtu.be/91uO6Fir22g</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-YGp8vli1vU" width="560" youtube-src-id="-YGp8vli1vU"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/-YGp8vli1vU">https://youtu.be/-YGp8vli1vU</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J2dGf_7tgRE" width="560" youtube-src-id="J2dGf_7tgRE"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/J2dGf_7tgRE">https://youtu.be/J2dGf_7tgRE</a></div><div><br />On Wednesday December 21st, 2022, Elphie flew to North Carolina so she could have Christmas with her family. I suggested this as I was not going to be able to leave at the time we had planned due to a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> case in one case manager I work with and the other being out of the country on vacation. I wasn't sure when I was going to be free to leave but estimated that hopefully I could get down there for a few days around the New Year. In the meantime, we had a Christmas Party for the single men's program at <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a> during the lunch time. I recruited a few others to help get everything set up and it seemed that the party went fairly well despite the complications with staffing. This was also the first official day of winter and we had a significant winter storm looming in the forecast. I captured some footage of the trip home from work.<br /><br />On Thursday December 22nd, 2022, the storm hit. It didn't produce nearly the amount of snow that was predicted at some point but it was enough to make the commute home a bit slower. It was 9 degrees just before I left work and dropped to 3 degrees when I got home less than 2 hours later. I believe it hit zero within the hour and was -5 shortly before I went to bed.<br /><br />When I got up on Friday December 23rd, 2022, my phone showed the temperature at -9. It had apparently reached -10 a little earlier. While it made an unpleasant sound, my car did start...my GPS never figured itself out and the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> was never able to turn on either but it did work on my commute home though. Around mid afternoon, I got a call from our landlord asking why the temperature was showing so low in our apartment on the <a href="https://www.ecobee.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Ecobee</a> Thermostat...he wondered if I had turned off the furnace. I told him I had not so he went to investigate. It turned out that when I tried to lock the door, the deadbolt didn't latch and apparently the wind had blown it open. I had pushed on the door fairly hard before leaving to ty to make sure it was latched since it didn't feel like the deadbolt fully engaged. He shut the door, ensured it latched and I ended up coming home about an hour early to check on Stein's wellbeing. He seemed to be ok. I then ordered a deep dish Chicago style pizza from <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's</a> and went to pick it up. I captured some footage of the neighborhood Christmas decorations and lights along the way. The pick up area was extremely cold at <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's</a> and it was also busy. After waiting a long time, my pizza was finally ready and I came home to eat it! I spent the evening finishing up work on the <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/12/red-words-by-leper-music-video.html" target="_blank">Red Words music video</a> for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, hoping that this cut would be acceptable and approved by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Skot</a>!<br /><br />On Saturday December 24th, 2022, Christmas Eve, I hung out at home. I had reached out to Russ to see if he wanted to stop by to hang or something. I ended up watching football all day, eating Schoko Schaumküsse and more of my <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's Pizza</a>. That evening the <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> played the <a href="https://www.raiders.com/" target="_blank">Raiders</a> on the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. Franco Harris had unfortunately passed earlier in the week as there was a plan to honor him and retire his jersey. The <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> were able to win at the end of the game 13-10!<br /><br />I spent Sunday December 25th, 2022, Christmas Day, watching more football, eating more of my pizza from <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's</a> and hanging out with Stein in the house. I had contact with Russ who was planning to go to Chinatown for a meal but I didn't feel like going out in the cold. It was a low-key Christmas.<br /><br />On my way back into work on Monday December 26th, 2022 I captured the ice on Lake Michigan during my morning commute. I also tried to capture the <a href="https://wilsonabbey.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Abbey</a> Window display on my way in and going back home as well.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>New Year's, Celebrating Southern Family Christmas, and Cincinnati Visit (12.29.2022 - 01.08.2023)</u></b><br />After the delay due to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> in our midst at <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a> and another co-worker's vacation, I finally was able to leave to use my remaining time off I had accrued and spend some holiday time in the south. I left Chicago in the afternoon on Thursday December 29th, 2022 after leaving work a little bit early again. I made the drive to Cincinnati, Ohio to stay the night at the Sheehy's. I arrived around 11pm. I also stopped at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> to load up on <a href="https://ale8one.com/" target="_blank">Ale 8-One</a> also picking up some of the Orange Cream and Cherry flavors. As I drove I noticed what seemed like a lighthouse near <a href="https://fofarms.com/" target="_blank">Fair Oaks Farm</a>. I also captured the usual lights from the windmills, the Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, a smiley face along I-74, and the Cincinnati skyline coming in from the north. As I arrived in the Sheehy's neighborhood, I captured the Christmas lights. We talked for a bit then I went to bed in hopes of getting a decently early start the next day to drive to North Carolina.<br /><br />On Friday December 30th, 2022, I ate my usual Raisin Bran breakfast at the Sheehy's then made a quick trip back into Cincinnati to pick up some <a href="https://www.facebook.com/twolongears/" target="_blank">Two Long Ears</a> books from <a href="https://www.jacobboehne.com/" target="_blank">Jacob Boehne</a>. I missed him unfortunately but I was able to get the books and say hey to <a href="https://knotts1.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Adalia</a> then headed south through Tennessee into North Carolina. I stopped at the Tennessee welcome center but some of the decorations had already been removed. As usual, I captured the sign for Stinking Creek, what seems like remnants of an amusement park, and the huge cross near the adult store along I-75. Once in North Carolina I captured the tunnels as well as a time lapse of interesting cloud cover in the mountains I would soon be entering. I also captured the <a href="https://tryon.com/" target="_blank">Tryon Equestrian Park</a> Christmas lights from the road. I did all this using the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. As I got near Charlotte, Elphie called to see about meeting somewhere for dinner and we worked it out to meet at <a href="https://rosbbq.com/" target="_blank">R.O.'s Bar-B-Que</a>! She got there a little bit before I did with her mom. It was great to see Elphie again...and it was good to have the delicious Bar-B-Que slaw again too!<br /><br />We celebrated Christmas with Elphie's mom on Saturday December 31st, 2022. She always gives us interesting gifts and the conversation is often quite interesting while we are there as well. We stopped at the <a href="https://www.foodlion.com/" target="_blank">Food Lion</a> to pick up beverages for a little New Year's Eve celebration with Elphie's sister and her friends. We loaded up on a couple cases of <a href="https://www.sundrop.com/" target="_blank">Cherry Lemon Sundrop</a> and <a href="https://cheerwine.com/" target="_blank">Cheerwine</a>. I was able to get some of the <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Roar variant found only at <a href="https://www.foodlion.com/" target="_blank">Food Lion</a> which is berry and kiwi. I also found some <a href="https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home.html" target="_blank">Hershey's</a> <a href="https://www.yuengling.com/" target="_blank">Yuengling</a> so I got some of that to try. We picked up pizza for dinner and Elphie's sister had a bunch of other snacks as well. We turned on the various shows to watch as we waited for the New Year so we could celebrate it.<br /><br />Elphie's family had a "traditional southern New Year's meal" on Sunday January 1st, 2023. I tried all of it which included ham, potatoes, collard greens, black eyed peas, corn bread, and hog jowls. The hog jowls were essentially like bacon and everything was pretty good. I wasn't a fan of the black eyed peas. That evening, I got to open my gifts from the rest of Elphie's family: a skull blanket, an "IT" themed ramen bowl, and cherry cordials. All good things. Later, I got to watch the <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> game against the <a href="https://www.baltimoreravens.com/" target="_blank">Ravens</a> which they won 16-13 to keep the playoff hopes alive!<br /><br />On Monday January 2nd, 2023, we visited with some of Elphie's friends then prepared Chicago style pizza which I bought at <a href="https://www.aldi.us/" target="_blank">Aldi</a> from <a href="https://www.ginoseast.com/" target="_blank">Gino's East</a>. This was due in part to Elphie's nephew bragging that he could eat an entire Chicago style pizza. These ones ended up being smaller than the one I had while at home on Christmas prompting the challenge. I also got to watch some of the Winter Classic at <a href="https://www.mlb.com/redsox/ballpark" target="_blank">Fenway</a> featuring <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">the Penguins </a>versus <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bruins" target="_blank">the Bruins</a> where <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">the Penguins</a> lost 2-1.<br /><br />I worked on the video project for Red Words by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> in between hunting trips and the holidays after shooting it at the end of October. I added in the Bible shots later. This was a project directed by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Skot Shaw</a> and I tried my best to create what he had in mind. I had to revise a couple things after the first draft and getting more direction from Skot. I think it turned out ok. <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/12/red-words-by-leper-music-video.html" target="_blank">You can read more about this project here.</a> Skot decided to officially release it on January 2nd, 2023.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HBYjj91cbQ4" width="560" youtube-src-id="HBYjj91cbQ4"></iframe><a href="https://youtu.be/HBYjj91cbQ4">https://youtu.be/HBYjj91cbQ4</a><br /><br />On Tuesday January 3rd, 2023, Elphie and I took her mom out to <a href="https://hillbillysbbqsteaks.com/" target="_blank">Hillbilly's Bar-B-Que</a> then to see Puss in Boots at the movie theater. On our way, we saw a motorcyle lose its chain!<br /><br />On Wednesday January 4th, 2023, we watch one of Elphie's nephews play basketball then picked up some <a href="https://www.krispykreme.com/" target="_blank">Krispy Kreme</a> to eat later.<br /><br />On Thursday January 5th, 2023, Elphie decided I needed to taste test some more southern foods including picked pigs feet, pickled eggs, and boiled peanuts. I am not a fan of any of these. I also tried Choice Cherry Gold soda and that was ok. It was another cherry citrus beverage similar to the <a href="https://www.sundrop.com/" target="_blank">Cherry Lemon Sundrop</a>. We went to eat with Elphie's cousin after at <a href="https://www.elreyrestaurantnc.com/" target="_blank">El Rey</a> Mexican restaurant.<br /><br />We headed back north on Friday January 6th, 2023 stopping again at <a href="https://rosbbq.com/" target="_blank">R.O.'s Bar-B-Que</a> on our way out of town to enjoy some more slaw and <a href="https://www.sundrop.com/" target="_blank">Cherry Lemon Sundrop</a>. I also purchased a tub of slaw to bring back. We made the trip without incident to Cincinnati, stopping at <a href="https://www.bojangles.com/" target="_blank">Bojangles</a> in Tennessee for lunch along the way. We arrived around 8pm which is pretty early for us and chatted with the Sheehy's for a while. We had hopes to see some folks while in town but no one seemed to be available.<br /><br />On Saturday January 7th, 2023 we went out for lunch with the Sheehy's to <a href="https://www.bardsburgersandchili.com/" target="_blank">Bard's</a>. It's a diner that they really like to support. I had the poutine and an <a href="https://ale8one.com/" target="_blank">Ale 8-One</a>. It was a pretty filling meal. After riding around a while with the Sheehy's, Elphie and I decided to drive to the Fairfield <a href="https://junglejims.com/" target="_blank">Jungle Jim's</a> and check out what they had. We found quite the collection of Pez dispensers. We made our way through the international market, finding the Schoko Schaumküsse in the German section and glögg and knäckerbröd in the Scandinavian section. There was another Scandinavian section combined with Irish a short distance away where the Christmas soda was stored. I got a pack to let the Sheehy's try it. Back at the Sheehy's we watched the <a href="https://www.weirdal.com/" target="_blank">Weird Al</a> movie then watched an older one called U.H.F. We also watched literal music videos and an interesting preaching couple from Chicago on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. I also got them to play the <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/12/red-words-by-leper-music-video.html" target="_blank">Red Words video</a> from Leper before going to bed.<br /><br />On Sunday January 8th, 2023, we headed back to Chicago, the <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> played and beat the <a href="https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/" target="_blank">Browns</a> during the drive 28-14 but unfortunately didn't get all the help they needed to secure a playoff spot. The drive was the usual except our GPS wouldn't cooperate. It had been giving me difficulties ever since a software update required a card to be inserted. As we drove we couldn't get the card to eject then when it finally did, it shot out somewhere and we never found it. I decided to just use my phone as our GPS even though we really didn't need it to know where to go. We got home in the evening with no other issues and with that, our holiday season came to a close.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>Additional soundtrack includes "Silent Night" by <a href="https://moderndaybreak.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Justin Wheeler</a>, "Doxology" by <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/glenn-kaiser" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser</a>, "Letter To The Birthday Boy" by <a href="https://rustyvining.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Rusty Vining</a>, "Joseph, Just Keep On Playing" by <a href="https://alltogethernow.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">All Together Now</a>, "Kinda Because Of Christmas Time" by <a href="https://theokatsaounis.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Theo Katsaounis</a>, "Canticle Of The Turning" by <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a>, "That Night In Bethlehem/Frost On Your Fingernails/Cold Barn" by <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/crossing" target="_blank">The Crossing</a>, "O Holy Night" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, "I Want A Hippopotamus For X-Mas" by <a href="https://graverobberpunk.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a>, "Woah Woah Christmas" by <a href="https://theprettybads.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Prettybads</a>, "Rudy the Reindeer" by <a href="https://stopthepressesmusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Stop The Presses</a>, "Blind Christmas" by <a href="https://oneida.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Oneida</a>, "Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel" by <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a>, "Distant For Christmas" by <a href="https://pfcpierce.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">P.F.C. Pierce</a>, "Sing We Now Of Christmas/Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel/Emmanuel" by <a href="https://michaelwsmith.com/" target="_blank">Michael W. Smith</a>, "Meteor Of Wondrous Light" by <a href="https://kevinmax.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Max</a>, Of Garland Bright" by <a href="https://ronniemartin.org/" target="_blank">Ronnie Martin</a>, "Coventry Carol" by <a href="https://www.soundofceres.com/" target="_blank">Sound Of Ceres</a>, and "Unknown" by <a href="https://therockyvalentines.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Rocky Valentines</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Footage filmed using an <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 6 and 8</a>, <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>, and <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles and other animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix"></iframe><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix</a></div></div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-83834162936935627562023-02-17T22:59:00.001-06:002023-09-29T16:53:11.807-05:00A Shared Life: Fall In Chicago (October - November 2022)<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">This footage covers the autumn months of October and November up until we leave for Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving. I attended less shows over these months and the holidays...due in part to less options as touring wound down for the holidays I suppose. We got to celebrate another Halloweenaversary and I took advantage of early archery season in hopes of harvesting a deer. I also created a couple more music videos for </span><a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Leper</a><span style="text-align: left;">...one was an idea that was a long time in the making but I'm happy with how it turned out, the other was finished up fairly quickly but not released until after the holidays.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QriCk5D7lCQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="QriCk5D7lCQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QriCk5D7lCQ">https://youtu.be/QriCk5D7lCQ</a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>10.01.2022 - 10.12.2022</u></b><br />Elphie wanted to try to have a Halloween party again this year now that <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> restrictions had been ended for some time so on Saturday October 1st, 2022, that is what we did! Our landlord and new neighbor in our building worked on the backyard so we could have a bonfire which is where we ended up most of the night. Prior to the party, I gave the <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Voodoo 4 a try. I think the taste seemed like <a href="https://www.sweetartscandy.com/" target="_blank">SweeTart</a> candy. I described it as "bitter" at first but I think "tart" is more appropriate. I decided to wear camo and a skeleton t-shirt with my skeleton gloves and bandana to be "in decay." A few friends made it out and it was a fun hang around the fire most of the night.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />On my morning commute on Friday October 7th, 2022, I noticed interesting rain clouds that had a heaviness to their look. On Saturday October 8th, 2022, it was very sunny and we made a visit to the <a href="https://www.albanesecandy.com/" target="_blank">Albanese Candy Factory</a>. Elphie was looking for things she could include in her annual treat bag she gives out to visitors and also to family at Christmas time. I picked up a couple bags of gummy goof-ups to enjoy at work. On Monday October 10th, 2022, I stopped by <a href="http://www.badapplebar.com/" target="_blank">the Bad Apple</a> to pick up some poutine due to it being Canadian Thanksgiving. It was also Indigenous People's Day.<br /><br />On Wednesday October 12th, 2022, we went to the <a href="https://www.unitedcenter.com/" target="_blank">United Center</a> to see <a href="https://www.thewho.com/" target="_blank">The Who</a>! They opened their set with a selection of songs from Tommy due in part to the musical returning to the stage in the next year. I captured Baba O'Reilly at the end of the set. <a href="https://www.stevenpage.com/" target="_blank">Steven Page</a> of the <a href="https://www.barenakedladies.com/" target="_blank">Barenaked Ladies</a> opened the show and I captured "Brian Wilson" from that set. Once again, Elphie couldn't enjoy the show due to the heights of our seating area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zj4D9QHCTZM" width="560" youtube-src-id="Zj4D9QHCTZM"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Zj4D9QHCTZM">https://youtu.be/Zj4D9QHCTZM</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8_AIONqhvsE" width="560" youtube-src-id="8_AIONqhvsE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/8_AIONqhvsE">https://youtu.be/8_AIONqhvsE</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>10.15.2022 - 10.21.2022</u></b><br />On Saturday October 15th, 2022, I worked out a plan with Skot Shaw to head over to Gary and Michigan City in Indiana to get a couple shots I felt would help me wrap up the <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/10/fon-ghrein-beneath-sun-by-leper-music.html" target="_blank">music video I had been making for "Fon Ghrein (Beneath The Sun)"</a> and hoped to release by Halloween. It would be the second video I made from <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>'s newest album "This Next Song Is About Death." In Gary I wanted to capture a shot of the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/city-methodist-church" target="_blank">City Methodist Church ruins</a>. I also captured some of the dilapidated buildings on the main drag into the city. Later, I added in some clips from when I first got to visit the church eight years ago and actually go inside. On the way to Michigan City, I captured the power plant from the road. I got some footage of it from the beach once we arrived there along with the shots of Skot playing the intro to the song a couple of times near one of the dunes and at the shoreline. This was one of the two main goals I had in mind to capture. The other was to have Skot and Rachel standing and watching the sunset. There ended up being some significant cloud cover, however, there was a small break near the horizon which allowed me to capture some footage that was close to the official sunset. The sun dipped behind clouds a few minutes before it would have begun to drop below the horizon. While that didn't quite turn out as I hoped, the clouds and the light definitely made for a colorful sky. While the music video is in black and red, I decided to save some of the footage for this project to show the true colors we experienced getting these shots. As we were wrapping up and walking back to the parking lot, Skot got into a conversation with a couple about the subject of the song and this album. We went to <a href="http://www.hokkaidomc.com/" target="_blank">Hokkaido</a>, an asian restaurant, after capturing this footage. That night, Elphie and I ended up having to take Stein to the <a href="https://www.medvetforpets.com/" target="_blank">MedVet</a>, an emergency veterinarian. He had thrown up the evening before then isolated himself under my desk in a pile of blankets. He didn't eat or use the litter box so we had concerns. It cost us over $1,000.00 and we were there all night waiting to find out that they couldn't determine anything wrong with him. As we sat in the waiting room, re-runs of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088526/" target="_blank">The Golden Girls</a> looped several episodes over and over.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday October 21st, 2022, despite the problems that have arisen surrounding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brauerhouse/" target="_blank">Brauerhouse</a>, I went there to see <a href="https://graverobberpunk.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a> with <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>. I showed <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Skot</a> the rough draft of the <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/10/fon-ghrein-beneath-sun-by-leper-music.html" target="_blank">"Fon Ghrein (Beneath The Sun)" video</a> I had been working on before the show. I hoped that the cover I paid would all end up in the hands of the artists rather than <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brauerhouse/" target="_blank">Brauerhouse</a>. I captured "Buried Alive" by <a href="https://graverobberpunk.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a> and "Bat" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>. I also shot a bunch of photos.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XuVVo_HqWCo" width="560" youtube-src-id="XuVVo_HqWCo"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/XuVVo_HqWCo">https://youtu.be/XuVVo_HqWCo<br /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rKbc7wuyQZI" width="560" youtube-src-id="rKbc7wuyQZI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/rKbc7wuyQZI">https://youtu.be/rKbc7wuyQZI</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>10.22.2022</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday October 22nd, 2022, we went to <a href="https://theforgelive.com/" target="_blank">The Forge</a> in Joliet, Illinois for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PCHM666" target="_blank">Prison City Halloween Massacre 13</a> featuring <a href="https://wastelandsuspensions.com/" target="_blank">Disgraceland Wasteland Suspensions</a>, <a href="https://www.whuthc.com/" target="_blank">Whut?</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Misfireofficial/" target="_blank">Misfire</a>, <a href="https://texastoastchainsawmassacre.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Texas Toast Chainshaw Massacre</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillainousGrinn/" target="_blank">Villainous Grinn</a>, <a href="https://www.extractionpointofficial.com/" target="_blank">Extraction Point</a>, <a href="https://chokesetter.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Chokesetter</a>, and <a href="https://ihatepeopleband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">I Hate People</a>. As we drove into the sunset, we saw a large group of motorcycles, some doing wheelies, on an overpass. It was a good show and the person that stepped in to do sideshow tricks did a good job too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aPSGo7v4LAk" width="560" youtube-src-id="aPSGo7v4LAk"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/aPSGo7v4LAk">https://youtu.be/aPSGo7v4LAk</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1LJdOUP31AU" width="560" youtube-src-id="1LJdOUP31AU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/1LJdOUP31AU">https://youtu.be/1LJdOUP31AU</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wfLXahp1P_M" width="560" youtube-src-id="wfLXahp1P_M"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wfLXahp1P_M">https://youtu.be/wfLXahp1P_M<br /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9BnnafYh0PE" width="560" youtube-src-id="9BnnafYh0PE"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/9BnnafYh0PE">https://youtu.be/9BnnafYh0PE<br /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FhEEt5yeg2Q" width="560" youtube-src-id="FhEEt5yeg2Q"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/FhEEt5yeg2Q">https://youtu.be/FhEEt5yeg2Q</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q4dofZ6EsZI" width="560" youtube-src-id="Q4dofZ6EsZI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Q4dofZ6EsZI">https://youtu.be/Q4dofZ6EsZI</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o_9Ch1iYk-Q" width="560" youtube-src-id="o_9Ch1iYk-Q"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/o_9Ch1iYk-Q">https://youtu.be/o_9Ch1iYk-Q</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nf0yoVYIU-g" width="560" youtube-src-id="nf0yoVYIU-g"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/nf0yoVYIU-g">https://youtu.be/nf0yoVYIU-g</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>10.23.2022 - 10.31.2022<br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday October 23rd, 2022, it was a very warm day so we had the windows open. A praying mantis took up residence on the screen of our bedroom window. On Thursday October 27th, 2022 I saw a cone such as one puts on an animal after a veterinary visit laying on the street in Uptown Chicago.<br /><br />On Saturday October 29th, 2022, Elphie and I went to Uptown to meet with the Shaws and then Skot and I continued to Winnetka, Illinois to shoot some footage for another <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/12/red-words-by-leper-music-video.html" target="_blank">music video which would be "Red Words."</a> Skot had an idea for what he wanted and I went with that direction to create this one. I shot some extra footage of the location that Skot choose. <a href="https://www.christchurchwinnetka.org/" target="_blank">Christ Church</a>. After shooting the video with Skot, Elphie and I went to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/breethairestaurant/" target="_blank">Bree Thai</a> near Midway for dinner as we often do for either anniversaries or her birthday. That night we attended the <a href="https://metrochicago.com/event/nocturna-2/metro-chicago/chicago-illinois/" target="_blank">Nocturna All Hallow's Eve Ball</a> at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. I captured a few clips throughout the night including the costume contest.<br /><br />On Monday October 31st, 2022, I decided to use a Paid Day Off to stay home. That evening we went out for our Halloweenaversary to eat at <a href="https://www.patioribs.com/" target="_blank">The Patio BBQ</a> then look at some Halloween decorations. There was a list of notable decorated properties throughout the southside and suburbs so we took that list and hit as many as we could. One of them we stuck around for a production that just kept on going and we finally left after I think about half an hour. The people certainly went all out! The houses were well done and it was fun to see. I used all my camera options for what was captured this night: an <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 6 and 8</a>, <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>, and <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a>.<br /><br />I had a concept in mind for making a video for Fon Ghrein (Beneath The Sun) by Leper. It took me a couple of years to compile the footage I wanted of sunrises and sunsets as well as some footage in Chicago of urban decay. A church fire added more to this as well as a couple other ideas as the concept evolved somewhat. I was pretty happy with the end product. <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/10/fon-ghrein-beneath-sun-by-leper-music.html" target="_blank">You can read more about that project here.</a> I released it at midnight on Halloween.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dot0PpnhLpM" width="560" youtube-src-id="dot0PpnhLpM"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dot0PpnhLpM">https://youtu.be/dot0PpnhLpM</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>11.01.2022 - 11.04.2022</u></b><br />While driving home from work on Tuesday November 1st, 2022, I decided to save the footage on my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> that showed the moon over <a href="https://www.soldierfield.com/" target="_blank">Soldier Field</a> as well as what remained of the sunset behind city as I turned south from Lake Shore Drive onto I-55. As I left for work on Thursday morning November 3rd, 2022, I decided to save the footage of the big hole on our street as work was being done.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />On Friday November 4th, 2022, <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> played another show at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ashbary/" target="_blank">Ashbary Coffee House</a> in Willow Springs, Illinois. After the show there was a plan to meet in the nearby Fairmount Cemetery for cupcakes for Jennifer Mercy's birthday. I captured "Howling" from <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>'s set. I also captured a bunch of photos. I captured this footage using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5tQQ8hhN6SQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="5tQQ8hhN6SQ"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/5tQQ8hhN6SQ">https://youtu.be/5tQQ8hhN6SQ</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>11.07.2022 - 11.15.2022</u></b><br />On Monday November 7th, 2022, I decided I needed to take a few practice shots with my <a href="https://excaliburcrossbow.com/" target="_blank">Excalibur Bulldog 440</a> after doing some maintainance on it including replacing its limbs after some concerning wear evidence began to surface. I hit the bullseye after a couple shots so I figured I should be good to go once I hit the woods for a deer hunt. I left work a bit early on Thursday November 10th, 2022, to drive to Warren, PA for a few days of deer hunting. I saved some footage from my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> along the way including the sunset. When I arrived at my parent's house, there were several deer out on the street and in the neighbors yard. I tried to capture a clip of this. I saw a number of deer as I made the drive, especially after Cleveland. I hoped this would be a good sign.<br /><br />On Friday morning November 11th, 2022 I got up early to go hunting, my mom was awake for some reason too and had me come to the window when I got downstairs because there was a deer by my car! When I got outside, that deer was no longer there. I parked and a lot of traffic was coming into the area I usually walk to hunt so I decided to take a different path into the woods. I didn't see much of any deer while walking until I got to an old brush pile and scared a couple deer. I set up under a hemlock to try to keep dry from the rain that was just beginning to fall. It was pretty much a moderate to heavy rain all day...it was remnants of Hurricane Nicole, apparently. I saw a few deer as I got soaked. One was bedded down where I could see it as it stood up to shake off the water every now and then but never came near me. A couple did get close enough to take a shot but one was definitely not legal and the other got spooked by a stick falling before getting in a position where I could shoot at it. I saw an interesting moth or insect of some sort on the tree that I was set up under throughout the day.<br /><br />I went back out on Saturday November 12th, 2022 to the same general area and by the same general route. I once again scared a couple deer from the area that used to be a brush pile and noted that there was a lot of sign of tracks and some rubs in that area. I set up in a spot near the hemlock that I had piled some brush around in hopes to give me some sort of rest for taking a shot and perhaps cover me somewhat to not be so noticeable. A deer came in fairly close but was once again not legal. A decent size buck came in a bit later and got in a spot where I could take a shot and I did shoot but seem to have somehow missed. It sounded like the bolt hit some hard wood but I never found the bolt, only one fin. I never found any evidence of hitting the deer either...no blood nor hair. I tracked it a bit to see if I could find anything to give me the confidence I had hit it but never found any sign that the shot landed. Where I eventually found the fin was in a soft, rotten log not too far beyond where the deer stood when I took the shot and it doesn't seem likely that the fin would have made it through the deer but not the rest of the bolt. For the rest of the day I didn't see anything. I was a fairly nice day mostly but the rain came back during the last couple of hours so I was soaked again. As I was leaving there was a deer hanging around by the road. It didn't move right away and I decided to try to take aim but then it ran off.<br /><br />I had picked this weekend to hunt because it offered a Sunday option. On Sunday November 13th, 2022 I decided to set up on top of the old brush pile and see whether a deer came through while I was in there. Shortly after settling into a spot, I saw a couple deer but they didn't give me much of a chance to shoot at them. One began to emerge from some brush but I couldn't get my sights on it quick enough. Both deer then ran up the hill. I ended up moving. a little bit over in hopes of having a clearer shot in that area if the deer were to come through again. I saw a buck on the hillside and it seemed to see me too. It was legal but would have been a long shot. It began to snow then stopped, melted, and snowed again. It was a very wet snow so I was soaked again. With about an hour left of daylight, a deer came through less than ten yards from me and took me by surprise as my presence seemed to take it by surprise as well. I tried to quickly and quietly prepare for a shot and it jumped back into the brush and ran off. I didn't see anything else until I walked out of the woods as it got too dark. Again there were deer by the road. One ran but another one with it didn't move. I decided to take a shot in the dark. The deer ran a short distance after I took my shot then stood on the hillside. I couldn't see if I hit it or not. It eventually walked off slowly but no sign of injury. I recovered my bolt but the broadhead remained in the tree. I didn't see any sign of blood or hair in the snow where the deer had stood nor on the bolt so I assumed I didn't hit it. I left empty handed.<br /><br />On Monday November 14th, 2022 I made my drive back to Chicago. Along the way I picked up a bottle of <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Fruit Quake. I didn't really like it. It was meant to be like fruit cake I guess. It would seem I am not a fan of fruit cake then. As I waited at the light at Archer and Western in <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/mckinley-william-park" target="_blank">McKinley Park</a> I noticed someone dancing on the walls of the memorial to William McKinley.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />On Tuesday November 15th, 2022, I stuck around in Uptown after work for a show in the <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/">J.P.U.S.A.</a> Garden Room featuring <a href="https://kevinschlereth.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Schlereth</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bostonereid/" target="_blank">Brandon Reid</a>, and <a href="https://christianwelch.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Christian Welch</a>. <a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">Tobin Bawinkel</a> was meant to also be on the show but he ended up getting a bit sick. This was one of the first times in a long time that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bostonereid/" target="_blank">Brandon Reid</a> had played a show as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wGzGJA2nbsY" width="560" youtube-src-id="wGzGJA2nbsY"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wGzGJA2nbsY">https://youtu.be/wGzGJA2nbsY</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lwZXZ4gK8ds" width="560" youtube-src-id="lwZXZ4gK8ds"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/lwZXZ4gK8ds">https://youtu.be/lwZXZ4gK8ds</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G9b7B_aBRP4" width="560" youtube-src-id="G9b7B_aBRP4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/G9b7B_aBRP4">https://youtu.be/G9b7B_aBRP4</a><br /><br /><b><u>11.16.2022 -11.18.2022</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After having to work late on Wednesday November 16th, 2022, I met Elphie and her friends Buttons and Raye at <a href="https://www.huckfinnrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Huck Finn's</a> for dinner. Elphie had already ordered my French Toast! It was good and fun hangs with friends.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday November 18th, 2022, i captured shots of the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo Lights</a> as I drove home and I also captured the Lindbergh Beacon lit up using the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. That evening, I went to see <a href="https://mxpx.com/" target="_blank">MxPx</a> at the <a href="https://www.houseofblues.com/chicago" target="_blank">House of Blues</a>. I ended up getting tickets from Chris and Becca Smith. We worked it out to meet so we could swap <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> vinyl that we both had for each other. I captured "G.S.F." by <a href="https://mxpx.com/" target="_blank">MxPx</a> and "Without You" by <a href="https://teenagebottlerocket.com/" target="_blank">Teenage Bottlerocket</a> with Mike Herrera doing guest vocals. It was fun to hang out with Chris and Becca for a bit. It was also a very cold night! While I was gone, Elphie captured a shot of Stein with Spike Davis' new book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/REDJAW-CARTOONS-Tim-Spike-Davis/dp/B0BL2M86DB" target="_blank">Butt Dialed By Jesus</a>.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YBbDCsoN4oc" width="560" youtube-src-id="YBbDCsoN4oc"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/YBbDCsoN4oc">https://youtu.be/YBbDCsoN4oc</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wjYcQi3S-tA" width="560" youtube-src-id="wjYcQi3S-tA"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wjYcQi3S-tA">https://youtu.be/wjYcQi3S-tA</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>11.19.2022</b></u><br />On Saturday November 19th, 2022, Elphie and I went to Tinley Park, Illinois for <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107688/" target="_blank">Nightmare Before Christmas</a> party at the <a href="https://www.tinleyparkdistrict.org/location/tinley-park-performing-arts-center/" target="_blank">Performing Arts Center</a>. They played a quick set prior to playing the movie for the small group of us who attended. It was a bit of a bummer that <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> had scheduled a show that same night as well. I captured "Slipshot Delivery Service" which recounts some postal issues that Anastasia in particular but relatable to the rest of us who have had postal difficulties!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aKHJVDndgqg" width="560" youtube-src-id="aKHJVDndgqg"></iframe></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/aKHJVDndgqg">https://youtu.be/aKHJVDndgqg</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><u><b>11.20.2022</b></u><br />On Sunday November 20th, 2022 the annual <a href="https://wastelandsuspensions.com/" target="_blank">Disgraceland Wasteland</a> Disgracegiving Suspension event was held at <a href="https://wastedyouthtattoo.com/" target="_blank">Wasted Youth</a>. We stopped along the way at <a href="https://whitefencefarm-il.com/" target="_blank">White Fence Farm</a> to pick up some chicken and fritters and Elphie pet an alpaca. There was a lot of good food and while there, I found a ticket for the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> game in Chicago against <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/" target="_blank">the Blackhawks</a> that was sort of affordable so I bought the ticket on <a href="https://www.stubhub.com/" target="_blank">Stubhub</a> and headed back to Chicago for the game. I got there just about when the puck was scheduled to drop, however, there was a ceremony pre-game to honor Marian Hossa and retire his #81 jersey which delayed face-off by about half an hour. I had a standing room ticket. After entering the <a href="https://www.unitedcenter.com/" target="_blank">United Center</a> and walking toward the stairs and escalators to get to the upper levels, I ran into Tom Crozier who was in the 100 section somewhere. I managed to find a decent viewing spot. During the first break, Tom Crozier was selected to play a game and won a jersey! This game was also Evgani Malkin's 1,000 game and Chicago congratulated him on the screen for that as well. <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">The Penguins</a> went on to beat <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/" target="_blank">the Blackhawks</a> 5-3 making it the first game I attended in Chicago where <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">the Penguins</a> came away with a win! I had some video footage from the day but seem to have deleted it on accident I guess. I returned to Romeoville to the suspension and hung out with Elphie for a few more suspensions before we went home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Howling (Ylande)" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, "The Coloring Song" by Caprill And My Sister's Garden, "Wither" by <a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a>, Where The Good Won't Go" by <a href="https://hoaxed.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Hoaxed</a>, and "Close of Autumn" by <a href="https://www.caedmonscall.com/" target="_blank">Caedmon's Call</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Footage filmed using an <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 6 and 8</a>, <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>, and <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles and other animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix"></iframe></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix</a></div></div></div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-56539054153108777832023-02-06T15:22:00.098-06:002023-09-29T16:53:25.546-05:00A Shared Life: Summer In Chicago (July - September 2022)<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">This project contains footage from life after returning from <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/09/audiofeed-2022-return-back-home.html" target="_blank">Audiofeed 2022</a> in July through the end of September. When we have had <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> (every year prior to 2020) it has been a natural break from spring to summer projects of these times. There were a lot of shows and other events we attended throughout these months covered in this project.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1iIaJGFH2cY" width="560" youtube-src-id="1iIaJGFH2cY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/1iIaJGFH2cY">https://youtu.be/1iIaJGFH2cY</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>07.05.2022 - 07.09.2022</b></u><br />Going back to work after <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> and the rain that hit on the Fourth of July, I encountered a foggy commute home on Tuesday July 5th, 2022. It was more of the same on Wednesday July 6th, 2022.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday July 8th, 2022, Elphie and Kathleen decided to sit outside of <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark" target="_blank">Wrigley Field</a> for a concert featuring <a href="https://www.defleppard.com/" target="_blank">Def Leppard</a>, <a href="https://www.motley.com/" target="_blank">Mötley Crüe</a>, <a href="https://www.poisonofficial.com/" target="_blank">Poison</a>, and <a href="https://www.joanjett.com/" target="_blank">Joan Jett</a>. I joined later after work. As I walked from where I parked my car, I passed the <a href="https://jgsi.org/hebrew_benevolent_graceland/" target="_blank">Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery</a> and captured a shot of a headstone marked Israel. I had thoughts of using it in the <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/10/fon-ghrein-beneath-sun-by-leper-music.html" target="_blank">"Far Ghrein (Beneath The Sun)"</a> music video for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> but I may have forgotten about the clip when making that video. I walked to <a href="https://www.cheesies.com/" target="_blank">Cheesie's</a> to pick up dinner after finding Elphie and setting up my chair then hung out for the rest of the show. As I drove home, the Lindbergh Beacon behind the <a href="https://www.thedrakehotel.com/" target="_blank">Drake Hotel</a> was lit. I also encountered some police activity and other emergency vehicles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />On Saturday July 9th, 2022, after meeting up with Elphie and Kathleen for some comedy at the <a href="http://www.laughfactory.com/" target="_blank">Laugh Factory</a>, we wandered along Halsted for a bit then while driving back to Kathleen's apartment, we decided to try watching the <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier Fireworks</a> from <a href="https://www.chicagoharbors.info/harbors/montrose/" target="_blank">Montrose Harbor</a>. I parked the car and we proceeded to walk to a bench where we could see the fireworks. There was a party for the <a href="https://www.pycchicago.org/" target="_blank">Polish Yacht Club</a> going on as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L0cKWjVypUs" width="560" youtube-src-id="L0cKWjVypUs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/L0cKWjVypUs" style="text-align: left;">https://youtu.be/L0cKWjVypUs</a></div><br /><b><u>07.10.2022 - 07.12.2022<br /></u></b>While driving to <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> in Indiana to grocery shop on Sunday July 10th, 2022, we passed a car with Mexican Dia de los Muertos decor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went to the <a href="https://www.jamusa.com/venues/riviera-theatre" target="_blank">Riviera Theater</a> on Tuesday July 12th, 2022 to see <a href="http://www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/" target="_blank">Black Rebel Motorcycle Club</a> play with <a href="https://thecult.us/" target="_blank">The Cult</a> and <a href="https://www.zolajesus.com/" target="_blank">Zola Jesus</a>. <a href="http://www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/" target="_blank">Black Rebel Motorcycle Club</a> played a full set which was a pleasant surprise since they were not headliners. <a href="https://www.zolajesus.com/" target="_blank">Zola Jesus</a> was interesting and <a href="https://thecult.us/" target="_blank">The Cult</a> put on a good show as well. I captured "She Sells Sanctuary" by <a href="https://thecult.us/" target="_blank">The Cult</a> and "Awake" by <a href="http://www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/" target="_blank">Black Rebel Motorcycle Club</a>.<br /><br />I hung around Uptown before the show, walking to the <a href="https://www.mondog.org/" target="_blank">Montrose Dog Beach</a> and capturing a shot before and after the show of the marquee.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G-CpU6WVVj8" width="560" youtube-src-id="G-CpU6WVVj8"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/G-CpU6WVVj8">https://youtu.be/G-CpU6WVVj8</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YxgBnX6cxVI" width="560" youtube-src-id="YxgBnX6cxVI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/YxgBnX6cxVI">https://youtu.be/YxgBnX6cxVI</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fRKlL_jsGms" width="560" youtube-src-id="fRKlL_jsGms"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/fRKlL_jsGms">https://youtu.be/fRKlL_jsGms</a><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>07.15.2022</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday July 15th, 2022, I went to the <a href="https://gmantavern.com/" target="_blank">G-man Tavern</a> to see <a href="https://stillalive.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Still Alive</a> and hoped to see <a href="http://somethingtodo.ws/" target="_blank">Something To Do</a> (with Little Jessi Dills) but unfortunately <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> hit <a href="http://somethingtodo.ws/" target="_blank">Something To Do</a> and they had to cancel last minute. I ran into Bill Kingsbury while there and we talked a bit. He was also disappointed to not get to see Little Jessi Dills. Also playing were <a href="https://btskska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Beat The Smart Kids</a> and <a href="https://thedamntracks.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Damn Tracks</a>. It was someone's going away show.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/01rDRLn_OsI" width="560" youtube-src-id="01rDRLn_OsI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/01rDRLn_OsI">https://youtu.be/01rDRLn_OsI</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m4i_tLdHt_0" width="560" youtube-src-id="m4i_tLdHt_0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/m4i_tLdHt_0">https://youtu.be/m4i_tLdHt_0</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eIkf-yOJ-nY" width="560" youtube-src-id="eIkf-yOJ-nY"></iframe><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/eIkf-yOJ-nY">https://youtu.be/eIkf-yOJ-nY</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>07.16.2022</u></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday July 16th, 2022, we had our 2nd <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a> Bar-B-Que! This year it was held at Kyle's house. We once again hosted Kristina and picked her up from <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">O'Hare</a> earlier in the day before the festivities began. It was a fun hang out. Tobin and Keith played some acoustic <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> tunes including "I Believe It" which I captured. Kyle took his vintage car out on a test drive with one of the long time members.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sQ5qfpFyCZs" width="560" youtube-src-id="sQ5qfpFyCZs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/sQ5qfpFyCZs">https://youtu.be/sQ5qfpFyCZs</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>07.17.2022 - 07.23.2022<br /></b></u>On Sunday July 17th, 2022, on our way to drop off Kristina at <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">O'Hare</a>, we stopped at <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's</a> for some pizza slices. After dropping off Kristina, we visited Kate at her shop, <a href="https://www.outskirtschicago.com/" target="_blank">Outskirts Vintage Clothing</a>, on the Northside of Chicago so Elphie could give her a sweater she had commissioned to be made for her. On Thursday July 21st, 2022, I encountered some car accidents while on my commutes to and from work. On Friday July 22nd, 2022, a low flying pontoon plane flew alongside me during my commute to work. I had never seen that before!<br /><br />During our grocery shop at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> on Saturday July 23rd, 2022, we encountered Tally in one of the aisles with some folks who had not encountered Tally before. Later that evening, we drove out to Downers Grove where <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> would be playing at <a href="https://evolutionmusicstore.com/" target="_blank">Evolution Music</a>. We arrived before they did. They were the first act of the night and had to load on then get started in a bit of a rush. I captured their song "Born."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yiHkFCrwSXI" width="560" youtube-src-id="yiHkFCrwSXI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/yiHkFCrwSXI">https://youtu.be/yiHkFCrwSXI</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>07.24.2022<br /></b></u>It was a <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Castros</a> two-fer weekend as <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> played a matinee show at the <a href="https://goldendagger.com/" target="_blank">Golden Dagger</a> along with some Bingo and comedy acts on Sunday July 24th, 2022. I captured "Sail Away." They were staying in the Lincoln Square area so we made plans to meet up with them a little later at <a href="http://www.badapplebar.com/" target="_blank">The Bad Apple</a>. First, Elphie and I decided to visit <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/oz-park" target="_blank">Oz Park</a> which was nearby. It was an <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> site. There are statues of Dorothy and Toto, The Lion, The Tinman, and The Scarecrow on different entrances to the park as well as a garden called Emerald city as well as a sign. Apparently the writer of the Wizard of Oz was local to the area. As we walked back to our car, there was someone practicing their trumpet on a nearby hill. We left to go eat at <a href="http://www.badapplebar.com/" target="_blank">The Bad Apple</a> and I got my poutine. We talked a bit about <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> along with other related subjects. After we finished up, we went to the <a href="https://www.jewelosco.com/" target="_blank">Jewel-Osco</a> nearby where Elphie found Halloween <a href="https://www.postpebblescereal.com/products/fruity-pebbles/" target="_blank">Fruity Pebbles</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4snDf-FklSc" width="560" youtube-src-id="4snDf-FklSc"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/4snDf-FklSc">https://youtu.be/4snDf-FklSc</a><br /><br /><b><u>07.26.2022</u></b><br />On Tuesday July 26th, 2022, I decided to go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/otroritmopunknight/" target="_blank">Otro Ritmo</a> for the first time at <a href="http://onecitytap.com/" target="_blank">One City Tap</a> just down Archer from where we live. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fuerzabrutaoi/" target="_blank">Fuerza Bruta</a> was playing as well as <a href="https://riesgo666.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Riesgo</a>. Kyle Bawinkel and friends were DJing as well. I didn't hang around long after the show as I felt tired but it was a fun show to see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I3RiHT8u2gA" width="560" youtube-src-id="I3RiHT8u2gA"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/I3RiHT8u2gA">https://youtu.be/I3RiHT8u2gA</a><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RUqg99UCNMc" width="560" youtube-src-id="RUqg99UCNMc"></iframe><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/RUqg99UCNMc">https://youtu.be/RUqg99UCNMc</a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div><u style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>07.27.2022 - 07.31.2022</u></div></u><div style="text-align: justify;">I captured the commute coming home on Wednesday July 27th, 2022. It was a long, slow endeavor. I captured the sign that "fence jumpers will be persecuted" with regards to <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I captured the commutes going to and coming from work on Lake Shore Drive passing by <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a>. Elphie and I set up across Lake Shore Drive from <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a> for Thursday night while <a href="https://www.metallica.com/" target="_blank">Metallica</a> played. I captured some shots of the fireworks off the stage as well as a bat flying around. There was one guy really getting into it on our side of the fence!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Again, I captured the footage of the commute by <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a> on Lake Shore Drive on Friday July 29th, 2022.