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The Clean Cut: Seattle dad transforms driveway into life-sized Diagon Alley
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Left to right, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." - photo by Lottie Peterson Johnson
SALT LAKE CITY How long does it take to create Diagon Alley?

For Seattle native Jonathan Chambers, the answer to that question is 17 days.

About a month ago, Chambers opted to take a break from his tech industry job so he could spend more time with his two young daughters and create their ideal playhouse the magical shopping district from the Harry Potter series known as Diagon Alley.

According to today.com, Chambers designed storefronts for Ollivanders Wand Shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies and Flourish and Blotts Bookshop on one side of his driveway and recreated Magical Menagerie, Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions and Eeylops Owl Emporium on the other side.

With the help of friends and neighbors, Diagon Alley came to life in 17 days just in time for nearly 3,000 trick-or-treaters to experience the magic for Halloween.

But the project is far from over.

Chambers told Today that he plans to add a Gringotts Wizarding Bank and a Leaky Cauldron pub in December so that he can keep the dispay open through Christmas. Watch Diagon Alley come to life here.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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