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03 Surviving Filgore Valley
"Graybard! Graybard!" shouted Josah as he watched the seasoned soldier run through the thicket. Graybard ignored the call to stop. He kept running forward, swinging his sword to clear his way through the underbrush.
Josah could hear many Dragoons running through the woods. "Conall! Caleb! Squat down now! Keep your hands in the air, but don't lay down on the ground!"
The boys dropped down as instructed, hands in the air. One large Dragoon shot past Josah, going by so fast that it appeared as a blur. The remaining six or seven Dragoons of various sizes surrounded the boys.
At first, all they could see was the long black ruff fur around the cats' necks. Black and white accents on their faces and chins made them appear angry. Menacing yellow eyes glared at the boys, demanded attention.
Several Dragoons paced back and forth, waiting to see if the boys would attack. The smaller, younger cats with thick, gold coats and dark spots, stayed further back. The fur of mature Dragoons was gray with black and light spots. They all had white fur on their chests and legs, as well as their short, bobbed tails. Their ears had thick tufts of black hair on the tips making them appear longer.
The cats were curious because the boys didn't run nor appear to be a threat. At first, a few of the Dragoons pounded their large padded paws on the ground but stopped when the boys didn't react. From a distance, they heard Graybard hollering for help.
Josah, with hands raised, stood up in one motion. The cats drew back, expecting an attack but settled down when nothing happened. Taking their cue from Josah, the brothers stood up, as well.
"Start walking slow and steady toward Graybard. Only stop if a Dragoon is in front of you."
"Do we keep our hands in the air?" asked Conall, wondering if they would survive.
"Yes, until we get to Graybard. Do not pull anything out, or they will think it's a weapon."
With deliberate short steps, the boys made their way to Graybard. The Dragoons followed close by, watching every movement. The boys slowed their pace when one of the cats made a menacing sound but continued moving forward.
Graybard never made it past a few meters. A large Dragoon stood on the soldier's back as he laid flat on the ground with his face in the mud. He turned his head and tried to talk, but all he could do is grunt out the words.
"About time. Do something," Graybard pleaded.
Josah saw Graybard's sword in the distance. "He must have thrown his sword before the Dragoon caught him," he thought to himself. "I'm sure that saved his life."
"Conall and Caleb, stay where you are, and squat back down. I know it's hard, but keep your hands in the air. Graybard, I am making my way to you."
When he got close to the soldier, Josah whispered, "I don't know how to get this Dragoon off your back. It's not moving away from me."
"Well, do something! This cat must weigh eight to ten stones. I can't breathe!"
Josah squatted and started to bring his hands down. The Dragoon protested by pounded its paws on its prey. "W-what a-are y-you d-doing?" Graybard huffed, his words keeping time to every push made by the giant cat.
Resting his hands on his knees, Josah stared at the Dragoon. He noticed that its right paw was missing fur all the way around. No doubt, it was an old injury. It was common knowledge that Casselberry set traps to capture and kill Dragoons.
"This can't be the same cat," Josah said out loud.
"What do you mean?" asked Caleb, resting his tired arms on his head.
"The first time I went through Filgore Valley, I rescued a Dragoon kitten trapped in a wire. I bandaged its leg with strips from my tunic."
Josah looked in the cat's yellow eyes. "I saved its life, and it saved mine. The other cats let me leave the Valley as I tried to catch up with my brother."
The Dragoon sniffed the air, then looked at Josah. It appeared confused and released short bursts of sound as if saying "how." A few of the other cats returned the yowling.
"What's going on? " asked Conall.
But before Josah could answer, the Dragoon walked over Graybard toward Josah. It lost interest in the soldier, continuing to sniff the air. The cat was the largest, with shoulders that reached Josah's waist if he was standing. With one deliberate motion, the Dragoon gazed into Josah's face.
Making a low rumbling sound, the cat paused before rubbing its head into Josah's chest. Stunned for a moment, Josah lifted his hands and patted the Dragoon. Its outer coat was rough, but he found softer layers the more his fingers worked through the fur.
"Are you crazy!" Graybard whispered as he continued to lay on the ground.
"This is the kitten I saved! It's grown. I've heard that Dragoons are loyal to those that rescue them. But I never thought this one would remember me after eight years."
Josah stood again, slowly. The Dragoon continued to rub against him. It then turned to the other cats and pounded the ground, hissing, and yowling. It sprang toward the other cats, forcing them to run away. When no other Dragoon remained, it came back to Josah.
"Can I put my hands down now?" asked Caleb.
"Can I get up?" whimpered Graybard.
"Yes, to both of you," grinned Josah. "But don't make any sudden movements. This tender moment may not last."
Graybard stood up, grunting in the process. "Thank you, Master Josah. I wasn't sure how we were getting out alive."
"What were you thinking?" asked Caleb. "Run? I can't believe you!"
"Look, I am only a soldier. I only know two things, fight or flight. I couldn't see the Dragoons, but I could hear them running, so I ran."
Josah kept one hand on the shoulders of the Dragoon in front of him. "This is a wild animal. There is no way of knowing what it's going to do, only what it can do. The other cats are still around, and they are watching us. We need to get out of the Valley."
"Which direction?" asked Conall.
Josah paused to get his bearings. He located the general direction of the rising sun, obscured by the dense canopy of the forest. They needed to follow the mountains running north and south, until the next gap in the range.
"Mountains surround us, except in the north. We must get to a place called Promise Gorge. We can rest and clean up there before entering the Plains of Vandeer. Once we get there, we're a day away from Bon Abbi."
"What are you going to do about that Dragoon?" Graybard pointed with his thumb as he wiped his face on his sleeve.
"Nothing. This Dragoon is the reason why the other cats aren't attacking. It may follow us to the gorge, but it won't leave the protection of the Valley."
Josah adjusted the leather pouch, and the Mandolin hung around his neck and shoulders. "Where's the sack of food?" he asked Graybard.
"Somewhere behind us. I dropped it while I was running."
Conall shook his head. "We can't go back. We've got to get out of here."
Josah nodded in agreement. "Let's go."
He stopped petting the cat and started walking, not sure what the animal was going to do. It watched Josah for a moment, as he walked away. Then it trotted to catch up with the boy and slowed its pace once it reached his side.
The group was unusually quiet, walking through the forest, one following the other. The trees were alive again with activity. There were occasional sounds of snapping twigs or rustling bushes along the way. Caleb, who was at the end of the line, kept looking behind him but never saw the other Dragoons.
Every step led them away from the dense forest to where the trees didn't grow as close. The group now had a clear view of the mountain range on the west. The ground to their east also raised in elevation, making the valley more pronounced.
"Josah, any idea how much further?" asked Conall.
"I don't remember," said Josah, "but it can't be much further. We should hear the waterfall before we get to the gorge. The forest is not as dense as before. I can see the mountains west of us are getting smaller."
It wasn't much longer when the group heard rushing water. "That's a waterfall," yelled Caleb from the back of the line. "It can't be too far now."
Josah wanted to run but was unsure what the Dragoon would do. The cat continued to walk by his side, step by step. He reached out and tapped his hand on its head. As if by habit, the cat tilted its head toward Josah while continuing to move forward.
Finally, the gorge was in sight. The group walked to the edge and looked up. Water cascaded down from its source, about fifteen meters high to their east. The sheer volume of water falling down the cliff was deafening, making it difficult to talk.
"Let's follow the water down until we get to the stream," yelled Josah while pointing to the west.
About three hundred meters out, the ground leveled off, and a calmer stream flowed away from the gorge. Everyone but Josah started their journey down to the river. He looked back at the Dragoon, no longer at his side.
Walking back to the cat, Josah padded its head. The Dragoon responded by closing its eyes and making a slow rumbling sound. "Thank you for your help," Josah whispered. "I can't stay here."
Josah turned around and walked to join the others. He didn't want to see what the Dragoon was doing, desiring the cat to follow him. But he also knew it would be challenging with such a large, wild animal.
As he got closer to the group, Caleb pointed back and said, "We have company."
Josah whirled around as the Dragoon reached him, almost knocking the boy off his feet. He grinned, rubbing the cat, saying, "I can't keep you."
Graybard laughed out loud. "It seems like you have no choice. It's decided to keep you!"
The cat stared at Graybard long enough to make him feel uneasy. "I don't like how it's is looking at me!"
"Hey, Dragoon!" Josah clapped his hands to draw the cat's attention. It turned toward Josah, allowing Graybard to take a few steps back.
Conall nodded. "You have to give it a name."
"Right," agreed Josah. "It's come this far, so there's no turning back. This Dragoon is a female. There's no doubt she ruled her clan. I'm calling her 'Ena' after the first ship I navigated to Rona."
Rona Island was home to the Evermores. Conall laughed. "That's the ship you ran into the pier! Father sold that wreck to the McKanzels soon afterward."
"Hello, Ena," Josah whispered to the cat who seemed to understand what was happening. "We'll ignore Conall for now."
Caleb walked toward the Dragoon but moved away when it started yowling. The cat sniffed the air as if trying to remember the different scent of her human companions.
"Let's not crowd Ena for now," suggested Josah. "She may become overwhelmed and decide to return to the Valley."
"Let's get to the water and clean up," directed Graybard.
