Unlocking the Secrets of Roofing: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Home Investment

Your roof, often overlooked but always essential, is the unsung hero of your home, silently shielding you from the elements day in and day out. Understanding the intricacies of roofing is key to preserving the structural integrity of your home and safeguarding your investment for years to come.

Roofing serves as the primary defense against nature's wrath, protecting your home from rain, snow, wind, and sun. Beyond its functional role, your roof also contributes significantly to the aesthetics and value of your property. With proper maintenance and care, your roof can enhance curb appeal and elevate the overall appeal of your home.

Selecting the right roofing material is crucial in ensuring the longevity and durability of your roof. Asphalt shingles, renowned for their affordability and versatility, remain a popular choice among homeowners. Metal roofing, with its exceptional durability and weather resistance, is favored for its longevity and low maintenance requirements. Meanwhile, tile and slate roofing offer timeless elegance and unparalleled longevity, albeit at a higher initial cost.

Maintaining your roof is paramount to its longevity and performance. Regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs can help identify issues early and prevent costly damage. From replacing damaged shingles to addressing leaks and ensuring proper ventilation, proactive maintenance is key to preserving the integrity of your roof and avoiding potential headaches down the road.

When it comes to roofing projects, entrusting the job to a reputable and experienced contractor like Bumble Roofing can make all the difference. With their expertise and dedication to excellence, companies like Bumble provide comprehensive roofing solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether it's roof replacements, repairs, inspections, or emergency services, Bumble Roofing delivers top-tier results with unmatched professionalism and attention to detail.

Moreover, Bumble Roofing prioritizes customer satisfaction and transparency in every aspect of their work. Backed by industry-leading warranties and a commitment to quality, they ensure that every project is completed to the highest standards, providing homeowners with peace of mind and confidence in their investment.

In conclusion, roofing is a critical component of your home's structure and deserves careful attention and maintenance. By understanding the fundamentals of roofing and partnering with a trusted contractor like Bumble Roofing, you can ensure that your home remains safe, secure, and beautiful for years to come.

How the Sound of the 1980s Paved the Way for Today's Music Makers

Popular music of the 1980s enjoys a unique and mixed reputation. It was a decade truly unlike any other, with bold, strange fashion, massive technological advances, and a booming economy that ushered in an era of materialism. By the 1990s, the pendulum swung hard in the other direction. Grunge stripped pop to dark minimalism. Hip-hop ascended the charts with edgy Gangsta Rap. Pop moved to soulful R&B and away from bright dance music. As this solidified, the 80s sounds became quickly dated and ridiculed.

Fast forward to the 2020s. We may not realize it, but the music of today owes a great debt to many of the trends and innovations of the 1980s. Here are a few key examples.

Synthesizers

When you think of huge 80s hits, from Duran Duran to Madonna or Prince, one recurring instrument comes to mind: the synthesizer. That may seem misleading because as the name implies, the synthesizer is a keyboard that mimics the sound of other instruments electronically. Synthesizers were invented in the 1960s, but they came to prominence in the “Me Decade,” being used to simulate strings, brass, and organs. Artists like Van Halen and ZZ Top embraced the synthesizer’s unique base sound to great effect (and to the top of the charts.) Even legacy super-groups utilized synthesizers to modernize their sound.

Today, artists like Lorde and Billie Eillish rely heavily on digital instruments either performed on a USB-style synthesizer or just through a computer’s keyboard. Modern artists assemble tracks in programs like Pro Tools, Garage Band, and Logic. Sounds can be created from scratch and manipulated in any way (even ones from organic instruments). In the late 2000s, artists began slowly circling back to the once-taboo 80s synth sound with great success.

Drum Machines

Just like synthesizers, drum machines were ubiquitous in 80s pop, rock, and dance music. Depeche Mode, one of the decade’s biggest bands, didn’t even have a drummer for most of its existence! Drum machines were made popular by European electronic bands like Kraftwerk in the late 70s. Essentially, a drum machine is a programmable box that allows users to choose the sort of drum and cymbal sound they want, set the tempo and style, and go. 

