It Ain't Hemingway

Netflix is starting the summer off with a bang. The streaming platform has your summer viewing all set with returning programs, original series and even some never before seen shows. You have a lot to look forward to during the hot summer nights when you’d rather be in the comfort of air conditioning with the family watching your favorite movies and shows on television.

Movie: The Aviator: This 2004 biopic about the recluse Director and Aviator Howard Hughes stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett. The film was directed by Martin Scorsese.

Mini Series: Hidden Kingdoms: The 2014 mini-series is about the tiny animals that live in the forest and jungle presented from their perspective. The series stars Stephen Fry, Simon Bell, and Alessia Kokel.

Movie: Sex Ed: The 2014 movie stars Haley Joel Osment as Ed Cole, who is an inner city middle school teacher who is faced with teaching his pupils sex ed even though he himself has little experience in the romance department. The movie also stars Laura, Harring, George Eads.

Movie: Hector and the Search for Happiness This 2014 German film is about a psychiatrist searching for the secret to happiness by traveling the world. The movie was directed by Peter Chelsom and stars  Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike, and  Tracy Ann Oberman.

TV Series Premiere: Sense8 Stars: Jamie Clayton, Max Riemelt, Anupam Kher A mentally connected group of people are being hunted by others who do not have the same gift, and are thought to be dangerous.

Movie: On the Road based on a novel by Jack Kerouac. A young writer meets a young free-spirited couple and travels around the country with them and has interesting adventures. Directed by Walter Salles. Stars: Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart

TV Series: Pretty Little Liars (2010– ) After being threatened by an anonymous person to reveal four friends dark secret, they band together against the accuser while solving the murder of a close friend. Stars: Troian Bellisario, Ian Harding, Ashley Benson

…And these are just a few of the best of Netflix for the month of June. See the rest of the listing for June below:

“Employee of the Month”

“La Dictadura Perfecta”

“R.L. Stine’s Mostly Ghostly”

“R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: Don’t Think About It”

“Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam: Live From Atlanta”

“Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam: Live from Las Vegas”

“Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam: Live from Orlando”

“The High and the Mighty”

“The Magdalene Sisters”

“The Perfect Dictatorship”

“Best of Me”

“Words and Pictures”

“Grace of Monaco”

“Free the Nipple”

“It’s Tough Being Loved by Jerks”

“Nightcrawler”

“Rosewater”

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” season 2

“The Legend”

“The Legend 2”

“Champs”

“Life of Crime”

“Orange Is the New Black” season 3

“The Cobbler”

“Antarctica: A Year on Ice”

“Scandal” Season 4

“Transformers: Age of Extinction”

“Bindi’s Bootcamp” season 1

“Danger Mouse” seasons 1-10

“Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer”

“Really Me” season 12

“Rodney Carrington: Laughter’s Good”

“Team Toon” season 1

“Wizards vs. Aliens” season 13

“Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of”

“Curious George”

“Lee Daniels’ The Butler”

“Two Days, One Night”

“Heartland” season 6

“Point and Shoot”

“A Most Wanted Man”

“Cake”

“Advantageous”

“Beyond the Lights”

“Ballet 422”

“Dragons: Race to the Edge” season 1

“Katy Perry: The Prismatic World Tour”

“What Happened, Miss Simone?”

“Young & Hungry” season 2

“The Reluctant Fundamentalist”

Do rock stars ever retire? With the likes of Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and of course the quintessential dinosaurs, The Rolling Stones (whose Steel Wheels Tour was referred to as the Steel Wheelchair tour even as far back as 1989), that would be a resounding NO as far as they are concerned. The best of the best rockers from the 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s are still touring all over the world. Of course, the days of hauling your own gear and traveling in used vans are over. Private Jets and tricked out tour buses certainly make the journey a lot easier, but the majority of the older rocker group haven’t had a hit in years.

