Arts and Entertainment

Do You Work With an Office Full of Character? A New Reality TV Show, OFFICE LIFE (Working Title Only) is Looking to Showcase America's Small Businesses and Their Staff

2012-02-02T03:20:00.000-08:00

Do You Work With an Office Full of Character? A New Reality TV Show, OFFICE LIFE (Working Title Only) is Looking to Showcase America's Small Businesses and Their StaffIconic Casting is searching nationwide for small businesses employing 15-100 employees to take part in the new reality TV show, currently entitled OFFICE LIFETOLUCA LAKE, Calif., Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconic Casting is

Erik Eino Ochsner to Conduct Lord of the Rings Symphony

2012-02-02T03:17:00.000-08:00

Erik Eino Ochsner to Conduct Lord of the Rings SymphonyNEW YORK, February 2, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- - Iceland Symphony Orchestra Performances February 16-17 in Reykjavik, Iceland New York-based Erik Eino Ochsner will conduct the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in twonights of performances of The Lord of the Rings Symphony at Harpa Concert Hall

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2012-02-01T22:07:00.000-08:00

DL prnewswire.co.in test AMUMBAI, February 02,2012/PRNewswire/ -- This is a test please ignore. Primary Media Contact : DL, dsl@prn.com, 91-22-39098098Source: PRN Test Tandem Unit Subs CompanyPRN-------Profile: intent

Restaurant Opening by Lady Gaga's Parents Raises Much-needed Awareness of the Autoimmune Disease Lupus

2012-02-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

Restaurant Opening by Lady Gaga's Parents Raises Much-needed Awareness of the Autoimmune Disease LupusS.L.E. Lupus Foundation Extends Congratulations and Appreciation on Behalf of Lupus SufferersNEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation thanks the "stars" shining on lupus tonight with two celebrity happenings that spotlighted national attention on the little-understood

Charter Announces Amendments to Tender Offers

2012-02-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

Charter Announces Amendments to Tender OffersST. LOUIS, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (along with its subsidiaries, the "Company" or "Charter") today announced amendments to the tender offers by its subsidiaries, Charter Communications Operating, LLC ("Charter Operating") and CCH II, LLC ("CCH II"), commenced January 11, 2012 for the outstanding debt

USA Network Announces Second Characters Unite Month, Multi-Platform Effort to Shine a Spotlight on the Importance of Stopping Intolerance and Hate

2012-02-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

USA Network Announces Second Characters Unite Month, Multi-Platform Effort to Shine a Spotlight on the Importance of Stopping Intolerance and HateMonth Features New On-Air PSA and Digital Campaign to Mobilize People Against Discrimination and Documentary Profiling NFL Greats Tony Dungy, Tony Gonzalez, Jimmy Graham and Hines WardCharacters Unite National Storytelling Tour Stops In Los Angeles With

Charter to Hold Conference Call to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Financial and Operating Results

2012-02-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

Charter to Hold Conference Call to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Financial and Operating ResultsST. LOUIS, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (the "Company" or "Charter") will host a conference call on Monday, February 27, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) to discuss financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31,

Outdoor Channel Holdings Announces Senior Legal Appointments

2012-02-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

Outdoor Channel Holdings Announces Senior Legal AppointmentsTEMECULA, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) today announced that Catherine Lee has been named General Counsel of Outdoor Channel, effective immediately. The Company also announced the promotion of David Bolls to Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs from Senior Vice President

Fans Crash Servers for Early Preview Screenings of "TITANIC" in 3D

2012-02-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

Fans Crash Servers for Early Preview Screenings of "TITANIC" in 3DSELL-OUT CROWDS IN THE U.S. AND ACROSS THE WORLD WILL BE AMONG THE FIRST AUDIENCES ANYWHERE TO SEE THE RE-MASTERED MOVIE ON VALENTINES DAY, FEBRUARY 14th, IN ADVANCE OF THE FILM'S WORLDWIDE RE-RELEASE ON APRIL 6thHOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans the world over rushed the web in the last 24-hours - crashing