Josah looked at the soldier covered in mud, both front and back. He must have stared too long for the soldier twisted, trying to see behind himself. "Why are you looking back there?" Graybard asked. "Nothing happened back there. Besides, you didn't have this big animal squeezing your insides out!"
The Evermore brothers chuckled. Josah added, "Make sure you give your trousers an extra soaking."
Moving closer to the stream, each shed their clothes, dropping them to the ground. Stripped down to their undergarments, the boys walked into the stream. Their feet sank into the mud along the edge of the stream before they found the sand and stone surface.
The steady current of water was cold but refreshing. Caleb was the first to sit down, letting the water run over his shoulders. The stream was clear enough for him to see his feet in the water.
Ena looked at Josah, who motioned the cat to enter the stream. When it refused, he started splashing water toward the cat. Pounding the ground, the Dragoon feigned an attack before returning to the safety of a tree.
Stripping down to his waist, Graybard waded into the stream. His back had random red marks where Ena's claws pierced his tunic. Conall shouted to Graybard, "You really do need to get chainmail that covers your back."
"Ah," exhaled Graybard as he sank into the water. "Nothing like cold water to revive your sore body and spirit."
Taking his cue from the soldier, Conall laid back in the water. He allowed the current to take him downstream about a meter. When it felt like he drifted too far, Conall stood up and wadded to the shore. "Before Caleb says it, we need to find some food."
He walked back to where his garments lay. Grabbing his linen shirt, tunic, and trousers in one motion, he walked to the river. Soaking his garments in the stream, one at a time, he rung out the excess water. Then he laid his clothes on top of a bush, exposing it to the full sun.
The others took Conall's lead and did the same. With everything washed, it was time to think about food. Graybard grabbed his sword and found a shady place along the shore. He stepped into the water and lifted his sword with both hands.
In one swift move, Graybard stabbed a large fish. He flung the fish to the shore, toward the boys. But before he could tell someone to grab it, Ena pounced on the fish and trotted back to the tree.
"Look, I'm all for feeding that cat, but will you make sure there some food for us?" he barked at the boys.
Josah lifted his head, motioning to Caleb to join him. The young Evermore grabbed his sword and waded into the water. The clear stream made it easy to see the fish, as long as he remained in the shaded areas.
Graybard made spearing fish look easy. With one smooth motion, his sword pierced the side, all without making a ripple in the water. Caleb wasn't quite as fluid. After watching the soldier a few times, he was able to spear and fling fish toward the shore.
"Let's catch a few more fish as we'll need to eat again at the end of the day," suggested Graybard. "Doesn't sound like there will be food in the Plains of Vandeer."
The two moved along the shore, stabbing and throwing their catch towards the land. It was all Josah could do to keep Ena from stealing the fish. Graybard and Caleb stopped when Conall shouted they had enough.
Josah gathered smooth stones and placed them in a circle for a campfire. He scooped up twigs and branches Graybard found, then laid them inside the rocks.
Graybard continued walking around the trees, collecting firewood. "I hope this doesn't become what I do from now on," he grumbled.
It didn't take long for clothes and people to dry off in the intense sun. Taking his knife, Conall cut down green branches and wove them together to form a cooking surface. There were enough twigs to make a second bough.
Adjusting the rock placement to support the woven surface, Conall placed one on top. Josah tossed him the flint so he could get an ember started. "Help me fillet the fish, once you start the fire."
Living on an island had some advantages. The boys knew how to debone a fish and cook it over an open flame. Before long, the light winds wafted the scent of fish sizzling over the campfire. Josah poked the fish with his shipping knife and flipped it to the other side.
Caleb sat in the shade, watching Ena, who stretched out next to her favorite tree. The aroma of frying fish was too much for the cat, who sat up sniffing the air. Josah threw her a cooked fillet as he pulled the woven branches away from the fire.
"It's going to be hot, so grab some fish when you can."
While the others ate, Josah put the second woven branches on top of the rocks. He cooked the last batch of fish to perfection. When Josah sat down to eat, he found the fish was tasty but lacked salt and spices.
"My kingdom for a pint of ale," shouted Graybard as he walked to the stream and drank water. "So, where do we go from here?"
Josah looked at the sun's location and could tell there was still a lot of daylight left. "We walk west out of this Valley, and then north. When we get to the Plains of Vandeer, we'll have a day's journey to Bon Abbi."
"The quicker we get through Vandeer," said Caleb, "the earlier we get to Bon Abbi."
"Put your clothes back on. Let's get this journey done," commanded Graybard, "We have a ship to catch, now less than a fortnight."
It didn't take long for the boys and Graybard to get dressed. "Follow the stream out of the valley," Josah told them. "It will lead us to the Plains. We'll turn with the river and go north to Bon Abbi. Go on. I'll catch up to you."
Nodding his head, Graybard led the way, followed by Conall and Caleb. Josah pulled out another linen shirt he had in his pouch and wrapped the leftover fish. He turned to Ena, who stretched out in the shade next to her hiding tree. Josah lifted both hands, palms up, and said, "Ena, get up. Up."
The Dragoon didn't move but stared at the boy who tried signaling with his hands many times. Josah hoped the cat would associate that movement with his command. When she didn't move, he turned and walked away.
In moments, Ena jumped into action and caught up with Josah. He patted the Dragoon's shoulder. "How am I going to get you to understand what I need you to do?"
The group followed the river for two kilometers. Mountains gave way to rolling green hills with groves of various trees at the top, on either side of the river. Graybard stopped and waited for Josah to catch up. "Will we see the same rolling hills all the way to Bon Abbi?"
Josah shook his head. "No. The hills will turn to plains and prairie grasslands. The river will lead us to Tuva. It's the largest farming village in Bon Abbi. We should make it there by evening."
"Finally, civilization!" Graybard chuckled.
"I thought we would have to sleep under the stars again," Caleb said, somewhat relieved.
Conall playfully shoved his brother. Caleb returned the push. With little effort, Conall wrapped his arms around Caleb's head and started squeezing.
"Oy! Enough!" snorted Graybard. "You're making the cat nervous, which can't be good!"
Conall grinned and released his grip. Ena stood to Josah's right side and peered around him at the Evermores. The cat lowered its head then lifted it back up, once everything settled down.
The group restarted their journey, following the river. It meandered through the Plains, always seeking low ground. The skies were clear and blue, complimenting the lush green hills. The sun warmed the afternoon, forcing the group to stop on occasion to drink from the river.
The older Evermore took the lead when the heat slowed Graybard's pace. Josah persuaded Ena to walk on his left as he caught up with the soldier.
Graybard wiped his brow with his sleeve and said to Josh, "Back in Buberra, I would walk many kilometers every day. Now, it's a struggle."
Josah agreed. He spent most of his last eight years on a ship with little time to walk around the various port cities. "Let's stop at that next hill and eat under the shade of the trees. Let me get Conall and Caleb's attention."
He placed his fingers into his mouth and whistled, causing Ena to cock her head. The brothers looked back and nodded as Josah signaled to wait. Once they caught up to the Evermores, Josah then led them to the shady hill, with Ena following him nearby.
Josah took his leather pouch and Mandolin from around his neck and gently laid them next to a tree. He reached into the bag and drew out the fish he wrapped earlier. There was a fillet for everyone but Ena.
Pointing into the grove of trees, Josah said, "Ena, go find food. Go!'
The cat waited for a moment before it trotted into the grove. It wasn't long before Ena returned with her meal. She dropped a hare next to Josah. The boy kicked the dead animal with his foot, encouraging Ena to eat. Grabbing her catch, the cat withdrew to a nearby tree to consume her prey.
Graybard leaned against a tree and slid down into a sitting position. The others follow his lead, as the shade provided comfort from the sun. With its descent already started, it wouldn't be long before evening arrived.
"Will we make it to Tuva before it gets dark?" Graybard asked.
"We may not make it there before sunset, but it will be close. I don't remember, " Josah admitted.
"Tell me, Josah," said Graybard. "How do you know about Lord Mayweather? Why are you all paying your respects?"
Conall wasn't sure Josah wanted anyone to know, so he answered Graybard. "Our father does business with most of the cities in Bon Abbi. He couldn't make the trip, so he sent us in his place."
"Really?" Graybard questioned the answer. "Casselberry has a chokehold on all shipments that come into Southport. Merchants rarely make it to Midland. I find it hard to believe that your father made it to Bon Abbi."
Conall and Caleb looked over to Josah, who shook his head slightly. He cleared his throat and said, "Sometimes Captain Munro sailed to Northport. He transported his cargo on wagons to Bon Abbi."
The answer satisfied Graybard. "It's my turn to ask you something, " Josah said. "Before we went into the Valley and you couldn't make it back to Casselberry on time, you said you had to leave anyway. What did you mean?"
The soldier paused for a moment. "As you are aware, I was building an army for Casselberry. I've been doing so for three years. Lord Edmund Robion, Luka's father, was a fearful man. He worried about the Midland army to his north, and the Liez army south of Casselberry, on East Mainland."
"I never heard of those armies attacking anyone," said Josah.
"Nor I," admitted Graybard. "But I agreed to build his army anyway. Then something happened before planting season. Lord Edmund and his wife died. The story is that Luka poisoned them, but no one knows for sure."
