July 24, 2010

Hunk Junior - Candidly Matt Bomer

The past few days there's been a phenomenon somewhere on the west coast usa called Comic-con.  Never heard of it before this year, but evidently it's an annual event that draws major stars & their entertainment vehicles.  Following is a photo of my RA junior crush - White Collar's Matt Bomer.  Believe it or not, this is Matt in character....
while this is Matt clowning around at Comic-con (with the fantastic writer of White Collar, Jeff Eastin). Obviously the star doesn't even try to maintain the glamour - even when he's aware many fans and media types will be present - Matt's wearing a kooky hat, haha and his glasses.  That's why he's another hot guy - RA & Matt's contained egos emanate sizzling sex appeal & charm.  *thud,thud*
Eastin often tweets & posts many photos - he wrote this comment under the above pic...
>my favorite pic from #SDCC Comic Con panel. I said, "I can write charming, but you're the reason it is charming." Matt hugged me.<

Another pic of Matt w/a cast member during a shooting break...

His character Neal's NY apartment follows...it's charmingly vintage but Neal didn't furnish it himself...an older widowed woman offered it to him for very reasonable rent.  His character also wears her deceased hubby's classic designer wardrobe.  That sounds morbid but au contraire (never know I'd only 2yrs of French classes, would you;) it truly is a heart-warming tangent to the story. Nothing May/Dec about their relationship--it's pure friendship.  He reminds her of her husband.
http://www.usanetwork.com/series/whitecollar/games/nealsapartment/

Richard Armitage as Con Artist John Mulligan + Clever Profiler

First, the photo promised to Sue.  Not sure if he's safe in her hands - she sounded as though her intentions were not exactly pure as the driven snow;)  We'll take the chance....ahhh, Sir Guy is sleeping so soundly...tempted to place a peck on that manly stubble?....watch out!!

Next is the link to a clever profiler which will inform you which famous con artist you might be...
http://www.usanetwork.com/series/whitecollar/games/profiler3/

After answering the survey with RA in mind, was amused to find the following comments as to the con-artist he most likely could be....(one answer choice was "prefer to perform in front of a crowd of people"  another was "tend to be a perfectionist in your work")  Keeping in mind it was only my imagination choosing his answers to the survey - the result read:  >You have a sharp mind and a silver tongue, but you aren't so enamored by your own charisma that you lose focus of your goals.  Con artist: Charles Ponzi who masterminded one of the original financial swindles and whose name is the basis for the term 'Ponzi Scheme'.<
Wasn't John Mulligan Richard's most con-artist-like character...

July 22, 2010

In the Dark with Sir Guy Poll + Not so Final #s in 'The Hunkiest' Contest

July 24:  Did not intend to lower expectations for anyone who has not already voted for RA as the 'hunkiest.'  According to that website's latest tweet it would appear the contest is not closed.  Evidently voting continues - RA's current vote total is 431.

Is it the Final result? Not certain, but as of last evening the Top 10 Hunkies were:  #1 Richard Armitage - 413 votes
Alex O’Loughlin - 310 votes; Robert Pattinson - 143 votes
Johnny Depp - 72 votes; Richard Dean Anderson - 66 votes
Josh Holloway - 63 votes; Karl Urban - 61 votes
Ben Browder - 56 votes; Jake Gyllenhaal - 48 votes
Jason Dohring - 45 votes
                                                      ****
What was it about Sir Guy that inspired so many scenes of him in rooms with dim lighting? Choose the pic that lights your fire...
                                                                 1.  Dungeon    
2.  Moonlight
3.  Castle Nook

North & South Vid:Thornton Look by misshale78 + Naxos Narration Sample + Richard's Interview


