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A Look Into the Interesting History of Audio Mastering
The history of mastering is rich and extensive, with its origins dating back to the early days of vinyl production. Over the years, this crucial phase in music production has evolved, adapting to emerging technologies. In the contemporary landscape, marked by the prevalence of digital streaming services, mastering holds a heightened significance in ensuring the optimal sound quality of your music.
This comprehensive guide delves into the historical journey of mastering, tracing its roots from the modest beginnings of the vinyl era to its current form in the digital age. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a complete newcomer to the subject, continue reading to gain insights into the intricacies of the mastering process and its vital role in the world of music.
A Look Back into the History of Mastering
The term “mastering” has its roots in the early era of vinyl production when vinyl records were the primary medium for storing and distributing music. In the pre-digital age, the process involved recording music onto a reel-to-reel tape. This tape was then sent to a mastering engineer tasked with cutting a lacquer disc from it. Subsequently, this disc served as the basis for creating a metal stamping plate used in the production of vinyl records.
The mastering engineer played a pivotal role in ensuring the optimal sound quality during the transition from tape to the lacquer disc. This encompassed various processes, including equalization and noise reduction, with the overarching goal of achieving a loud and clear sound without introducing unwanted distortion.
The landscape of music production underwent significant changes with the advent of digital music. Presently, music is predominantly recorded and mixed in digital audio workstations (DAWs). Once the music reaches the desired mix, it is exported as a digital audio file, which is then forwarded to the mastering engineer. In the digital era, the mastering engineer employs various software tools to further enhance the sound.
While the modern mastering process retains its core focus on optimizing the sound of the music, the tools and techniques have evolved substantially. In the digital realm, mastering engineers wield a heightened degree of control over the final product’s sound. With the appropriate tools and expertise, they can meticulously refine the sound of a track with remarkable precision.
The Elements of Mastering
The mastering process encompasses a multifaceted approach, with three fundamental elements serving as the cornerstone of this intricate craft:
- Equalization (EQ):
At its essence, equalization involves the meticulous adjustment of frequency levels within the audio signal. Through the strategic boosting or cutting of specific frequencies, the mastering engineer wields the power to shape the sonic character of the music. Whether aspiring for a brighter, warmer, thinner, or heavier tonal quality, EQ provides a versatile tool for sculpting the auditory landscape. - Compression:
Delving into the realm of dynamic range, compression plays a pivotal role in the mastering process. By reducing the dynamic range of the audio signal, compression effectively modulates the volume, making the loudest portions more subdued and the quietest segments more pronounced. This manipulation contributes to the music’s “punchiness” and bolsters its overall volume, fostering a more impactful and cohesive sonic experience. - Limiting:
A critical aspect of mastering, limiting involves setting a threshold to prevent the audio signal from surpassing a predefined level. This safeguard is crucial in averting undesirable clipping and distortion. Beyond mere technical preservation, limiting serves a creative purpose by enhancing the perceived loudness and fullness of the music, contributing to an expansive and immersive listening experience.
While these three elements form the bedrock of mastering, the skilled engineer may navigate additional avenues to refine and elevate the musical composition. Techniques such as noise reduction, stereo widening, and judicious application of reverb may be employed to further polish the sonic tapestry.
The overarching objective of the mastering process is to showcase the music in its most refined and compelling form. This entails not only addressing technical considerations but also cultivating a balanced, full-sounding mix. The mastering engineer endeavors to achieve a harmonious synthesis of clarity, volume, and artistic intent, ensuring that the final product resonates with the intended impact while remaining free from any detrimental distortions. In essence, mastering is an artful convergence of technical precision and creative finesse, a meticulous endeavor to present the music at its zenith.
Why Should Your Conservatory Roof Installer be Insured
It might sound self-evident, however you’re having a significant traditional conservatories structure project done on your home – obviously, the center rooftop installer will be protected!
Sadly, there are numerous development organizations working without protection and giving the exchange a terrible name. Here we’ll frame why protection is significant for a center rooftop change, and what you ought to hope to be covered.
Why you ought to stay away from a uninsured studio material organization
Believing some studio roofers can be hard. With studio rooftop substitutions, as in numerous region of the structure exchange, many individuals have either heard or experienced accounts of questionable outfits and dodgy sellers.
We think this is a genuine disgrace, and lament that it can discolor all center rooftop installers’ notorieties. Be that as it may, there are conniving administrators out there who really do climb costs mid-project, employ uninsured or awkward specialists, or abandon clients with an incomplete venture.
That is the reason we endeavor to do something contrary to what every other person is doing. Projects 4 Material invests heavily in putting clients first. That implies focusing on wellbeing and security, what begins with ensuring that our laborers are safeguarded.
What sort of protection should your studio material organization have
Development can be perilous. At the point when there’s a structure site with weighty materials, power devices, and possibly hazardous substances around, mishaps can occur. It’s all the more dangerous assuming that building site is on your property!