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday July 30th, 2022, Elphie and I went downtown in the afternoon during <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a>. We had <a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/" target="_blank">Chick-Fil-A</a> for lunch and hung around on the Michigan Avenue side of the festival. I hoped to be able to hear <a href="https://www.turnstilehardcore.com/" target="_blank">Turnstile</a> from there but it didn't really work out. We mostly just watched the people coming and going after finding out that getting into <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html" target="_blank">Millennium Park</a> is now monitored through specific entrances. We walked around Lollapalooza to get to the lake and encountered a street preacher. The plan was to walk to <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a> to watch the fireworks from there but we encountered a problem when we realized we had to cross a bridge to get there...and it was a busy bridge with traffic and bike lanes. This didn't work with Elphie's fear of heights so we ended up watching the fireworks from a pier which has a police station. After the fireworks, we headed back to the Michigan Avenue side of <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a> to watch the mayhem of humanity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday July 31st, 2022, the final day of <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a>, Elphie and I set up again across Lake Shore Drive for the evening. We picked up Burgers and Fries from <a href="https://www.fiveguys.com/" target="_blank">Five Guys</a>. That evening, <a href="https://greenday.com/" target="_blank">Green Day</a> was closing out the festival complete with fireworks shooting off the stage. We also heard <a href="https://www.beachbunnymusic.com/" target="_blank">Beach Bunny</a> and <a href="https://pornoforpyrosofficial.com/" target="_blank">Porno for Pyros</a> performing earlier. Marco Castro was working as a driving for <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a> and he and Sara picked us up outside the gate after everything finished to drive us home. He had a case of <a href="https://liquiddeath.com/" target="_blank">Liquid Death</a> in the van so we gave it a try, ha! At the house, and despite their severe allergies to cats, Marco and I indulged in a quick game of Street Fighter on my arcade console before <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> left for the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sO4uJhWDX0I" width="560" youtube-src-id="sO4uJhWDX0I"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/sO4uJhWDX0I">https://youtu.be/sO4uJhWDX0I</a><br /><br /><b><u>08.04.2022 - 08.05.2022</u></b><br />Driving home from work while on Lake Shore Drive a van who was behind me decided to merge into the curb lane and thus crashing into the car which was already driving in that lane. This occurred right next to me. The sound of the crash as well as the video from the rear and front as it happened was all captured using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. The driver causing the crash kept on going without regard for the accident. It appeared some of the folks working to tear down <a href="https://www.lollapalooza.com/" target="_blank">Lollapalooza</a> attempted to chase using a golf cart but I doubt that they were successful.<br /><br />on Friday August 5th, 2022 I left work a bit early to get to Tinley Park to the <a href="http://www.tinleyparkamphitheater.com/" target="_blank">Hollywood Casino Amphitheater</a> for the <a href="https://robzombie.com/" target="_blank">Rob Zombie</a> show with <a href="https://mudvayneofficial.com/" target="_blank">Mudvayne</a>, <a href="https://static-x.org/" target="_blank">Static X</a>, and <a href="https://powerman5000.com/" target="_blank">Powerman5000</a>. <a href="https://robzombie.com/" target="_blank">Rob Zombie</a> put on a great show as always and I captured the performance of "More Human Than A Human." I had never seen <a href="https://mudvayneofficial.com/" target="_blank">Mudvayne</a> before and truthfully, didn't recall if I really ever heard their music either. I had heard of them but didn't know much. I wasn't aware of the face painting or mask wearing before, though I've learned it was apparently part of their older performances. I ended up capturing "World So Cold" from their set. I wasn't particularly familiar with the <a href="https://static-x.org/" target="_blank">Static-X</a> catalogue either (I don't celebrate it, I guess) and wondered what we'd be getting with this show. The frontman wore what appeared to be a Wayne Static like mask. I captured "Wisconsin Death Trip" from their set. They played a song from <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0238546/" target="_blank">Queen of the Damned</a> that I recognized as well. I meant to get a specific song for Elphie from <a href="https://powerman5000.com/" target="_blank">Powerman5000</a>, however I missed it when it started and ended up capturing "Nobody's Real." We had seats for this show but it was somewhat side stage and at times the sun was shining into our eyes.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KxbR2Ruy8UA" width="560" youtube-src-id="KxbR2Ruy8UA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/KxbR2Ruy8UA">https://youtu.be/KxbR2Ruy8UA</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vYfeuERasMs" width="560" youtube-src-id="vYfeuERasMs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/vYfeuERasMs">https://youtu.be/vYfeuERasMs</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/86uVMR88Gn0" width="560" youtube-src-id="86uVMR88Gn0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/86uVMR88Gn0">https://youtu.be/86uVMR88Gn0</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/407jYsehpXw" width="560" youtube-src-id="407jYsehpXw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/407jYsehpXw">https://youtu.be/407jYsehpXw</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>08.08.2022 - 08.10.2022</u></b><br />On Monday August 8th, 2022 and on Tuesday August 9th, 2022, I noticed painting on an Uptown bank building. On Monday it was a black circle then on Tuesday a white dog had been added in the middle of the circle.<br /><br />On Wednesday August 10th, 2022 I went to <a href="https://borellipizza.com/" target="_blank">Borelli's Pizza</a> in Lincoln Square for The Traveling Mic Open Mic put on by <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a>. I also got a nice Hawai'ian style pizza to eat! There was a strange dog that came in throughout the night. There was a decent turnout of artists for this event, especially with it being pretty last minute and the restaurant owners indicated a desire to do more of these types of events. This was one of the last days that <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> would be in Chicago before heading back to Ohio for a bit. <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> opened and closed the night and I captured the songs "Lullaby" and "My Dear." The other performers were Guy Zensei, Rose Calkins, Chris Santamour (who got weird and offended some time later about me capturing a song from his performance), Ndidi, <a href="https://sunflowersummit.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Sunflower Summit</a>, and <a href="https://christianwelch.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Christian Welch</a>. It was a cool evening. I used my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024 microphone</a> to capture the footage for this event.<br /><br />I included a playlist of the entire evening here as well...perhaps if I attend other Traveling Mic events I will continue to compile the footage to that playlist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R8LPCEAjImQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="R8LPCEAjImQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/R8LPCEAjImQ">https://youtu.be/R8LPCEAjImQ</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5OsHHPQY-9E" width="560" youtube-src-id="5OsHHPQY-9E"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/5OsHHPQY-9E">https://youtu.be/5OsHHPQY-9E</a><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/thvO_1GCsp4" width="560" youtube-src-id="thvO_1GCsp4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/thvO_1GCsp4">https://youtu.be/thvO_1GCsp4</a><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QQ2TTR7meM4" width="560" youtube-src-id="QQ2TTR7meM4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QQ2TTR7meM4">https://youtu.be/QQ2TTR7meM4</a><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UXWkSjbgP6s" width="560" youtube-src-id="UXWkSjbgP6s"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/UXWkSjbgP6s">https://youtu.be/UXWkSjbgP6s</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iqtmfE67eMA" width="560" youtube-src-id="iqtmfE67eMA"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/iqtmfE67eMA">https://youtu.be/iqtmfE67eMA</a><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OcO1Y3DyAoM" width="560" youtube-src-id="OcO1Y3DyAoM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/OcO1Y3DyAoM">https://youtu.be/OcO1Y3DyAoM<br /></a><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OTLJ0LzYoD4" width="560" youtube-src-id="OTLJ0LzYoD4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/OTLJ0LzYoD4">https://youtu.be/OTLJ0LzYoD4</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO5S6JIdELJqbFnc947ajG0" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO5S6JIdELJqbFnc947ajG0"></iframe><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO5S6JIdELJqbFnc947ajG0">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO5S6JIdELJqbFnc947ajG0</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>08.11.2022</u></b> - helicopter on commute Equipment update<br />On Thursday August 11th, 2022, I captured a helicopter on my way home from work near <a href="https://www.soldierfield.com/" target="_blank">Soldier Field</a> using my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. When I got home I decided to do a new equipment update video. I included it in a <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2021/10/equipment-upgrade-canon-rebel-t6s-with.html" target="_blank">previous post highlighting other updates</a> since purchasing the <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. I had run into some difficulty regarding some batteries I purchased to with my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> last fall shortly after making the camera purchase. While in <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-shared-life-hawaii-vacation-02112022.html" target="_blank">Hawai'i</a> I used those batteries but found that I could not charge them with the charger that came with those batteries nor with the charger that came with the camera. After reaching out to the seller and somewhat getting the run around as well as from <a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a>, I thankfully submitted a dispute through <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/home" target="_blank">PayPal</a> which got me my money back. I bought some legit <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/cameras/camera-accessories/batteries" target="_blank">Canon batteries as well as a Battery Grip</a> which allowed me to put two batteries in at a time and thus extending my shooting time. These batteries as well as the <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/cameras/camera-accessories/batteries" target="_blank">Battery Grip</a> all have worked very well for me so far...especially during <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Xde_fevFRA" width="560" youtube-src-id="7Xde_fevFRA"></iframe></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/7Xde_fevFRA">https://youtu.be/7Xde_fevFRA</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>08.12.2022 - 08.19.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday August 12th, 2022 our friends at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityOJCR/" target="_blank">Community of the Holy Trinity</a> had a Bar-B-Que at their new community house. There was good food and good hangs throughout the evening. On Saturday August 13th, 2022, we attended <a href="https://metrochicago.com/event/nocturna-2/metro-chicago/chicago-illinois/" target="_blank">Nocturna</a> at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. It was a good time as well with good tunes. On Sunday August 15th, 2022, Elphie and I walked at <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/mckinley-william-park" target="_blank">McKinley Park</a>. Elphie feed her squirrel friends and we saw an unusual bird...at least to us, we hadn't seen it before. I was thinking Blue Heron possibly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On my way to work on Monday August 15th, 2022, I encountered an abandoned and wrecked minivan near the parking lot entrance of our local <a href="https://www.jewelosco.com/" target="_blank">Jewel-Osco</a>. Coming home from work, I encountered street preachers on Lake Shore Drive. On Tuesday August 16th, 2022, during my lunch break after picking up my food, I decided to drive by <a href="https://www.staugustine.edu/" target="_blank">St. Augustine College</a> which used to be the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/essanay-studios" target="_blank">Essanay Studios</a>. It was a silent film studio where folks such as Charlie Chaplin have worked. It is an <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> site. I drove by another <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> site on Wednesday August 17th, 2022 during lunch break as well. <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/former-site-of-selig-polyscope-film-studios" target="_blank">The Selig Polyscope Film Studio</a> which is mostly gone at this point other than one building on the corner. I also encountered another low flying plane along the lake as I made my commute to work. On Thursday August 18th, 2022, I captured some of the practice flights for the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html" target="_blank">Chicago Air and Water Show</a> and on Friday August 19th, 2022, I captured some of the water related practice as I drove into work. Also on Thursday someone in too much of a hurry trying to pass on the shoulder caused something to hit and gouge my bumper on my commute home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday evening, Elphie and I attended An Evening with <a href="https://peterhookandthelight.live/" target="_blank">Peter Hook And The Light</a> which featured songs from <a href="https://www.neworder.com/" target="_blank">New Order</a> and <a href="https://www.joydivisionofficial.com/" target="_blank">Joy Division</a> at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/">Metro</a>. I captured "True Faith" from the <a href="https://www.neworder.com/" target="_blank">New Order</a> set and "Love Will Tear Us Apart" from the <a href="https://www.joydivisionofficial.com/" target="_blank">Joy Division</a> set. <a href="https://elteneleven.com/" target="_blank">El Ten Eleven</a> opened the show. There was a sign which gave permission and rights to anyone who wanted to share footage from the show which I thought was RAD!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lJFF8CB0gew" width="560" youtube-src-id="lJFF8CB0gew"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/lJFF8CB0gew">https://youtu.be/lJFF8CB0gew</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zxa5JFE5w1Y" width="560" youtube-src-id="zxa5JFE5w1Y"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/zxa5JFE5w1Y" style="text-align: left;">https://youtu.be/zxa5JFE5w1Y</a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1NOBGFFiFU4" width="560" youtube-src-id="1NOBGFFiFU4"></iframe><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/1NOBGFFiFU4">https://youtu.be/1NOBGFFiFU4</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>08.20.2022</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday August 20th, 2022, we went to <a href="http://www.tinleyparkamphitheater.com/" target="_blank">Hollywood Casino Amphitheater</a> in Tinley Park again for <a href="https://kornofficial.com/" target="_blank">Korn</a> with <a href="https://www.evanescence.com/" target="_blank">Evanescence</a>, <a href="https://www.helmetmusic.com/" target="_blank">Helmet</a>, and <a href="https://jerisjohnsonmusic.com/" target="_blank">Jeris Johnson</a>. The skies were definitely threatening rain so we brought ponchos. While we waited in line to get in, announcements began that everyone was to get back in their vehicles due to a storm coming in. It rained a bit but never materialized into the storm that was apparently expected. Folks kept getting out and going toward the gates and the police kept redirecting them back to their cars.<br /><br />Once we were permitted to enter, <a href="https://jerisjohnsonmusic.com/" target="_blank">Jeris Johnson</a>, the opening act had already begun, apparently playing to a mostly empty amphitheater for most of the set. <a href="https://www.helmetmusic.com/" target="_blank">Helmet</a> was next. While I've known of this band, it was the first time hearing them that I can recall. <a href="https://www.evanescence.com/" target="_blank">Evanescence</a> played next and I captured "Bring Me To Life." <a href="https://kornofficial.com/" target="_blank">Korn</a> ended the night with a great performance. This time Jonathan Davis was not healing from a bout of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>! I captured "Freak On A Lease" with Amy Lee doing some guest vocals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TAEVdS9UwvY" width="560" youtube-src-id="TAEVdS9UwvY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/TAEVdS9UwvY">https://youtu.be/TAEVdS9UwvY</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dN6XT28l6io" width="560" youtube-src-id="dN6XT28l6io"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dN6XT28l6io">https://youtu.be/dN6XT28l6io</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IsGx1LhP-WI" width="560" youtube-src-id="IsGx1LhP-WI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/IsGx1LhP-WI">https://youtu.be/IsGx1LhP-WI</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H_1o2GgYluY" width="560" youtube-src-id="H_1o2GgYluY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/H_1o2GgYluY">https://youtu.be/H_1o2GgYluY</a><br /><br /><b><u>08.21.2022</u></b><br />On Sunday August 21st, 2022, I got up much later than I had hoped so I could catch some of the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html" target="_blank">Chicago Air and Water Show</a>. I ended up driving then dealing with finding somewhere to park. I eventually got parked and walked through <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo</a> to get to where I'd hopefully be able to view the show. As I walked through the zoo, I captured some shots of the planes doing a performance. I also captured some shots of the lions including the new cub. Once I got to the other side of the zoo, I started out in one spot under a tree but there was no activity. I began to wonder if the show was over. I walked south toward the city and listened to hear if anyone said anything about what was going on. It seemed that the <a href="https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/team/" target="_blank">Blue Angels</a> were inbound. I ended up setting up by the end of the zoo parking lot and capturing shots from the <a href="https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/team/" target="_blank">Blue Angels</a> performance. I also captured someone getting ticketed for parking their car in a lane on Lake Shore Drive. As I walked back toward my car, I captured the cloud cover over the city and the Hancock building in particular. I also captured a shot of the Ulysses S. Grant Monument by the zoo.<br /><br />In the evening, we went to <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> for the <a href="https://www.teachesofpeaches.com/" target="_blank">Teaches with Peaches</a> show. This was definitely something different for me. Elphie really wanted to go. <a href="https://www.sophiepowers.com/" target="_blank">Sophie Powers</a> opened the evening and I captured "Fuck The Pain Away" from the <a href="https://www.teachesofpeaches.com/" target="_blank">Peaches</a> set.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nF6VEehfBB4" width="560" youtube-src-id="nF6VEehfBB4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/nF6VEehfBB4">https://youtu.be/nF6VEehfBB4</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZgpQ9vBK5w" width="560" youtube-src-id="wZgpQ9vBK5w"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/wZgpQ9vBK5w">https://youtu.be/wZgpQ9vBK5w</a><br /><br /><b><u>08.22.2022 - 08.26.2022</u></b><br />As I drove into work on Monday August 22nd, 2022, I noticed a rainbow in the mist coming of the <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/clarence-f-buckingham-memorial-fountain" target="_blank">Buckingham Fountain</a>. I think I had noticed it at least once before but this one was very visible and a timely wait at the traffic light allowed me the chance to capture it. I also captured the <a href="https://www.weisshospital.com/" target="_blank">Weiss Hospital</a> occupation to attempt to stop another housing development for higher incomes from beginning its construction.<br /><br />On Tuesday August 23rd, 2022, a work related thing put me off site south of Uptown. I took transit to get there but decided to walk back, picking up lunch along the way. I decided to capture some footage of St Mary Our Lady of the Snows Church as I walked by. Again, like with the Israel headstone, I think my original idea was to use the footage for the music video I made for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> for the song <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/10/fon-ghrein-beneath-sun-by-leper-music.html" target="_blank">"Far Ghrein (Beneath The Sun)"</a> but I think I forgot about it with all the other footage I had gathered to make that video.<br /><br />On Thursday August 25th, 2022, at Elphie's request I made a stop at <a href="https://www.target.com/" target="_blank">Target</a> on my way home from work to purchase a cat house for Stein. Elphie put it together, however, Stein was a bit skittish with regards to it, as usual. We hoped he'd warm up to it eventually and play in it. It seems he did once or twice but never really seemed to care much about it.<br /><br />On Friday August 26th, 2022, I went to <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> to catch <a href="https://therealvicruggiero.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Vic Ruggiero</a> of <a href="https://www.theslackers.com/" target="_blank">the Slackers</a> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mikeyclassic666/" target="_blank">Mikey Classic and his Lonesome Spur</a> and Brandon Sanders of <a href="https://theoperatorsska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Operators</a>. <a href="http://www.chrismurraymusic.com/" target="_blank">Chris Murray</a> was also meant to be on the show and tour but <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> struck again. Chris and Vic had just put out a split and this tour was to support it. I ended up capturing a variety of clips from this show. All three played a few songs together and I captured "Shame And Scandal In The Family." I captured "You Mother Fuckers Need Jesus" from <a href="https://therealvicruggiero.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Vic</a> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mikeyclassic666/" target="_blank">Mikey Classic</a> and "The KKK Took My Baby Away" from <a href="https://therealvicruggiero.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Vic</a> with Brandon Sanders. I captured a song from Brandon Sanders solo as well, "Nowhere Left To Roam" from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mikeyclassic666/" target="_blank">Mikey Classic</a>, and "Vic's Lament" from <a href="https://therealvicruggiero.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Vic Ruggiero</a>. It was a long, late show!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zPLIEksCWgk" width="560" youtube-src-id="zPLIEksCWgk"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/zPLIEksCWgk">https://youtu.be/zPLIEksCWgk</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vdrpdaaOLh8" width="560" youtube-src-id="vdrpdaaOLh8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/vdrpdaaOLh8">https://youtu.be/vdrpdaaOLh8</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ivbRORPmBdQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="ivbRORPmBdQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ivbRORPmBdQ">https://youtu.be/ivbRORPmBdQ</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gmXnnljNGc0" width="560" youtube-src-id="gmXnnljNGc0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/gmXnnljNGc0">https://youtu.be/gmXnnljNGc0</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hZGhocSIJCU" width="560" youtube-src-id="hZGhocSIJCU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/hZGhocSIJCU">https://youtu.be/hZGhocSIJCU</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FqIAehPmu6g" width="560" youtube-src-id="FqIAehPmu6g"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/FqIAehPmu6g">https://youtu.be/FqIAehPmu6g</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u><b>08.27.2022</b></u><br />On Saturday August 27th, 2022, I saw the <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier Fireworks</a> while on <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a> for the first time! We got a bit of a late start to our day and had planned to hang out at the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo</a> for a bit before going to <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a>. We used public transit which also may have been to our detriment of trying to get anywhere in a timely fashion. As we waited on the bus in our neighborhood, we noticed someone had apparently crashed through the fence near the bus stop, possibly going completely through both sides! We finally got to the zoo as it was nearing closing time. We were able to get in and see the lion's quickly before being chased out. Elphie used the excuse of needing to use the restroom! We then took a bus to get to <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a> where we got some dinner then walked to the end and waited on the fireworks. There was a wedding going on in the Grand Ballroom. We sat on the steps and had a pretty perfect view of the fireworks. It was pretty cool to get to do that!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ynN_Wve6YR0" width="560" youtube-src-id="ynN_Wve6YR0"></iframe><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ynN_Wve6YR0">https://youtu.be/ynN_Wve6YR0</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>08.31.2022<br /></u></b>On Wednesday August 31st, 2022, Elphie and I went to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-empty-bottle-chicago-illinois" target="_blank">The Empty Bottle</a> for a show with <a href="https://thebellwethersyndicate.com/" target="_blank">the Bellwether Syndicate</a>, <a href="https://thencomessilence.eu/" target="_blank">Then Comes Silence</a>, and <a href="https://bellhead.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bellhead</a>. A few years ago I went to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-empty-bottle-chicago-illinois" target="_blank">the Empty Bottle</a> on my own for a <a href="https://brickassassin.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Brick Assassin</a> show and didn't realize that the venue was listed as an <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> site. Elphie and I got a picture outside of it to document our visit. The show was good and a few friends made it out so that was fun too. I captured "Dystopian Mirror" from <a href="https://thebellwethersyndicate.com/" target="_blank">The Bellwether Syndicate</a> and "Devil" by <a href="https://thencomessilence.eu/" target="_blank">Then Comes Silence.</a> Scary Lady Sarah did guest vocals with <a href="https://thencomessilence.eu/" target="_blank">Then Comes Silence</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jZaEjRhN2Ek" width="560" youtube-src-id="jZaEjRhN2Ek"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/jZaEjRhN2Ek">https://youtu.be/jZaEjRhN2Ek</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BTAocgtjidU" width="560" youtube-src-id="BTAocgtjidU"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/BTAocgtjidU">https://youtu.be/BTAocgtjidU</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dqd-ghEkD3c" width="560" youtube-src-id="Dqd-ghEkD3c"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Dqd-ghEkD3c">https://youtu.be/Dqd-ghEkD3c</a><br /><br /><b><u>09.02.2022 - 09.03.2022</u></b><br />On Friday September 2nd 2022, I captured some footage of boats, the crew setting up for a sand volleyball tournament on Oak Street Beach, some prop smoke due to nearby filming, and the sign for <a href="https://www.thelincolnlodge.com/" target="_blank">Lincoln Lodge</a> where we attended <a href="https://www.theblackoutdiaries.com/" target="_blank">The Blackout Diaries</a>.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Saturday September 3rd, 2022 Elphie and I went to <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a> for the <a href="https://www.americanlobsterfest.com/" target="_blank">Great American Lobster Fest</a>. I got a full meal using Groupon and Elphie went "a la carte" hitting the various vending booths to get what she wanted. I enjoyed the full meal. There was a card that gave tips on how to go about eating the lobster and it was fun! While there, I kept watching ticket prices for the <a href="https://www.rammstein.de/" target="_blank">Rammstein</a> show that evening at <a href="https://www.soldierfield.com/" target="_blank">Soldier Field</a>. I found some that dropped into our price range so I bought them and we made our way to the show. As we left <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a>, I captured the cloud cover over the city, the Ferris Wheel while waiting on the bus, and some buskers singing along Michigan Avenue. Elphie captured some shots of the bucket drummers after we abandoned the bus to walk the rest of the way to <a href="https://www.soldierfield.com/" target="_blank">Soldier Field</a> due to the traffic mess. Elphie wasn't really able to enjoy the show due to her heights issue. I tried to capture some clips for her until my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> battery died. I ended up capturing "Du Hast" from both <a href="https://www.rammstein.de/" target="_blank">Rammstein</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/abelard_official/" target="_blank">Duo Abélard</a> who opened the night.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3jmeR0bzuLo" width="560" youtube-src-id="3jmeR0bzuLo"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/3jmeR0bzuLo">https://youtu.be/3jmeR0bzuLo</a><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QDF6gn3IjxY" width="560" youtube-src-id="QDF6gn3IjxY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QDF6gn3IjxY">https://youtu.be/QDF6gn3IjxY</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u><b>09.04.2022 - 09.09.2022</b></u><br />On Sunday September 4th, 2022, we went to <a href="https://www.applebees.com/" target="_blank">Applebee's</a> to use up a gift card we had on hand for quite some time. This gave me the opportunity to try the <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Dark Berry Bash which is exclusive to <a href="https://www.applebees.com/" target="_blank">Abblebee's</a>. It definitely did taste like berry. It reminded me of Voltage which is also blue in color. We had originally planned to go to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/simonstavern/" target="_blank">Simon's Tavern</a> in Andersonville afterwards to try the glögg slushie but when we called, we were told that they had run out. Instead, we ended up going to a <a href="https://www.spirithalloween.com/" target="_blank">Spirit of Halloween</a> for a bit where Elphie was able to get a few things for her nieces and nephews Christmas gift bags. We then decided to check out <a href="https://lostmountainadventuregolf.com/" target="_blank">Lost Mountain Adventure Mini Golf</a>. We had passed this mini golf spot several times over the years so we figured why not play a game since we didn't really have anything else to do. It was <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082971/" target="_blank">Indiana Jones</a> themed and had some pretty cool unique holes. I ended up winning after a slow start. From here we looked up a place to get some ice cream nearby called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Tizzys-ice-cream-treats/100063796314046/" target="_blank">Tizzy's Treats and Eats</a>.<br /><br />On Monday September 5th, 2022, we hung out at home for Labor Day. I grilled some sausages and gave <a href="https://us.coca-cola.com/" target="_blank">Coca-Cola</a> Dreamworld a try. I'm not sure what it tastes like exactly, maybe some sort of berry but I liked it. We also played the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094721/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1" target="_blank">Beetlejuice</a> <a href="https://shop.hasbro.com/parentkid?brand=monopoly" target="_blank">Monopoly</a> that Elphie bought at <a href="https://www.spirithalloween.com/" target="_blank">Spirit of Halloween</a> the day before.<br /><br />On Tuesday September 6th, 2022, Elphie was taking a walk in <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/mckinley-william-park" target="_blank">McKinley Park</a> and found someone had drawn a weiner on the sidewalk so she captured some footage of it.<br /><br />On Thursday September 8th, 2022, we tried to coax Stein into being more active with his playhouse with catnip and treats. He actually got inside of it and it seemed that perhaps he might actually utilize it somewhat. It was short lived.<br /><br />On Friday September 9th, 2022, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054163102367" target="_blank">Tim Cappello</a> came through Chicago again and was playing a free show at <a href="https://www.hqrivernorth.com/" target="_blank">Headquarters Beercade</a> in River North. We had never been there before but it was pretty cool. We played a couple games waiting for the performance to begin. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054163102367" target="_blank">Tim Cappello</a> came through a few years ago at <a href="https://gmantavern.com/" target="_blank">G-Man Tavern</a> and we didn't go and I regretted it because it seemed like it would be a fun (and funny) experience. Apparently <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054163102367" target="_blank">Tim Cappello</a> was also playing on the Goth cruise that evening so he had to return from that. He eventually showed up, uncovered his gear and got it somewhat set up then went to "oil up" for the performance. Naturally, I captured "I Still Believe" which he performs in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093437/" target="_blank">The Lost Boys</a> and is probably mostly known for. He also played in <a href="https://www.tinaturnerofficial.com/" target="_blank">Tina Turner's</a> band and did some other acting. Overall, it was a fun experience. He ended the night with "Tequila" which I included a clip of that as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/REAJWSjhahQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="REAJWSjhahQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/REAJWSjhahQ">https://youtu.be/REAJWSjhahQ</a><br /><br /><u><b>09.10.2022 - 09.22.2022</b></u><br />Heading home from our Indiana grocery trip on Saturday September 10th, 2022, I was passed on the shoulder yet again by an overly aggressive and poor driver. On Sunday September 11th, 2022, the <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> beat the <a href="https://www.bengals.com/" target="_blank">Bengals</a> 23-20 in overtime!<br /><br />On Monday September 19th, 2022, as I returned home from work I encountered street preachers once again on Lake Shore Drive. On Wednesday September 21st, 2022, I tried the secret <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> flavor Baja Deep Dive which I won as a "grand prize" from drinking the other Baja flavors this summer and entering the codes from the caps! I thought of it as a berry flavor at first but after hearing others describe it as a mix of Baja Blast and Pitch Black, I noticed that seeming to be the flavor rather than a berry flavor. I enjoyed my six pack of Baja Deep Dive.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />On Thursday September 22nd, 2022, <a href="http://www.coldwaves.net/" target="_blank">Cold Waves X</a> began at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. We got tickets to all four nights! Unfortunately I had to miss the <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> game against the <a href="https://www.browns.com/" target="_blank">Browns</a> (and watched it later) but this was a fun event. The first night featured <a href="https://trstmusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">TR/ST</a>, <a href="https://www.thekvb.co.uk/" target="_blank">The KVB</a>, <a href="https://www.actorstheband.com/" target="_blank">Actors</a>, <a href="https://kontravoid.com/" target="_blank">Kontravoid</a>, <a href="https://leathers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leathers</a>, and <a href="https://www.newcanyons.com/" target="_blank">New Canyons</a>. We got there fairly early and took spots along the railing which ensured a good view. It was my first time seeing any of these bands.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Pvkjkz_n1Y" width="560" youtube-src-id="7Pvkjkz_n1Y"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/7Pvkjkz_n1Y">https://youtu.be/7Pvkjkz_n1Y</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QGKBnl28o0w" width="560" youtube-src-id="QGKBnl28o0w"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QGKBnl28o0w">https://youtu.be/QGKBnl28o0w</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S_YUeHAHmS4" width="560" youtube-src-id="S_YUeHAHmS4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/S_YUeHAHmS4">https://youtu.be/S_YUeHAHmS4</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PznmKN6stvk" width="560" youtube-src-id="PznmKN6stvk"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/PznmKN6stvk">https://youtu.be/PznmKN6stvk</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a_KGdSbhnYg" width="560" youtube-src-id="a_KGdSbhnYg"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/a_KGdSbhnYg">https://youtu.be/a_KGdSbhnYg</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cXjmDRwY8yc" width="560" youtube-src-id="cXjmDRwY8yc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/cXjmDRwY8yc">https://youtu.be/cXjmDRwY8yc</a><br /><br /><u><b>09.23.2022</b></u><br />On our way to <a href="http://www.coldwaves.net/" target="_blank">Cold Waves X</a> on Friday September 23rd, 2022, we encountered street preachers again along Lake Shore Drive. These ones held signs of condemnation against certain sin that they chose to focus on. The acts we saw on this night were <a href="https://coldcave.net/" target="_blank">Cold Cave</a>, <a href="https://kitehq.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Kite</a>, <a href="https://spikehellis.com/" target="_blank">Spike Hellis</a>, <a href="https://chokechain.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Choke Chain</a>, <a href="https://ghostfeeder.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Ghostfeeder</a>, and <a href="https://raredm.com/" target="_blank">Rare DM</a> and again, it was the first time seeing most of the acts other than <a href="https://chokechain.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Choke Chain</a> who had performed with <a href="https://www.reinofficial.com/" target="_blank">Rein</a> and <a href="https://frontlineassembly.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Frontline Assembly</a> earlier in the year at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. Again, we got there early and were able to secure spots on the balcony railing for optimal viewing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jenqjVPde0o" width="560" youtube-src-id="jenqjVPde0o"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/jenqjVPde0o">https://youtu.be/jenqjVPde0o</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TmZrm6FGcSU" width="560" youtube-src-id="TmZrm6FGcSU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/TmZrm6FGcSU">https://youtu.be/TmZrm6FGcSU</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-iQvgKlQOFI" width="560" youtube-src-id="-iQvgKlQOFI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-iQvgKlQOFI">https://youtu.be/-iQvgKlQOFI</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dF4HtCgNSFM" width="560" youtube-src-id="dF4HtCgNSFM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dF4HtCgNSFM">https://youtu.be/dF4HtCgNSFM</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X2UfOrfXZzs" width="560" youtube-src-id="X2UfOrfXZzs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/X2UfOrfXZzs">https://youtu.be/X2UfOrfXZzs</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eA7ncjw2NBc" width="560" youtube-src-id="eA7ncjw2NBc"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/eA7ncjw2NBc">https://youtu.be/eA7ncjw2NBc</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>09.24.2022</u></b><br />The third night of <a href="http://www.coldwaves.net/" target="_blank">Cold Waves X</a> was on Saturday September 24th, 2022 and featured <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therevoltingcocks/" target="_blank">Revolting Corpse (Cocks)</a>, <a href="http://www.stromkern.com/" target="_blank">Stromkern</a>, <a href="https://www.reinofficial.com/" target="_blank">Rein,</a> <a href="https://haex.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Haex</a>, <a href="http://haloblack.info/" target="_blank">Halo Black</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cyanotic/" target="_blank">Cyanotic</a>. Other than <a href="https://www.reinofficial.com/" target="_blank">Rein</a>, it was the first time seeing all these acts as well. It was stated that this was the last show for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therevoltingcocks/" target="_blank">Revolting Cocks</a> so they went with Corpse instead. We got to <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> early and secured spots on the railing of the balcony once again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7BQV4MppRk" width="560" youtube-src-id="_7BQV4MppRk"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/_7BQV4MppRk">https://youtu.be/_7BQV4MppRk</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u_rFcum5l84" width="560" youtube-src-id="u_rFcum5l84"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/u_rFcum5l84">https://youtu.be/u_rFcum5l84</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OfNQi1TdIS8" width="560" youtube-src-id="OfNQi1TdIS8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/OfNQi1TdIS8">https://youtu.be/OfNQi1TdIS8</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m6S6d92FK38" width="560" youtube-src-id="m6S6d92FK38"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/m6S6d92FK38">https://youtu.be/m6S6d92FK38</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WGxgcKwMrbg" width="560" youtube-src-id="WGxgcKwMrbg"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/WGxgcKwMrbg">https://youtu.be/WGxgcKwMrbg</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XZuoBegPzaE" width="560" youtube-src-id="XZuoBegPzaE"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/XZuoBegPzaE">https://youtu.be/XZuoBegPzaE</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>09.25.2022</u></b><br />Before heading out for the final night of <a href="http://www.coldwaves.net/" target="_blank">Cold Waves X</a>, we decided to give venison lung a try for dinner. It was all that remained of the deer I harvested in 2020. I had it thaw overnight then based on the various similar recipes I could find, I decided to try to cut it up into small pieces then fry it in a pan. I added a lot of herbs and spices as it seemed likely to have a rather strong taste as the liver does and smelled similar as well. I cooked it to what seemed like it should be the proper level of cooked and Elphie made some mashed potatoes. It turned out ok. I wouldn't consider it to be the best tasting parts of the deer but it is certainly edible.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.coldwaves.net/" target="_blank">Cold Waves X</a> was being held at <a href="https://www.jamusa.com/venues/riviera-theatre" target="_blank">the Riviera Theater</a> for this show and featured <a href="https://www.front242.com/" target="_blank">Front 242</a>, <a href="https://nitzerebb.carrd.co/" target="_blank">Nitzer Ebb</a>, <a href="http://www.portion-control.net/" target="_blank">Portion Control</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LIGHTASYLUM/" target="_blank">Light Asylum</a>, <a href="https://www.theforeignresort.com/" target="_blank">The Foreign Resort</a>, and <a href="https://www.hapax.band/" target="_blank">HAPAX</a>. <a href="https://nitzerebb.carrd.co/" target="_blank">Nitzer Ebb</a> was the only band I had seen out of this group so naturally I figured I should capture "Join In the Chant" but the video isn't the greatest as most folks got up to dance during the song...even the balcony dwellers. Throughout the night we ended up having to move due to finding out we were in reserved seating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2gbYrvrpleU" width="560" youtube-src-id="2gbYrvrpleU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/2gbYrvrpleU">https://youtu.be/2gbYrvrpleU</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ujTwHCPITPo" width="560" youtube-src-id="ujTwHCPITPo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ujTwHCPITPo">https://youtu.be/ujTwHCPITPo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wJ8aEzmYTAw" width="560" youtube-src-id="wJ8aEzmYTAw"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wJ8aEzmYTAw">https://youtu.be/wJ8aEzmYTAw</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/moJsWqgCols" width="560" youtube-src-id="moJsWqgCols"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/moJsWqgCols">https://youtu.be/moJsWqgCols</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QK5vyVz8QPE" width="560" youtube-src-id="QK5vyVz8QPE"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QK5vyVz8QPE">https://youtu.be/QK5vyVz8QPE</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4-tSzvnROVM" width="560" youtube-src-id="4-tSzvnROVM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/4-tSzvnROVM">https://youtu.be/4-tSzvnROVM</a><br /><br /><b><u>09.28.2022 - 09.30.2022</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On my commute to work on Wednesday September 28th, 2022 there were some tall clouds hovering over the lake and decided to capture that with the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900 dash camera</a>. On Friday September 30th, 2022, as I left work I approached the exit I take to get home as the sun was setting and decided to capture it with the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900 dash camera</a>.<br /><br />That evening I went to <a href="https://www.chopshopchi.com/" target="_blank">Chop Shop</a> to catch the <a href="http://www.mustardplug.com/" target="_blank">Mustard Plug</a> show. I never had taken the opportunity to see <a href="http://www.mustardplug.com/" target="_blank">Mustard Plug</a> before so I figured I should this time. They played a good set. They had <a href="https://www.bigdandthekidstable.com/" target="_blank">Big D and the Kids Table</a> as direct support with <a href="https://greenroomrockers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Green Room Rockers</a> and <a href="https://johnbunkley.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">John Bunkley and Leaving Lifted</a> as openers and all put on a good show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DeQmuPiheE8" width="560" youtube-src-id="DeQmuPiheE8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/DeQmuPiheE8">https://youtu.be/DeQmuPiheE8</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DYlkmw-EEkk" width="560" youtube-src-id="DYlkmw-EEkk"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/DYlkmw-EEkk">https://youtu.be/DYlkmw-EEkk</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/de8H90nnHvw" width="560" youtube-src-id="de8H90nnHvw"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/de8H90nnHvw">https://youtu.be/de8H90nnHvw</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TSGS6bGueAQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="TSGS6bGueAQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/TSGS6bGueAQ">https://youtu.be/TSGS6bGueAQ</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Restless Summer" by <a href="https://kevinmax.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Max</a>, "We're Off To See The Wizard" from <a href="https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/wizard-oz" target="_blank">Wizard of Oz</a>, "Indian Summer" by <a href="https://deadhorse.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Deadhorse</a>, "Summer Time" by <a href="https://wettropics.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Wet Tropics</a>, "Endless Summer" by <a href="https://mikemainsmusic.com/" target="_blank">Mike Mains and the Branches</a>, "Summer Feeling" by <a href="https://joey-joesph.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Joey Joesph</a>, "Lose In The Summer" by <a href="http://www.polyvalentmusic.com/" target="_blank">Polyvalent</a>, "Driving Blind" by <a href="https://therockyvalentines.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Rocky Valentines</a>, "Summer Clothes" by <a href="https://wearespaceships.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Spaceships</a>, and "Sundown" by <a href="https://starflyer59.fanlink.to/sf59" target="_blank">Starflyer 59</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Footage filmed using an <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 6 and 8</a>, <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024 microphone</a>, and <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">Crosstour CR-900</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles and other animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix</a></div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-37962175589295544212022-12-23T20:14:00.003-06:002023-01-02T12:01:31.986-06:00Red Words by Leper (Music Video)<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">While finishing up the video project for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>'s song <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/10/fon-ghrein-beneath-sun-by-leper-music.html" target="_blank">Fon Ghrein (Beneath The Sun)</a>, I had to meet with Skot Shaw to get a couple final shots. He had mentioned an idea a while back for another project though he didn't say which song it would be. He brought it up again while we got those shots and hung out afterwards. A couple weeks after meeting to get the final shots for <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/10/fon-ghrein-beneath-sun-by-leper-music.html" target="_blank">Fon Ghrein (Beneath The Sun)</a>, we scheduled time on a Saturday to shoot this new idea he had.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This new project would be for the song <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/red-words" target="_blank">Red Words</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HBYjj91cbQ4" width="560" youtube-src-id="HBYjj91cbQ4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/HBYjj91cbQ4">https://youtu.be/HBYjj91cbQ4</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I got a bit of a late start that morning due in part to helping jump the neighbors car. Skot had said to meet him at his studio so I dropped Elphie off at <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/" target="_blank">J.P.U.S.A.</a> where she would hang out with Rachel while Skot and I worked on this video idea. It turned out Skot wasn't at his studio so I had to return to <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/">J.P.U.S.A.</a> to pick up Skot and some of the equipment and props he wanted to use...then we headed back over to the studio to get a couple more items.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Skot's plan was to shoot with stone wall as the background. He had a church in mind as the location so we drove north to Winnekta, however, when we arrived, there was a pumpkin sale going on where Skot wanted to shoot. We looked around the church at other walls that we might be able to utilize then headed over to another church called <a href="https://www.christchurchwinnetka.org/" target="_blank">Christ Church</a> which we ended up using instead.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was a fairly simple shoot. Skot played through the song <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/red-words" target="_blank">Red Words</a> a few different times, using acoustic and electric guitars and just the vocals as well. He had a chair and his scythe as props. We added in a clip using a deer skull as well. After this he walked up toward the door of the church with the scythe and finally, we got a shot of his shadow to wrap up the shooting.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When all was said and done, Skot realized he forgot his Bible he wanted to use during the song. Back at <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/" target="_blank">J.P.U.S.A.</a>, he got a Bible and we shot one more scene in his bedroom.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Skot told me how he wanted the shots to look and I took that direction to capture as he wished.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Editing did not take long once I had the time to work on it. I synced up one of the clips to the studio track of Red Words. I watched through to determine which parts from that clip were worth keeping then did the same with each of the other clips. The last clip I added in was the clip shot in the Shaw's room at <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/" target="_blank">J.P.U.S.A.</a> I tried to mix up the variety as the video went along. It was fairly easy as there was not a lot that felt like "throw away" shots or couldn't be used.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I added in a couple clips using an old Bible I had at home. I set a fan to blow the pages so that they would turn and had the Bible opened to Scripture using <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/red-words" target="_blank">Red Words</a>. I decided to use this clip as the intro with the title text over top of it. I used it for an outro as well. I also captured a clip of the cover of the Bible which I over-layed onto the first couple seconds. I used it more in the outro. I took these clips and added them into a couple other parts of the video as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During both the intro and outro I added in a few other clips I shot that day including the church building itself, Skot's shadow, The chair with the scythe and with each guitar. I took one clip of the chair and sped it up showing the movement of the shadows. After getting feedback on the first finalized attempt, I moved a few of these clips around to different parts of the video. The outro was determined to be better as just using the Bible with the <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/red-words" target="_blank">Red Words</a>. I also had to adjust some elements to better sync up with the audio track.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After finishing the editing and piecing the clips together, I began to add in effects using gradient colorize to achieve the black and white look I prefer then adding in another colorize effect to add a little blue at Skot's request. I also added in the "bad film" and "vignette" effects but chose to not utilize any of the "bad tv" this time around. I doubled up the "bad film" and "vignette" effects, adjusting a few of the elements of the affects a little differently including the focus. To keep the blue appearance, I ended up adjusting the color then with the second dose of "bad film" I had to adjust out the saturation. I overlayed the file with the blue appearance over the regular clip of the bible to try to keep the <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/red-words" target="_blank">Red Words</a> showing as red while changing the coloring of the background to fit closer to the rest of the project. I think it ended up working well. Finally I added the text files to finish the project for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/album/red-words" target="_blank">Red Words</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Music, lyrics, and directed by Skot Shaw.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. Title and other text created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a>. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a>. Filmed and edited by Joel A. Swanson.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl</a></div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-57557059968324633652022-10-31T00:00:00.003-05:002022-12-23T20:16:57.834-06:00Fon Ghrein (Beneath The Sun) by Leper - Music Video<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dot0PpnhLpM" width="560" youtube-src-id="dot0PpnhLpM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/dot0PpnhLpM">https://youtu.be/dot0PpnhLpM</a><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I had an idea in mind to create this music video for <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>'s Fon Ghrein (Beneath The Sun) for a while now...around two years I believe. In that time, I captured several sunrises and sunsets. I uploaded some of those separately, but they became the video footage I ultimately created this project around.<br /><br />When I finally started to work on this project, I took the video clips of the sunrises and sunsets then by changing the speed and splicing the footage I set them in place throughout the duration of the song...mostly in the chorus section. I also took some live footage I shot of <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> performing "Fon Ghrein (Beneath The Sun)" in 2018 at <a href="https://wilsonabbey.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Abbey</a> as part of a <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2018/09/chicago-tiny-house-fundraiser-wilson.html" target="_blank">Tiny Houses</a> benefit.<br /><br />The lyrics of the song speak of the evil "beneath the sun" so I began searching and compiling footage that depicted evil such as war and other terrorist acts, oppression, police brutality, and riots. I also searched for footage of natural events such as tornados, hurricanes, waves, and volcanos to add to what I already had. Same with abandoned places...I searched some more footage to add with what I had captured already...my hope was to add more of an apocalyptic feel. I also felt it could in a way show the ecological evil done by humanity and the earth's reclamation of those places.<br /><br />After a fire in a church in Chicago this spring, I decided that I wanted to capture footage of the ruins of the church before it was torn down. I also visited another site of a church which had burnt but some of the walls remain standing. I sought out footage and news coverage of these fires as well as that of Notre Dame from a few years ago to include in the project.<br /><br />I decided to also compile footage from the civil rights movement and other protests which I included among the footage in the chorus sections of the song to sort of give the feel of the masses shouting "Beneath The Sun" along with the band. I included some of that footage in a verse of the song where oppression is mentioned as well. This footage is not being used with the intention to call the peaceful protesting evil.<br /><br />With the verse on oppression in mind, I began to organize the clips in the verses to be at least somewhat related to each other. In the first verse, I took some clips from a visit to the Shrine of Christ's Passion after using some nature clips during a percussion interlude. From the clips of Christ's passion, I then took some old war footage of kilted soldiers as they marched and dropped dead. I believe this was likely from a movie set in colonial times. I continued with a clip of graves from our visit to Savannah that were from the Civil War era. Next I used footage from Nazi Germany prior to World War II then added in war footage from World War II. I figure there's not much more representative of evil in modern history than the Nazi regime. I took clips from nuclear bomb testing and a dramatization of the bomb drop on Hiroshima. Next I used clips from Waco, Texas, Columbine, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the World Trade Center, the January 6th insurrection, and finished off with clips from the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. There is one line in the middle of the verse about hope found after joining the dead. I took a couple more clips I captured during our visit to the Shrine of Christ's Passion including St. John The Evangelist Parish and the resurrected Christ. I also included a clip I shot in Berlin, Germany of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church which stands in ruins.