Others used them to create beats out of thin air. This was crucial to the ascent of hip-hop in the 80s. The popular Roland 808 revolutionized the sounds of Run-D.M.C., The Beastie Boys, L.L. Cool J, and others. In the 2020s, the vintage 808 sound is coveted by modern hip-hop producers and artists. They too have sought to innovate digitally. Since hip-hop's roots are so entwined with paying respect to funk and soul through samples, the genre always has a push and pull between modern and throwback.

“Sterile” Production and Recording Techniques

The sound of the 80s arguably had as much to do with recording studios as it did with recording artists. As synthesizers were being used to both broaden sonic landscapes and replace instrumentalists, less emphasis was placed on bands performing live in-studio. This wasn’t new, it just became much more standard practice. Groups would perform individual tracks in isolation, with very little natural room sound or reverb. In the 60s and 70s, groups would often seek out studios like Hansa in Germany with large ceilings. Some would record in theatres, ballrooms, and even castles to get a certain type of ambiance. In the 80s, recording became much more clinical and less organic. This led to a “sterile” sound where effects like reverb and echoes were added in post-production. Even the untrained ear can tell the difference subconsciously.

In the 2020s, digital recording can be done almost anywhere, track by track. Audio production software can remove room tone so well, that a recording space doesn’t even need to be soundproof!

Everything old is new again. While the sounds of the 80s were scorned in the decade and a half afterward, they now are celebrated and emulated.

How 90's Rock Shaped the Rock Genre

Rock music has been a fixture of American, and global culture, for close to a hundred years now. The timeline begins in the early to mid 1900s and extends throughout the century well into today's world. From the blues to psychedelic rock to glam rock, the genre tended to develop because of polarities in different musical subgenres and scenes. 

Many decades shifted the course of rock music as a genre and music history in general, but perhaps none other than the 90s can claim that it forcefully upended any past notions of what rock was and turned it into a whole new experience on the way. Here is how the 90s rock forever changed rock n' roll music!

In the Beginning

Rock music began as a slow transition from the blues genre sometime in the 40s to the 60s. Blues musicians in the United Kingdom and in the Southern United States made beautiful, heartbreaking music utilizing a certain chord progression and stringed instruments. An entire scene began to develop around the more popular blues players, such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King. This scene attracted those sort of people who lived on the fringe of regular 50s society. The blues grew in scale and community and eventually, as always, newcomers stepped in and began to experiment. These experimentations eventually led to what we now know was rock n' roll.

The Next Steps

The music industry began to form as a result of this popularization of fringe, creative songs and albums. This industry was made up of labels, promoters, club owners and not to forget, the actual musicians. As a new era dawned in the 60s and 70s, rock began to really catch on and gain popularity among the masses. Bigger arenas and stadiums were built and/or used to host rock bands such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more.

As the 80s dawned, rock transformed into a more tour, album and radio driven genre with bands putting on the theatrics in concerts and writing catchy songs to get radio time. Glam rock and stadiums became big in the 80s with bands like KISS, Journey and more. Then, came the 90s when alternative, grunge rock and independent labels and magazines began to change everything.

The Main Event

The 90s dawned a new era. Young teens who grew up watching the core soul of rock n' roll get co-opted by big money groups become totally different and fit for the mainstream rather than cut back to raw emotion and energy. A few key musicians and music related entities did not like this and worked together to bring back the soul of rock music. 

A gigantic music festival started called Lollapalooza wherein up and coming acts, of typically alternative nature, were invited to play on a stage in a large area where ticket holders could experience and enjoy the grungy electric guitar sounds and distortion pedals through really loud speakers. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails and more came hot onto the scene with their grudges against authority and untamed guitar and drum melodies. Independent labels started to form in order to give more freedom and support to acts like those who wanted to keep playing music their way instead of appealing to the mainstream. Luckily for them, their sound really did become mainstream as the 90s marched along. Everyone was wearing combat boots, flannels and messy hair while they listened to grunge or alternative rock. It became such a movement that the radio stations gave in and played what the people wanted to hear. It was official: 90s grunge had become mainstream.