Touring for a new album can be hard for the most popular bands because the crowd wants to hear the classics. Now many “senior” bands don’t need a new album to go on tour. Unfortunately, these are often called “sell out tour.” The other unfortunate factor is that bands like The Stones and U2 ask astronomical prices for a single ticket. The price for a U2 ticket run you $280.00 for decent seats. For Rolling Stones tickets, you can get obstructed view and nose bleed seats for almost $50.00. For floor seats, you will pay between 166.45 to  $424.35 with fees. Your best bet is to hope for a live stream and watch from home or shell out the money for a festival that could very well include both bands, not to mention many more, for under $400.00. People will pay the astronomical prices for these concerts. Hardcore music lovers don’t want to miss out on what could be the last tour of their favorite band’s career. Paul McCartney seems to always be touring, and even bands who have gone through very public fights, like Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, are biting the bullet and going on tour. The financial gain can be very inspiring.

Not all musicians are “selling out” and hitting the road. Some are quite content with retirement. Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane retired and once said, “all rock-and-rollers over the age of 50 look stupid and should retire.” Slick last toured with her band in 1989 and the now 72-year-old rocker is concentrating on a visual art career.

David Bowie stopped touring in 2007, after canceling a comeback show in New York City. No reason was given for the cancelation, but he is often seen around New York on the streets or at events with his wife supermodel Iman appearing in good health.

We can assume the reasons for going on tour even for an Anniversary tour and not to promote a new album. The amount of money a band can make by touring can rival that of the profits of a successful tech company. One year of touring could feed a small country. Very tempting. As for the bands and individuals who chose to retire and aren’t tempted by the monies involved are thinking more about the time involved and regardless of the private jets and fancy buses, it still can be a grueling experience.

All-in-all, the best part of live music is when you get the opportunity to see the bands you love in a small venue. I’m sure the people who got to see Nirvana at a house party in Seattle will cherish that memory more than seeing Fleetwood Mac at an arena. Not everyone gets such an experience, but it truly is a much better memory than that of watching ant-like people on a stage blocked by speakers from the rafter seats that cost a week’s salary.

One of the perks of becoming a huge rock star is the ability to afford some of the best real estate in the world. Most bands who make it big spend half their lives on the road. It is no wonder that when touring season is over they want a sweet pad to put their feet up and relax among the lavish decor until it’s time to start working on more music. We’ve found a few Rock Star homes that prove if you make it, life can be awesome. We’ve got some newly purchased homes, current homes and homes that could be yours for the right price.

Dave Navarro’s Hollywood loft went up for sale last year. The loft space is located on the corner of Hollywood and Vine. The price tag was just under a million dollars. The 1570 square foot space is considered modest, but for a bachelor pad surely it is enough. The loft is in the Broadway Hollywood building and has amazing views of the Hollywood sign and Capital Records, historic landmarks in Los Angeles. The loft was originally bought in 2007 on the heels of his break up with Carmen Electra. The space was decorated by interior decorator Heidi Toll. His bedroom has a custom vinyl platform bed with privacy drapes. It also has blackout curtains to accommodate the sleep all day rock star habits.

Dave Navarro’s Los Angeles Apartment

Jay-Z and Beyonce are rumored to be looking at properties in New Orleans. One, in particular, is a renovated Presbyterian church turned home. The rumor mill claims the couple just purchased the 13,292 Sq. Ft home located in the Garden District of New Orleans. The home was listed for a mere $2.6 million-chump change for King J and Queen Bey.  Beyonce’s sister Solange co-owns a boutique in the French Quarter called Exodus Goods.

Jay-Z and Beyonce’s New Orleans Home

News is Miley Cyrus is now the proud owner of a horse ranch in Hidden Hills, California. The 5.5-acre ranch was bought for $4.037 million. The property also has a vineyard that produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. There is also a wine cellar. The ranch is an impressive 6500 Sq. ft home with a 1o stall barn for her yet to purchased horses. There is also seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, rustic elements, and a much desired wrap-around porch.