In this manner there ought to be a two dimensional way to deal with keeping away from errors and mishaps:
Guaranteeing the work and laborers so everyone is covered should something turn out badly. Recruiting laborers who understand what they’re doing
Practically any organization that goes out openly to play out a help ought to have public responsibility protection. That is doubly valid for a possibly perilous occupation like studio rooftop substitutions.
Public obligation protection covers the organization against all legitimate responsibility for death or injury to individuals from general society, or loss of or harm to their property regarding the business.
That implies assuming something occurs – say, the center roofer thumps down your neighbor’s front wall while acquiring the new rooftop – they’ll be taken care of for those expenses. The equivalent goes assuming they even coincidentally thump down your neighbor! The insurance agency pays, not the roofer.
That is significant for the material organization and for you. They will not leave business assuming they’re sued for large number of pounds, and no related expenses can be passed to you. It gives everyone inner serenity – particularly your neighbors.
A studio material installer needs to recruit staff – laborers who will turn up and accomplish the work expected to eliminate your current rooftop and introduce a Gatekeeper Warm Rooftop for instance in its place. Yet, even the most experienced worker can commit errors or succumb to mishaps.
Managers’ obligation protection covers the business for any aggregate which they might be responsible to pay to any worker harmed or ailing throughout their work and during working hours.
That implies assuming a sheet of glass sneaks off an old center rooftop, for example, giving Gary the roofer a frightful cut, the insurance agency takes care of the expenses of treatment and loss of income that Gary might endure subsequently.
Once more, this safeguards the organization, and by implication, the client as well. The most dire outcome imaginable would be a uninsured organization being responsible for the expense of Gary’s leg injury and afterward not having the assets to complete your studio rooftop transformation.
While we generally trust that each venture is finished securely and effectively, there’s dependably an opportunity that mishaps can occur. Frequently they’re no one’s shortcoming.
It’s along these lines truly essential that your material organization is satisfactorily covered to safeguard all interested parties.
How to Tell if You Need to Get Window Replacement Done for Your Home
Windows are not something we give a lot of consideration to in Commercial roofing services light of the fact that we anticipate that they should keep going quite a while. While the facts really confirm that your home windows can endure as many as 20 years, there will ultimately come when you will require window substitution. At Red Oak Outsides, our group of qualified experts has immense experience introducing and supplanting windows of private properties. We frequently get calls from property holders who want to find out whether the time has come to supplant their home windows or hold off. In the event that you are one of those property holders who aren’t certain about the signs that let you know it is the ideal opportunity for new windows, this article is for you.
You Want A Window Substitution In the event that Your Windows Can’t Keep The Colorado Springs Weather conditions Out
The clearest sign that you want window substitution is the point at which your home windows can’t keep climate components like downpour, out of your home. Snow and downpour can ultimately negatively affect your window outlines until they begin spilling and water or dissolving snow can saturate your home through harmed window outlines. At the point when we show up to review a flawed window, it is typically completely rotted or unrepairable; to this end we suggest property holders watch out for the state of their window outlines. This could assist you with getting the rot early and save you the extra expense of a total home window substitution.
So, in the event that your windows aren’t as expected keeping the climate components, for example, water out, then, at that point, it is an obvious indicator that a window substitution may be all together.
You Have Begun Hearing Much A larger number of Clamors And Sounds Than You Used To
Your home windows aren’t simply intended to keep water, residue, garbage, and wind out; they additionally work to soundproof your home somewhat. At the point when the windows begin yielding, you will begin to hear more commotion inside your home since the windows can’t successfully keep the clamor out. An effective method for testing your house windows’ soundproofing is to tune in for any vehicles that might be passing a ways off and on the off chance that you can hear them inside the house, it very well may be an indication that your windows should be supplanted; it might likewise imply that your windows were not intended to be soundproof, so you ought to reach us to get your windows reviewed prior to pursuing a substitution choice.
Your Windows Are Not Opening Or Shutting Appropriately
Assuming that you have opening windows at your home, they ought to work without an excessive amount of power. In any case, assuming you notice that windows may be stuck or can not be sufficiently shut, then, at that point, odds are you really want to begin looking on the web for an organization for the substitution of your windows.
Accounting Trends in 2022: Grow Your Business Faster
Considering that the outcomes of the pandemic are as yet significant, organizations across ventures are taking a gander at various ways of guaranteeing maintainability over delayed times of monetary vulnerability. The year 2020 saw organizations adjusting to innovation at an uncommon speed across different enterprises. Aat accounting training as a capability has been progressively adjusted to innovative advances throughout recent years. As per reports, 83% of bookkeepers concur that putting resources into digitalization is important to stay aware of the market. This reality is independent from the reception of innovation, which has helped organizations work from a distance and stay maintainable.
As we work through 2022, the following are a couple of bookkeeping patterns to help your business become quicker and work on your business’ benefit.
