by Times Staff • April 18, 2012 • 0 Comments
Joyce Love
Flight Attendant, Realtor, and Paralegal
Joyce Susan Love of East Boston died on April 13 surrounded by her loving family after a 10-year battle with breast cancer. She was 54 years old.
Born in Boston on April 1, 1958, she was a 1976 graduate of East Boston High School and attended Brandeis University's Upward Bound Program and the University of Massachusetts.
She began her professional career as a Flight Attendant for Eastern Airlines. She then worked as a Legislative Aide for former Boston City Councilor Diane Modica, as a realtor at Century 21 Joe Mario Real Estate of East Boston, and as a Paralegal for more than a decade.
She had many loves in her life, she was an avid gardener, loved to travel and cook and also found simple enjoyment taking photographs and on shopping trips.
She is survived by her beloved foster parents, Frances (Ippolito) and the late Gerard Riley of East Boston. She was the loving sister of Lawrence Love and his wife, Dot, Paul Love and the late Donna, Patricia Love, Sharon Love, Thomas Love, Gail (Love) Martelli and her husband, Mario, Deborah (Love) Smith and her husband, David, John Love, Donna McBride, Deborah Riley and David Riley. She was the adored aunt of April, Tiffany, Debra, McKayla, Samantha, Sophia, Mario, Peter, Kirk, Lawrence Jr., Michael, Mia, Jennifer and Jill; dear niece of Anthony Ippolito and his wife, Jean, Annette Giordino and her husband, Richard, Joyce Hopkins and her husband, Miles, and Benny DiGregorio and his wife, Rose. She is also survived by many loving cousins and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church (corner of Brooks and Paris Streets) on Thursday, April 19 at 10 a.m. Her family will receive visitors today, Wednesday, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Rapino Memorial Home, 9 Chelsea St. (Maverick Sq.) East Boston. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: the Joyce Love Memorial Fund, Attn: Frances Riley, C/O East Boston Savings Bank, 856 Bennington St., East Boston, MA 02128. For online condolences and/or directions, please visit: www.rapinomemorialhome.com
Winifred McCarthy
Winifred (Armstrong) McCarthy died in East Boston on April 11.
The longtime companion of the late Guy Colella, she was the mother of Thomas J, McCarthy and his wife, Carol of Pittsfield, NH, Deborah and her husband, Donald Fong of Brookline, Susan Lanza of Rockport, Theresa and her husband, Robert DiAngelis of Winthrop, Linda and her husband, Carlo Pistone, Joanne and her husband, Richard Nugent and Wendy McCarthy, all of East Boston and the late James W. McCarthy; sister of William Armstrong and his companion, Anne of Saugus, John Armstrong and his wife, Joanne of Florida, Margaret and husband, James Rooney of Medford, Jeannette Haddock of Florida and her late husband, Butchie, Theresa and her husband, Marty Morrissey of Maine, Mabel Arsenault of East Boston and her late husband, Porky, and the late Mary Armstrong and Frances Somers; grandmother of James, Catherine and Joshua McCarthy, Joseph Perry, Leah and Rose Cefalo, Stephanie Guzzo, Jennifer Dean, Wendy Jeter, James and Anthony Skarda, Stephen Vieira and Tessa Nugent. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by the Magrath Funeral Home, East Boston. Memorial donations to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Pl. Brookline, MA 02245 would be appreciated.
Jack Arena
Former Winthrop Auxiliary Police Chief
Jack Arena of Putnam Street, Winthrop died at the AnnaMark Nursing Home in Revere on April 15 after a brief illness. He was 88 years old.
A lifelong resident of Winthrop, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps during World War II and was honorably discharged as a Private First Class. After his discharge, he went on to become a truck driver for Milano Brother's Trucking for many years. He was the former Chief of the Winthrop Auxillary Police and a member of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks, the Winthrop Yacht Club and the Winthrop VFW.
He was born in Boston, the beloved son of the late Natalie (Ingeneri) and Frank Arena and was the devoted husband of the late Flora M. (Proto) and the loving father of Natalie Gioioso and her husband, Joseph of Peabody, Jacqueline Luti of Revere, Theresa DeLeo and her husband, Paul of East Boston, Florine Turner and her husband, Willow of Worcester, Francine Conley and her companion, Gary Andon of Somerville and Frank Arena and his partner, Dale Platt of Minnesota. He was the dear brother of the late Kenneth Arena and is also survived by 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
His funeral will be conducted from the Ernest P. Caggiano and Son-O'Maley Funeral Home, 147 Winthrop St., Winthrop on Thursday, April 19 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation today, Wednesday, April 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Winthrop Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or go to www.perkins.org. For directions or to sign the online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com
Betty Blaikie
Former Charlestown Resident
Betty A. (Melvin) Blaikie of Lawrence, formerly of Charlestown and Somerville, died on April 11. She was 71 years old
The beloved wife of the late John F. Blaikie Sr., she was the devoted mother of Helen Parent of Haverhill, John F. Blaikie Jr. and his wife, Susan of Londonderry, N.H. and Janice Kennedy and her husband, John of East Boston; loving Nana to eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; beloved sister of Leroy "Chub" and Charles Melvin, both of Charlestown, Richard Melvin of Somerville, Norma Johnson of Florida and the late Helen Arnold, Junior, Fred and Daniel Melvin and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by The Carr Funeral Home, Melrose. Burial was at Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield. For obituary and online condolences, please visit www.carrfuneral.com.
Francis D'Angelo
West Bridgewater Resident
Frances M. D'Angelo of West Bridgewater died peacefully on Easter Sunday at the age of 92.
Mrs. D'Angelo grew up in the North End and was the loving daughter of the late Ignazio and Crocifissa (Amarta) Ansaldi. She was a lifelong seamstress working in the textile industry until the age of 83. She loved cooking, spending time with her family, and getting her hair done.She married the late Paul J. D'Angelo, Sr. on Oct. 17, 1948 and they raised their boys in Boston. She was the loving mother of Richard J. of California, Robert P. and his wife, Karen of Florida and Paul Jr. and his wife, Roberta of Plympton; loving "Nonna" of Derek, Jonathan, Chantelle, Christopher, Danielle, Adam, Olivia, and Paul III and great grandmother of Zachery, Cameron, and Lexi; loving sister of Joseph of Woburn, Josephine Ansaldi of East Boston, Nicholas Sr. of Boston, Anthony Sr. of Medford and the late Nina Ansaldi, Katherine Ciccarello, and Stephen Sr.
Funeral arrangements were by the Prophett-Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Burial was at Knollwood Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 103 Center St., Bridgewater MA 02324 For online guestbook visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.
Anthony Cataldo
Of Revere
Anthony G. Cataldo of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died on April 13 following a brief illness at the Lighthouse Nursing Care Center of Revere. He was 89 years old.
Born in Boston, he lived in East Boston most of his life before moving to Revere in 1950. Mr. Cataldo served in the US Navy from December of 1942 until January of 1946 as a Motor Machinist's Mate 2nd Class. He continued on with his interest in autos and mechanics and went to work for the former "Perrotti Oldsmobile" on Broadway, Revere for several years. He retired from Pride Lincoln-Mercury of Lynn in 2001 at the age of 80. He was a longtime member of the Revere Council, Knights of Columbus.
He was the beloved husband of 61 years of Frances L. (Marino); cherished father of Domenic A. Cataldo and his wife, Gail of Phoenix, AZ and Cynthia L. Chipman and her husband, Kenneth R. of Revere; devoted grandfather of Nicholas A. D'Angelo of Revere, Tony Cataldo of Phoenix, AZ, Janelle Morales and her husband, Guillermo of Jacksonville, NC; dear brother of Mary Tranfaglia of Winthrop and the late Carmen Cataldo and is also lovingly survived by several nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be held from the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte 107) Revere today,Wednesday, April 18 at 9:30 a.m., followed by his Funeral Mass in Immaculate Conception Church (corner of Beach Street and Winthrop Avenue) Revere at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. For further information and directions, visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com
Joseph Felzani Sr.
Active at St. Anthony's Church in Revere
Joseph Felzani, Sr. of Revere, formerly of East Boston, went home to the lord suddenly with his loving family by his bedside on Easter Sunday, April 8.
A graduate of Mass. College of Pharmacy, Mr. Felzani was a lector and usher for many years at St. Anthony Church in Revere as well as a past member of St. Anthony's Holy Name Society, St. Anthony's Parish Council, Past President of Point of Pines Beach Association and a US Army veteran of World War II,He was the beloved husband of over 59 years to Ann B. (Cacchiotti) Felzani; devoted father of Jane A. Manning of East Boston, Joseph Jr. of Revere and Annette M. Felzani Dwyer of New Jersey; dear brother of the late Ernest and Marianne Felzani and Dora Pearson, cherished grandfather of Kathryn, Matthew, Lauren, Liam, Adam and the late Christopher Manning and is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews.
Mr. Felzani was laid to rest with his mother and father in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. May they all rest in peace. For more information or to send an online condolence: www.ruggieromh.com.
Helen Paull
Helen (McDonough) Paull of East Boston died on April 12.
She was the beloved wife of Charles Paull; loving mother of Virginia Jordan and her husband, William of Revere, Charles Paull and his wife, Ebeth of New Hampshire, Kathleen Drohan and her husband, Kevin of Revere, Charlene Scarpa and her husband, Mario of Lynn and Cheryl Granara and her husband, Thomas of East Boston; dear sister of Thomas McDonough of Revere, Bertha Santoro of East Boston and the late Myles McDonough; cherished grandmother of 11; great grandmother of 10 and the late Bobby Goggin. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by Vazza's "Beechwood" Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her name to the Chelsea Jewish Foundation, 165 Captain Row, Chelsea, MA 02150. The entire Paull family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the staff of the Leonard Florence Center for the Living for the exemplary care and hospitality provided during Helen's time at the Center. For guest book and directions www.vazzafunerals.com
Antonio Ciccone
Antonio L. Ciccone of East Boston died on April 9.