<br /><br />In the second verse I organized the footage of abandoned places and nature for the first part. I combined some old footage from 2014 when visiting the abandoned City Methodist Church in Gary, IN with some exterior footage I shot over the weekend while driving through and stopping. I also got footage of the power plant nearby in Michigan City where I met with Skot and Rachel Shaw to capture some footage I felt would flesh out the beginning and ending instrumentals of the song. While shooting this footage Skot showed me some footage he captured while in Colorado of deer carcasses. While I wasn't able to get that from him, I found footage of someone else scavenging and coming across several carcasses. I found some clips of a recent fire in a homeless camp and added another clip of another camp before the fire clip. I then organized the clips of churches burning using the footage I shot of the ruins of the churches in Chicago as well.<br /><br />The third verse had lines regarding oppression so during the instrumental interlude preceding those lines and through until the last line of the verse I included footage I had compiled showing oppression starting with the civil rights struggles, the riots in Los Angeles, the Standing Rock protest, and all that surrounded the killing of George Floyd. Going into the last line of the verse I took some images I had captured at Graceland Cemetery this spring and a couple years ago from the Zion Evangelical Lutheran ghost church of the burnt crucifix still hanging on the wall then I used the live footage of Jennifer Mercy singing the last line.<br /><br />In the fourth verse I decided to use some more abandoned places footage including the Iron Works and Prison in Joliet, an exterior shot of the belltower for a factory near McKinley Park, some footage from Hurricane Ian, some shots from the ruins in Cedar Grove Cemetery in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina all leading into the line "chase the wind" which I used the live footage and added a clip from the Forge of the new bass player, John. I followed up this live clip using more clips from the ghost church as well as the faces of those who had either committed some of the evil acts depicted throughout this project or had a hand in it.<br /><br />The final parts I worked on were the instrumental at the beginning of the song. I had Skot and Rachel Shaw meet me in Michigan City to get a couple clips of Skot playing the guitar solos. I also hoped to capture Skot and Rachel standing watching the sunset over Lake Michigan. The idea came from a scene in Blade where the vampires watch the sunrise over a body of water. Besides getting these clips, Skot had an idea to walk up over the dune nearby with his scythe. This ended up working well. I put a sunrise which I sped up at the very beginning then added Skot walking and standing with his scythe. I added some shots of the waves on Lake Michigan, some post sunset shots, a shot of the Chicago before using the clips of Skot playing guitar. One of the takes, Skot sat on a rock next to the water and the other he is standing by the dune with the Michigan City power plant behind him and the catwalk structure of the pier over him as well. I layered this footage as well as used it separately at different points with it ending as a drumbeat begins which was where I began the project using waves from the Pacific Ocean and lava flowing from our Hawaii trip, a volcanic eruption (captured by someone in Iceland), lightning and tornados to transition to the footage used in the first verse.<br /><br />The ending I used a sunset clip I had shot in Hawaii sped up. I also used a clip of Skot walking with the scythe again after we finished shooting was was used in the beginning. I used some more waves from the Pacific Ocean, another shot of Chicago, and the shot of Skot and Rachel watching the sunset to end the project. This sunset didn't work out quite as I had hoped due to clouds moving in but it is still useable.<br /><br />After making the project for "Far A Bheil Do Gath (Where Is Thy Sting)" I tried to minimize the use of cemetery footage a bit if I could...even though the subject of death remains.<br /><br />A lot of the footage I compiled I shot with my camera as it played through the television screen. I had already planned to use effects to degrade the footage somewhat (such as "bad film" and "bad tv") so I figure this method would just enhance the effects further.<br /><br />I added the "bad tv" effect at random spots throughout the project in pretty short intervals that are likely easily missed.<br /><br />I added the colorize and colorize gradient effect, changing the white to red as I did before with "Far A Bheil Do Gath (Where Is Thy Sting)." I plan to keep that as a theme if I do more videos for songs from "This Next Song Is About Death."<br /><br />I added the "bad film" effect after adding the color effects to the entire project. I changed the setting for the saturation aspect so it wouldn't cause the red to turn into a pinkish color. I also added the "vignette" effect to blur and darken the edges somewhat. After processing all this, I added a second dose of the "bad film" effect, again removing the saturation aspect.<br /><br />I used <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> to create the title and credit at the end and used the bone font. I included the <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/" target="_blank">GRRR Records</a> logo in the corner.<br /><br />I am hoping that the end result of all this is to the liking of the Shaws and others in or associated with <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>. It was a few years in the making mostly due to needing the opportunity to capture the shots I wanted to make this project. I am glad that I was able to do it!<br /><br />Some footage was filmed and some was compiled, titles created, and all was edited by Joel A. Swanson.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMCrULqZ3e-5fqVxb_2UCHl</a></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-90983958365342863952022-09-09T17:00:00.001-05:002022-09-09T17:00:00.173-05:00Audiofeed 2022: A Return Back Home!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">After the </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a><span> pandemic caused a pause on larger groups gathering together for most of 2020 and 2021, </span><a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a><span> returned in 2022! In both 2020 and 2021, the folks who run </span><a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a><span> tried to find ways to have the event, however ultimately held off both years due to local restrictions and trying to be as safe as possible for all of us who love this community...holding onto hope that one day we could come together again.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had acquired a new camera in that time - a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. It had a microphone input jack so I also bought an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024</a> microphone to use with it. I also bought a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/cameras/camera-accessories/batteries" target="_blank">Canon BG-E18</a> battery grip which one could use two batteries at the same time, extending the shooting time available. All of these combined for a better experience in capturing <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> this year, however, I realized with some of the clips that I poorly chose my microphone settings, not realizing how loud it was and therefore having some audio peaking and distortion. My apologies for that. It turns out there was a learning experience to be had! This camera allows for 30 minutes of recording before reaching the limit and stopping the process. I learned this at a <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> show a few months earlier so I was prepared for dealing with this. I still would like to improve the steadiness of my shooting, even with the tripod, adjusting the zoom, the direction I'm shooting, or the focus tends to be a bit shaky.</div><br />I created introductory clips for each performance mostly using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on my <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> adding bad television and bad film effects in <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on my <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a>. I used the full lineup flyer of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> as well as the lineup card flyers for each day, drawing an underline under each artist. I typed in artists names in blank space on the daily lineup flyers for those acts who either played on the Front Porch or the Park (Kid's Zone). I made a mistake on both <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> and <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a> sets at the Park by putting them on the wrong dates. I didn't feel like redoing this so I just left the mistakes. In adding the additional effects in <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a>, I also created it to have a transparent background so I could layer it onto the video footage.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9X6EHWECPns" width="560" youtube-src-id="9X6EHWECPns"></iframe><br />For a promotional video clip for this entire project, I used <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed's</a> full lineup flyer and each day's lineup card flyer along with some short clips from each performance. These were the same clips I used in the video project I created for each day. In <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a>, I used a motion path and zoom effect to maneuver the flyer and lineup card into place. I actually created it reverse of how I wanted it to appear. I changed the speed to make it faster and then reversed the file once I put it in place in <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a>. Initially, I intended to have all those clips continuing to play as each new one appeared on screen but I realized unless I scaled the clips down to a point that they would be nearly impossible to see, I was going to run out of screen space. I decided instead of having it all playing, I created a freeze frame once each lineup card was in place then layered the performance clips from each artist scaled down to 30% randomly throughout the screen. I set each clip to zoom out from the name on the lineup card. I allotted 15 seconds per day at which point the next day's lineup card was set in motion. As the next day's lineup card set into place, I faded out from the previous clips, set another freeze frame with the lineup card set in place, then set the next artist performance clips to zoom out from their place in the lineup card...repeating the process for each day. Again, I wanted this to have a transparent background so I could layer it over the other video footage. My idea was to set it in place over the footage of our arrival at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> while we waited for our wristbands and any other instructions.<br /><br />As I have done since the projects I created for <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone</a> starting in 2007 and continued with festivals I've attended ever since (including the previous <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed Festivals</a>), I created a daily summary video with clips of the artists that were mostly 30 seconds (these same clips were used in the promotional video). There are some that were longer due to what was being said by the artists before or after the songs. Along with these performance clips is footage from throughout the day.<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>06.30.2022</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VgWLEzSXfmo" width="560" youtube-src-id="VgWLEzSXfmo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/VgWLEzSXfmo">https://youtu.be/VgWLEzSXfmo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thursday June 30th, 2022 was early access day. We loaded up with plans to leave Chicago for Champaign sometime between noon and 1:00pm. It ended up being closer to 1:30pm when we were able to head out. The trip is pretty much a straight shot down I-57. I-57 was one construction zone after another! It took a lot longer than we anticipated. I figured we'd stop at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> prior to going to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> but we ended up going directly to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. Our arrival was over an hour later than I figured. Besides the many construction zones, most of the rest areas were also closed. The first one we found that was open wasn't all that far from Champaign. We took advantage of it. I captured a clip of a pay phone that was there...a relic of the past. I also captured footage of the rest area playground that they have in Illinois. As we approached Champaign, the GPS kept re-routing us due to a road closure. It turned out to be the interchange for I-74. I ignored the initial re-routing and once we found the interchange was under construction and we would not be able to use the ramp, I continued to the next exit as the GPS instructed. I did not follow its commands to head back north on I-57 but instead took the exit which was University Avenue and drove into Champaign by that road. We passed through the University of Illinois campus and arrived at our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. There were four <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> sites in Champaign. Three were on the campus and the other was a couple blocks away from our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>, however, we didn't visit any of them. I thought we might try after <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> was over.<br /><br />We checked into the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>, unloaded all that we needed in there and waited on Skot and Rachel Shaw to arrive. Once they arrived and got unloaded, we relaxed a bit then decided to head to the fairgrounds to begin our 2022 experience of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>!<br /><br />I used the song "Rock-N-Rule" by <a href="https://emerymusic.com/" target="_blank">Emery</a> due to the lyric regarding "driving around Chicago to Champaign"...it just felt right. After capturing and editing pieces of the drive, I chose to do a sped up clip of us driving into the fairgrounds and waiting to get our wristbands. I returned to regular speed as we approached the gate. I decided to also layer the title and intro clips on this footage.<br /><br /> Jim Eisenmenger greeted us and reminded us of how things work with parking at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>. It was all basically the same as it had been in the years prior. Once parked, covered in bug spray and sunscreen, and loaded with my camera and tripod, we headed in! It was so good to be back! First stop was at the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers</a> tents. The Sheehy's were asked to bring their ministry this year. It was set up as a place to relax and fellowship. They were set up near the front gates of <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> rather than down at the bottom of the grounds where <a href="https://asylumministries.org/" target="_blank">The Asylum</a> would usually set up. In fact, there was nothing down there...potentially due to flooding in previous years. Having the Sheehy's and the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers Ministry</a> was a good and refreshing change.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dp3-8BBaa5E" width="560" youtube-src-id="Dp3-8BBaa5E"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Dp3-8BBaa5E">https://youtu.be/Dp3-8BBaa5E</a></div>From there, I headed over to the Black Sheep stage where <a href="https://www.facebook.com/harry.gore.75" target="_blank">Harry Gore</a> was playing some tunes as part of the early access day shows. It was good to see and hear him again. I captured a cover of "Treasure of the Broken Land" by <a href="https://www.markheard.net/" target="_blank">Mark Heard</a> which ended his set. He gave <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> a hearty "Welcome back!" I saw the Hamptons and their <a href="http://www.orcsleather.com/" target="_blank">ORCS Leather</a> merch set up...I figured I'd see them again throughout the fest weekend!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylFRxPnmDao" width="560" youtube-src-id="ylFRxPnmDao"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/ylFRxPnmDao">https://youtu.be/ylFRxPnmDao</a><br />Though I had heard talk of <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> being moved to where <a href="https://asylumministries.org/" target="_blank">The Asylum</a> had been, <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> had their tent in the middle of the dirt track as has been usual and I headed over there next to catch Families. On my way over there, I captured a helicopter flying to the nearby hospital. I captured a new song by <a href="https://familiesband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Families</a>. There were technical issues going on so the last couple of songs including the one I captured were played unplugged in front of the stage.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2S5ZPPgHieo" width="560" youtube-src-id="2S5ZPPgHieo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/2S5ZPPgHieo">https://youtu.be/2S5ZPPgHieo</a><br />I started the grill to cook sausages for Elphie and me. While letting the fire burn for a bit, I went back over to Black Sheep to catch the end of <a href="https://thewayside.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Wayside</a> set. I captured "Ain't No Easy Way," a cover of <a href="https://www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/" target="_blank">Black Rebel Motorcycle Club</a>. It ended up being the last song of the set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KDi_Fb_9Ces" width="560" youtube-src-id="KDi_Fb_9Ces"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/KDi_Fb_9Ces">https://youtu.be/KDi_Fb_9Ces</a><br />I went back to my grill and while talking with Pastor Dave Hart and slicing onions, I inadvertently sliced my finger pretty good. It bled a bit so I grabbed a rag from the trunk to wrap my finger. I finished slicing the onions and got everything on the grill then went over to see <a href="https://parentalpetulance.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Parental Petulance</a> playing by the port-o-potties behind <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a>. They decided to do their set out at the port-o-potties due to the issues with the sound equipment on the stage. I captured "Creepin' While You're Sleepin'." At the end of their set, Andreas Larsen climbed up on the port-o-potties and jumped off into the port-o-pit! I wish I had captured that moment and song!<br /><br />I went to wash out my finger and it was still bleeding some so I went to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a> to get see if Mama Linda had any band aids. She sprayed it with some bacteria spray and I got a couple band aids then returned to get the sausages off the grill so Elphie and I could eat. I spoke briefly with the Bradshaws and would catch up more with them later.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U7aaUFWxRBg" width="560" youtube-src-id="U7aaUFWxRBg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/U7aaUFWxRBg">https://youtu.be/U7aaUFWxRBg</a><br /><u>Setlist:</u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Destroy Nate Allen Intro</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Loving You Means Everything To Me<br />3. Corn On The Cob<br />4. Brake Lights<br />5. Grocery Store</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Thunderstorm</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. His Lips Are Sealed, Hallelujah!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After eating, we both went to <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> to see <a href="https://destroynateallen.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a>! I captured the entire set. It was fun! Before heading there, I tried to catch some of <a href="https://randystonehill.com/" target="_blank">Randy Stonehill</a>. I did hear part of a song but he was talking for a while before the next song started and so I headed over to <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> to be set up and ready when <a href="https://destroynateallen.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a> got started. There is a little bit of distorted audio on the video footage from this set due to not recognizing how loud it was in the <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> tent and not adjusting the microphone accordingly.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/POyN4ObLjUc" width="560" youtube-src-id="POyN4ObLjUc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/POyN4ObLjUc">https://youtu.be/POyN4ObLjUc</a><br /><a href="https://insomniacfolklore.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Insomniac Folklore</a> played after <a href="https://destroynateallen.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a> at <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> and Elphie got asked to pass out candles for the last song. I decided that would be the song I would capture and it was called "Wholly, Holy" with bits of "This Little Light Of Mine" and the "Doxology" mixed in. I'm glad to have captured that performance. I wrote the title wrong on the caption that is embedded in the video.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i8hPa-aFjrs" width="560" youtube-src-id="i8hPa-aFjrs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/i8hPa-aFjrs">https://youtu.be/i8hPa-aFjrs</a><br />I headed back to Black Sheep to see <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/gkb" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser Band</a>, catching the very end of the set. Glenn spoke for a bit then played "Spontaneous Combustion."<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uYEIWRbfz34" width="560" youtube-src-id="uYEIWRbfz34"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/uYEIWRbfz34">https://youtu.be/uYEIWRbfz34</a><br />I returned to the Sanctuary to catch a bit of <a href="https://angelmachine-us.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Angel Machine</a> and captured "Awake" then wandered a bit around the grounds before hanging at the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers</a> tents with Elphie and others. Folks didn't seem to be hanging around very late but we thought maybe it was because it was just early access day.<br /><br />It was definitely good to be back! It was awesome to see some friends we haven't seen since the last festival.<br /><br />Back at the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>, Skot and I hung out in the living room for a while drinking the Mead he had made. It was pretty good.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>07.01.2022</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HqiAmCKiRsk" width="560" youtube-src-id="HqiAmCKiRsk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/HqiAmCKiRsk">https://youtu.be/HqiAmCKiRsk</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We woke up on Friday July 1st, 2022 and had breakfast and coffee at the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. We arrived back at the fairgrounds around 1:00pm. On my way to the Black Sheep stage, I captured a little bit of footage walking in. Guy Allen stopped me to show me the bicycle he bought from one of the vendors. I also captured a shot showing the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a> while someone (I didn't catch his name) was playing the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFrontPorchLiveMusicPhiloIl" target="_blank">Front Porch</a>.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cuos9nsxCOA" width="560" youtube-src-id="Cuos9nsxCOA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Cuos9nsxCOA">https://youtu.be/Cuos9nsxCOA</a><br />The first band I captured was <a href="https://moraldk.com/" target="_blank">Moral DK</a>. <a href="https://moraldk.com/" target="_blank">Moral DK</a> consists of members of <a href="https://undercover.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Undercover</a>. I liked their sound. I captured "Pink Champagne." A guy named Eli Snow approached me about using my footage for some project he was doing for <a href="https://undercover.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Undercover</a>. I told him I would send the footage to him when I could after the fest. I'm not sure what his affiliation was or if he is just an enthusiast but I figure he can do whatever he may wish with the video...and hopefully is kind enough to credit me for my footage.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B_6KjztTqVM" width="560" youtube-src-id="B_6KjztTqVM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/B_6KjztTqVM">https://youtu.be/B_6KjztTqVM</a><br />I wandered over to the Park which is where the children's activities take place. <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> were playing a set. I captured a song entirely in Spanish, however, I couldn't recall the name nor could I catch it when Sara announced it.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QR6_3_uapL4" width="560" youtube-src-id="QR6_3_uapL4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/QR6_3_uapL4">https://youtu.be/QR6_3_uapL4</a><br />I hung around with folks for a bit then headed to Black Sheep to see <a href="https://revisionistofficial.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Revisionist</a>, capturing "Amen" from their set. I heard them on the <a href="https://asthestorygrows.com/" target="_blank">"As The Story Grows"</a> podcast so I wanted to check them out!<br /><br />Afterwards, I caught up with Elphie who was with Rachel at Guy's booth. Elphie was getting a strawberry lemon shakeup. Lee, the infamous mullet donning man who also is avid about recording live footage apparently, came up to us. I guess he recognized Elphie first. He indicated he had some DvDs he wanted to give us. He had apparently filmed the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> set at Division Street Festival in Chicago a few weeks earlier. We had missed it due to being in North Carolina during that weekend. He wanted to give me a copy of his footage and to give it to the guys in <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot</a> as well. I pointed out Josh Robieson over in the children's area in case he wanted to give it to Josh. It was nice to catch up with Lee for a bit.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k6XUqRPDPio" width="560" youtube-src-id="k6XUqRPDPio"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/k6XUqRPDPio">https://youtu.be/k6XUqRPDPio</a><br />I was able to catch up with <a href="https://jonathanhape.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Jonathan Hape</a> and a few other folks before heading back to Black Sheep for <a href="https://thedancemyth.com/" target="_blank">Dan Smith's</a> solo set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zB7VSKZwTxs" width="560" youtube-src-id="zB7VSKZwTxs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/zB7VSKZwTxs">https://youtu.be/zB7VSKZwTxs</a><br />I headed down to where I parked to prepare the grill and venison steak for our dinner. I got the fire going and put the corn on then headed back out to see <a href="https://ping.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Elbel + Ping</a> play on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFrontPorchLiveMusicPhiloIl" target="_blank">Front Porch</a>. While preparing to capture some footage, it began to rain so I set up under the cover of the tent for Black Sheep. I am glad I did! The rain really began to come down...perhaps that makes this video that much more interesting. The band played on and I captured a song, then waited for the rain to at least slow if not stop completely so I could finish cooking our food! I left my camera bag at the car so I didn't have that as an option to protect my camera if I had gone into the rain! It was a fairly short lived storm so I was able to get over and finally get the meat on the grill. This delay sort of messed up my plans for a little while on seeing some bands. I missed <a href="https://www.facebook.com/idlethreatnashville" target="_blank">Idle Threat</a>, <a href="https://www.jayjosephmusic.com/" target="_blank">Jay Joseph</a>, and <a href="https://www.americanarson.com/" target="_blank">American Arson</a> unfortunately.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCIuFKlZpqc" width="560" youtube-src-id="vCIuFKlZpqc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/vCIuFKlZpqc">https://youtu.be/vCIuFKlZpqc</a><br />I pulled the meat for Elphie and let mine cook a bit longer while I ate the corn. I headed over to Burningtown a little bit late after taking some meat to Guy to capture the <a href="https://destroynateallen.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a> "With Our Powers Combined" anniversary show featuring a full band with members of <a href="https://coxeysarmy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Coxey's Army</a> and <a href="https://mustbuildjacuzzi.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Must Build Jacuzz</a>i. I ended up capturing "Great Idea." I left a bit early too so I could eat my food. I gave a piece to Stewart as well!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aDvNjutmObQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="aDvNjutmObQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/aDvNjutmObQ">https://youtu.be/aDvNjutmObQ</a><br />I went to Black Sheep to see <a href="https://narrowarrow.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Narrow/Arrow</a>. I didn't have the microphone set up properly so the audio is a bit distorted during this clip.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mbwoYovxnRM" width="560" youtube-src-id="mbwoYovxnRM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/mbwoYovxnRM">https://youtu.be/mbwoYovxnRM</a><br />I returned to Burningtown to see a little bit of the set by <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/teel-short" target="_blank">Teel Short</a>. I was able to see a few songs before going to Black Sheep again. On my way to Black Sheep, <a href="https://mlow.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">M-Low</a> was playing on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFrontPorchLiveMusicPhiloIl" target="_blank">Front Porch</a>. I meant to capture a song then but instead I just got a shot of the clouds illuminated by the sunset. David Eugene Edwards seemed to be getting ready to start the <a href="https://wovenhandband.com/" target="_blank">Wovenhand</a> set and I didn't want to miss any of that so I get in the tent and set up.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wFALqZh4D1Q" width="560" youtube-src-id="wFALqZh4D1Q"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/wFALqZh4D1Q">https://youtu.be/wFALqZh4D1Q</a><br /><u>Setlist:</u><br />1. All Your Waves<br />2. Kingdom Of Ice<br />3. Outlaw Song<br />4. The Speaking Hands<br />5. Signs Of The Zodiac<br />6. Triptych<br />7. Hutterite Mile<br />8. Whistling Girl<br />9. As I Went Out One Morning<br />10. Horse Head<br />11. Deerskin Doll<br />12. White Bird<br />13. Horse Head Fiddle</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I captured the entire <a href="https://wovenhandband.com/" target="_blank">Wovenhand</a> set! It was awesome! Even solo, it was a show I am glad I didn't miss. Unfortunate scheduling meant that <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> was playing during the <a href="https://wovenhandband.com/" target="_blank">Wovenhand</a> set...apparently Skot had some surprises planned for the set. Still, I was glad to see and capture the entire <a href="https://wovenhandband.com/" target="_blank">Wovenhand</a> set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6h7hs-3rubg" width="560" youtube-src-id="6h7hs-3rubg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/6h7hs-3rubg">https://youtu.be/6h7hs-3rubg</a><br />I did make it to <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> for one song by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>. It was a sort of unplanned encore performance of "Il Modo Che Tutto Si Svela (The Way It All Unfolds)" and I was able to at least capture that.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JXGW05yIDKo" width="560" youtube-src-id="JXGW05yIDKo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/JXGW05yIDKo">https://youtu.be/JXGW05yIDKo</a><br />I returned to Black Sheep and captured "The Eyes Of Love" by <a href="https://undercover.bandcamp.com/">Undercover</a>. I watched probably half of the set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gKqtXwz1iTE" width="560" youtube-src-id="gKqtXwz1iTE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/gKqtXwz1iTE">https://youtu.be/gKqtXwz1iTE</a><br />I went back over to <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> for <a href="https://graverobberpunk.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a> and captured "Rigor Mortis." I wanted to capture that song for a long time and glad I finally got the chance! I watched the rest of their set and headed toward Radon but found that <a href="https://undercover.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Undercover</a> was still playing so I went to see the rest of their set. It was their last song.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mQB9PGCSRd0" width="560" youtube-src-id="mQB9PGCSRd0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/mQB9PGCSRd0">https://youtu.be/mQB9PGCSRd0</a><br />After they finished, then I went to Radon for the <a href="https://www.ericclaytonandthenine.com/" target="_blank">Eric Clayton and Friends</a> performance. He told some stories as well as playing a few songs. This was the plan as listed on the announcement flyer. Members of <a href="https://undercover.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Undercover</a> were meant to be playing with him as well as Shawn Browning but since both of those shows just ended, they were a bit late to the party! I ended up capturing "Love Never Dies" and again the audio is pretty severely distorted due inadvertently to having the microphone on the wrong setting.<br /><br />At the end of the night, Elphie and I hung out at the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers Tents</a> for a while again before heading back to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. Again, most folks were not hanging around late into the night for some reason.<br /><br />Back at the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>, Skot brought out another batch of Mead and we hung out in the living room for a while once again...this time not realizing day was breaking!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>07.02.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hjmE2IvmaIA" width="560" youtube-src-id="hjmE2IvmaIA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/hjmE2IvmaIA">https://youtu.be/hjmE2IvmaIA</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Elphie and the Shaw's went to eat with Jennifer Mercy and the Geeseman on Saturday July 2nd, 2022. I decided to stay back and head to <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> once I showered. I think I had misread when <a href="https://allhallowedmusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">All Hallowed</a> was supposed to start. As I got dressed, I realized that they were already starting. I tried to get ready the rest of the way quickly and catch at least the end of their set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dWKTGsRU06o" width="560" youtube-src-id="dWKTGsRU06o"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/dWKTGsRU06o">https://youtu.be/dWKTGsRU06o</a><br />Once I arrived and got set up, I think <a href="https://allhallowedmusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">All Hallowed</a> played two or three more songs. I captured one and realized part way through I hadn't turned on the microphone. I continued to record anyway. I captured their cover of "Seven Nation Army" and realized part way through that I had the microphone set too hot. I switched the setting then ended up capturing "Kill" without all the distorted audio. <a href="https://allhallowedmusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">All Hallowed</a> was another band I learned about listening to the <a href="https://asthestorygrows.com/" target="_blank">"As The Story Grows"</a> podcast.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4IjyrtwRrA" width="560" youtube-src-id="p4IjyrtwRrA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/p4IjyrtwRrA">https://youtu.be/p4IjyrtwRrA</a><br /><a href="https://mlow.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">M-Low</a> played another <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFrontPorchLiveMusicPhiloIl" target="_blank">Front Porch</a> set right after so I was able to capture "Island Nut" from his set before venturing other places. I still needed to put on sunscreen and bug spray! Again, I had the microphone set too hot so there's distortion in the audio for that clip.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0vjFeJ04uGc" width="560" youtube-src-id="0vjFeJ04uGc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0vjFeJ04uGc">https://youtu.be/0vjFeJ04uGc</a><br />After going to the car to apply the bug spray and sunscreen, I headed over to Burning Town for <a href="https://kevinschlereth.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Schlereth's</a> set. I captured a song he wrote during the Lenten season. Yet again, the audio is a bit distorted due to my lack of awareness of how hot the microphone setting was.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oUYuz8xvL2c" width="560" youtube-src-id="oUYuz8xvL2c"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/oUYuz8xvL2c">https://youtu.be/oUYuz8xvL2c</a><br />I went over to The Park to see a little bit of <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a> set, and captured a song about Bees. I'm glad that I did because I ended up missing their Burning Town set later in the evening due to wanting to capture the Wedding Party set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kBn5xedn1T4" width="560" youtube-src-id="kBn5xedn1T4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/kBn5xedn1T4">https://youtu.be/kBn5xedn1T4</a><br />I headed over to the <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> for <a href="https://xdoulosx.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">XDoulosX</a>. I captured a song which was described as being about the struggle with addition. They scratched the old school hardcore itch!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nDHHR-RGC_o" width="560" youtube-src-id="nDHHR-RGC_o"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/nDHHR-RGC_o">https://youtu.be/nDHHR-RGC_o</a><br />Back at Black Sheep, I captured the last song performed by <a href="https://wearespaceships.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">SPACESHIPS</a> for their set called "Parallel." I was glad I caught part of their set. Over the pandemic, I found their music once again due to listening to the <a href="https://asthestorygrows.com/" target="_blank">"As The Story Grows"</a> podcast, though I had heard of them before...I just didn't realize I liked it as I know now!<br /><br />Returning to the <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a>, I captured a new song from <a href="https://insomniacfolklore.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Insomniac Folklore</a> called "On To The Kingdom" which I really liked. They played a few newer tunes that will be recorded in the eventual future as well as a bit off the Everything Will Burn album. They also wore their stage make up and costumes they have used from the Everything Will Burn tours.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eDr-Vy6KTMo" width="560" youtube-src-id="eDr-Vy6KTMo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/eDr-Vy6KTMo">https://youtu.be/eDr-Vy6KTMo</a><br /><u>Setlist:</u><br />1. Intro/Prayer/Technical Difficulties</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. To The Unknown God (more technical difficulties)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Crystal River</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Lamb</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Bury The Dead</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Raven's Warning</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. War Memorial</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Omega</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. No More Night</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I captured the entirety of the set by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/weddingpartyofficial" target="_blank">Wedding Party</a>...technical issues with the sound at <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> and all (thankfully I didn't have audio issues with my recording!). The schedule wasn't exactly clear about what was happening during their set since it was a "dinner break" set combined with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PastorBobBeeman" target="_blank">Pastor Bob Beeman's</a> speaking time. I got set up and ready in case <a href="https://www.facebook.com/weddingpartyofficial" target="_blank">Wedding Party</a> was playing first. I ended up missing the set of <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a>. I did end up with footage of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PastorBobBeeman" target="_blank">Pastor Bob Beeman's</a> message along with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/weddingpartyofficial" target="_blank">Wedding Party</a> set. As the set went on, things did improve sound wise. <a href="https://www.ericclaytonandthenine.com/" target="_blank">Eric Clayton</a> made a guest appearance as well. There was a "Wedding Reception" planned at the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers</a> tents after the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/weddingpartyofficial" target="_blank">Wedding Party</a> set was over. The food arrived before the end of the set since things had been delayed with the various technical difficulties and sound issues. I planned to head over to that a bit later.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9DJsnF4J_Y8" width="560" youtube-src-id="9DJsnF4J_Y8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/9DJsnF4J_Y8">https://youtu.be/9DJsnF4J_Y8</a><br /><a href="https://www.iamlistener.com/" target="_blank">Listener</a> was playing at Black Sheep so I headed over there to catch a few songs at least. I captured "There's Money In The Walls." I was near the back of the tent and decided to leave through the opening back there during the end of <a href="https://www.iamlistener.com/" target="_blank">Listener'</a>s set and noticed everyone staring at the sky or taking photos. It turned out to be a huge rainbow out there! I captured some footage and shots of it myself! As I walked over to the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers</a> tent area to get some food from the "Wedding Reception" that rainbow began to turn pink with the sunset! While enjoying the food, I got to talk with Andy Whitten for quite a while. He was somewhat stranded for an extra day due to his vehicle breaking down as he arrived to play with <a href="https://graverobberpunk.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a>! It was a good time talking with Andy.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3tiVszk8r28" width="560" youtube-src-id="3tiVszk8r28"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/3tiVszk8r28">https://youtu.be/3tiVszk8r28</a><br />I decided to head back over to Black Sheep to catch some of <a href="https://www.rosiethomas.com/" target="_blank">Rosie Thomas'</a> set. Along the way, there were fireworks going off north of the grounds that I captured along with Michael Bridgewater's son playing his saxophone in his fancy outfit near the food vendors. <a href="https://www.rosiethomas.com/" target="_blank">Rosie</a> talked about taking a break from playing music live and having children, giving some entertaining stories of all that. I captured a short song she played after a relatively long monologue.<br /><br />I headed back over to the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers</a> tent, capturing footage of the food spread from the Wedding Reception. A guy dressed as a ninja came along, the only ninja at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> this year it seemed. He was talking about someone mentioning wanting a picture or video of him doing num-chuks so I decided to capture his num-chuck skills for a minute. While hanging out, Pastor Dave Hart performed a marriage ceremony for <a href="https://www.ericclaytonandthenine.com/" target="_blank">Eric and Kristin Clayton</a>, even though they had been married during the pandemic in Germany. This allowed them to wed with friends as witnesses without masks and plexiglass between them.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vt5vLIJsB6g" width="560" youtube-src-id="vt5vLIJsB6g"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/vt5vLIJsB6g">https://youtu.be/vt5vLIJsB6g</a><br />I went back to the Black Sheep to see <a href="https://davidbazan.com/" target="_blank">Pedro The Lion</a> and captured "First Drum Set." I ended up sitting down for a while when I saw a chair open up. I may have sat too long as it was a bit difficult to get back up! I guess I'm getting old. I enjoyed the <a href="https://davidbazan.com/" target="_blank">Pedro The Lion</a> set. <a href="https://davidbazan.com/" target="_blank">Dave Bazan</a> mentioned feeling "triggered" being in Illinois in a tent in summer after the many years of playing <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone</a>. I found it a bit odd in that he'd played <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> previously but I hope he enjoyed his time even if he was triggered.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a8BrR6fsu7M" width="560" youtube-src-id="a8BrR6fsu7M"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/a8BrR6fsu7M">https://youtu.be/a8BrR6fsu7M</a><br />I ended the night watching the <a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a> set in Radon. As they sound checked, Elphie and I hung around by the <a href="https://www.iamtunedup.com/" target="_blank">Tuned Up</a> booth with the <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Castros</a>. We filled out the Bingo Card and I got two Bingos! I got up to move more center in the room to capture some footage which ended up being "Hurricane."<br /><br />After <a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a> finished up and we hung for a bit longer, Elphie and I then went over to the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers</a> tent to hang again for a while. Most folks were gone or in bed again. I captured K.Ick riding his motorcycle but out of focus along with the lights of the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers</a> tent and surrounding parking lots and hospital. We then headed out to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>07.03.2022<br /></b></u><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bLxPXyakHXk" width="560" youtube-src-id="bLxPXyakHXk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/bLxPXyakHXk">https://youtu.be/bLxPXyakHXk</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday July 3rd, 2022, we got a later start than I had hoped getting ready and getting to the festival grounds. I actually didn't even start filming anything until reaching The Park where <a href="https://insomniacfolklore.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Insomniac Folklore</a> was playing. I had captured "Mountains And Continents" but forgot to turn on the microphone so the footage is a silent film. I didn't include it in the project.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PhGO-RrbskM" width="560" youtube-src-id="PhGO-RrbskM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/PhGO-RrbskM">https://youtu.be/PhGO-RrbskM</a><br />I quickly moved over to Burningtown where <a href="https://goodsaintnathanael.com/" target="_blank">Good Saint Nathanael</a> was playing. He asked me to capture his entire set...but again, I had forgotten to turn the microphone on so the beginning is silent. When I did turn on the microphone, I set it too high and alot of the audio is distorted, unfortunately. I decided to save a clip to share from the set where the distortion seemed minimal and sent Nate the file of the set because he still wanted it despite the poor audio quality.<br /><br />For a much better experience, watch this footage that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/jeffsummstl" target="_blank">Jeff Summers</a> captured! He's got a lot of other great footage too!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lsiOv-uuFy8" width="560" youtube-src-id="lsiOv-uuFy8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/lsiOv-uuFy8">https://youtu.be/lsiOv-uuFy8</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5yY9QgwynIY" width="560" youtube-src-id="5yY9QgwynIY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/5yY9QgwynIY">https://youtu.be/5yY9QgwynIY</a><br />After Nate Allen finished up his <a href="https://goodsaintnathanael.com/" target="_blank">Good Saint Nathanael</a> set, I headed to <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> to see another Nate play in his band <a href="https://coxeysarmy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Coxey's Army</a>. It was a fun set! I captured "Faithful" which was dedicated to a friend to many of us, Skip Brooks.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mMR2vhn9WgQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="mMR2vhn9WgQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/mMR2vhn9WgQ">https://youtu.be/mMR2vhn9WgQ</a><br />While <a href="https://coxeysarmy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Coxey's Army</a> was setting up, Elphie went to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFrontPorchLiveMusicPhiloIl" target="_blank">the Front Porch</a> and captured some footage of The Nick House Party. She ended up missing <a href="https://coxeysarmy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Coxey's Army</a>.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HLlSlFkSYWs" width="560" youtube-src-id="HLlSlFkSYWs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/HLlSlFkSYWs">https://youtu.be/HLlSlFkSYWs</a><br />I stuck around at <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> and watched <a href="https://mustbuildjacuzzi.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Must Build Jacuzzi</a> play their fun set. It got extremely dusty with the movement going on! I captured a song from their set as well as Nate and Ryan from <a href="https://coxeysarmy.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Coxey's Army</a>, uh, sharing a candy, ha!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S1UuO4J3xvw" width="560" youtube-src-id="S1UuO4J3xvw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/S1UuO4J3xvw">https://youtu.be/S1UuO4J3xvw</a><br />At this point I hit the part of the day's schedule where about every stage had someone playing that I wanted to see. I started at Black Sheep capturing a clip of <a href="https://spokennerd.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Spoken Nerd</a>. While there, Nate Allen approached about wanting to indulge in a game of catch that we discussed prior to the festival online. I told him I'd be down to do it in a little while.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z-mYs1X6c_U" width="560" youtube-src-id="z-mYs1X6c_U"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/z-mYs1X6c_U">https://youtu.be/z-mYs1X6c_U</a><br />I ran over to Radon to see a little bit of <a href="https://www.levithepoet.net/" target="_blank">Levi The Poet</a> and captured a song while there as well.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c9QMmKFxaVE" width="560" youtube-src-id="c9QMmKFxaVE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/c9QMmKFxaVE">https://youtu.be/c9QMmKFxaVE</a><br />I finished my running around at Burningtown to catch the end of <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> set and captured "Pumpkin Pie." They had <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a> backing them. Marco took a bit of a run in the midst of the song!<br /><br />After this, I decided to get a quesadilla from the food truck. After eating it, I got my glove and found Nate in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a> so we could have our catch. It was fun! We had hip hop as a soundtrack!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jfS6G5JGi3Q" width="560" youtube-src-id="jfS6G5JGi3Q"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/jfS6G5JGi3Q">https://youtu.be/jfS6G5JGi3Q</a><br />After the catch, I put my glove away then headed to Radon to catch a bit of <a href="https://grrrrecords.com/max-simmons" target="_blank">Max Simmon's</a> set. When he finished up, I got a Strawberry Lemon Shake-Up and Deep Fried Oreos from Guy Allen! While waiting for my order, I met some of the dudes from <a href="https://www.mecoclub.com/" target="_blank">Meco Club</a> (Elijah and someone else I can't recall the name) who worked on the recent <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> music videos. It was cool meeting them and talking for a bit before going to Radon for more music!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6IJegftNMEo" width="560" youtube-src-id="6IJegftNMEo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/6IJegftNMEo">https://youtu.be/6IJegftNMEo</a><br />Back at Radon, I captured a song from <a href="https://hushpad3.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">hushpad</a> and ate my Deep Fried Oreos while drinking my Strawberry Lemon Shake-Up. I saved some for Elphie who I was able to find before going to Black Sheep to see the <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a>.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zzbvJePsIHw" width="560" youtube-src-id="zzbvJePsIHw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/zzbvJePsIHw">https://youtu.be/zzbvJePsIHw</a><br />I was able to see about half of the <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a> set and captured "Too Late" before heading down to <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/" target="_blank">Sanctuary</a> for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BubWalkerAndTheTombsTones" target="_blank">Bub Walker and the TombsTones</a> set.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pAEiQKy2w-c" width="560" youtube-src-id="pAEiQKy2w-c"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/pAEiQKy2w-c">https://youtu.be/pAEiQKy2w-c</a><br /><u>Setlist:</u><br />1. Intro<br />2. The Tones Of the Tombs<br />3. Surfer Brain<br />4. Misirlou<br />5. I'll Die Once, You'll Die Twice<br />6. Flesh Eating Covenant<br />7. Hava Nagila<br />8. Larus Infectis Mortem<br />9. Urushiol Tsunami<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BubWalkerAndTheTombsTones" target="_blank">Bub Walker and the TombsTones</a> was one of the bands I decided I wanted to capture the entire set from. I got set up with plenty of time. It was a fun set! Tyler Hentschel played the role of Bub Walker once again! There was a point where some of the ladies took to the stage to dance. Anastasia Robieson was one of the ladies and she took on a mission of tossing beach balls back to the crowd. Both "Bub" and Andreas surfed the crowd on surfboards. All the shenanigans made it an awesome set to capture on video!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QAtOHA2183U" width="560" youtube-src-id="QAtOHA2183U"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/QAtOHA2183U">https://youtu.be/QAtOHA2183U</a><br />Back at the Black Sheep I was able to arrive in time to see the entire <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> set! I decided not to capture it in its entirety but had a couple different songs I was thinking about capturing. The one I went with was "Hourglass" with Little Jessi Dills playing trumpet. As usual, they put on a great show. It was the last "theme show" that they are doing so I was glad to have at least some footage from it. I had captured their set at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetherocknrollchicago" target="_blank">"Save The Rock-N-Roll" Fest</a> in Chicago in April and it was a pretty similar set of songs.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CHu6XldGL6U" width="560" youtube-src-id="CHu6XldGL6U"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/CHu6XldGL6U">https://youtu.be/CHu6XldGL6U</a><br /><a href="https://theunfortunate.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Ami Moss And The Unfortunate</a> finished off the festival playing in Radon. I got there toward the end of their set after hanging out with folks for a bit. It was a good set.<br /><br />After this, I captured a little bit of footage while wandering around. The celtic folk were once again having a late night jam session which we captured what seemed might be the very end of it. Over in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a> there weren't too many people hanging around so we went back to the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers tent</a> area and hung around there until quite late. The eastern sky was beginning to light up as we left.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>07.04.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tZBZ8gV3cP8" width="560" youtube-src-id="tZBZ8gV3cP8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/tZBZ8gV3cP8">https://youtu.be/tZBZ8gV3cP8</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday July 4th, 2022, we somewhat overslept and had to rush a bit to get out of the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> on time...well at least not too terribly late! After loading up and trying to make sure we left the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> in decent shape...and also making sure we didn't forget anything, Elphie and I headed back to the fairgrounds to see who was still around. I made a quick stop at the <a href="https://www.circlek.com/" target="_blank">Circle K</a> to get some of their exclusive <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> variant called Purple Thunder. It is supposedly Blackberry and Plum flavored. My understanding was it was only available in the fountain so that's how I got it. Apparently it also comes in bottles. I'm not sure if that's really what it tasted like but I didn't really care for it. At the fairgrounds parked by the now vacated <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers tent</a>. The Larsen's were still around at their RV next to the <a href="https://www.thegraverobbers.org/" target="_blank">Grave Robbers tent</a> so we hung with them for a minute. Lee also was driving around in his "Mulet2" car. We chatted with him a minute before he headed off for home, I suppose. We walked over to see Guy as he was tearing down his booth. While there, we learned that the corn sculpture toppled over on Sunday, that the vice president of the fair board had passed, and that a child had hit his head on a fan blade in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a>! A rather unfortunate series of events during the fest. Thankfully for the child, the hospital is just across the parking lots!<br /><br /><a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> drove up while we were there talking and told us that they were heading into Champaign for coffee. We also got to see the Hamptons for a bit as they were working on post-festival cleanup. We walked over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoadDogCafe" target="_blank">Road Dog Cafe</a> to see Mama Linda, Tara, Tony, and the rest. They were pretty much loaded up and ready to go. It was good to see them before they headed out.<br /><br />We headed back toward the car, seeing the Hamptons and Guy again along the way and then hung around at the Larsen's RV with the Allen's for a bit. When we decided to leave, Jim Eisenmenger mentioned how it was nice having "happy goths" this year. I definitely agreed with him! It was a refreshing change from previous years where drama centered certain members of that group.<br /><br />We left the fairgrounds and met with <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> downtown to get lunch at Signature Grill. It was an interesting spot serving Indian food. I got some sort of a Chicken Quesadilla. <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> had originally thought about staying in the area a bit longer but storms coming made them change plans and head back to Ohio.