Florence is the capital of Tuscany, one of the 20 regions that Italy consists of. As one of the richest cities during the Middle Ages and birthplace of Renaissance, Florence has a lot to offer to its tourists. The lack of modern buildings and skyscrapers and plenty of Renaissance architecture and art can make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Many prestigious travel guides and magazines e.g., “Forbes” crowned Florence as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Florence Ponte Vecchio: image source :inzumi.com
The best way to explore this city is on foot, and due to the proximity of most important attractions you can experience Florence without too much hassle. Your first stop should be the most beautiful church in the city – the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower, which can be found in Piazza del Duomo. This Gothic cathedral dates back to 15th century and includes the Baptistery, and a tower as well. Visitors can climb 464 stairs that lead to the top of the Dome, where they can enjoy the breathtaking view of the city. Don’t forget to take your camera and capture some amazing photos.
Near Piazza del Duomo you will find another popular square – Piazza della Signoria, which serves as a meeting place for both the citizens and tourists. This square serves as a gateway to Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums, when it comes to Renaissance paintings and sculptures. Every day, many people from all over the world wait in line for a few hours for a chance to visit some of the greatest Renaissance masterpieces. After the museum, head over to the Ponte Vecchio, a famous bridge and one of Florence’s main attractions. Once you start crossing the bridge you will notice the shops on every side along the way, which is a custom that dates back to Middle Ages and makes this bridge one-of-a-kind.
Chances are you probably don’t know much about Belgrade – the capital of Serbia – a small country in Southeastern Europe. It’s nowhere near as famous as Rome, Madrid or, even, nearby Budapest; but in the recent years it definitely made a name for itself, especially when it comes to the nightlife, attracting more and more young tourists every year.
Belgrade/Image Source: nightlife-belgrade.com
There are several reasons why a lot of young travelers choose to visit this city. First of all, the cost of living is pretty low for anyone coming from United States or Western Europe. The typical street food – “pljeskavica” (similar to a hamburger) will set you back less than $3, while the cost of a pint of beer in a bar is about $2. Newer generations also like to explore the new and emerging regions, and Belgrade definitely falls into that category for most tourists. Finally, Belgrade’s energy, primarily during the night, makes a lasting impression on many tourists. Night is when the city comes to life, especially during the summer months. Make sure to visit the famous “splavs,” which are bars/nightclubs located on the water. Since two major rivers flow through Belgrade, you will encounter a lot of splavs.
Belgrade Fortress/Image Source:dunavision.eu
After a night of partying, take a walk along the Knez Mihailova Street, the most famous pedestrian street in Belgrade. You will notice numerous cafés, which are almost always full of people. Once you reach the end of the street, you will enter Kalemegedan Park, which is a part of the Belgrade Fortress. If you want to experience the history of Belgrade, then make sure to visit this place. Between the restaurants, cafés and a nearby zoo, you can easily spend the whole day exploring the Belgrade Fortress.
On Tuesday, May 28, 2013, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) premiered TylerPerry’s The Haves and the Have Nots. Based on Perry’s 2011 play of the same name, the series follows the rich and powerful Cryer family in Savannah, Georgia. The show is, also, the first scripted series on the network. The Haves and the Have Nots set a new record for the network, scoring the highest ratings ever for a series premiere. While the second season awaits its early 2014 début, rising actor, Patrick Faucette, speaks candidly about his compelling role on the popular series.
Ashly: Greetings, Mr. Faucette!
Patrick: Hello, How are you?
Ashly: I’m well and yourself?
Patrick: I’m good, I can’t complain.
Ashly: Where are you originally from?
Patrick: I’m from Willingboro, New Jersey. I lived in San Francisco for a while before moving to L.A.
Ashly: In addition to film and television, you, also, have an extensive theater background. How are the three similar/or different?
Patrick: All 3 contain multiple auditions and rehearsals, but with theater, there are no retakes and you can’t mess up. It’s sort of like live television.
Ashly: You hold a BS in Physical Therapy and are currently a physical therapist. What made you want to pursue acting?
Patrick: I attended Boston University on a football scholarship and a few of my friends from there were into acting. They suggested that I do a few plays with them so I moved to San Francisco, and eventually L.A. I loved the weather in L.A., which is why I chose to stay. After that, I guess you can say that I was bit by the acting bug. I started doing more plays and, eventually, commercials. I still try to do at least one play here and there.
Ashly: As you stated before, your friends inspired your acting career from a personal standpoint. Who inspired you professionally?
Patrick: That would have to be Denzel Washington. His stamina, charisma, and ability are only a few reasons why I wanted to be on his level acting-wise.
Ashly: When making the transition to acting, what was your biggest fear?
Patrick: Although I’ve always loved acting, in the back of my mind, I sometimes wondered whether or not I would make it, and whether or not I had what it took to become an actor.
Ashly: You’re, also skilled in martial arts. Have you competed in, or won any tournaments?
Patrick: (laughs) Actually no. I’ve done kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do, but I’ve never been a black belt.