"Odd," said Caleb. "That's around the time Lord Mayweather passed away."
"Right, right." Graybard stretched his arms in front of him and yawned. "That's when I heard from Luka. He ordered me to get my soldiers ready for the next planting season."
"What was going to happen then?" asked Conall as he glanced at Josah.
"Well, he wants to send his troops to Bon Abbi. It seems like there isn't a Mayweather alive today to become the ruler. So he wants to govern Bon Abbi, now that Lord Mayweather has passed."
"That can't be," said Josah. "He has no claim on Bon Abbi."
Graybard tilted his head toward Josah. "Look, I don't even pretend to understand what goes on between cities. All I know is that Luka plans to challenge the current ruler, some young girl."
Josah stared at Graybard. He could only think of one girl in Bon Abbi brave enough to take his father's place. That girl had to be Evelyn Miller. "What about a girl?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Graybard replied he didn't know. "Lord Rando had been sick about the time I got to Casselberry. A healer from Midland helped him for a while until he passed away. Now, she's taking his place."
"What does Luka want with Bon Abbi?" asked Caleb.
Graybard stood up and stretched again. "Look around you. If the rest of Bon Abbi is like this, what's not to like? All I know, I don't want to plan the siege."
Josah stood up and walked over to Graybard. "He's planning to attack Bon Abbi? The people in this city can't defend themselves."
"Well, that's why I wanted to leave. Luka won't attack, at least not right away. He'll try to kill the young ruler first."
Josah turned away from Graybard and the brothers. He didn't want his expression to give him away. He slipped his pouch and Mandolin around his neck and called Ena to follow.
"We have to get to Bon Abbi," he shouted behind him as he quickened his steps down the hill.
The others followed Josah. "Slow down," pleaded Graybard. "Luka's not coming to Bon Abbi today!"
Josah ignored the soldier. Growing up as a Noble was lonely in a city of commoners. Evelyn, the daughter of the miller, was not a Noble, but she was his friend. A loyal friend.
Josah recalled during the city-wide celebration when his brother announced the wedding plans. He asked Evelyn if she would marry him, even though they were both ten years old at the time. Josah couldn't remember if she ever answered him.
Now, he dreaded going to Bon Abbi. If the girl ruling the city was Evelyn, then she was in danger. He thought of her often while away these last eight years. His trip back home was no longer about his father's passing.
It was now about Evelyn.
Mike Arroyo April 10, 2019 Nobility
Written by Mike Arroyo
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No Higher Honor
Extraordinary, Ordinary People
Condoleezza Rice has 281 videos in the C-SPAN Video Library; the first appearance was a 1988 Forum as a Professor for Political Science in the Stanford University. The year with the most videos was 2005 with 53 videos. The year with the highest average number of views per program was 2012 with an average of 4,744 views per program. Most appearances with George W. Bush (22), Karen P. Hughes (7), Donald Rumsfeld (6). Most common tags: Department of State, Foreign Policy, Israeli-Palestinian Relations.
Appearances by Title:c. January 27, 2000 - Present Adviser, Foreign Policy, Bush (G.W.) Presidential Campaign
Videos: 6 c. March 1, 2009 - Present Senior Fellow, Public Policy, Hoover Institution at Stanford University
Secretary, Department of State c. January 26, 2005 - c. January 20, 2009 Videos: 204 National Security Adviser, White House c. January 20, 2001 - c. January 26, 2005 Videos: 64 Provost, Stanford University c. January 1, 1993 - c. July 1, 1999 Videos: 2 Professor, Political Science, Stanford University c. May 25, 1988 - c. April 2, 1998 Videos: 5 Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University c. July 1, 1999 - c. January 1, 2001 Videos: 0 Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University c. January 1, 1991 - c. January 1, 1993 Videos: 0
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Drum kits have made a big shift from acoustic to electronic in the years the latter was first introduced in the eighties. There is certainly nothing like good 'ol cymbals but the best electronic drum sets out there make it rather tricky to distinguish between the two. This speaks volumes for the strides electronic drums sets have made.
Moving over to electronic is in a way a natural progression along with the rest of the music scene. However, this may even be the ideal option for beginner musos. Annoyed neighbors the world over are all too familiar with band practice sessions that served more annoyance that they did good music. Electronic drum sets have been the savior in this sense!
Investing in a new piece of equipment like this, whether it be for learning or playing professionally can be a little overwhelming, but a way to get around that is to evaluate your needs first, decide on a budget and already you'd be able to narrow your options down.
If you already know about electronic drum kits and want to see our favorites, go through the list below and see what we thought. If you are new to the scene, take a look at our buying guide first to help you learn more about what makes a good drum kit and what you should expect.
Great setup for a great price. If you are just starting out and want something cheap to get started, this is a great value for the money.
This electronic drum set is easily the best in range at Alesis. This piece of musical equipment packs in the hardware, making it great value for money. With more drums, cymbals, and sounds than your average electronic drum set, you're given so much flexibility in your musical experiments.
You won't have to hold anything back either, as the DM10X features heavy-duty, chrome-plated steel rack with hinged, quick-release clamps.
The DM10X's 'brain' or sound module is the true star of this piece of equipment. It is the world's first drum-sound module that enables you to load new sound sets via USB connection from your computer. This will ensure that your module is always current.
If you are looking for a step up in your drum kit, the KT4 feels similar to a full acoustic kit and is a great value.
You know you're in good hands when the drum set is made by a company that specializes in electronic percussion technology. Better still, the KT4 is KAT's most advanced electronic drum set to date.
This 5 piece kit stands out for its look and feel of a classic acoustic set together with the fact that many enhancements and adjustments had been made to ensure that you get that exact play. Perfect for the digital drumming skeptics.
A number of exclusive technologies created by Kat Percussion make this electronic drum set a cut way above the rest. For example, the 8-inch Bass Pad fitted with a Mylar® drumhead and a real-time actuating cymbal pad so you have more flexibility with your sound control.
More complicated to set up, but full of songs to play along with and over 500 additional sounds to keep you playing.
The Alesis brand has established itself as a key innovator in the music production space, making new technologies accessible for the hobbyist musician and people learning the ropes.
The Alesis Command Kit stands out for its robust 8-piece composition and the addition of exclusive 10-inch mesh snare and 8-inch mesh kick features. These contribute to the authenticity of the drumming experience, a factor often called out in electric drumming sets.
The set includes a built-in metronome, allowing you to play around with sounds and improve your skills. What may also helpful in this sense is the Advanced Drum Module, which features 70 drum kits, 60 play-along songs, and over 500 sounds!
The only downside for the Alesis Command Kit worth noting was the not-so-easy setup process, but this is not nearly enough to discount its sheer playing ability.
Compact and affordable make the Roland a perfect fit for those of you that need to move it around or take it with you on the road.
What I love about the Roland TD-1KV bundle is that it comes with all the essentials you need for making music on your own. This is great, especially if it's your first kit and you're still in the learning phase. The bundle includes the TD-1KV Electronic Drum Set, Drum Throne, Headphones, Drum Sticks, and 1/8 inch Audio Cable.
Even for experienced musicians, this is a worthwhile deal and the specs of the set make it one you can't ignore. For those of you accustomed to acoustic, this piece of equipment supports basic acoustic drumming techniques, including cymbal choke, advanced Hi-hat playing and the PDX 8 V pad supports that with an electric snare drum feel.
For under 500 you get a compact and great sounding kit from a brand that is known for its musical instruments.
Yamaha is a brand we're all well familiar with so that's already a plus. The Yamaha DTX400K is starkly set apart from the rest with its integration with mobile apps, all produced by Yamaha too. App integration aside, though, this kit is popular amongst both amateurs and experts alike.
The high quality finishes expected of Yamaha does not disappoint and the set includes 10 customizable drum kits with sounds including 23 snares, 21 kicks, 31 cymbals, 36 toms and 42 percussions. Another stand out feature is the KU100 Silent Kick Unit that significantly reduces vibration and acoustic noise, making it one of the more quiet drum sets.
While its design is sleek and simple, you shouldn't be fooled into thinking you need to hold back. As expected, Yamaha has built this one to last.
Indeed, the migration from acoustic to electronic may not be an easy option for some musicians to follow and that's fair enough. Those of you amongst them will be happy to know that there are a variety of options available, some of which still give the best of both worlds. You don't have to give up acoustic completely. Choose from either a full on electric drum set or keep that tad of classic with a drum set that incorporates both.
With an almost endless variety of snares, toms, kicks and cymbals and the ability to experiment with music in so many different ways – not just restricted to drums – a full-on electronic drum set is a versatile, convenient piece of musical equipment.
The ease with which you can move between different genres is highlighted by the multiple sounds and sheer variety of choice offered by electronic drum sets. What's more, you can play from pre-recorded material as well as instantly record as you go along.
I'd say electronic drums allows more versatility and ease for making and editing sounds and performances. Its key components include the transducer or trigger pads and the trigger interface. Notes are made when the pad is struck and the transducer sends a signal to the module – and just like cymbals, the harder it is struck, the louder the sound.
This is a great solution for learning as most of the best electronic drum sets come with free learning software, and either way, the use of pre-set drum patterns will be very handy for first-timers.