<br /><br />We decided at this point to start heading back toward Chicago. We didn't end up visiting any of the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> sites. Perhaps next year...<br /><br />As we drove, I decided to pull off at the first exit with a sign for <a href="https://www.caseys.com/" target="_blank">Casey's General Store</a> so I could try their <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> variant called Overdrive. I got it from the fountain, again, with the understanding it was the only option but I am learning now it also comes in bottles. This one was like a fruit punch, similar to the Southern Shock at <a href="https://www.bojangles.com/" target="_blank">Bojangles</a>. I liked it a lot more than the Purple Thunder variant from <a href="https://www.circlek.com/" target="_blank">Circle K</a>. As I was paying, the clerk was talking about the severe weather that was expected to hit soon. The clouds were quite dark...and they were in the direction we would be driving.<br /><br />Sure enough, a pretty significant storm hit shortly after we left while on the highway. We had to take it very slow for a while but eventually got through it and continued on our way toward Chicago. While stopping for gas I learned of a mass shooting that occurred in or around Chicago. I decided to look up information to find out where so I could know about any detours we might have to make and learned it was not really close to where we needed to go. I wish I had stopped at the exit before the one I took because the gas prices was considerably lower. We had to get through the edge of another storm before getting into Chicago. While driving in the southern suburbs, we saw a rainbow form! We arrived in early evening...just in time for the neighborhood fireworks to hit their peak!<br /><br />I felt this year the neighborhood fireworks weren't quite as impressive as in the previous years. Perhaps folks were hit by the inflation or choose to spend the money on things other than fireworks. Maybe it was because I didn't really participate as I did the last couple of years without <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>. All I had left were some bottle rockets which I used up. I did capture some footage of the fireworks and hung around outside much of the evening to watch whatever there was to see. I tried to capture some video footage of an airplane coming into Midway through the fireworks but I didn't quite achieve what I would have liked. Lightning began to creep into the skies as did some wind...I came inside a few minutes before another storm hit. I went to bed shortly after.<br /><br />Again, I was very happy to be back at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>...not having that community in real life for that long was way too long! It was understandable why it had to be this way, the safety of the community is important and necessary. I hope it can continue moving forward and folks who are still with us make their return next year along with lots of new people! The music was RAD and the community was awesome!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMccuOx8ICdeKouyrLeIRlz" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpMccuOx8ICdeKouyrLeIRlz"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMccuOx8ICdeKouyrLeIRlz">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMccuOx8ICdeKouyrLeIRlz</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Additional soundtrack includes "Rock-N-Rule" by <a href="https://emerymusic.com/" target="_blank">Emery</a> and "Lose My Mind" by <a href="https://squadfive-o.bandcamp.com/album/solid-gold" target="_blank">Squad Five-0</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Filmed using <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhones 6 and 8</a>, <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>, and <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024</a> microphone by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Maps, titles, and animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.<br /></div><br />Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-2062502800390911932022-08-18T17:18:00.005-05:002022-08-18T17:31:08.213-05:00mewithoutYou: "Farewell"<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">I created this blog to reminisce on my experiences with <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a>. Included is a playlist of video I captured over the years. Also included is some other footage that captured important moments as far as I was concerned.<br /><br />This weekend, <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> will finish off their "Farewell" tour with two hometown shows titled "The End of The End" which will thankfully be live streamed and available to watch for a month after. I am glad for the extended viewing time as not only can I not attend the shows, I have other shows I am going to during the time of the broadcasts! I will certainly be watching several times no doubt during the duration of having access to the live streams.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xw3FMbAegjM" width="560" youtube-src-id="Xw3FMbAegjM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Xw3FMbAegjM">https://youtu.be/Xw3FMbAegjM</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JY9c7IbpHWM" width="560" youtube-src-id="JY9c7IbpHWM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/JY9c7IbpHWM">https://youtu.be/JY9c7IbpHWM</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was fortunate enough to catch the very first show of the "Farewell" tour at <a href="https://www.thaliahallchicago.com/" target="_blank">Thalia Hall</a> in Chicago. I captured the opening song and the entire encore on video. They opened the set with "My Exit, Unfair" and the encore included "Torches Together," "In A Sweater Poorly Knit," and "Son Of A Widow."<br /><br />My friend and <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> documentarian Paul Harrison was also at that show and captured the entire set! He has a lot of other good footage on his YouTube channel called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PaulHarrisonVideos" target="_blank">"Christian Rock And Metal Nostalgia"</a> including a lot more <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> content. It is interesting looking through his stuff and seeing so much that I also captured...sometimes from eerily similar angles!<br /><br />I saw <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> for the very first time in the spring of 2002 I believe. They were on a tour with <a href="https://normajeannoise.com/" target="_blank">Norma Jean</a> who had recently changed their name from Lutikriss. I recall stickers cut up and rearranged to spell out <a href="https://normajeannoise.com/" target="_blank">Norma Jean</a> rather than Lutikriss. This show was in a garage in the back of a youth center called the Escape Zone (if I am recalling correctly) in Mount Vernon, Ohio where I attended Mount Vernon Nazarene University (I believe it was still a college that year). I also recall having been reprimanded at another show in that space for simply holding hands or having my arm around my then girlfriend as it was entirely too much PDA for such a setting! During that show, <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> were dressed in beatnik style and Aaron would jump between microphones because they were intermittently cutting out. Even with the technical difficulties, <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> stood out to me as something special. I bought the "I Never Said I Was Brave" EP that night and listened to it a lot. Toward the end of 2002, that girlfriend I mentioned ended up cheating on me with some other dude (or dudes?) and the lyrics of that EP and "A => B Life" seemed to echo how I felt in a way nothing else ever could.<br /><br />I would catch <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> many times over the next few years when they would play in Ohio...quite often at the Lime Spider in Akron. I also caught a set at Purple Door Fest in Pennsylvania in 2003.<br /><br />As healing came and I continued my trajectory toward ministry in the church, I found myself questioning things I'd see in the American church...along came "Catch For Us The Foxes" which again, lyrically, seemed to reflect the state of my life at the time.<br /><br />I believe in the summer of 2004, <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> played Akron at the Lime Spider then in Columbus at a small venue whose name I can't recall in the Short North on a back to back nights on a tour with <a href="https://twitter.com/noiseratchet" target="_blank">Noise Ratchet</a>...I went to both shows, going back to Mount Vernon to work during the day in between.<br /><br />Those earlier years, <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> would tour with some really great acts: <a href="https://theworkingtitle.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Working Title</a>, <a href="http://dustybrown.com/" target="_blank">Dusty Brown</a>, <a href="https://russiancirclesband.com/" target="_blank">Russian Circles</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/braziltheband/" target="_blank">Brazil</a> are just a few I recall where I left a show with unexpected new music! Not to mention collaborations with folks like <a href="https://normajeannoise.com/" target="_blank">Norma Jean</a>, <a href="https://timbre.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Timbre</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theurbansophisticates/" target="_blank">The Urban Sophisticates</a> and <a href="http://psalters.org/" target="_blank">the Psalters</a> at <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone</a>!<br /><br />2004 was also the first year I attended <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Festival</a> in Illinois. I caught the <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> set there, of course. I brought a camera to record whatever I could but its battery lasted no more than an hour so I was unable to capture that experience.<br /><br />I do have some footage from <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone 2005</a> of <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> I captured on that old video camera. A neighboring camper had a converter so I could charge it up! I have footage of every <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone</a> performance after that until they stopped coming after 2010.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/apvKxyR6Vzs" width="560" youtube-src-id="apvKxyR6Vzs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/apvKxyR6Vzs">https://youtu.be/apvKxyR6Vzs</a><br />One moment that really stuck out to me from a <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> show was the mainstage performance at <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone 2006</a>. I had captured three songs from that set...a song from each album. "Brother, Sister" was coming later in the year and they were playing new songs from it. I had done the same during their set on <a href="https://www.toothandnail.com/" target="_blank">Tooth And Nail Day</a> in an Encore Tent. The moment, however, was not one I captured but one that the <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone</a> media team captured, edited and put out. The entire set was something special. They ended it with "In A Sweater Poorly Knit" and invited anyone to come on stage to sing and dance if they wanted to. Timbre played harp (it was the first time of many since seeing her perform). Something about that song and that moment felt otherwordly...to me and my friend Greg who was there as well. When the song ended and the band left the stage, the usual murmur of the crowd seemed absent even as we left the area. It will always stick with me as a special moment. As great as that song is, nothing including other performances of that song has ever come close to that feeling of that moment. Some of that feeling returns each time I watch the clip!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IOXxdUa3G7w" width="560" youtube-src-id="IOXxdUa3G7w"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/IOXxdUa3G7w">https://youtu.be/IOXxdUa3G7w</a><br />I captured <a href="https://normajeannoise.com/" target="_blank">Norma Jean</a> performing Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste from their <a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone 2006</a> mainstage performance as well and included it in the <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> playlist because Aaron did his guest vocal. While I don't think it quite lived up to the video of the performance from Furnace Fest some years earlier, it was still a lot of fun! Josh Scogin also came out on that song to do additional vocals.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone</a> performances were all pretty awesome! I already mentioned the collaborations that happened...but often Aaron would get scheduled to speak on another stage. Usually he'd say something about how he's inadequate to speak on anything...or he wasn't aware of being scheduled but here we are. At least one occasion became a potluck jam session. You never really knew what you might be getting at these events!<br /><br />When "Brother, Sister" was released, once again the lyrical content seemed to be relatable to where I was in life. I'm not so sure the albums after that necessarily were as relatable however, I still really enjoyed each one. Even with the albums I like the least, I still like them a lot! There are very few artists that I feel can achieve that!<br /><br />As the years went on, I kept going to <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> shows where ever I could whenever I could. Through 2012, it was usually somewhere in Ohio. From 2007 through 2012, often it was in the vicinity of Cincinnati. The Mad Hatter in Covington, KY was host to a good number of shows...some occurred at the <a href="https://madisontheater.com/" target="_blank">Madison Theater</a>. I recall at least once travelling to Columbus because I wouldn't be able to attend the Cincinnati area show of that tour due to work.<br /><br />From 2012 until 2015, I lived in Pittsburgh I believe I only caught one show in Pittsburgh which was the Catch For Us The Foxes Anniversary. I traveled back to Cincinnati at least once for a <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> show during those years because of a scheduling conflict either with work or possibly with <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>. Marco Castro and I traveled up to Detroit for the <a href="https://underoath777.com/" target="_blank">Underoath</a> farewell tour and saw <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> there as well. I caught at least one <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> show in Chicago while still living in Pittsburgh. I happened to be in town visiting with Elphie prior to our marriage.<br /><br />In 2015, I moved to Chicago and consequently most <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> shows I have attended since that time were in the Chicago area. I went to a show in June 2015 in Chicago at the <a href="https://www.chicagoabbey.com/" target="_blank">Abbey Pub</a> then had to leave for Cincinnati immediately after for our wedding and preparations ahead of time! I did travel to Indianapolis for a show due to scheduling conflicts with the Chicago date on the A => B Life Anniversary tour. Often Paul Harrison would be at those shows as well and it would give us a chance to hang out a bit. While at these shows I typically only would capture a song to share, he'd capture the entire sets!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">MewithoutYou</a> is a band that seemed to transcend typical genre boundaries and friends from so many different "scenes" liked them. It was something I could share with most people I knew. I am grateful for the time they have given us. They gave us many years...more than most! I will hope for a future where they play again, however, if they don't...I am thankful for what they gave.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BxRjjc3zFfs" width="560" youtube-src-id="BxRjjc3zFfs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/BxRjjc3zFfs">https://youtu.be/BxRjjc3zFfs</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o9sJdpt7I4E" width="560" youtube-src-id="o9sJdpt7I4E"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/o9sJdpt7I4E">https://youtu.be/o9sJdpt7I4E</a><br />I guess if we get nothing else, perhaps that will happen again?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLCAA69C0A61832935" width="560" youtube-src-id="playlist?list=PLCAA69C0A61832935"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCAA69C0A61832935">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCAA69C0A61832935</a><br />I compiled all the footage that I captured over the years into a playlist organized newest to oldest. The Cornerstone footage is all broken up by song. At the time, I wasn't able to upload video longer than 10 minutes so I decided the best thing was to break up full sets I had captured by song. I hope it is still in order of the set list for these full set shows.<br /><br />Looking back at the playlist I created from the footage I captured of them over the years, it is much less than I thought I captured. I guess a lot of the time when they were most active was before I had an iPhone on me to be able to use if any moment felt it should be documented. While I brought a camera to Cornerstone, I was less likely to be burdened by one at regular shows. The idea of even capturing the Cornerstone experience on video was prompted by the "Ladies And Gentlemen: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thechariot" target="_blank">The Chariot</a>" DvD.<br /><br />These days it's commonplace seeing phones up to capture a moment and as such these moments captured digitally is likely over saturated. Nonetheless, I hope to share these moments with friends still, even if I'm one of many doing so. I am glad to have done so with part of the time that <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> was present.<br /><br />Once again, thank you, <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a>! You have given so much!</div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-51674189394132653682022-08-12T17:28:00.008-05:002023-02-06T14:00:59.919-06:00A Shared Life: Spring In Chicago (April - June 2022)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dvNV-2ruzzA" width="560" youtube-src-id="dvNV-2ruzzA"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/dvNV-2ruzzA">https://youtu.be/dvNV-2ruzzA</a><div style="text-align: justify;">Spring living in Chicago in 2022 included a couple trips, a bout with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>, celebrations for birthdays and anniversary, some new local <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> discoveries and a bunch of shows. I created the intro once again using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> taking some photos that highlighted the various things we did...adding in title text on the last photo as well.</div><br /><u><b>04.04.2022</b></u><br />During lunchbreak on Monday April 4th, 2022, a leak developed in the ceiling right outside my office! It was an unexpected and strange occurrence.<br /><br /><u><b>04.05.2022</b></u><br />Driving into work on Tuesday April 5th, 2022, it was extremely foggy...more so that I recall happening previously. I decided to capture it with my <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> and sped up the footage of the drive into work that morning.<br /><br /><u><b>04.07.2022</b></u><br />Driving home from work on Thursday April 7th, 2022, there was a car with a Batman emblem and modified brake lights. A poor man's Batmobile I guess.<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>04.08.2022</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7N9hI_JaDcw" width="560" youtube-src-id="7N9hI_JaDcw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/7N9hI_JaDcw">https://youtu.be/7N9hI_JaDcw</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JUZVLZQdmJ4" width="560" youtube-src-id="JUZVLZQdmJ4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/JUZVLZQdmJ4">https://youtu.be/JUZVLZQdmJ4</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/STzp9zTWRoA" width="560" youtube-src-id="STzp9zTWRoA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/STzp9zTWRoA">https://youtu.be/STzp9zTWRoA</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fU0IgsG-GcY" width="560" youtube-src-id="fU0IgsG-GcY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/fU0IgsG-GcY">https://youtu.be/fU0IgsG-GcY</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Xde_fevFRA" width="560" youtube-src-id="7Xde_fevFRA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/7Xde_fevFRA">https://youtu.be/7Xde_fevFRA</a><br />On Friday April 8th, 2022, I encountered an accident on the northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive. A little bit further south, there was a police car that was a bit late arriving and stuck in the subsequent traffic. I received the <a href="https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/battery-grip-bg-e18" target="_blank">Canon BG-E18 battery grip</a> for my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> which I purchased more for the reason of being able to put two batteries in the camera and extend the time I can shoot live band footage. It also allows for shooting sideways easier with the additional grip. I have been quite pleased with this purchase and definitely recommend it for anyone trying to shoot video for long periods.<br /><br />Later that evening, I went to see <a href="https://www.richieramone.com/" target="_blank">Richie Ramone</a> play <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a>. I decided somewhat last minute to attend this show. Kyle Bawinkel was there as well. I captured "Teenage Lobotomy" with my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 8</a> early in the set while <a href="https://www.richieramone.com/" target="_blank">Richie</a> was playing drums. He fronted the band most of the rest of the night while going back to the drums for a few songs later. This is likely the closest I'd get to seeing a <a href="https://www.ramones.com/" target="_blank">Ramones</a> set. They played a number of <a href="https://www.ramones.com/" target="_blank">Ramones</a> songs and a few other covers along with some originals. <a href="https://publicnature.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Public Nature</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/the.Nomics/" target="_blank">The Reaganomics</a>, and <a href="https://capgunheroes.com/" target="_blank">Capgun Heroes</a> were the opening bands.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>04.09.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ni6hkRIzXAg" width="560" youtube-src-id="Ni6hkRIzXAg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Ni6hkRIzXAg">https://youtu.be/Ni6hkRIzXAg</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zc5LbzgRsdM" width="560" youtube-src-id="zc5LbzgRsdM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/zc5LbzgRsdM">https://youtu.be/zc5LbzgRsdM</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C2_nTkTLm2Y" width="560" youtube-src-id="C2_nTkTLm2Y"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/C2_nTkTLm2Y">https://youtu.be/C2_nTkTLm2Y</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u-rx0uKZvsk" width="560" youtube-src-id="u-rx0uKZvsk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/u-rx0uKZvsk">https://youtu.be/u-rx0uKZvsk</a><br />On Saturday April 9th, 2022, we went to <a href="https://www.cabelas.com/" target="_blank">Cabela's</a> so I could use a coupon that they sent in the mail. I bought a few more broadheads and bolts for my crossbow as well as another replacement string to have on hand in case of another break. On the way back home, we encountered another accident. <br /><br />That evening, I went back to <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> for the <a href="https://www.dirtyrottenimbeciles.com/">D.R.I.</a> show. There was a trend of older punk and hardcore bands coming through Chicago in the early part of this year and this was another one of those shows. None of them were excessively expensive either. There was quite a bit of stage diving, including a young girl that looked a bit like Little Jessie Dills. <a href="https://intentbandaz.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Intent</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Suffering-BAND-US-101235894739662/" target="_blank">The Suffering</a>, and <a href="https://battleroyalewchc.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Battle Royale</a> also played. I got a talking to from one of the security guys for capturing a clip with my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a>, stating that no photography or video is permitted and if he saw me do it again, he'd throw me out. After talking to someone else as well, he then went somewhere else for a minute then returned to apologize as he had a misunderstanding of the camera policy for the night. I respected that...no real issue in the end.<br /><br /><b><u>04.15.2022</u></b><br />We drove to Pennsylvania to spend Easter weekend with my family on Good Friday April 15th, 2022. Along the way, we made a stop at <a href="https://www.albanesecandy.com/" target="_blank">Albanese Candy Factory</a>. The Easter bunny was there. We took a bit of a detour heading back to the interstate and found we could have paid 10-15 cents less on gas than we did as well. The drive was pretty typical...nothing out of the ordinary happened along the way.<br /><br /><b><u>04.16.2022</u></b><br />Elphie wore her bunny ears that she got from her mom last year. My parents cat, Charlie, was intrigued by them...Elphie ended up hitting the cat with the ears causing her to jump a bit on Saturday April 16th, 2022.<br /><br /><b><u>04.17.2022</u></b><br />On Easter Sunday April 17th, 2022, we had dinner with the family and my mom gave out Easter baskets. We made one for her as well! I decided to walk into the woods in the evening. I wanted to set up some wood around a spot I tried to hunt last year in hopes it will be more fruitful for me this next hunting season.<br /><br /><b><u>04.18.2022</u></b><br />On Monday April 18th, 2022, we drove back to Chicago. It was rainy but otherwise uneventful drive. We captured some nice footage as the sunset as we neared Chicago.<br /><br /><b><u>04.20.2022</u></b><br />On Wednesday April 20th, 2022, I decided I wanted to see the ruins of the <a href="https://ambcchicago.org/" target="_blank">Antioch Missionary Baptist Church</a> which was destroyed by a fire on Good Friday. It was to be torn down so I wanted to see it before it was gone. I also figured I'd check out the <a href="https://pilgrimbaptistchurchchicago.org/" target="_blank">Pilgrim Baptist Church</a> as well...it also had been destroyed by fire. Both started during restoration work on the roofs of the buildings. We drove to <a href="https://pilgrimbaptistchurchchicago.org/" target="_blank">Pilgrim Baptist Church</a> first. Two of its outer walls remain standing with scaffolding to support them. There's a sign about it being the future home for a <a href="http://www.nationalmuseumofgospelmusic.org/AOTL/" target="_blank">National Museum of Gospel Music</a>. We then drove over to <a href="https://ambcchicago.org/" target="_blank">Antioch Missionary Baptist Church</a> and got to see it though demolition had somewhat begun. I captured this footage using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> but hadn't charged up the batteries so my video capture was a bit more limited than I planned. I didn't want to hang around too long or be disrespectful to the situation but I definitely wanted to see it and capture it if I could.<br /><br /><b><u>04.22.2022<br /></u></b>On Friday April 22nd, 2022, I captured some sort of demonstration going on at McKinley Park. I also captured the clouds sitting a bit low covering part of Chicago as I made my commute home.<br /><br /><b><u>04.23.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h1dHZuSM-M4" width="560" youtube-src-id="h1dHZuSM-M4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/h1dHZuSM-M4">https://youtu.be/h1dHZuSM-M4</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4jDP2VhZayg" width="560" youtube-src-id="4jDP2VhZayg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/4jDP2VhZayg">https://youtu.be/4jDP2VhZayg</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pIsw4ocOLoM" width="560" youtube-src-id="pIsw4ocOLoM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/pIsw4ocOLoM">https://youtu.be/pIsw4ocOLoM</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iAoEPRH7pZQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="iAoEPRH7pZQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/iAoEPRH7pZQ">https://youtu.be/iAoEPRH7pZQ</a><br />On Saturday April 23rd, 2022, we headed to Joliet a bit early for a show. We stopped at the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/joliet-prison" target="_blank">Joliet Prison</a> and walked around the outside of it. It was on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a>. We were too late to take a tour. Part of the prison is used as a haunted house. We drove to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/joliet-iron-and-steel-works" target="_blank">Joliet Iron Works site</a> (also on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a>) that has been turned into a forest preserve. I didn't realize where the entrance was on a one way street and tried to turn around to get to it only to raise the ire of some of the other drivers. We walked around it for a bit and even found a piece of iron to take with us. I captured some footage of the former steel mill remains.<br /><br />Afterwards, we headed to <a href="https://theforgelive.com/" target="_blank">The Forge</a> to see <a href="https://officialwednesday13.com/" target="_blank">Wednesday 13</a>, <a href="https://officialgraverobber.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a>, <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Nystrodamus-390985051543061/" target="_blank">Nystrodamus</a>. I took a bunch of photos as well as video using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. I captured "Cadaverous" by <a href="https://officialwednesday13.com/" target="_blank">Wednesday 13</a>, "The Beast Within" by <a href="https://officialgraverobber.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a>, and "13 Peilearan Airgid (13 Silver Bullets)" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>. It was a good show and a great crowd. I think the footage I was able to capture turned out pretty well too.<br /><br />Later, we went to <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> for Nocturna. We ended up sitting in the balcony for most of the time that we were there.<br /><br /><u><b>04.25.2022</b></u><br />On Monday April 25th, 2022, Elphie and I drove all around the southside into the south and southwest suburbs to try to find the litterbox supplies for Stein's <a href="https://www.purina.com/tidy-cats/cat-litter-boxes/breeze-systems" target="_blank">Breeze Litter System</a>. We also hit a car wash because I had a free one on my <a href="https://www.speedway.com/" target="_blank">Speedway</a> App. After that, we tried to hit a <a href="https://www.tacobell.com/" target="_blank">Taco Bell</a> to get my free birthday Baja Blast Freeze. The first one I tried wouldn't show up to let me order on the app. The next one was closed. We found a third one and placed the order and got the Freeze.<br /><br /><b><u>04.28.2022</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Thursday April 28th, 2022, I noticed a lot of police activity, media, and bikes near Lake Shore Drive. I'm not sure what the situation was. When I got home, Elphie had baked some chocolate cherry brownies and bought some birthday balloons to celebrate my birthday!<br /><br /><u><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetherocknrollchicago" target="_blank">Save The Rock-N-Roll Fest</a></b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>04.29.2022</b></u><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v9t41uyA4_8" width="560" youtube-src-id="v9t41uyA4_8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/v9t41uyA4_8">https://youtu.be/v9t41uyA4_8</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mTrtgSXN-Ak" width="560" youtube-src-id="mTrtgSXN-Ak"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/mTrtgSXN-Ak">https://youtu.be/mTrtgSXN-Ak</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hPWUiT4djyQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="hPWUiT4djyQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/hPWUiT4djyQ">https://youtu.be/hPWUiT4djyQ</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZwYtu_VSJuE" width="560" youtube-src-id="ZwYtu_VSJuE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/ZwYtu_VSJuE">https://youtu.be/ZwYtu_VSJuE</a><br />Friday April 29th, 2022 was my 42nd birthday. On my way into work the <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/clarence-f-buckingham-memorial-fountain" target="_blank">Buckingham Fountain</a> was on! How nice of the city to turn it on for my birthday! Skot and Rachel Shaw gave me a small print of the Swanson Pyramid Of Greatness which I hung at work. I got a <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's</a> Deep Dish pizza, Hawai'ian style for dinner and taste tested the Flamin' Hot <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a>. It was ok. It sort of reminded me of Mexican candy with the chili pepper added. It also reminded me of Orange Slices candy but with extra spice. That evening I watched the last game of the season for the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> - a win over the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets" target="_blank">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>!<br /><br />Later, I went to <a href="https://cobralounge.com/" target="_blank">Cobra Lounge</a> for the first night of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetherocknrollchicago" target="_blank">Save The Rock-N-Roll Fest</a>. It was a ska night. I used my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> to capture footage of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecrombies" target="_blank">The Crombies</a>, <a href="https://theoperatorsska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Operators</a>, <a href="https://evilempirechicago.com/" target="_blank">Evil Empire</a> and <a href="https://aweful.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Aweful</a>. <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/05/save-rock-n-roll-fest-2022.html" target="_blank">I wrote a separate blog regarding the Save The Rock-N-Roll Fest shows I attended</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>04.30.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WsKKe8r91xM" width="560" youtube-src-id="WsKKe8r91xM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/WsKKe8r91xM">https://youtu.be/WsKKe8r91xM</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OOxhm8Rt0Kg" width="560" youtube-src-id="OOxhm8Rt0Kg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/OOxhm8Rt0Kg">https://youtu.be/OOxhm8Rt0Kg</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t8Pb5PaOY2o" width="560" youtube-src-id="t8Pb5PaOY2o"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/t8Pb5PaOY2o">https://youtu.be/t8Pb5PaOY2o</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QVqPuGHQPRE" width="560" youtube-src-id="QVqPuGHQPRE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/QVqPuGHQPRE">https://youtu.be/QVqPuGHQPRE</a><br />Saturday April 30th, 2022, Elphie made pancakes to continue to celebrate my birthday! They were good!<br /><br />That night I went to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetherocknrollchicago" target="_blank">Save The Rock-N-Roll Fest</a> at <a href="https://liarsclubchicago.com/" target="_blank">Liar's Club</a> to see <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> with <a href="https://splatterpatternmke.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Splatter Pattern</a>, <a href="https://www.squaredoffband.com/" target="_blank">Squared Off</a>, and <a href="https://ripups.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Rip Ups</a>. I tested the limits of the battery grip on my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> as well as the recording limits during the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> set by trying to record the entire set. I found that the recording limit is 30 minutes at which point one must hit the record button again. I reached that limit in the middle of the song "Hoity Toity." Everything seemed to work out fairly well. I noticed that somewhere around the 18 minute mark, the camera would blink a lot. I'm not sure what that means but it didn't seem to have too much of an effect on the files. During the editing process, I had to run one of the files through a second time as it stopped at around that 18 minute mark but whatever that issue was seemed to resolved when I processed it the second time. <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/05/save-rock-n-roll-fest-2022.html" target="_blank">Again, there is a separate blog for the footage I captured at the Save The Rock-N-Roll Fest with some more details</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>05.01.2022</u></b><br />I didn't feel particularly interested in any of the bands on the bills for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetherocknrollchicago" target="_blank">Save The Rock-N-Roll Fest</a> on Sunday May 1st, 2022, so instead of going to those shows, Elphie and I took Kaylynn and Tim driving around the Chicago to various spots that seemed they may be interesting dependent on what they said they wanted to see. While picking them up at the hotel, there were news crews outside and we wondered what may have happened. I think someone joked about a murder...unfortunately, that's exactly what had happened inside the hotel that where they were staying.<br /><br />We drove on Lower Wacker due to its use in The Dark Knight and Blues Brothers then stopped by the ruins of <a href="https://ambcchicago.org/" target="_blank">Antioch Missionary Baptist Church</a> before heading to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/95th-street-bridge" target="_blank">95th Street Bridge</a> where the Blues Brothers jumped their car. It's is also where the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/calumet-fisheries" target="_blank">Calumet Fisheries</a> are and both are <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> sites. We got out and walked onto the bridge here.<br /><br />Next, we stopped by <a href="https://www.reckless.com/" target="_blank">Reckless Records</a> on Milwaukee then got lunch at <a href="https://www.devildawgs.com/" target="_blank">Devil Dawgs</a> before going to the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo</a>. We got to see the lions in their new exhibit as well as visiting the apes and monkey houses. We also got to see the Polar Bear before closing time. We did not get to see any of the birds...we would find out later it is due to the birds being in quarantine due to the bird flu.<br /><br />We drove to Uptown next to show Tim <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/" target="_blank">J.P.U.S.A.</a> and <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a>. We drove down Clark Street rather than Lake Shore Drive. Next we visited the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bahai-temple" target="_blank">Bahai'i Temple</a> and <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-home-alone-house-winnetka-illinois" target="_blank">Home Alone House</a> before taking them back to their hotel.<br /><br />I wasn't feeling the best...I was beginning to have a bit of a cough and congestion. I was thinking it was likely some allergies but would find out a week later, it was <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>. Not realizing it, I worked through the week while having the worst of the symptoms.<br /><br /><b><u>05.03.2022</u></b><br />On Tuesday May 3rd, 2022, after three overtimes and losing their backup goaltender to injury and having to use their third string goalie, The <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> won the first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately, things didn't continue to work out quite so well and the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Penguins</a> would lose the series to the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/rangers" target="_blank">New York Rangers</a> in seven games.<br /><br /><b><u>05.08.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NEmFCyE8k14" width="560" youtube-src-id="NEmFCyE8k14"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/NEmFCyE8k14">https://youtu.be/NEmFCyE8k14</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rWLkI2NVor8" width="560" youtube-src-id="rWLkI2NVor8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/rWLkI2NVor8">https://youtu.be/rWLkI2NVor8</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h7IfUQ8Tk0Y" width="560" youtube-src-id="h7IfUQ8Tk0Y"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/h7IfUQ8Tk0Y">https://youtu.be/h7IfUQ8Tk0Y</a><br />On Mother's Day, Sunday May 8th, 2022, I went to <a href="https://cobralounge.com/" target="_blank">Cobra Lounge</a> to see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/agnosticfront" target="_blank">Agnostic Front</a>, <a href="https://www.sickofitall.com/" target="_blank">Sick Of It All</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrownOfThornzNYHC" target="_blank">Crown of Thornz</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/agnosticfront" target="_blank">Agnostic Front</a> always puts on a great show. Sick Of It All was ok, however the vocal seemed a bit off. I captured "For My Family" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/agnosticfront" target="_blank">Agnostic Front</a>. I tried to be careful at this show as I had a nasty cough all week, in case of it being <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> but the cough was mostly gone by this point. Once again I saw Kyle Bawinkel at the show!<br /><br /><b><u>05.09.2022<br /></u></b>Despite having no more symptoms, I tested positive for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> at work and was sent home to quarantine for the next 10 days. I had unfortunately spread it to one of my co-workers as well. As I was feeling better, Elphie had her symptoms occur which were different than mine. Both of us felt fairly good on Monday May 9th, 2022, but nonetheless I was not permitted to be at work. It was a nice day so we hung out in McKinley Park to feed squirrels and geese We kept our masks on if any people came near us to do our best to not spread it to anyone else. Some military helicopters flew overhead.<br /><br /><b><u>05.10.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xw3FMbAegjM" width="560" youtube-src-id="Xw3FMbAegjM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Xw3FMbAegjM">https://youtu.be/Xw3FMbAegjM</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JY9c7IbpHWM" width="560" youtube-src-id="JY9c7IbpHWM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/JY9c7IbpHWM">https://youtu.be/JY9c7IbpHWM</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hyQT-b5zKis" width="560" youtube-src-id="hyQT-b5zKis"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/hyQT-b5zKis">https://youtu.be/hyQT-b5zKis</a><br />On Tuesday May 10th, 2022, <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> kicked off their "Farewell" tour in Chicago at <a href="https://www.thaliahallchicago.com/" target="_blank">Thalia Hall</a>. I did not want to miss this likely last chance to see one of my favorite bands so I decided wear my mask and keep my distance as much as I could from any friends who would be at the show. I did end up seeing a few such as Kyle Bawinkel and Paul Harrison. I captured the first song of the set, "My Exit, Unfair" and the encore, "Torches Together", "In A Sweater Poorly Knit", and "Son Of A Widow" from their set. The Opening band was <a href="https://www.tigersjaw.com/" target="_blank">Tiger's Jaw</a> and I captured "Cat's Cradle" from their set. It has been a pleasure seeing <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a> every time I saw them over the entirety of their career. I hope it wasn't the last time to see them live in person, but if it was...Thank You!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_d__GYaXE8I" width="560" youtube-src-id="_d__GYaXE8I"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/_d__GYaXE8I">https://youtu.be/_d__GYaXE8I</a><br />I am also sharing the video created by Paul Harrison (his channel is called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PaulHarrisonVideos" target="_blank">"Christian Rock and Metal Nostalgia"</a>) of the entire set by <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a>. He has a lot of other great videos!<br /><br /><b><u>05.11.2022</u></b><br />I drove to work on Wednesday May 11th, 2022, to let a copy of my office key be made so that some of my responsibilities could be dealt with while I was in quarantine. On the way home, Elphie and I decided to drive around <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/graceland-cemetery" target="_blank">Graceland Cemetery</a> and see if we could find the glass encased statue of <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/inez-clarke-monument">Inez Clarke</a> and so Elphie could see <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/eternal-silence" target="_blank">Eternal Silence</a>. Just as we got to the cemetery, I got a call that the copied key wasn't working...I had apparently given the wrong key! I returned so another copy could be made then we returned to the cemetery to see these sites from <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a>. During my previous visit to the cemetery, I had not seen the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/inez-clarke-monument" target="_blank">Inez Clarke</a> statue so we made a point to find it first. I knew generally where the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/eternal-silence" target="_blank">Eternal Silence</a> was to be able to visit it after. We did find the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/inez-clarke-monument" target="_blank">Inez Clarke</a> statue. We also encountered a headless statue along the way...apparently damaged somehow. After visiting <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/eternal-silence" target="_blank">Eternal Silence</a>, we decided to just drive down Western Avenue to get home. We also decided to stop by a Meijer to get some groceries we would need since we'd both be home a bit more. Along the way, we captured footage of the giant <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/puerto-rican-flag-sculptures" target="_blank">Puerto Rico flags</a> near Humboldt Park near the intersection of Division and Western. I got another call from work to take care of some documentation before I was able to get home which was frustrating.<br /><br /><b><u>05.13.2022</u></b><br />On Friday May 13th, 2022, Elphie celebrated her birthday. I gave her a card I drew and brought in the balloons that were still floating from my birthday. I apologized there wasn't much more we could do. We got food at <a href="https://chopsueycity.com/" target="_blank">Chop Suey City</a> as well to celebrate.<br /><br /><b><u>05.14.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NFvuuKvKhtE" width="560" youtube-src-id="NFvuuKvKhtE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/NFvuuKvKhtE">https://youtu.be/NFvuuKvKhtE</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6jyzf70UpoQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="6jyzf70UpoQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/6jyzf70UpoQ">https://youtu.be/6jyzf70UpoQ</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UuuM4172nIw" width="560" youtube-src-id="UuuM4172nIw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/UuuM4172nIw">https://youtu.be/UuuM4172nIw</a><br />On Saturday May 14th, 2022 we went to <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> to see <a href="https://frontlineassembly.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Front Line Assembly</a> with <a href="https://www.reinofficial.com/" target="_blank">Rein</a> and <a href="https://chokechain.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Choke Chain</a>. On our way, we saw a <a href="https://divvybikes.com/" target="_blank">Divvy</a> bicycle leaned against the divider in the median of Lake Shore Drive. It was a strange sight. We masked up and tried to keep distance at the show again though we figured to be mostly clear of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>. We chose to go to the balcony and because we got there so early, we were able to secure spots on the railing and it made for an interesting view different than what we usually get there.<br /><br /><b><u>05.15.2022</u></b><br />On Sunday May 15th, 2022, we went to <a href="https://www.eatandys.com/" target="_blank">Andy's Custard</a> to further celebrate Elphie's birthday. We weren't able to go bowling as originally planned...we didn't want to potentially infect anyone else even though we both figured we were clear of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>. On the way back home, we encountered a wreck on Archer Avenue.<br /><br /><b><u>05.16.2022</u></b><br />We officially both tested negative on Monday May 16th, 2022. I was still regulated to quarantine from work but we decided to go to the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo</a> for the day. While we were there, we learned that the birds were in quarantine due to the bird flu. It explained why there weren't birds out on our previous visit a couple weeks before. We were able to see pretty much everything else though! We learned we had just missed a show with the seals. We did see the lions eating.<br /><br />As we left the zoo, we ended up driving passed <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/oz-park" target="_blank">Oz Park</a>. We figured we should come back to see that sometime! We ended up in Lincoln Square visiting with <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> as they finished up some work at <a href="https://www.oromocafechicago.com/" target="_blank">Oromo Cafe</a> then headed up the street to <a href="https://barbayianni.us/" target="_blank">Barba Yianni</a> for Greek dinner! We hung out there for quite a while. We told <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> about <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> and found that <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/merz-apothecary" target="_blank">Merz Apothecary</a> was nearby. It was basically across the street! Elphie and I got a shot of it before heading home for the night.<br /><br /><b><u>05.17.2022</u></b><br />On Tuesday May 17th, 2022, after Elphie got done with an appointment, we stopped at <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/" target="_blank">Home Depot</a> to get supplies to fog our apartment. We then decided to find a couple southside Chicago <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> sites. To get there, we passed the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/historic-garfield-station-entrance" target="_blank">Garfield CTA station</a> we had visited a couple years ago. We also passed a M*A*S*H vehicle as we got near <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/" target="_blank">University of Chicago</a>. At the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/" target="_blank">University of Chicago</a>, we found three <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> sites all relatively close to each other. After taking a minute to get parked, we began to look for the first I had marked to find. It was a couple of <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cosmic-ray-detectors" target="_blank">Cosmic Ray Detectors</a> that had apparently been in space! The address listed was a bit off so we made one wrong turn into the wrong alley trying to find it before going the other way and finding it behind a day care center. I think it was listed well enough on the site, I just didn't take the time to read it thoroughly enough. Part of what helped piece together where to go was the buildings in the background of some of the pictures people posted from their visits to this site! We visited a monument to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/nuclear-energy" target="_blank">Nuclear Energy</a> next...again using the pictures as a guide to find exactly where it was as the street address was a large building. Our final <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> site in this area was a car encased in concrete called <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/concrete-traffic" target="_blank">Concrete Traffic</a>. It is parked at street level in a parking garage which also houses a bowling alley where the Obama's apparently would go on dates.<br /><br />We left the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/" target="_blank">University of Chicago</a> to see a couple sites along Lake Michigan but not too far away. One of those is the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shipwreck-of-the-silver-spray" target="_blank">Shipwreck of the Silver Spray</a>. Unfortunately where it is located, there wasn't a spot to pull off or park. We continued to Oakwood Beach where we walked to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-secret-mermaid-chicago-illinois">Secret Mermaid</a>. Elphie wasn't with me when I found it in 2021 as I had gotten up early to shoot the sunrise on the Summer Solstice last summer. While we were there, we walked closer to the lake. While the water was quite clear, there was debris collecting near the seawalls which had an interesting look. We decided not to walk to the shipwreck site and headed back home at this point.<br /><br /><b><u>05.19.2022</u></b><br />I captured the hazy city on my way in to return to work on Thursday May 19th, 2022. Coming home that evening, I captured a street preacher with a sign near <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/clarence-f-buckingham-memorial-fountain" target="_blank">Buckingham Fountain</a> along Lake Shore Drive.<br /><br /><b><u>05.20.2022</u></b><br />On Friday May 20th, 2022, I captured the <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/clarence-f-buckingham-memorial-fountain" target="_blank">Buckingham Fountain</a> at full flow as I returned from work.<br /><br /><b><u>05.21.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vLLmaegw7Xg" width="560" youtube-src-id="vLLmaegw7Xg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/vLLmaegw7Xg">https://youtu.be/vLLmaegw7Xg</a><br />On Saturday May 21st, 2022, we went to the <a href="http://www.aragonballroom.org/" target="_blank">Aragon Ballroom</a> to see <a href="https://www.offspring.com/" target="_blank">The Offspring</a>. I captured "Gotta Get Away" from their set. They played a good mix of songs and it was a good show. We intended to get Poke at <a href="https://www.pokiologychi.com/" target="_blank">Pokiology</a> but it was closed so we got <a href="https://www.sonicdrivein.com/" target="_blank">Sonic</a> instead.<br /><br />Afterwards we went to the building where the <a href="https://www.doubledoor.com/" target="_blank">Double Door</a> is meant to be, eventually...possibly. <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> tipped us off that there was a show going on in there. Apparently it was something that's been happening regularly but on the down low. We got to see the inside including the basement where there is a vault and some apparent tunnels underneath. The building is an old bank. It reminded me a bit of when we first began renovating <a href="https://www.topcatscincy.com/" target="_blank">Top Cats</a> to become <a href="https://www.the86.net/" target="_blank">The 86</a> (before it became <a href="https://www.topcatscincy.com/" target="_blank">Top Cats</a>, again).<br /><br />After this, we visited <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> van called 'Remmy' and got to see how they are living these days. They made a comfortable space, it seemed. We also hung out at <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/">J.P.U.S.A</a>. for a while that evening.<br /><br /><b><u>05.25.2022</u></b><br />On my way into Uptown to go to work on Wednesday May 25th, 2022, I captured a sign in protest of Cedar apartments not paying a standard wage to construction works while raking in massive profits.<br /><br /><b><u>05.26.2022</u></b><br />On Thursday May 26th, 2022, as I left the neighborhood to go to work, I captured a burnt van loaded up on a flatbed.<br /><br /><b><u>05.27.2022</u></b><br />On Friday May 27th, 2022, we headed south because Elphie had nephews graduating from high school! We captured the usual footage leaving Chicago, going through Indiana, passing the windmills, going into Ohio, passing through Cincinnati, and arriving in Northern Kentucky to stay with the Sheehys. There's also a clip shortly after our arrival at the Sheehy's house while hanging out a bit with them.<br /><br /><b><u>05.28.2022</u></b><br />On Saturday May 28th, 2022, we left to finish our trip to North Carolina, passing the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/florence-y-all-water-tower" target="_blank">Florence Ya'll</a> (which I just realized was on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a>!) and entering into Tennessee. The rest area was decked out in American flags I suppose for Memorial Day. I captured shots of the weird amusement park rides along side the highway and the large cross by the adult store. We made a stop at <a href="https://www.bojangles.com/" target="_blank">Bojangles</a>, of course and I got some <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Southern Shock. I also captured the going through of the tunnels once in North Carolina. I captured a van with kayaks as well. I kept footage of an apparent accident as we passed it then a shot of King's Mountain as we continued east. Shortly after our arrival, we drove to pick up some <a href="https://www.krispykreme.com/" target="_blank">Krispy Kreme</a> donuts (because it was founded there) and some pizza for dinner with Elphie's family.<br /><br /><b><u>05.29.2022</u></b><br />On Sunday May 29th, 2022, there was a pool party to celebrate the graduates. There was some great food and the kids seemed to have fun in the pool. There also was photo shoots of the graduates in their gowns. It turned out Elphie's brother caught <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> and wasn't able to be there...we didn't really get to spend any time with him due to his quarantine.<br /><br /><b><u>05.30.2022</u></b><br />On Memorial Day Monday May 30th, 2022, we visited with Elphie's mom and took her to see <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">Top Gun: Maverick</a>! We also went grocery shopping with her where I purchased a bottle of <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Uproar from the <a href="https://www.foodlion.com/" target="_blank">Food Lion</a> and <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Maui Blast at <a href="https://www.dollargeneral.com/" target="_blank">Dollar General</a>. We took Elphie's mom to <a href="https://eatpokebros.com/" target="_blank">Poke Bros.</a> for dinner before catching the movie. After dinner, we witness a gaggle of geese crossing the main street through town and doing so successfully!<br /><br /><b><u>05.31.2022</u></b><br />We hung out some more with Elphie's mom on Tuesday May 31st, 2022. I taste tested the <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Uproar. It is a Strawberry Kiwi and it's ok. We also had dinner with her neighbor. Elphie and her mom made a strawberry cheesecake that they bought at the <a href="https://www.foodlion.com/" target="_blank">Food Lion</a> on the day before. We were told a bit about the fire at the church down the road from Elphie's mom's house as well.<br /><br /><b><u>06.01.2022</u></b><br />We finally got <a href="https://rosbbq.com/" target="_blank">R.O.'s Bar-B-Que</a> on Wednesday June 1st, 2022. We went for lunch and Elphie's mom joined us. At dinner, we got <a href="https://thesakeexpress.com/" target="_blank">Sake Express</a> with Elphie's brother (a different brother than the one with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>). We had some good conversation time. The waiter even refilled our drinks since we hung around so long!