The Results

As a result of grunge and alt rock becoming mainstream, these bands irrevocably changed global culture forever. It became cool for people to buck against authority and wear whatever they felt like wearing. This sentiment bled from radio into television, movies and pretty much all other parts of culture! What started as a fringe movement truly changed rock as a genre forever.

Technology to Help You Make Music

Music has been being made for decades now. Even before technology was as advanced as it is today. The technology may not have been as advanced as it is today. However, the music was still amazing and enjoyable. Nowadays, this new technology helps create music that is out of this world. The technology has advanced and so has the music. This advanced technology makes creating music super easy. There is no doubt the new technology has elevated musical capabilities. We would not have been able to reach the heights we have in music without this advanced technology. Technology is one of the main factors that improved the music. 

Laptop

Browsing the internet is why most people use laptops. New features allow musicians to create and save music on them. Well, what is a CSV file and music maker jam app used to do? A CVS file is for saving your music files after you finish making it. The music maker jam app is for playing around with sounds to create music. New technology makes creating music simple and easy. Using a laptop prevents you from losing your written music. You feel safe when creating music with a laptop. New technology like laptops have improved music-making. 

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Digital Keyboard

A new instrument that musicians and music producers use is the digital keyboard. This invention makes older versions useless. These keyboards not only come with a piano they come with different sound options. You can also record on these keyboards making creating a song quick and easy. If you have a song pop in your head you hit record and go. Before you know it you have a hit record ready to be heard. Features like this make the digital keyboard essential to new age music-making. Producers and musicians would have a hard time without it.

Digital Audio Workstation

People would ask since there isn't paper to write your music where is it recorded. A digital audio workstation is used to record music. The audio is recorded and pops up on the digital screen of the workstation. Musicians use this to edit their songs. You can use the digital audio workstation to take two songs and bring them together to make one. Producers use the digital audio workstation to give music that professional sound. The digital workstation is what brings everything together and creates your masterpiece. Technology does most of the work with the right producers; you can't make bad music. 

Electric Drum Kit

Drums have been at the center of music since music started. Drums give music rhythm and something to connect too. Some would say the heart of music is a drum. Taking a regular drum and making it electric multiplied this feeling. The kit included every kind of drum which sounded great on a song. They are just as easy to record as other notes in the studio. The studio equipment prevents the drums from overpowering. The elevation in music is all because of this kind of technology. The drum kit is easily one of the most effective.

Conclusion 

Music has always been great but it has elevated. Taking the mistakes of the past and fixing them. Technology has taken old inventions and made them new. Music sounds brand new because of technology. There has never been a better day to be a musician. The technology we have makes it simple. Knowing how much technology has changed music, people are worried that it will keep changing. People are right. It will keep changing for the better. The elevation of music and technology will only get better. So, sit back and enjoy the music.

You Can Access Anything From Anywhere

Another benefit of the cloud is that you can get into files or other information you need no matter where you are. If you share files with clients, this makes it easy for both of you to access them any time of the day, regardless of where you are. Thanks to cloud settings, your clients could be halfway across the world, and still able to get what they need. There's no need to overnight paperwork or pay extra charges when using a cloud setting. It's even possible to further refine how the cloud works for your company's needs and setup. If you've been wondering what is micro segmentation, understanding more about it can help you create a work environment that makes it possible to access information with ease, no matter where you are.

How Dancers Can Stay Engaged During a Performance

Performing for an audience affects every dancer differently. For many dancers, the presence of an audience helps them to bring out the best of their abilities. For others, performing for an audience doesn’t come very naturally.

Fuel Your Body

You need the right level of nourishment in your body to feel good physically and mentally. Consider taking a supplement that can help you stay energized with natural vitamins and minerals. Avoid energy boosters that give you a quick burst of energy with stimulants and could cause unpleasant side effects. Opt for an energy enhancing supplement with natural ingredients that is reported to have minimal side effects. Thrive side effects have been shown to be relatively minor compared to stimulant-based energy supplements.