Outdoor Channel Holdings Announces Chief Operating Officer Appointment

2012-02-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

Outdoor Channel Holdings Announces Chief Operating Officer AppointmentTEMECULA, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) today announced that Tom Allen has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Allen will continue to serve as Outdoor Channel's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "Tom Allen has been a strong

Bernie Mac Gets a Tribute Fit for a King When the World Premiere of "'I Ain't Scared Of You' A Tribute To Bernie Mac" Debuts Sunday, February 19 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on COMEDY CENTRAL®

2012-02-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

Bernie Mac Gets a Tribute Fit for a King When the World Premiere of "'I Ain't Scared Of You' A Tribute To Bernie Mac" Debuts Sunday, February 19 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on COMEDY CENTRAL®NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- An Original King of Comedy is set to be saluted when the World Premiere of "'I Ain't Scared Of You' A Tribute To Bernie Mac" debuts on COMEDY CENTRAL Sunday, February 19 at 10:

"The River", Chilling New US Series From Steven Spielberg, and Oren Peli, Creator of "Paranormal Activity", to Debut on Itunes Before its TV Broadcast

2012-02-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

"The River", Chilling New US Series From Steven Spielberg, and Oren Peli, Creator of "Paranormal Activity", to Debut on Itunes Before its TV BroadcastLONDON, January 31, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- The much-anticipated new US thriller series "The River", from Steven Spielberg, andOren Peli, the creator of "Paranormal Activity", is set to make its UK debut on iTunes(http://www.itunes.co.uk/tv/theriver

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

2012-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: Tinker Tailor Soldier SpyAN ALL-STAR CAST LED BY OSCAR® NOMINEE GARY OLDMAN AND OSCAR® WINNER COLIN FIRTH CAPTIVATES IN THE BRILLIANT ESPIONAGE THRILLER TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPYNOMINATED FOR THREE ACADEMY AWARDS® - BEST ACTOR, BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY, AND BEST ORIGINAL SCOREAVAILABLE MARCH 20, 2012 ON BLU-RAY(TM) COMBO PACK WITH ULTRAVIOLET(TM), ON DVD

"At Fenway" TV Commercial Will Air During Super Bowl

2012-02-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

"At Fenway" TV Commercial Will Air During Super BowlLOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The TV commercial that promotes the Brian Evans song "At Fenway" will run during the Super Bowl this Sunday.(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120118/NE37730 )The commercial features Evans and Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame member Jim Rice. Rice is also the post-show commentator during Red Sox

Fans Around the World Celebrate Legendary Career of Chespirito

2012-02-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

Fans Around the World Celebrate Legendary Career of ChespiritoPromotion provides chance to win up to $50,000KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Latin America's beloved legend, Chespirito, is being celebrated on Televisa's website using an innovative social media engagement tool. Voices Heard Media's (www.VoicesHeardMedia.com) product connects fans to the celebrity, allowing them to

HBO Documentary Films, Comcast and the ACLU of Virginia to Host Premiere Screening of "THE LOVING STORY" at the Caroline County Community Services Center on February 4

2012-02-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

HBO Documentary Films, Comcast and the ACLU of Virginia to Host Premiere Screening of "THE LOVING STORY" at the Caroline County Community Services Center on February 4Filmmakers Nancy Buirski and Elisabeth Haviland James, Film Subjects Peggy Loving Fortune and Attorney Bernard S. Cohen, and HBO Senior Producer Nancy Abraham Scheduled to Participate HBO, Comcast and the

Budweiser and Bud Light Headline Anheuser-Busch Super Bowl Ad Lineup; Bud Light Platinum to Debut First TV Ads in Game

2012-02-01T11:05:00.001-08:00

Budweiser and Bud Light Headline Anheuser-Busch Super Bowl Ad Lineup; Bud Light Platinum to Debut First TV Ads in GameST. LOUIS, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch will debut four-and-a-half minutes of new creative during NBC's broadcast of Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, February 5, marking the company's 24th consecutive season as the exclusive malt beverage category advertiser for the Super