A US Army veteran of World War II, he was the beloved husband of the late Mary (Buonopane) Ciccone; loving twin brother of the late Mario M. Ciccone; cherished uncle of Deborah Fairbanks of Hingham and Susan Ciccone of Cambridge; dear great-uncle of Rachel Kovacev, Dionne Pettit, Janelle Stockbridge, Alex Schenkman, Angela Angeli, Adam Fairbanks, Mary Fairbanks, and Eve Fairbanks
Funeral arrangements were by the Rapino Memorial Home, East Boston. Entombment was in Holy Cross Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Tree of Life in the Soldiers Home in Chelsea, a donation. For online condolences, please visit www.rapinomemorialhome.com
Raffaella 'Phea' Mingolelli
Raffaella "Phea" Mingolelli of East Boston died on April 9. She was in her 93rd year.
She was the beloved wife of the late Michael D. Mingolelli with whom she shared 49 years of marriage; loving mother of Joanne Ciampa and her husband, Anthony of Erie, PA, Michael Mingolelli and his wife, Elizabeth of Framingham and Patrick Mingolelli and his wife, Paula of Tyngsboro; dear sister of the late Evelyn Parziale, Auriente "Rente" and Rudolph "Rudi" Maramaldi; cherished grandmother of eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were by Vazza's "Beechwood" Funeral Home, Revere. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472. For guestbook visit www.vazzafunerals.com.
Gerald Forgione
Worked for Colonial Provision
Gerald "Jerry" Forgione of Revere, formerly of East Boston, died on April 16 after a long battle with cancer. He was 81 years old.
An employee of Colonial Provision Company for 28 years and the University of Massachusetts Security Dept., he was a graduate of East Boston High School, Class of 1947 and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of the Korean War.
He was the cherished husband of Beverly ( Statho) Forgione; son of the late Albert and Mildred (Costello) Forgione; stepfather of Donna Zagami and her husband, Joe of Maine, Dianne Ferri and her husband, Kevin of New Hampshire and John Statho Jr. and his wife, Janine of Melrose. He was "Grampa Jerry" to eight grandchildren who adored him. He is also survived by his cousins John Hanlon and his wife, Sarah, Jean Scaduto and her late husband, Mario, Rita Valente and her husband, Don and Karen Siciliano and her husband, Al. He was the brother in Law of Diane Lombardi of Chelmsford, and Thomas Boland and his wife Jacqueline of California.
His Funeral will be held from Vazza's "Beechwood Funeral Home, 262 Beach Street, Revere Friday morning at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Grace Church, 194 Nichols Street, Chelsea at 10:30 a.m. Family and friends may visit Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery Everett. Remembrances may be made in his name to the Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA For guest book and direction. www.vazzafunerals.com
Sylvia Cappoza
Sylvia J. (Ruggia) Capozza died unexpectedly in Beachmont Revere on April 5. A former resident of East Boston, she was 80 years old.
Funeral arrangements were by the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the N.E. Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108. For further information, please visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com.
Nicoletta Masiello
Nicoletta (Beatrice) Masiello, a longtime resident of Revere, died on April 14 at her Revere home after a long illness. She was 86 years old.
Born in Avellino, Italy, she came to the United States in 1961 and settled in Revere.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, she worked in the shoe industry locally for several years.
She was the beloved wife of 48 years to Carmine Masiello; devoted mother of Revere Animal Control Officer Anthony C. Masiello and his wife, Christine and Melina I. Sousa and cherished grandmother of David C. Sousa and Madison Masiello, all of Revere; dear sister of Michelina Monaco and her husband, Pasquale o Aellino, Italy, Assunta "Susie" Licciardi and her husband, Frank and Elena Coccimiglio and her husband, Nicola, all of Revere and the late Antonetta Colarusso, Angelina DiVIto and Filippo Beatrice; loving sister in law of Cristina Beatrice and Carmine Colarusso, both of Revere and Frank DiVito of Saugus. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews in the United States and in Italy.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours today, Wednesday, April 18 in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route 107) Revere from 4 to 8 p.m. Her funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Thursday, April 19 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Revere at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
Anna Maio
Retired Stitcher, formerly of East Boston
Anna Maio of Peabody, formerly of East Boston, died at the Life Care Center in Plymouth on April 16 after a brief illness. She was 96 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was the beloved daughter of the late Rose and Ralph Carbone. A resident of East Boston for many years, she was employed as a stitcher for Picarello and Singer until her retirement. She was also a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.
She was the devoted wife of the late Frank Maio and the loving mother of Louis Maio and his wife, Irene of Peabody, Esther Gualtieri and her late husband, John of Revere, Michael Maio and his wife, Rose of Peabody, Anthony Maio and his wife, Christine of East Boston, Rosemarie Mazzone and her husband, Rickie of Plymouth and the late Ralph Maio and his late wife, Esther. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held from the Ernest P. Caggiano and Son-O'Maley Funeral Home 147 Winthrop St., Winthrop today, Thursday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will be held today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow the service in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.For directions or to sign the online guestbook go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.
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Watch this show BETCH!
There's a new episode of I Hate My 30's tonight on VH1. Tonight's episode is about one character going baby crazy. This apparently happens to women in their 30's. One of the actors on this show is Liam Sullivan who gained fame as Kelly the shoe crazy betch from YouTube.
Last week Kelly made a guest appearance as Kyle's niece. She took Kyle's roommate out shopping with a new song, "Forget It, Just Get It!" The full video got cut down in the episode but here it is on YouTube.
ATM, Credit, Debit. Get over it, just get it!
# posted by Daniel Brown @ 3:25 PM 1 comments
Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World
Season 1 of Rick and Steve concluded this week on LOGO. Also the entire first season was released on DVD this week. There are only 6 episodes in the season. I really hope we get a second season. If you don't want to wait for the DVDs to arrive or you just don't like to keep DVDs around your house anymore, you get them on iTunes as well. This series is based on a series of short films Q. Allan Brocka made out of Lego bricks and Minifigs. These made the film festival rounds but are not available online, thanks to the Lego Group's lawyers. So this new series is done with computer animation and instead of Lego. The people look kinda like Playmobile toys but not too much. The first season had much of the same stories from the shorts. Rick agrees to father a baby for his lesbian friends. Steve's Southern parents visit. Rick and Steve have a three-way that ends badly. Dana gets pregnant instead of Kristen. Plus there are some great new stories. The group goes on a gay cruise. Pussy tries to take out Dana. Steve joins the Log Cabin Republicans. Rick takes steroids to buff up. It's very funny so don't miss it.
My favorite recurring joke the the rrrrrroses lady. For anyone who has spent anytime in West Hollywood, the strange Latina women selling roses at outdoor cafes and bars is very familiar. I can't believe no one incorporated her into a movie or show before now. She even shows up in the delivery room during the season climax. I love her.
Chelsea Lately
I was recently turned onto a new show on E called Chelsea Lately. This is a late night talk show which focuses on pop culture. If you are still sad over Rosie's departure from The View and you can't wait for the Show Biz show to come back (who knows when that will be) and Best Week Ever is just not enough for you, tune into Chelsea Lately.
The format is really simple. First she has a very brief monologue. Then she and three guest panelist talk about current celebrity news. Finally she has a guest on to plug something. The show is just a half hour so it doesn't drag on like Jay or Conan. Recently, guest Bai Ling (Jack's crazy tattoo lady) was on talking about Angelina Jolie. Her English isn't very good and Chelsea and the other panelist were trying to figure out if she just said she and A-Jo had ever been together, if you know what I mean. Bai didn't know what that meant. Here's the transcript:
Chelsea: Is "good friends" code for bumping uglies? Be honest.
Bai: What's that?
Chelsea: Is "good friends" code for: you went around her hot pocket and said "hi!"?
Bai: I don't really understand that.
Chelsea: Did you ever have sexual relations with Angelina Jolie?
Bai: That's very private...
Chelsea: No one will see this, it's just between us four.
Chelsea is a very funny comedienne. She's also very self deprecating often calling herself an alcoholic and very promiscuous. I look forward to many funny episodes with her.
# posted by Daniel Brown @ 11:55 AM 0 comments
Vegas on the Travel Channel
Over the weekend The Travel Channel had a Las Vegas marathon. Most of the Travel Channel's Vegas shows are in the Top Ten format and are lame and outdated. The Top Ten Places to Eat in Las Vegas. The Top Ten places to Cool Off in Las Vegas. The Top Ten places to Poop in Las Vegas. There were a couple new shows produced in 2007 over the weekend that I watched: More Vegas FAQs and More Vegas Do's and Don'ts. They never showed the originals, just the "more" shows. These will be repeated again on Thursday if you'd like to watch them. They have renewed my interest in going to Vegas. It has been over three years since I've been there. Maybe I'll stay at the Wynn.
Vegas is a city unlike any other. First it was all about gambling. Then the failed family friendly era. The Excalibur needs to be imploded. Then they realized they could make more money off the rooms for conventions. But now it looks like it's all about the party. The new thing I noticed in all these shows I watched was how the club scene has exploded in Las Vegas. And there's one thing Vegas knows how to do and that's make money on something. So they have people wait in long lines to go into half empty clubs OR they can pay lots more to get in without waiting in line. Once in you can buy $10 cocktails at the bar OR you can pay $300 for a bottle, table, and dedicated cocktail waitress. You can drink by the pool OR you can pay extra for a super crowded pool party. The good thing is Vegas always markets to the straights so there's no need for me to throw money at these boring, loud clubs and parties filled with milkbags. I'll stay at the tables and get my cocktails for free. Suckers!