Miley Cyrus’ new Los Angeles horse ranch

Not every rock star goes the ostentatious route when it comes to real estate. Newly engaged, Zooey Deschanel just put her bachelorette mini-estate on the market in Hollywood. The Mommy-to-be is asking $2.195 million for the home. The estate is a 3000 Sq. Ft. house with a guest cottage in the backyard rather small in comparison to some of the lavish homes rockers are known to own. The singer purchased the home that once belonged to Mark Ruffalo for $1.69 million six years previously. The 1930’s home houses three bedrooms and three and half baths, and a chef’s kitchen with a breakfast nook.

Zooey Deschanel’s chef’s kitchen

Dr. Dre’s house is undoubtedly impressive. The millionaire rocker has made some sweet change during his career with his extraordinarily successful Beats By Dre, and his highly successful career as a rapper. He recently sold his Hollywood Hills mansion. We still get to see how his lifestyle by exploring the home he once lived in. Dre bought the estate in 2012 for $15.4 million which he recently sold for $32.5 million. The six-bedroom house with nine bathrooms has an infinity pool and amazing views of Los Angeles.

Dr. Dre’s Los Angeles home

It took awhile, but Jon Bon Jovi was finally able to sell his Manhattan home after two years of trying and a few price drops. Don’t feel badly for the rocker though, he still walked away from the sale with $13.5m profit in his pocket. The two-floor apartment was first listed at $42 million. Bon Jovi ended up selling the Mercer St. pad for $37.5 million. He originally bought the place for $24m in 2010. The 7452 Sq. ft. The apartment has six bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen, and 11 ft. ceilings. It also has a screening room and three separate viewing decks. Bon Jovi finally sold the apartment to  Austrian-American business man Gerhard Andlinger.

Jon Bon Jovi’s Manhattan Loft

The ultimate festival fashion moment happened during the ultimate festival, Woodstock. It was the era of hippies and hip-huggers, bell-bottoms, fringe, sandals, and bikinis were all the rage. Everywhere you turned at the 2015 Coachella festival you saw clothing reminiscent of the 60’s. Only this time the price tags were much higher and the kids prefer the term boho chic. When attending a festival, your best bet is to go for comfort and something that is weather appropriate. Luckily, in today’s fashion world you can still be comfortable and look stylish.

It is the festival season, and some of the best and biggest such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Firefly and more are right around the corner. Festival fashion means big business. Style trends are often first seen at a music festival. The basic rule of festival fashion is No Rules.

Each festival has its own look especially if the festival is strictly a specific genre. If it’s Hip Hop, expect the low-riding pants and t’s, hoodies and kick ass footwear from the fella’s.The girls will be sporting high-waisted Daisy Dukes, with leggings, crop tops, trucker hats and designer sneakers. As for the electronic music genre, expect crazy colorful fashion. You may run into a Power-Puff girl or Bratz doll look-a-like at any turn. Neon, denim, bikini tops, are everywhere. There seems to be a large number of Hello Kitty! EDM fans in the world,

Some of the fashion looks hot off the grassy festival runways are fringed jackets and silk kimono’s for women. Army green is all the rage as well as gladiator sandals. Large necklaces make quite the statement piece. Everywhere you look you’ll find a variety of hair colors; pink, blue, green and the most popular as of this hour, gray. Clashing your layered look is key at festivals. Pair some edgy high tops with a fringed vest or maxi dress. Mixing it up is all the rage, but so is matchy, matchy. As mentioned previously, there are no rules when it comes to Festival Fashion.

Attending a music festival will probably be one of the most memorable experiences you will ever have. Many incredible music moments have happened at music festivals and you could very well be there as a witness. Jimmy Hendrix playing the star spangled banner; The Red Hot Chili Peppers performing in socks…and that is one sock each I mean; Everything that happened at Live Aid. It’s a magical experience and the music is the first and foremost reason you should be there, so make sure you’re comfortable because all you will remember about the festival is how badly your feet hurt if you forgo comfort for style.