Omaha Steaks Receives Headliner of the Year Award

2012-02-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

Omaha Steaks Receives Headliner of the Year AwardOMAHA, Neb., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Omaha Steaks is proud to be the recipient of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Headliner of the Year award. The award, which recognizes an individual or organization that improves the Omaha area by contributing to its national visibility in a positive way, was presented to Omaha Steaks for the

NBC Bay Area Announces 2012 San Francisco Giants Broadcast Schedule

2012-02-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

NBC Bay Area Announces 2012 San Francisco Giants Broadcast ScheduleSeventeen Games Will Be Broadcast to Bay Area FansSAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In its fifth season as the broadcast home of the San Francisco Giants, NBC Bay Area today announced it will air 15 regular season baseball games and two spring training games in 2012. The schedule includes three games with rival Los

Bounce TV to Pay Tribute to Don Cornelius with Soul Train Marathon Sat. Feb. 4

2012-02-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

Bounce TV to Pay Tribute to Don Cornelius with Soul Train Marathon Sat. Feb. 4Chilli from TLC to Host "Bounce TV Remembers Don Cornelius"Special Seven Hour Marathon of Memorable Episodes to Include Cornelius' First and Last Shows as HostSoul Train to be Seen on Bounce TV Monday Nights Beginning Feb. 6ATLANTA, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bounce TV (http://www.bouncetv.com), the nation's first and

Rocco DeLuca to Tour With Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros in March

2012-02-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Rocco DeLuca to Tour With Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros in MarchWARM UP DATES CONTINUE AT HOTEL CAFE IN LOS ANGELESDELUCA NEWLY SIGNED TO 429 RECORDS WHICH WILL RELEASE HIS NEW ALBUM "DRUGS 'N' HYMNS" ON MARCH 6TH"...compelling, untamed vocal stylings, lyrical vulnerability and innate skill with melody." - BillboardSANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- LA-based artist Rocco

Behind the Academy Awards® Tallies for 78 Years and Counting! PwC Preserves Hollywood's Best Kept Secrets

2012-02-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

Behind the Academy Awards® Tallies for 78 Years and Counting! PwC Preserves Hollywood's Best Kept SecretsFinal Ballots Mailed TodayCompleted Ballots Due to PwC on Tuesday, February 21, 2012BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PwC celebrates its 78th( )year leading the Oscars® balloting process on behalf of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the Academy). PwC

FLW, Goodwill® Extend Their Partnership

2012-02-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

FLW, Goodwill® Extend Their PartnershipMINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FLW, the world's premier tournament-fishing organization, announced today that it will continue its partnership with Goodwill Industries International for the upcoming 2012 season. Goodwill® provides job training programs, career and community-based services for people with disabilities, those who lack education or

The Juice by Energy-X is Hollywood's Hottest New Craze

2012-02-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Juice by Energy-X is Hollywood's Hottest New CrazeLOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Shore Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: PSHR) today announced the release of The Juice, energy mix by Energy-X. The Juice is the latest and most innovative energy product to be introduced into the energy product arena. Developed by the company that introduced Energy-X, the instant energizing, sugar free

Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record with T-Pain: The Chance of a Lifetime for One Unsigned Artist to Record with the Grammy Award-Winning Artist

2012-02-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record with T-Pain: The Chance of a Lifetime for One Unsigned Artist to Record with the Grammy Award-Winning ArtistWESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Guitar Center enters 2012 with the launch of the next installment of the music retailer's inspirational artist discovery program, Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record with T-Pain. The

Eutelsat's Tooway? Satellite Service set to Boost Broadband in France for SFR Affiliate, NomoTech