Bookkeeping computerization and programming arrangements
Computerization for bookkeeping processes has been making progress consistently; it diminishes the responsibility for tedious and consideration escalated assignments while guaranteeing higher precision and decrease of mistakes.
Bookkeeping Patterns
Moreover, expanding work costs (29%) addressed one of the greatest worries for bookkeeping firms in 2020. Accordingly, the need to move specific capabilities to mechanized processes appears to be legit. This present circumstance likewise lines up with the high leave rate that happened because of the pandemic. Together, these variables present a more grounded defense for bookkeeping mechanization.
It additionally assists with remembering that computerization of bookkeeping processes doesn’t make bookkeeping experts excess. All things considered, mechanization assumes control over high-volume, tedious work from human resources. This step guarantees that prepared and talented bookkeeping experts can move their concentration from settling bookkeeping and accounting issues to real business the executives.
Reports uncover that bookkeepers are either previously preparing for or taking into account preparing in different regions, including client the board and business warning administrations (63% respondents) or business the executives (59%).
Re-appropriating bookkeeping capabilities
More organizations understand the advantages of re-appropriating as monetary vulnerabilities keep on approaching. The various advantages of reevaluating “nitty gritty consideration” serious capabilities, for example, bookkeeping and accounting include:
Guaranteeing solid, mistake free bookkeeping and accounting work
Opening up prepared assets so they can move their concentration to higher-need work, including monetary administration and inspecting of bookkeeping reports
Conveying worth to existing work by making it more precise through computerization while stretching out help to new business endeavors through a demonstrated framework and foundation.
Lessening costs related with employing, preparing, and holding assets
Moving to Cloud Bookkeeping
From on location tasks to cloud-based bookkeeping, the shift has been continuous and observable. Reports say that 67% of bookkeepers feel cloud innovation further develops client connections and administration contributions. Given the numerous advantages of cloud-based bookkeeping, organizations can enhance expectations without inflating expenses and costs. Here are a few key contemplations why moving to cloud bookkeeping seems OK for bookkeeping rehearses:
Cloud bookkeeping helps organizations store and save data in the cloud and access it without any problem.
Cloud-put together access saves with respect to costs related with requiring an actual area; leasing or claiming can be exorbitant, particularly for little to medium-sized organizations. A Forbes report says how moving to the cloud saved organizations 30-50 percent by and large, contrasted with invigorating their on-premises framework.
Cloud bookkeeping guarantees better security and wellbeing of information, including client information, due to advanced measures like secret key insurance, encryption, and approved admittance to choose people.
Utilizing proficient help: Organizations
With regards to cloud bookkeeping, electronic capacity, and secure reinforcements, these require a strong foundation. These necessities can end up being costly for a business simply beginning. Reevaluating bookkeeping and accounting capabilities or joining forces with experts can assist with guaranteeing your training lines up with industry standards. Given the demonstrated frameworks experts have, collaborating with them permits organizations to get to assets in any case unavailable to them. Since cloud bookkeeping is innovation based, it likewise needs master sending. For experts, this is more straightforward in light of the fact that they have assets prepared to stir things up around town running.
Plastic Storage Boxes For Music & Audio Gear
Before purchasing plastic storage boxes, consider what you need to store. Gather all your items and measure them. Then, sort out what you don’t want to keep, and return items that you borrowed from others. If you need to store a lot of items, you should select bins that fit into the storage area and don’t overlap. Make sure to select plastic storage containers that won’t be damaged or ruined by moisture. Lastly, consider whether your plastic storage boxes are stackable or not. Stackable plastic storage boxes are great for storage but make sure to choose bins that fit your needs.
Purchasing bins that can be stacked is easy, thanks to their recessed lids. These are also great for attics and storage closets. Unlike many other types of storage bins, these aren’t very thick, so you can stack them neatly. They can be used in laundry rooms and closets as well. Moreover, they don’t make your storage space looks messy, either. You can also decorate them by using washi tape, stencils, and fabric.
Clear plastic storage boxes are perfect for storing a variety of items. They are durable and easy to handle. They can also hold a lot of items. You can buy boxes with a large capacity, such as a 64-quart Sterilite storage box. A durable storage box that is easy to use has a lid that can be removed and latches so that the lid can’t fall off. It’s also recyclable, and the best part is that plastic storage boxes can be reused many times for a variety of different purposes.
For more bulky items, you can choose boxes with wheels. The Long Under-Bed Box with Wheels from The Container Store is a great option. It’s nearly three feet long and has wheels, making it easy to roll out from under the bed. Whether you need to store a large costume, or a simple plastic storage box, this container will keep everything in place. This box can be used to store a variety of items, and is also great for work-in-progress or inventory transfer.