Who Wants to Be a Superhero?
We are several episodes in to Season 2 of WW2BaSH? and it's already better than last season. Stan Lee got rid of the bad super heroes early and now I have the problem of liking everyone who is left. I don't want anyone to be kicked off now. I'll list my favorites in order. And by favorites I mean everyone left.
Parthenon - he's the superhero who happens top be gay. His powers come from an ancient arm thinging he found on an archaeological dig. He's the one pictured.
The Defuser - he's the superhero I want to be gay. He's a hunky cop by day and in his spare time also fights crime as a gadget hero who uses non-lethal force to stop the villains. Whip Snap - she has the mastery of the whip and can turn people to sand. In real life Paula has had a hard life and she makes me want to cry whenever she talks about it. She's a skinny black lesbian with no family and few friends. Hopefully she doesn't leave the superhero lair the same way.
Hygena - she fights crime and grime with modified cleaning utensils. I was reading about her on wikipedia and she said she came up with the idea for this superhero while attending comic conventions with her husband. She is quoted as saying, "that to properly combat the odor problem on the convention floor would probably require some sort of superhero." It sounds like the Lego conventions I've been to.
Hyper-strike - he's got super strength can shoot lightening from his hands or something. He is kind of sexy although I liked his parachute pants of his first costume more than the tights he got during his make-over
Don't Forget about Fall Cable Shows
The new fall season will be all over the main networks next month. But don't forget about the great stuff coming out on our favorite cable stations in the next couple months.
Torchwood, debuts Saturday, Sept 8th, BBC America
Torchwood is a spin-off from Doctor Who. It is also an anagram of Doctor Who. Season 2 of Doctor Who dealt with the creation of the Torchwood institute by Queen Victoria and the modern day organization. Hot Captain Jack Harkness stars in this series. He appeared in several Doctor Who episodes from the first and third season. The BBC continuity has the first season of Torchwood between Seasons 2 and 3 of Doctor Who. As we are getting them out of order, there may be some spoilers in the next few weeks of Doctor Who as to what happened in Torchwood.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Season 3 starts Thursday, Sept 13th, FX
The original pilot was written and produced by the three actors on a digital camera. FX picked it up. After a good run, they added Danny Devito to the cast for the second season. He has been fantastic. Anne Archer also has a recurring role as Danny Devito ex-wife. This show is always outrageous. They look at what is politically incorrect and go way beyond. Last season Charlie pretended to be crippled, Dee went on steroids, Mac had sex with Dennis and Dee's mom (Anne Archer), and they had a Jihad against their bar's Jewish landlord. The landlord was then bough out by Dennis and Dee's dad (Devito), thus giving him a reason to hang out with them. And also giving him a place to play poker with his Vietnamese business associates which is my favorite recurring joke of last season.
Stargate Atlantis, Season 4 starts Friday Sept 28th, Scifi
So SG1 is gone expect for a few upcoming movies. Atlantis has really been good. Col. Samantha Carter is now joining the cast as the new military commander of Atlantis. Dr. Weir was injured in an explosion in the season finale and wont be returning until the mid-season finale in December. I hope to see guest appearances by all the other SG1 personal in the upcoming seasons.
South Park, new episodes resume Wednesday Oct 3rd, Comedy Central
The second half of the 11th season of South Park returns in October. Nuff Said.
The Sarah Silverman Program, season 2 starts after the new South Park on Oct 3rd, Comedy Central
Just like "Sunny", Sarah's show shoots for political incorrectness. In the first season she took in a homeless man, then made him sleep in a box in her laundry room. She also became a lesbian, until she had to kiss a girl, ewww. The show is Comedy Central best live action non-sketch show since Reno 911. I don't know when that is returning.
Drawn Together, new episodes resume Thursday Oct 4th, Comedy Central
It's been almost a year since we have seen new episodes. Season 3 took a break mid-season with a cliffhanger with most of the Drawn Together house trapped in a car in the mall parking lot. The fourth season has not yet been produced and the creators left Comedy Central for other projects so it looks like this will be the end of the series.
Nip/Tuck Season 5 starts sometime this fall on FX
I've seen teaser ads for the new season in L.A. but no airdates have been announced.
Flash Ah-ah Gordon
Flash Gordon premiered on the SciFi Channel last week. Episode 2 is on tonight. I did not have high expectations for this, and it failed to meet even those. Oh, it's bad. The acting is abysmal, and I'm usually soft on bad acting. Also bad: the writing, the characters, the technology, and the entire premise. The thing that got me the most was when Flash went to visit the grave of his father who died "13 years ago," the year on the grave stone showed 1992. That would have been 15 years ago. Then there's the marathon he won for the third year in a row. I guess no one comes from out of town to run in the local Baltimore area marathon and he never got sponsored to go to a bigger marathon. And why is the son of a physics professor working in a garage without a college degree? Now I haven't even gotten to the mysterious rifts in time and space that connect Earth to another Earth-like planet, just outside the only city on that planet. It's very convenient. Flash must stop the evil forces of Ming each week and keep things hidden from the public and the government, lest they panic and try to force open more rifts, respectively. The only bright spot in the show is the alien female bounty hunter who gets trapped on Earth and will assumably join forces with Flash and his gang. She is a new character to the Flash stories.
It's just bad so hopefully it will get the boot off of Friday night before it brings down the whole network.
# posted by Daniel Brown @ 12:01 PM 0 comments
So Best Week Ever is over until mid-September. At least they left us with one of the funniest episodes of the year. I've been laughing all weekend about Paula Abdul's craziness, Zsa Zsa'a naked prince, and of course Chocolate Rain:
On 7/27/07, The Filipino Prisoners had the best week ever. Here they are preforming Thriller:
On 7/20/07, Dogs had the west week ever. Britney bought one, Michael Vick stopped fighting them, and one adopted a baby panther. Sorry no video.
On 7/13/07, JJ Abrams fans had the best week ever. I too wanted to know more about his new monster movie when I saw the trailer before Transformers. Here it is:
Labels: Best Week Ever
Scooby Snacks
One of my favorite brands of humor in television shows is the recurring joke. One of the best ways of doing this is with a particular product that keeps showing up episode after episode. I call this type of item a "Scooby Snack" after the munchie curbing bribe product from Scooby Doo. Now a lot of times real product placements can be Scooby Snacks. On Roswell they drank (and sometimes stole) lots of Snapple, as they have on 30 Rock. Wow this is Diet Snapple, it tastes like regular Snapple. MADtv continues to feature the Toyota Yaris for some reason. And Burger King was a favorite of many Arrested Development characters.
While too much product placement can draw attention away from the story, just a little can be very funny. As I learned from Bill Watterson, the creator of Calvin and Hobbes, specific is a lot more funny than general. Calvin's dad wasn't just a nameless corporate drone, he was a patent attorney, even more boring to Calvin.
Two of my favorite summer cable shows have their own "Scooby Snacks". Psych has a constant obsession with pineapples. While Burn Notice loves yogurt...as evidenced in the following clip. Spies love yogurt.
If you can think of other Scooby Snacks, generic or product placement, please add them to the comments.
Whoopi is the new Rosie
I guess after they had a taste of the already popular host, they had to repeat it. The View used to be about building up new careers...and then crushing them. Now they are just about crushing them. Whoopi was installed today as the new "moderator" on The View taking over for Rosie. I hope she can live through Elisabitch's crap she spews everyday. Or maybe she will just take her down where Rosie wasn't able or willing. Elisabeth's thinking is so illogical lately. I can't get into without just getting mad. I pray to baby Jesus that she will find out her husband is cheating on her. No not really. The praying I mean, I'm sure Tim banging other women (or men).
Anyway, at first I was disappointed in the decision. I found Whoopi a little boring when she co-hosted. At least Sheri Shepherd brings some more crazy life to the show. Whoopi is too calm. Plus she's Joy's age and now there's no 40ish panelist. But Whoopi is quick-witted and liberal so she should be a good match for Elisabitch.
I Love VH1: Part 4: Original Scripted Programming
VH1 tends to steer toward celebrity based gossip and reality shows. But occasionally they run shows which defy their standard model, a scripted original comedy show. This first started with So NoTORIous, a show so funny I'm amazed it wasn't picked up by NBC who originally ordered the pilot. Tori Spelling, Loni Anderson, and Syler where all fantastic. But it was cancelled and then her dad died, poor thing. I have it on DVD.
Then earlier this year, VH1 created a complete original take on the skit comedy show, Acceptable.TV. Five mini shows where shown each week and the audience would vote on what they wanted to see more of. Operation: Kitten Calender was a brilliant spoof of the Apprentice. I would love to see more. No news if this is coming back for a second season, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Last week they started another new show, I Hate My 30's. If you haven't watched it, you should add it to your TiVo right now. RIGHT NOW! Ted should click here. This show has a great variety of thirty-something characters, including the bitter divorced guy, aging cheerleader, dad trying to hold onto his youth by dressing too young, and ambitious woman who doesn't want to date right now. The narrator is the guy who own the coffee shop everyone goes to, Dr. Rod. I'm not sure if he's really a doctor, but now a runs a coffee shop. Switching careers is so thirties.
Here's an extended preview of this week's episode. The scene is a spoof of Summer Nights from Greese.