2012-02-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

Eutelsat's Tooway(TM) Satellite Service set to Boost Broadband in France for SFR Affiliate, NomoTechNomoTech ISP, Ozone, officially launches Tooway(TM) todayPARIS, February 1, 2012/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NomoTech, a specialist in wireless broadband services, and Eutelsat Communications(Euronext Paris: ETL) announce the signature of a contract to commercialise the Tooway(TM)satellite

Malt Shop Memories Cruise 2012 Returns Bigger and Better

2012-02-01T08:23:00.000-08:00

Malt Shop Memories Cruise 2012 Returns Bigger and BetterNew Seven-Day Trip Aboard Holland America's Luxurious m/s Eurodam"Rock and Roll on the High Seas" Sails October 27 through November 3, 2012 From Fort Lauderdale to Turks & Caicos, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon CayFeatures '50s and '60s Icons and Returning Malt Shop Cruise Alumni Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell, Joined on the 2012 Cruise

Logo's Season Debut of "RuPaul's Drag Race" on Monday Night Scores as the Highest-Rated Premiere in Network History

2012-02-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

Logo's Season Debut of "RuPaul's Drag Race" on Monday Night Scores as the Highest-Rated Premiere in Network History"RuPaul's Drag Race" Fourth Season Premiere Posts a 50% Ratings Increase Over Season Three Premiere with a .6 Rating in P18-49 DemoNearly One Million Viewers Tuned Into the Episode that Night"Untucked: RuPaul's Drag Race" Clocks In As the Series' Highest-Rated Premiere YetSocial

Willie Nelson Signs Historic New Deal With Legacy Recordings

2012-02-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

Willie Nelson Signs Historic New Deal With Legacy RecordingsArtist Comes Home To Sony Music Entertainment With Upcoming Releases to Include New Recorded Material & New Archival Titles Personally Curated By Willie NelsonNEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, has entered into a historic new record deal with American legend and

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson to Release 'Thick As A Brick 2'

2012-02-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson to Release 'Thick As A Brick 2'Anderson Announces 40th Anniversary Sequel to the Hugely Successful, Groundbreaking 1972 AlbumLONDON, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the recent announcement of a 19-date tour to commemorate the 40th anniversary of 'Thick As A Brick,' on April 2nd (April 3rd in North America) Ian Anderson will release a sequel to the original

Daniel Tosh and COMEDY CENTRAL® Announce Tosh Tour Twenty Twelve Kicking Off Thursday, April 5 in Austin, TX at the Bass Concert Hall with Tickets Going on Sale to the Public This Friday, February 3

2012-02-01T07:13:00.001-08:00

Daniel Tosh and COMEDY CENTRAL® Announce Tosh Tour Twenty Twelve Kicking Off Thursday, April 5 in Austin, TX at the Bass Concert Hall with Tickets Going on Sale to the Public This Friday, February 3Pre-Sale Begins On Wednesday, February 1 With Tour Info And Links To Purchase Tickets Available At http://tosh.comedycentral.com, www.danieltosh.com And www.livenation.comNEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /

The CineCause Spotlight Tour Kicks off 2012 with Happiness

2012-02-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

The CineCause Spotlight Tour Kicks off 2012 with HappinessFestival favorites screen for causes in Los AngelesLOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new venture connecting films, celebrities and news to related charities, CineCause will kick off their 2012 Spotlight Tour with the theme of Happiness, presenting 3 award-winning films to audiences in the Los Angeles area, February 10-

Travel Channel and Gaiam Release "Bizarre Foods Collection 5 Part 2" on DVD

2012-02-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

Travel Channel and Gaiam Release "Bizarre Foods Collection 5 Part 2" on DVDNEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaiam, Inc., a leading producer of lifestyle media, announces today the DVD release of Travel Channel's critically-acclaimed series Bizarre Foods Collection 5 Part 2 under its exclusive home video license agreement with Travel Channel. Chef, writer and culinary explorer Andrew

SiriusXM Celebrates 10 Years of Satellite Radio with a Concert by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the Apollo Theater on March 9, 2012