If you want to store more things, the 99-gallon resin patio storage box is a great option. It’s stylish and durable, and comes in white, java, and mocha colors. These containers will keep your belongings safe and secure while keeping your house clean and organized. They also come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. These plastic outdoor storage boxes are stackable, which makes them a great solution for any space.
A plastic outdoor storage box is much easier to clean than a wooden or metal box. A wet cloth can be used to wipe it down without damaging its look. Wood and metal need polishing, but plastic will keep its shiny finish for years. The lid will also keep your items in place. You don’t have to worry about staining or scratching wood or metal. They won’t show signs of wear and tear. These plastic boxes will last for years.
6 New Albums You Should Listen to Now: Ethel Cain, Bad Bunny, Franz Ferdinand, and More
With so much good music being released all the time, it can be hard to determine what to listen to first. Every week, Pitchfork offers a run-down of significant new releases available on streaming services. This week’s batch includes new albums from Ethel Cain, Bad Bunny, Franz Ferdinand, Lambrini Girls, Wolfacejoeyy, and Brigid Mae Power. Subscribe to Pitchfork’s New Music Friday newsletter to get our recommendations in your inbox every week. (All releases featured here are independently selected by our editors. When you buy something through our affiliate links, however, Pitchfork earns an affiliate commission.)
Ethel Cain: Perverts [Daughters of Cain]
Ethel Cain found unlikely pop fandom with Preacher’s Daughter, her 2022 debut album, thanks to its emotional dirges and heavy lyrics. Instead of turning toward catchier choruses, Cain subverts expectations entirely with her atmosphere and moody new album, Perverts. Written, recorded, and produced entirely by Cain and led by “Punish,” Perverts consists of sprawling drone songs, languid ambient music, and soft-spoken—if spoken at all—slowcore tracks that stay intentionally shrouded. For the immersive experience, consider listening at night.
Listen on Apple Music
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Tidal
Listen on Amazon Music
Bad Bunny: Debí Tirar Más Fotos [Rimas]
BRUCE DICKINSON Promises IRON MAIDEN Will Play Stuff They’ve Never Played Before In 2025
Iron Maiden will hit the road in 2025 (and 2026) for their Run For Your Lives tour, and apparently it’s gonna feature some pretty deep cuts. According to Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson in a brand new video update, Iron Maiden is planning on “doing stuff we’ve never, ever done before” live.
It’s also worth mentioning again that Iron Maiden‘s 2025 and 2026 treks will be their first without drummer Nicko McBrain, who stepped down from the band’s live shows earlier this month. McBrain has been replaced live by Simon Dawson of British Lion, the side project of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris.
“Hello folks. This is my tour pass for 2024. That’ll get me anywhere in 2024, but I don’t need that anymore now because 2025 is gonna be something special,” said Dickinson. “Not just because of the tour pass. Honestly, we are pushing the boat out with the tour. Not that I need to tell anybody, ’cause basically the tour is sold out already.
“So for those of you who have bought tickets, which is like all of you, it’s gonna be really, really cool. I’m really looking forward to it. We’re gonna be doing stuff we’ve never, ever done before, and it’ll be a setlist for the ages. So, I’ll see you there. And it’s not gonna stop in 2025. It’s gonna roll into 2026 ’cause there’s parts of the world that we need to get to that we can’t get to in 2025. So there you go.”
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The Best Website for House Swaps? My HomeExchange Review
Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home?
That’s what house swaps promise.
House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb.
But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb).
House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place.
The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange.
And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swap and help you decide if HomeExchange is right for you.
What is HomeExchange?
Founded in 1992, HomeExchange is a network that facilitates swapping homes with another person or family. The company actually started as a mail-ordered printed directory before moving online. Today, there are over 200,000 members in over 155 countries. It’s the biggest and most popular house swap platform.
Currently, it costs $220 USD per year for unlimited swaps.
It’s easy to use too. You just have to make a free account, fill in your profile (including plenty of photos and detailed descriptions of your home), verify your identity, and pay the fee.
Once you do that, you’re ready to start looking for exchange opportunities.
You can find home exchange opportunities by simply browsing the website (there’s a handy map function so you can see where opportunities are) or narrowing your search by using the website’s filters. You can filter by the number of bedrooms, if it’s pet friendly, accessibility, and amenities (like swimming pools).
When you find a home you’re interested in, all you need to do is reach out via HomeExchange’s secure messaging system, express your interest, and get the conversation rolling.
There are two types of exchanges: what HomeExchange calls “The Classic Exchange” and an “Exchange with GuestPoints”.
Classic Exchange
The Classic Exchange is probably what you think of when you think of a home exchange: you stay in someone’s home, and in exchange, they stay in yours. This can be at the same time or at different times, but the main point is that it’s reciprocal.
But what if you want to stay in someone’s home and they’re not interested in coming to yours? That’s where GuestPoints (GP) come in.
What are GuestPoints?
GuestPoints (GP) are HomeExchange’s point system. You’ll get 500 when you sign up and you earn more by hosting members at your home.