Here's the link for anyone who has not heard RA's interesting interview or the sample clip at Naxos website:

http://www.naxosaudiobooks.com/0022.htm

                                                                            ****
Next is the White Collar website where the first 2 eps are available for online viewing…click on ’shows’ http://www.usanetwork.com/series/whitecollar/theshow/style/ep201/index.html
The second ep was especially yummy.  Matt Bomer's character pretended to acquire the services of a female FBI agent who was masquerading as an expensive hooker.  They were working on the case together, and he surprised her by quickly taking action to make sure she wasn't forced to pair up with an authentic 'customer.'  Their banter, while acting roles within dramatic roles, is really amusing.  She's sitting on his lap as they make plans how they can convince the evil baddie that she's really a 'lady of the evening.'  Matt says to female FBI agent "Is this doing anything for you?"...she bluntly answers "No!".  Once they're in the upstairs hotel room, he tries to persuade her to take a champagne bath together while she acts cooly professional and ignores his come-on.  Funny scenes.  Of course, she supposedly collects $10,000 from him, after the usual business exchange, to give to their target low-life criminal.  Naturally their ploy is successful and they again bag another devious lawbreaker.   Guess there's no need to watch after that lengthy description:)  ...Then again, he's always worth watching...
The description under this photo on the website reads:  "Gucci suit, Hugo Boss tie, Paul Smith shirt, vintage Georg Jensen tie clip, Ferragamo shoes & belt"..

July 21, 2010

An Armitage Stew of Photos + Recipe

Look at the cute cowlick...:)

Recipe for Armitage Stew...2 cups of dreamy blue eyes,

2 tbps kissable lips..

1 palmful sexy stubble..
Constantly stir with tender loving care, immediately serve sizzling hot...
Enjoy!  Fact the dish is lo-cal is frosting on the (beef)cake:)

Richard Armitage in Strike Back - New Vid Posted on Twitter


StrikeBack Viral from seanographic.co.uk HD on Vimeo.
                                                                
Latest Twitter Update by 'The Hunkies' website [RA's current total vote is 373)

>thehunkies Richard Armitage is still numero uno but Alex O´Loughlin is gaining ground - and there is still sometime to go before polls close for July

about 1 hour ago via Echofon<

                                                                    *****
Photo of a Game of Thrones filming location.  It's a quarry outside Belfast where 'Castle Black' is being constructed.  No doubt it was chosen because the steep cliff wall can magically (with a li'l help from modern technology) be transformed into the 700ft high wall of ice protecting Westeros from the dangerous creatures & wilderness beyond.  (perhaps the wall of ice is Geo Martin's fantasy version of Hadrian's Wall--the historical basis for his epic tale is the War of the Roses)
A video game developer's magical transformation of the 700ft wall of ice plus one of the cities in Westeros...
*****

Richard Armitage Photos & Interesting Recent Tweets - GoT Start Date is for Spring 2011


[Touchy decision made re accent for GoT...afterall, it is NI:]

Tweet:   >Voice coach for #GameOfThrones says "UK" accent(s) used; Aidan Gillen won't be using his native Irish accent<
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tweet:   >Westeros: Nice to see the BBC's NI desk taking an interest. RT @JacMac30: More Thrones news on the BBC http://bit.ly/dBWNox #GameOfThrones about 2 hours ago<

The BBC Article follows [The series is expected to generate 20Million pounds for Belfast's economy--wondering about the total amount invested by taxpayers in the project.]

>20 July 2010 -- Game of Thrones cast gets local additions

Game of Thrones is expected to be broadcast next year A fantasy epic being filmed in Northern Ireland is to star some of the brightest local acting talent.

Game of Thrones begins filming in Belfast next week, and Northern Ireland Screen has announced Conleth Hill, Ian McElhinney and Derek Halligan will join the cast.

They will join Coleraine actress Michelle Fairley, who was recently cast as the wife of Sean Bean's lead character in the series by US broadcaster HBO.

Much of the series will be shot on a huge set at Belfast's Paint Hall Studio in the Titanic Quarter.

Scenic locations such as the Mourne Mountains will be used to recreate the fantasy landscapes from the world created in George RR Martin's series of novels, A Song of Ice and Fire.

Conleth Hill is best-known for his stage roles and was most recently seen in the cinemas in Woody Allen's Whatever Works.

On his blog, author Martin wrote of him: "Hill, like Varys, is quite a chameleon, an actor who truly disappears inside the characters he portrays, more than capable not only of bringing the slimy, simpering eunuch to life."

Ian McElhinney is a fellow stalwart actor of Belfast's Lyric Theatre who was nominated for a Tony award in 2001 for directing Stones in his Pocket, written by his wife Marie Jones.

Derek Halligan first appeared on screen in 1982 Troubles drama Harry's Game and his credits include Divorcing Jack, Fifty Dead Men Walking and Hollyoaks.