<br /><br /><b><u>06.02.2022</u></b><br />Elphie took her younger nieces and nephew to <a href="https://www.katesonline.com/" target="_blank">Kate's Skating</a>. On our way, I taste tested the <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Maui Burst. It is pineapple and NO coconut therefore I liked it! Her mom decided to join as well...unfortunately she perhaps got over confident a bit and fell. We'd learn later she broke a bone in her foot or ankle. The strap on my roller blade broke as well and I had to do a little creative work on it to be able to skate. We went to <a href="https://cookout.com/" target="_blank">Cookout</a> later with them then to a park to end the night.<br /><br /><b><u>06.03.2022</u></b><br />On Friday June 3rd, 2022, we took the graduating nephews to <a href="https://www.carowinds.com/" target="_blank">Carowinds</a>. The amusement park is build on the state line of North and South Carolina so we visited both states during our day there. We rode one roller coaster - The Intimidator, one kid's roller coaster that was like a Scooby-Doo type (different because of copyrights) and Elphie and I road the bumper cars. The nephews played the basketball game to win a free basketball. We ate some way overpriced <a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/" target="_blank">Chick-Fil-A</a>. Unfortunately rain moved in and didn't appear to be ending so we left having only gotten in the few rides. We tried to then take them bowling but all the alleys were booked. We did see a rainbow though!<br /><br /><b><u>06.04.2022</u></b><br />The graduation was on Saturday morning June 4th, 2022. Way too early! It was outdoors at the football stadium and a relatively short service! We had a celebratory lunch at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elpatrongastonia/" target="_blank">El Patron</a>. Elphie's family were headed to the beach for a vacation. I took a little nap then we went to <a href="https://thecaptainscap.com/" target="_blank">The Captain's Cap</a> for dinner with Elphie's cousin. It was good! After dinner and hangs, we drove to South Carolina to get cheaper gas at the <a href="https://hotspotcstore.com/" target="_blank">Hot Spot</a> before buying some sodas to bring back north.<br /><br /><b><u>06.05.2022</u></b><br />On Sunday June 5th, 2022, we began our journey home, once again stopping in Cincinnati. I captured the usual footage on our drive back through North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. We got a chance to get dinner with Chris Human at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Anchor-Grill-147760311908920/" target="_blank">The Anchor Grill</a> in Covington, KY. It had a "Show Box" with a doll band which included a Barbie doll that "played" <a href="https://www.shaniatwain.com/" target="_blank">Shania Twain</a>'s "I Feel Like A Woman." It was a good time catching up with Chris. It has been a few years since we had a chance to do so between the busyness of life and pandemic. We hung outside with the Sheehy's for a while afterwards.<br /><br /><b><u>06.06.2022</u></b><br />On Monday June 6th, 2022, we made the rainy commute back to Chicago. We stopped by <a href="https://www.the86.net/" target="_blank">The 86</a> where I purchased some more coffee to get a few more months through the year. Chris had to head out but we got to catch up with Gabrielle who was working. It has been a long time with her as well. I picked up some <a href="https://ale8one.com/" target="_blank">Ale-8-One</a> at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> before heading north. I captured some storm shots along with the windmills and some guy called Bubba at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> in Highland, IN prior to heading into Chicago. I captured the clouds and sunset as well.<br /><br /><b><u>06.07.2022</u></b><br />On Tuesday June 7th, 2022, upon returning to work, I captured the cloud cover over Chicago again as well as on my way back home.<br /><br /><b><u>06.08.2022</u></b><br />On Wednesday June 8th, 2022, Elphie shared some video of Stein purring loudly while cuddling. That evening, we could hear a cat fight going on. I went outside just as it broke up I guess...there was chunks of fur all over the driveway where the fight must have occurred.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>06.12.2022</u></b><br />On Saturday June 12th, 2022, Elphie and I held a bowling get-together to celebrate our birthdays and anniversary at <a href="https://drbowl.com/" target="_blank">Diversey River Bowl</a>. It was rescheduled due to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> in May. A few friends were able to come out. We bowled quite a bit in the block of time we reserved. I bowled a couple times right handed for fun. I think I even got a strike! After bowling, we got dinner at <a href="https://www.portillos.com/" target="_blank">Portillo's</a> then headed to Romeoville for a public suspension day with <a href="https://wastelandsuspensions.com/home" target="_blank">Disgraceland Wasteland Suspensions</a>. At the end of the evening, there was a slight mechanical problem where equipment got tangled up in the pulley so they had to get a ladder and disassemble the pulley while someone was still suspended. It was a sort of funny moment.<br /><br /><b><u>06.13.2022</u></b><br />Our anniversary, June 13th, 2022, fell on a Monday this year. It also happened to be a stormy day with tornado sirens going off in the city, which is rare. It all started happening as I got home from work. I decided to hang around outside as the storm approached. It was interesting to watch as the cloud movement changed completely to the opposite direction and seemed there could be some rotation of sorts as well. The lighting was mostly flashes rather than seeing bolts but some of the thunder was extremely loud. It took a while to hit but once it did, it hit hard and moved through fairly fast I think. The storm came ahead of some high temperatures. We didn't really end up doing anything on our anniversary due in part to the storm.<br /><br /><b><u>06.14.2022</u></b><br />As I drove to work on Tuesday June 14th, 2022, I captured a couple clips of storm damage in the neighborhood.<br /><br /><b><u>06.15.2022</u></b><br /><span>On Wednesday June 15th, 2022, as I was coming home from work, I saw the temperature showing in the car at 101 degrees! It definitely felt like a hot day!<br /><br /><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">06.16.2022</b></span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dXIK0fsF9DQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="dXIK0fsF9DQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/dXIK0fsF9DQ">https://youtu.be/dXIK0fsF9DQ</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0x3bs-mK3rk" width="560" youtube-src-id="0x3bs-mK3rk"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0x3bs-mK3rk">https://youtu.be/0x3bs-mK3rk</a><br />On Thursday June 16th, 2022, we went to the first of several shows for the summer season at <a href="http://www.tinleyparkamphitheater.com/" target="_blank">Tinley Park's Hollywood Amphitheater</a>. I had to leave work a bit early to make it on time. We had lawn seats so we prefer to get there early to try to get the best viewing spot that we can. The show featured<a href="https://tearsforfears.com/" target="_blank"> Tears For Fears</a> and <a href="https://www.garbage.com/" target="_blank">Garbage</a>. I captured "Wicked Ways/Personal Jesus" by <a href="https://www.garbage.com/" target="_blank">Garbage</a> and "Head Over Heels" by <a href="https://tearsforfears.com/" target="_blank">Tears For Fears</a>. I thought about capturing "Mad World" but I think "Head Over Heels" worked out better. Both bands played great sets and sounded good too!<br /><br /><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">06.17.2022<br /></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RoNARVUsgcg" width="560" youtube-src-id="RoNARVUsgcg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/RoNARVUsgcg">https://youtu.be/RoNARVUsgcg</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Wj_jG7BYt0" width="560" youtube-src-id="3Wj_jG7BYt0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/3Wj_jG7BYt0">https://youtu.be/3Wj_jG7BYt0</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/56dZJvAiZF4" width="560" youtube-src-id="56dZJvAiZF4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/56dZJvAiZF4">https://youtu.be/56dZJvAiZF4</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9yrlO82K1hw" width="560" youtube-src-id="9yrlO82K1hw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/9yrlO82K1hw">https://youtu.be/9yrlO82K1hw</a><br />On Friday June 17th, 2022 we saw <a href="https://www.floggingmolly.com/" target="_blank">Flogging Molly</a>, <a href="https://wearetheinterrupters.com/" target="_blank">The Interrupters</a>, <a href="http://www.tigerarmy.com/" target="_blank">Tiger Army</a>, and <a href="https://www.theskints.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Skints</a> at the <a href="http://www.aragonballroom.org/" target="_blank">Aragon Ballroom</a>. We were lucky as it was one of the shows where the entire lineup was present...<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> had taken The Interrupters off the tour earlier and <a href="https://www.floggingmolly.com/" target="_blank">Flogging Molly</a> after this show. I felt the sound wasn't as good at this show as it had been during <a href="https://www.offspring.com/" target="_blank">The Offspring</a>. I captured "Crushed (Hostile Nations)" by <a href="https://www.floggingmolly.com/" target="_blank">Flogging Molly</a>, "Friend Like Me" by <a href="https://wearetheinterrupters.com/" target="_blank">The Interrupters</a>, "In The Dark And Lonely Night" by <a href="http://www.tigerarmy.com/" target="_blank">Tiger Army</a>, and "Friends And Business" by <a href="https://www.theskints.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Skints</a>. We ate at <a href="https://www.pokiologychi.com/" target="_blank">Pokiology</a> this time...it was open again!<br /><br /><b><u>06.19.2022</u></b><br />On Sunday June 19th, 2022, we decided to visit the <a href="https://shrineofchristspassion.org/" target="_blank">Shrine of Christ's Passion</a> in St. John, IN. Folks are able to walk the prayer stations and it has statues depicting each moment along the way, along with a narrative one can listen to if they choose. The church behind the shrine also was fairly interesting. It was pretty cool to walk through. There was also a new part which is Moses at Mount Sinai with the commandments. In the narrative one can play there, the "voice of God" is accompanied by lights flashing in part of the rocks around Moses. There is also a shrine for Our Lady Of Guadalupe and I believe it's a large Virgin Mary statue near the parking lot entrance. There's quite the gift shop there as well. After we left and went to get our groceries, we saw an old Volkswagen Beetle in the parking lot at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>06.20.2022</u></b><br />On Monday June 20th, 2022, I taste tested the new <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Baja Gold. It was pineapple. I think it was just like the Maui Burst from <a href="https://www.dollargeneral.com/" target="_blank">Dollar General</a> that I taste tested while we were in North Carolina. It was good! I was once again glad that there was no coconut flavor to it...especially after buying several cases of it!<br /><br /><b><u>06.25.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gDh8DMJnnbs" width="560" youtube-src-id="gDh8DMJnnbs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/gDh8DMJnnbs">https://youtu.be/gDh8DMJnnbs</a><br />On Saturday June 25th, Nocturna had its 34th Anniversary event at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. <a href="https://frenchpolice.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">French Police</a> also played and <a href="https://www.kayteethrun.com/" target="_blank">Kaytee Thrun</a> did some poetry during the evening. It was a fun event and good to see some folks again as well.<br /><br /><b><u>06.26.2022</u></b><br />On Sunday June 26th, 2022, Elphie and I went to a middle school graduation for Bob and Nora's son Bobby. It was fun. Jon Pratt was there as well so it was good to catch up with him for a bit about fireworks, amusement parks, and other shenanigans! There was some good food too!<br /><br /><b><u>06.28.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IpFaxeUevmU" width="560" youtube-src-id="IpFaxeUevmU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/IpFaxeUevmU">https://youtu.be/IpFaxeUevmU</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3G1S3CtLuKc" width="560" youtube-src-id="3G1S3CtLuKc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/3G1S3CtLuKc">https://youtu.be/3G1S3CtLuKc</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gintjfmt0PY" width="560" youtube-src-id="gintjfmt0PY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/gintjfmt0PY">https://youtu.be/gintjfmt0PY</a><br />On Tuesday June 28th, 2022, we had tickets for <a href="https://billyhowerdel.com/" target="_blank">Billy Howerdel</a> at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. Elphie met me at work and I did a taste test of <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Mango Gem. I liked it! It allowed me to be entered in the Treasures Of Baja Island sweepstakes to get a special flavor if I win! We went to <a href="https://www.pokiologychi.com/" target="_blank">Pokiology</a> then headed to <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. We had to park quite a ways away due to a <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs" target="_blank">Cubs</a> game. After parking and walking to <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>, we found a sign that the show had been moved to <a href="https://bottomlounge.com/" target="_blank">Bottom Lounge</a>. This was very frustrating. We had just purchased the tickets on Friday! It seemed there should have been some notice about the venue change. As I investigated while walking back to the car, I found nothing except a new event page had been created later in the day on Friday (when I got the tickets). Once back to the car, I entered <a href="https://bottomlounge.com/" target="_blank">Bottom Lounge</a> into my GPS and it seemed we could likely still arrive before the show started so we drove over and parked the car...again. We did arrive before any of the bands had started. I think maybe the venue delayed the show a bit for poor souls like us who went to the wrong place!<br /><br /><a href="https://billyhowerdel.com/" target="_blank">Billy Howerdel</a> played a good set. The openers were <a href="https://www.vowwsband.com/" target="_blank">Vowws</a> and <a href="https://nightspicemusic.com/" target="_blank">Night Spice</a>. All the music had a lot of synth in it and I enjoyed the show. When we got home, There was a helicopter flying around the nearby neighborhood.<br /><br />We spent the next evening preparing for our return to <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a>!<br /><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Spring" by <a href="http://artoftravelogue.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Travelogue</a>, "The Woods" by <a href="https://thechoir.net/" target="_blank">The Choir</a>, "Moon And Fire" by <a href="https://theillalogicalspoon.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">theillogicalspoon</a>, "The Garden" by <a href="https://aaronleemartin1.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Aaron Lee Martin</a>, "Tortoises (All The Way Down)" by <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYou</a>, "Secret Song" by <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a>, "Dub The Presses" by <a href="https://www.stopthepressesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Stop The Presses</a>, "No Pool Party Tonight" by <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a>, "Couple Skate" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/slickchicken/" target="_blank">Joe Christmas</a>, "Roller Coaster" by <a href="https://pilfers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Pilfers</a>, "Back Home" by <a href="https://revolutionradioband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Revolution Radio</a>, "Bad Bite" by <a href="http://theyare68.com/" target="_blank">'68</a>, "Tornado" by <a href="https://thetriggercode.net/" target="_blank">Taylor Sorensen and the Trigger Code</a>, and "Lose My Mind" by <a href="https://squadfive-o.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Squad Five-0</a>.<br /><br />Filmed using <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhones 6 and 8</a>, <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>, and <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles, maps, and other animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix"></iframe></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpO_ZsH7j3Ts06Vv_7r-Brix</a></div></div></div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-48565470759959698932022-06-28T12:01:00.002-05:002022-06-29T09:55:37.716-05:00A Shared Life: Hawai'i Vacation! (02.11.2022 - 02.23.2022)<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> Things worked out in February 2022 that we could go on a vacation to Hawai'i even while the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> pandemic continued. We had to be in masks in the airport, on the airplane, and during any public transit we used...but we still got to go! It was a fun trip! We had to use "Safe Travel" to provide documentation of having the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccination so we could receive a pass from the screening process. It wasn't a big deal to me...it was less hassle to provide the vaccine record this way than to have to go through the screening process once we arrived. I saw in a newspaper while there that the <a href="https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/" target="_blank">"Safe Travels"</a> protocols were potentially being lifted in the coming months.<br /><br />I used my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> quite a bit on this trip. I kept the <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024</a> microphone plugged in as well and had to keep remembering to turn it on as I shot. There are some clips where I forgot (or Elphie was shooting and didn't know about it). I had apparently forgotten to turn off the microphone after shooting the sunrise over the frozen Lake Michigan in Chicago so I ended up buying batteries for it the first day in Hawai'i. I noticed during the flight that the microphone was still in the 'on' position. Some of the Pearl Harbor footage is a bit over exposed. I'm not sure what happened exactly. I thought I had the camera set to adjust automatically but I guess I didn't. I adjusted everything once and it went back to over exposed again so I had to reset it again.<br /><br />The clips during the flights were shot using our <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhones</a>. We used our <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhones</a> at other times as well such as traveling around the islands or, in my case, if I didn't have my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> ready to shoot at the time. Elphie's friend Debbie, who also had her vacation in Hawai'i as we were there...and hit her 50th state, shared a shot she got with her <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> of a sea turtle up close and it is included as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryV3lXE4sGM" width="560" youtube-src-id="ryV3lXE4sGM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ryV3lXE4sGM">https://youtu.be/ryV3lXE4sGM</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Creating the intro I wanted took more time than it did to actually edit the footage! As I have been doing, I wanted to create the effect of photos being dropped onto the title map. Originally I had an idea of having them land in different spots dependent on the location of the shot but I settled on having them all land at the bottom. In some previous projects, I ran into some difficulties as the number of files became large so I decided to do groups this time, adding with each new group until I had all the photos "stacked" in a pile. I set the flight path to pause at Kona then Oahu where the majority of the photos were shot. I created the intro after I finished the editing of the project so I hoped to keep it around 30 seconds so the project would stay under three hours in total but it ended up being around a minute and 30 seconds. The font I used was chosen by Elphie as it appeared "relaxed" and felt somewhat Hawai'ian. I added in the state flag of Hawai'i as well as the flag for the Kingdom of Hawai'i, placing them on either side of the main title. I used a relaxed effect as well and chose to not use the intermittent effect this time.<br /><br />For the soundtrack on this intro, I decided to take a few different songs and transition between them using a sound effect of tuning a radio with a knob to the channel. The effects I found and used were two different ones for "AM" and "FM" then I added very short snippets from <a href="https://theedreadpirateroberts.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Dread Pirate Roberts</a> "Word Power (Instrumental)" version of "White Riot" as well. The song clips are from "Aloha, It's You" by <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a>, "Paradise, Hawai'ian Style" by <a href="https://www.elvisthemusic.com/" target="_blank">Elvis Presley</a>, "Tiny Bubbles" by <a href="http://www.donho.com/" target="_blank">Don Ho</a>, and "Aloha, Oe" by <a href="https://www.johnnycash.com/" target="_blank">Johnny Cash</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I created a couple of map animations using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on my <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> for the footage shot during our flights. I created dotted motion paths and had a little <a href="https://www.southwest.com/" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a> jet follow with the path over screenshots of <a href="https://www.google.com/maps" target="_blank">Google maps</a>. I decided not to try to make maps of the drives around the Kona or the bus ride around Oahu.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kXQKIK5trvU" width="560" youtube-src-id="kXQKIK5trvU"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/FT2FOWYqtTo">https://youtu.be/kXQKIK5trvU</a><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.11.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">We left Chicago on Friday February 11th, 2022. We took the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA</a> to <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Midway International Airport</a> in the morning and passed through the security checkpoint with little issue. We were flying on <a href="https://www.southwest.com/" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a>. Our flight was meant to leave around noon but it was delayed by around 40 minutes. We had a layover in Phoenix, AZ but it wasn't affected by the delay. I captured a couple shots going to the airport using my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> and captured some shots during the take off process and during our flight to Phoenix of the terrain below us. I tried to capture another plane flying by us in the opposite direction but missed the opportunity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After landing at <a href="https://www.skyharbor.com/" target="_blank">Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport</a>, I captured a "Welcome to Phoenix" sign along with another highlighting the black history of Phoenix. We had to do a pre-registration during the layover so we didn't have to go through <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> screening upon entry into Hawai'i. The pre-screening was a fold out table in between gates of the terminal. Once we were directed to it, it was easy to find and the process was pretty simple as well. We got a special wristband to wear. We went searching for food. Elphie was in the mood for <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> but apparently they were out of beef patties and fish. We ended up getting food from <a href="https://www.lostaquitosaz.com/" target="_blank">Los Taquitos</a> instead and sitting in a hallway to eat it while we waited for our next flight. As we waited to board, I noticed a few folks in Pittsburgh gear and we spoke briefly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After boarding, I captured another plane landing through the window and some of the sunset as we taxied to the runway. I captured our departure from Phoenix and during this flight, I was able to capture two planes going the opposite direction with their exhaust showing clearly in the sunset sky. I also captured as we crossed over the ocean near what I assume was San Diego. There wasn't much to see while over the ocean.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I captured our landing at <a href="http://airports.hawaii.gov/koa/" target="_blank">Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole</a> then a shot while at the airport after we got off the plane. This airport was open air and we walked down the steps off the airplane to the tarmac and then to the gate. At this point we had to show our wristbands to bypass the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> screening process. Once we were able to obtain our luggage, we got a taxi to the <a href="https://uofn.edu/" target="_blank">University of the Nations</a> which is run by <a href="https://ywam.org/" target="_blank">Youth With A Mission</a>. This was where we were staying because Elphie was part of <a href="https://ywam.org/" target="_blank">YWAM</a> some years ago and attended the <a href="https://uofn.edu/" target="_blank">University of the Nations</a>. We were afforded a nice low-cost room for a week! Upon our arrival at the <a href="https://uofn.edu/" target="_blank">University of the Nations</a>, we ran into a little bit of trouble getting in touch with the person responsible for getting us into our room. While we attempted to call, we were offered to hang out with some of the folks on the campus. I was pretty tired by this point after two long flights and a generally long travel day. Also, for our home time zone, it was quite late at this point. I think the idea of hanging out was appealing to Elphie but I just didn't have it in me. Thankfully, the lady we needed so we could get in our room finally called back and she got herself up and over to help us out. We felt bad she needed to get out of bed to help us but we were glad she did. Otherwise we would have been squatting on couches in the common area. Once settled into the room, I documented the travel experience a bit on social media before going to sleep.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">02.12.2022</u><br />We woke on Saturday February 12th, 2022 earlier than I think I had expected to. The rooms had open screened areas near the ceiling and so we could hear birds and the campus noise. The time difference from Chicago also probably played into us waking when we did. We had an ocean view room! We were too late for breakfast as we were misinformed so we went to the <a href="https://banyan-tree-cafe.square.site/" target="_blank">Banyan Tree Cafe</a> to get some coffee. We had some stuff we could eat in our room from a gift basket we were given so we made that work. We also walked a little around the campus.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Debbie was flying in later in the afternoon so we decided to walk downtown. We checked out a couple sports bars to see what seemed best to watch the Super Bowl the next day and checked out some of the other restaurants in the area. We visited a farmer's market and ran into the Pittsburgh folks again! We stopped in an <a href="https://abcstores.com/" target="_blank">ABC Store</a> where we loaded up on souvenirs to give our family for Christmas, including some <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/pure-kona-coffee" target="_blank">Kona Coffee</a>. I also got a battery for my microphone. We continued to walk and passed the <a href="https://daughtersofhawaii.org/hulihee-palace/" target="_blank">Hulihe'e Palace</a> and the <a href="https://mokuaikaua.com/" target="_blank">Moku'aikaua Church</a> across the street. The church is the oldest Christian church in Hawai'i and the palace was used by the Hawai'ian royalty at one time. We continued through another business area where Elphie had worked during her stay here, however, none of the buildings appeared to be where she worked from what she remembered. She recalled a large tree over where she worked. We found the only large tree in the area...but the closest buildings were not what she remembered. Some people we talked to gave the possibility that the building may have been torn down.<br /><br />We continued by the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/things-to-do/beaches/kailua-bay" target="_blank">Kailua Bay</a> area with a couple beaches. Niumalu Beach on one side where there was a sand castle and a homeless person bathing. On the other side was Kikaua Beach and Kamakahonu Beach further over across the pier which appeared to also be part of a resort. We hung around here a bit and got some shots of <a href="https://ahuena-heiau.org/" target="_blank">Ahu'ena Heiau</a> which is a protected religious site that had been reconstructed. It is part of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/kamakahonu.htm" target="_blank">Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark</a>. It's interesting because you can swim up next to it. Signage asks folks not to go onto it though. We decided to head back to the campus. As we walked on the oceanside, we noticed crabs on some of the lava rocks and I got some shots of them as well as the waves crashing. We also stopped to get tacos from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Oceans-Street-Tacos-106877826520480/" target="_blank">Ocean Street Tacos</a> for lunch. While sitting on the balcony of our room, I took a shot of an interesting looking building across a field. In searching the maps, I believe it to be the temple for the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/kona-hawaii-temple?lang=eng" target="_blank">Church of Latter Day Saints</a>.<br /><br />Once Debbie arrived, Elphie met her at the gate and road with her to park her rental car. Elphie had bought her a leis and flower for her hair to celebrate her 50th state visited. She had also bought some mac and cheese flavored candy canes and a couple other things for her birthday. This little celebration I did not capture on video. We decided to go to <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a> to get a cooler and some food to carry with us as we went about our days. I also bought a pair of water shoes. I captured the Hawai'ian flag on top of the <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a>. As we returned to the campus, I captured a couple shots of the sunset.<br /><br />We went back into the town to search for somewhere to eat. We ended up going to a place called the <a href="https://www.fishhopperkona.com/" target="_blank">Fish Hopper</a>. Elphie and I shared a seafood pasta. We walked back over to the Kamakahonu Beach where Debbie got in the water a bit then went back over to the Kikaua Beach and Debbie got in that the water there as well. Elphie was spooked by some fish! As we returned to the campus, we stopped near a beach volleyball court where a game was going on. Nearby was another game with a mini trampoline and a ball. There was a band playing in the courtyard area. We would be back frequently to this area including the next day to watch the Super Bowl.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">02.13.2022</u><br />On Sunday February 13th, 2022, we woke to see a cruise ship from our ocean view. We went to the cafeteria and had breakfast and got our 'to-go' dinners which we left in our rooms. We walked around the campus again so Elphie could show Debbie around. We went to <a href="https://oceanssportsbar.com/" target="_blank">Oceans Sports Bar</a> to watch the Super Bowl. We got there quite early actually, ha! We got quite a bit of good food and drink during the time we spent there watching the game. It was a decent spot to watch the game. We saw a few geckos running around the walls.<br /><br />Afterwards, we walked through the town again. The idea was to capture the sunset, however, we probably would have had better luck if we stayed back near Oceans. Along the way, we stopped by a place called the <a href="https://donkeyballskona.com/" target="_blank">Surfin' Ass</a> which sold <a href="https://donkeyballskona.com/" target="_blank">"Donkey Balls"</a> and Elphie got some video of the product. When we got to the <a href="https://kailuapier.com/" target="_blank">Kailua Bay Pier</a>, we found that the sun was setting behind the trees and land on the other side of Kamakahonu Bay. I was able to capture a rainbow and some of the sunset along with a few other scenic views. I also captured the moon. I captured as a cloud passed in front of it. We unexpectedly ended up listening and watching from a distance as a Luau was happening at the <a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/koacy-courtyard-king-kamehamehas-kona-beach-hotel/" target="_blank">King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel</a>. It was interesting. We captured a couple songs including 'Happy Birthday' for Debbie and a fire dancer. At least one of the songs sounded much like a praise and worship tune. This was basically the end of our night. Back at the campus, I had a sudden upset stomach and had to hurl in the toilet. I felt find afterwards. Elphie and I walked up the campus to a water fountain then sat on a patio where some of the students were hanging out for a bit before heading back in for the night.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.14.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday February 14th, 2022, we took a drive to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm" target="_blank">Volcanoes National Park</a>. Along the way we stopped on a lava flow and checked out the scenery which included looking out toward <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ka-lae" target="_blank">Ka Lae or South Point</a> which is the southern most point of the United States of America. There were information signs regarding the lava flows and the terrain of the area. We also stopped at <a href="https://www.bakeshophawaii.com/" target="_blank">Punalu'u Bake Shop</a> along the way and got some breakfast. The have a famous sweet bread as well as <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/malasadas-portuguese-doughnut-hawaii" target="_blank">Malasadas</a> which Elphie got. I got a chocolate cream puff. There was a guy there playing music. We sat outside and ate our food before continuing to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm" target="_blank">Volcanoes National Park</a>, capturing scenery along the way. Elphie saw a couple of goats as well but I didn't see them. Turns out they were there...we saw them the next day and a lot more of them headed to Hilo a couple days later.<br /><br />We passed a sign welcoming us to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm" target="_blank">Volcanoes National Park</a> and that was also the point where the GPS indicated we had reached our destination but there were no buildings or parking lots or anything so we kept going. We kept seeing signs for Nene crossing. We passed through an area with a sign calling it Ka'u Desert. We started seeing smoke as well and finally got to a place with a ticket booth and parking lot. I did not prepare for the higher altitude and cooler air. We bought a hoodie at the gift shop and I had to borrow Elphie's hoodie that looks like Fruit Stripes bubble gum. A park ranger explained how to access a viewing area of the current lava flow in the Kilauea Caldera in the Halema'uma'u crater (not sure which name to use for it) so we headed out to see that. We got to a parking lot to walk to the viewing area and encountered a couple of Nene. They are apparently geese. As we walked, it appeared a lot of the trees had ash on them. The road we walked was called Devastation Trail which circles the crater of Halema'uma'u. It had a broken spot with quite a pothole. As we got closer, we could see the smoke rising. We entered into the designation viewing area. The crater had a lot of areas where smoke and steam were rising up. The area with the lava had a distinct area where it was flowing from and a pool where it was collecting. Some of it cool and grey in color while other areas were glowing red or orange. You could see it bubbling up at times in spots as well. I did my best to capture this on camera. I took a lot of pictures but also video. In the editing process I cut out the points where I took a photo while capturing video. I used my larger lens to get some close up views and tried hard not to be too shaky. I know it still is shaky but I think I am improving somewhat at being more steady with my shots when I don't have a tripod available. The whole area was pretty cool to see including the various different lava flows and the different colorings and designs they made. We were there for quite a while.<br /><br />After we left, we decided to drive down the Chain of Craters toward the ocean where a previous lava flow had occurred in recent years. We stopped at an overlook for a bit before continuing toward the ocean. The road had quite the turn in it! Down by the ocean, we saw a few signs describing the vegetation and whether it was considered native to Hawai'i. There were wild mangos growing there! We also saw the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/holei-sea-arch.htm" target="_blank">Holei Sea Arch</a>. We walked a bit more. There was a patch of Palm trees growing nearby. I captured some shots of the terrain. I shot closeups of the lava right in front of me then the hillside just a bit further where we had drove down to get here. I shot the sun through the cloud cover on one side of us and the clear skies with the moon on the other side of us. We decided as it was getting dark to drive back up to the lava flow to see it at night.<br /><br />When we got there, we had to park down the road a bit. Elphie decided to remain in the car. while Debbie and I walked the trail. There was a glow in the sky from the lava flow and it was definitely worthwhile to see at night. I got quite a few pictures and video again. I used one of the posts to keep folks from leaving the viewing area and finding themselves in a dangerous spot to try to steady my shot a bit. Again, it is shaky but I'm happy I captured it and happy to be able to share it and have it for memories.<br /><br />Afterwards, we tried to go somewhere to eat nearby. There was a restaurant but it required reservations due to Valentine's Day. After driving back to Kona, we tried to eat at <a href="https://humpyskona.com/" target="_blank">Humpy's</a> but they were no longer serving food. We were directed to <a href="http://www.a-bays.com/kona/" target="_blank">A-Bay's</a> and got our dinner there. As Elphie warned, this was the downside of Hawai'i...everything closes quite early.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.15.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Tuesday February 15th, 2022 we set out for <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ka-lae" target="_blank">Ka Lae (South Point)</a>. Elphie talked about folks cliff jumping here and so I figured I might give it a try. As we drove in we passed farms which included herds of cattle as well as some satellite dishes which are apparently part of a Universal Space Network. There was also a windmill farm. We got to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ka-lae" target="_blank">South Point</a>. There's a hole in the ground where water flows in that Elphie believed to be where you climbed out of the water after your jump but I didn't see how that would work well. I got some shots of the hole and the scenery around us. It turns out there is a chain ladder that you climb. Some young girls had apparently just got done doing their jumps. I figured if they could do it, it couldn't be that bad but I did want to see someone else go first to get an idea of what I was in for. A couple of dare devil types ended up doing it and doing it together. The guy launched himself backwards while the girl took a running leap toward him. Another couple took a turn but doing separate jumps. The girl went first then the guy who had somewhat lost his nerve, ha! The dare devils then decided to jump in the hole! That was interesting. Once in the water they were taken back out to sea and climbed up the ladder. I captured some footage of these jumps. Back at the cliff, another guy went and I decided it was time to give it a shot. While I got ready another girl took a jump...it took her a few minutes but she finally worked up the nerve to go! That other guy jumped again then I got up on the platform. As I was getting ready to jump, the guy swam underneath me so I had to wait. This was a bit nerve racking as it seems a bit higher once you're on the edge and ready to go. Once he cleared, I took my jump. While editing the video, it was the first time seeing myself do it. I more stepped off the ledge rather than leap. Hitting the water stung a bit but I was fine overall. I swam over to the ladder. I guess the dangerous part would be getting swept out by the tide. Once I grabbed the ladder, the tide went out and I was left dangling until the water came back and I could pull myself up and get my feet on the rungs. The ladder moved a lot with the water and with my motion. This was the harder part to do...a lot harder than taking a jump! After the jump, I got a bit more footage of the area then we walked over to the actual southern most point. There was a little bit of a pond where the tide was coming in and out at this area. The waves were getting bigger and a storm was coming in so we decided to leave at this point. Along the path from the jumping area there were different art pieces that I captured some footage of as well. This was a fun experience. As we left, I captured footage of the satellite dishes right before the heavy rain hit.<br /><br />We stopped for lunch at <a href="https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/" target="_blank">L&L Hawai'ian Barbeque</a>. I got a BBQ burger and crab rangoons. They were pretty good. They apparently sold a Spam Masabi there...Elphie was not impressed. During the drive back toward Kona, I hoped to get video of a cemetery we had passed. I kept preparing to shoot when we got to what looked like it could be it only to nearly miss it as we went by. I did capture a quick clip, though. Since we didn't really have any other plans, Debbie decided to find a beach to go to. It was north of Kona and passed the <a href="https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/" target="_blank">Mauna Lani Resort</a> where she was going to stay for her birthday the next couple of nights. The beach we ended up at was called <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/kohala/hapuna-beach-state-park" target="_blank">Hapuna</a>. As we walked from the parking lot, I noticed there were big waves! There was quite the sound from the crashing of the waves. Elphie was concerned about safety but I enjoyed the waves and had a good time! I captured the sunset along with the waves. I struggled to get a steady shot. As we watched the sunset, we noticed whales jumping in the distance. I was fortunate enough to get a decent shot of a couple of them jumping. The waves continued to get bigger and crash harder as we sat there. Someone indicated that there was a surf advisory. Behind us, the moon was rising so I got some shots of that with the palm trees in front of it.<br /><br />When we decided to leave, we drove over to where Elphie thinks she might have lived when she was no longer living on the campus of the <a href="https://uofn.edu/" target="_blank">Univeristy of the Nations</a>, though she wasn't entirely sure. We decided to get dinner at <a href="https://humpyskona.com/" target="_blank">Humpy's</a>. I realized that we ate at another <a href="https://humpyskona.com/" target="_blank">Humpy's</a> while in Anchorage and did a little search online to see that they were associated with each other. While sitting there, I shot some more footage of the waves.<br /><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.16.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Wednesday February 16th, 2022, we rode with Debbie to <a href="https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/" target="_blank">Mauna Lani Resort</a> so she could check in and get situated. We checked out the view from her room prior to leaving. We headed to Hilo, Hawai'i to see a black sand beach and see the other side of the island. While we traveling, we saw lots of goats along the road. I was able to capture a few of them as we drove. We took a mountain pass road and experienced quite the downpour complete with hail as we went along.<br /><br />In Hilo, we decided to get Poke. I had never had it before but I really enjoyed it! We went to a place called <a href="https://www.pokemarkethi.com/" target="_blank">Poke Market</a> and I think we ordered the "local favorite" possibly. It was good whatever it was that we got. We drove to <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/things-to-do/beaches/carlsmith-beach-park-four-mile" target="_blank">Carlsmith Beach Park</a> passing a park with "Kamehameha The Great" statue. We parked then Debbie and I decided to get in the water. There were sea turtles swimming around. Debbie got a video fairly close up. While I was in there, one came right up to me and then swam away.<br /><br />We walked from there to <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/things-to-do/beaches/richardson-ocean-center" target="_blank">Richardson Ocean Park</a> where the black sand was. I decided to adventure a bit on some lava rocks. The waves were pretty good here to. I had left my camera and phone with Elphie and I'm glad I did...coming back I stumbled a bit and ended up in the water completely soaked!<br /><br />Driving back to Kona, I captured the fog as we headed back up into the mountain pass, then the clouds surrounding Mauna Kea. I also captured the sunset as we headed west and possibly a shot of the snow cover on the top of <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mauna-kea" target="_blank">Mauna Kea</a>. Perhaps during another trip but I think it could be interesting to experience snow in Hawai'i!<br /><br />When we got back, we returned the cooler to <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a>. While there, we encountered a couple folks in black body suits. We decided to go to <a href="https://www.outback.com/" target="_blank">Outback Steakhouse</a> for Debbie's birthday dinner. The poke filled me up so I wasn't particularly hungry but she insisted we eat some of her food. I ate as much as I could of the bread and Bloomin' Onion but I couldn't take much of it!<br /><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.17.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Thursday February 17th, 2022, Elphie ventured on our own. The waves were still pretty high! We went into the business district to see if we could find new sandals for Elphie then decided to go to a beach I found on the map near the campus. As we walked that direction, we decided to detour around the jail and walk along the oceanfront at <a href="https://halehalawai.org/" target="_blank">Hale Hawalai Park</a>. I think it was a jail. It had bars and the word "police" on it but it is likely the nicest jail one could ask to be incarcerated in. There was a sign regarding the marine life featuring a sea turtle. We saw a helicopter taking water up from the ocean in the direction of the campus and wondered what might be on fire but never did hear anything about it.<br /><br />We walked to <a href="https://bigislandguide.com/honls-beach" target="_blank">Honl's Beach</a>. It seemed like it could be fun with the waves, however, it was very rocky. There were some folks boogie boarding in the area. There was a sign about the inventor of the boogie board and some ancient history of surf or boogie boarding. I also captured video someone parasailing.<br /><br />After a while, I decided it just wasn't really doing it for me and we decided to walk back to Kamakahonu Beach. The water was considerably calmer here...and it also was rocky, but one didn't have to worry about being knocked over by waves onto the rocks. As I swam around, I noticed the fish all around me. I was able to capture a few shots of these fish! I swam out by the <a href="https://ahuena-heiau.org/" target="_blank">Ahu'ena Heiau</a> at the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/kamakahonu.htm" target="_blank">Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark</a> though often I could still touch bottom. I swam beyond it a ways before coming back in. It began to get a bit cool. There was another Luau that night and we hung around during part of it. It was the same program so we eventually decided to go elsewhere. I tried to capture another sunset as best as I could with the trees in the way. There wasn't as much cloud cover this time though.<br /><br />As we walked back, we decided to get a pineapple whip float at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BubbaFinns/" target="_blank">Bubba and Finn's</a>. Thankfully we got there just in time! We ate it outside the <a href="https://justukes.com/" target="_blank">Just Uke's</a> ukulele shop. We ate food we had in our room for dinner so we could get rid of it before we left the next day and we packed up to prepare to go in the morning back to the airport then fly to Honolulu on Oahu.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YSWteKjX5Qc" width="560" youtube-src-id="YSWteKjX5Qc"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/YSWteKjX5Qc">https://youtu.be/YSWteKjX5Qc</a><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.18.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">In the morning on Friday February 18th, 2022, Debbie returned from <a href="https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/" target="_blank">Mauna Lani Resort</a> to pick us up and head to <a href="http://airports.hawaii.gov/koa/" target="_blank">Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole</a> for our flight to Honolulu on the island of Oahu. We were awakened much earlier than we would have preferred due to maintenance crews apparently cutting down coconuts from the trees outside of our unit. We saw them working on other trees as we left. Debbie dropped us off then returned the rental car. As we went through security, my patched up shorts I was wearing apparently caused some issues with the body scanner so I had to go through extra security. We were fairly early and due to limited space at the gate despite it being an open air airport, we had to wait in another part for a while. When we were permitted to go into the gate area, we had to pass through another security screening to ensure we weren't bringing fruits or vegetation with us apparently. We had to get in a boarding line that was split between two destinations which seemed like it could get confusing. Eventually, we ended up boarding our flight, walking out to the airplane. I got some shots of the flight staff giving the emergency information and, as we taxied, of the lava flows surrounding the runways. I then shot our take off, a few shots of Maui as we passed by, and a shot of the shadow of our airplane over the ocean. As we approached Oahu, I got some more shots then captured the landing process at <a href="http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/" target="_blank">Daniel K. Inouye International Airport</a>. I was a bit disappointed in that we were on the wrong side to see Pearl Harbor as we approached for landing. In looking at maps now, I'm not sure we could have seen much had we been on the other side anyway. We passed over another airport that I found to be called <a href="http://airports.hawaii.gov/jrf/" target="_blank">Kalaeloa</a>. Once we gathered our luggage, we decided to take a taxi to where we would be staying. Elphie and I had an <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> unit...tiny, but we didn't need a lot of space. Debbie had a hotel room. It turned out we could see her hotel from our window! We stayed in a building called "Big Surf" and walked to it from Debbie's hotel.<br /><br />Once we unloaded, we went to find dinner. We decided to go to the <a href="https://www.alamoanacenter.com/en.html" target="_blank">Ala Moana Center</a>. It was a mall. We also needed to get bus cards so we figured that there was a transit center there we could use. We were told to try the <a href="https://abcstores.com/" target="_blank">ABC Store</a> by a local bus rider since we didn't see any machines around. We could have done this by the places we were staying, ha! We got our bus cards then decided to get dinner at the food court. Elphie and I tried Poi Bowls and they were pretty good. We went to <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a> to gather a few things to get through the rest of our time including stuff to make sandwiches to take while we were out during the days. After this, we decided to walk over to the beaches. We saw a bird in a lagoon that had head feathers that sort of looked like a mohawk. I messed around a bit with my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> camera seeing what I could do with it in low light. I played around with the exposure settings and ISO. I was hindered a bit by not having my tripod to get steady low light shots. Debbie decided to go back to her hotel while Elphie and I hung around a bit longer. I came away with some footage of the stars, the moon, clouds, and the building along Waikiki. <br /><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.19.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">we got up fairly early on Saturday February 19th, 2022 to make our way to the North Shore area which is known to be a favorite spot for surfing. We rode <a href="http://www.thebus.org/" target="_blank">TheBus</a> and passed by the <a href="https://www.doleplantation.com/" target="_blank">Dole Plantation</a> among other interesting things on our way out. Funny thing about the <a href="https://www.doleplantation.com/" target="_blank">Dole Plantation</a>, my parents' made a trip many years ago and included in the trip was a tour of the <a href="https://www.doleplantation.com/" target="_blank">Dole Plantation</a> where samples are available. The tour guide warned not to eat too much as it may upset one's stomach...my father apparently didn't heed the warning and ended up not feeling well and missing out on snorkling.<br /><br />We arrived in the North Shore area. We got off at a stop by a <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/" target="_blank">Starbucks</a> so Elphie could get a drink. We then began to walk, stopping relatively soon after to get some Poke at <a href="https://www.pokeforthepeople.com/" target="_blank">Poke For The People</a>. At this restaurant, it was sort of like ordering at a <a href="https://order.subway.com/en-US" target="_blank">Subway</a> where you tell them what you want and they build it for you. It was pretty good. Across the street was a smoke shop which I took a shot of for Elphie's mom and next to it was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kaimanashaveice/" target="_blank">Kaimana Hawai'ian Shave Ice</a>. Debbie got some for dessert but Elphie and I felt full from our Poke and figured we'd get some another time before the trip would end. We continued to walk through the business district included passed a farmer's market. When we got to where we could see the beaches, we turned left across a small bridge where children were jumping off into the water. We passed by a surf shop then asked someone which way for the best waves in the area. It turned out we needed to go back across the bridge to the beaches on that side. We crossed back over as the children continued to jump then went into a parking lot only to find a dead end into water we couldn't cross so we backtracked a bit to get around and to <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/things-to-do/beaches/haleiwa-alii-beach-park" target="_blank">Haleiwa Alii Beach</a>. The waves were pretty big and there were folks surfing. I captured a few shots. There was a guy shooting near me with a telephoto lens. Debbie and I also decided to go into the water. We chose a spot that seemed a bit away from the surfers so as to not get hit in the head with a board. While swimming in the waves, we encountered a sea turtle also swimming in the waves. I got knocked a couple times pretty good by the waves but it was fun!<br /><br />We got on <a href="http://www.thebus.org/" target="_blank">TheBus</a> to head back but taking the other direction so we could see more of the island as we rode. We rode along the shoreline, seeing a ton more beach areas and a couple resorts. We saw an inlet area that appeared to have a beach dividing the ocean from the inland water that came from the mountains. It was likely a nice area for hiking and probably some waterfalls had we gone there. We passed by some more farmer's markets and through some state park areas. I saw an island that looked familiar from movies like <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343660" target="_blank">50 First Dates</a>. We encountered some rain as we returned to Honolulu.<br /><br />Once back in Honolulu, we got dinner at <a href="https://www.macaronigrill.com/" target="_blank">Romano's Macaroni Grill</a> in <a href="https://www.alamoanacenter.com/en.html" target="_blank">Ala Moana Center</a>. Debbie apparently had developed blisters from all the walking we had done during this trip and was not interested in walking any more. The next morning she was flying back to Seattle. She decided to hang back in her hotel and Elphie and I went exploring around Honolulu a for a bit longer since we had a day pass on <a href="http://www.thebus.org/" target="_blank">TheBus</a>. We went into downtown looking for any sort of "night life." Before we got there, we stopped at the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ali-iolani-hale" target="_blank">King Kamahameha Statue in front of Ali'iolani Hale</a> and the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/iolani-palace" target="_blank">Iolani Palace</a> across the street. Both sites are on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a>. We walked down the road and came across a <a href="https://www.bourbonstreethi.com/" target="_blank">Bourbon Street Bar</a> that seemed to be the place were most folks were going. After this we decided to head to Waikiki. We found the hotel my parents stayed at - the <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/hawaii/hyatt-regency-waikiki-beach-resort-and-spa" target="_blank">Hyatt Regency</a>. Across the street was a statue of a surfer which had been Lei'd called <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu/duke-kahanamoku-statue" target="_blank">Duke Paoa Kahanamoku</a>. Apparently he is an Olympic champion and "father of international surfing." At this point we decided to call it a night and headed back to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>.<br /><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.20.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday February 20th, 2022, we didn't have anything planned. We decided to just go to the beach. We walked and entered near the lagoon where we had gone on our first night in Honolulu. We kept walking and ended up in front of the <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/hawaii/hyatt-regency-waikiki-beach-resort-and-spa" target="_blank">Hyatt Regency</a> again. I brought the Boogie Board that was in the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> and wanted to give it a try so we were looking for somewhere with some waves. Before settling in at the beach, we passed the <a href="https://collectionsofwaikiki.com/shopping/waikiki-christmas-store/" target="_blank">Waikiki Christmas Store</a>. We also found a stand to purchase a pineapple beverage in a pineapple called the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Waikiki-Beachside-Bistro-327248137416515/?_rdr" target="_blank">Waikiki Grass Shack Bistro</a>. It was good, it was also quite pulpy. It's a good thing we arrived when we did as it closed almost immediately after we made our purchase.