If you want to stay somewhere that doesn’t want to do a classic exchange, you can give them GP to stay in their home. They can then use those points to stay in someone else’s home.
The number of points required varies per stay, but it’s generally between 100-320 GP per night. That means with your bonus welcome points you’ll be able to give the platform a try right away!
Is HomeExchange Safe?
Staying in a stranger’s house can feel odd. I get it. But using HomeExchange is very safe. Much like sites like Airbnb, users have to verify their identity and submit proof of address and create a profile, so you can see photos of where you are staying before you go.
Additionally, you have to pay a $500 USD deposit when you book a home. That means that if you accidentally break something in the home you are renting, the homeowner can use that deposit to recover the cost. HomeExchange also includes damage coverage up to $1,000,000 USD, which means you really don’t need to worry about damage to your house.
Additionally, HomeExchange has a Compliance Guarantee that states that if the accommodation does not meet the initial home description, they will offer an alternative solution.
On top of that, if your swap cancels last minute, HomeExchange will provide compensation of up to $840 USD/week if you cannot find a replacement.
But perhaps most importantly, every guest on HomeExchange is also a host. That imbues the system with mutual respect and trust. Members treat homes how they want their own home to be treated, which ensures that the community stays respectful and considerate.
So, in short, it’s a safe platform that you can use with confidence. They also have 24/7 support in case you have questions or run into a problem or emergency.
What I Liked About HomeExchange
For me, the main draw for using HomeExchange is that it lets you live like a local. It’s like a mix between Airbnb and Couchsurfing. Homeowners can share their favorite things to see and do, give you personalized suggestions on where to eat, and so much more. You’re able to get all kinds of insider tips and advice that you wouldn’t otherwise, and I think that is vital for getting off the beaten path and deepening your travels.
Another great perk is their private Facebook group. It’s another awesome way to connect with fellow travelers and get travel tips and advice that you won’t find elsewhere. I’m a big fan of travel Facebook groups as you can really get a ton of great tips and info from them.
Also, if you don’t find a swap in your first year, HomeExchange waives the fee for the second year. That’s a nice bonus and something that I think new members who don’t travel a ton will really appreciate.
Plus, I also love that homes are available in 155 different countries and there are over 200,000 members so you do get a lot of options. There’s 24/7 customer support and they will help you out financially if your swap cancels so you aren’t left in the lurch and stuck in a new city!
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Exchange
Can I do a home exchange if I rent (not own) my place?
Yes! You just need to verify the guest policy in your rental agreement/lease. When in doubt, let your landlord know so there aren’t any surprises.
Can I do a home exchange if I have pets?
Yes! Just be sure to list your pets and their needs in your profile. If you have pets that will be staying at home, be sure to detail their needs and communicate clearly with the member who may be staying there. If you live with pets but they are traveling with you, you’ll still want to list their presence in case of allergies. If you want to travel somewhere and stay in another member’s home with your pet, again you need to be clear about this when arranging a potential exchange.
Can I host people in my spare room as an exchange?
Yes. Just be sure to indicate that this is the situation in your listing by selecting “private room” rather than “whole unit.” Also, communicate clearly when arranging the exchange so everyone knows what they’re signing up for!
Is there a minimum number of nights required for an exchange?
There is no site-wide minimum number of nights, though you will find that many hosts do set their own minimums (generally 3-7 days). If you’re traveling for an exchange though, you’ll likely find you’ll want to stay at least that long!
HomeExchange is a great platform for people who want the perks and comforts of a private home in a local neighborhood but on a budget. Additionally, this is a great way to connect with a family. I think sharing a home creates a sense of intimacy and you might make some friends out of it. It’s like adult Couchsurfing and I made a lot of friends when I used that.
It’s a cool platform that can help you have more unique, affordable travels while also connecting you to interesting locals who can share their tips and insider advice.
Click here to learn more and sign up today!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Hozier Plays the Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” on Saturday Night Live: Watch
Hozier returned to Saturday Night Live for the NBC program’s final pre-Christmas episode of 2024. He first played “Too Sweet,” which former President Barack Obama recently named one of his favorite songs of the year. The Irish musician then did the Pogues’ holiday classic “Fairytale of New York.” Watch Hozier’s SNL performances below.
Hozier made his Saturday Night Live debut in 2014, playing his breakout hit “Take Me to Church” and “Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene.” He rediscovered his commercial touch with “Too Sweet,” a track that he released, in March, on his Unheard EP. The single topped the Billboard Hot 100 in April, and Hozier recently included it on Unreal Unearth: Unending, the deluxe expansion of his third studio album, Unreal Unearth.
Read Pitchfork’s Sunday Review of the Pogues’ Rum Sodomy & the Lash.