The cast also includes Mark Addy, Alfie Allen, Aidan Gillen, Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey and Jerome Flynn.

The series is set in a fantasy medieval world, which has led to some niche casting calls for extras.

Amputees were being sought last month, as were hirsute men not planning to take that job at the bank any time soon; hairy recruits to the series must keep growing their hair and their facial hair until next January.

The production team now "urgently require experienced male horseriders aged 16 to 65 with swarthy skin and dark hair and, if possible, long dark hair".

The chance of appearing in the show will be even greater if they have "a mediterranean, hispanic, mixed race or latin look about them".

An open casting call takes place on Wednesday evening at Lusks Equestrian Centre in Carryduff.

The government estimates the series will generate £20m for the local economy.

Filming for the nine-part series is expected to last until the end of the year, with the show going to air next spring. <
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-10696107

July 20, 2010

Richard Armitage Silhouettes Poll

Which of the following RA silhouettes is your favorite?...

                                                                  1.  Lucas 8
2.  North and South
3.  Spooks 8
*****
Sheesh! That's medieval for the bar was just set much higher in the ongoing battle for Stannis Baratheon's affections with his meddlesome Red Priestess - Melisandre.
I read recently on one of the Game of Thrones websites that the musical group entertaining during the pilot banquet scene was Corvus Corvax.  Upon searching them on youtube believe I must've stumbled upon the Red devil,,err,, Priestess -- Whew! stiff competition...talk about toned muscles.  This is not good...well, for him it's very good  --  not for me!!...checking online asap for nearest belly-dance classes...:) hehe  The music is great.  Perfect match for the exotic aura of A Song of Ice & Fire.  Here's our morning exercise routine to get the day off to a rippling, rolling start...
  

Richard Armitage 'Perhaps' as Union Jack in New Movie Captain America???

First sleuthing foray into Captain America information resulted in interesting BUT disappointing details about the most likely role for Richard.  Say it isn't so!!  It's a crime against nature IF his first major movie role is one where he must wear a hood covering that gorgeous face for the entire film....:O...No! No! No!
Although, on second thought, perhaps the mask made such a campy role more palatable for RA:)  In addition, since the eyes wll be the primary facial feature for this particular character, the choice of RA for the role makes perfect sense.  His larger than average piercing blue eyes probably jumped from the screen at the casting powers that be.  Combined with his impressive physical attributes, the casting decision makers most likely voiced the opinion - "There's our Union Jack!!"....hehehe....can it be categorized as another John character for RA?   Introducing Captain America's fellow superhero, Union Jack...who's about to acquire the sexiest recorded voice to date:)  First, did the casting crew happen to see...compare the eyes...
Union Jack aka Lord James Montgomery Falsworth – An adventurer and agent for the British government, Union Jack served in much the same capacity as Captain America. A member of the British aristocracy, he fought the powers of the Axis alongside other members of The Invaders.

Quote from the website linked below:  >"Richard Armitage as Union Jack – Union Jack probably won’t be shown without his mask, so the talents of Richard Armitage would likely be wasted in the role. Still, I’ve got to cast someone as Britain’s top wartime operative, so why not this versatile actor who’s played an MI5 officer on the BBC series Spooks and Robin Hood’s villainous Guy of Gisborne

So there you have it – my casting selections for the 2011 Captain America movie."<

Another comment at that website:
>July 19, 2010 at 6:04 am

Apparently Richard Armitage is also starring.

Not sure in what role though …!<

http://www.onlygoodmovies.com/blog/casting-couch/cast-the-captain-america-movie/
Pic used at the website above...
Never realized how submersed in details the comic fans can be and how seriously they take these comic characters...have actually seen on youtube statements to the effect  "hope the guy chosen to play Captain America is a good enough actor"...HA! :)

Assuming the rumor mill is correct about this role for RA, did any of the following enter into it? Did his ‘boys will be boys’ instincts in any way influence the decision?…evidently the luscious results of all the dedicated workouts have paid off yet again with this role...

From website below -  Abilities:   >Union Jack is a superb athlete and excellent hand-to-hand combatant. Expert marksman, extensive knowledge of various firearms and explosives, knowledge of anti-terrorist tactics.