<br /><br />I went in the water where we first set up and found it wasn't particularly deep then there was a wall. We moved to another area on the other side of where the wall was and I went quite a long way out before getting where I couldn't touch the bottom. I took the Boogie Board out as well but never figured out how to catch a wave. At some point I began to feel a bit nauseous from looking through the clear water and the movement. I was trying to watch where I stepped in hopes to not end up stepping on any sea creatures, especially a crap or jellyfish or something like that. While letting the nauseous feeling pass, I got some shots of <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/" target="_blank">Le'ahi (Diamond Head) volcano</a>. At sunset, I set up on the rocks that make the wall and got a decent shot of the sunset with boats and surfers in the foreground. I lost the focus a little bit and was somewhat shaky without the tripod but generally, I was happy with the shots. I got a few shots of the surfers after the sun was set as well. It got quite a bit cooler once the sun set.<br /><br />We decided to get Hawai'ian Shave Ice at <a href="https://www.lawson.jp/en/oversea/hawaii/" target="_blank">Lawson Station</a>. I got a Blue Hawai'i and Elphie got a Strawberry Mango Snow Ice. We found a spot to sit nearby and enjoyed them though we got pretty cold from it, ha! At this point we decided to go search for dinner. We headed to the mall nearby called the <a href="https://shopinternationalmarketplace.com/" target="_blank">International Marketplace</a>. As we walked we passed some street performers. We arrived at the mall but most everything in it was closed or closing. We found the food court area and across the street was <a href="https://surfnturftacos.com/" target="_blank">Surf And Turf Tacos</a> which we decided on getting. It was a long line with capacity restrictions but eventually we were able to get some food. I got a quesadilla and Elphie got a bowl. We ate outside again then went into the mall to try to use the restroom but they were all closed. We went back to the beach to use the restroom there. On our way out of the mall, we passed a <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu/don-ho-statue" target="_blank">Don Ho statue</a>. As we headed back toward out <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>, we passed the street performers again from across the street as well as some kids playing reggae in a band called <a href="https://www.thefreelittlebirds.com/" target="_blank">The Free Little Birds</a>. We also encountered a couple drunk guys as we got closer to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. One didn't quite make it and fell on the lawn by a hotel and took a nap there I guess...the other guy stumbled away and around the corner.<br /><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.21.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday February 21st, 2022, Elphie and I took <a href="http://www.thebus.org/" target="_blank">TheBus</a> went to visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/perl/index.htm" target="_blank">Pearl Harbor Memorial</a> site. My mom really pushed for us to go...but I had hoped we would get a chance anyway. Most of the exhibits were free and we were able to take the ferry to the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm" target="_blank">U.S.S. Arizona Memorial</a>. While we were at the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm" target="_blank">U.S.S. Arizona</a>, a sea turtle came swimming along the remains of the ship. I went into a couple of the buildings that highlighted the days leading up to the attack and life after during war time. One thing I found interesting was that some of the attacked ships were able to be repaired and put back into use fairly quickly so that they played a part in the ongoing war. For some reason, I had some trouble with my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> and its exposure settings. Some of the photos and footage is very much over exposed.<br /><br />Once we finished up the time we wanted to spend at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/perl/index.htm" target="_blank">Pearl Harbor</a>, we tried to take public transit to a <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> in the <a href="https://www.military.com/base-guide/hickam-air-force-base" target="_blank">Hickam Air Force Base</a> only to find that it was closed to the public since it is still an active base. Our hope was to see <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hickam-air-base-scars" target="_blank">the buildings which still show some damage scars from the Pearl Harbor attack</a>. While sitting outside the fence, I zoomed in on a building to see if anything might show up. I also zoomed in on a building near where we were sitting that had some holes...but they may have been from old signage rather than scars from the war.<br /><br />We caught <a href="http://www.thebus.org/" target="_blank">TheBus</a> into Honolulu to find an <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/neal-s-blaisdell-center" target="_blank">Elvis statue commemorating "Aloha From Hawai'i"</a> the first concert ever broadcast on satellite television. It stood outside of <a href="https://blaisdellcenter.com/" target="_blank">Blaisdell Center</a>. This was the second Elvis related <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> find for us! While there, a guy was feeding the fish in the pond. Some of the fish had fins sticking up out of the water like sharks but when they got closer it was obvious that they were not sharks. The guy gave Elphie some cookies to feed the fish as well. We headed across the street to <a href="https://www.jackinthebox.com/" target="_blank">Jack-In-The-Box</a> but decided we didn't want anything from their menu and headed to the <a href="https://www.alamoanacenter.com/en.html" target="_blank">Ala Moana Center</a> food court. We stopped by <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a> again then I went to the <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> nearby to get my first Shamrock Shake of the season!<br /><br />From here, we walked back through the <a href="https://www.alamoanacenter.com/en.html" target="_blank">Ala Moana Center</a> and out to the <a href="https://www.honolulu.gov/parks/default/park-locations/182-site-dpr-cat/30221-ala-moana-regional-park.html" target="_blank">Ala Moana Park</a> and continued to the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/things-to-do/beaches/magic-island-lagoon" target="_blank">"Magic Island"</a> then onto one of the beach areas. I tried to take a panoramic of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach at night with the lights on and captured some footage as well from near the breaker wall before heading back to the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. I was trying to see if it seemed likely to capture a sunrise, however, it seemed more likely that the sun would be rising over the mountains from the other side of the island. As we walked back, we encountered cats who apparently must live in the park. There were quite a few! We also passed by a guy fishing in the nearby lagoon.<br /><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>02.22.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">Tuesday February 22nd, 2022 was our last full day in Hawai'i. We'd be flying out early the next day. I had thoughts about getting up early to catch a Hawai'ian sunrise with my camera but after determining that it was more likely to rise over the mountains than the ocean, I decided to stay in bed. We slept in a bit. After discussing possibly taking a bus west of Honolulu to see whatever is out there, or perhaps going to the zoo, we decided to just hang out at the beach again. This time we rode <a href="http://www.thebus.org/" target="_blank">TheBus</a>. I tried once again to use the Boogie Board but couldn't figure out how to launch and catch a wave. We went to <a href="https://www.honolulu.gov/parks/default/kapi-olani-regional-park.html" target="_blank">Kapi'olani Beach Park</a> that indicated they may be good for surfing. There were folks on surf boards in the area. The first beach had a lot of rocks when I went out into the water so I decided to move a bit to an area that looked less rocky. There were still rocks but it seemed better. Before going into the water, I took a couple more shots of <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/" target="_blank">Le'ahi (Diamond Head)</a> from a wall going out into the ocean called The Queen's Walkway. I also got some shots of fish in the water.<br /><br />Moving where we did, we were now at the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/things-to-do/beaches/queens-surf-beach" target="_blank">Queen's Beach</a>. While I was in the water attempting to figure out how to use a Boogie Board, I encountered another sea turtle in the waves. Elphie bought some sort of Hawai'ian pastry from someone to enjoy while sitting near some folks practicing poi. She also pulled a broken chair out of the garbage to sit on.<br /><br />When I came back from the water to catch the sunset, I used the chair to try to get a more steady shot. This sunset was somewhat impeded by clouds at the horizon. After the sunset, I got some shots of ships and folks Boogie Boarding near a wall where the waves were crashing. It seemed the waves would take the folks around the wall rather than smash them into the wall. After changing into dry clothes, I got a couple shots as it got dark of folks on hammocks and more shots out into the ocean. I also captured a couple more statues of surfers. We had <a href="https://www.bk.com/" target="_blank">Burger King</a> for dinner before heading back to the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> for our last night. We packed up and got a little sleep...not much, as we had to get up really early to make it to the airport in time!<br /><br /></div><u style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>02.23.2022</u></div></u><div style="text-align: justify;">We got up sometime around 4:30am on Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 to catch a <a href="http://www.thebus.org/" target="_blank">TheBus</a> to <a href="http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/" target="_blank">Daniel K. Inouye International Airport</a>. The bus arrived close to on time. I was a little be unsure about the bus due to indications of a detour but when I put in our time we wanted to arrive into the map app on my iPhone, it showed it as a possibility to catch a bus just down the block from our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. We loaded up, returned the key to its spot, and got to the bus stop and waited. The bus took us to the terminal as we hoped it would and we set off to go through the various security checks. Once we got through it all, we got to our gate with just about 15 minutes to spare! The sky was lightening up with the sunrise which I caught out the window of the plane as we began to taxi. I got some shots as we took off which included Diamond Head and another crater. As we approached Los Angeles where we would have a little bit of a layover, we hit clouds coming over the land. It was interesting capturing the shadow of the plane in the clouds below. I was able to capture the Hollywood sign, Dodger Stadium, downtown Los Angeles and SoFi Stadium as we came into for a landing at <a href="https://www.flylax.com/" target="_blank">LAX</a>.<br /><br />Once off the plane at <a href="https://www.flylax.com/" target="_blank">LAX</a>, we found which gate we would be departing for Chicago from then went to get food. I had mistakenly believed that there was an <a href="https://www.in-n-out.com/" target="_blank">In-N-Out</a> in <a href="https://www.flylax.com/" target="_blank">LAX</a>. It turns out what I had to eat last time was <a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/" target="_blank">Chick-Fil-A</a> and for some reason thought it was <a href="https://www.in-n-out.com/" target="_blank">In-N-Out</a> in that spot. If I wanted to get <a href="https://www.in-n-out.com/" target="_blank">In-N-Out</a>, I'd have to leave the airport. It wasn't far but I definitely didn't want to go through the security checks again. I got <a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/" target="_blank">Chick-Fil-A</a> and Elphie got <a href="https://www.pandaexpress.com/" target="_blank">Panda Express</a>. Our flight to Chicago was delayed by several hours.<br /><br />We finally boarded our flight and it was dark by this time. I captured our take off and some city lights below us as we turned east to head home. I captured our landing at <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Midway International Airport</a> and the baggage handler while we waited to get off the plane. Once we gathered our belongings, we were going to take a bus home, however, someone was in the midst of being arrested in the tunnel to the <a href="https://www.transitchicago.com/" target="_blank">CTA</a> from the terminal so we decided to just take a cab home. It cost more and was a bit of a hassle as the cabbie didn't seem to want to use GPS so we had to direct him how to get to where we lived.<br /><br />Once home, we were greeted by Stein who seemed unsure about us at first but eventually became he usual, snuggly self...purring like crazy. I was going back to work in the morning and it was already 1:30am so I unloaded my stuff as quickly as I could then went to bed.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMwCQYi9D2CDrJ8rh3XFk7k" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpMwCQYi9D2CDrJ8rh3XFk7k"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMwCQYi9D2CDrJ8rh3XFk7k">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMwCQYi9D2CDrJ8rh3XFk7k</a><br />I really enjoyed this trip. I enjoyed the big waves in the ocean when I had the chance to experience them. Seeing a volcano was awesome! It is definitely a trip I will look forward to doing again in some years once we get some other things we would like to do out of the way.<br /><br />I layered the closing credits on the return flight footage...I put the soundtrack information scrolling over some of the footage prior to arriving at <a href="https://www.flychicago.com/midway/home/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Midway</a>. The rest I put on the approach to <a href="https://www.flylax.com/" target="_blank">LAX</a>. Besides the soundtrack listing and information on the shooting, editing, and animation/title work, I included a "thank you" to <a href="https://ywam.org/" target="_blank">Youth With A Mission</a> and <a href="https://uofn.edu/" target="_blank">University of the Nations</a> for housing, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>, <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a>, <a href="https://abcstores.com/" target="_blank">ABC Stores</a>, <a href="http://www.thebus.org/" target="_blank">TheBus</a>, <a href="https://www.southwest.com/" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a>, and of course, <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> for making the trip possible. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The soundtrack came together pretty well with this project. I was able to have most songs that I wanted in specific areas fit in together. I realized after I was done working on the project and compressing the files for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, I had entirely missed a song I had intended on using since we planned the trip. Oh well...I suppose I will use it next time the place we visit makes sense for it as Hawai'i would have.<br /><br />The first file I had uploaded for the Kona part of the trip had something go wrong during the compressing process. It created psychedelic color effect starting with the sunset on February 15th, 2022 and continuing most of the rest of that file until the end of February 17th, 2022. I didn't check the file before uploading and so I was unaware until it's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> 'premiere' while it played through and I saw it. A new file was compressed and uploaded in its place.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Additional soundtrack includes "Aloha! It's You" by <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Huntingtons</a>, "Paradise, Hawai'ian Style" by <a href="https://www.elvisthemusic.com/" target="_blank">Elvis Presley</a>, "Tiny Bubbles" by <a href="http://www.donho.com/" target="_blank">Don Ho</a>, "Aloha Oe" by <a href="https://www.johnnycash.com/" target="_blank">Johnny Cash</a>, "Vacation" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flight180band/" target="_blank">180*</a>, "This World" by <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a>, "Pacific Ocean Blue" by <a href="https://hushpad3.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Hushpad</a>, "In The Ocean Of His Love" by <a href="https://glennkaiser.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser</a>, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by <a href="https://izhawaii.com/" target="_blank">Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole</a>, "Sound So Soothing" by <a href="https://pegandtherejected.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Peg And The Rejected</a>, "The Volcano" by <a href="http://www.aggroreggae.com/" target="_blank">The Aggrolites</a>, "Volcano" by <a href="https://www.u2.com/" target="_blank">U2</a>, "Volcanoland" by <a href="https://www.caedmonscall.com/" target="_blank">Caedmon's Call</a>, "Beacon Of Hope" and "Solid Foundation" by <a href="https://theedreadpirateroberts.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Dread Pirate Roberts</a>, "What I Can't Describe" by <a href="https://thetransplants.com/" target="_blank">The Transplants</a>, "My Time Now" by <a href="https://pilfers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Pilfers</a>, "Against A Sea Of Troubles" by <a href="https://www.fiveironfrenzy.com/" target="_blank">Five Iron Frenzy</a>, "Southern Ocean" by <a href="https://pomegranatesart.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Pomegranates</a>, "The Ocean" by <a href="https://www.whatismae.com/" target="_blank">Mae</a>, "Ocean" by <a href="https://lovedrugmusic.com/" target="_blank">Lovedrug</a>, "Porcelina Of The Vast Oceans" by <a href="https://smashingpumpkins.com/" target="_blank">The Smashing Pumpkins</a>, "Oceana" by <a href="https://www.thevioletburning.com/" target="_blank">The Violet Burning</a>, "The Ocean" by <a href="https://thechoir.net/" target="_blank">The Choir</a>, "This Love Is An Ocean" by <a href="http://www.thethroes.com/" target="_blank">The Throes</a>, "Jonah" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/grammatrain" target="_blank">Grammatrain</a>, "Oceans" by <a href="https://pearljam.com/" target="_blank">Pearl Jam</a>, "Ocean" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Wish-For-Eden-152240278127627/?_rdr" target="_blank">Wish For Eden</a>, "The Ocean" by <a href="https://thebravery.com/" target="_blank">The Bravery</a>, "In Blue Hawai'i" by <a href="https://joey-joesph.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Joey Joesph</a>, "The Ocean" by Norway, "Hui" by The Ws, "Surf's Up And So Are You" by <a href="https://thecarmines.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Carmines</a>, "Surf Kennedy" by <a href="https://www.gayblackrepublican.com/" target="_blank">Gay Black Republican</a>, "Surf Song" by <a href="https://saintseanhenry.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Sean Henry</a>, "Surfin' USA" by <a href="https://thebeachboys.com/" target="_blank">The Beach Boys</a>, "Tony Adams" by <a href="https://www.joestrummer.com/" target="_blank">Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros</a>, "Things To Come" by <a href="https://www.rancidrancid.com/" target="_blank">Rancid</a>, "I'll Be'Neath The Canopy" by <a href="https://thedingees.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Dingees</a>, "Over Oceans" by <a href="https://www.joshgarrels.com/" target="_blank">Josh Garrels</a>, "Headphones" by <a href="http://theuhohsmusic.om/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a>, and "Mud" by <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Footage filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024 microphone</a> and <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 6, 8, and 13</a> by Debbie, Elphie, and Joel A. Swanson. Titles, maps, and other animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.<span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: #282828; color: white; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-25049483834207671222022-05-23T17:27:00.009-05:002022-08-09T15:20:03.721-05:00A Shared Life: Winter In Chicago (January - March 2022)<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">As should be expected I suppose, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> was surging again with the winter months. This time, however, life went on more or less as normal. Instead of locking down, events continued to happen, but with required proof of vaccination and in some cases masking in Chicago (and I assume other places as well). I only attended one show in January...the <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYOU</a> Brother Sister Anniversary Tour. With the band announcing that the end for them was near, I couldn't miss opportunities to see them. At the end of January, there was supposed to be <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetherocknrollchicago" target="_blank">"Save The Rock-N-Roll"</a> Fest to benefit some local venues which had been rescheduled from 2020 but it got pushed back to April <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/05/save-rock-n-roll-fest-2022.html" target="_blank">(blog with videos from that night is here)</a> in hopes that more people could attend with fewer restrictions. In February the masking requirements came to an end in Chicago and March most things seemed somewhat like what we once called "normal" and we attended several shows.<br /><br />The intro was once again created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> utilizing some photos from the season. I used the blast effect to bring in the title in a way that felt appropriate with the weather.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kPoYHGG6IbQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="kPoYHGG6IbQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/kPoYHGG6IbQ">https://youtu.be/kPoYHGG6IbQ</a></div><u><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>01.03.2022</b></u></div></u><div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday January 3rd, 2022, we watched Ben Roethlisberger play his last game in Pittsburgh as a <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Steeler</a>. It was a victory over the Browns which is how it should be.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>01.04.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">I returned to work on Tuesday January 4th, 2022 from the extended Christmas break. I decided to capture the city view on my commute.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>01.09.2022</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xONhgX8Ui5c" width="560" youtube-src-id="xONhgX8Ui5c"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/xONhgX8Ui5c">https://youtu.be/xONhgX8Ui5c</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday January 9th, 2022, <a href="https://mewithoutyou.com/" target="_blank">mewithoutYOU</a> played at <a href="https://lh-st.com/" target="_blank">Lincoln Hall</a> on their Brother Sister Anniversary Tour. It had been delayed from 2020. In hopes to keep from contracting <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>, the band and the venue had strict masking requirements along with the vaccination proof. This didn't sit well with some folks, apparently, throwing tantrums on the internet. Everyone but Aaron and Ricky wore masks while playing as well. Unfortunately a few days later, a member of the band or their crew ended up contracting <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> despite their best efforts at mitigation and the remaining dates of the tour had to be rescheduled. Unwed Sailor was scheduled to be the supporting act but they had to cancel due to someone in the band getting <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> right before the tour started. I captured "Sun And The Moon" as it seemed to be the most appropriate song for the tour. I would have liked to have captured the whole show and luckily, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PaulHarrisonVideos" target="_blank">Paul Harrison</a> did! I actually did not see him during the night but as evident in the video below, he was indeed there!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NwEgZUsmgGY" width="560" youtube-src-id="NwEgZUsmgGY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/NwEgZUsmgGY">https://youtu.be/NwEgZUsmgGY</a></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>01.14.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday January 14th, 2022 I decided to drive back to Warren to get in a couple last chances to hunt a deer. I left work a bit early and the drive wasn't too bad. I arrived late evening and once I had my gear prepared, I went to bed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>01.15.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">I headed into the woods on Saturday January 15th, 2022 to hunt in the single digit temperatures. It was so cold my phone shut off when trying to take a picture to document the day and a quick video clip. My legs and hands were quite cold most of the day. Around noon I saw a couple deer across the stream in the posted area near where I was set up. I kept my eye on the area hoping that the deer would continue toward my direction as it appeared that they were headed but they turned back up the hill away from me. As sunset neared, several deer came running toward me from the direction of the road and really did give me a good opportunity to take a shot. The first deer I got a look at was a spike and therefore not permitted for me to shoot. There was one near it but stayed positioned that the spike was between me and it. As I watched those two and tried to see if I could get a shot, some of the others scattered. One still remained and perhaps gave me a good shot but since I was focused on the other deer, I missed that opportunity. The deer ran then stopped near the posted land and I took a bit too long contemplating taking the shot and it ran again. It wasn't far and I probably should have just taken the shot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>01.17.2022</u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday January 17th, 2022, I decided to head out to hunt for a few more hours. Warren had just accumulated about two feet of snow and so I had to unbury my car and dig out tracks to drive to the woods. I had the day off due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. My plan was to hunt then drive back to Chicago. I ended up getting out later than I would have liked and didn't see anything. It was very difficult to walk. This was the end of the hunting season for me and I had no luck whatsoever.<br /><br />I came back in, took a shower then loaded up to head home. I had to navigate through the snowy hills in Pennsylvania. Some areas had very little work done at that point but I pressed on. I passed some vehicles that couldn't make it up a hill or ended up in ditches as I went. The night before I heard on the news that transfer trucks were not permitted to drive on the interstate during the storm. I think that ban might have just ended as I was making it to the interstate. There weren't many trucks driving but a few. There were some off the road perhaps since the night before. In Ohio, some of the areas had a bit worse conditions as the roads hadn't been treated all that much yet. I pulled in a rest area before Cleveland to use the restroom only to find that it had not been cleared at all. There were a lot of trucks pulled off and a path a couple car widths wide plowed out but if I were to have tried to go to the building I would have had to walk in waist deep (or deeper) snow. I'm not sure I'd even be able to get the door open. We carry bottles in the car for emergency toilet use so I utilized the bottle, dumped it, then continued on my way. I really wish I had captured this on video but I apparently did not (as I found during the editing process). Driving through Cleveland during these conditions is always interesting but I made it through and conditions improved further west. Along the way, I passed a convoy of electric company trucks. I made it back to Chicago before midnight after the long and difficult trip.<br /><br /><b><u>01.24.2022</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A week later on Monday January 24th, 2022, I headed out to work during another substantial snowfall. The video clip is our back door area and yard.<br /><br /><b><u>01.26.2022</u></b><br />On Wednesday January 26th, 2022, I left for work with negative temperatures. After work, Elphie made plans to hang with her friend Kat for a few days so I got <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's Pizza</a> to eat while she was away.<br /><br /><b><u>02.01.2022</u></b><br />On my way home from work on Tuesday February 1st, 2022, I encountered a truck that didn't take the turn correctly in front of the neighborhood <a href="https://www.target.com/" target="_blank">Target</a> and seemed to get jammed up against the traffic light post. It may have hit other cars as well...I couldn't tell. This was before the next big snow storm really hit so I don't think the weather had anything to do with this mishap.<br /><br /><b><u>02.02.2022<br /></u></b>On Wednesday February 2nd, 2022, it was Groundhog's Day (again), and it was another significant blizzard. On this day I was to meet a client for a work related thing off site. I got up with plenty of time, unburied the car again, and navigated out of the driveway despite some good drifting that had occurred and got to the meeting site. The client never showed up. I eventually called and the client had been snowed in. He hadn't made any attempt to reach me or my co-workers. I made my way north to work, capturing some clips of the angry Lake Michigan from Lake Shore Drive.<br /><br /><b><u>02.04.2022</u></b><br />On Friday evening, February 4th, 2022, I got some shots of the icicles hanging over the steps we use to get to our backdoor. I had tried to keep them intact as much as I could through the winter though it resulted in a bit of a dangerously slick steps...but they look pretty cool!<br /><br /><b><u>02.05.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylGG1agDuP8" width="560" youtube-src-id="ylGG1agDuP8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/ylGG1agDuP8">https://youtu.be/ylGG1agDuP8</a><br />On Saturday February 5th, 2022, I set out to capture with my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> the sunrise over Lake Michigan while it was at least somewhat frozen. I assume the middle is not and at least part of the cause for the cloud cover low on the horizon which interfered with me capturing the actual sunrise. I also ran into a couple other issued with this experiment. First, I had forgotten to put a battery into the camera. I had set it up and turned it on only to have nothing happen. I left the camera, hoping no wind gusts would take it out to sea or something and ran back to the car to get the battery and got back. I think the cold affected the battery as it seemed to drain rather quickly. The camera shut off a couple times on me as well. I also found that whatever I had it set to from the last time I had used it (a concert in December, I believe) was causing way too much light in making the screen essentially white. I had to correct that. I captured the city while it was over exposed as well. I was able to get the settings right and the lens focused prior to the sun coming over the clouds. I let the camera run for a while and took some shots with my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 8</a> as well. I think the audio is very low due to having it set to allow capturing concert audio without blowing out the sound. I probably could have captured this without using the <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024 microphone</a>. I took a couple more shots of the city. Where I was shooting from, the Montrose Harbor, the water was frozen there but out in the lake, it was still moving. There was also steam visible. I hoped that the video would show the different conditions going on with the ice, the water, the steam, and all its movement. I captured using the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> the pre-sunrise drive and the drive home.<br /><br /><b><u>02.06.2022</u></b><br />On Sunday February 6th, 2022, on our way to our grocery shopping at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> in Highland, Indiana, we encountered large piles of snow and decided to capture it with the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>02.07.2022</u></b><br />As I drove to work on Monday February 7th, 2022, I was delayed slightly by a wreck on Lake Shore Drive. I could only see one car. I'm not sure if it was a one car situation or if the other drove off or had already been towed.<br /><br /><b><u>02.08.2022</u></b><br />On my way into work on Tuesday February 8th, 2022, there were two areas along Lake Shore Drive where work was being one. The first was well marked with cones and and blinking arrow while the next was not marked at all! It also was in the middle of the lanes. I assume that this crew was fixing potholes but certainly could have been a dangerous situation if someone isn't paying attention to stopped vehicles along the highway there.<br /><br /><b><u>02.10.2022</u></b><br />On my way home on Thursday February 10th, 2022, there appeared to have been a fire at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BubblelandOnArcher" target="_blank">Bubbleland</a> laundromat near where we live. As I waited at the light, two firetrucks left the scene. This was the last clip before our trip to Hawai'i.<br /><br />Forthcoming blog for the Hawai'i trip.<br /><br /><b><u>02.25.2022</u></b><br />After returning from Hawaii, I had to scrape the ice and snow from the car to get to work. I decided to leave the clip of that which was automatically captured by the <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. This auto capture happens from time to time and I assume my scraping and brushing snow causes the camera sensor to believe there is an incident occurring.<br /><br /><b><u>02.26.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/758-PJt64k8" width="560" youtube-src-id="758-PJt64k8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/758-PJt64k8">https://youtu.be/758-PJt64k8</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-qmnuO3-yUA" width="560" youtube-src-id="-qmnuO3-yUA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/-qmnuO3-yUA">https://youtu.be/-qmnuO3-yUA</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tfbcnGcsfg8" width="560" youtube-src-id="tfbcnGcsfg8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/tfbcnGcsfg8">https://youtu.be/tfbcnGcsfg8</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ObtGILfIqpg" width="560" youtube-src-id="ObtGILfIqpg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/ObtGILfIqpg">https://youtu.be/ObtGILfIqpg</a><br />On Saturday February 26th, 2022, the <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropick Murphys</a> came to town! They played at <a href="https://www.radius-chicago.com/" target="_blank">Radius</a>. It was my first time attending a show at this venue...it's pretty good! It had been a couple years since I had gotten to catch one of their shows (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> to blame for the most part) and it was nice to be able to see them live in person again. They did several live streams (and would be doing so again on St. Patrick's Day from their Boston show) but to actually be there in person was great! Al Barr was not on the tour due to his mother having medical issues so it was just Ken Casey doing the lead vocals. I captured "Kiss Me I'm #!@*faced" from their set. <a href="http://thebombpops.com/" target="_blank">The Bombpops</a> played before them. For some reason I was thinking it would be the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/horrorpops" target="_blank">Horrorpops</a>...oops! I captured "13 Stories Down" from their set. <a href="https://therumjacks.com/" target="_blank">The Rumjacks</a> were before them. I believe at least one of the members is part of the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a>...the singer wore a <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> T-shirt. They are taking <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> on tour with them later in the spring. I captured "Bloodsoaked In Chorus" from their set. The opener was <a href="https://www.jesseahern.com/" target="_blank">Jesse Ahern</a>. I missed a song or two going through the security but I caught most of his set and captured a song. It was a good night!<br /><br /><b><u>02.27.2022</u></b><br />On Sunday February 27th, 2022, we encountered Telly again as we shopped at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>03.01.2022</u></b><br />On Tuesday March 1st, 2022, it was my mom's birthday and Mardi Gras. At work there were Pazckis to eat and I got my first Shamrock Shake in Chicago (had one in Hawai'i).<br /><br /><b><u>03.04.2022</u></b><br />As I drove home on Friday March 4th, 2022, I captured the image of the Ukraine Flag on the <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a> Ferris Wheel.<br /><br /><b><u>03.08.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RhcA8g3S-Jc" width="560" youtube-src-id="RhcA8g3S-Jc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/RhcA8g3S-Jc">https://youtu.be/RhcA8g3S-Jc</a><br />On Tuesday March 8th, 2022, <a href="https://underoath777.com/" target="_blank">Underoath</a> played at <a href="https://www.radius-chicago.com/" target="_blank">Radius</a> in Chicago. <a href="https://spiritbox.com/" target="_blank">Spiritbox</a> was on the tour but dealing with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> so they were unable to play this show. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Strayfromthepath" target="_blank">Stray From The Path</a> and <a href="http://www.badomensofficial.com/" target="_blank">Bad Omens</a> were the openers for the show but I only decided to capture a clip from <a href="https://underoath777.com/" target="_blank">Underoath</a>. I captured "Pneumonia."<br /><br /><b><u>03.10.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bf8oEJT8zhA" width="560" youtube-src-id="Bf8oEJT8zhA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Bf8oEJT8zhA">https://youtu.be/Bf8oEJT8zhA</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iAfqhBuLOIA" width="560" youtube-src-id="iAfqhBuLOIA"></iframe><br />h<a href="ttps://youtu.be/iAfqhBuLOIA">ttps://youtu.be/iAfqhBuLOIA</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sc84TlTDums" width="560" youtube-src-id="sc84TlTDums"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/sc84TlTDums">https://youtu.be/sc84TlTDums</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/spzUwJtfvak" width="560" youtube-src-id="spzUwJtfvak"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/spzUwJtfvak">https://youtu.be/spzUwJtfvak</a><br />On Thursday March 10th, 2022, our friend Little Jessi Dills was playing at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> with the band the <a href="https://www.thevontramps.com/" target="_blank">Von Tramps</a>. Also on the bill were the <a href="http://www.dollyrots.com/" target="_blank">Dolly Rots</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRunAroundBand" target="_blank">The Run Around</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetiebandchicago/" target="_blank">Sweetie</a>. I decided to capture this show using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024 microphone</a>. I think I had the setting a bit darker than I would have liked but otherwise, I am happy with how it turned out. It was fun to see Little Jessi playing!<br /><br /><b><u>03.11.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CHafEiobEh4" width="560" youtube-src-id="CHafEiobEh4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/CHafEiobEh4">https://youtu.be/CHafEiobEh4</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DOj1xsjiRnY" width="560" youtube-src-id="DOj1xsjiRnY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/DOj1xsjiRnY">https://youtu.be/DOj1xsjiRnY</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lLJqQdbmQPU" width="560" youtube-src-id="lLJqQdbmQPU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/lLJqQdbmQPU">https://youtu.be/lLJqQdbmQPU</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DnJ4N7V_I6U" width="560" youtube-src-id="DnJ4N7V_I6U"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/DnJ4N7V_I6U">https://youtu.be/DnJ4N7V_I6U</a><br />On Friday March 11th, 2022 I went to the <a href="https://www.chopshopchi.com/" target="_blank">Chop Shop</a> for a ska show. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dealsgoneslack" target="_blank">Deals Gone Slack</a> was the headliner. It was a combination of the bands <a href="https://www.theslackers.com/" target="_blank">The Slackers</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dealsgonebad/" target="_blank">Deals Gone Bad</a>. They played some original music, some covers, and some from each band. <a href="https://www.stopthepressesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Stop The Presses</a> was also on the show and I captured "Dead Man's Party" from their set. <a href="http://www.threeblueteardrops91.com/" target="_blank">The Three Blue Teardrops</a> and <a href="https://thebamalamas.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Bama Lamas</a> opened the night. I also captured this show using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024 microphone</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>03.12.2022</u></b><br />After leaving the show at the <a href="https://www.chopshopchi.com/" target="_blank">Chop Shop</a> I captured the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/puerto-rican-flag-sculptures" target="_blank">Puerto Rico flag installation</a> near Western Avenue on Division. I labeled it at Saturday March 12th, 2022, which it technically was, but it was just after midnight. It's another <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> site that I've passed by many times so I figured I'd capture it on video.<br /><br /><b><u>03.17.2022</u></b><br />On Saint Patrick's Day, Thursday March 17th, 2022, I captured a "Fat Cat" set up near a construction site at Western and Archer protesting the <a href="http://lakeshoreplumbing.com/" target="_blank">Lake Shore Plumbing</a> company as I drove to work. At lunchtime, I got my last Shamrock Shake of the season from <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/" target="_blank">McDonald's</a>. That evening we watched the livestream of <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropkick Murphys</a> from Boston. It was fun to see while they played with people in the crowd again!<br /><br /><b><u>03.18.2022<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q8qP3sQf4l8" width="560" youtube-src-id="Q8qP3sQf4l8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Q8qP3sQf4l8">https://youtu.be/Q8qP3sQf4l8</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PzRkhGeVkiY" width="560" youtube-src-id="PzRkhGeVkiY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/PzRkhGeVkiY">https://youtu.be/PzRkhGeVkiY</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6OJ9Xbl8RTY" width="560" youtube-src-id="6OJ9Xbl8RTY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/6OJ9Xbl8RTY">https://youtu.be/6OJ9Xbl8RTY</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/98t3DA8Jfds" width="560" youtube-src-id="98t3DA8Jfds"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/98t3DA8Jfds">https://youtu.be/98t3DA8Jfds</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2huk3IrqkKs" width="560" youtube-src-id="2huk3IrqkKs"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/2huk3IrqkKs">https://youtu.be/2huk3IrqkKs</a><br />On Friday March 18th, 2022, <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> held their annual Saint Patrick's Day show at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a>. I captured a newer song called "Mud" from their set. A lot of friends from the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/ollie-mob-worldwide" target="_blank">Ollie Mob</a> were out for the show! It was good to see them! <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/merch" target="_blank">The Huntingtons</a> were the main support and I captured "No Pool Party Tonight" from their set. <a href="https://www.500mtm.com/" target="_blank">500 Miles To Memphis</a>, <a href="https://crazyandthebrains.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Crazy and the Brains</a>, and <a href="https://evilempirechicago.com/" target="_blank">Evil Empire</a> also played. I used my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024 microphone</a> again for this show. I realized after this show that I had the date and time setting wrong in the camera and had to adjust it by about a full day. I had to go back through and adjust the timestamps on the files going all the way back to the purchase of this camera!<br /><br /><b><u>03.21.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-5Z5Z4l166U" width="560" youtube-src-id="-5Z5Z4l166U"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/-5Z5Z4l166U">https://youtu.be/-5Z5Z4l166U</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BpwJKIbqXNU" width="560" youtube-src-id="BpwJKIbqXNU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/BpwJKIbqXNU">https://youtu.be/BpwJKIbqXNU</a><br />On Monday March 21st, 2022, it was a nice day. Elphie took advantage and went to the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo</a> during the day. I met her at <a href="https://www.ranallislincolnpark.com/" target="_blank">Renalli's</a> for some pizza before heading to <a href="https://www.jamusa.com/park-west" target="_blank">Park West</a> to see <a href="https://garynuman.com/" target="_blank">Gary Numan</a>. I captured "Intruder" from his set. The opening act was called <a href="https://www.ispeakmachine.com/" target="_blank">I Speak Machine</a> and I captured "War" from that set. We got their fairly early and took some seats near the back wall with a bar if we needed for drinks. I rested my hands on that while shooting the video and didn't realize that the bass vibrations were causing my hands to shake making for a very unsteady video.<br /><br /><b><u>03.22.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ooC4XNeUXA4" width="560" youtube-src-id="ooC4XNeUXA4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/ooC4XNeUXA4">https://youtu.be/ooC4XNeUXA4</a><br />On Tuesday March 22nd, 2022, I made this video highlighting an issue I had with a battery pack purchase through <a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a>. I made the purchase in October and actually received the battery packs and the accompanying charger relatively quickly. If it didn't come in October, it was early November. Surprising, considering the supply line and shipping issues going on then and still continuing. I needed new battery packs because I purchased a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> and found the battery packs for the <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">T6</a> were not compatible for the <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">T6s</a>. These were advertised as being "Genuine" <a href="https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/battery-pack-lp-e17" target="_blank">Canon LP-E17 battery packs</a> and charger. Upon receiving them, I put them in my camera and they worked! I didn't think to test them in the charger that came with them or the charger I already had. The only discernable difference was the writing on the back being in Chinese characters rather than English for the battery packs. The charger also had a wired plug rather than the flip out prong style of the <a href="https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/battery-charger-lc-e17" target="_blank">Canon LC-E17 charger</a>.<br /><br />In February 2022, while on our Hawai'i trip, I used one of these "genuine" battery packs while we were out. That evening when I went to charge it, nothing happened. I tried in both the charger I got with the camera as well as in the charger that came with the "genuine" battery packs but nothing happened. I tried to charge the battery pack that came with the camera in the charger that came from the "genuine" battery pack purchase and it wouldn't charge either.<br /><br />At this point, I logged into my <a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a> and found that the return date had long passed. I apparently only had until December. I decided to contact the seller. I took some pictures of the battery packs in the charger. Both the "genuine" ones from the order as well as the one I got with the camera to show that the charger from the order was not functional at all and the battery packs from the order would not charge in either charger that I had. I did my best to explain everything and answered his follow-up as clearly as I could. The seller offered a refund. A week later, the refund was not processed so I reached out again. The seller stated he "wanted" to refund me but couldn't figure out how and wanted me to do something to make it happen. I'm not sure what I could do so I reached out to the<a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank"> eBay</a> help chat. It seemed to be the best option <a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a> allowed. During the chat and their thanking me for being a long time account holder, the help chat eventually told me to have the seller refund me through PayPal since it was outside of the return window. I went back to the seller with this information only to be told the seller did not have <a href="https://www.paypal.com/" target="_blank">PayPal</a>. I may be wrong, but I believe that one had to have <a href="https://www.paypal.com/" target="_blank">PayPal</a> to use <a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a>...at least it used to be that way. I went back to the help chat, got thanked again, and tried to find a solution. This time was less helpful...suggesting filing a complaint against the seller. I never did see how I could do that seeing as the return window had closed. It seemed as though I was also told to get the seller on the chat. I don't know how I could do that, exactly. I tried to send proof of the refund offer from the message I had from the seller but it didn't seem to matter. I reached out to the seller again to see what I could do but got no response this time. I went to the <a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a> help chat a third and final time...once again getting thanked before we could get into the situation. This final chat really was not helpful. I was basically told there was nothing <a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a> could or would do. They end these chat sessions by saying that they are satisfied with the help that they give...I was not satisfied.<br /><br />I decided at this point to try <a href="https://www.paypal.com/" target="_blank">PayPal</a> since the financial transaction was through <a href="https://www.paypal.com/" target="_blank">PayPal</a>. I found that the opportunity to dispute was not yet expired. I had through April 2022...six months! I made this video for the reason of this dispute. By this time I had purchased new battery packs that were indeed genuine and from <a href="https://shop.usa.canon.com/" target="_blank">Canon</a> in <a href="https://shop.usa.canon.com/" target="_blank">Canon</a> packaging. I also ordered a new charger...it came in <a href="https://shop.usa.canon.com/" target="_blank">Canon</a> packaging as well. I tested them (as seen in the video) and the battery packs worked in the camera and both chargers while the "genuine" battery packs would not charge in any of the chargers and the charger that came in the order of the "genuine" battery packs would not charge anything.<br /><br />In the end, I was able to get a refund from <a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a> through <a href="https://www.paypal.com/" target="_blank">PayPal</a> and I figure they can deal with the seller of the "genuine" battery packs if they see fit to do so. I did send one final message to the seller stating I was able to get a refund through <a href="https://www.paypal.com/" target="_blank">PayPal</a> and that I would not be doing business with him again as it seems what he is selling are not "genuine" but defective. I also was not happy with his lack of response in my attempts to get the refund figured out. He responded then saying he wanted to refund me but just didn't have <a href="https://www.paypal.com/" target="_blank">PayPal</a> and it was too long. I am grateful I was able to secure a refund in the end and that I now have batteries that I can charge! Lesson learned regarding deals seemingly too good to be true...or something along those lines.<br /><br />While I haven't made a video yet to highlight it but I will, I also purchased a "battery grip" which connects to the bottom of the camera and allows for two batteries to be used to get more shooting time out of the camera. It has worked great!<br /><br /><b><u>03.25.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vI1NALKBwyw" width="560" youtube-src-id="vI1NALKBwyw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/vI1NALKBwyw">https://youtu.be/vI1NALKBwyw</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vcKb502KgVA" width="560" youtube-src-id="vcKb502KgVA"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/vcKb502KgVA">https://youtu.be/vcKb502KgVA</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8kU2MOR1Yko" width="560" youtube-src-id="8kU2MOR1Yko"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/8kU2MOR1Yko">https://youtu.be/8kU2MOR1Yko</a><br />On Friday March 25th, 2022, I went to the <a href="https://www.jamusa.com/venues/the-vic" target="_blank">Vic Theatre</a> for a show featuring the <a href="https://www.circlejerks.net/" target="_blank">Circle Jerks</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/official7seconds" target="_blank">7 Seconds</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057670434939" target="_blank">Negative Approach</a>. It was definitely and old guy punk show! I captured "Live Fast, Die Young" by the <a href="https://www.circlejerks.net/" target="_blank">Circle Jerks</a> and "Young 'Til I Die" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/official7seconds" target="_blank">7 Seconds</a> because it was funny to me considering they are not particularly young anymore. I am glad that they are still doing it though! I captured "Tied Down" from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057670434939" target="_blank">Negative Approach</a>. After the show on Lake Shore Drive there was a car wreck shortly before I got on the road. A firetruck had to make its way through the stopped traffic. I only saw one damaged car as I passed by.<br /><br /><b><u>03.26.2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jyk_J0ljX_4" width="560" youtube-src-id="Jyk_J0ljX_4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Jyk_J0ljX_4">https://youtu.be/Jyk_J0ljX_4</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RfqkIP2Iw9s" width="560" youtube-src-id="RfqkIP2Iw9s"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/RfqkIP2Iw9s">https://youtu.be/RfqkIP2Iw9s</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FVjBNqgB2RE" width="560" youtube-src-id="FVjBNqgB2RE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/FVjBNqgB2RE">https://youtu.be/FVjBNqgB2RE</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u_khGrDYpgM" width="560" youtube-src-id="u_khGrDYpgM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/u_khGrDYpgM">https://youtu.be/u_khGrDYpgM</a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mHexwJixnrQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="mHexwJixnrQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/mHexwJixnrQ">https://youtu.be/mHexwJixnrQ</a><br />On Saturday March 26th, 2022, we went to Joliet to attend the <a href="https://powerman5000.com/" target="_blank">Powerman5000</a> show at <a href="https://theforgelive.com/" target="_blank">The Forge</a>. I captured "When Worlds Collide" from their set. Also playing were <a href="http://www.theworldoverofficial.com/" target="_blank">The World Over</a>, <a href="https://sunvolume.net/" target="_blank">Sun Volume</a>, <a href="https://programmableanimalngp.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Programmable Animal</a>, and <a href="https://bellhead.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bellhead</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>03.27.2022<br /></u></b>During our grocery run to Indiana on Sunday March 27th, 2022, I decided to take the car through the car wash at the <a href="https://www.speedway.com/" target="_blank">Speedway</a>.<br /><br /><b><u>03.28.2022</u></b><br />During my commute to work on Monday March 28th, 2022, There was some sort of roadwork going on and an accident on the Damen exit as I returned home.<br /><br /><b><u>03.29.2022</u></b><br />On Tuesday March 29th, 2022, I saw that the "Fat Cat" was out again near the worksite at Western and Archer. This time I believe I got a better shot of it and its sign still protesting <a href="http://lakeshoreplumbing.com/" target="_blank">Lake Shore Plumbing</a>. I also captured the city as I made my way to work.<br /><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Sleeping Winter Fool" by <a href="https://www.katjonesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Kat Jones</a>, "The Sound Of (Wintry Mix)" by <a href="https://thebellandthehammer.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Bell And The Hammer</a>, "Sunrise/The Song Of The Sun" by <a href="https://timbre.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Timbre</a>, "Three Below Zero" by <a href="https://glennkaiserband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Glenn Kaiser Band</a>, and "Sorry" by <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>.<br /><br />Filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024</a> microphone, a <a href="https://us.crosstourtech.com/products/crosstour-cr900-dash-cam" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>, and <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 6 and 8</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Title created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.<br /></div>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-47784244747002195402022-05-12T16:17:00.004-05:002022-05-12T16:17:52.228-05:00A Shared Life: The Holidays (November - December 2021)<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">The Holidays in 2021 returned to something more normal even though there was a surge in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> due to new variants. Even though our travel plans went on as planned more closely resembling our past holiday seasons, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> did have a role. We went to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving and did our Christmas with my parents there over that weekend. I also took the opportunity to hunt. I had high hopes but things didn't quite turn out. I made a second trip later in the season and then returned again after Christmas to partake in the late season archery opportunity with my <a href="https://excaliburcrossbow.com/" target="_blank">Excalibur Bulldog 440 Crossbow</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The intro is some photos highlighting the time and was created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a>. I decided to go with holiday colors, the standard red and green for the main title. I wanted the colors to alternate which took a little extra work and layering but I think it turned out ok. I also used <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">MacBook</a> to create some animated map files to overlay on some of the travel videos.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_JSgzqHikV4" width="560" youtube-src-id="_JSgzqHikV4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/_JSgzqHikV4">https://youtu.be/_JSgzqHikV4</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>Thanksgiving, Hunting, and Northern Christmas</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>11.24.2021</u></b><br />I took half the day off of work and we drove to Pennsylvania on Wednesday November 24th, 2021 so it wouldn't be too awful late when we arrived. We brought Stein with us and that adds a level of anxiety to the trips. He seems to not do so well when we enter Pennsylvania. I don't know if its the elevation change and/or the windy roads but he seems to get car sick. He begins to have diarrhea and foams at the mouth. We hoped some items be bought at <a href="https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/" target="_blank">Pet Supplies Plus</a> might help but it didn't seem to have any positive effect, unfortunately. This is likely his last road trip with us for that reason.