Fair enough, some seasoned musicians will never be completely satisfied with a completely electronic drum set. For that, there is the hybrid drum option, which allows for the raw power of acoustic sound with the versatility and potential of new technology in electric drum sets.
So you get the get of both worlds in pure acoustic sound, which is completely customizable. You can enrich your sound by triggering electronic sounds and mixing these with your acoustic sounds, providing greater dynamic range, clarity, and all-around performance.
If acoustic is what you're used to, you don't need to worry about setup and learning being complicated. Hybrid drum sets are easy to use and where you need to learn anything extra, it's worthwhile in the end as you'll be expanding your range in terms of genre, style and technique.
As this electronic drum set review has made clear by now, there is so much variety and it can get a little overwhelming deciding on the right one. I found the video below really helpful in pointing out the little things to look out for before purchasing your kit.
Pretty useful, right? Now take a look at the factors below, which I think are the main ones and if you take all of these into consideration, weigh them up against your needs and budget, perhaps the decision will be made a little easier.
Rubber or mesh pads. This will affect your output in that mesh pads are more responsive and closer to replicating acoustic drums that rubber would be. It does cost more, though, but your sound quality is also improved quite significantly.
Components. The standard 5-piece is made up of a snare, hi-hat, crash, tom and kick and bigger than this would include additions like ride cymbal, extra tom and sometimes even a microphone and seat.
Software. The advent of electronic drum sets and musical equipment in general means that there is now a new 'instrument' and that is software. Make sure to factor these costs into your budget, if it doesn't come standard with the kit and more importantly make sure you're comfortable using them.
Budget. Because prices vary so broadly across the range, it will help to determine what you're willing to pay beforehand. The features and extra adds will affect what the set will cost, from basic features at entry level prices to more elaborate functionality with prices to match.
Appearance. I imagine this to be low on the priority list, but the look of a drum kit could be a big factor for some. If you're a professional you may have a certain image in mind and you may want your equipment to reflect this.
Brand preference. Depending on your use and level of expertise, you may be stuck on a particular brand of choice. You'll find that even when narrowing down to a brand, the popular ones still offer a variety of kits to choose from – from set pieces, mesh vs rubber to sound and more.
I think it's safe to say that when approaching this project of investing a new electronic drum set, the key is to decide on a budget and how willing you are to be flexible on it. Chances are, you may just be persuaded to loosen that budget a little more once you've seen the options available.
Equally important is to know what you need the set for – learning; playing around and experimenting or professional use. Of course, your needs will change greatly based on this but we suggest to start out modest and as your progress strengthens, you can move onto something new and more suited to experienced drummers.


text:
Have you ever wondered what ideas were behind the great monuments of the past? In this article we will cover the stories behind them.
(1) The Giza Pyramids of Egypt
The pyramids of Egypt were originally covered with shiny, reflective white limestone layers. (Or some experts say it could be large solar batteries). These pyramids can be seen from the mountains of Israel or even from space. Unfortunately, a strong earthquake in 1301 destroyed the white-yellow boulders outside the pyramid.
(2) Sagrada Família Church in Spain
The famous church was built in 1882. According to Antoni Gaudí, the church's founder, the construction would take 3-4 years to complete using technology available at the end of the 19th century. Thankfully, construction is expected to be completed by 2026 using modern technology.
(3) The Colosseum in Italy
The famous Colosseum was built in the 1st century AD. The building retains its original appearance, albeit slightly damaged, with magnificent architecture from the ancient world, dating back more than a thousand years. In the middle of the 14th century, a strong earthquake in Rome caused part of the building to collapse, especially in the southern part of the city.
(4) The Indian tower
The Indian Tower is one of the tallest skyscrapers in Mumbai and is expected to be the second tallest building in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Georgio Armani himself designed the interior design. However, construction was halted in 2011.
(5) The Parthenon in Greece
Paphos is one of the most famous architectural monuments in the world. The temple was built by the ancient Greeks in Athens for the goddess Athena and has a very complex history. At times, they even resorted to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Reconstruction efforts; Military attacks; Robberies; The fire, and the former church, The mosque is in a state of disrepair today.
Tags: Egypt Famous-Monuments Greece Sagrada Família Church Spain The Giza Pyramids The Parthenon


text:
Pat Stuckemeyer
Performer – Teacher – Conductor
Low Brass Bootcamp
Why come to the Low Brass Bootcamp?
You will get personalized instruction from some of the finest euphonium/tuba performers in the world.
You will also get a daily regiment of the following:
Breathing classes, Warm-up classes with leading tutors.
Master-classes everyday with our artists.
One hour-long lesson from at least two instructors while you are on campus.
Euphonium/tuba small ensemble and large ensembles.
Preparation for Falcone solo competitions, including a mock-judging by the artists.
Networking opportunities with euphonium and tuba players from around the world!
Lots of time to enjoy the Knoxville area, and plenty of one-on-one interaction with the staff.
The Low Brass Bootcamp
will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee from June 24-28, 2015 on the campus of The University of Tennessee.
Join world-class players from every corner of the globe as world-renown tutors provide a week of intense training and fun.
Our 2015 Staff includes:
Steven Mead, international soloist and professor of euphonium at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Pat Stuckemeyer, soloist, entrepreneur and professor of tuba and euphonium at Indiana University – Southeast.
Danny Helseth, former and Director of Bands at Seattle Pacific University.
David Thornton, soloist and tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Misa Mead, soloist, composer and arranger.
Roland Szentpali, freelance tuba artist and composer
Kelly Thomas, professor of euphonium and tuba at the University of Tennessee
Aaron Tindall, soloist, professor of euphonium and tuba at the University of Miami
Kevin Sanders, soloist, professor of euphonium and tuba at the University of Memphis.
For more information about Low Brass Bootcamp, please click here.
Pat Stuckemeyer © 2015


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Preliminary RF Exposure Tests
By Jon Humphrey • Dec 04, 2018
• Topics: Bellingham,
Before I start this article, it is important for us to define what the maximum safe exposure limits are for radio frequency (RF) energy, not just in the United States (which is way too high), but in other countries that have, and are perusing, similar technology.
The frequency of an electromagnetic wave is defined as the number of waves created per second. As the waves propagate away from the source, the frequency also represents the number of waves that will pass a point per second. Watts per kilogram (W/kg) is a measure of the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body.
Canada, Russia, and China RF Limits
In Canada the limit is 0.4 W/kg (That limit is 1.2 W/kg lower than the U.S. standard).
Note: I wrote in my previous article about wireless safety concerns about my dislike for using Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), but at least it gives us a direct comparison to the current United States (Aji Pai/Verizon) FCC standard which is also in SAR.
In Russia the limits are lower than the US as well, "at a frequency range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz was set as 5 μW/cm²." (μW/cm² means one millionth of a Watt per squared centimeter.)
Note: I prefer this μW/cm² scale to SAR because SAR relies on absorption by individuals, and that is very hard to gauge and is very individual. It also means that smaller people, like children, are more affected than adults. The FCC SAR standard is set up using a 6-foot, 220-pound male who is fit.
In China the limit is 0.4 W/m(squared)
United States RF Limits
In the United States, going all the way back to the Clinton administration, children were generally treated the same as adults in reference to exposure frequency (EF). Our limit is:
In the SAR scale: The FCC limit for public exposure from cellular telephones is a SAR level of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg)
In the W/cm(squared) scale: The FCC skirts defining why they did not use this standard, and instead backs up their use of SAR.
Until recently the EPA defined the standard in W/kg but now uses SAR and is referring most people to the FCC site. This is a recent
change. Still, their standard is significantly lower than the FCC at 1 W/kg (.6 lower than the FCC) before biological damage occurs.
Note: Don't be surprised if you see these articles change and the old data erased. I've seen it happen to FCC articles that stated in 2016 that they "were unsure of the effects of wireless on children" to articles today that state: "The grand majority of scientific evidence suggests they are safe…."
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) lists the most recent U.S. standard in watts/meter(squared) as 6.7. That is a full 6.3 above China. Japan is listed as 5, so we're a full 1.7 above the standard of the tech-loving Japanese population.
There is one final way to measure EMF/RF effects, and that is in milli-gauss. The safe average being .5 to 2.5 milligauss.
Here is the IEEE article for more comparisons.
U.S. Limits are Too High
So, in short, the U.S. standards are obscenely high. Much higher than most other developed countries, and higher than all of our competitors. What this means is that we can make lots of dangerous equipment that technically meets the FCC "safety standard." Again, a good example lies in the development of the automobile. Federal emissions standards mean that cars today are more powerful and burn less fuel. Essentially, regulations can be used to make better, safer, technology. Technology can meet the demands of a growing world and be much safer than what we're seeing with 5G, Smart Meters, and lots of other technology that are being rushed to market before they are really ready.
It should also be noted that some say that we are bombarded by radiation all of the time, so don't worry about it. Ok, here's the truth on that. The natural amount of radiation that you would receive of this type is less than 0.000001 percent. So no, you were probably not really exposed to this in nature at anywhere close to this level unless you were really trying. This is an artificially created problem and humans have not yet evolved to deal with it. The process of evolution usually takes a lot of time.