Strength level:   Union Jack was a good fighter and very athletic, even before being empowered by the Pendragon force. Subsequent to this mystical enhancement, he has gained superhuman strength, speed, and endurance to an unspecified level presumably enhanced human.

Paraphernalia - Equipment
Costume: Costume is made of bullet resistant materials.
Various equipment and gadgets as needed.
Transportation
Formerly used a computerized motorcycle named "Beryl".
Weapons
Dagger: Union Jack carries a silver dagger with a 6-inch blade, which he straps to his left hip.
Sidearm: Union Jack carries a Webley .455 caliber pistol in a tied-down flapped holster on his right hip. Other firearms as needed. <
http://marvel.wikia.com/Joseph_Chapman_(Earth-616
Here's Captain America(actor Chris Evans on left) in a different super hero role...is this the standard costume?:) Kinda warming up to this comic hero idea...

July 18, 2010

Richard Armitage: The Warm Toast Poll

Which set of pics butters your toast more?...

                                                                        1.  Lucas

2.  John

Strictly for Laughs:Male Readers Complain They Don't Get No Satisfaction in Westeros:)

Following complaints by & about the male sex lives in 'A Song of Ice and Fire' are downright hilarious...

>I am deeply, may I repeat, deeply distressed at the lack of a thorough going analysis and guide to sex for the Westerosi man in your earlier posts. We need to know how to be properly and appropriately guilty, conflicted and clumsy in true Westerosi style.

To help you on your way here is the Wildling Man Guide to Mating and Reproduction, hand bound, no date or author details, as found in the slightly foxed section of the citadel Library:

Step one. Spot your female. Top tips: red hair = lucky, hair all over = beware extra biting and scratching

Step two. Scope the menfolk: are they meek and weak - then all's clear! Are they strong and bold - time for a back up plan, or return to step one

Step three. Wait until dark. Feel free to drink mead while waiting. This may alievate the need for a back up plan as required in 2.2

Step four. Break in to the sleeping place of the female in question, but quiet like.

Step five. Time for a lusty kiss with the lovely lass, but quiet like. And not too lusty neither.

Step six. Run off together. Remember if you are fighting her brothers or father at the time try not to get kilt.<

A reply: >The Black Brother's guide to Wenching and Whoring

Step 0: Don't get sent to the wall.

If you're reading this it is probably too late to do this, but maybe you are here by choice and haven't taken any vows yet. Needless to say, the Wall is not a place to Wench and Whore, it is all guys! I know the recruitment packet talks about Queens regularly visiting the wall and giving out 'gifts' but these are LIES. Seriously, stay away. In fact go further away. They have a lot of group sex in Dorne.

Step 1: Finding the right girl.

Well you are here and you have taken some vows, so now it is time to partake in a time honored tradition held by all Sworn Brothers, Vow Breaking! Here are some good criteria to tell whether or not she is worth it.

The first question everyone should ask is how many people will I need to kill to pull this off. The old rule of thumb was don't kill anyone to get laid, however times are changing. The New Night's Watch Handbook: Pissing Off Stannis or Getting Fired Tryin'! states that it is ok to kill a Sworn Brother Provided he says it ok and the woman involved routinely insults your intelligence.

The second question everyone has to ask is if someone better is going to come along. If you're fat, stuck on a boat, and seasick the answer is no and you should go for it.

Step 2: Picking the right location.

This is based on personal experience, but stay out of Mole Town. If you have been there you know what I mean, if not, it's called Mole Town for christsakes, do the math.

The Sworn Brothers recommend caves and ship cabins for all your romantic interludes. Caves offer protection from the elements and occasionally a pool warm enough for a skinny dip. The great things about ship cabins is that you are likely to be stuck in a room with your lover for weeks on end. You should at least be able to manage a peek. If she's nursing a baby peeking becomes easier.

We strongly recommend that you don't get married in Bravos, unless you want your honeymoon to be a free cruise in the canals. Alone. With a knife in you.

Additional Notes:  We're being attacked by an ancient terror bent on the destruction of mankind so my final notes must be quick, but I strongly advise you to do the following.

-Kiss up to the Lord Commander. Alternatively, make your only/best friend LC. He will most likely send you on a mission away from danger with the girl of your dreams.