Avoid Burnout

You won’t be able to perform at your best if you’re not well-rested. Running out of energy mid-performance will cause you to appear out of sync with other performers. Moreover, it will likely be apparent that you’re not enjoying yourself. Your schedule may be demanding, but you have to give yourself adequate time for rest. Make it a point to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

Get Comfortable in the Clothes That You Wear to Perform

Being uncomfortable in what you’re wearing can be very distracting while you’re trying to perform; it might even make you feel self-conscious in front of your audience. If you’re choosing what you wear, pick something that fits you comfortably and makes you feel confident. If you have to wear something that’s provided for you, make whatever alterations may be necessary to ensure a good fit. You certainly don’t want to be fearful of a wardrobe malfunction occurring while you’re trying to perform. Lastly, be sure to rehearse in what you’re wearing several times before your first performance. You want your clothes to feel like a second skin and not like something that’s totally new and unfamiliar.

Enjoy Your Performance

All dancers strive for perfection, but trying to be too perfect can make you look stiff and infuse your dancing with a forced-looking quality. You want to emanate joy, effortlessness, and expressiveness; if that widens your margin for error, it may be worth it. Audiences feel most engaged by dancers who exhibit passion more than those who are fixated on perfection.

Recover From Missteps Quickly

In any dance performance that involves a lot of physicality and synchronicity, mistakes are simply bound to happen. You have to move on from a mistake quickly if something goes wrong.  It’s understandable that you’ll be thrown off track, but you need to keep your attention towards the next elements in your choreography. Stay focused on what’s ahead in your performance, and don’t keep replaying missteps in your head or you’ll be likely to repeat them. If it’s not you but rather or a partner or team member has made a misstep, don’t get distracted by it. Staying grounded will help them recover and stay on course.

Don’t Focus on Distracted Audience Members

Performers may tend to feel the most distracted by the audience members who are giving them the least attention. Instead of trying to win over the attention of the people who appear disinterested, focus on connecting with the audience members who want to be engaged by your performance. Feed off of positive energy and disregard neutral or negative energy.

You’ll give your audience a good experience when you dance with energy and confidence. Taking on the right preparations in advance of your performance and maintaining a positive attitude during it will create the optimal conditions for a memorable show. Foster a strong connection with your audience by being receptive to their energy and not guarding your own. You can’t feel inhibited by nerves or insecurity. Set your expectations for yourself high, but don’t be your own worst critic. Strive for continual improvement with each performance and you’ll become increasingly skilled at engaging your audience.

Creating a Stylistic Pool Party in Your Backyard

Summer is the perfect time to host a celebration of the epic proportions with all of your favorite people. With a party the food, atmosphere and people certainly impact the feel of the event, but the music is a critical component. You want the perfect soundtrack to your get together. Consider these options as you look for the perfect tunes for your summer bash.

Pool Party Essentials Factors

To have a summer bash, it really needs to be poolside. With the heat of the summer months and the beautiful outdoors, there is really no other option than to host your event outside. It has to be by water, as everyone will need to cool off when they start to get too hot. If you are concerned about the financial component, know that there are plenty of swimming pool financing companies who can help you make your summer dreams come true. Nothing says relaxation like lounging by a pool, listening to the perfect playlist with your favorite people.

Determine Your Vibe

Setting an ambiance at a party is everything. Summer months call for fun and leisure, but what type of vibe you want at your party is yours to decide. Take some time to consider what type of summer fun you want your guests to enjoy. Whether you want a chill, sunset setting, a bumping dance party or a retro feel, there is a soundtrack for any event.

Bumping, Dance Rager

If you are looking for the excitement of a raging party, you may want your party to embody a dance party feel. By utilizing today’s top 100 pop and dance mixes, you can be sure to set a tone of revelry. Consider pairing this with a signature poolside cocktail to truly round out the experience. By turning up the volume and offering a soundtrack that features good bass and an upbeat tempo, you can be sure to get everyone up and moving.