The True Illegals
On February 18, 2018 February 18, 2018 By dancingpalmtreesIn Africa, African Goddess, African King, Illegal Aliens, Uncategorized
There has been a lot of talk and controversy in the United States about "Illegal Aliens." Let's look at this issue from a different standpoint. When you think about this topic the true illegals are those that Colonized Africa, The Americas, India, The West Indies aka The Caribbean and Australia. At what point in history were Europeans invited to steal other people's lands, destroy their culture and enslave the people already living there? Never! Europeans took all these lands by force, forced their religion onto people, brainwashed and subjugated them. Then to add insult to injury Europeans claimed they "discovered" these countries and continents. Europeans claimed to bring civilization to these lands! Obviously nothing could be further from the truth as all colonized countries had their own civilizations which in some cases were much more developed that any in Europe.
Parts of what we now know as the Southwest United States were part of Mexico. Through Manifest Destiny plus outright greed and violence Europeans annexed these territories in the name of their European God. When the white man set foot in the Americas they had the Bible and the Indigenous peoples had the land. Now the white man has the Land the the Indigenous peoples have the Bible along with all the poverty, disease, self-hate and destruction that came with Euro-Centric Christianity.
Entire Native American tribes were given blankets infected with small pox or just plain shot and murdered just so the so-called Settlers could steal their land! Millions of Africans were stolen from Africa and sold into Slavery to benefit the slave-owners. Both Native Americans and Africans were stripped of their cultures, religions, way of life because we were deemed to be "savages and heathens."
Read about the Indian schools established in the 19th & 20th Centuries where Native American children were sent to learn the way of the white man. At least now many Native Americans are returning to their roots including their own religious beliefs. African Americans are looking to Africa and our African belief system as opposed to the white-based Christianity we've been spoon fed that said we were the "cursed children of Ham."
Dear Colonizers, European Imperialists, Evangelicals and Fundamentalists while you worship your white god today at your white church please explain to me how you can do so after pillaging and ruining countless lands where you did not belong? Stealing resources and murdering peoples whose skin color and religion differed from yours.
How do you justify the KKK, the Christian Right or the Christian Identity Movement and the American Nazi Party? And the idiot racist, sexist, moron who currently illegally occupies the "White House." Guess it really is the white now. Black people being only 12% of the population you know that we did not vote him in there. The venom that 45 spews from his gutter, these words in not said in a vacuum. Most people of color know that what he says is really what many white Americans actually think!
Also why are over 90% of serial killers and mass murderers white men? People of European descent demonized Muslims, Blacks and Hispanics as lesser races or more violent but even a cursory look at history shows the opposite. Yes white America look in the mirror and see that the true Illegals look just like you!
Europeans and white Americans spent centuries raping, stealing, pillaging, stealing people and natural resources from all the above mentioned continents then complain that those people whose lands were set to ruin are immigrating to America and Europe. That's a case of the pot calling the kettle Black.
By the way, I'd happily take mine and Stephen's financial equivalent of the 40 Acres and a Mule that we were promised after slavery plus the accumulated interest to resettle in a land where we would be welcomed and celebrated. Lord knows America is not that place.
AfricaAfricanAfrican AmericanAmericaColonizersEuropeIllegal AliensNative AmericanTruth
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4 thoughts on "The True Illegals"
Julia Penner-Zook
A very timely message, DeBorah!
Thanks my friend. Have a great week!
Puzzles of the Soul
Excellent message agree totally with it. The invading races were so consumed with evil. We still suffer from it everywhere. Take care and bless you.
Thanks. I appreciate your support and encouragement.


Best DAW For Beginners (Ableton vs Logic vs FL Studio vs Pro Tools)
Noah Custer July 11, 2019 4 views
Buyer GuidesDAWs4 views 2
Looking to get started with music production but don't know which DAW to buy?
We compare 4 of the most popular DAWs for music production.
Find out which music production software is right for you.
Choosing The Right Music Production Software Can Be Tough
Considerations When Picking A DAW
Ableton Live Review
Ease Of Use/Learning Curve
Stock Plugins & Sound Libraries
Design/Interface
Is Ableton Live Right For You?
Pro Tools Review
Is Protools Right For You?
Logic Pro X Review
Workfow
Is Logic Pro X Right For You?
FL Studio Review
Is FL Studio Right For You?
I was 13 years old, walking through a clothing store with my mom, when the song Bounce by Calvin Harris came over the radio.
It was the same feeling as jumping headfirst into a lake, a complete and total shift in the entire world around you. For just a moment, space and time mean nothing; there's no up or down. This submerged state is your universe.
I knew, with perfect clarity, that I wanted to make music like that song. It was my passion in life. Unfortunately, as my head poked back above the water, a problem quickly emerged. I had no idea what I was doing.
If you're reading this article, you've probably already made it through that first stage of complete ignorance, and done enough research to know you need some sort of computer program designed for music production.
That program you're looking for is called a Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW, and there are many to choose from.
Before you can even start making music, you need to have a think about:
What computer operating system you intend to use
The style of music that you make
Whether you intend to perform live with it
Altogether, the most important thing to realize is this: There is no one size fits all DAW.
With any professional level DAW, and lots of time spent studying and practicing your craft, you can produce excellent music. Still, don't dismiss this choice flippantly. There is likely one DAW that will fit naturally for you, and that's what we will help you find going forward in this article.
Let's start with one of the most popular DAWs for electronic producers in today's music landscape.
Pro Tools may be the industry standard for a band recording their rock album at an established studio, but the Ableton logo is the sigil of the electronic musicians.
Its user base alone provides a compelling testimony, being the DAW of choice for Deadmau5, REZZ, TYNAN, KSHMR, Gammer, Skrillex, Dillon Francis, Kill The Noise, Angerfist, Au5, Vorso, Illenium, and many, many more. So why is it so well-loved?
The layout makes sense, and it offers helpful tips in the lower-left corner of the screen for a novice user.
It's an easy DAW to fall into and never walk away from. KSHMR used Reason, switched to Ableton, and never switched away. Deadmau5 made the same jump from FL Studio. These dance giants favor Ableton because it welcomed them with a simple, but powerful design, and incredibly effective tools.
A lot of Ableton's power comes from its stock plugins, and their ease of use. Unlike most DAWs, you don't have to open up a separate window to use the stock plugins in Ableton.
Granted, all of your third party plugins will still require it, but this one tiny step saved results in hundreds or thousands fewer clicks before your song is finished if you use the tools Ableton offers, and it honestly makes a difference.
When you don't have to open up your graphic EQ to notch out some of those low mids because the controls are presented to you right in the plugin chain, you feel it. It feels good.
Ableton Live's stock plugins are absolute powerhouses. For example, look at Corpus. Corpus is a plugin included with the Suite version of Ableton Live that "simulates the acoustic characteristics of seven types of resonant objects," per the Ableton manual.
To put that into layman's terms, it gives any sound the same sonic characteristics as a pipe, or a marimba, or a string, and more. The sound design possibilities with Corpus are both unique and exciting, and there's not a lot of software that does what Corpus does as well as Corpus does it.
Beyond just Corpus, Ableton plugins like Operator and the cleverly named Sampler are well-loved software due to their ease of use and powerful versatility. These are just a few of the many innovative and incredible stock plugins that come with Ableton, as long as you're willing to dish out your hard-earned cash.
Along with the wide selection of plugins and midi effects, the full (Suite) version of Live comes with an impressive collection of over 5000 individual sounds and samples, over 70GB of data ready to be used in your latest and greatest productions, more than enough samples to get you on your way to your goal of song creation, although it is worth noting that as you move down the tiers of Live bundles, you are offered fewer sounds.
Typically referred to by the brand name, Ableton, the software is actually called Live, and that's very telling regarding its focus.
It was designed with performers in mind, and has an entire view mode designed for cueing and playing tracks in a live setting.
It works tremendously well with audio files, pitch shifting and time stretching where necessary with very few artifacts, thanks to some well designed proprietary algorithms. This performance-driven ideology is well-honed, and actually lends a lot of benefits to its production abilities as well.
Its workflow benefits from this priority of audio information over MIDI. While its MIDI capabilities are not lacking by any means, freezing a track and flattening to audio occurs very naturally.
Reversing a sample is one simple tap of the R key. Stretching, warping, fading, mutilating audio to suit your needs seems to happen as soon as you've thought it.
Ableton is often praised for its workflow, and with good reason. Once you've learned it, this DAW becomes very efficient, and ideas go from conception to reality in seemingly no time at all.
Oh, by the way, Ableton's expensive. Ableton Live 10 Suite (check price here) is the one with all the bells and whistles.
But if you just want to try out the workflow and record a simple singer-songwriter track with vocals, guitar, and maracas, try out Ableton Live Lite. It's free, and is a perfect way to dip your toes into the pool and see if you like it.
It'll only allow you to have 8 tracks, plus 2 send/return tracks, and it has limited plugins, but it would be fully capable of building a professional quality song, as long as the production is simple enough.
So, you tried Lite, and you decided you like Ableton, but Suite is a massive monetary commitment. There are two more options to explore though, Intro (check price on Amazon) and Standard (check price on Amazon).
Intro is a lot more powerful than Lite, but still with a limited track count (16 now), and a lot of the finer tools are saved for Intro's bigger brothers.
Intro is a reasonable next step, but for the serious producer who wants to make music professionally, Standard is probably the lowest step you should go to.
The Standard version offers unlimited tracks, 13 more audio effects than Intro, and 256 mono audio inputs and outputs (contrasting Intro's 8). Ableton Live Standard is for the producer who's serious and wants to cast off their limitations. Suite is for the producer who wants all that, plus all the toys.