-Don't cry over sex. It's unattractive and means you will definitely break her heart in the future. You may even do so with arrows.

-Be classy with the dumping. Man up about your relationship. Murder isn't always the answer.

-Women love a hero who is destined to do great things. Even if this isn't you, try to convince them it is. This might mean going to the Godsforsaken North to fight an invisible enemy. If that is the case, try to pick someone who gives off above average body heat for those cold long nights.

-If you don't want to kill your lover, find one on OUR side of the damn Wall. See that big block of ice? It hinders relationships. A lot.

-If you are nine and crippled the following make great traveling companions, a girl you like, her know it all brother, a man who can only say his own name, and a creepy old guy who may or may not be dead. Take charge of your life. Be the only remotely eligible man around. Convincing her you're on a quest to save the world also works well here.

Testimonials -  "I was told being a foretold savior of prophecy would be a great way to meet women. Boy was I wrong. This book has changed my life, I wish I had read it years ago." -Stannis Baratheon

"This book is classic Westeros Literature. An absolute must have it. I would strongly encourage anyone who one day dreams of becoming Lord Commander to read this book." -Jon Snow

"This book has completely changed my life. I'm afraid of it." Samwell Tarly

"I have to say, since reading this book I've done my best to make some changes. I had to fake my death, but after doing so and taking this advice things seem to be working out." Bran Stark

"Hordor" -Hordor   (anyone reading the books gets this one:)
http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/44558-the-complete-westerosi-man-guide-to-sex/?s=4376b875054c12e23d667ffe3d69ddfe

Vote for Richard at 'The Hunkies' Website:)

The Hunkies UPDATE:  >Quick Update 1 Richard Amitage, 2 Robert Pattinson, 3 Johnny Depp, 4 Karl Urban, 5 Josh Holloway< 
[RA knocked Depp off his perch,,,ooh,,,someone won't be happy;) she even mis-spelled his name in the latest update:)...closing my mouth right now...zip!]
                                                               ******
How could a website named 'The Hunkies' not be a fine place to exercise our God-given right to vote for Richard as the hunkiest?  Get ye there asap  http://www.thehunkies.com/richard-armitage/

Apparently someone in the RA universe stumbled upon the contest.  RA had a total of 18 after my vote. (: RA's total currently at 22; now 27; woohoo..it's 41; 44; quite a jump overnite-Total: 157; now 190; 254; 296; now 333)   His description mentioned a combination of 'propriety, passion & danger' accompanied by a GoG pic..
Nice but not one of the more luscious pics such as those that follow. .

There must be 100 nominees listed for that poll.  Perhaps they need to be more discriminating about who they actually consider hot, hot, hot:)  For instance, both Harrison Ford & the British actor who plays Dr House(oh yes - Hugh Laurie)are listed.  Huh?  Not that there's anything wrong with it, BUT Ford is today an 'old' man and I've no idea how old Laurie is,  however,  he looks at least the same age as Harrison. Can either really today be called a hunk? not in my estimation.  Another actor that's mentioned is Johnny Depp - do not understand why anyone finds him sexy.  Can this...
in any way compare favorably to the next photo?...definitely Not.   Now, here's a doctor that makes Depp look like a boy - sublimely droolworthy ...
By SiouxsieSioux100...
                             
Found Mark Twain to follow on Twitter after judith posted that the analyzer identified his as her writing style.  Twain's hilarious 19thC incites are quoted each day.  Found as well Stephen King...only, it's not exactly the famous writer....know you'll understand ladies why I've chosen instead to follow this Stephen King...



Journey Into the Mind of an Ambitious, Prolific Writer + Malta Filming Locations

As usual, first a few pics for inspiration.  Then, a  description of a conversation with Geo RR Martin, author of the 'Song of Ice and Fire' series of novels.  Four books are already published, #5 currently has over 1200 pages in draft form, and Mr Martin plans to write 2 final volumes of the saga. Here he describes how he keeps track of minutiae during the writing process of such an epic tale...

>April 16, 2010:   C2E2 Q&A -  Submitted By: maxlongstreet

One thing I found interesting that she didn't mention was GRRM's response to a question about how he keeps all the details straight as he writes more books.

GRRM responded that this was one of the things that was making Dance take so long, namely having to go back and check a bunch of details. He said that without search functions in documents he would have gone mad.

