Howdy. Just got back from a heavy metal festival in Belgium called Graspop. That's where I've been the past few days. It was really great and very hot too. That was a lot different than the mudpit and wet feet from last year. Got a great tan now. It was a great weekend. The Metalscene is something really interesting. Everybody seemed so relaxed and unprejudiced. As if everyone is equal and that actually felt really great.

Sounds great MacGyverGod. Any bands of note?

Blue Oyster Cult. But they were not so great. They did play Don't Fear The Reaper at the end. Maybe it's because, that was like the only song I know. That's how it usually goes with these bands. They mostly have this one song that is really popular and that sticks. Even in metal or another hardcore genre there is something that makes it into the mainstream.

Europe came and they played the Final Countdown but also that was like the only song I knew.

Rammstein was the final band on the first day. A lot of pyrotechnics, unfortunately they didn't play their Rammstein song.

I don't know if you have ever heard of Epica. They're a metal band from Holland. I'm actually quite surprised how much of metal comes from Europe mostly the UK but also Holland, Denmark, Germany and Scandanivia. Fortunately can't remember if I liked Epica. But there is something about metal bands I really like when they have leading lady. Epica, Nightwish, (currently the only band I actually really like besides Iron Maiden. Their song Storytime is my favorite. The one sung by their current vocalist Floor Janssen. Floor can really sing everything, she can sing with a high opera voice or go real deep.) Evanescence and Within Temptation are the ones I know that have leading ladies.

Deep Purple but also can't remember if I liked it. There were some that I didn't really like.

Ugly Kid Joe was better. He was a little harder.

Evanescence was not hard enough for me.

Rob Zombie was there too. He was good and harder too. He reminded me of The Undertaker from WWE.

And also The Scorpions were there.

The festival ended with Sabaton. A Swedish band who sing solely about war.

In the end it was a great weekend. But I think I mostly went for the relaxed atmosphere and you see all kinds of people.

Wow! Some huge names. Never heard of Epica nor Nightwish but will check em out.

Very very cool!

Iron Maiden came this way in November but i didn't have money to see them. Second time they have been here actually.

Iron Maiden ended it last year but I had to miss that one out unfortunately. Than I found out they came back in March this year but I never got around it to actually go. Their second concert in Belgium in less than a year. Well, it's maybe a good thing that they're British, so the chances are big they might come back. After all I have seen Nightwish three times in one year.

Well, this was the song I was talking about.


She has such a great voice and at 03:40 she goes in the opera mode and at about 05:04 she really opens her voice. She also sings very clear and her headbanging is insane. If Xena was a heavy metal singer she should would be Floor Janssen.

Wow!

It sounds great.

Nice to see more women are taking the stand, so to speak. At least in this genre.

Metal is still relatively new, though most singers are like in in their 70's now. The genre came up in the 1970's but hit a low point by the late 70's. Than mostly thanks through Iron Maiden it really boomed in the 80's and found it's permanent footing and scene. I don't know when exactly women started to sing metal by as with Nightwish their first vocalist more or less formed the group with the keyboard guy. They started in 1996.

And remember Wendy O. Williams? Big Mama from Harry's Will also used to sing heavy metal before her appearance on MacGyver. She retired from singing shortly after and live a very rough life with several run-ins with the authorities, yet she was deeply devoted to the welfare of animals, was a vegetarian, wildlife rehabilitator and a natural food activist.

The 70's are no longer new.

They have almost reached their 50 year age. But many bands have influenced the turn of Metal. Judas Priest and Black Sabbath are considered pioneers from as early as the 1960's.

Metallica are probably one of the popular ones of the 80's. Iron Maiden are certainly one to add to the list too.

Strangely i do not recall Wendy.

So another weekend and we have been in a bit of luck with this probably being the warmest winter ever. (Touch wood!).

So I will be taking my kid out for some fun at a bird sanctuary we know. Its huge and there's lots to do there for kids too.

I'm going to my sister's house this weekend. She's currently home alone, so she invited me over with promise of burgers, chocolate lava cake and booze. I mean... can't pass that up, now can I? XD

That sounds so good Jedi!! I'm off for a week at scout camp with my youngest. Hope the weather treats us well!

Of course not ;-)

Work has been insane lately. So i hope to have a bit of a relaxing weekend if that's even at all possible.

Well scout camp was a great time!! Many great experiences with my sons and introducing a new generation to the joys of creativity, duct tape, paper clips and SAKs! I actually put paper clip and my stash of tape to use. I said a private thanks to Mac and the young man I gave them to got a real kick out of it

Thats great Barry & welcome back!

Thanks Denizen!!

We are headed to a nature reserve tomorrow and it looks like quite a tranquil place. Spend the day exploring then off to a nice lunch!

That sounds like a good time Denizen! I'm working this weekend but am planning to go in a hike on the Appalachian trail with my boys next weekend.

Awesome, Barry!

Oh wow! Sounds like you guys are gonna have fun!

There's an event on August 19th at Bernheim Forest called Connect at Bernheim that I'm trying to get a group together to go check out... I hate doing stuff by myself... =P

But here's a blurb from the website on what it's about!

Bernheim’s Lake Nevin is the intersection of art, science and nature each August during CONNECT at Bernheim. Lake Nevin comes alive with spontaneous art, drum circles, light sculptures and musical performances from renowned artists along with hands-on art and science activities. Food trucks, beer and wine vendors and the mud play zone attract visitors of all ages.

Sounds like a fun time too!!

That sounds like a great time Jedi!!

Sounds like fun!

It needs some "self-convincing" sometimes, but... I've been single for quite a while, my family doesn't live right here, and friends are often busy on the weekends... so I just started doing things of my own.

I went to concerts or other events, to the movies or even started travelling all on my own. It's better than missing out and sitting at home, wishing you would have gone.

Way to go Dash! I was single for a long time, and I did the same thing.

Thanks guys. It was fun!

@Dash - Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I live by myself, and I don't really know anyone besides my sister in this town. My friends and family are scattered, and I haven't really made any local friends yet... working on it. lol That's what I'm hoping to do with going to Bernheim. There are a few folks I know, but we're mostly just acquaintances.

I do prefer to do things with others because, despite being an introvert, I'm neither a loner or antisocial. I just don't like large groups, and prefer one or two close friends to be with. Quality over quantity, I always say... lol

I'm... sorta single... lol I have a lot of guy friends, but one in particular that I've known forever actually takes the time to come visit me.... which is an 8hr drive for him. Because of circumstances, we've never made anything official.... and I'm not sure if it ever will be. It's a very Mac/Mike type of relationship... and we all know how that one ended. I'm not going anywhere near a mountain... just sayin'... lol

@denizen - Glad to hear you had fun! Get any good pictures???

I'm off for an overnight hike on the Appalachian trail with my son. Hope we don't run into any snakes!!

@Jedi. Next time you are in the area give me a yell and we can grab a coffee. I'm always on the lookout for fellow addicts and Mac fans!

Well, you should be safe being near a mountain... as long as you don't start climbing on it

Not these mountains Dash...the last time my son hiked in that area he encountered a rattle snake! I'm not afraid of much, but I would positively levitate if I see one 😨

Its been a crazy busy week at work which promises even more insanity next week so im hoping to get some rest this weekend.