2012-02-01T07:07:00.001-08:00

SiriusXM Celebrates 10 Years of Satellite Radio with a Concert by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the Apollo Theater on March 9, 2012Special concert event only for SiriusXM to air live on E Street RadioNEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at Harlem's world famous Apollo Theater

Major League Fishing Announces Pay-Per-View Plans

2012-02-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

Major League Fishing Announces Pay-Per-View PlansADVANCE CAST offers close-up look at anglers' strategies; available for purchase on February 1TULSA, Okla., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Major League Fishing announced today that its first event, the Challenge Cup, will be offered on a seven-week, Internet-based Pay-Per-View plan beginning February 13, 2012. The web-based broadcasts, called ADVANCE

GRAMMY® Nominee Katy Perry to Perform on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

2012-02-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

GRAMMY® Nominee Katy Perry to Perform on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®Dierks Bentley, Drake, Miranda Lambert, and Gwyneth Paltrow Are The First Presenters Announced for the Music Industry's Premier EventMusic's Biggest Night® -- Hosted by Rapper/Actor LL COOL J -- Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PTSANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Current GRAMMY(®) nominee Katy Perry has

FullCircle Registry, Inc. Announces a 60% Increase in Ticket Sales and Completion of State-of-the-Art Digital Conversion at Georgetown 14

2012-02-01T06:37:00.000-08:00

FullCircle Registry, Inc. Announces a 60% Increase in Ticket Sales and Completion of State-of-the-Art Digital Conversion at Georgetown 14SHELBYVILLE, Ky., Feb 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTC Bulletin Board: FLCR) FullCircle Registry, Inc.'s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the completion of its digital conversion at the Georgetown 14 movie theater in Indianapolis. The state-of-the-art

Theatrical Drama Sheds Light on Refugee Issues

2012-02-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

Theatrical Drama Sheds Light on Refugee IssuesWASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jesuit Refugee Service/USA invites groups at high schools, colleges, universities and parishes to hold full theatrical productions or dramatic readings of the play Imago Dei: Journeys of Courage, Hope & Home. The documentary theater piece was written and produced by the students of Jesuit High School

DreamWorks Animation's All-Star Cast for Me & My Shadow Features Josh Gad, Bill Hader and Kate Hudson

2012-02-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

DreamWorks Animation's All-Star Cast for Me & My Shadow Features Josh Gad, Bill Hader and Kate HudsonAlessandro Carloni to Direct 2013 Feature FilmGLENDALE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) today announced that Tony Award(TM) nominee Josh Gad (Love and Other Drugs), who currently appears on Broadway in The Book of Mormon, will star as Stanley, Bill

Award-Winning Vocalist Janiva Magness to Perform at Gravity Summit After Party February 22 at The Roxy Theater

2012-02-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

Award-Winning Vocalist Janiva Magness to Perform at Gravity Summit After Party February 22 at The Roxy TheaterBEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gravity Summit is pleased to announce that award-winning Alligator recording artist Janiva Magness will perform at the 4(th) Annual Gravity Summit after party, which starts immediately following the conference at the exclusive On The Rox

Sprout® to Debut New Original Block, The Super Sproutlet Show, Hosted by LazyTown's Sportacus on Tuesday, February 14

2012-02-01T06:17:00.000-08:00

Sprout® to Debut New Original Block, The Super Sproutlet Show, Hosted by LazyTown's Sportacus on Tuesday, February 14PHILADELPHIA, Feb 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 24-hour preschool television channel Sprout will premiere The Super Sproutlet Show - an entertaining, interactive two-hour block of programming designed to help preschoolers and their families recognize the importance of healthy living - on

Leviton's Renu® Featured in the DIY Network's Worst Kitchen in America 2

2012-02-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

Leviton's Renu® Featured in the DIY Network's Worst Kitchen in America 2Renu Electrical Devices Added Decorative Accessory to Kitchen RenovationMELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Leviton, a leading global manufacturer of electrical devices, was featured last night in the DIY Network special, 'Worst Kitchen in America 2,' with the company's Renu electrical wiring devices adding a