A Visit to the Lettered Streets and Cornwall Park Neighborhood
So, onto the investigative journalism part of this article. I went to the lettered streets neighborhood to take some electromagnetic frequency (EMF) measurements recently with my GQ-EMF380 meter. The gentleman I met with had a meter of his own, too, and has health issues related to exposure to RF field exposure during his decades of engineering work. Before I go on, let me say that I understand that we'll need to take many more measurements around town and correlate the data, but there are some concerning data already.
What were we measuring? Well today, the active devices seemed to be mostly smart meters, but as 5G small cells, and other wireless devices are added, there will be a cumulative effect. Say anywhere from 3 to 10 times what we measured today. The devices also look awful and are not nearly as "camouflaged" and "low-impact" as the big companies told us they would be.
The readings we took varied when the meter was transmitting and when it was not, but peaked at about 7% of the US safety standard. "No problem," you say, "that' well within the limits." I would urge you too keep in mind though that power reading used be taken manually every few weeks, and how often smart meters transmit is totally up to the company. The nationwide average seems to be about every hour, which seems too frequent to have to take a power reading. PSE did not list their time of transmission in their Smart Meter Upgrade document. In fact, the site returns a 404 error the last time I tried to check it. Which is irresponsible to say the least.
The RF equipment was installed at about second-story level on the pole outside and on the first floor on the house. So the idea that RF equipment will be installed in a way to minimize impact, and exposure, to residents is a joke. Many bedrooms, apartments, office buildings, and other structures will be in the direct line of sight of these devices so people will be exposed very often to RF signals. Much more often than the Verizon rep., brought in by our Public Works Director to on behalf of the city at the July council meeting, stated. If your child sleeps on the 2nd floor, their exposure will be much higher than expected. Just look around your own neighborhoods at the installs.
So what does this all mean? Well, it means that this one device exceeds all safety standards when at peak operation. Why? Because SAR is a cumulative effect, so if you're exposed multiple times a day you'll reach the limit quickly, especially if you're a child.
Since it isn't on all of the time though, you might argue that this is an acceptable trade. For what, I'd ask? So the power company can employee one less person to read your meters. So they can avoid installing inexpensive, perfectly safe fiber and hooking that up to the meters instead? So they can avoid backing a public fiber initiative, leasing public fiber at a fraction of the rate of private fiber for the meters, and God forbid, giving a little back to the citizens for a change?
Since RF exposure falls off sharply with distance, it means that Wireless Smart Meters shouldn't be hooked up to the side of your house! These same meters could also be hooked up to fiber, which is perfectly safe, and has no problems. With a fiber network, the power company can have their cake and eat it too, without exposing you to EMF just to take some readings and write up your bill.
However, we walked to another neighborhood on Illinois street by Cornwall Park. Similar equipment was installed there, but the output was about half of what it was on H street. The neighborhood was also, well let's say it had nicer houses on it and probably better connected people. There is a good chance that PSE just totally screwed up the H street installation, and just cranked up the gain to compensate for it. Causing an unnecessary additional amount of EMF on H street than on Illinois street. More care seems to have been taken on Illinois Street around the park than on H street for sure. Who is going to hold PSE accountable, well certainly not Pinky Vargas who works for them or most of the "business first, regardless of the harm to the community," members of your current city council..
With competing companies wanting to install multiple small cells you could easily end up with 10 times this amount of radiation per pole with constant transmissions.
Think about it for a second. PSE wants one smart meter, then the CNG decides it's a good idea too, then Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all want to install competing small cells. Perhaps another cellular company thinks that one of the big 3 telecoms I mentioned has too much coverage so, thanks to the FCC lack of regulation on small cells and equipment, decides to install one at an even lower level on a street light too. By the way, the city is ready to lease them public fiber to do this. That's right, the same fiber you paid for, they refuse you access to, that they keep telling you isn't useful, they are ready to lease to big telecoms no problem. They already lease it to AT&T, in a total corporate welfare deal, as I wrote about previously. There you have it, at least 6 RF devices where there were virtually none just 2 years ago.
Still, we need to stop and think about what is happening here as millions of wireless devices are rolled out nationwide to be added to your streets right alongside of your Smart Meters. Each device will add at least as much radiation to the environment as these smart meters. Yes, at different wavelengths, but that isn't better. You see, one person who might be fine with a lower frequency headache may not tolerate higher frequency ones as well, and vice-versa. With competing companies wanting to install multiple small cells you could easily end up with 10 times this amount of radiation per pole with constant transmissions. Meaning an constant bombardment with RF radiation that exceeds any health standard.
Your council, mayor, and top staff members have all of this information. Still, they lack the courage to follow in the footsteps of San Rafel, and other California, communities.
Ted Carlson, your Public Works Director, got up and left before listening to any public commentary on the issue. You see, the decision had already been made behind closed doors; no need to waste any time listening to the pesky public. I've mentioned this before, but it is worth saying again. There was no real dialogue between the citizens and the government on this issue and your government did not bother to seek out a wide range of professionals before making a decision. They do this even as more and more legitimate data comes out questioning the safety of 5G devices and radiation exposure in general. Like this bombshell dropped at the Michigan 5G Small Cell Hearings stating that 5G is definitely unsafe.
How about the NIH study that has been out for years now that they just totally blew off. The NIH study talks about how the effects of 5G on health are even less studied than the already understudied effects of other wireless technologies. On the whole, they won't even talk to pros in their own community and they certainly won't have an open council discussion with them or a formal meeting.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of articles now from legitimate groups. I covered many of them in my last 5G article, and sent even more to our officials. Michael Lilliquist was the only one to have a dialogue with me about it, but ultimately he hid behind the FCC.
So what do we need? Our government will tell you there is nothing they can do. It's a federal regulation, and blah, blah, blah. Well, since it concerns our health they need to do something. Ultimately, this is a technology we don't even need, especailly if we have a good public fiber network. You know, the material all of this 5G stuff needs to be hooked up to anyway.
We've suggested the following reasonable actions:
1. The city halts the installation, and activation of all small cells until an independent wireless safety study carried out by a group the citizens choose can be conducted. This study should be commissioned by the city and should involve WWU.
2. The city opens up access to the existing public fiber network, so more citizens can get robust connections. Right how their argument for 5G largely includes coverage and safety. All small cells need to be backed up by fiber which is perfectly safe. Fiber would give us real choice. Those who wanted to hook up wireless devices in their own homes could, but not everyone would have to be subjected to wireless if they didn't want to. Fiber is less expensive and more reliable, in the long run, anyway. Keep in mind that the big telecoms made this safety argument everytime a new wireless standard rolled out and never really delivered on their promises.
3. The city establishes a Dig Once policy based on the document we sent them which is based on successful Dig Once policies from several other U.S. cities including Mount Vernon (Technically Mount Vernon's is called a Conduit Ordinance). All of them install conduit and fiber for less money than the COB is stating they need to spend for the same task.
4. Telecoms installing equipment by residences need to pay to shield those residences from EMF radiation. We do this with many other companies when their activity causes safety concerns — why not telecoms?
In the end, the real choice comes down to who has access to the fiber backing everything up. Right now, for or against 5G, communities have no real choice and no real compromises. In relation to this, I think of the example of smoking and its effects on our culture. There is no doubt that smoking causes death in many ways. So, we regulated it. People who didn't want to be exposed to smoke could physically get away from it, in most cases. It's not going to be like that with small cells. You will be bombarded all of the time with RF radiation. Are you so sure it's safe that you are willing to take that risk? Based on the word of the most corrupt FCC in American history?! When their standards are way higher than other countries? If so, then why push that onto others when you could hook something up to your own fiber in the privacy of your own home if public fiber were available? That way, everyone gets to have choice.
If you could really limit your exposure, this would be a totally different ballgame, but with small cells you simply can't — especially if you live in a city, in an old house, in a poor or middle class neighborhood.
About Jon Humphrey
Citizen Journalist • Bellingham • Member since May 23, 2017
Jon Humphrey is currently a music educator in Bellingham and very active in the community. He also has decades of professional IT experience including everything from support to development. He [...]
Comments by Readers
Here's an edifying tale from a community in Oregon:
SOme years ago the Breitenbush Hot Springs Resort, which is run communally, had a vote on whether to install wifi around the place for residents and guests. The debate was intense and the YEs to Wifi side won. But the opposition to wifi was very committed and continued to oppose wifi - they were very concerned about bathing their bodies in wifi radiation - one of the reasons they lived in a place off the grid was to avoid it. They, a sizeable minority (IIRC the vote was about 60-40 in favor of wifi) continued to agitate, continued to make the wifi issue job number one to the point that the entire community conversation was dominated by wifi.
They were successful in getting everybody else to agree to have no wifi - but rather to install Cat 5 cabling to those who wanted it attached to a wired (actually, fibre-optic) internet source. Just to make peace with a committed and zealous minority.
So, Jon - please keep it up. A committed and zealous minority can get things done even if the majority are opposed in a lukewarm way and a compromise can be found. In this case, the compromise was a fibre-optic network. We can do the same thing here in Bellingham in the face of monopoly capital's trying to impose 5G with its yet unknown health effects. All for their profits which they would not get if we installed a fibre network as Mount Vernon has.