Chill Country

If your company is more interested in a relaxed country-type feel, whip out the best of summer country songs. With a chill country soundtrack, everyone will be able to enjoy their country favorites, beer in hand poolside. Keith Urban, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert will be great company for your company and will bring you the best of country vibes.

Highlight Other Cultures

If you are a fan of Latin culture and music, consider highlighting Pop Latino at your next party for an epic experience. With influences from Latin America, this genre is a great mood setter for your pool party. Consider serving this with a traditional mojito or a signature Brazilian cocktail, the Caipirinha.

Pop Back to the 90s

There is nothing like the 1990s to bring back plenty of memories. Consider playing your favorite 90s pop favorites to make for a nostalgic and fun event for all of your favorite Millennials. Your favorite 90s boybands will be sure to make for the perfect soundtrack for a great pool party.

Chill at Sunset

Make your own Margaritaville at home at sunset. Create your own cabana at home with tiki torches, homemade margaritas and plenty of pool time. Playing chill favorites that will allow all of your guests to relax and kick back will be the perfect oasis for a warm summer night. Enjoy the company of your guests to the tune of Margaritaville and other favorites by Jimmy Buffet and 80s beach party favorites.

Summer Music for Anyone

If you aren’t sure how to approach your music selection for your party, there are tried and true summer track favorites that will make your party one for the ages. With the perfect soundtrack, you can be sure to have your guests sticking around long after everyone has toweled off. Keep your summer sounds upbeat and happy to keep the mood of the event light and fun.

Summertime is the perfect time to relax with friends and family outdoors, and a pool is a perfect place to spend that quality time. By matching the mood you are trying to set with the music and complementing that with the perfect drink, you will certainly create an experience that your guests will never forget.

Enjoying Your Outdoor Music Festival Experience

Outdoor music festivals include more events and adventures than just seeing your favorite bands in concert. Whether you’re traveling to another state to attend a week-long celebration or simply heading to a concert series at a local beach, you’re sure to discover a multitude of new sounds, sights and music fans. Plan ahead to ensure you’re not only prepared to enjoy the new experiences, but also to stay healthy, happy and safe throughout the occasion.

Have a Home Base

Although the music festival may be far from home, consider driving to the venue so you’ll have your vehicle nearby. If you have a mid size truck, for example, pack it with necessities such as spare clothing and shoes, bottles of water, healthy snacks for energy such as granola bars, nuts, jerky or dried fruits, and a first aid kit. If you’re camping out, include items such as sleeping bags, lanterns, tarps, blankets and even a solar shower. By bringing such necessities in your car, you’ll be able to have the emergency supplies on hand so you can access them quickly.

Familiarize Yourself

Once you reach the festival site, immediately locate important areas before it gets too crowded or dark. Get to know where not only the stages are located, but also where you can find the medical and information tents. Locate the nearest exits so you can head there in an emergency, and always choose a designated spot where you can meet up with friends in case you get separated. You can prepare in advance by studying the event website to discover where important facilities are situated.

Stay Hydrated

Although you might be planning to drink alcoholic beverages while you enjoy the music, also be sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough water. Ensure you’re getting even more than the recommend amount of liquids each day to prevent dehydration, particularly if you’ll be standing in the direct sunlight throughout the festival. Most venues offer stations conveniently located around the site where you can refill water bottles throughout the event.

Take Safety Precautions

Although you’re at the festival to enjoy the bands and spend time with friends, take measures to protect yourself to ensure you only bring home good memories. Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays and sunburn and find shade whenever possible to help cool off. Protect your hearing by wearing earplugs or even small, noise cancelling headphones -- particularly if you’re close to the speakers -- so you’ll be able to enjoy these festivals for years to come. In addition, if you plan to drink, consider doing so in moderation so you don’t put yourself in a susceptible position and be sure to keep an eye on your food and drinks at all times to ensure no one tries to put a harmful substance in them.

Watch Your Belongings

Although you want to look your best, consider leaving valuables such as jewelry, designer goods and tech devices at home. Beware of where your wallet, keys and cell phone are at all times such as carrying them in a fanny pack or backpack that you can hold in front of you. Avoid storing items in your back pockets where they can easily be stolen while you’re distracted by the crowds and bands.