Ultimately, Ableton's an incredibly effective DAW, and it's hard to go wrong with it, but it may very well be cost-prohibitive. If you're willing to budget enough to purchase Standard or Suite, however, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Ableton Live 10 Suite Multitrack Recording Software
Multitrack audio recording and MIDI sequencing of software and hardware instruments
Unique session View for nonlinear composition, flexible performance and improvisation
Real-time warping of audio: automatically sync music and loops, regardless of tempo
Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
Includes 5000+ sounds (70+GB), 57 effects and 10 instruments (wavetable, Operator, Sampler, analog, electric, tension,...
Have a conversation with any music producer and at some point, you are almost guaranteed to hear the words 'Pro Tools'. In fact, have a conversation with any musician and you will probably find out that they are familiar with the Pro Tools name, and if they've ever recorded in a professional studio, they have more than likely used it.
Pro Tools is arguably the 'go-to' DAW of choice for many professionals out there, but is it really all it's hyped up to be?
As a beginner opening up a Pro Tools session it can be difficult to know where to start. Like any musical craft, Pro Tools takes time to learn, inevitably you will end up having to read through manuals and probably consult google for your answers, but isn't that part of the fun after all?
It is widely argued that Pro Tools is not the most user-friendly DAW out there.
Something that is quite easily achieved in Logic/Ableton, like creating a send, can be quite daunting in Pro Tools. Frustrating at first but processes like this, i.e. manually linking your signal chain, creates a steep learning curve that actually becomes really rewarding as you learn the program's intricacies and functions which once mastered are often translatable to other DAWs.
While Pro Tools is one of the pricier DAWs, once you purchase it you will also receive a selection of plugins which are of industry standard quality.
The great news is regardless of whether you opt for the free 'Pro Tools First' or the full software you will be able to use Pro Tool's own EQ, Compressor, Limiter and Gate.
There are arguably better plugins on the market, but these plugins have gotten some of the best producers by for decades. It'll also give you an idea of how these types of plugins work and how they affect your mix.
You'll also get a D-Verb and Mod Delay included with each package which gives you the basics to begin creating great mixes. Upgrading your Pro Tools package gives you a bigger selection of plugins (such as chorus, phaser and more) but this isn't a necessity if you're just starting out.
If you decide to opt for a paid-for version of Pro Tools you'll also get access to a good selection of software instruments, such as the AIR Mini Grand Piano, and over 2GB of loops and samples which are sufficient for starting ideas and building tracks. Depending on the genre you write, you may find this selection quite limiting though.
Pro Tools is also available as a bundle that includes the infamous Apogee Duet interface. Click here to check it out.
It's not the prettiest interface, but it is efficient in its layout. You have your basic play, record, stop functions, a tracklist and your regions clearly displayed. You can quickly tab between the record and mix window where you'll see your tracks laid out clearly, and you can insert plugins in either of these windows.
It can be a little confusing at first when creating bus or auxiliary tracks as Pro Tools won't immediately link your signal path so spend some time getting to understand how these work and why you would use them.
Once you get a better understanding of the screen layout then it is worth reading up on shortcuts and functions within Pro Tools that will speed up your workflow. Like anything, you get out what you put in and with a little bit of effort you'll soon be using keyboard shortcuts which will save you clicking in menus constantly and certain shortcuts will become second nature.
Aside from being just recording software, think of Pro Tools as a way to edit your tracks during and after the recording process, which is where the selling point really lies.
Are your drums not quite synchronizing with the click track? Hit CMD+8 on Mac (or CTRL+8 on PC) and bring up Beat Detective. A simple few clicks and you can transform your 'not quite perfect' drum takes into professional sounding, locked in beats.
In fact, Pro Tools will even allow you to lengthen, shorten and add fades to your regions without even having to select each region.
Once you get to grips with its shortcuts and time-saving functions Pro Tools quickly becomes second nature.
Of course, cost needs to be factored into any purchasing decision and your wallet will take a hit if you choose to invest in Pro Tools.
A perpetual license will currently set you back a fair bit (check price here), although there are subscription options at a less intimidating rate.
If you are unsure then Pro Tools First can be downloaded for free, great if you don't want to commit financially right away but this does restrict you to a maximum of 16 tracks of audio.
There are undoubtedly cheaper DAWs out there such as Logic.
Much like learning a musical instrument Pro Tools takes time, but the rewards and sense of satisfaction you gain from it are huge. As the industry-standard software, learning Pro Tools puts you in good stead should you decide to pursue production professionally but also much like learning a musical instrument, the hobbyists will still have a lot of fun using and getting to grips with the program.
So consider your budget, your preferred styles to listen to and mix and what your typical session will look like. If it's physical instruments you are recording then Pro Tools should be a serious consideration for purchase.
There are other DAWs which you may over time find to suit your needs more but you can be certain that Pro Tools will be a huge asset when it comes to your recording, mixing and mastering.
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Despite it only being available for Mac users, Logic remains as one of the most-sold DAWs out there. It is used professionally by electronic experts such as Armin Van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Audien, Disclosure, Eric Prydz, Swedish House Mafia, and more, as well as world-renowned pop sensations like Coldplay, Pharrell Williams, Owl City, and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.
Let's examine what makes Logic worthwhile.
First off, if you already have Apple products, and especially if you've used GarageBand, the workflow will probably be a pretty natural fit for you.
Their designs tend to incline towards simple, attractive interfaces that provide a shallow enough learning curve to have fun with from the start, without sacrificing the power necessary to do the heavy lifting.
Logic exemplifies this ideal, allowing the beginner to assemble tracks from loops, or stock instruments, and also giving the ability to mangle those loops beyond recognition and process the instruments to oblivion.
First of all, Logic has a wide variety, cultivated, developed, and improved over its many iterations, some of which have further variety within.
The stock compressor, for instance, has 8 different algorithms, because sometimes you'd rather have a VCA compressor than a FET sound, and just one algorithm won't get you through a whole track. 8 should do it, though.
Upon using the plugins, it's clear by the interfaces which ones are most up to date. The newest ones, like Chromaverb, are visually pleasing, responsive, and easy to use. Others, like Space Designer, have been around for a while, but recently had their performance updated, and their appearance along with it. Then there's the third category, for plugins like Stereo Spreader and Pitch Correction, which look old because they are old.
Logic gets free updates, and plugins often get improved in these updates, but until it's done comprehensively, some of the lesser-used plugins might lack a little of Logic's modern charm.
The stock library of sounds in Logic is a hidden treasure. There are thousands of loops and FX: drums, synths, basses, guitars, world instruments, etc, and they're all reasonably high quality.
The one thing notably missing is vocals.
There's not a lot of vocal content to play with in the stock Logic library, but there's tons of other stuff, and it's good stuff. It's especially useful for seeding inspiration and helping newer producers understand the different components that go into building a track.
It's also worth noting that, like many Apple products, an attractive interface is a high priority. As a friend of mine once said, "If I'm going to be looking at this for 20-40 hours per week, I want it to look good."
And Logic looks great.
At the end of the day, you can make music in the ugliest DAW out there, but is it really what you want?
When I open a new Logic project, it makes me feel inspired. It feels inviting. And then there's Reaper. One look, and inspiration wanes. Visual pleasantries aren't what's important. It's what's on the inside that counts.
That said, if you have the opportunity to date a wonderful person that you think is properly beautiful, or a wonderful person that looks like a bad drawing of a human, it seems to matter a bit.
Logic is more than just a pretty face. It's highly capable, and allows for some truly great workflow opportunities.
Take its bus routing, for instance. Logic has 256 busses, which can be routed to either as sends, or as outputs, allowing for complicated split routing.
This provides the ability to do things like outputting all of your leads to a bus, but also sending them each to a reverb, and having that reverb outputting to the same bus to be processed as a whole.
While this can be achieved in other software, Logic makes it easy, and the parallel processing opportunities that are afforded are pretty incredible.
$200. Logic has one version, and it costs $200. That's why I got it, initially.
Despite being hundreds of dollars cheaper than Ableton Live Suite, Logic is a full-featured DAW that can compete with the best DAWs out there.
Overall, Logic is excellent, and should not be dismissed because of its lower price point. It is a fully capable DAW that's easy to use, hard to master, and tremendously powerful. You certainly can't go wrong with this fantastic software.
One of the biggest issues for a lot of new producers is getting their head around all the new lingo and detail that you find literally everywhere in any DAW.
Things like 'room size/shape' on your reverb unit, parametric EQ, compression and side-chaining can be overwhelming for new producers, but FL Studio (formerly fruity loops) can make the transition easier.
FL Studio is a fantastic program created by the team at Image-Line.
Upon opening up a blank FL Studio project file you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed, but its a good thing.
There are a lot of features right in front of you and the linear aspect of sample searching and sound creation really shine in this DAW, and the full version comes with a fully produced track inside a project file that allows you to open up a finished song and pick it apart to figure out how things work.
It is worth noting that recording instruments into FL Studio is extremely easy.
Provided you have an understanding of the audio interface you're using, it's extremely easy to sync up and create channels that record straight to the playlist via the floating mixer window.
FL Studio comes with a plethora of dope, heavy-hitting synths. These include Sawer, Harmor, PoiZone, Sakura, Toxic Biohazard and Harmless to name just a few. The synths available through the FL Studio software are second to none and are highly regarded throughout the production industry as some of the best synth VST's on the market.
You're able to create rich and immersive sounds from the ground up, so there's little need to go shopping around for 3rd party plugins.
FL Studio also provides the end-user with a rich and vibrant library of sounds and samples at their fingertips, doing away with the need for expensive outboard gear, the need to purchase large libraries of samples or even the use of instruments themselves.
A good example of this is the FPC; a stock VST that allows the user to map computer keyboard keys to the pads of an on-screen version of the classic Akai MPC.