He gave a very funny rant about eye color - about how in the real world, we rarely notice anyone's eye color unless we're very close to them, but in books, everyone has their eye color described. Having to go back and check the eye color he gave for hundreds of characters was an example of a detail that could drive him batty; GRRM said he regretted mentioning the eye color of any of his characters. He also noted that as a brown-eyed person, he finds it annoying that brown-eyed characters are always portrayed as ordinary, while the doers of great deeds always have blue or hazel eyes or something - he notes that he himself was somewhat guilty of this with the violet eyes of Dany or the red eyes of Melisandre.

He said that in all seriousness, what was most important in rereading prior books to make sure he got the continuity right was speech patterns - each of his hundreds of characters has a distinct way of talking that he wants to make sure he is faithful to.

Another interesting thing he mentioned: he mentioned the coming of age of Arya in Braavos in the context of how a writer had to discipline himself to write only as many chapters as were necessary to serve the story, saying that what Arya was dealing with in Braavos could make a worthy young adult novel in its own right.

Another tidbit I liked (this I think from Friday night): that *while Tyrion was his favorite character and the most like himself, and for those reasons perhaps the easiest for him to write, these chapters have been harder in Dance because of the dark turn Tyrion's story has taken.

He talked about how in typical fantasy, a magician will throw lightning bolts and kill thousands of men, but in 'real' medieval times, more men died of disease than on the battlefield, due to the unsanitary conditions involved in keeping together a large army - to me, there was a hint that we may see some of this effect of disease in Dance.

In talking about his progress writing Dance, he mentioned that he is now writing the epilogue - this doesn't mean that he's finishing up; he was clear that he was writing this part out of order. As we've heard before, the he said that resolution of the Meereenese knot was the major thing left to complete in Dance.

In response to a question about whether it was hard to kill a character, he said that it always was, even if the character was an evil bastard. He said that the Red Wedding was the hardest thing he's ever written, and that he put off doing it until the rest of the book was complete.

The Friday night reading was the lengthy Jon Snow chapter that others have probably read before, but which I had disciplined myself not to view online. Martin does the voices of his characters very well - I liked Sam's squeaky, stuttering falsetto.

Finally, to me the most interesting thing he said publicly all weekend were some comments about the nature of writing and what he tries to do. He said that pure good-and-evil fantasy wasn't interesting to him; while Tolkien had done Sauron masterfully, he'd had a lot of bad imitators doing 'dark lord' villains. He noted that to him the most interesting characters in Lord of the Rings were the more flawed heroes, folks like Boromir and Denethor.

He made the point rather dramatically by saying that all fiction could be lumped into two types: Good guy punches bad guy in the nose, or the human heart struggles against itself. He said he was really only interested in writing the second kind of fiction. <

(*ricrar Note:  Tyrion is the wise dwarf at the center of the Westeros universe. See a reader's observation below re Martin's personality & apparent identification with Tyrion.)
http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2010/04/
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Malta has been named as the location for some GoT scenes.  Can't be certain, but according to what I've read so far, I'd say they probably will be Dothraki passages.  Their homeland is exotic...filled with highly imaginative landscapes and creatures.  Sites being considered...
http://www.filmmalta.com/location-scouting

July 17, 2010

Spooks of a Different Sort + Pharoah Pic Runoff

Continual wearing of his crown seems to be the best solution for side-stepping Stannis Baratheon's folicle-challenged appearance.  A far more serious issue to deal with would be the powerful spell held over him by apparently the hottest character(in more ways than one) in the saga - the priestess Melisandre, or Mel as she's referred to at the Westeros & other associated websites...
Same Church, different pew:   In recent Hollywood headlines, there's promotion of a new series entitled 'Pharoah' - it's accompanied by the following pic...

He looks somewhat familiar, doesn't he - except he's only the idealistic figment of some artist's imagination while what follows is flesh & blood..(plus definitely not in need of a visit to Victoria's Secret:) Assuming that's an international chain of stores.

Everyone can thank Katarina for this comparison study--she mentioned today that the blog photos always leave her hungry for more, therefore decided to serve a feast....oh yes, don't forget to use sunscreen while enjoying the outdoors on these lovely summer days:)