Ashly: (laughs) Those skills could possibly come in handy…perhaps in an action film?
Crystal Fox-Tyler Lepley-Patrick Faucette/Image Source: OWN
Patrick: You never know. (laughs)
Ashly: What have been the 3 most challenging factors in your career so far?
Patrick: Honestly, it’s just been, keeping my passion and keeping the fire burning and, of course, being able to bounce back after rejection.
Ashly: Do you feel that your career is conducive to a family life?
Patrick: It’s challenging at times. I have a wife and three children. My sons are 15 and 10, and my daughter is 13. At times it’s difficult being away but I make it work.
Ashly: Are your children interested in acting?
Patrick: My oldest is a soccer player, my daughter is into school plays, which my wife isn’t too thrilled about (laughs) in contrast, and my youngest usually accompanies me to auditions – so he may start to like it soon.
Ashly: Obviously, both acting and physical therapy are two vastly different fields. Are there ever times when you have to fuse the two together to solve an issue?
Patrick: When I receive doctor roles I’m able to spot medical terms that others don’t know so that helps with my job, but I don’t use it much to solve issues in my personal life.
Ashly: In a nutshell, Patrick Faucette is..?
Patrick: … a renaissance man. (laughs) Actor, dad, husband, musician.
Ashly: Musician? What instrument do you play?
Patrick: I play bass guitar. When I was in 8th grade, I was in a plethora of bands, (rock, R&B, and gospel). We were pretty good. One of our favorite songs to play was “Stairway to Heaven”. Actually, I can still play.
Ashly: That’s cool! Did you ever want to pursue music full-time?
Patrick: (laughs) Only when I was younger. I enjoyed it though.
Ashly: What was your 1st reaction when you were asked to appear on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots?
Patrick: After my audition, they were pleased with my scene, which gave me the ultimate rush. After we did different takes, I had a feeling that I was going to be hanging around a bit longer. (laughs)
Ashly: Of all the actors that you’ve worked with, (past and present), who were you the most star struck by?
Patrick: I generally don’t get star struck, but I’ll say that Tyler Perry was quite intimidating. Besides being an icon, I also was surprised at his height which is seemingly between 6’2 and 6’3.
Ashly: Wow!!! Really? That’s amazing. Usually many entertainers appear shorter in person than they do on television. I guess Mr. Perry is an exception. (laughs)
Patrick: Yes, he is. (laughs) I really enjoy working with him and I’ve learned a lot from him.
Ashly: Which of your acting roles have been the most rewarding so far?
Patrick: Without a doubt, my role on The Haves and the Have Nots. I was only supposed to be used for one episode, but after a few takes, I was asked to come back.
Ashly: Your character is a father who has been absent from his son’s life. Have you had a similar experience with your upbringing?
Patrick: Yes, I play the part of Benny’s (Tyler Lepley) father, who left Benny’s mom, Hanna (Crystal Fox) and married someone else. Soon after ,my wife passed away. I now strive to be part of my son’s life, much to Hanna’s dismay. But with me, my parents were always together until I left for college. Then they divorced.
Ashly: What vibe do you think your character brings to the show?
Patrick:I think that I bring a sense of mystery to the show. No one knows who I am or where I come from.
Ashly: Which direction are you hoping that this character will take your career into?
Patrick: I want my character to develop into more than a recurring cast member, for starters. Hopefully it will develop into one of my best known roles.
Ashly: What advice would you give to aspiring actors?
Patrick: Don’t give up, brave the disappointments, and keep your passion no matter what.
Ashly: That’s great advice, Mr. Faucette, and I really enjoyed speaking with you today. We’ll be watching you (laughs). Thank you for your time, and enjoy the rest of your evening.
Patrick: Thank you, and no problem at all. You do the same.
Be sure to catch Mr. Faucette on The Haves and the Have Nots on OWN, Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT.
The summer heats your tamales as a bunch of planets oppose volcanic Pluto. Don’t be surprised if what you thought is true and solid is not. Never fear, fluidity is what keeps us on our toes and makes us work harder for success. Change is often good and in this case, needed.
ARIES (MARCH 21 – APRIL 20) If your domestic situation is in need of a summer cleaning, expect a big broom to sweep clean this month. Aries either decide on new furnishings or new company to decorate their abode. The more time you spend on all of this, the less you want to spend on the job. Will all of this activity change your life’s goals? It depends on what your goals are. Unemployment?
TAURUS (APRIL 21 – MAY 21) Talk is cheap, so they say. But talk of global adventure and changing the world could be expensive. Taurians have grand plans that they need to put into action sooner than later. But careful planning and implementation are essential because of unforeseen obstacles. The world can become your oyster, if you like searching for pearls in every dish..
GEMINI (MAY 22 – JUNE 21) The world is looking rosy and lush. Why not increase the overgrowth by lavishing your lover with expensive gifts? But are they suitably grateful? Be sure to communicate carefully so that your lurid words match your extravagant actions. Even better, try to find ways to romance on the cheap. Nude food painting can be combined with lunch, Gemini.