<br /><br />As we drove, during a break I opened up a bottle of <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Gingerbread Snap'd that we bought and gave it a try. It definitely had a gingerbread taste. It was ok. We took the route that has us go into New York state as it is less time from the highway to my parents house hoping that would be helpful. As we drove, we had to move over for police activity. It appeared a deer had been hit and injured. The officer looked like he was preparing to execute the deer. We had a deer cross in front of us later as we were going through the hills off the highway. There was snow on the ground. We were able to arrive before midnight. The driving and weather conditions were ok.<br /><br /><b><u>11.25.2021</u></b><br />On Thursday November 25th, 2021, we were back to a more regular Thanksgiving for the first time in some years. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> didn't interfere nor did any children have playoff football to cause a cancelation! We had Thanksgiving at my cousin Brynne's house. They had recently gotten a meat smoker so we had smoked turkey. There weren't quite as many of us this year...some cousins weren't able to make the trip or families had other plans. But it was good to hang with those who were there. The usual watching of football, talking hunting, and card games occurred. I'm not sure if the usual cheating happened.<br /><br /><b><u>11.26.2021</u></b><br />On Friday November 26th, 2021 I had to take the car to get inspected. After that ordeal (and it always is an ordeal due to my father), I stopped at some sporting goods stores to try to find some broadheads for my <a href="https://excaliburcrossbow.com/" target="_blank">Excalibur Bulldog 440 crossbow</a>. I came to realize the blades I had didn't simply connect to the tips I already had. No stores in the area sold the brand I hoped to get so I got something else. It will work. I also decided to go into the woods to check on my hunting spots and perhaps hunt squirrel if there were any to hunt. It began to snow pretty heavily while I was out there. I felt this was a good thing as it makes for better sightlines while hunting. I went to discharge my crossbow and the string snapped. While I didn't yet have a replacement nor the tools necessary to restring it.<br /><br /><b><u>11.27.2021</u></b><br />On Saturday November 27th, 2021, the deer season opened for rifle hunting. We didn't get out there as early as I would have liked. I waited on my father who took a bit longer to get ready. Despite the snow making for better sightlines and walking in to find a lot of fresh tracks around and actually in the spot I built up to be something of a blind, the day was not a successful one. I didn't see deer until the early afternoon. A small group began walking in downhill from where I stood. They stayed a fair distance away and in brushy areas where I didn't feel comfortable taking a shot. Eventually I assume they picked up my scent or saw me and got spooked and ran off. I didn't see anything the rest of the time in the woods.<br /><br /><b><u>11.28.2021</u></b><br />On Sunday November 28th, 2021, I was back in the woods to hunt. This allowed me to miss the awfulness that was the <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> game that day. The snow was more crunchy this morning and I spooked a deer as I walked in. It was still pretty dark and hard to see at that point anyway. After maybe an hour in the woods a couple deer came into view near where the group I saw the day before moved through. I was just about to have a cup of coffee when I saw them. I set the cup down and tried to crouch enough behind the blind I built to not be as noticeable. It seemed one of them did notice me but didn't seem to get too spooked at that point. They continued to move and went into an area I couldn't see them very well so I anticipated where I thought they may reappear. They did not reappear for some time and so I let my guard down just a little bit. I was looking back to where they had been to see if they were moving back that way then I noticed movement to the side of my vision. I turned my head and a deer stood broadside downhill. They had finally come out of the thick brush but not quite where I had anticipated! I tried to maneuver myself in a way to get a shot but it was too late. I had been spotted and the deer ran off up the hill and I was unable to get a shot. I did not see any more deer the rest of the time.<br /><br />Back at my parents house, we had our Northern Family Christmas. We gave my family their gifts and opened ours while there was football on television. It was a good time and everyone seemed satisfied with their gifts. Elphie got a pair of pants that ended up being way too big. This was the only problem gift ha! I got a new string for my crossbow but needed to get a tool to help me be able to restring it. I also got a few other things to help care for the crossbow so it will hopefully last a long time.<br /><br /><b><u>11.29.2021</u></b><br />On Monday November29th, 2021, I went hunting for a third day. I hunted alone as my father didn't apparently feel like going out. I tried a different area of the woods hoping to see a little more. I started near where I had shot a buck in 2014. I didn't see anything moving through the morning. I decided to move to where I shot a buck in 1994. I still didn't see anything moving the rest of the day. There were tracks...just no deer for me to see.<br /><br /><b><u>11.30.2021</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Tuesday November 30th, 2021, we drove back to Chicago. We tried again to make it as comfortable for Stein as we could but he didn't do well. We decided he wouldn't go on road trips with us anymore. As we drove, we captured a nice sunset as we entered Indiana.<br /><a href="https://youtu.be/fquqroeVEpk"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fquqroeVEpk" width="560" youtube-src-id="fquqroeVEpk"></iframe></div>https://youtu.be/fquqroeVEpk</a><br /><u><b>December In Chicago, Hunting</b></u><br /><b><u>12.01.2021</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jKfVML1J_HE" width="560" youtube-src-id="jKfVML1J_HE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/jKfVML1J_HE">https://youtu.be/jKfVML1J_HE</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eF7sZF4zKwY" width="560" youtube-src-id="eF7sZF4zKwY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/eF7sZF4zKwY">https://youtu.be/eF7sZF4zKwY</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IHmrRROgofc" width="560" youtube-src-id="IHmrRROgofc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/IHmrRROgofc">https://youtu.be/IHmrRROgofc</a><br />On Wednesday December 1st, 2021 after my first day back to work, I went to <a href="https://www.subt.net/" target="_blank">Subterranean</a> for a Holiday show featuring <a href="https://officialgraverobber.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a> and <a href="https://firstjason.com/" target="_blank">First Jason</a> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/leviathan.sinn/" target="_blank">Cannibal Apocalypse</a> opening. The show was also a toy drive. <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> was also meant to be on the bill but they were unable to make it on time. The show was surprisingly in the upper, larger room. <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> were still in town and, since they were now staying at <a href="https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/">J.P.U.S.A</a>. temporarily, they rode out with <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a> to the show. So another evening of bonus hangs! It was cool catching up with Shawn and Andy from <a href="https://officialgraverobber.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a> as it had been some years since I had seen either of them. It was my first time seeing First Jason and that was interesting. I captured "Gramma Got Half Eaten By A Zombie" from <a href="https://officialgraverobber.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Grave Robber</a>'s set. I used my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with the <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024</a> microphone for both video and photos.<br /><br />Since posting the videos in December 2021, and after I began to write this blog, I was given a Copyright Takedown Notice on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> regarding the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/leviathan.sinn/" target="_blank">Cannibal Apocalypse</a> video. After trying to seek a resolution that would allow it to remain on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> it became clear that having the video removed meant more to the person who filed the complaint than it meant for me to keep it online. I complied and removed it. It seems some unfortunate events left a damaged relationship with a former member of the band who claims to have some sort of writing copyright credit with that song and a few others and so this person will do all that they can to have any such content that involves his work be removed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><b><u>12.02.2021</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Thursday December 2nd, 2021, there was a holiday party at <a href="https://ccolife.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Community Outreach</a> where I work. I captured a quick clip of this.<br /><br /><b><u>12.09.2021</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Thursday December 9th, 2021, while on my commute to work, I was delayed slightly by the car in front of my suddenly stopping on Damen. They stopped to take a picture of a fence on a property that likely had been hit by a car. There was another fence not far up the road that suffered the same fate. This one gets hit a lot as it is at an intersection. The problem for the vehicles that are going through these fences is that the surround lower ground and the cars usually end up in a hole.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>12.10.2021</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Friday December 10th, 2021, I took half the day off of work and drove back to Pennsylvania to hunt on the last day of the rifle season. Unfortunately the weather wasn't looking good. During the drive, I encountered some dense fog at the Indiana/Ohio state line. It had appeared someone drove through the bar at the toll booth and broke it as well. In Ohio, I passed a proudly anti-vax trucker who displayed it on the back of his truck. In Pennsylvania, I kept some footage of Christmas lights as I made my way to and into Warren. I included the red light sign wishing "Merry Christmas Happy New Year" in Warren.<br /><br /><b><u>12.11.2021</u></b><br />On Saturday December 11th, 2021, I hunted alone again. My father took his mom to Florida. I got into the woods well before daylight and set up where the deer I saw the first couple of days seemed to be going. I believe I should have had a chance that day. Fairly early, I was looking at something that caught my attention up on the hillside when two deer came toward my from that hillside but were below where I was looking. I tried to in position to shoot and hoped the deer would move a certain way. Unfortunately they noticed me and quickly ran off before I could take the shot. In hindsight I had a pretty good opportunity there and I wish I would have taken the shot. Not long after this I saw deer moving on the opposite side of me but couldn't see them well enough to feel comfortable with the shot. It rained fairly heavy at times throughout the day and got very windy. Trees were falling and branches. One came down and went right into the ground near and stayed sticking straight up. As the wind picked up I decided to start walking around. I hoped the wind might cover my noise and scent. I found sign of a buck near where I had been hunting. This was a fresh rub that wasn't there before when I was hunting. I saw a few more deer toward the end of the night while I was soaked from the rain. They ran off in front of me staying far enough out that I couldn't get a shot. It seemed my hunting season in 2021 was not a success.<br /><br /><b><u>12.12.2021<br /></u></b>I left Warren on Sunday December 12th, 2021 to head back to Chicago. Unfortunately, I hit some traffic from the <a href="https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/" target="_blank">Browns</a> game that had ended. As I slowly maneuvered through the traffic, I captured the sunset. At a rest stop still in Ohio, there was a cat wandering around. After getting into the Chicago area, I stopped to run the car through a car wash.<br /><br /><b><u>12.15.2021</u></b><br />On Wednesday December 15th, 2021, I decided after work to go to the <a href="https://www.christkindlmarket.com/" target="_blank">Christkindl Market</a> in Wrigleyville. It was very warm and again windy. They decided that they would be shutting it down early. Apparently the same decision was made at the <a href="https://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo</a> regarding zoo lights. I went there looking for <a href="https://www.chicagoimporting.com/grandpa-lundquist-christmas-soda-12oz-bottle-4pk_3" target="_blank">Christmas Soda</a> and <a href="https://www.schokokusse.de/" target="_blank">Schokokusse</a> - marshmallows on wafers covered in chocolate. I also hoped to get some poutine. Neither the Sweet Shop nor the <a href="http://www.dmentap.com/" target="_blank">Dmen</a> booth were there for me to achieve either goal. Afterwards, I drove through Wrigleyville capturing the decorated bars with the <a href="https://crosstourtech.com/pages/download-cr900" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. I then drove through downtown on Michigan Avenue capturing the lights through there and at Millennium Park. I also captured some lights in Brighton Park.<br /><br /><u><b>12.16.2021</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I had to make a quick run to the Post Office in Uptown during work on Thursday December 16th, 2021. As I walked I saw a memorial posted for a homeless man named Paul who had frequently been on the Uptown streets. Apparently he had been hit by a car and killed...though I am now seeing he may have actually survived.<br /><br /><b><u>12.17.2021</u></b><br />On Friday December 17th, 2021, I went downtown during my lunch break to go to the <a href="https://www.christkindlmarket.com/" target="_blank">Christkindl Market</a> at Daley Plaza. I had confirmed that the Sweet Shop was there. I was able to purchase a couple boxes of <a href="https://www.schokokusse.de/" target="_blank">Schokokusse</a> and a couple cases of <a href="https://www.chicagoimporting.com/grandpa-lundquist-christmas-soda-12oz-bottle-4pk_3" target="_blank">Christmas Soda</a>. After work, I captured some of the city lights on my way home before departing for the south for Christmas with Elphie's family.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0wMM3qjut0s" width="560" youtube-src-id="0wMM3qjut0s"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0wMM3qjut0s">https://youtu.be/0wMM3qjut0s</a><br /><b><u>Southern Christmas</u></b><br /><b><u>12.17.2021</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We headed south in the evening. It was very rainy the entire time we drove. As we left the Chicago area in Indiana we encountered a vehicle which had been involved in some sort of accident and left cones scattered all over the highway that it had apparently been transporting. We passed the windmills and through Indianapolis where I captured the Children's Hospital all light up for Christmas. As we left the Indianapolis area, we encountered a car that appeared to slip off the road. We arrived in the Cincinnati area around 1am. I captured the lights coming into the neighborhood where the Sheehy's live. As is usual, Donna was still up and active so we hung out for a while before getting some sleep.<br /><br /><b><u>12.18.2021</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Saturday December 18th, 2021, we hung out with Lisa. The Sheehy's had a family Christmas gathering but it was closed to folks outside the family due to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> concerns. We ended up going to Uptown to get dinner at <a href="https://www.islandfrydays.com/" target="_blank">Island Frydays</a> and drinks at <a href="https://www.the86.net/" target="_blank">The 86</a>. Unfortunately, the Humans weren't available to connect with but it was my first chance to go into the new building since <a href="https://www.the86.net/" target="_blank">The 86</a> moved from the location they were in when I was involved. I tried some of the dark roast while there and it was quite good! We made a trip to <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> later to get some Christmas stuff for Elphie's family. I was going to try to return a jug of oil but the service desk had closed. After calling it a night, I captured Christmas lights leaving Lisa's neighborhood and entering the Sheehy's once again. We chatted a bit with the Sheehy's before getting rested for the next leg of our drive.<br /><br /><b><u>12.19.2021</u></b><br />Before leaving on Sunday morning December 19th, 2021, I decided I had to capture the <a href="https://www.antimonkeybutt.com/" target="_blank">"Anti-Monkey Butt"</a> canister and the shower curtain prominently featuring <a href="https://sanctuaryinternational.com/pb/" target="_blank">Bob Beeman</a> at the Sheehy's house. As usual during the drive, I captured the "Y'all" in Florence as we left the Cincinnati area. As we crossed into Tennessee, we stopped at the rest area for a bit, using the restroom. There was no Santa this year to see as there has been in year's past. There were quite a few decorations throughout though. Elphie got re-acquainted with her favorite snowman decoration! I decided to capture the Stinking Creek Road sign and the remnants of an abandoned amusement park then the large cross as we drove further into Tennessee using the <a href="https://crosstourtech.com/pages/download-cr900" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. We decided to stop at a <a href="https://www.bojangles.com/" target="_blank">Bojangles</a> somewhere in Tennessee for lunch. After crossing into North Carolina, we entered the first of the two tunnels very slowly. It turned out there was construction on the other side so traffic was being made to exit then re-enter the highway and therefore we encountered a backup and slow traffic. Due to this I guess, people decided to honk their horns all through the tunnel! I decided to keep the entirety of this and do it in split screen from both the front and back cameras. The second tunnel I sped the footage up and left it as just the one screen. As we continued, I decided to keep the footage of the full moon coming out of the clouds. We decided to pull off near Tryon to see the light display at the Equestrian Center. We decided not to drive through it this time but we drove by it and I pulled off down the road a bit where we could overlook it and shot footage from there. We arrived at our destination in Gastonia, NC around 9pm. This time around, we were staying in an <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>.<br /><br /><u><b>12.20.2021</b></u><br />On Monday December 20th, 2021, we found out that Elphie's brother-in-law had <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> and likely that meant their entire household had it. I guess it worked out that we stayed in an <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> rather than our usual stay at their house! We had plans to take Elphie's nephews to a movie. We ended up taking the one not in that household and one of his friends. While we figured things out, we saw a crew paint a fire hydrant. After the movie, we stopped in a thrift shop then got dinner at <a href="https://www.dynastybuffetgastonia.com/" target="_blank">Dynasty Buffet</a>, A Chinese buffet. After we took the kids home, we drove to the Hot Spot in South Carolina for the cheaper gas.<br /><br /><u><b>12.21.2021</b></u><br />On Tuesday December 21st, 2021, we visited with Elphie's mom and had our Christmas gift exchange. Afterwards, we went to <a href="https://rosbbq.com/" target="_blank">R.O.'s BBQ</a> for dinner then drove through the <a href="https://www.mcadenville-christmastown.com/" target="_blank">McAdenville Christmas</a> light display. It took us about two hours to make our way through it...most of that time was waiting to get to the beginning of the display. It was fun anyway...the majority of the additional soundtrack was added in there.<br /><br /><b><u>12.22.2021</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Wednesday December 22nd, 2021, we stopped by <a href="https://www.krispykreme.com/" target="_blank">Krispy Kreme</a> to get some donuts for the quarantined household. We also had dinner with Elphie's cousin at their house which was decorated nicely for Christmas.<br /><br /><u><b>12.23.2021</b></u><br />The plan for Thursday December 23rd, 2021 was to take all the nieces and nephews to <a href="https://tonysicecream.com/" target="_blank">Tony's Ice Cream</a> and <a href="https://www.katesonline.com/" target="_blank">Kate's Skating Rink</a>. Unfortunately the quarantined household was deemed infected with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> that morning as verified by tests so we took the remaining niece and nephews. I was happy about the option to rent roller blades so that what I used. It has been some years since I skated and while I was able to catch on ok, I wasn't as steady as I used to be. Elphie's niece pushed me to make me go faster and down I went! Afterwards, we got some food at <a href="https://www.wafflehouse.com/" target="_blank">Waffle House</a> as it was about the only option open for indoor dining at the time.<br /><br /><b><u>12.24.2021</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Friday December 24th, 2021 was Christmas Eve. Usually it is spent at Elphie's sister's house but the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">COVID-19</a> quarantine meant that plans had to change. Elphie's brother invited us over for a steak dinner and we did some gift exchanging there. I gave Elphie her bobble-head Jesus she wanted though first I gave her a Buddy Christ instead as a joke. I got some pajama pants with the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088526/" target="_blank">Golden Girls</a> on them.<br /><br /><b><u>12.25.2021</u></b><br />We got up before sunrise on Christmas Day - Saturday, December 25th, 2021 to get back over to Elphie's brother's house for the kids to open their presents. Usually Elphie sleeps on the couch by the tree at her sister's house on Christmas morning so she's able to wake up for the festivities and I stay in the bedroom and sleep. I had to get up and drive us due to staying at the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>. I was able to take a little bit of a nap on the couch, at least. We had Christmas outside on the porch at Elphie's sisters house due to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>. Later, we went back over to Elphie's mom's for dinner and to hang out for Christmas. We made plans to go to church with her the next day.<br /><br /><u><b>12.26.2021</b></u><br />On Sunday December 26th, 2021, we went to church at Crowder's Mountain Baptist with Elphie's mom as we planned. Elphie's grandma goes there too and she hadn't seen her in several years so it was nice for them to catch up. I captured a clip of the morning worship. We went back to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> to rest a bit and met our host for the first time. He was a very nice guy and I think his space would be great for anyone looking to use it. Later in the afternoon, we visited with Elphie's friend Rich for a while. Along the way we went to Blackwoods in King's Mountain to try to get a Cherry Lemon <a href="https://www.sundrop.com/" target="_blank">Sundrop</a> but it wasn't open. We decided to get dinner at the <a href="https://www.thesakeexpress.com/" target="_blank">Sake Express</a>. I figured I'd order off the sushi menu but it wasn't available. I decided to go to <a href="https://www.tacobell.com/" target="_blank">Taco Bell</a> instead.<br /><br /><u><b>12.27.2021</b></u><br />We headed back north on Monday December 27th, 2021. On our way out of town, we stopped for <a href="https://rosbbq.com/" target="_blank">R. O.'s BBQ</a>. We also tried Blackwoods again but again, it wasn't open. We made our drive to Cincinnati without issue and arrive in the evening. We made a stop at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> so I could load up on <a href="https://ale8one.com/" target="_blank">Ale 8-One</a> before settling in at the Sheehy's for the night. As usual, we sat and talked with the Sheehy's for a bit before going to bed. We informed them of our <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> exposure. I also informed work and took the rest of the week off as a precaution.<br /><br /><u><b>12.28.2021</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We drove from Cincinnati to Chicago. We had to take a detour part of the way because of significant delays showing on the GPS. We stopped at <a href="https://www.meijer.com/" target="_blank">Meijer</a> again for groceries.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GoPUtroEqJo" width="560" youtube-src-id="GoPUtroEqJo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/GoPUtroEqJo">https://youtu.be/GoPUtroEqJo</a><br /><u><b>New Year's And Hunting</b></u><br /><u><b>12.29.2021</b></u><br />I decided if I had to quarantine due to exposure, I was going back to Pennsylvania to try to hunt deer during the late archery season. As I left Chicago on Wednesday December 29th, 2021, I saw a building burning from the highway. Near Cleveland, there were some icy conditions which seemed to result in one driver hitting the median. I made it to Warren and stopped at <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a> to get an archery tag so I could hunt in the morning.<br /><br /><u><b>12.30.2021</b></u><br />On Thursday December 30th, 2021, I decided to set up where I had the deer come in close to me. I also found that I was permitted to hunt squirrel during this time and I did take a shot at one. I missed low and got the bolt stuck in the tree. I was able to break off the fiberglass part but the tip was embedded in the tree. I had some deer move in later in the afternoon and once again they got pretty close to me, however I could not get positioned to take a show.<br /><br /><u><b>12.31.2021<br /></b></u>On Friday December 31st, 2021, I set up in the same spot. I didn't really see much of anything until the end of the day when it began to get too dark. The deer didn't come all that close either. That evening I hung out at my parents house. Their cat Charlie was playing with its ramp toy so I decided to capture that. I went to bed before midnight eastern but decided to Facetime Elphie since she stayed back in Chicago so we could spend the New Year's moment together.<br /><br /><u><b>01.01.2022</b></u><br />I went back out to hunt one last time (I figured) on New Year's Day - Saturday January 1st, 2022. It was expected to be a rainy day so I set up up the hill under a Hemlock as I did on December 11th, 2021. It was a different spot though. I hadn't tried it really throughout the season and figured I'd try something new. I saw a couple turkeys walk through downhill from me. I hadn't seen any turkeys in some years though it is evident that they are around. Later in the day I tried walking around through the brushy areas to try to see if anything would move and to perhaps get some ideas of other areas to try in the future. I got soaked through. I had to end up drying my clothes after getting home because they were so wet.<br /><br /><u><b>01.02.2022</b></u><br />After watching the Pittsburgh Penguins game, their first in a couple of weeks due to a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> pause, I drove back to Chicago empty handed. I figured my hunting season was over. During the drive, as I got closer to Chicago, the roads in Northwestern Indiana seemed to be pretty slick. I saw a number of vehicles, including transfer trucks off the road or spun out. I made it through without any real difficulty but keep alert to the conditions and the other drivers.<br /><br />Our Holiday season was a somewhat back to normal but not entirely. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> had its impact again and we adjusted accordingly. It was a good season though which allowed for a couple nice breaks from work and our regular life.<br /><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Thanksgiving?" by <a href="https://beast11.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Beast</a>, "Give Thanks" by <a href="https://blackviolin.net/" target="_blank">Black Violin</a>, "We 3 Kings" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, 1914 (Shadows Of Christmas)" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bridgeshadows/" target="_blank">Bridge Shadows</a>, "O Come O Come Emmanuel" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebandshiro" target="_blank">Shiro</a>, "Walking In The Air" by <a href="https://soundofceres.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Sound Of Ceres</a>, "Winter Winds" by <a href="https://soundcloud.com/lampersand" target="_blank">L'Ampersand</a>, "Joy" by <a href="https://theblamedband.com/" target="_blank">The Blamed</a>, "Snoopy's Christmas" by <a href="https://2minuteminor.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">2Minute Minor</a>, "Wiley Clause Jam" by <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a>, "Silent Night" by <a href="https://knotts.space/" target="_blank">Knotts</a>, "Gloria (An Echoing Refrain And Reply)" by <a href="https://jackrabbit.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Jackrabbit</a>, "Gloria" by <a href="https://www.joshgarrels.com/" target="_blank">Josh Garrels</a>, "Gabriel's Message" by <a href="https://www.jarsofclay.com/" target="_blank">Jars of Clay</a>, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by <a href="https://kevinmax.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Max</a>, "What Child Is This" by <a href="http://everythingwillburn.insomniacfolklore.com/" target="_blank">Insomniac Folklore</a>, "Last Christmas" by <a href="http://www.dollyrots.com/" target="_blank">The Dollyrots</a>, "Mele Kalikimaka" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Flight180band/" target="_blank">One Eighty</a>, "Winter Wonderland" by <a href="http://www.citizenshademusic.com/" target="_blank">Citizen Shade</a>, "Go Tell It On The Mountain" by <a href="http://www.blindboys.com/" target="_blank">The Blind Boys Of Alabama</a>, "Litany For Christmas" by <a href="https://von-strantz.com/" target="_blank">Jess Strantz</a>, "In The Bleak Midwinter" by <a href="https://ilneige.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Il Neige</a>, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by <a href="https://www.andrewbelle.com/" target="_blank">Andrew Belle</a>, "O Come O Come Emmanuel" by <a href="https://www.rhettwalker.com/" target="_blank">Rhett Walker Band</a>, "Christmas All Summer Long" by <a href="https://deertickmusic.com/" target="_blank">Deer Tick</a>, "It's Always Christmas At My House" by <a href="https://huntingtonsusa.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Huntingtons</a>, "Bubblegum Christmas" by <a href="https://theprettybads.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Prettybads</a>, "Christmas" by <a href="https://deadartistsyndrome.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Dead Artist Syndrome</a>, "A Solis Ortus Cardine" by O Savage Spirit, and "Auld Lang Syne" by <a href="https://whywithaquestionmark.com/" target="_blank">Why?</a><br /><br />Filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio Technica AT8024</a> microphone, <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 6 and 8</a>, and <a href="https://crosstourtech.com/pages/download-cr900" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles, maps, and other animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson.</div><br /><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-64834131935157444282022-05-05T11:00:00.003-05:002022-07-22T14:55:38.765-05:00Save The Rock-N-Roll Fest (2022)<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsx1yGwKggM7tpWQ6GQlKbc2KuCN3uuvQO93TH5kAdkteQQIQet3-8uT35TjhW_i0Xd8u66kSb5mkdxn9oanWelE6Z63t7z_glFpRNyeG-ylwbY89wanf7zxB6m1Axthp7Kbubtp-RpE4RShqEC2ZbZJcy9s3hzard-T5_KFZdp36GQTOS_P6pW_g9A/s1267/Save%20the%20RR1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1267" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsx1yGwKggM7tpWQ6GQlKbc2KuCN3uuvQO93TH5kAdkteQQIQet3-8uT35TjhW_i0Xd8u66kSb5mkdxn9oanWelE6Z63t7z_glFpRNyeG-ylwbY89wanf7zxB6m1Axthp7Kbubtp-RpE4RShqEC2ZbZJcy9s3hzard-T5_KFZdp36GQTOS_P6pW_g9A/s320/Save%20the%20RR1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> pandemic was only a couple months old, a plan for an event to help the independent venues in Chicago was organized by some of the venue managers. It was called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetherocknrollchicago" target="_blank">Save The Rock-N-Roll Fest</a> and it was meant to happen in December 2020. This was when the idea that the pandemic would be short lived but as we all experienced, with fall and winter the cases went up and bans on public gatherings continued. In December 2021, the folks tried to re-schedule the event for the middle of January 2022. This was derailed by another spike in cases due to the delta and omicron variants. So my birthday weekend was picked for the next attempt and thankfully it was able to happen! I had bought the three day pass back when the idea was announced. I ended up only going to two of the shows so the price tag for my choice to only attend the two shows was a bit high...but the whole idea was supporting the local music scene so that cost didn't really matter to me.<br /><br />the first night fell on my birthday. There was another show I wouldn't have minded catching at least part of earlier but I decided I wanted to watch the last <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> regular season hockey game. I also ordered a deep dish pizza from <a href="https://www.falcospizza.com/" target="_blank">Falco's</a> I wanted to eat part of...which resulted in going to a show on a very full stomach!<br /><br />I decided to use my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with my <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024</a> microphone to capture these shows. I had some things I wanted to try to know how they might work for future projects. I created an intro clip and animated part of it using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a>. I added bad film and tv effects using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> which I also used for the rest of the editing.<br /><br /><b><u><a href="https://cobralounge.com/" target="_blank">Cobra Lounge</a> - Friday April 29th, 2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v9t41uyA4_8" width="560" youtube-src-id="v9t41uyA4_8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/v9t41uyA4_8">https://youtu.be/v9t41uyA4_8</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mTrtgSXN-Ak" width="560" youtube-src-id="mTrtgSXN-Ak"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/mTrtgSXN-Ak">https://youtu.be/mTrtgSXN-Ak</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="316" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hPWUiT4djyQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="hPWUiT4djyQ"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/hPWUiT4djyQ">https://youtu.be/hPWUiT4djyQ</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZwYtu_VSJuE" width="560" youtube-src-id="ZwYtu_VSJuE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/ZwYtu_VSJuE">https://youtu.be/ZwYtu_VSJuE</a><br />I ran a little late due to watching the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> last hockey game of the regular season but I was able to see every band that played at <a href="https://cobralounge.com/" target="_blank">Cobra Lounge</a> on Friday April 29th, 2022. When I arrived I was given a lanyard that was my ticket to any show during the weekend in the participating venues. I apparently also had the opportunity for a free shot of <a href="https://www.jeppsonsmalort.com/" target="_blank">Malört</a>, <a href="https://deepeddyvodka.com/" target="_blank">Deep Eddy vodka</a>, or an <a href="https://oldstylebeer.com/" target="_blank">Old Style beer</a> from each venue. I didn't see anyone really taking advantage of this so I chose not to as well. The opening band was called <a href="https://aweful.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Aweful</a>. They were NOT awful. They feature members of other bands I've seen locally: <a href="https://mysteryactions.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Mystery Actions</a> and <a href="https://hotlipsmessiah.com/" target="_blank">Hot Lips Messiah</a>. They played a good set of punk rock. The next band was <a href="https://evilempirechicago.com/" target="_blank">Evil Empire</a> who were one of the openers for the <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> show over St. Patrick's Day weekend at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a>. I enjoyed their style of ska. <a href="https://theoperatorsska.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Operators</a> were next and came from Indianapolis. They played ska as did the headliners, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecrombies" target="_blank">The Crombies</a>. It was a good show!<br /><br /><b><u><a href="https://liarsclubchicago.com/" target="_blank">Liar's Club</a> - Saturday April 30th, 2022</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WsKKe8r91xM" width="560" youtube-src-id="WsKKe8r91xM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/WsKKe8r91xM">https://youtu.be/WsKKe8r91xM</a><br />Setlist:<br />1. Black Thorn<br />2. Knuckles Up<br />3. Penny<br />4. I Believe It<br />5. Stutter<br />6. Warriors<br />7. Sorry<br />8. Hourglass<br />9. Hoity Toity<br />10. Medley (You Are My Sunshine, This Land Is Your Land..., Dirty Old Town)<br />11. Winter In Chicago<br />12. We Grow Stronger<br />13. I'll Fly Away</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OOxhm8Rt0Kg" width="560" youtube-src-id="OOxhm8Rt0Kg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/OOxhm8Rt0Kg">https://youtu.be/OOxhm8Rt0Kg</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t8Pb5PaOY2o" width="560" youtube-src-id="t8Pb5PaOY2o"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/t8Pb5PaOY2o">https://youtu.be/t8Pb5PaOY2o</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QVqPuGHQPRE" width="560" youtube-src-id="QVqPuGHQPRE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/QVqPuGHQPRE">https://youtu.be/QVqPuGHQPRE</a><br />On Saturday evening, April 30th, 2022, after a stormy day I took a stormy drive to <a href="https://liarsclubchicago.com/" target="_blank">Liar's Club</a>. I got there fairly early and talked with Tobin for a bit before the show. This would be the first time that <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> would ever play <a href="https://liarsclubchicago.com/" target="_blank">Liar's Club</a>! Several of the members had played the venue in other bands that they were part of but never as <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>. I decided that I was going to use the show as a bit of a test for the <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. I hadn't yet tried to film for more than 12 minutes so I wanted to see if that limit was something I'd have to navigate through. As they took the stage and set up, I decided to let my camera just roll for a while. The intro has some of that footage. I let it go for about 18 minutes before deciding to stop and prepare for the actual show.<br /><br />The openers were called <a href="https://ripups.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Rip Ups</a>. I actually thought that they said The Rip Offs, ha! They played a rockabilly style of punk. I thought I had a decent filming spot but some guy stood directly in front of me and so I decided for the next set I'd move to the other side of the room against the wall but close to the stage in hopes for better luck. While I still had people stand in front of me, it wasn't quite as direct and it was manageable. I had to set the lens to capture as wide as it could so I could get the whole stage. <a href="https://www.squaredoffband.com/" target="_blank">Squared Off</a> was next. I got a quick chat in with Nomi before they took the stage. I really enjoy their style of oi punk! <a href="https://splatterpatternmke.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Splatter Pattern</a> was next from Milwaukee and I really enjoyed them as well. Unfortunately the text I put in the video was mistakenly left as "<a href="https://www.squaredoffband.com/" target="_blank">Squared Off</a>" so my apologies. <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a> closed the night. As I mentioned before I shot some footage as they set up then I shot the entire set. There is a little glitch in the middle of the song "Hoity Toity" due to the maximum recording limit being 30 minutes on the <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. So in that, I learned the limits of this camera. At some point I noticed the timer numbers blinking on the camera. While editing this seems to coincide with the files being split in half in the 18-19 minute mark. I'm not sure why that occurred. Anyway, I had fun filming the entire set.<br /><br />I decided to make a playlist for the footage from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savetherocknrollchicago" target="_blank">Save The Rock-N-Roll Fest</a> and decided to organize it in order of the bands I captured.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpPIYT4kJRF-t5fHNtIyPqA4" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpPIYT4kJRF-t5fHNtIyPqA4"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpPIYT4kJRF-t5fHNtIyPqA4">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpPIYT4kJRF-t5fHNtIyPqA4</a></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> with an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT8024</a> microphone. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a>. Intro clip animated using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a>. Filmed, animated, and edited by Joel A. Swanson.</div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-74033926178181287402022-04-21T21:15:00.001-05:002022-04-21T21:21:39.889-05:00A Shared Life: Fall In Chicago (October - November 2021)<p style="text-align: justify;">This project highlights life events starting in October after returning from our <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2022/04/2021-southern-road-trip-2-electric.html" target="_blank">second trip of the year to southern states</a> through to the leaving for the holidays. I took some time to continue researching a possible camera to buy after the rain damage to my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a> and I was able to make a purchase to replace it with a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. This was an upgrade and my hope will be that I will be able to learn to work with it to improve the quality of photography and video going forward.<br /><br />I created the intro again using some photos of highlights and typing in a title using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a>. I made a mistake on one of the photos so it ends up moving the opposite of what I wanted but I decided to leave it alone.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mM2fJiFp-Cw" width="560" youtube-src-id="mM2fJiFp-Cw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/mM2fJiFp-Cw">https://youtu.be/mM2fJiFp-Cw</a><br /><b><u>10.04.2021</u></b><br />I captured the commute coming into work after our trip on Monday October 4th, 2021. There was low cloud cover over the city so I decided to capture it with my <a href="https://crosstourtech.com/pages/download-cr900" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>. On my commute home, the conditions were similar so I captured some more but also included the <a href="https://www.bcbs.com/" target="_blank">Blue Cross Blue Shield</a> building lit up for cancer awareness. I feel perhaps I have captured the commute a bit much so I'm going to try to cut it down to specifically unique occurrences if I can. This really wasn't one of those though.<br /><br /><b><u>10.10.2021<br /></u></b>While we took Stein to get vaccinations, I took a shot of the decorations for Dia de los Muertos along the street in Little Village on Sunday October 10th, 2021.<br /><br /><b><u>10.11.2021<br /></u></b>On Monday October 11th, 2021, I went to <a href="http://www.badapplebar.com/" target="_blank">The Bad Apple</a> to pick up some Poutine to eat on Canadian Thanksgiving. As usual, it was great!<br /><br /><b><u>10.12.2021<br /></u></b>On Tuesday October 12th, 2021, I watched the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> win their season opener against the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/lightning" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> by a score of 6-2.<br /><br /><b><u>10.13.2021<br /></u></b>On Wednesday October 13th, 2021 there was a fire in an apartment building in the neighborhood. I decided to go out and see the commotion for a few minutes.<br /><br /><b><u>10.19.2021<br /></u></b>I ordered a new camera, a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>, and it arrived on Tuesday October 19th, 2021. I decided the first thing to do with it to test it out was to shoot the moon. I wish I had watched the footage from this experiment all the way through. I found that while shooting video I could also take photos...BUT, it pauses the video while the shutter does its work (also recording the noise) before resuming the video shooting. I ended up taking photos while shooting live footage of bands at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> later in the week and finding this out when I edited those clips for posting. The shots I got on this night weren't particularly good. I had difficulty with the brightness of the moon and trying to adjust the exposure to be able to capture the moon's detail.<br /><br /><b><u>10.21.2021<br /></u></b>On Thursday October 21st, 2021, I went out to shoot the moon some more. This time I was able to work with the settings to adjust the exposure and reduce some of the brightness allowing me to capture the detail of the moon considerably better.<br /><br /><b><u>10.22.2021</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UrChdMfRo-U" width="560" youtube-src-id="UrChdMfRo-U"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/UrChdMfRo-U">https://youtu.be/UrChdMfRo-U</a><br />On Friday October 22nd, 2021, I created a little video to document the equipment update. <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2021/10/equipment-upgrade-canon-rebel-t6s-with.html" target="_blank">There's a separate blog that goes into more detail on that.</a> that blog was updated after the original posting. I used the last shots I got in New Orleans with the <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a> and the moon footage from the new <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> along with some other footage from my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 8</a> while in New Orleans along with footage shot that day showing the new equipment with audio of me explaining it a bit. If I paid more attention, I would have realized the shutter noise and pause that occurs when taking photos while filming. I also noted in this clip the purchase of an <a href="https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at8024" target="_blank">Audio-Technica AT-8024</a> mic after finding out that this camera has a mic input in hopes to have better sounding videos as well. I also note purchasing some extra batteries on <a href="https://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a> but they had not yet arrived from China...little did I know at the time how much of a problem this would be.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>10.23.2021</u></b><br />On Saturday October 23rd, 2021, as we drove for groceries, we came up behind a car with ghosts and other decorations taped to its backside. That evening we went to Naperville, Illinois to an event called "Howlin' At The Moon" at the <a href="https://www.napersettlement.org/" target="_blank">Naper Settlement</a>. There were performers doing tricks with fire, vendors, bands, and food. The fire performers were interesting. There was also a costume contest won by someone dressed as Pennywise from It. The runner's up were The Golden Girls.<br /><br /><b><u>10.24.2021</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/23gJjoRlbTU" width="560" youtube-src-id="23gJjoRlbTU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/23gJjoRlbTU">https://youtu.be/23gJjoRlbTU</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B2jry-yoKzc" width="560" youtube-src-id="B2jry-yoKzc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/B2jry-yoKzc">https://youtu.be/B2jry-yoKzc</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FSp6GKDsCEc" width="560" youtube-src-id="FSp6GKDsCEc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/FSp6GKDsCEc">https://youtu.be/FSp6GKDsCEc</a><br />On Sunday October 24th, 2021 we went to <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> to see <a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a> play with <a href="https://jakeblount.com/" target="_blank">Jake Blount</a> and Sweet William in the Bananna's Comedy Shack room. It was raining quite hard as we drove there and back. I ended up parking in what may as well have been a pond! Sweet William opened the show. The band features an Ollie Mob member, Jake Book. <a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a> played second and I captured "Peach Farmer." Anastasia Robieson had joined the band for the show! <a href="https://jakeblount.com/" target="_blank">Jake Blount</a> closed the night. Apparently during the tour one of the band members had to leave due to an injury and was replaced. This is the show where I took photographs while shooting the live video footage using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> so I added a disclaimer on the video files on YouTube regarding the video pausing and the shutter noise.<br /><br /><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">10.25.2021</b><br />As I drove to work on Monday October 25th, 2021, Lake Michigan was churning quite aggressively with waves splashing on to Lake Shore Drive! I had never seen it like that before so I saved the footage from my <a href="https://crosstourtech.com/pages/download-cr900" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> to share in this project. I'm nor sure that it does justice to what I witnessed that day! I wish I could have taken the time to go out and shoot with my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>...somewhere safe from the water though! I learned my lesson regarding that! Somewhere on the world wide web I saw some pretty incredible photographs of the waves that day. It's out there if you seek it.<br /><br /><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">10.26.2021</b><br />On Tuesday October 26th, 2021, while passing through Wrigleyville after getting tickets for Nocturna and another show from the <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a> box office, I walked by a haunted house and decided to document that.<br /><br /><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">10.29.2021<br /></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g6Q-wJoM82E" width="560" youtube-src-id="g6Q-wJoM82E"></iframe><b><br /></b><a href="https://youtu.be/g6Q-wJoM82E">https://youtu.be/g6Q-wJoM82E</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/49PRnXVtvyo" width="560" youtube-src-id="49PRnXVtvyo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/49PRnXVtvyo">https://youtu.be/49PRnXVtvyo</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/90wdnzQFww8" width="560" youtube-src-id="90wdnzQFww8"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/90wdnzQFww8">https://youtu.be/90wdnzQFww8</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sXoMN-ydOds" width="560" youtube-src-id="sXoMN-ydOds"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/sXoMN-ydOds">https://youtu.be/sXoMN-ydOds</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_DJHbY9aJIE" width="560" youtube-src-id="_DJHbY9aJIE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/_DJHbY9aJIE">https://youtu.be/_DJHbY9aJIE</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BzuEsv1Lx8E" width="560" youtube-src-id="BzuEsv1Lx8E"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/BzuEsv1Lx8E">https://youtu.be/BzuEsv1Lx8E</a><br />On Friday October 29th, 2021 we drove to Joliet, Illinois for the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pchm666/" target="_blank">Prison City Massacre</a> show at <a href="https://theforgelive.com/" target="_blank">The Forge</a> with suspensions by <a href="https://wastelandsuspensions.com/home" target="_blank">Disgraceland Wasteland</a>, the Last Chance Sideshow, and hosted by a Sven Ghoulie. I captured some of the costume contest as well. The band clips include <a href="https://hostages312.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Hostages</a>, <a href="https://absentmindhc.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">AbsentMind</a>, <a href="https://misfireofficial.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Misfire</a>, <a href="https://www.whuthc.com/" target="_blank">Whut?</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/skarheadnyhc/" target="_blank">Skarhead</a>. This show had to be canceled last year so it was cool to go again and see some friends we hadn't seen for quite some time. After the show, we drove to Oakbrook Terrace for Flex's birthday party in the hotel room he rented for the night. We didn't stay real long but it was cool to see some folks.<br /><br /><b><u>10.30.2021<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AQy9aXjtKps" width="560" youtube-src-id="AQy9aXjtKps"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/AQy9aXjtKps">https://youtu.be/AQy9aXjtKps</a><br />On Saturday October 30th, 2021 the annual All Hallow's Eve Ball edition of Nocturna went on at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. Due to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> resurgence, we had to show our proof of vaccination and we were requested to wear masks...in many cases that wasn't an issue at all due to the costumes! I captured a few shots while we were there including the costume contest. It was another night were it was nice to be out among people again and seeing friends despite some restriction.<br /><br /><b><u>10.31.2021</u></b><br />On Halloween day, Sunday October 31st, 2021, Elphie and I celebrated our relationship anniversary by eating at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/breethairestaurant/" target="_blank">Bree Thai</a> and driving around to see a bustling neighborhood with its decorations and children out for Trick or Treat. We did this last year as well...but this year we were able to actually eat at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/breethairestaurant/" target="_blank">Bree Thai</a>. I saved the footage from the <a href="https://crosstourtech.com/pages/download-cr900" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a> of our driving which ends up being about an hour of footage after editing. Back at the house, I captured a couple clips of the decorations on the porch that Moses and Mary put up. They were handing out candy to the children and we hung out for a while with them. The majority of the additional soundtrack falls into this section. I picked some lengthy songs.<br /><br /><b><u>11.02.2021</u></b><br />On Tuesday November 2nd, 2021, I was given my <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> booster shot at work. I decided to prepare that evening for the effects so I could hopefully avoid missing time from work the next day. I took some Ibuprofen and <a href="https://vicks.com/en-us/shop-products/nyquil" target="_blank">NyQuil</a> and it seemed to work!<br /><br /><b><u>11.04.2021</u></b><br />On Thursday November 4th, 2021, while going to get some lunch, there were helicopters and a significant police presence in Uptown. There was apparently a hostage situation going on nearby. The situation was resolved without much further incident but it sure brought unnecessary excitement to the area for a bit!<br /><br /><b><u>11.08.2021</u></b><br />On Monday November 8th, 2021, the <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> and <a href="https://www.chicagobears.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Bears</a> played a Monday Night Football game! <a href="https://www.steelers.com/" target="_blank">Steelers</a> won! Barely, but they won! 29-27.<br /><br /><b><u>11.09.2021</u></b><br />On Tuesday November 9th, 2021, the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> came to Chicago to play the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks" target="_blank">Blackhawks</a> at the <a href="https://www.unitedcenter.com/" target="_blank">United Center</a>. I hoped for another Pittsburgh win over a Chicago team but it didn't work out that way. <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks" target="_blank">Penguins</a> lost 3-2 in a shootout. It was nice to go to the game again even with vaccine proof requirements and masking. Maybe someday the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Penguins</a> will finally get a win in Chicago when I can see them. It has been a fairly long losing streak for the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/" target="_blank">Penguins</a> in Chicago.<br /><br /><b><u>11.12.2021<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0asEtZNtJjY" width="560" youtube-src-id="0asEtZNtJjY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0asEtZNtJjY">https://youtu.be/0asEtZNtJjY</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3uKUP7PYM4U" width="560" youtube-src-id="3uKUP7PYM4U"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/3uKUP7PYM4U">https://youtu.be/3uKUP7PYM4U</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bVZaz7aUjhc" width="560" youtube-src-id="bVZaz7aUjhc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/bVZaz7aUjhc">https://youtu.be/bVZaz7aUjhc</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0grVtwCh3F0" width="560" youtube-src-id="0grVtwCh3F0"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0grVtwCh3F0">https://youtu.be/0grVtwCh3F0<br /></a>On Friday November 12th, 2021, I went to <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> for the <a href="https://www.theslackers.com/" target="_blank">Slackers</a> show. It was my first chance to see them. I tried some years ago in the Cleveland area but there was a power outage at the venue. Again masking was requested, specifically by the band because they wanted to be able to do the entire tour without having to cancel. They had the <a href="https://greenroomrockers.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Green Room Rockers</a>, <a href="https://www.thefreecoasters.com/" target="_blank">The Free Coasters</a>, and <a href="https://theconcreteroots.com/" target="_blank">The Concrete Roots</a> open the show. It was a pretty fun ska show overall.<br /><br /><b><u>11.13.2021<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qzqpXu5oIKo" width="560" youtube-src-id="qzqpXu5oIKo"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/qzqpXu5oIKo">https://youtu.be/qzqpXu5oIKo</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q8eSbmOAXhw" width="560" youtube-src-id="Q8eSbmOAXhw"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Q8eSbmOAXhw">https://youtu.be/Q8eSbmOAXhw</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0pRQjOFZeSc" width="560" youtube-src-id="0pRQjOFZeSc"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/0pRQjOFZeSc">https://youtu.be/0pRQjOFZeSc</a><br />On Saturday November 13th, 2021, Elphie and I went to get some Christmas gifts for our families, we got some things from <a href="https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/" target="_blank">Pet Supplies Plus</a> in hopes to make traveling with Stein easier, and stopped at a <a href="https://www.food4less.com/" target="_blank">Food 4 Less</a> to try to find some <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> Thrashed Apple for my mom. It is a variant exclusive to stores associated to <a href="https://www.kroger.com/" target="_blank">Kroger</a>. While there, we also found some Gingerbread Snap'd that was apparently the holiday variant for this year. We gave the Thrashed Apple variant a try and it was good. To me, it seemed to lack the usual <a href="https://www.mountaindew.