Travel in Packs

Although it may seem that you’ll be surrounded by like-minded fans who love the same bands that you do, it’s a good idea to attend the festival with a large group. You’ll be able to look out for one another, keep track of one another’s belongings and have designated drivers if anyone expects to drink at the event.

Music festivals are known for gathering well-known bands, partying with other fans, showing off new fashions and buying exclusive merchandise. Spending a few carefree days at a renowned event can be an amazing and life-changing experience. Just be sure to be prepared and take precautions to ensure it changes in a completely positive way.

Five Famous Artists Who Went From Riches to Rags

The allure of wealth and celebrity is undeniable. We’ve all dreamed of being on the silver screen, or on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans, and of having access to the sort of incredible wealth that comes with being a globally recognized artist. Everyone loves to imagine themselves as the star of a rags to riches story at one time or another, but very rarely do we consider the difficulties of maintaining that lifestyle, or the consequences of poor wealth management. Whether through poor choices, bad advice, or just plain awful luck, the following five famous artists found themselves going from riches to rags, and in desperate need of financial help.

Willie Nelson

The famous country star infamously found himself in a pickle with the IRS in the early 1990s, due to some dubious tax strategies in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Facing a potential $16 million tax bill, Willie’s attorney was able to argue the titanic sum down to “just” $6 million. Unable to produce even that much, the country crooner soon found himself without home or hearth when the government seized his property in order to settle his debt. The ever optimistic performer was unbothered, and declared that he’d “be fine, as long as I got my guitar”.

Willie’s story, while fraught, ends on a happy note: adoring fans purchased his Texas home at auction, and it was returned to him in 1991.

Wesley Snipes

Known for heart-pumping action thrillers like Passenger 57 and Blade, in 2006 Wesley Snipes was confronted by a foe that not even the most hardened action star could hope to defeat: the Internal Revenue Service.

The ill-advised action star narrowly dodged two felony tax fraud convictions but caught three misdemeanor “failing to file” charges, spending the better part of three years in a minimum security federal prison.

Unfortunately, Wesley’s saga continues: in November of 2018, the US Tax Court ruled that Snipes was still $23.5 million in arrears, and rejected both his claim that he was unable to pay, and his offer to settle for the proportionally microscopic sum of $842,061.

Mark Twain

Not even legendary authors are immune to financial woes. Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, found himself declaring bankruptcy in 1895 following a series of disastrous investments.

By the time of his bankruptcy, the “Huck Finn” writer was the modern equivalent of $2.3 million in debt, a figure that he would quickly pay back with the proceeds from an enormously successful speaking tour.

While having narrowly dodged the poor house, Twain would never see the end of financial difficulties. He would bounce from poor investment to poor investment, and testifying in court just three years before his death would lament that he had been “swindled out of more money than there was on the planet.”

50 Cent

At the height of his fame, rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson was worth a mind-boggling $155 million. Leveraging his image as an aggressive, devil-may-care street tough, 50 rose to be one of the best selling rap artists of all time, selling close to 30 million albums worldwide.

That same aggressive, performative excess would be his undoing when, in 2015, he found himself filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

50 Cent’s financial woes stemmed primarily from an opulent lifestyle that saw him shelling out nearly $200,000 a month in living expenses, and a series of court decisions that saw him over $32.5 million in debt, which calls for some serious help from credit repair services.

Michael Jackson

The troubled Prince of Pop found himself millions of dollars in debt, following a number of highly publicized trials and an increasingly bizarre series of eccentric and lavish purchases.

Though Jackson had a steady and substantial stream of income from royalties and other investments, it wasn’t enough to keep up with his opulent, storybook lifestyle, and he began to borrow heavily from close friends in order to avoid the spectacle and indignity of bankruptcy proceedings.

While the exact figure is unknown, some estimates put Michael Jackson’s debts as high as half a billion dollars at the time of his death.