Probably the most useful feature, when getting started in FL Studio, is called the step sequencer.
Most users of this program will be able to identify the step sequencer as one of the 'staple' tools within this DAW. The step sequencer functions as a 'beat-grid' of sorts, allowing for any sound or sample to be placed on the grid and be triggered as a part of a sequence.
The length of the grid can be as short as 2 steps or as long as 64 steps, and the samples themselves can be double-clicked on in the step sequencer window to open up the ADSR (attack, decay, sustain, release) functionality of any specific sample. This allows for time-stretching, reversing, pitch shift and a whole host of other interesting features and effects accessible from within the step sequencer.
FL Studio's biggest feature above all else and perhaps one of its most overlooked features – is that it is highly visual.
The application itself has a heavy focus on the way its native plugins interact within the DAW, and there are a LOT of native plugins, I believe there are 30+ all up.
The visual features allow you to use your eyes heavily in conjunction with your ears, so if you find yourself not sure about the sound of something, in particular, you may find that the right audible adjustment comes from a visual adjustment.
The mixer window is one of FL Studios hidden gems, similarly resembling the mix window in ProTools, when used properly this tool can give a distinct sonic advantage when mixing audio in FL Studio as opposed to something like Ableton or Reason.
The user can add sounds from any track of the playlist window or any sound on the step sequencer to a channel on the mixer, and from there can access panning, FX, side-chaining (which can be a little convoluted) and a whole host of other features such as the FL Studio inbuilt mastering program named Maximus (multi-band maximiser) or your other mastering programs of choice.
This 'copy to next pattern' function can help the user create a fluid and interesting beat progression in no time, these features combined with the ability to paint these patterns straight onto the playlist makes for a super easy and customizable workflow. The playlist window itself is also an integral part of the software.
Literally, any sound or sample can be dragged directly onto the playlist (the same as the step sequencer) and be placed anywhere along the timeline.
The list of tools along the top of the playlist window such as the slice tool can be used directly on the audio to chop up patterns, sounds or samples that you have added, into smaller bits to use for arrangement or differentiation.
The tools along the top of the playlist function almost behave like similar tools found in image-editing software in the way they intuitively interact with end-user and the audio clips.
Samples on the step sequencer can also be right-clicked and transitioned into a piano-roll format, allowing for heavier syncopation of drum hits and the pitching and playing of samples on the keyboard that otherwise wouldn't be possible.
It is also worth noting that there is an FL Studio iOS application that allows you to save FL project files and transfer between your device and your computer, meaning you can work on the go, AND use the touch screen for things like filters and FX, for a much more natural and organic sound than you would be able to achieve with your classic right click automation.
FL Studio is currently available across 4 different pricing schemes, with a one-time payment and a lifetime of free upgrades available, meaning: you only pay once and every time they update the core software, you get the new version for free.
Do note that you can buy any individual plugins from the Image-Line website, so if you're only after a few bits and bobs, you can customize your own bundle and choose only what you specifically think you need, although, there are several other big-hitting package options available.
The overall feel of the software is intuitive and exciting to use, whilst not dumbing down any of the important technical aspects that can be found (sometimes glaringly) in other DAW's, FL Studio manages to maintain a certain level of professionalism whilst also opening up more possibilities to the end user via its use of fun and visual stimuli.
The sum of the functionality, pricing and visual aspects of this DAW equal out of a really great DAW for beginners, delivering everything that every other DAW can deliver but with a fraction of the stiffness and dryness of its competitors.
There are several different categories for different producers and levels of income.
This means you can get stuck in and be able to learn and create at the same level as the full version which is close to 10x the price, although it is recommended to purchase the producer edition just so that you have the maximum functionality from the get-go.
All of the aforementioned features make this program a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to get their head around electronic music production and sound recording.
All up this DAW comes highly recommended for beginners looking to get stuck into it and professionals looking for something fun and different from the other more stale DAW's on the market.
Image Line FL Studio 20 Producer Edition Mac/Windows
Powerful mixing and automation
The best Piano Roll in the business
Flexible Browser and workflow features
Support for all VST standards
Over 80 instrument and plugin effects included
abletondawfl studiologicprotools
Noah Custer
Noah is a young music producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and occasional singer who experiments with just about every genre in the world of electronic music. He is a proponent of the utility of music theory in song construction, and enjoys its study.
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Recent Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School graduate commits suicide
Posted 9:49 am, March 22, 2019, by Tribune Media Wire Service, Updated at 10:40AM, March 22, 2019
PARKLAND, Florida – The mother of a recent Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School graduate said her daughter committed suicide last weekend.
Sydney Aiello, 19, was close friends with Meadow Pollack, one of the 17 students killed when a gunman opened fire inside the Parkland, Florida school last year, WFOR in Miami reported.
Aiello's mother told WFOR that her daughter suffered with "survivor's guilt" and had recently been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Her mother said Aiello struggled to attend college classes since she was scared to be in a classroom. She said her daughter was sad, but never asked for help before killing herself.
Ryan Petty lost his daughter, Alaina, in the shooting. He's focused a lot of effort on suicide prevention in the wake of the tragedy – worried that tramatized teens might take their own lives.
"It breaks my heart that we've lost yet another student from Stoneman Douglas," Petty told WFOR. "My advice to parents is to ask questions. Don't wait."
"Some of the questions that need to be asked are: Do you wish you were dead and not wake up? Second question: Have you had thoughts of killing yoruself?" Petty said.
Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, President and CEO of the Children's Services Council of Broward County, told WFOR the Parkland tragedy proved that people need to work to get over the stigma associated with mental health problems and a troubling inability to ask for help when you're struggling.
Seltzer said parents should look for suicide warning signs like kids who hurt themselves or stop taking part in activities they once enjoyed.
"Parents have to be a little more aggressive when they see those signs and not just wait for the child to ask for help and maybe take them to those resources," she said.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Aiello's family.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Do you have a story you want FOX6 News to investigate? Email us at fox6news@fox6now.com
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Brian Stelter arrested for possession of child porn by Swiss Police
Jason Pires January 18, 2023 in World - 1 Minute
Former CNN host Brian Stelter has been arrested at his hotel in Davos, Switzerland for possession of child pornography by Swiss Police. A source within the police confirmed to the Vancouver Times that Stelter was arrested after a tip-off by Interpol.
Stelter was caught with two laptops full of child abuse material, which authorities claim held 1,000s of images and videos of children being abused by unknown men. He is currently being held in prison pending a bail hearing.
Stelter was speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) about "disinformation." Critics, including conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, slammed his involvement. CNN is known to spread fake news and disinformation, something Donald Trump made public during his presidency.
Stelter's lawyers confirmed to the Vancouver Times that the arrest occurred, however, they maintain their client is innocent and plans on fighting the charges. Klaus Schwab, founder of the WEF, is also rumoured to be a pedophile. A large number of prostitutes were sent to Davos to keep the attendees company, according to sources close to the scene.
The mainstream media and big tech want to hide the truth. Beat them at their own game by sharing this article!
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Boo College: Paranormal Society of Bradenton Florida Investigates College Hall and Caples
Post author:Caitlyn Ralph
Charles Ringling died within months of the completion of his family's home. His wife, Edith, would continue to be a pivotal member of the Sarasota community.
On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the lights were put out and the locks were bolted in College Hall, but the building was not vacant. As the sun disappeared from the horizon, the "Pink Mansion" became dotted with cameras, traversed with wires and filled with high-tech equipment. Buzzing with anticipation, the Paranormal Society of Bradenton Florida (PSOBFL) was preparing for their investigation of the Ringling and Caples family homes.
Liz and Ron Reed started PSOBFL five years ago after having personal paranormal experiences. The team has traveled throughout Tampa Bay and various locations around the nation. PSOBFL currently has nine members.
"It's kinda like a little family," Liz Reed said in an email interview. "We will do an investigation for anyone who we find needs it."
The society offers a Bradenton Ghost Walk in addition to conducting investigations.
"I started just chatting with [Liz Reed], and she told me about their investigation of Crosley [Powel Estate] and how interesting that was," New College Internship Coordinator Andrea Knies said about her Bradenton Ghost Walk experience. "She knew several of us on the tour were from New College."
"Personally, I just like historic buildings. So when I first started working here, I started talking to Jodi [Johnson, admissions coordinator] about it because she knew more out of her interest," Knies said. "It's just become kind of a side hobby of mine."
The investigation began at 9:00 p.m. A group of 10 PSOBFL crewmembers and Novocollegians was present. To cover the most ground possible, half the group members took a golf cart to the Caples mansion. The other half stayed at College Hall. After 90 minutes, the groups switched.
The K2 meter, which detects electromagnetic fields and has traditionally been known to indicate the presence of the paranormal, activated at multiple points in Caples, including the bottom floor classroom, originally a dining room, and the sitting room upstairs. Thinking that the device could interrupt the electrical current, crewmembers tried and failed to debunk the experience with a cell phone.
"It's funny to see when you mention it to people, people do start sharing more stories," Knies said. "[When] the security guard came in when we were in College Hall, […] I said 'Well, do you have any stories?' and he said, 'Well, not here, but I definitely know people talk about Caples, seeing figures in the windows.'"
The strip on Tamiami that stretches from the Crosley Estate, past the two Ringling mansions and down to Caples has been designated as a "historic corridor."
The PSOBL did not charge New College for conducting the investigation. In fact, PSOBFL has hopes to investigate each of the historic estates, so the society was eager to enter College Hall and Caples.
"We have done only Crosley in that area and have found it to have activity," Liz Reed said. "We are hoping to be able to say we have done all four homes in a row, especially since they all were friends."