New KING DIAMOND Is Coming Next Week
New King Diamond is slowly but surely happening. It all began in 2019 with the single “Masquerade Of Madness” and the promise of a new record called The Institute. While The Institute hasn’t surfaced just yet, King Diamond recently hit the road and played two new songs called “Spider Lilly” and “Electro Therapy” live. So y’know, we all got some renewed hope that The Institute was coming eventually.
King Diamond has now revealed that a studio version of “Spider Lilly” is coming on December 17 alongside a music video. No word on if The Institute will also be formally announced that day either, but hey – new King Diamond single in 2024. We’ll take it.
King Diamond is also hitting the road across Europe this spring and summer for a handful of festival dates and some venue shows with Paradise Lost, Angel Witch, and Unto Others. Get all the dates below (with their corresponding openers). Tickets are available here.
6/4 Sölvesborg, Sweden Sweden Rock Festival
6/6 Gdansk, Poland Mystic Festival
6/7 Berlin, Germany Columbiahalle (w/ Paradise Lost & Angel Witch)
6/8 Plzen, Czech Republic Metalfest Plzen
6/10 Wiesbaden, Germany Schlachthof (w/ Paradise Lost & Angel Witch)
6/11 Tilburg, Netherlands 013 (w/ Paradise Lost & Angel Witch)
6/13 Oberhausen, Germany Turbinenhalle (w/ Paradise Lost & Angel Witch)
6/14 Ludwigsburg, Germany Mhp Arena (w/ Paradise Lost & Angel Witch)
6/16 Milan, Italy Alcatraz (w/ Paradise Lost)
6/17 Zurich, Switzerland Komplex 457 (w/ Paradise Lost)
6/20 Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhell
6/22 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting
6/26 Cartagena, Spain Rock Imperium Festival
6/30 Manchester, England Manchester Academy (w/ Paradise Lost & Unto Others)
7/1 London, England The Roundhouse (w/ Paradise Lost & Unto Others)
7/3 Ballenstedt, Germany Rockharz Festival
7/5 Dunaujvaros, Hungary Rockmaraton
7/8 Bucharest, Romania Arenale Romane (w/ Unto Others)
7/9 Sofia, Bulgaria Arena Sofia (w/ Unto Others)
7/10 Athens, Greece Rockwave Festival
7/31 Bergen, Norway Beyond The Gates Festival
8/8 Helsinki, Finland Hellsinki Metal Fest
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Luxe Getaways for Less with Expedia’s Black Friday Sale • The Blonde Abroad
The most luxurious family-friendly stay at Four Seasons Boston @fsboston 🏢
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If you’ve been following along, you know we recently took a trip through New England for leaf-peeing and sightseeing amidst the crisp, Autumn foliage.
We concluded our 10-day roadtrip at the amazing Four Seasons property in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts.
Four Seasons is known for their luxury and incredible service, but they really kick things up a notch for families here:
🧸 The Mystery Toy Closet: As part of the VIK experience (aka Very Important Kid Experience), guests are given a large golden key that grants access to an AMAZING toy closet behind the front desk. Filled with trinkets like rubber ducks, slinkys, coloring books, and–Ollie’s favorite–wiggly frogs, this was SUCH an amazing and one-of-a-kind treat to experience.
🍭 The Vault: One of the newer features to the Four Seasons Boston: a small room on each guest floor filled with complimentary snacks, candy, and beverages to grab-and-go!
🛎️ Amenities: Once again, Four Seasons has outdone itself with its amazing service. This city retreat offers a complimentary coffee bar for guests (and hot chocolate for the little ones), 24-hour gym, a pool with a fantastic view, a world-class spa, and even a morning run club to get your Boston marathon fix in!
🦞 The Food: Whether it’s in-room dining you’re after, quaint tea service in-between sight-seeing, or you want to experience New England’s famous seafood, Four Seasons treats your tastebuds with exquisite table-side service at their restaurant, Coterie.
This was truly such a luxurious end to our trip, I wish we could have extended it just so we could enjoy more time at this fantastic property.
A huge thank you to @fsboston for hosting us on our dream trip to New England and concluding our stay with memories that will last a LIFETIME!
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#fourseasons #boston #familytravel #newengland
Bob Dylan on New Movie A Complete Unknown: “What a Title!”
Bob Dylan has been an active X user lately, and he’s shared a new message about the soon-to-be-released new movie about him, A Complete Unknown. “There’s a movie about me opening soon called A Complete Unknown (what a title!),” the 83-year-old singer-songwriter began his post. “Timothee Chalamet is starring in the lead role. Timmy’s a brilliant actor so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me. The film’s taken from Elijah Wald’s Dylan Goes Electric – a book that came out in 2015. It’s a fantastic retelling of events from the early ‘60s that led up to the fiasco at Newport. After you’ve seen the movie read the book.”
Dylan was involved in the making of A Complete Unknown, but has not said much publicly about the film until today. The movie gets released widely on December 25.