Just say no to 5G small cell radiation and monopoly profits and say yes to citizen-owned fibre. WHo are our "representatives" working for, anyway?
It seems to me that the most affected will be those who use their cell phones frequently, especially those who make and receive phone calls on them and thus put the devices close to their heads. Especially children, who brain cells are growing and dividing much more rapidly than adults. Cell phones all have a semiconductor oscillator that emits RF at microwave frequencies, typically 3 gigahertz.
Another at-risk population are those who live near cell towers, which typically have many emitters on them from the various companies providing cell service.
John, what's the RF frequency at which 5G systems will operate? I hear its upwards of 10 gigahertz, which indeed hasnot been well studied for biological impacts.
Thanks guys. David, again the most frustrating thing about all of this is that you need fiber-optic cabling to back everything up with. There is no way around needing it, so why do our city and county (with exception of the Port see this annuoncement) refuse to establish a real Dig Once Policy and have public use infrastructure that insures real competiton and everything else I've talked about? We literally provided them with one to use based on many successful cities and their DIg Once Policies/Conduit Ordinances.
In a early draft of the city's Dig Once Proposal, they have ignored all of the advice they've received from Public Fiber Pros around the country and started drrafting a ludicrious policy instead. One of the sad highlights in the COBs, we're too arrogant to listen to anyone else, policy is that, instead of allowing any licensed entity like a non-profit, co-op, or local provider to lease the resources in an Open Access Structure (as we suggested), they are saying that if they do it at all they are going to name the companies who can lease the public resources. To get on the list you will need to know the mayor and Ted Carlson. Right now the list has Comcast, CenturyLink, WAVE, PogoZone, CSS, Noel and Blackrock on it. Quite a short list for a resource that HamsterNet ISP CO-OP, licensed building owners, any of the 10 providers from Skagit/Mount Vernon, etc. should be able to buy dark fiber leases on too.
Michael, each country has a slightly different take on the ranges for 5G. While 5G will mostly operate in existing bands up to 6GHZ but can also use millimeterwaves in the 24 GHz - 86 Ghz and up spectrum. They also would like to use "unlicense" spectrum. When you hear unlicensed think, untested. Of course, the waves get shorter, more directed, and less reliable as you go up in frequency and even more small cells are required. The bottom line is that 24GHZ and up WAVEs are actually awful in an anvironment like Bellingham with trees, heavy rain, etc. Also, wireless is a shared bandwidth scenario and therefore only as good as your distance to it, how many users are connected, and how much fiber is hooked up to it. Remember, the big telecoms promised us better coverage everytime they launched a new standard, and the big telecoms always fall short. Especailly in emergency situations. The same situations they use to scare councils and people into letting them do whatever they want. The truth is that we'll never be safe if we keep trusting the big telecoms, who have only ever proved that their only real area of expertise is in lying to us. They will never do it right. They hever have.
Also, yes living near a tower is a huge health risk. Now we will all be living near to so many small cells that we will have micro-towers outside of every home. What's truly sad is that we really don't need 5G. As discussed in the book "The 5G Myth" by William Webb, the problem really isn't a need for new spectrum. It is in poorly built 4G systems, the way we license spectrum, a lack of fiber hooked up to towers for backhaul…. the list goes on. For exammple, how about using wi-fi calling to make calls via your overpriced broadband connection, instead of an even more overpriced 5G network? In fact, 5G is so expsive it will widen the Digital Divide. In short, we should stick with more reliable 4G LTE networks, and really beef them up. Almost everything they say you need 5G for you can do with 4G LTE the big telecoms didn't half-ass every part of its construction. More than a new standard for wireless communications, we need a new standard in service providers.
The NIH, along with many other groups, have expressed concern with 5G as much higher yield version of millimeter wave devices (aka 5G devices) were origianlly tested in sonic crowd control weapons because of their effect specifically on the human nervious system. (I have a personal source for this from my college days too. Let's just say that my university Acoustics Department may have been contacted by a 4-letter gun company to do such research.)
None of this seems to both the mayor or any of the council members at all. In fact, most of them say they can't be bothered with learning about it.
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Nervous About the Vaccines? Don't Be
By Deb Gaber • On Nov 28, 2020
A "clinical trials geek" speaks up
False Fast Speeds, Bad Connections, & Broken Promises
By Jon Humphrey • On Nov 24, 2020
How Bellingham Schools fail the poor.
If Campers Had Housing, They Wouldn't Be Camping
By Guest Writer • On Nov 23, 2020
Bellingham's homeless have no place to go. They need shelter now.
The Big Lie of Republican Environmental Values
By John Servais • On Nov 21, 2020
Republicans who are silent during this disaster of a transition should be held to account in the next elections: county, state, and national. Here's one example of their hypocrisy.
Together, We Can Stop Trump's Relentless Campaign to Destroy Democracy
By Elisabeth Britt • On Nov 20, 2020
Trump's relentless campaign to interfere with 2020 election results
Just Dying To See The Family?
By Dick Conoboy • On Nov 20, 2020
Stay home for the holidays in 2020 so that you and yours will be around for the holidays in 2021
Shop Local and Shop Early
Chuck Robinson provides his knowledgeable perspective on Christmas and Holiday shopping. We asked Chuck, who is now retired, to write this for all of us.
Drilling Deeper into Whatcom County: Covid-19 & Political Orientation
By David A. Swanson • On Nov 19, 2020
In the three Whatcom County school districts carried by Trump-Pence the covid-19 infection rate is 1.4 times higher than found in the 4 districts carried by Biden-Harris.
Stop the Lying, Doug
By Michael Riordan • On Nov 17, 2020
State Senator Doug Ericksen parrots baseless Republican Party claims about non-existent voter fraud in the 2020 presidential elections.
Did Trump Help Democrats take the 2020 election in Washington?
As is the case, nationwide, it appears that Trump assisted Democrats in carrying the 2020 presidential and gubernatorial elections in Washington
2 comments, most recent 2 months ago
The meaning of the original Armistice Day has been turned on its head. We lose a yearly history lesson as a result.
13 comments, most recent 2 months ago
The 100 Acre Wood Shakedown
The little park district commission wants to increase taxes in an effort to prolong their fiefdom.
Bellingham: 21st Century Community or Small Town Backwater?
Five years ago CenturyLink wanted their TV franchise to be in Bellingham in a big way. They failed and now want to pull out.
Did Trump Help Democrats take the election?
Trump advocated behaviors that placed his followers at higher risk to being sickened and even dying from covid-19. Did a reduction in republican voters aid in the election of Joe Biden?
1 comment, most recent 2 months ago
Veterans' Heavier COVID Casualties
Veterans appear to be paying a price for COVID-19 at double the rate of the general population.
Ballot Drop Boxes: Auditor Drops Opportunity
By John Servais • On Oct 31, 2020
Diana Bradrick, our elected Whatcom County Auditor, leaves two ballot drop boxes in storage rather than install them in Bellingham - where they are needed.
Coronavirus and Community
By Michael Riordan • On Oct 31, 2020
The novel coronavirus also attacks our need for community, which is the antidote to the epidemic of toxic individualism that has begun afflicting much of middle America.
Define "Dragging One's Feet"
By Jon Humphrey • On Oct 29, 2020
Is it 219 days? Five years? It's time to move forward on the Broadband Advisory Group. Now!
Secret Telecom Lovers Part 2: Been Caught Cheating
Six applicants for Bellingham's Broadband Advisory Group are examined by Jon for their conflicts of interest with their business ties to the broadband industry.
Bellingham Transportation Fund: Time to Renew
By Stoney Bird • On Oct 23, 2020
Proposition 2020-14 allows us to support pedestrians and bicyclists by continuing the sales tax of a mere two cents per $10.
Starlink is No Star
Jon explains why the Starlink satellite Internet service will not be so great and why fiber is still best for reliability, speed, cost, safety and the environment. Really.
Voting: Thoughts on Some Election Choices
Some candidates and issues can be a bit obtuse as we look at the campaign literature. These recommendations are for those with progressive, liberal, or moderate values and perspectives.
City Drags Feet On Creation Of Broadband Committee
Bellingham is foot-dragging and Whatcom County gives nearly $1 million to "Big Telecom."
By David A. Swanson • On Oct 17, 2020
Only four US counties remain covid free, each of them rural. We discuss how the pandemic reached rural, isolated counties.
WWU Plans For Winter Quarter Beginning January 5th
By Dick Conoboy • On Oct 17, 2020
Winter quarter at WWU will look much the same as the fall quarter with mostly online classes.
Letter: Supporting Ferndale School Levy
By Letter Writer • On Oct 13, 2020
Satpal Sidhu supports Ferndale School Levy
Letter: Christine Grant for PUD Commissioner
Daniel Kirkpatrick has a letter to the editor endorsing Christine Grant for Public Utility District Commissioner.
The Pandemic and Our Erratic Leader
The novel coronavirus infects the US president and he responds, after a weekend visit to Walter Reed Military Hospital, with wild mood swings and reckless policy pronouncements.