CANCER (JUNE 22 – JULY 23) The spotlights turns on you. Is it a a harsh strobe or a rosy glow? The quality of your appearance is up to you, Cancer. But be aware that partners and partners-to-be will be watching and assessing your charms. Give it all you’ve got and pour on the charm. The hearts that you capture now will warm you throughout the sseason… and then some.
LEO (JULY 24 – AUGUST 23) Mystery surrounds you whether in secret admirers or secret enemies. Keep your ear to the ground and see if you can discern friend from foe. And speaking of secrets, there are things that you can do to remove the cosmic clutter from your life that might be creating obstacles to success. There is no mystery here: you know exactly what you have to do.
VIRGO (AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 23) Dive into the social swim and see who sails by and hoists you up. Virgos can reach out and make new friendships very easily now. And the people you meet now lead you into all sorts of artistic enterprises. But don’t overdo it. The temptation will be to light your candle at both ends. That will quickly result in a very small and burnt candle.
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 23) Reach for the corporate star, Libra. It may be within your reach. You have worked too hard for too long to let this rare opportunity go by without a grab. But understand that everything has a cost. Here it may be too much time at work and not enough time nurturing home and family. Balance as best you can and weigh the scales with the extra cash you earn.
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22) Expand your horizons with either a quick and fanciful vacation or a summer of nothing but lounging around the house and surfing the internet. Whatever lowers your stress will work. And the less said the better. Your words have a powerful but unintended effect. Think first and talk second. Better still, don’t talk at all. Let your actions speak louder than your words.
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 22) Even if you don’t feel especially feisty, the planets conspire to make you a delightful sexy morsel this summer. Sagittarians attract anyone they set their minds to attract. Your amours will be plentiful and wooing them will be costly. This can get you into both fiscal and emotional trouble! Are your eyes too big for your whatevers? Oh whatever!
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 – JANUARY 20) How independent and fancy free do you really feel, Capricorn? You may find that you need to find (or create) the boundaries in certain one-to-one relationships so that you can truly be you. Finding your center is an important goal that should be very achievable now. It will not be without some compromise for the love of others but nothing that you can’t live with.
AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 19) Working hard has its benefits. But working smart is … well.. smarter. Aquarians need to put something extra into their efforts so that they really pay off. Sometimes that means gaining underhanded advantages. Sometimes it is just going with your gut to get you through the weeds. Consider your options before the field is overgrown and you need some mowing.
PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 20) Let your creativity go on a wild tangent and see where it leads you now. Any artistic adventure will bring far-flung friends closer and ratchet up the fun and frolic. But learn to conserve your energy so that you can go the distance in any party-fueled pursuit. It would be a shame to turn into a pumpkin just before the harvest moon ball.
(c) 2013 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Lichtenstein’s blog www.thestarryeye.typepad.com covers everything new age. Her astrology book HerScopes is the best in tongue-in-cheek astrology. Order now at tinyurl.com/herscopes
Kelly Rowland’s new and anticipated album has been released and, honestly, it’s her best album so far! On top of having an unbelievably sexy album cover showing off her body, the songs add lyrical perfection alongside her sexiness. The album, “Talk A Good Game”, includes 15 R&B tracks including “Kisses Down Low”. “Kisses Down Low” is fun and flirty and great for the club or dancing anywhere – for that matter. It’s a suggestive song that can spice up the aura in any room. The best song on the album in my opinion is “Dirty Laundry,” a personal and mellow song. “Dirty Laundry” is a song that talks about the struggles for success and being in the shadows of someone else, domestic violence, and other personal events that have been incorporated into Rowland’s life.
The album is worthwhile because each song keeps you listening. You can play the full album whether you’re on a road trip, going through a breakup, or simply just cleaning up your house. The mix of tones and styles adds variety to the album. This album is a turning point in the already rising career of Kelly Rowland’s because, not only does the album get more personal, it allows the fans to feel as if they understand and relate to her more.
Kelly Rowland’s album is available now and is, also, available on iTunes. “Talk A Good Game,” is quality music that anyone, fan or not, is destined to enjoy.
On Tuesday, May 28, 2013, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) premiered Tyler Perry’s
Ashly
Kelly Rowland’s new and anticipated album has been released and, honestly, it’s her best album so far! On top of having an unbelievably sexy album cover showing off her body, the songs add lyrical perfection alongside her sexiness. The album, “Talk A Good Game”, includes 15 R&B tracks including “Kisses Down Low”. “Kisses Down Low” is fun and flirty and great for the club or dancing anywhere – for that matter. It’s a suggestive song that can spice up the aura in any room. The best song on the album in my opinion is “Dirty Laundry,” a personal and mellow song. “Dirty Laundry” is a song that talks about the struggles for success and being in the shadows of someone else, domestic violence, and other personal events that have been incorporated into Rowland’s life.