Metal Injection Holiday Rager 2024
Photos by Anthony Gonzalez taken on November 23, 2024 at Harvard & Stone in Los Angeles, CA
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World Nomads Annual Travel Insurance Review
If you’re a frequent traveler, you know that planning multiple trips throughout the year can be a logistical challenge. There are lots of moving parts to organize, from flights to accommodation to activities. And it gets even more challenging if you’re traveling with friends or family.
In fact, there’s so much to keep track of that most people neglect one of the most important things you can take on any trip: travel insurance.
A lot of travelers avoid even thinking about travel insurance. Comparing prices and plans seems like a hassle (and an unnecessary expense to boot). After all, you probably won’t need it, and then you’ve just paid for nothing.
But you haven’t paid for “nothing.” You’ve paid for assurance that you have a plan in place should the unexpected or unfortunate happen while you’re abroad. And if something does happen, you will be very glad that you have coverage. Accidents and mishaps that happen on the road can add up quickly, leaving you hundreds (if not thousands) out of pocket.
After over 15 years of traveling the world, travel insurance is the one thing I never leave home without. It’s that important!
And while finding and comparing plans used to be time-consuming (I’ve read a lot of fine print over the years), it’s never been easier to learn about new plans. Gone are the days of having to buy a new plan for each and every trip too, thanks to the growing number of annual multi trip plans.
World Nomads, a company I’ve been recommending for over a decade, has just launched its own Annual Travel Protection Plan for US residents. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if it’s the best plan for your next journey:
What is World Nomads?
World Nomads is a travel insurance* company that started out geared towards backpackers and adventure travelers, with an extensive list of more than 250 adventure sports and activities covered. It’s the one I used on my first big trip around the world (and have used it dozens of times since).
They’ve been around for over twenty years and provide coverage for people from more than a hundred countries. Through World Nomads, you can get international and domestic coverage when traveling at least 100 miles from home for:
- Emergency medical and dental work
- Sudden illness and injury
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- 24-hour emergency medical assistance
- Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
- Cancellations and interruptions
- Trip and baggage delay
- Over 250 types of adventure activities
- And more!
Overall, World Nomads is a solid travel insurance company for travelers who want bundled coverage. While there are cheaper plans out there, World Nomads offers multiple plans to choose from and varying levels of coverage (especially when it comes to cancellations and adventure activities).
If you’re going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities and want a variety of covered activities available, World Nomads is the company I recommend.
That said, since I’ve already covered World Nomads in depth in this review, today I’m going to focus on their new Annual Plan. It’s something that many travelers have asked me about, both in my inbox and on our travel insurance webinars. I’m glad to see they’ve created an Annual Plan to fill this need.
What is the World Nomads Annual Travel Protection Plan?
Previously, World Nomads only offered single-trip protection plans. You bought a plan for a predefined period and destination, and that was it.
But what if you travel a lot throughout the year? It’s a hassle to have to buy a new plan every time. Those single-trip plans add up too.
With World Nomads annual plans, however, you pay once and get travel protection for multiple countries, and for an unlimited number of trips up to 45-days long through the entire year. This not only simplifies your planning but could save you money in the long run.
There are four caveats though.
First, each trip under the annual plan is capped at 45 days. Most travelers don’t travel abroad for that long, though, so I don’t really consider that a negative.
Second, annual plans do not auto-renew, so you’ll need to purchase a new plan each year. That said, World Nomads sends a reminder a month before your current plan expires, so this isn’t really a big deal either.
Third, the US Annual Plan is only available to be purchased independently per traveler. The plan is not available for family or couple purchases like the single trip plans; however, you can purchase individual Annual Plans for each member of your family under the age of 69.
Fourth, and most important, the Annual Plan is currently only available to US residents (except residents of Missouri, Montana, New York or Washington). World Nomads also offers a similar Annual Multi Trip plans for UK and Ireland residents, but coverages vary compared to the US plan. Hopefully, if it’s successful, they will expand it to more countries in the future.
What does World Nomads’ Annual Travel Protection Plan cover?
The coverage under a World Nomads Annual Plan is similar to that of its single-trip plans. As a plan holder, you’ll get coverage for more than 250 adventure activities, trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, and some for lost and stolen gear.
Here’s exactly what’s covered found on the World Nomads website:
The plans also cover incidents that occur while you’re participating in any of 250+ adventure activities in the following categories:
Most activities are included in the Annual Plan. More extensive activities could be covered on the single trip Explorer and Epic Plans. To give you an example, zip-lining and snorkeling are covered by Standard and Annual plans, while heli-skiing is covered by the Explorer plan and free soloing is only covered by the Epic Plan.
Here are all the water-related activities that World Nomads covers:
Of course, there are also things World Nomads does not cover. These include (but aren’t limited to):
- Engaging in any illegal activities
- Incidents that occur when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Non-emergency medical treatment that can wait until you return home
In short, World Nomads offers travel insurance, not health insurance. It’s there for when the unexpected happens, not for ongoing treatment or checkups.