Page 1 of 53 pages 1 2 3 > Last ›
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Ellen Hollman Becomes Trinity, Fangirls Over Keanu Reeves, And Learns From The Matrix Resurrections - Exclusive Interview
The Riker Bros
By David L. Lebovitz/Dec. 23, 2021 9:24 am EST
The first scenes of "The Matrix Resurrections" are, for a time, nearly a shot-for-shot recreation of the opening scene of "The Matrix." We see police and eventually agents approach Trinity in a room and try to arrest her before she does The Coolest Stunts In The Entire World. This turns out to be a simulation seen, and eventually participated in, by Bugs (Jessica Henwick). In fact, it's such a thorough simulation that even the audience probably isn't aware that Carrie-Anne Moss isn't playing Trinity. That would be actress Ellen Hollman.
Hollman's time in "Resurrections" is brief, but pivotal. She certainly shares a resemblance to Moss, a big part of which is thanks to the movie's phenomenal hair and makeup team. Even though the scene is short, it still took weeks – even months – to prepare. Hollman's husband, Stephen Dunlevy, is a prominent stuntman and stunt coordinator – part of the fabled 87eleven team – who also worked on "Resurrections." As such, she was able to stick around for much of the behind-the-scenes action.
Looper spoke with Hollman about her role in "Resurrections." She told us about the prep work, what Moss and Keanu Reeves are really like off set, and working with her husband in ways you wouldn't expect.
Let's begin at the beginning
Let's start with the beginning. I know where you are, but tell people if they want to look for you, where are they going to see you?
Well, unless you are blindfolded in the entire opening sequence of the film, it is certainly impossible to miss me. [Laughs] I think you will agree on that one. I do not recommend taking a nap in the opening of the sequence. Not only is it impossible, but you'll miss pretty much a major plot point, wouldn't you agree?
I would very much agree with that assessment.
Very true, so keep those peepers open, folks! Keep them open.
How many times have you seen the first "Matrix" movie?
How many times this year, or in my lifetime? [Laughs] Those are two separate questions, because let me tell you, when I was doing my due diligence on the entire franchise, my husband and I worked on it. So we just made sure we got comfortable, put on that robe, and just sit there and watch nearly six hours of cinema. The beauty of this franchise is that every time you watch it, you discover something different, and it means something different to you. So, when I saw this movie 20 years ago, when I was five, it meant something profoundly different to me in that stage of my life, than it does right now. You're looking at it from a different perspective when you know you're a part of this legacy.
So, let's be a little more specific. How many times did you watch the opening scene of "The Matrix" to prepare for this?
Why would I do that? Why would I focus specifically on the opening sequence of the original "Matrix"? [Laughs] I think so many times that I could, verbatim, not just perform, but give the dialogue of the opening sequence. I think I was driving my husband nuts, because I'm like, "I think I can handle one little girl." Just all of that, over and over ... I was eating, sleeping, and breathing that entire opening sequence, because once people see the film, they will surely understand why that is. Also, with that homework, you want to carry it with you, make what you bring to [the] screen your own, [while] still paying homage to the original. That was basically the tightrope of a challenge that I was walking.
The casting process
Kelly Sullivan/Getty, The Riker Bros
I went in knowing who you'd play. But when I first saw this, I saw you, and I thought, "That looks a lot like Carrie-Anne Moss!"
Well, that is not accidental! [Laughs] That is not accidental at all. In fact, rest assured, that is a very large aspect of how I've managed to get caps in this film, and that's why I was so excited to see all these trailers drop, [because] I nearly made every single trailer. And the audience at this point, even as we speak here on ... What's the date here? December 16th. People still don't know in these trailers that it's me, they just assume that it's her, and that is inside the brilliant mind of Lana Wachowski. That was always her intention, that you keep thinking it's her. Even in the casting process, Lana was very specific. At first, I didn't know what character I was going to be auditioning for, but the supervising stunt coordinator I've known for years called me in, and the entire action design team is 87eleven, which is essentially my family.
They've been a part of my family for many years. My husband's one of their stunt coordinators, he does the "John Wick" franchise, [and] he just wrapped "John Wick 4." As a martial artist, I've played on the nets with them for many years, and I've learned a lot of their tricks. Chad Stahelski, who's at the helm of 87eleven along with David Leitch, he's one of my mentors. Not just in the film and television industry, but also as a jujitsu professor, he's taught me, I would say, 75% of what I know. When I went in there for this alleged audition, it was [understood] that I was a very specific height, very specific features, very specific energy, and something that she was quite adamant about. It's that you can look the part, but can you be the part? So, what I thought was going to be an audition, it was essentially just an hour-long heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul conversation with Lana Wachowski.
I couldn't even believe it. It was such an out-of-body experience, because the pre-production office was located at 87eleven, and I was constantly in there anyway. I already felt comfortable in that environment, so she was essentially in my playground, and she could see the camaraderie between myself [and the rest of the crew]. She didn't mention anything about the role, we just talked about life, and as it turns out, we have so much more in common than we could have ever anticipated, and at the end of our hour-long powwow, she gave me this incredible embrace, and she said, "Welcome to the family."
This is real life
Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images
I'll never forget this moment. I was looking over her shoulder, and making eye contact with Jess Henwick, who's a buddy of mine actually. Before this film, she was a buddy of mine. We worked on "Love and Monsters," and just like fell in love with each other. And I looked over her shoulder and she mouthed, "Oh my God, this is what is happening, oh my God!" And I mouth back to her, like, "Is this my life? What is happening?" Totally fangirling, totally fangirling. And then when I released the embrace, I just played it cool, I'm like, "Ms. Lana, it is an absolute honor to be part of this family," when inside I was shrieking, I was shrieking. And when I walked out of 87, my whole body, it was just shaking. I'm like, "What just happened? What did ... oh my God."
One of the prerequisites for this role is that she wanted an actress that could do all of her own action. She did not want to double, she did not want to cut away, so that meant that I had to do everything myself, which was ... Thank God I had the preparation of just previous jobs being in the action genre, I was able to really have that foundation from judo, jujitsu, and choreography that I was up for any challenge, but this certainly pushed me beyond anything I've ever done before. And that's what Lana does — she will push you further than you ever thought you could go before, and the end result, I believe, speaks for itself.
Carrie-Anne Moss as a standard
Steve Jennings/Getty Images
So you've spoken about meeting Lana. I know you don't actually share a scene, but did you meet Carrie-Anne Moss at any point?
Oh my God, absolutely. Carrie-Anne. So, one of the other incredible aspects of Lana is that there is no separation between past. It doesn't matter if you share the screen together. You all train together, you all stretch together, you all have meals together, you are part of the family. She's very big on family, even in the production tent. So, half of my work is done in San Francisco, the other half in Berlin. And in San Francisco, there was an entire airport hangar that was ours, and it was essentially the Matrix circus. There was this massive tent ... That's where we ate lunch, that's where there were couches, and lamps, and music constantly playing where people could lounge, and nap, and congregate. That's where a lot of production chats that happened.
Then you had the mats, which, I say "mats" casually, but this is like a whole full-on gym that they designed. Keanu, Carrie-Anne, Jon Groff, Yahya, Jess, Eréndira, all of us would congregate, we would do our morning routines together, stretches, training. And Carrie-Anne is such an essential part of this, as is Keanu, and I'll never forget one of the first moments we had with each other, where I was sitting in the hair and makeup trailer. This is such a surreal moment, it's one of those other moments where I'm like, "I'm going to remember this the rest of my life. How is this happening right now? This is incredible!"
I was sitting in the hair and makeup trailer. To my left is Keanu with Alexandra, his girlfriend, who is awesome. He's listening to his hardcore rock music and getting his hair done, I'm sitting in the chair, and then beside me is Carrie-Anne, getting her hair done. I don't know if you know this, but I have long, past the chest length, curly blonde hair. I'm German, so I'm very blonde hair, green-eyed, and I've had it my entire life, this long, blonde, cascading hair. For the role [in this film], I had to chop off all my hair and dye it black, as in, my hair is not just black, it is like a black hole, a succubus, that is how black this hair was. When I was sitting in the hair chair, our head of makeup ... What they do is they put your hair in a ponytail and they chop it off. She put my hair in a ponytail and I felt like I was about to go into the guillotine, [Laughs] because as a woman, your hair is like an extension of you, it is part of your identity, and that is something that I was willing to sacrifice.
Drastic and necessary changes
I wasn't the only one. Every castmate had some insane hairstyle, but some even had to go bald, so I had to shut up because I actually didn't get the bitter end of the stick. So, when I was sitting there in the chair, I was trying not to tear up because holy s***, Carrie-Anne Moss and fricking Keanu Reeves are sitting there right next to me. I'm like, "Oh my God," I was like, "Keep those big girl pants on. Oh my God. Oh my God, what is happening?" And when they chopped off my ponytail, I just ... It was like this gasp, and I had a hard time breathing. Then, all of a sudden I feel this hand holding me, and I look over and Carrie-Anne's like, "It's going to be okay. I was where you once were, and it's going to be okay." I'm like, "Thank you Carrie-Anne Moss, thank you, Trinity!" And I'm like, "Oh my God, what is my life right now?"