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Soars Into Toy Fair Season With Extensive Worldwide Licensing Program Supporting This Summer's Highly Anticipated Film The Dark Knight Rises

2012-02-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Soars Into Toy Fair Season With Extensive Worldwide Licensing Program Supporting This Summer's Highly Anticipated Film The Dark Knight RisesUNRIVALED TOY CHEST OF ENTERTAINMENT AND LICENSING SUPPORT FOR WORLD-CLASS PORTFOLIO TO BE SHOWCASEDBURBANK, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bat-Signal has summoned "The Caped Crusader" to an adventurous Toy Fair season

YANGAROO's DMDS Launches "Rising Star" Music Competition

2012-02-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

YANGAROO's DMDS Launches "Rising Star" Music CompetitionTORONTO, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - YANGAROO Inc, the industry's leading secure digital media distribution company, today announced the launch of its online music contest "DMDS Rising Star." This initiative will support the tens of thousands of independent musicians who do not have the necessary means to connect with key decision makers at

Arbitron Updates the MRC Accreditation Status of PPM Markets

2012-02-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

Arbitron Updates the MRC Accreditation Status of PPM MarketsMedia Rating Council withdraws accreditation in five Portable People Meter marketsCOLUMBIA, Md., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB) today issued the following statement regarding the Media Rating Council® (MRC) accreditation status of the radio ratings data produced by the Arbitron Portable People Meter(TM) (PPM(TM))

RTG Ventures Continues With Technology Development

2012-02-01T06:07:00.000-08:00

RTG Ventures Continues With Technology DevelopmentNEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- RTG Ventures, Inc. (OTCQB: RTGV) today released a brief update of their current technology development.In a short statement, Reggie James, SVP Marketing Communications, outlined, "It is challenging for our shareholders to see development when a product is not consumer facing at this early stage of development

Multiband Announces Expanded Installation Fulfillment Relationship with ViaSat

2012-02-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

Multiband Announces Expanded Installation Fulfillment Relationship with ViaSatMINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Multiband Corporation, (NASDAQ:MBND), a leading Home Service Provider (HSP) for DIRECTV and the nation's largest DIRECTV Master System Operator (MSO) for Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs), today announced that it has been awarded an expanded installation fulfillment territory by

Sonorous Entertainment Inc. Seeking New Talent -- Singers, Songwriters, and Musical Groups for "Touched by Grace Talent Search"

2012-02-01T05:19:00.000-08:00

Sonorous Entertainment Inc. Seeking New Talent -- Singers, Songwriters, and Musical Groups for "Touched by Grace Talent Search"New redesigned interactive website Christian Artists to upload music demos. Winning artist to receive recording contract with Sonorous Entertainment.BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonorous Entertainment Inc. is calling on all singers, songwriters, and

Breitling Oil and Gas CEO to Host 'Oil & Gas Today' on KRLD NewsRadio 1080

2012-02-01T05:17:00.001-08:00

Breitling Oil and Gas CEO to Host 'Oil & Gas Today' on KRLD NewsRadio 1080IRVING, Texas, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Breitling Oil and Gas Corporation, an independent exploration and production company based in Irving, Texas, announced that beginning January 30, 2012, its chief executive officer Chris Faulkner will host the new "Oil & Gas Today" daily energy update on North Texas' KRLD NewsRadio