Powel Crosley, Jr., a pioneer in consumer products and broadcasting, owned Crosley Estate with his wife Gwendolyn. The bayfront estate was completed in 1929 and has since been restored. Charles Ringling built College Hall for his wife Edith and Cook Hall for his daughter Hester in the mid-1920s. Next door, inspired by their extensive travels through Europe, Charles' brother John and his wife built Ca'd'Zan, now part of the Ringling Museum of Art. A stone's throw away, Ralph and Ellen Caples, who spent much of their lives propelling the city of Sarasota to its highest potential, built their estate in 1913. All the homes served as winter retreats.
"Ralph and Ellen Caples were here first, and then they invited their friends the Ringlings down, who fell in love with the place and bought the next plots of land," Knies said. "They were also friends with Crosley."
Unfortunately, to investigate Ca'd'Zan, PSOBFL would need to rent the entire space for an "event," something they cannot afford at the moment.
"We really enjoyed the investigation," Liz Reed said. "We had some great EVP [electronic voice phenomenon] sessions at the Caples house and hit a few cold spots at Charles' s house."
Knies described an experience in the Caples' sitting room. "I felt this – I couldn't really explain what it felt like – but like someone taking a finger up my arm, and I got this chill down the back of my spine," she said. "At this point, I was totally creeped out by this."
"I've never felt something like that before," she said. "That truly felt like somebody was touching me."
Entering through each room, the investigators asked questions such as, "Is there somebody in this den right now?" and, "Can you show us proof of your presence by touching one of these devices in front of me?" recording EVPs all along the way.
"Caples was really fun. College Hall we didn't get a lot," Knies said.
PSOBFL will be returning to the college in the next two weeks to follow up the investigation with an evidence summary, complete with a DVD to display what was found and a certificate if they do in fact find at least one of the sites to be haunted.
Information for this article was gathered from https://paranormalsocietyofbradenton.wordpress.com, https://www.ringling.org/, http://www.ncf.edu, and http://wikipedia.com.


Read the Advocacy Update
CAP Pushes Congress to Stop Medicare Cuts in Year-End Spending Deal
COVID-19 Vaccines Administered to Health Care Personnel, Long-Term Care Patients
Transition: Who Will Lead Important Health Care Committee in the House of the 117th Congress
CMS Will Offer Extreme, Uncontrollable Exemption Option for 2021 MIPS Year
CAP Urges Medicare Advisory Panel to Ensure Accurate Clinical Lab Reimbursement Rates
FDA Authorizes LabCorp's Consumer COVID-19 Test Without Prescription
Ohio Pathologists, CAP Oppose Out-of-Network Legislation
Missed Our Medicare Fee Schedule Webinar? Watch the Recording
Test Your Round-Up of Advocacy News Knowledge
Breaking Advocacy News: Check out the Advocacy Twitter Channel
With Congress maneuvering to complete its year-end business before the holidays, the CAP lobbied congressional lawmakers and staff to stop -9% Medicare cuts to pathologists in 2021. Progress has been made with gaining support amongst lawmakers to stop or mitigate the cuts to pathologists and other specialty physicians next year.
At the same time, key congressional health care committee leaders agreed to a legislative compromise on surprise medical bills that now includes several of the CAP's policy priorities. The changes agreed to by congressional lawmakers reflect more than two years of lobbying by the CAP and a physician coalition that improved legislation that was once one-sided and favored the interests of the insurance industry.
Stopping Medicare Cuts to Pathologists
At this article's deadline, a final agreement had yet to be reached. On December 11, Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) introduced The Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020. The legislation, which is a companion bill to legislation introduced in the House, would hold pathologists and other physicians harmless from the Medicare cuts for two years. In 2021, overall Medicare payments to pathologists are scheduled to decrease by -9%. The CAP has strongly opposed the cuts. CAP members have contacted their federal legislators to fight the Medicare cuts throughout the year.
Already, 51 senators have signed a letter to Senate leadership expressing their support to stopping the cuts.
The CAP remains engaged with congressional staff on the importance of passing legislation to stop the Medicare payment cuts from hitting pathology services next year. More updates on congressional news will be reported in the next edition of Advocacy Update and our Advocacy Twitter feed.
Success on Surprise Medical Bills
On December 11, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and House Energy and Commerce, Education and Labor, and Ways and Means committees agreed to language for a draft No Surprises Act bill. Importantly, the legislation would hold patients harmless from bills for out-of-network services provided at in-network hospitals or facilities once enacted. The CAP also notes the following provisions which it strongly advocated for inclusion:
An independent dispute resolution (IDR) process with no minimum dollar amount threshold to access IDR and an option to batch claims together.
Insurers will make payments for out-of-network services that is determined either through negotiation between the physician and insurer or the independent dispute resolution process.
Will not interfere with state-level laws already enacted to address out-of-network services.
Require a study on adequacy of provider networks by the Government Accountability Office.
Leaders of the House and Senate are negotiating whether the legislation can pass before the end of the year.
Americans began receiving COVID-19 vaccinations on December 14 after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for the initial phase of the COVID-19 vaccination, health care personnel and residents of long-term care facilities first received the vaccines.
Pathologists and laboratory personnel are included in this definition of health care personnel, which the CDC defines as "paid and unpaid people serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials." And, based on guidance published earlier this year by the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, "workers, including laboratory personnel, that perform critical clinical, biomedical and other research, development, and testing needed for COVID-19 or other diseases" were identified as essential critical infrastructure workers.
Each state will have different vaccination plans with partners to administer the vaccine. As vaccine availability increases, the government's recommendations will expand to include more groups.
Editor's Note: Advocacy Update will feature stories about the upcoming transition to the Biden Administration and new Congress. These stories will highlight major news on the future of President-elect Joe Biden's cabinet, other administrative officials, and both chambers of Congress that will enact and execute new health care policies affecting pathologists, their laboratories, and the patients they serve.
The 117th Congress will officially take office on January 4, 2021, the Democratic party will retain its majority with 222 House seats, with 209 seats for the Republicans. The CAP expects several leadership changes on key House congressional committees overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, and health care that will be pertinent to the CAP's advocacy strategy.
In the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Democrat Chairman Rep. Frank Pallone, (D-NJ) will keep control of his seat, and Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), will be the Ranking member.
For the House Committee on Ways and Means, Democrat Rep. Richie Neal (D-MA) will continue to serve as Chair as well as Republican Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) will continue to serve as ranking member. Democrat Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) will most likely continue to serve as Health Subcommittee chair.
Finally, on the House Committee on Education and Labor, Democrat Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) will most likely remain as chair and Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-SC) will remain as ranking member.
Citing the strains of the current pandemic on physician practices, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it would offer its "Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances" policy for eligible clinicians unable to meet requirements for the 2021 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).
Earlier in 2020, the CMS created its Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy to allow MIPS eligible physicians and other clinicians the ability to request to reweigh one or more 2020 MIPS performance categories to 0% due to the current COVID-19 public health emergency. The CMS anticipates the public health emergency will continue well into 2021 and many physician practices will not be able to participate. In the final 2021 Quality Payment Program regulation released on December 1, the CMS said the policy would continue for the next MIPS performance year. The CMS expects the application to be open for practices in the of Spring 2021.
The CMS also said many physicians will opt to report MIPS data despite the pandemic. The CAP notes that many pathology practices, especially those enrolled in the Pathologists Quality Registry, have used the data to improve contracting positions with health insurance payers and hospitals. In 2019, 100% of the CAP's registry participants were eligible for positive Medicare payment adjustments during 2021 from MIPS.
In addition, during the 2021 reporting year, more money will likely be available for those MIPS participants achieving an exceptional score. A $500 million pool is split between participants with these scores and with likely fewer physicians participating, by applying for the Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy, it's anticipated that disbursements will increase.
If you have questions about this process or other aspects of the MIPS program, email the CAP's experts at mips@cap.org.
The CAP expressed concerns to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) regarding accurate clinical laboratory reimbursements rates in response to the public meeting in September. The CAP asked that any recommendations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) clinical laboratory fee schedule (CLFS) rates under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) must ensure a broad representation of the laboratory market and accurate payment rates.
In a December 3 letter to MedPAC, the CAP said it is "significantly concerned about the impact any failure in collecting accurate [laboratory] data will have on quality patient care and access to medically necessary laboratory testing." The CAP also stated that "private payers are, as was noted during the discussion, being aggressive in terms of negotiating rates for laboratory tests, while pathology practices and laboratories across the country continue to face increasing regulatory burden and ongoing public health crises including the COVID-19 public health emergency."
On September 3, the MedPAC convened a public meeting to discuss the methodology the CMS uses to set private payer-based rates for laboratory tests under PAMA. MedPAC has been tasked by Congress to issue recommendations to the CMS on PAMA implementation by June of next year. MedPAC is an independent federal group that periodically produces reports and nonbinding recommendations to Congress on the Medicare program.
The 2014 PAMA required the CMS to establish those rates based on what private payers paid. PAMA requires applicable laboratories to report private payer rates for clinical laboratory services to the CMS, using the data to calculate Medicare reimbursement rates for tests on the clinical laboratory fee schedule. As a result of recent legislation, the next reporting period is required to begin January 1, 2022.
On December 10, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to LabCorp for its Pixel COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit for use with LabCorp's COVID-19 RT-PCR Test.
The Pixel COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit is the first COVID-19 direct-to-consumer (non-prescription) test system, allowing a person to self-collect a nasal sample in their home and then send the sample to LabCorp for testing. This at-home COVID-19 test system can be used by anyone aged 18 or over and can be purchased online or in a store without a prescription.
A health care provider delivers positive or invalid test results to the user by phone call. Users may access negative test results by an online portal or by email.
