Touched Music

Making music more easily

Setting up and disassembling gear for gigs at bars, clubs and other venues is a much-dreaded ritual for all professional musicians. Any drummer’s dream, of course, is to play at a venue that has the equipment he or she already schleps, set up to his or her specification. But dreams rarely come true. The next best thing for any professional musician or group is to have a drum riser that is easy to transport and setup for those venues that lack risers, which are a drummer’s best friend because they allow him to easily hit all drums, allow sound to more easily travel beyond the stage, and give him some much-needed attention since he sits in the back.

Affordable drum risers that fit the bill are available online and are a must-have for any band that values its time. Being able to set up and breakdown quickly means less time on-site and more money for your time. While not every band can make it big, almost all can make it worthwhile by making the dreaded rituals a little easier with stage equipment designed for ease of use and transportation.

Tags: drum riser

Longboat Key’s Barrier Island

Do you know what a “barrier island” is?  Let me try to paint you a colorful picture of one.  Sarasota is home to one of the most popular barrier island, Longboat Key.  On one side of the Bay you see nothing but beautify city lights while looking to the other side you see crystal clear waters and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.  Longboat Key is connected to Sarasota at both ends by bridges allowing access to all the city amenities and attractions day or night.  You will find the charm of the island scenery and shopping a most delightful and unique experience.

Longboat Key real estate has many beautiful neighborhoods with a huge selection of oceanfront homes and condominiums. The construction on the island has maintained carefully spaced Residents that allow privacy for all. With only one main road being the Gulf of Mexico Drive, you are sure not to miss any of the splendors and beauty of the island. There are parks, golf courses, as well as undeveloped spaces along the island coast to help preserve Longboat Key’s island splendor.  This also serves as a way to maintain the population and not have over crowding as so many small islands or “Barrier Islands” will have.

With tropical breezes and sunshine year round, one could find themselves in a lifestyle of pure pleasure every day.  Homes ranging from old Florida cottages to picturesque estates, from scenic rivers to bay waters you will soon see how the waterfront living can become a dream for the normal and a reality for you.

Natural Energy Boosters

Today’s world seems to live on coffee and energy drinks to stay alive. However, all that caffeine and sugar is terrible for your health. Here are some nice, easy, healthy natural energy boosters to keep yourself energized throughout the day:

• Potatoes, beans, carrots and fruits all contain energy-producing qualities. These foods are high in vitamins and fiber, adding even more healthiness. Many fruits, such as bananas, contain just as much sugar as table sugar. However, you are not susceptible to the inevitable “sugar crash” that comes from energy drinks.
• Water. Hydration is the key to energy. If you are dehydrated, your energy will drop dramatically.
• Exercise. Working up a sweat releases endorphins that combat fatigue and keep you running throughout your day.
• Sleep. Chronic fatigue is a big symptom of not getting enough sleep. Your body needs to recharge after a long day, so make sure that you are getting enough sleep to allow it to do so.
• Eat breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day for a reason. It sets the tone for your body and gives you the energy levels to draw off of when you start picking up the pace.

There are no big secrets to any of these natural energy boosters. They simply focus on the body’s energy reserves and help give you the balance you need without the crash at the end.

Legal Separation Papers

When considering a legal separation, there are a few steps you should take before filing your legal separation papers and moving out: 

1. Take your name off the lease. If your landlord is unaware of your separation and your spouse falls behind on rent or mortgage payments, you will be held liable for that money. Remove your name and keep away from that responsibility.
2. For the same reasons as above, take your name off the utilities bills as well: gas, electric, water, phone, cable, etc.
3. Have your mail forwarded to either a post office box or the mailbox of a close friend or relative.
4. Make note of all account information. This can include pensions, insurance policies, credit cards, bank accounts, mortgages, and anything else.
5. Make copies of all your past tax records. Back taxes are still owed even if you are separated.
6. Freeze any credit accounts the two of you have joint ownership of. Your spouse could go on a spending spree and leave you with the debt. Avoid that altogether.
7. List any items in your joint safety deposit box(es) and remove personal items.
8. Pack up everything that you need now or may need later. Anything that is important to you could be removed by the time you return there. Take it with you if you ever want to see it again.

Just like any other legal situation, it is crucial to do your due diligence before filing legal separation papers. It is only necessary to protect yourself.