Level 3 Selected by NBC and NFL to Deliver Super Bowl XLVI in High Definition

2012-02-01T05:17:00.000-08:00

Level 3 Selected by NBC and NFL to Deliver Super Bowl XLVI in High DefinitionAnnouncement Marks 23rd Consecutive Year Level 3's Vyvx VenueNet+ Delivers the EventBROOMFIELD, Colo., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT) today announced it will provide live, high definition (HD) television broadcast video services to NBC for Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5, using Level 3's

cookingmomo

2011-10-22T01:40:00.001-07:00

cookingmomo

Five Must-Knows When Getting a Kanji Tattoo

2011-09-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Japanese tattoos are cool. But if a personal translator is out of your league how can you avoid becoming a kanji fashion victim and get stuck with a tattoo you will really regret?
1. Know the difference - hiragana, katakana and kanji
Before you talk to your tattoo artist, make sure you know what you are talking about. You say you want a Japanese tattoo, but what do you know about Japanese characters? You need a quick stint in 2-minute Japanese boot camp.
First off, let's be clear that there is no Japanese "alphabet". There are three sets of Japanese characters - hiragana, katakana and kanji - and each group has its own history, function and style. Get your head around these facts and you will already know more than 99% of the people walking around with Japanese tattoos right now:

Hiragana - These simple, rounded characters represent sounds, but have no independent meaning. They were developed by women in the Heian period and are still considered feminine by Japanese people.
Katakana - Developed by Buddhist monks around the same time as hiragana, these are simple, angular characters that also represent sounds and have no meaning of their own. You saw them cascading down the screen in Matrix (although they were backwards!)
Kanji - Originally from China, these characters are like pictures, representing a meaning and also several different sounds depending on the situation.
Just reading this has probably given you an idea of which style you might like for your tattoo - but don't stop just yet! Now you know what kinds of Japanese characters there are, let's move on to...
2. Writing styles
Come a bit closer. Lean forward towards the screen. That's right. Now, look at the words in front of you. Take a good, close look at the shapes of these letters. OK? Now tell me honestly: Would you want a tattoo in Times New Roman? How about Tahoma? What's that? You don't want a tattoo by Canon or Epson? Sure you don't. And in the same way, you don't want to have your Japanese tattoo looking like a printout either!
So, now we move on to writing styles. Just like there are three kinds of Japanese characters, there are also three ways they can be written. Don't worry. This is easy! I know, you are thinking that you can't even read Japanese, so how on earth will you be able to recognize these different styles? Well, try this:
Kaisho - Block letters. You learned to write your ABCs like this, and Japanese kids learn to write their characters in just the same way: Like a Volvo - boxy but good.
Gyousho - Cursive letters. You moved up to middle school and learned you could write faster by letting the parts of some letters flow into the next. Yes, you guessed it - the Japanese do the same thing, and they call it gyousho.
Sousho - Super-cursive letters. Ever seen a prescription from a doctor? Then you know what sousho is like in Japanese: Sure, the writer or some other trained person can (probably) read it, but no one else has a clue what it says!
Are you getting the picture? If you want to look like a computer printout, then be my guest and go for the kaisho style. That's your choice. But I think you probably want to use either gyousho or sousho for your tattoo. My personal preference would be gyousho: It's stylish, but it won't leave even native speakers baffled.
3. Real or fake?
Remember I mentioned Mel C at the beginning? Well guess what kanji she got tattooed on her arm? That's right - "Girl Power": Great in English, but show this kanji combination to most Japanese people and you'll get a blank look at best. Want a worse example? Try "big daddy". Now, you know what it means in English, but put it into kanji and you end up with "large father"! It just doesn't work.
I'm sure you remember that kanji are the only characters that have meaning as well as sound. And their beauty means that they are what most people want for their tattoos. But watch out: As well as being popular, they can also be the most dangerous!
Let's see if we can find a pattern here: Look carefully at the examples above. What are they communicating - concrete concepts or abstract ideas? Can you see the difficulty the translators had? The kanji for "dragon", "samurai", "love" or any other concrete ideas are pretty easy to discover. But go for anything with an idiomatic meaning and whoever is trying to help you translate it is going to get a major headache!