In November, the FDA also issued an EUA for the Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit is a molecular (real-time loop mediated amplification reaction) single-use test that is intended to detect the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. That test was administered by prescription only, whereas the LabCorp test does not require a prescription. As noted in the EUA, prescribing health care providers are required to report all test results they receive from individuals who use the test to their relevant public health authorities by local, state, and federal requirements.
The Ohio Society of Pathologists (OSP) and the CAP opposed legislation negotiated by the state's medical society to pay for out-of-network services at 100% of the Medicare rate or the median in-network rate. The legislation has already passed the Ohio House and is pending in the Ohio Senate. The CAP's partnerships with state pathology societies strengthen advocacy efforts at the state level.
On December 8, the Ohio Society of Pathologists President Sean Kirby, MD, FCAP, testified before the State Senate Insurance Committee outlining how, "applying the federal emergency services out-of-network payment formula, under the ACA, to non-emergency services, based upon the greater median in-network rates, the out-of-network rate, or 100% of Medicare was rejected in CA, NY, CO, NM, MI, NJ, WA, VA, FL, TX, AZ, NH, MN, and ME." Dr. Kirby further emphasized that "for non-emergency services, these states modified the payment safeguard to be a higher percentage of Medicare, or higher in-network rate, or retrospectively tied to a default date, or a 'commercially reasonable' rate…HB 388 potentially enhances the profit margin for insurance companies at the expense of patient care and health care delivery."
On December 1, the Ohio State Medical Association also testified in support of the bill, "While the substitute bill is not a perfect solution... our major concerns have been addressed..." If enacted into law, the Ohio bill would provide the lowest Medicare payment safeguard for out-of-network services in the nation. The OSP and CAP will continue to oppose the bill and request a veto. If the bill becomes law, the CAP and OSP will seek to revise the law in the next legislative session.
The CMS released final the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and the Quality Payment Program regulations. The CAP hosted a webinar where experts reviewed the final regulation changes that will impact your pay, practice, and participation in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).
Missed the webinar? Check out the recording and download the slides.
Take the year-end December Advocacy News Quiz. See how you compare to your fellow CAP members by sharing your results on social media.
Take the December news quiz Arrow Right
Want up to the minute CAP Advocacy news? Then follow us on twitter at CAPDCAdvocacy, where you will be the first to know about CAP Advocacy wins, see your fellow members engage with Congressional leaders on key policies affecting the practice of pathology and, of course, breaking Advocacy news.
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Eleven years ago, a group of Berkeley students assembled and took notice of the lack of cultural knowledge around the South Asian community. It was then that Azaad was born. Azaad is a student dance group that prides itself on spreading cultural knowledge through its innovative choreography. We perform on numerous occasions at Berkeley, as well as at hired performances, and dance competitions. In all of our performances, we hold the "Azaad Standard" of professionalism and presentation. You will never see an Azaad performance where a single count hasn't been fine-tuned over a hundred runs. We put our heart and soul into every performance and always leave our audience impacted and inspired.
One of our choreography directors, Divya, performing the Southie routine
Azaad, meaning "independence" or "freedom", is UC Berkeley's premier Hindi Film dance team. We're a team based on dedication, passion, and energy, with the primary goal of creating productions that entertain and motivate audiences to connect with the Bollywood culture. After eleven years of collegiate competitions, Azaad has been extremely successful in entertaining audiences and placing in competitions nationwide. All our performances are centered on storylines such as empowering women, promoting equality, and overcoming disabilities, as we use our national platform to showcase inspiring narratives. Combining Indian classical, folk, and modern styles of dance, we take pride in our creative choreography and production elements, as we hope to set the bar higher and higher each year.
The intro song to our routine last year! From costumes to lighting, everything is planned in advance
In addition, we showcase the evolving South Asian culture through our choreography which aims to fuse styles not only from India but from all around the world. As an organization, we push for creative fusion. We don't just do hip-hop or just perform Hindi-Film dance. We push ourselves to explore and fuse together lindy-hop, paso doble, hip-hop, contemporary, classical, bollywood, swing, and many other styles of dance. We then synthesize all of our distinct dance forms to convey a social message.
Our primary source of fundraising is competing at and winning national Bollywood competitions. Most competition rubrics weigh heavily towards the quality of the team's costumes and production. Unfortunately, our costumes and production equipment have gone through 11 years of wear and tear and are no longer adequate to use on stage. We are hoping to replace our outfits and production elements so that we can continue to spread Indian culture and represent Cal around the US.
Currently, we do not have the funds necessary to replace our costumes and production equipment. Therefore, with the support of this campaign, we hope to raise the $4,000 necessary to become competition-ready. This will get us 22 new costumes, stage risers, a large production backdrop, as well as timed stage lights! Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.
The whole team at last year's photoshoot!
Make sure to check us out on social media to get more updates about the team:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucbazaad/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucbazaad/
Personal Thank You Card
With a donation of this amount, you will receive a personalized handwritten thank you note from all the members of Azaad.
1 of 100 Claimed
Estimated Delivery: October 2019
Shoutout on Azaad Social Media
With your donation, Azaad will give you a personal shoutout picture on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
2 of 1000 Claimed
Video Shoutout on Social Media
To show our gratitude for your gift, Azaad will give you a video shoutout on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Personal Dance Lesson
In appreciation of your generous donation, Azaad will give you and your friends a private dance lesson.
Practice + Personal Lesson
Attend a Practice + Personal Dance Lesson: As a thank you, Azaad will extend to you an exclusive invitation to come dance with us at one of our general practices, as well as receive a personal dance lesson from our choreography directors. You'll get to see what we do and meet the whole team, and you'll pick up some cool dance moves in the process!
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Sixth Circuit Appeal Involving Complex 4th and 5th Ammendment Issues Dismissed
Flannery Georgalis, having prevailed on a dispositive motion at the district court level, successfully obtained a dismissal of a Sixth Circuit appeal filed by the United States government in a criminal matter involving complex 4th and 5th Amendment issues.
Move to Suppress All Evidence Against Defendent Facing 30 Years Successful
In a major defense victory, Flannery Georgalis, as court-appointed counsel, successfully moved to suppress all evidence against a defendant facing a mandatory minimum 30-year prison sentence in federal district court following a significant suppression hearing. Read the full article here.
Paul Flannery and Kevin Vogel Moderate CMBA's Small 2018 Small and Solo Expo
On September 28, 2018, Paul Flannery and Kevin Vogel moderated and spoke at the CMBA's Small 2018 Small and Solo Expo, Gaining Traction: Driving Your Practice Forward, presenting on the topic of Liar, Liar: What to Do When Your Client Lies.
Paul Flannery Provides Insight About Detail Subpoena
Paul Flannery was interviewed by cleveland.com reporter Andrew J. Tobias for his story on the FBI search warrant executed in the federal bribery investigation of Cliff Rosenberger, Ohio's former House Speaker. In response to a months-old public records request, state legislative officials released copies of a subpoena and a search warrant federal investigators delivered to them in late April. Paul was asked to provide his insights, as a former federal prosecutor who prosecuted high profile, public corruption matters, regarding the… Read more
Chris Georgalis Interviewed About Terrorism
Because of his work as a federal prosecutor and now a high stakes defense attorney, Chris Georgalis was interviewed and quoted by cleveland.com reporter Evan MacDonald in a piece about terrorism stings and the delicate balance between entrapment and public safety. Read the full article here. The article provides: "From authorities' perspective, it's critical to investigate suspicious online posts because the internet represents 'a means of surreptitious communications and ready access to like-minded individuals,' said Cleveland attorney Chris Georgalis, a… Read more
Chris Georgalis Provides Insight on Man Accused of Plotting Terror Attack in Cleveland on Fourth of July
Chris Georgalis was interviewed by cleveland.com reporter Evan MacDonald to provide insight on the recent federal arrest of a man accused of plotting a terrorist attack on the Fourth of July fireworks celebration in Cleveland. The article provides: "'What made the case unique is that it presented investigators with a deadline to make their case, the Fourth of July holiday,' said Cleveland attorney Chris Georgalis, a former federal prosecutor who has worked on terrorism cases. 'There will always be a… Read more
One Year Anniversary Interview
A few months shy of the one-year anniversary of Flannery | Georgalis, LLC, Cleveland Crain's sat down with Paul Flannery to talk about his and Chris's experience so far, the challenges they've faced in getting a new firm up and running and how having niche expertise has helped them along their path to building a boutique practice. The article provides, in part: "Paul Flannery and Christos Georgalis, former assistant U.S. attorneys in the Northern District of Ohio who have worked… Read more
Assistant United States Attorney Presents Chris Georgalis with Award for Superior Performance
Chris was presented with the Director's Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney - Criminal Division, for his work as a former federal prosecutor. The Director's Award was presented at the Great Hall in the Robert F. Kennedy Main Justice building in Washington, DC, by Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman, and Director of the Executive Offices for United States Attorneys James A. Crowell IV.
Paul Flannery Interviewed About Cyber Attacks and their Threats to Business
Paul was interviewed by Crain's Cleveland Business Magazine regarding the threat that cyberattacks pose to businesses, especially small and mid-size businesses. "A lot of these people should've never been victimized," Flannery said. "But the overwhelming theme among all the victims was that they had no idea this was out there." Read the full article here.
By: Carrie Bennice / Date: 16, February 2018
Paul Flannery Interviewed by Fox 8 News Regarding Subpoenas Issued to Cuyahoga County Investigators
Paul was interviewed by Fox 8 News reporter Matt Wright regarding subpoenas issued to Cuyahoga County by county investigators. Read the full article here.


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