It’s festival time of year and a lot of festivals, especially the big-ticket ones, are three days of awesome music and fun activities. There is usually very little sleep, a lot of partying and foot pain like you have never experienced before. You’ll be standing for hours, sometimes in thick, gooey mud. Everyone is toe-to-toe and constantly pushing to get as close to the stage as possible. It is the best experience and the worst you will ever have. You must be prepared for all types of ailments like swelling, blisters, and injuries. We’ve got some great suggestions to avoid and cure your festival feet problems.

Comfort Shoes– Yeah, we get it, it’s a festival and if Coachella told us anything it’s that fashion is important. Well, have no fear because a lot of the comfort shoe companies are coming out with some kick ass styles. Your shoes should be comfortable and have good support. If you’re more the sporty type and would rather go the sneaker route, then go for it! Sneakers will most likely be your best bet. Shoes that are a big no-no would be ballet flats, flip-flops, sandals, and bare feet. These type of shoes provide no support. Open toe shoes will just set you up for a horrible injury. Stepping on broken glass or getting your feet stepped on by concert-goers may have you in the ER and totally blow your festival experience.

Keep ’em Stretched- You could find yourself standing for hours waiting for your band to come on. If you have the opportunity to sit while you wait then do so. Most concert-goers are afraid of people butting in front of them, so they will secure their spot by standing in place hours before the band goes on. If you find yourself in a marathon stand-still be sure to stretch your legs every few minutes. Also, rotate your ankles and stretch your feet. By bending each leg every few minutes, you will avoid your leg from locking due to all the tension and dehydration. Spread those toes and ball those feet, they will thank you later.

Stay hydrated- You must stay hydrated for many reasons at a festival. There will be lots of walking and standing and not to mention dancing which will have you working up a sweat. A hot summer night in a big crowd will have quite a few people either passing out or pulled from the crowd by security and taken to the medic station. Many festivals will hose down the crowd or pass around community bottles that everyone will drink from. Your best bet is to make sure you pack your bag with lots of water. To refrain from passing out, you must replenish the water in your muscles. Your legs are getting the biggest wear and tear and a dehydrated muscle will cause you to have painful leg cramps. Nothing is worse than a charlie horse in your calf while waiting for your favorite band to perform.

Proceed with Caution- The more people in close quarters the more likely an accident will occur. The festival environment is a foot injury waiting to happen. Tripping, toe stubbing, getting stepped on, not to mention blisters or even twisting an ankle can easily happen. Make sure you are watching your step and don’t walk around with your nose in your phone checking out the festival app. Stop, do what you need to do, and then move along. As for blisters and toe stubs, the closed shoe with socks is a must. Don’t forget to pack some band-aids in your bag of festival goodies.

Pamper Yourself- After the headliner does his last encore, the first thing you should do is head to your hotel room or campsite and do a little festival feet maintenance. Peel the socks and shoes off, either soak your feet in the tub with Epsom salts or pour bottled water over them at your campsite and give them a nice massage. Put on fresh bandages on the blisters and prop your feet up when you get in bed. In the morning, you should feel ready for the day ahead.

OOps! She did it right the first time!

A few good reasons why we love Alabama Shakes

My all time favorite Young song. A sad and moving story.

“There’s no small controversy over the meaning of this song. Some think it is set during the Civil War, with the attackers being Union soldiers. Others say that the “White Boat” is actually a Coast Guard Cutter, and the family being attacked are involved in drug running or operating an illegal distillation business. (thanks, David – Lilburn, GA)

Young offered this to Lynyrd Skynyrd, but 3 members of the band died in a plane crash before they could record it.”

~songfacts

Here is a beautiful rendition by Cowboy Junkies

Mandolins should be a requirement. lvoe leov love

are an alternative rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band started in the early 2000’s. Their music was at the time was often compared to The Strokes, but over the years they have evolved. With the launch of their EP Youth and Young Manhood, the band became instant rock stars in the UK. It wasn’t until the release of their fourth album in 2008,Only By The Night, that Kings of Leon really rocked the United States. Both singles “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody” from the album became instant hits. There are many reasons why KOL is so loved by their fans, but we have narrowed it down to the top five reasons why Kings of Leon are so loved. Finish reading article here.