It was such a surreal moment, but she had such an incredible soothing presence. She is a deity among mere mortals, she is just absolutely ... she's like a lioness, and she just really calms me. And Keanu's like, "Hey, it looks pretty rad." He's like, "Everything great, everything's just really great." He's always known me with my long blonde curly hair, because he's good buddies with my husband. However, some of the other people in production, when I walked in with my short black hair, some people didn't even know who I was, and reintroduced themselves. I'm like, "Guys, I've been on the mats with you for weeks now!" So, that long-winded question in response to Carrie-Anne Moss — she is an incredible human being.
The stunts of The Matrix
Warner Bros./YouTube
These movies are famous for really innovative stunts, and obviously they're a lot different than, say, the "John Wick" stunts. They're a lot more Hong Kong, I guess you could say.
Right, it's heightened reality.
When you're doing things like running on the walls, what's that like for you?
Yeah, the challenge behind this is that I don't have an extensive background in such detailed wire work. I've jumped off of castle ramparts in Romania on descender cranes, I've done jerk vests and things like this, but this was complicated, because it's such a brilliant engineering feat to have a human run sideways, because that is not the way gravity works. So, we had Ralph Hagar, which was the German team, and then my husband is actually one of the stunt coordinators on "Matrix," and also one of the rigging coordinators. His background is engineering, and he's an incredible rigger, so there's a lot of trust already there, because your life is in their hands. And we had such an incredibly skilled action design team, that from the fight choreography to the wire work, I trusted [all of them] ... They were my girls, my boys. We flipped each other over one another's head for seven years now, in judo. So I'm like, "Okay, I trust you to put some wires on me."
But it took ... I was there to train ahead of time, nearly four to six weeks, my God, it's such a blur. Nearly four to six weeks, because to be able to seamlessly ... It's funny, because it's just a few moments on screen, but Carrie-Anne Moss, of course, did it seamlessly. So it's like, "Well girl, you better do this, you better do this seamlessly as well." Because not only do you have to remember all your choreography with fervor, you also have to propel yourself onto a wall, and then at the same exact time you're motivating yourself, they're loosening the wires in order to accommodate your movement, and then you're also jumping onto another wall. It's something that takes countless hours in order for that precision to come across seamlessly on screen.
Believe it or not, that was actually some of the hardest wire work. It's just a lot of timing, it's just really muscles that you've never used before are necessary. So, in rehearsal that was one of the trickiest things to do, yet on the day, we got it in like two takes, we were actually like, "Wow, we blocked out like two hours, but we did it in like 15 minutes." I'm like, "Cool, what do we do now?" We did it. I'm so obsessive with preparation, I'm sure I drive my husband nuts. Just when you think you've got it, I'll do it a hundred more times, so that I eat, sleep, and breathe it, because choreography is dialogue without words. You can spend just as much time memorizing that choreography, or that dialogue, per se, as you do what's written on a page.
Fighting with my family
So, since your husband was involved, and you only have a few scenes, were you still around for a lot of this, when your scenes were done shooting?
Well, it's a really fun thing that perhaps you've not realized: The main agent that I am fighting in the opening sequence of "Matrix Resurrections" is Agent Jones, played by Stephen Dunlevy, my husband. So, Lana, in the casting process, wanted just a huge brick s***house guy to play the agent, who also could do martial arts, which is actually a tricky thing to find. My husband, who was coordinating, she's like, "Well, how about you fight your wife? Let's keep it in the family, I really want you guys to work together." And he's like, "Uh, cool, I'm working like 12 hours a day doing the rigging and the other stuff, but yeah, I'll try to learn the choreography with my wife."
So, I actually had to practice all the choreo with the stunties, and then Hubby, on his one day off, he and I went to the facility and based just on memory, I taught him the choreography for our sequence. And the only time we actually legitimately went through it was the day that we were shooting it, and he was on a lunch break. No pressure, because there were a lot of big hits, and our sequences were very high-risk because they were practical. I really was climbing up the fire escape, hundreds of feet off the ground. I really was being chased by SWAT helicopters in 30, 40 mile-an-hour winds on top of a building, I really was getting clotheslined by my husband going full speed, and then flat-backing. I really was getting the crap kicked out of me, into a full-on scorpion kick, into yet another flat back. And this is all done in [single takes].
So, just the preparation was unbelievable, and to have my husband be a part of this legacy with me was something I will forever be grateful for. I'm still pinching myself. I'm going to show the kids someday. "Oh, look, kids! Look at mommy and daddy beating a living snot out of each other on a rooftop in San Francisco!"
It's insane, right? Like, how is this a real thing? How is this like, "Hey hon, remember that time that we were shooting 'The Matrix' together as the entire opening sequence? Wasn't that cool?" How do you top that? I'm not going to say it's impossible to top, because then that will limit the possibility, but my brain cannot comprehend anything more effing cool than that. It's kind of like, "Cool, I'm done. I guess I can just retire now, I think. Yeah, maybe I can just move to an island somewhere, and..." I don't know. It's pretty surreal.
Yes, Keanu Reeves is that nice
You dove into it a little bit, but you clearly know Keanu Reeves. You say he's a friend of your husband, 87eleven, he's a big part of that. Just tell me a little bit about Keanu Reeves specifically, I know you told me about the hair thing, but what's he like as a person? I've heard nothing but good things.
Keanu Reeves is not someone who desires attention, does not desire the limelight, he does not desire acknowledgement nor does he desire accolades. He is by far the most humble artist that I have ever had the honor of meeting. As a fellow performer, who's been in the industry over 20 years, I can say that his heart and his kindness are what has allowed him to become the megastar that he is today. He doesn't have the type of energy that draws you to him, because he doesn't want that. For example, we have the table read, and I was walking down the hallway, and I just felt this shoulder brush next to me, and I look over, and it's just Keanu! I'm like, "How you doing bud, great table read!" He's like, "Oh yeah, no. I just had a really good time."
You don't notice him. If that sounds like a strange thing to say, he's not this succubus. Wven on the mats, even if I'm just sparring with some of the 87 boys, or with Chad. Ironically, Chad Stahelski was his double in the original "Matrix," and now the director of the "John Wick" franchise, which is also an incredible full-circle situation. You'll be on the mats cooling down, and right next to you is Keanu, stretching. He always wears his woven hat, a winter hat, — even in the dead of summer, he wears his hat. And all of a sudden you look, and he's right next to you, you don't even notice.
From one franchise to another
Sam Santos/Getty Images
I had the opportunity to shadow Chad. He was directing "John Wick 4." I went over to Berlin just to learn from him and Dan Laustsen, to see how they set up shots, and one-ers and everything. I was behind the monitor for countless hours, and in between sets, Keanu would be sitting next to me. And most of the time it's about ju-jitsu, we're both ju-jitsu freaks. So I'll be like, "Oh my God, have you watched this video?" He's like, "Oh my God, have you seen this video?" And you forget that you are conversating with one of the most epic actors, not only of our generation, but generations that have come before will continue to be, because he's just ... There's no one like him.
And anytime, for example, there is some kind of discrepancy, which happens in production, he was the first one to solve the problem. Like, oh my gosh, for some reason, catering isn't there today for pre-production for some reason. Because, Germany, there's language barriers, things happen. So, he would just have a food truck for everyone. Yeah, just things like that. "Oh, you don't have a car to get you to help with your bags, to move all the equipment. I'll just hire a car service for you." Even for the premiere, I swear, he's in love with Dunlevy. He's like, "Hey, if you want, I can fly you out. And yeah, I can put you at this hotel, and yeah if you want to be on my ... You want to ride with me? Do you want to be on my guest list?" I'm like, "We're already there Keanu, but thank you."
You forget that it's him, he's just so wonderful, like, "Hey, do you guys want to have breakfast in the morning?" You forget it's him, it's just really, really surreal, and I almost feel that it's only when you see social media, when you see the trades or whatever, you're reminded of how massive of a star that he is. So yeah, it's a pretty neat thing to witness.
87eleven are the real stars
I want to read something to you. Earlier this year, I spoke with Donnie Yen, which is an amazing name drop.
When I asked him about "John Wick 4," he said, "I can tell you I'm having a wonderful time. Keanu Reeves is a wonderful soul, gentleman, best guy I ever worked with, just a great guy, same as Chad."
He also said that Chad really understands action sequences better than anybody else, so the work you guys are doing at 87eleven is phenomenal. I think you guys are the best stunt team in America right now.
They really are. And I have so much respect for stunt men and women. They're the first ones in, last ones out, and many times, they're like the shadow. They're the ones that elevate the material, yet your focus is your lead actor. Yet, those performances are not possible without these underdogs, and Chad has been doing this for, my God, I don't know how many decades. He's got like six black belts. He understands action, because he can do it. Everything he teaches, he also preaches, and he's capable of doing. That's what makes him stand out from the rest, because directors, a lot of times, have second units shoot all the action.
Chad would rather be tarred and feathered than have anyone shoot his action, because it is his. It is as much of the story as anything else. So in his opinion, he's like, "Why would I let someone direct a part of this story? It's my story." That's, in my opinion, what separates them from the rest. And that's why they've managed to be as successful as they are, and I will say, I'm not a stunt person. I'm an actress who does mixed martial arts and respects it wholeheartedly. I have learned and absorbed an endless myriad of tricks from what they've taught me, and I carry that forward through my career.
"The Matrix Resurrections" is now playing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.


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