Additional Perks for all USA Travel Protection Plans
In addition to rolling out the new annual plan, World Nomads is expanding the non-insurance services included within all USA travel protection plans.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance supports you in emergency situations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The support team can get you to the nearest hospital or consulate, offer translation services and provide guidance in emergency situations.
- FootPrint ID allows to you to keep track of your medical records and emergency contacts in one place. This is helpful in emergency situations when healthcare providers need quick answers regarding your medical history, prescriptions and contacts.
- Blue Ribbon Bags offers delayed and lost luggage retrieval services. They can track and expedite the return of delayed airline baggage for outbound flights and are available to assist 24/7.
- Runway Health provides free pre-trip online health consultations so travelers can get access to prescriptions and vaccinations for common travel needs like altitude sickness and malaria before taking off for their trip.
Pros of World Nomads’ Annual Travel Protection Plan
- Covers you for an unlimited number of trips within a year
- Cost-effective and convenient (you don’t have to buy a new plan for each trip)
- Coverage for over 250 activities
- Coverage for domestic and international travel
- Access to 24/7 Emergency Assistance, FootPrint ID, Runway Health and Blue Ribbon Bags
- Online claims processing
Cons of Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
- Per trip duration limit of 45 days
- Higher up-front cost than purchasing plans individually
- Only available for individual purchase, no family or couple plans
- Only available for USA, UK & Irish residents at this time
Comparing Annual and Single-Trip Plans
The cost-effectiveness of annual versus single-trip insurance depends on your habits. If you take multiple trips each year, both domestically and internationally, 12-month travel insurance could save you money.
Let’s say that within a year, you plan to travel to Thailand for three weeks, Paris for a long weekend, Mexico for one month, the Bahamas for 10 days, Iceland for a long weekend, and then Spain for a week. If you got annual travel insurance, the quote for a 40-year-old person from the US would be $506 USD. Not bad at all for an entire year’s worth of coverage (that’s just over $42 USD per month)!
If you were to get separate policies for each trip, it would total around $635 USD. Not to mention the added convenience of only having to buy the plan once and get coverage for the entire year. Plus, you’d still be able to go on more trips (or extend your trips) with the annual plan without spending more money!
While prices vary depending on factors such as where you’re going, the length of the trip, and your planned activities, most of the time, it’s a no-brainer to get the annual plan. It’s just so easy and hassle-free.
Both annual and single-trip plans offer the same benefits too. That includes trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, and personal baggage coverage.
Remember, limits and exclusions may vary. No matter what plan you get, it’s essential to review the plan details carefully.
Who is World Nomads Annual Plan for?
World Nomads annual plan is best for frequent travelers who take several trips throughout the year. You can sign up for a plan once a year, and then go about your travels without thinking about it again. Simply purchase a new plan when the time comes (you’ll get an email reminder).
Personally, I think a lot of travelers who do lots of short weekend trips will find this plan super helpful, as you won’t have to purchase a plan every single time you want to get away. The saved time and money alone make the annual plan worth it, in my opinion.
That said, annual plan is not ideal for full-time digital nomads, since each trip is capped at 45 days. Additionally, World Nomads only covers unexpected emergencies, so if you’re a digital nomad looking for ongoing health insurance (i.e., for non-emergencies), you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Having used World Nomads for over 15 years, I think these new additions are a game changer. While they are only available in the US, UK and Ireland currently, I’m super excited to see what direction the company is moving in. Baggage retrieval service, pre-trip online health consultations — these are awesome perks that I know every traveler is going to appreciate.
Don’t let the hassle of arranging travel insurance for each trip hold you back from exploring the world. Get a quote for World Nomads’ Annual travel insurance plan today and enjoy coverage all year round. Safe travels!
*Travel insurance is included as part of the World Nomads travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. U.S. travel protection plan are serviced by their partner Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, who administers both customer service and claims for U.S. customers.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Lil Durk Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Murder-for-Hire Charges
Lil Durk has pleaded not guilty to federal criminal charges related to an alleged murder-for-hire plot, Rolling Stone reports. He is tentatively due to stand trial, in California, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Durk, who is in federal custody, in Los Angeles, has also delayed the release of his new album, Deep Thoughts, which had been due to arrive this autumn.
Durk was arrested last month and charged with conspiracy to use interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death. He’s also facing two additional weapons-related charges.
Prosecutors allege that Lil Durk and five other men allegedly associated with the rapper’s Only the Family (OTF) collective sought to kill the rapper Quando Rondo as revenge for the murder of King Von. Durk, according to the federal government’s indictment, was the mastermind of the murder-for-hire plot and made clear that he would pay a bounty to have Quando Rondo killed. An attempt to shoot Quando Rondo resulted in the death of the Georgia rapper’s cousin Saviay’a Tilal “Lul Pab” Robinson, prosecutors say.