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Dew</a> kick.<br /><br />That evening we had friends playing at <a href="https://www.uncommonground.com/" target="_blank">Uncommon Ground</a> in Lakeview. It was, in a way, a going away party for <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">The Castros</a> and they were leaving us with a gift of a new tune! I believe I captured that on video. I used my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> again for this show...this time remembering to not take photos while filming. I did take photos with the camera during different songs rather than using my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 8</a>. <a href="https://www.uhohsmusic.com/" target="_blank">The Uh Ohs</a> were opening the show wearing their new Dia de los Muertos design shirts! I captured "Bootstraps." Also playing was <a href="https://www.celiarosemusic.com/" target="_blank">Celia Rose</a>. Each clip I shared included the other artists in the performance. It was a nice communal evening.<br /><br />After the show, we took the cat shelter Elphie had made to Anastasia and Josh so that they could utilize it. As we were making this exchange, the snow began to fall. It was the first snowfall that I witnessed for the season!<br /><br /><b><u>11.15.2021<br /></u></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SPvGL1AjieU" width="560" youtube-src-id="SPvGL1AjieU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/SPvGL1AjieU">https://youtu.be/SPvGL1AjieU</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-AUSLxNhwAg" width="560" youtube-src-id="-AUSLxNhwAg"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/-AUSLxNhwAg">https://youtu.be/-AUSLxNhwAg</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_YlX91Dc9nU" width="560" youtube-src-id="_YlX91Dc9nU"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/_YlX91Dc9nU">https://youtu.be/_YlX91Dc9nU</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WeSKJXk9RDE" width="560" youtube-src-id="WeSKJXk9RDE"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/WeSKJXk9RDE">https://youtu.be/WeSKJXk9RDE</a><br />On Monday November 15th, 2021, I decided to attend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/neonmoonmondays/" target="_blank">Neon Moon Mondays</a> at <a href="https://www.reggieslive.com/" target="_blank">Reggies</a> in the Bananna's Comedy Shack room. It is a country, folk, Americana focused night hosted by <a href="https://linktr.ee/bgoodsounds" target="_blank">Brandon Good</a>. <a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">Tobin Bawinkel</a> was playing this one so that was mostly why I decided to go. It turned out that <a href="https://thecastros.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">the Castros</a> were still in town so they came out to the show! Also playing besides <a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">Tobin Bawinkel</a>, and <a href="https://linktr.ee/bgoodsounds" target="_blank">Brandon Good</a> were <a href="https://www.instagram.com/therealcodydewindt/" target="_blank">Cody DeWindt</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/evan.indiana/" target="_blank">Evan Indiana</a>. Again, I used my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a> for the live footage and photos I shot.<br /><br /><b><u>11.18.2021</u></b><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uHQNJ0JTUfY" width="560" youtube-src-id="uHQNJ0JTUfY"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/uHQNJ0JTUfY">https://youtu.be/uHQNJ0JTUfY</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xI-Idii_-lM" width="560" youtube-src-id="xI-Idii_-lM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/xI-Idii_-lM">https://youtu.be/xI-Idii_-lM</a><br />On Thursday November 18th, 2021, <a href="http://www.nitzer-ebb.com/" target="_blank">Nitzer Ebb</a> was playing at <a href="https://metrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Metro</a>. <a href="https://www.panterah.net/" target="_blank">Panterah</a> opened the night. Elphie was very interested in going so I got us tickets. It was a good show. I used my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 8</a> to capture the footage and photos for this show.<br /><br /><b><u>11.21.2021</u></b><br />After missing a year due to the pandemic apocalypse, we were able to go to Disgrace-giving with <a href="https://wastelandsuspensions.com/home" target="_blank">Disgraceland Wasteland Suspension</a>s at <a href="https://wastedyouthtattoo.com/home" target="_blank">Wasted Youth</a> in Romeoville, IL. It was good food and good hangs for the day. We brought <a href="https://whitefencefarm-il.com/" target="_blank">White Fence Farm</a> Chicken and Fritters...the Fritters were a big hit. They're quite good!<br /><br /><b><u>11.22.2021</u></b><br />Though I was pretty tired, after Monday Night Football on Monday November 22nd, 2021, I went out to set up my target and take some practice shots using my <a href="https://excaliburcrossbow.com/" target="_blank">Excalibur Bulldog 440 Crossbow</a> in hopes of using it for hunting season. It was dark so I used a flashlight to see the target. I set it up at about 20 yards using my range finder I had purchased. I ended up shooting through one of the bolts damaging it to the point it was unusable. I was hitting fairly consistently at least by the time I was done...I'm not sure the video shows that though.<br /><br />I'm pretty happy with having been able to get this project done fairly quickly. I had finished editing the footage about a week ago (prior to a quick Easter trip) and added in the soundtrack in one evening earlier this week. the editing was really only two or three sessions of work. I hope the Holidays project goes quickly as well so I can get sort of caught up on footage and perhaps work on some other things I have in mind sooner rather than later!<br /><br />Additional soundtrack includes "Factions" by <a href="https://thefastfeeling.bandcamp.com/">The Fast Feeling</a>, "13 Peilearan Airgid (13 Silver Bullets)" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, "Haunt" by <a href="https://allhallowedmusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">All Hallowed</a>, "The Old Gods" by <a href="https://shriven1.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Shriven</a>, "The Promise" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saviourmachineband/" target="_blank">Saviour Machine</a>, "Bring Out Your Dead" by <a href="https://www.whitecollarsideshow.com/" target="_blank">White Collar Sideshow</a>, "Omens" by <a href="https://store.northernrecords.com/album/white-lighter" target="_blank">White Lighter</a>, "Underneath" by <a href="https://starflyer59.fanlink.to/sf59" target="_blank">Starflyer 59</a>, "Monster" and "Bad Dream" by Bon Voyage, "Nightmares" by <a href="https://sodashopband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Soda Shop</a>, "Feeling So Blue" by <a href="https://kissingcousinsband.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Kissing Cousins</a>, "Ghost Town" by <a href="https://laurenlakis.wixsite.com/laurenlakis" target="_blank">Lauren Lakis</a>, "Deadman's Party" by <a href="https://stopthepressesmusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Stop The Presses</a>, "My Short Lived Shadow" by <a href="https://blackswift.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Black Swift</a>, and "Tonight" by <a href="https://destroynateallen.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a>.<br /><br />Footage filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a>, <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit/eos-rebel-t6s-ef-s-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>, <a href="https://crosstourtech.com/pages/download-cr900" target="_blank">CrossTour CR 900</a>, and <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 6 and 8</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616057680878443494.post-42205054249855669502022-04-08T11:20:00.020-05:002022-04-08T17:17:42.088-05:002021 Southern Road Trip 2: Electric Boogaloo (09.22.2021 - 10.03.2021)<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Life sometimes works out in good ways despite other things not quite going according to plan or how we may want them to in the moment. For me, this <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> pandemic took away quite a bit but it did allow for something that I figured would not happen for me. I was able to experience <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest XXI</a> due to a trip to Russia in 2020 having to be canceled and the continued restrictions on travel through 2021. Elphie and I ended up planning a couple weeks of travel around <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> which resulted in knocking off five more states visited! We'd still like to make a visit to Russia whenever world conditions allow but I am very glad I attended a <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>! <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> was kicking up again with a new variant called Delta which resulted in <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> canceling for the second year in a row. Some of the bands canceled for <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> as well but thankfully the event was able to go on!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is a separate blog that documents the <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-tigerrawk-furnace-fest-xxi-2021.html" target="_blank">TigerRAWk Furnace Fest XXI (2021) Experience</a>. I will include the daily highlight videos here but the blogging was done on that post and I won't spend nearly as much time in this blog on it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/clWB3JbpjG8" width="560" youtube-src-id="clWB3JbpjG8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/clWB3JbpjG8">https://youtu.be/clWB3JbpjG8</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I used the subtitle of "Electric Boogaloo" due to this being the second trip to the south in 2021. I didn't call the previous trip "Southern Road Trip" however I did decide to call this one "Southern Road Trip 2" and the humor of "Electric Boogaloo" that has existed since Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo made me want to use it. No other real reason than I find it funny.<br /><br />I created the promo/intro video as I have been doing for the last several trip documenting projects by taking a screenshot of the region on <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/" target="_blank">Google Maps</a> then animating the trip by drawing the general route and adding a car to "drive" with the animated line. I created a title using a font that felt somewhat appropriate - "Jazz" since we visited New Orleans. I added state flags for the states we passed through and as we made stops along the way and positioned those in the top corner. I attempted once again to add some of the photos we took in such a way as to appear they are being dropped onto a table top. It didn't quite turn out as I had hoped and I mis-sized one photo so it ended up on top of the route animation. I used the song "Wanderers" by <a href="https://samuellockridge.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Samuel Lockridge</a> for the promo project. The title and animations were created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">MacBook</a>.<br /><br />As I've done before, I took screenshots using <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/" target="_blank">Google Maps</a> of the places we visited on this trip and animated the trip route, again using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">MacBook</a>. These are placed throughout the project as an added visual of the trip. All other editing and work was done using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a>.<br /><br />The music tracks I selected throughout for the additional soundtrack were chosen because they were artists from the region or songs about the region. I tried to keep the songs matched up with the footage with the subject or artist in mind along with the location. In one instance, "Down In Tennessee" by <a href="https://blackswift.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Black Swift</a>, I split the song up so that I could have "Sweet Home Alabama" by <a href="https://lynyrdskynyrd.com/" target="_blank">Lynyrd Skynyrd</a> playing as we entered into Alabama. I put the rest of "Down In Tennessee" in where we are visiting the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/capitol-park" target="_blank">State Capitol ruins</a> in Tuscaloosa. I wanted to use the rest of the song and this was an open spot. Other than that small part kind of getting out of place, I feel I did well fitting the music in regionally as appropriate. Also, special thanks to <a href="https://www.rickypuckett.com/" target="_blank">Ricky Puckett</a> for allowing me to use an unreleased song of his that he recently completed in this project.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GuHHgqtATRQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="GuHHgqtATRQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/GuHHgqtATRQ">https://youtu.be/GuHHgqtATRQ</a><br /><u><b>09.22.2021</b></u><br />We left Chicago in the morning on Wednesday September 22nd, 2021. After getting out of the Chicago area, our first stop was in Hobart, IN to pick up some gummies at <a href="https://www.albanesecandy.com/" target="_blank">Albanese</a>. Elphie searched for some Halloween candy to give to her nieces and nephews when we visit during the holidays but the stock was a bit short. From there, we drove south through Indiana, passing the windmills and enduring construction as we drove around Indianapolis to Louisville, KY. It was a rainy drive and the air conditioning kept going out which we needed for defogging the windows. This was a bit of a nuisance.<br /><br />We got to Louisville, crossing over the Ohio River with what we found to be a toll but there was no toll booth...nothing was sent to me to pay so I never did. Our hope was to visit the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cave-hill-cemetery" target="_blank">Cave Hill Cemetery</a> and see the graves of <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/colonel-sanders-grave" target="_blank">Colonel Sanders</a> and <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/muhammad-ali-gravesite" target="_blank">Muhammad Ali</a> but we got there just as it was closing This was due, in part, to the time zone change. We did account for it but figured we might be cutting it close. Traffic and construction didn't help. We took a picture and video from the outside. The <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/eastern-cemetery" target="_blank">Eastern Cemetery</a> was nearby. It was also on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> (along with the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/colonel-sanders-grave" target="_blank">Colonel Sanders</a> and <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/muhammad-ali-gravesite" target="_blank">Muhammad Ali</a> graves and several others from the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cave-hill-cemetery" target="_blank">Cave Hill Cemetery</a>) so we drove in there and followed the road to the end. The <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/eastern-cemetery" target="_blank">Eastern Cemetery</a> is now abandoned. Apparently there were times in which graves were re-used.<br /><br />After the cemetery visits, we went to <a href="https://stmartinoftourslouisville.org/index.htm" target="_blank">St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church</a> to try to see the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-shrine-of-saints-magnus-and-bonosa-louisville-kentucky" target="_blank">Shrine of Saints Magnus and Bonosa</a>. The skeletal remains of the saints are encased in glass in the altars of the church. We arrived as a mass was beginning. We didn't want to be inconsiderate of the service or disrupt in any way so we moved to the side less occupied and sat down. we could see one of the saints from where we sat. We hung around for a few minutes. The building was pretty incredible with all its religious art so we captured some of that on video along with some of the service. As we left, I asked the security guard which we we should leave so as to not set off alarms. It had appeared that the main doors had been locked. He seemed perplexed we weren't sticking around for the mass.<br /><br />Our next stop, interestingly enough, was <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/witches-tree" target="_blank">The Witches' Tree</a>. It's mangled tree that is believed to have been cursed by witches. There's more to the story in the link. People leave decorations on it to appease the witches.<br /><br />At this point, we decided to go to <a href="https://marksfeedstore.com/" target="_blank">Mark's Feed Store</a> for dinner and try the Bar-B-Que sauces. I had been there before with my old college roommate Chas but it was Elphie's first time there. I didn't recall how the Bar-B-Que sauces were so it was nice to try it again.<br /><br />After dinner, we headed south to Nashville. We were staying with Natalie and Andrew. It was nice to catch up with them. We arrived way before Elphie had estimated. Turns out we were pretty much where those tornadoes came through last spring! There was some damage around but not much to see anymore.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>09.23.2022</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After a nice night of rest, we left in the morning heading back north a bit to visit Hendersonville to see the graves of <a href="https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/54762" target="_blank">Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash</a>. Marnee met us there and then took us by the remains of the <a href="https://www.wideopencountry.com/inside-johnny-cashs-lakeside-tennessee-compound/" target="_blank">Cash lake house</a>. It burned during renovations attempted by <a href="https://www.barrygibb.com/" target="_blank">Barry Gibb</a>. Marnee told of living in the neighborhood as well as across the lake and taking the boat by the property. I decided before leaving Hendersonville that I wanted to see the <a href="https://www.haloproperties.com/the-house-of-cash" target="_blank">House of Cash</a> as well since it was nearby and not really out of the way. It seems to have been turned into office space.<br /><br />We headed south toward Birmingham, circling around Nashville. We entered Alabama, my 37th state visited. We should have stopped at the rest area and welcome center with the rocket but we kept going. There were also other interesting things about the space program listed on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> in the Huntsville area but we didn't feel we had time to check them out. We stopped in Decatur, AL at <a href="https://bigbobgibson.com/" target="_blank">Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que</a> and tried the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/white-barbecue-sauce" target="_blank">white bar-b-que sauce</a>. It was an award winning sauce they said. So was the red sauce. We decided to get baked potatoes. It was an <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> thing. To me, it seemed like ranch dressing. I tried it but used the red sauce more. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We arrived in Birmingham around sunset and got checked in and unloaded at our hotel, <a href="http://www.kingsinnciviccenterbirmingham.us/" target="_blank">Kings Inn</a>. It was pretty cheap and wasn't the nicest of places we've stayed but it was doable for the weekend. We decided to drive around and check out a couple <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> sites while getting an idea of the area and where food would be for Elphie while I attended <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>. We drove over to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sloss-furnaces" target="_blank">Sloss Furnaces</a> first. <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sloss-furnaces" target="_blank">Sloss Furnaces</a> is a national landmark that once produced pig iron. It was where <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> would be held. Some final preparations were going on inside for the festival and we got a couple shots from outside the gates. We drove to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/statue-vulcan" target="_blank">Vulcan Statue</a> next...we drove right by it without seeing it somehow. We tried to park and walk over to it but there was a fee. We decided to try to find another viewing option that would be free and eventually did just below it in a parking lot. Vulcan is the god of fire and the statue was created in honor of the steel and iron industry. It's the largest cast metal statue created in the United States of America. Finally, we drove across town to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/african-village-in-america" target="_blank">African Village in America</a>. It was in a neighborhood and appeared to be various types of sculptures made from scrap filling a couple different properties by an artist named Joe Minter who was inspired by God to tell the story of Africans in America. There were several cats wandering around while we visited. Since it was night, I'm sure we missed a lot of what was there...we didn't really feel comfortable entering the property at that time. After this I drove Elphie back to the hotel while I attended some of the pre-festival events. Elphie found a broadcast of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">Forrest Gump</a>!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X7cKXUuAppM" width="560" youtube-src-id="X7cKXUuAppM"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/X7cKXUuAppM">https://youtu.be/X7cKXUuAppM</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went to <a href="https://ironcitybham.com/" target="_blank">Iron City</a> to catch <a href="https://normajeannoise.com/" target="_blank">Norma Jean</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Remembering-Never/100063511872431/" target="_blank">Remembering Never</a>. I missed the earlier bands. I ran into Bryan Gray while there! After this, I went to <a href="https://saturnbirmingham.com/" target="_blank">Saturn</a> for the Emo Night after party. I hoped to find some other friends while out but I did not find any of them. I returned to the <a href="http://www.kingsinnciviccenterbirmingham.us/" target="_blank">Kings Inn</a> and cleared my phone of all the photos and video so that I had as much space as I would need (hopefully) for a full day at <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rnbmO3pi1_s" width="560" youtube-src-id="rnbmO3pi1_s"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/rnbmO3pi1_s">https://youtu.be/rnbmO3pi1_s</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>09.24.2021</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I walked to and from <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> along 2nd Avenue on Friday September 24th, 2021. Along the way I saw a sign that read "We love Fridays like Kanye loves Kanye" and though it was funny. I noticed it the next day as well so apparently it wasn't only a Friday sign. Along the return trip I saw a plaque in the ground claiming it to be the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/heaviest-corner-on-earth-birmingham" target="_blank">Heaviest Corner On Earth</a>. I found I had gotten a cut on my leg somehow during the day.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_6oue8BamN8" width="560" youtube-src-id="_6oue8BamN8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/_6oue8BamN8">https://youtu.be/_6oue8BamN8</a><br /><u><b>09.25.2021</b></u><br />I walked to and from <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> again on Saturday September 25th, 2021. As I left, after giving a group room to climb over the treacherous stairs that they used, their friend flashed them and incidentally me as well. I slightly changed my route back to check for any other food options for Elphie.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zxYFHXXal2k" width="560" youtube-src-id="zxYFHXXal2k"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/zxYFHXXal2k">https://youtu.be/zxYFHXXal2k</a><br /><u><b>09.26.2021</b></u><br />On Sunday September 26th, 2021, I was offered a ride in an <a href="https://www.uber.com/" target="_blank">Uber</a> by some <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> neighbors in the <a href="http://www.kingsinnciviccenterbirmingham.us/" target="_blank">Kings Inn</a>. I accepted and also got a ride home that evening by Jonathan Magee, who I met a few weeks earlier at the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8666022/" target="_blank">Electric Jesus</a> screening at <a href="https://wilsonabbey.com/" target="_blank">Wilson Abbey</a> in Chicago during what was supposed to be <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> weekend. It was nice to not walk. I really enjoyed the festival overall. I even scored on the festival exclusive vinyl each day from <a href="https://unoriginalvinyl.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">UnoriginalVinyl</a>! I'm glad I was able to go and experience it. They announced <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> would be back next year so this being the one chance turned out not to be true.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://youtube.com/embed/B2_OUZlD8zs?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpNal1O7PfbGCjIAPdxophFN" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpNal1O7PfbGCjIAPdxophFN"></iframe><br /><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpNal1O7PfbGCjIAPdxophFN">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpNal1O7PfbGCjIAPdxophFN</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Furnace Fest YouTube Playlist</u></b><br /><a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-tigerrawk-furnace-fest-xxi-2021.html" target="_blank">Read more about the Furnace Fest experience here if you want.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fj1DDXgMhwQ" width="560" youtube-src-id="fj1DDXgMhwQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/fj1DDXgMhwQ">https://youtu.be/fj1DDXgMhwQ</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>09.27.2021</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday September 27th, 2021, we packed up and headed out of Birmingham, stopping at a <a href="https://www.pigglywiggly.com/" target="_blank">Piggly Wiggly</a> on our way out. I noticed on our video as I was editing that we passed by <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/thomas-jefferson-zeppelin-mooring-mast" target="_blank">Thomas Jefferson Tower and its Zeppelin Mooring Mass</a>. We drove to Tuscaloosa and stopped at <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/capitol-park" target="_blank">Capitol Park</a> where the remains of the old state capitol are now a park. It was interesting to see and walk around. It didn't seem the building could be particularly big based on the foundation.<br /><br />We left Alabama and crossed into Mississippi, my 38th state! We stopped shortly after crossing the state line at the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/simmons-wright-company-store" target="_blank">Simmons - Wright Company Store</a> in Toomsuba. It is an old timey type general store. Elphie decided to buy some fudge there but it was pretty stale. I got gas nearby in another old store...I had to go in to pay. As we continued, we decided to stop at a <a href="https://wardsrestaurants.com/" target="_blank">Ward's</a> for burgers. <a href="https://wardsrestaurants.com/" target="_blank">Ward's</a> was a local to Mississippi burger joint. The burger was decent. They also had their own "homemade" root beer which I also tried. It was also pretty good.<br /><br />We continued into Louisiana, my 39th state, crossing over a long bridge over Lake Pontchartrain. We made a quick stop at the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/fishermans-castle-on-the-irish-bayou" target="_blank">Fisherman's Castle on the Irish Bayou</a>. Here we also saw some boats that appeared to have been damaged and run aground likely due to the Hurricane Ida and other damaged buildings. As we drove into New Orleans, we could see roof damage from the hurricane. We arrived at the <a href="https://www.balconyguesthouse.com/" target="_blank">Balcony Guest House</a> around 6:00pm. We found this spot to stay through <a href="http://booking.com">booking.com</a> and it turned out to be pretty incredible. We were complimentary upgraded as well! We had a living room, small kitchen along with the bed room and bathroom. The building had sustained some storm damage during the hurricane that had recently been fixed. Elphie did a little tour video of the space we got to stay in and we decided to take advantage of the discount offered for <a href="https://www.silkroadnola.com/" target="_blank">Silk Road</a>, a restaurant on the ground floor. We noticed a lot of street cats around...perhaps they are of the same family as the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-cats-of-jackson-square-new-orleans-louisiana" target="_blank">cats of Jackson Square</a>. We were fairly close to this park but we didn't end up going through it. Back in our room, I decided to try to take a couple moon shots and city shots from the balcony using my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a>. I also decided to try out the hot tub but the water didn't stay warm long enough to fill very high and when it did get high enough for the jets, they shot water all over the bathroom! It also didn't drain very fast and seemed that the toilet also didn't flush quite right. I reported the plumbing issues so that they could fix them for the next guests. Overall, we were very happy with our stay!<br /><br /><b><u>09.28.2021</u></b><br />On Tuesday September 28th, 2021, we decided to explore New Orleans by foot. There was a threat of rain and it was pretty humid but we went anyway. Elphie made an itinerary and walked toward a large group of cemeteries. We took Royal Street to Esplanade Avenue. There was a lot of debris, mostly from trees all along the roads. As we walked, I dropped my water bottle I had brought to use during <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a>. It cracked open so I drank as much as I could while it spilled out then threw it away. The first cemetery we stopped at was called <a href="https://nolacatholiccemeteries.org/st-louis-cemetery-3" target="_blank">St. Louis Cemetery #3</a>. There was a mansion right next to it called the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-luling-mansion-new-orleans-louisiana" target="_blank">Luling Mansion</a> but I don't think we noticed it. It was another <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a> site we could have marked off. We crossed over to the <a href="https://neworleanscitypark.com/" target="_blank">City Park</a> where we found the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-singing-oak-new-orleans-louisiana" target="_blank">Singing Oak</a>. There's a bunch of wind chimes hanging in the tree. As we walked along the <a href="https://neworleanscitypark.com/" target="_blank">City Park</a>, passing a number of large oak trees, we went by some tracks that I think were part of the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-singing-oak-new-orleans-louisiana" target="_blank">New Orleans Train Garden</a>. We continued to walk and found the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/holt-cemetery" target="_blank">Holt Cemetery</a> next just before the gates were to be closed. It's known to flood during heavy rains and is a potter's field cemetery for the poor folks. After getting lunch at <a href="https://order.subway.com/" target="_blank">Subway</a>, we walked by a bunch of cemeteries: <a href="https://www.tclf.org/masonic-cemetery" target="_blank">Masonic Temple Cemetery #2</a>, <a href="https://nolacatholiccemeteries.org/st-patrick-cemetery-2" target="_blank">St. Patrick Cemetery #2</a> and <a href="https://nolacatholiccemeteries.org/crypt-st-patrick-cemetery-3" target="_blank">#3</a> (we would pass<a href="https://nolacatholiccemeteries.org/st-patrick-cemetery-1" target="_blank"> #1</a> later), <a href="https://nolacatholiccemeteries.org/st-joseph-cemetery-1" target="_blank">St. Joseph Cemeteries</a>, <a href="https://www.greenwoodnola.com/" target="_blank">Greenwood Cemetery</a>, and <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/metairie-cemetery-new-orleans" target="_blank">Metairie Cemetery</a>. we went into <a href="https://www.greenwoodnola.com/" target="_blank">Greenwood Cemetery</a> and <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/metairie-cemetery-new-orleans" target="_blank">Metairie Cemetery</a> for a few minutes. We saw the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/moriarty-monument" target="_blank">Moriarty Monument</a> in <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/metairie-cemetery-new-orleans" target="_blank">Metaire Cemetery</a> which used to be a horse racing track. The <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/moriarty-monument" target="_blank">Moriarty Monument</a> was built to honor the wife of a business man and to show up those who had shunned him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From here, we began to head back south toward New Orleans and our lodging. We made a stop at the <a href="https://www.greenwoodnola.com/cypress-grove/" target="_blank">Cypress Grove Cemetery</a>. This one I think was the most interesting, though relatively small. It appeared to still show significant damage from Hurricane Katrina. Some of the mausoleums were partially collapsed giving a view inside. In researching for this blog, I learned it was built to honor volunteer firefighters.<br /><br />While we were here, it began to rain and rain hard. It caused my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a> to stop functioning because I stupidly continued to film without anything to cover or protect it. I was able to salvage the footage, thankfully. When I got back to the <a href="https://www.balconyguesthouse.com/" target="_blank">Balcony Guest House</a>, I took the card out and battery, took the lens off and let it sit in hopes to dry out the inside and perhaps revive the camera. I was able to pull the files off of the card using Elphie's computer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we walked, I continued to film using my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 8</a>...I was foolish and determined to get the footage I wanted! I hoped the case would be able to protect the phone. I captured a shot of the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/odd-fellows-rest" target="_blank">Odd Fellows Rest</a> as well as the <a href="https://www.saveourcemeteries.org/cemeteries/cemeteries/charity-hospital-katrina-memorial-cemetery.html" target="_blank">Hurricane Katrina Memorial</a> which seemed to be part of the <a href="https://www.saveourcemeteries.org/cemeteries/cemeteries/charity-hospital-katrina-memorial-cemetery.html" target="_blank">Charity Hospital Cemetery</a>. Next to it was <a href="https://nolacatholiccemeteries.org/st-patrick-cemetery-1" target="_blank">St. Patricks Cemetery #1</a> then we came up to the <a href="https://themortuary.net/" target="_blank">Mortuary Haunted House</a>. We continued to walk down Canal Street, dodging large puddles and being teased by the rain seemingly slowing down only to pick up again. I was soaked all the way through. We assumed that the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/holt-cemetery" target="_blank">Holt Cemetery</a> we visited earlier had likely flooded as the information we read indicated. We arrived at <a href="https://mandinasrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Mandina's Restaurant</a> to eat dinner. It was suggested by our friend Sid. Some of the menu wasn't available but we both got decent dinners I think. I got fried shrimp and Elphie got grilled shrimp. I sort of felt bad due to the fact I was soaked and sitting there making everything wet, ha!<br /><br />After dinner we continued to walk. It continued to rain off and on but mostly a drizzle. We passed by more areas with damage from Hurricane Ida including a <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> sign. I also got a shot of the roof of the <a href="https://www.caesarssuperdome.com/" target="_blank">Super Dome</a>. We eventually made our way to <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/saint-louis-cemetery-two" target="_blank">St. Louis Cemetery #2</a> but well after hours. We got a shot from outside of it then continued toward <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/saint-louis-cemetery-one" target="_blank">St. Louis Cemetery #1</a> where <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/marie-laveaus-tomb" target="_blank">Marie Laveau</a> is buried. Over the wall we could see what we believe was the top of the pyramid tomb that <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/nicolas-cage-s-pyramid-tomb" target="_blank">Nicolas Cage had built in there...controversial in that locals are turned away due to lack of space in this particular cemetery yet Nicolas Cage was able to purchase two plots and build the pyramid</a>. We continued down Conti street passing <a href="https://judeshrine.com/" target="_blank">Our Lady Of Guadalupe church and its St. Jude shrine</a>. A couple blocks later, we found ourselves in the <a href="https://www.neworleans.com/plan/neighborhoods/french-quarter/" target="_blank">French Quarter</a>. <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/street-name-tiles-of-new-orleans" target="_blank">The street names are written on tiles at the corner of the intersections.</a> We walked down <a href="https://www.neworleans.com/plan/streets/bourbon-street/" target="_blank">Bourbon Street</a> and stopped in one of the tourist shops to get some things for Elphie's neices and nephews. We continued and encountered a creepy dude trying to force beads on a lady who was able to escape his clutches. We also encountered a jazz band playing an early set in one of the bars as well as <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/marie-lavaus-house-of-voodoo" target="_blank">Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo</a> but it appeared to be closed. We continued down <a href="https://www.neworleans.com/plan/streets/bourbon-street/" target="_blank">Bourbon Street</a> into a more residential area and then found the Esplanade and made our way back to Royal Street and back to the <a href="https://www.balconyguesthouse.com/" target="_blank">Balcony Guest House</a>.<br /><br />By this time, Elphie and developed some nasty blisters due to the rain and her sandals. I threw what I had been wearing into the dryer and salvaged the video footage from my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a>...opening it up as much as I could hoping to dry it out and salvage the camera. I jumped on social media to see if anyone might have any thoughts on how to salvage my camera...most responses did not give a good outlook. Since we were on the road the next day and it continued to rain, we got rested up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/smmoSysjpSo" width="560" youtube-src-id="smmoSysjpSo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/smmoSysjpSo">https://youtu.be/smmoSysjpSo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>09.29.2021</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Wednesday September 29th, 2021, we headed out in the morning. Our final destination would be in the Tyler, Texas area. Before we finished packing up, I checked my <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a> to see if it might work. It did turn but when I put the card in, it would not function. I packed it up and hoped maybe this was a good sign but had my doubts on its recovery. As we left New Orleans, we passed the <a href="https://www.caesarssuperdome.com/" target="_blank">Super Dome</a> and I was able to get a shot out of the window as we drove by with my <a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone 8</a>. We made a quick stop at a grocery store to get some food for the next few days on the road. It appeared the building had some storm damage. As we drove north and west from New Orleans, we saw what appeared to be an alligator lying belly up on the side of the interstate. We also noticed a lot of the trees appeared bent down and many toppled, likely due to Hurricane Ida. We encountered some intense rain as we drove. We stopped for gas then took another stop later at a rest area...the sky was clearing at this point.<br /><br />We continued to Shreveport where we made plans to stop at <a href="https://whataburger.com/home" target="_blank">Whataburger</a> and meet an online friend, Chris. I shared with him my thoughts on the <a href="https://www.furnacefest.us/" target="_blank">Furnace Fest</a> experience as he is a fan of the music that was prominent at the festival. This was my first time trying <a href="https://whataburger.com/home" target="_blank">Whataburger</a> and I didn't find it to be anything special. I would say I preferred <a href="https://www.in-n-out.com/" target="_blank">In-N-Out</a> to <a href="https://whataburger.com/home" target="_blank">Whataburger</a> in what seems to be a battle between the loyalists of those brands. It was a nice opportunity to fellowship with Chris and get a break from the drive.<br /><br />We headed west into Texas and got to see the sun set ahead of us. We eventually arrived in the Tyler, Texas area after dark. We were staying with a friend of Elphie's named Michael. He sent some directions down some dirt roads. He met us part way driving an ATV and guided us to the house through the rough terrain of the road. Some of it had been washed out during rain storms. It was another nice visit with a friend and getting to catch up. Before we went to bed for the night.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>09.30.2021</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Thursday September 30th, 2021, we got up and Michael had made us a nice breakfast. As we prepared to leave, I was checking the oil (it's an issue with my car) and the dipstick broke off.. I had added some oil as needed but wasn't certain where the level was. We headed out after checking the internet to see how bad the situation could be and felt confident we'd probably be ok. We didn't drive too far, just outside Dallas before we stopped again to visit the Tudor's for a bit. They had just gone to the <a href="https://dropkickmurphys.com/" target="_blank">Dropick Murphys</a> and <a href="https://www.rancidrancid.com/" target="_blank">Rancid</a> show the night before and their kids were quite excited about the swag that they had come back with. What chatted for a while but didn't have a lot of time to stay.<br /><br />As we continued the drive, we went into Dallas to see a <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bowler-hat-sculpture" target="_blank">Giant Bowler Hat</a>. It was originally meant to help advertise for the hat company but after the store closed it got relocated to this lot. Down the road a block or so was a <a href="http://dallaslibrary2.org/blogs/bookedSolid/2020/05/dallas-public-art-the-bowler-hat-and-stanleys-umbrella/" target="_blank">Giant Umbrella</a> apparently meant to accompany it. We made our way out of Dallas north toward Oklahoma. Of course at an RV dealer there were a couple huge flags...one for Texas and the other for the U.S.A. It began to rain again as we neared the Oklahoma state line. We captured the state signs since it another new state for me...number 40. We continued to drive in the rain toward Oklahoma City. We booked a hotel room in Midwest City. As we drove we crossed a hilly area that seemed like it might be a bit interesting. As we got out of the rain the low clouds moved in strange ways. We arrived at our hotel and relaxed a few moments before <a href="https://www.rickypuckett.com/" target="_blank">Ricky Puckett </a>came by to take us out and about.<br /><br />It was nice to see <a href="https://www.rickypuckett.com/" target="_blank">Ricky</a> and catch up for a while. He obliged us by taking us to an <a href="https://www.autozone.com/" target="_blank">Autozone</a> to get a new dipsick. He actually took us to three and an <a href="https://www.oreillyauto.com/" target="_blank">O'Reilly's</a> because they weren't in stock! After that, he took us to <a href="https://www.sandbburgers.com/" target="_blank">S And B's Burger Joint</a>. It was a rocknroll themed restaurant and the burgers were great! We didn't really have any thoughts on other things to do so I suggested perhaps going to the <a href="https://memorialmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Oklahoma City National Memorial</a>. I guess you could say it became a bit of a theme for our trips to visit spots where disasters had occurred (had we gone to Tulsa I would have liked to visit where the <a href="https://www.tulsahistory.org/exhibit/1921-tulsa-race-massacre/" target="_blank">Tulsa Massacre</a> had occurred). <a href="https://www.rickypuckett.com/" target="_blank">Ricky</a> took us there and along the way stopped at <a href="https://www.wannahurts.com/" target="_blank">Hurt's Donut</a> and got us a dozen! They were pretty good donuts!<br /><br />He showed us a few other landmarks along the way. The <a href="https://memorialmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Oklahoma City National Memorial</a> has the times 9:01 and 9:03 on the entrances to the memorial grounds. We parked on the 9:03 side and entered by that way as well. The times are the minute before and after the explosion. Across the street is a sculpture tiled Jesus Wept which we checked out first. It was installed on the site of the rectory which had to be demolished due to the damage sustained by <a href="https://www.sjocokc.org/" target="_blank">St. Joseph's Old Cathedral</a>. There is a fence as well where people left notes and other items in remembrance in the days after and it remains still and continues to have items left on it. We walked around inside the memorial park seeing the 168 chairs for the victims, the outside of the museum next door which had the scars from the explosion, and the survivor tree which was the only thing to remain from before in that area. I was glad to have been able to visit. I remember the day it happened.<br /><br />We rode back to the hotel with <a href="https://www.rickypuckett.com/" target="_blank">Ricky</a>. He stopped by a grocery store for us to get a few more things for the rest of the trip. It was good to catch up with <a href="https://www.rickypuckett.com/" target="_blank">Ricky</a> as it has been quite a long time. Hope we see him again soon!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>10.01.2021</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Friday October 1st, 2021, we checked out of our hotel, I threw away the old dipstick and put the new one in and made sure everything was good for the long drive then headed east toward Arkansas. As we left the Oklahoma City area, we passed airplanes on what looked to be a military base. We also passed an area that looked as though a wildfire had possibly gone through.<br /><br />We crossed into Arkansas and I guess this time it counts as a visit so that was my 41st state visited! I think our original plan was to go into Fort Smith but we decided instead to go to a town called Alma. We stopped for gas then found a park with a <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/popeye-statue" target="_blank">Popeye Statue</a> from <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura</a>. This statue is due to the claim that Alma is the spinach capital of the world. We were able to meet up with TD and Veronica Benton - <a href="https://www.whitecollarsideshow.com/" target="_blank">White Collar Sideshow</a> and have a few moments to catch up. Apparently their day was full of catching up with people! They were headed to see TD's sun and had just left visiting with <a href="https://www.levithepoet.net/" target="_blank">Levi The Poet</a>. Thankfully they were able to fit us in! We had planned to see them at <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> but they came down with illness right before their tour and canceled the dates then <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> canceled as well due to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> concerns. Thankfully it did work out to meet up!<br /><br />We parted ways and we headed north through <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a> country apparently then crossed into Missouri. We stopped in Joplin, MO and visited with "Sister E" and ate some more Bar-B-Que at <a href="https://bigrsbbq.com/" target="_blank">Big R's</a>. It was good and filling. We didn't have room for the pie dessert! It was good to catch up with "Sister E" and in my case to meet her in real life.<br /><br />After Joplin, MO, we headed toward Springfield, MO. We found the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/worlds-largest-fork" target="_blank">World's Largest Fork</a>. It took a minute because it was in a back lot behind the address and not in street view. We also found <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/leongs-asian-diner" target="_blank">Leong's Asian Diner</a>. We had planned to eat there but we were too full. The store apparently dealt with racism in the past and is known for its Springfield cashew chicken.<br /><br />As we left Springfield, MO, we saw a sign for <a href="https://www.uranusmissouri.com/" target="_blank">Uranus</a>. It's a pun filled tourist attraction including a fudge store! We passed it later but we didn't stop. We went through a rain storm and encountered a rainbow on the other side as the sun was setting. Our next stop was the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/world-s-largest-rocking-chair" target="_blank">Former World's Largest Rocking Chair</a> in Cuba, MO. It is anchored so it doesn't rock. It was among the many things along <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/travelroute66/index.htm" target="_blank">Route 66</a> to give folks something to stop for. We arrived well after dark so it was a bit hard to capture on video.<br /><br />After this stop, we headed for St. Louis, MO where we would be staying until Sunday. The air conditioning began to act up again during the final stretch. I hoped it would work fine again when we hit the road for Chicago on Sunday. We stayed with the Adams family. Another <a href="https://audiofeedfestival.com/" target="_blank">Audiofeed</a> connection! We hung out with them for a while before getting some sleep.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nYy2PmQ_Otk" width="560" youtube-src-id="nYy2PmQ_Otk"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/nYy2PmQ_Otk">https://youtu.be/nYy2PmQ_Otk</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>10.02.2021</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday October 2nd, 2021, we ate a nice breakfast prepared by Kaylynn and then headed to the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/city-museum" target="_blank">City Museum</a> for the day. It was fun! There are a lot of slides in the building and odd places to climb into including some outdoor areas. We saw a rainbow outside the building and I captured it from two different windows on the corner of the building. After, we drove to the <a href="https://www.gatewayarch.com/" target="_blank">Gateway Arch</a>. The steel was forged in my home town! We also saw the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/old-st-louis-county-courthouse" target="_blank">Old St. Louis County Courthouse</a>. It was a fun day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>10.03.2021</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday October 3rd, 2021 we headed home. We drove along I-55 from St. Louis to Chicago. We had to stop at the <a href="https://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal*Mart</a> before leaving because I couldn't find the SD card to put in the<a href="https://crosstourtech.com/pages/download-cr900" target="_blank"> CrossTour CR-900</a>. I had brought it in to remove the footage from the previous drive and somehow seemed to have misplaced it. Camera wise, it was a bit of a trying trip. (I ended up finding the SD card after getting home as I went to the car to leave for work Monday morning. It had apparently fell from wherever I had it as we unloaded.) I got a new SD card and we headed out of St. Louis passing <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/ballpark" target="_blank">Busch Stadium</a> and the <a href="https://www.gatewayarch.com/" target="_blank">Gateway Arch</a> on our way. We crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois and stopped for a moment not far down the road to see the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cahokia-mounds" target="_blank">Cahokia Mound</a> in Collinsville, IL. It is the largest "prehistoric earthwork" in North America. We didn't stay long.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The air conditioning continued to act up throughout the day and essentially stopped working at all by the end of the day. After getting back home, I installed new air filters both in the engine area and for the cabin. I also replaced the relay switch and it seems to have fixed the problem.<br /><br />We continued to Springfield, IL where we saw the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/proud-raven-totem-pole" target="_blank">Proud Raven Totem Pole</a> near the State Capitol building. It's topped with an Abraham Lincoln. As we drove into Springfield I noticed a <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pink-elephant-antique-mall" target="_blank">Pink Elephant</a>. In Livingston, IL, which we passed further south there's a <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pink-elephant-antique-mall" target="_blank">Pink Elephant</a> advertising a flea market and I wonder if this might be for the same purpose?<br /><br />We left Springfield, IL, passing by the State Capitol building and continued northeast. We encountered some more rain and another rainbow. As we entered Lincoln, IL, we passed a train. Thankfully, the train didn't cross the road we were on so we didn't have to wait. We visited the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/railsplitter-covered-wagon" target="_blank">Railsplitter Covered Wagon</a>. It has Abraham Lincoln driving the wagon while reading a book.<br /><br />We left Lincoln, IL and decided to stop at <a href="https://www.wallys.com/" target="_blank">Wally's</a> in Pontiac, IL for dinner. It seemed like a large truck stop that might have options we could enjoy. I got a pulled pork sandwich.<br /><br />We went to Gardner, IL next to see the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/2-celled-jail" target="_blank">Two Cell Jail</a>. It had apparently been actually an operating jail at one time. It had a little diner car next to it. This was the last thing we would visit on this trip. the recording that was playing there stated something about vagrants and hobos were often the folks who had to endure being locked up in the jail.<br /><br />We continued home as the sunset happened behind us. I got gas one more time in Joliet, IL then encountered a traffic jam as we approached Chicago. It turned out there was an accident. When we got home, Stein greeted us with excitement since we'd been gone so long. We unpacked and after I watched an episode of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1520211/" target="_blank">The Walking Dead</a>, we relaxed and rested after the many miles we traveled.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I ended up replacing the <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a> with a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6s-body" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6s</a>. I am happy with the upgrade <a href="https://atigerrawkfilm.blogspot.com/2021/10/equipment-upgrade-canon-rebel-t6s-with.html" target="_blank">(wrote a little blog on that</a>). The <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a> will turn on with the batteries I have but still would not function when an SD card was inserted. I do wonder if there could be other ways to use it so I think I might keep it for that reason and perhaps experiment with it when I have time.<br /><br />So despite the issues with the air conditioning, the oil dipstick, the camera, and the broken water bottle, it was a good trip.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="315" src="https://youtube.com/embed/clWB3JbpjG8?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMBcW_WocHn0zAV-dIpBR00" width="560" youtube-src-id="PLh9ZwEF2QQpMBcW_WocHn0zAV-dIpBR00"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMBcW_WocHn0zAV-dIpBR00">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9ZwEF2QQpMBcW_WocHn0zAV-dIpBR00</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The additional soundtrack includes "Wanderers" by <a href="https://samuellockridge.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Samuel Lockridge</a>, "Tennessee" by <a href="https://www.johnnycash.com/" target="_blank">Johnny Cash</a>, "Down In Tennessee" by <a href="https://blackswift.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Black Swift</a>, "Sweet Home Alabama" by <a href="https://lynyrdskynyrd.com/" target="_blank">Lynyrd Skynyrd</a>, "The Old Iron Hills" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayleneandthesonsofdisaster/" target="_blank">Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster</a>, "Modern Day Prayer" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/twothirtyeightmusic" target="_blank">twothirtyeight</a>, "Yoknapatawpha (A Mental Mississippi) by <a href="https://archive.org/details/EraceTheGoteeBrothers" target="_blank">The Gotee Brothers</a>, "Born On The Bayou" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CCR" target="_blank">Creedence Clearwater Revival</a>, "House Of The Rising Sun" by <a href="http://www.theanimalswebsite.com/" target="_blank">The Animals</a>, "Mystic" by <a href="https://www.charliepeacock.com/" target="_blank">Charlie Peacock</a>, "Naïve Orleans" by <a href="https://www.anberlin.com/" target="_blank">Anberlin</a>, "New Orleans" by <a href="https://www.rancidrancid.com/" target="_blank">Rancid</a>, "Hurricane" by <a href="https://610band.com/" target="_blank">6'10</a>, "Cotton Fields" by <a href="https://flatfoot56.com/" target="_blank">Flatfoot 56</a>, "Bullet" by <a href="https://www.misfits.com/" target="_blank">Misfits</a>, "The Accursed" by <a href="https://www.rickypuckett.com/" target="_blank">Ricky Puckett</a>, "I Didn't Come Here To Die" by <a href="https://www.whitecollarsideshow.com/" target="_blank">White Collar Sideshow</a>, "Tornadoes" by <a href="https://www.iamlistener.com/" target="_blank">Listener</a>, "Kids" by <a href="http://everythingwillburn.insomniacfolklore.com/" target="_blank">Insomniac Folklore</a>, "Tailleadh (Changeling)" by <a href="https://leper.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Leper</a>, "Helas!" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hushpadtheband/" target="_blank">hushpad</a>, and "We Made It" by <a href="https://destroynateallen.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Destroy Nate Allen</a>.<br /><br />Filmed using a <a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-kit" target="_blank">Canon Rebel T6</a>, <a href="https://crosstourtech.com/pages/download-cr900" target="_blank">CrossTour CR-900</a>, and i<a href="https://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">Phone 6 and 8</a> by Elphie and Joel A. Swanson. Titles, maps, and animations created using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/motion/" target="_blank">Motion 4</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/" target="_blank">Macbook</a> by Joel A. Swanson. Edited using <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> on a <a href="https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/" target="_blank">Mac Mini</a> by Joel A. Swanson</div><p></p>Joel Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09493384452453980800noreply@blogger.com0