Just an idea, but how about this suggestion: Rather than trying to force a round English peg into a square Japanese hole, why not find a real Japanese phrase that you like and get that instead? Bushidou (the Way of the Warrior) and Ninjutsu (The Art of Stealth) are two good examples of real Japanese terms that would make great tattoos.
4. Your name in Japanese
As I'm sure you remember from 2-minute Japanese boot camp, katakana are the characters usually used to write foreign words and names. So, if you want to get a tattoo of your name, technically these would be the characters you would choose. But I am guessing that, like most people, you want your name written in kanji.
Do a quick search on Google and you can find a number of sites that specialize in translating names into kanji. Basically there are two different methods that these sites use, so let's look at them here.
Translating the meaning
This method involves finding out the original meaning of the English name, and then researching the kanji equivalent.
For example, my name has its origins in Greek and means "crowned one". The one who is crowned is the king, so I could translate my name into the kanji for king and call myself ohsama. (Perhaps a little pretentious - and disturbingly similar to Mr. Bin Laden's first name!)
Translating the sound
This is a lot more difficult! Flick through a dictionary and you will find a bunch of kanji that can be combined to sound like your name. But sound isn't everything: Remember that kanji have meaning as well. In fact, it is even more complex than this! Be sure to check each of the following factors with anyone who translates your name like using this method:
1. Sound - Does it sound like your name or not? I have seen my name "translated" on certain websites to sound like Stefan. Shame my name (Stephen) is actually said the same as Steven!
2. On-yomi and kun-yomi - Yes, more technical words! But don't panic - they are easy to understand: Basically, kanji have two kinds of reading. One kind, on-yomi, is their original Chinese sound. The other, kun-yomi, is their Japanese-only sound. What to watch is that (like oil and water) on-yomi and kun-yomi don't mix. Use either all on-yomi reading or all kun-yomi readings to make the sound of your name.
3. Meaning - Do the kanji have a good meaning together? Now, it can be very difficult to find kanji that sound right and have a good meaning, so you may need to compromise a little on one of these.
4. Masculine or feminine - I guess this is more like a sub-category of meaning, but it is something you need to check out to avoid embarrassment. For example, while "Asian Beauty" may be a great combination for a woman, I get the feeling most men would not be too happy about having that permanently written into their skin!
5. If in doubt, check!
First, use your new-found knowledge of Japanese to ask a few difficult questions to your tattoo artist or kanji "specialist". If you get the feeling they don't know what they are talking about, you probably want to look elsewhere.
Next, before you get anything permanent done, use an online dictionary to check whether the Japanese really means what you want it to. You may not be able to input Japanese yourself, but you can copy and paste characters from an email or web page and see what they mean.
Finally, if you are lucky enough to know any, ask a Japanese person what they think. Their confused expression may tell you that you have come up with another "big daddy"!
Follow this advice and you will avoid the most dangerous pitfalls of Japanese tattoos and get a kanji tattoo you can be proud of.

Can A Musician Be Happy Learning How To Play A New Guitar?

2011-09-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I found my Yamaha FG700s when I was browsing the local music stores for the best beginner's acoustic guitar. I say "my Yamaha FG700s" because I consider it the best thing that has happened to me. This six string guitar has made me so happy I cannot tell you. I only had to pay $199 for it, and the black and white body design is just what I was looking for!
Well, I am not here to run praises for the FG700s that I own, but since I am here, I might as well talk a little about how wonderful it is. It consists of a rosewood fingerboard and a high gloss natural finish along with a tortoise shell pick guard body that protects it from the normal wear and tear from strumming. But, I won't ramble on about it here. I'll let you have more fun discovering everything about your own Yamaha FG700S!

I am a beginner when it comes to guitars, and I have had a heck of a good time with this one already. My guitar teacher tells me that I made a fine choice by buying this one. I had a ball of a time playing the guitar for my friends who obviously thought this was a professional instrument even though it just cannot sound like a Martin which costs over $3500! My friend who owns a recording studio tells me it sounds great when played in a recording environment. Yes, he asked me to demonstrate it in a studio environment, and I was only too happy to oblige!
I usually like strumming my Yamaha FG700a to soft songs, and it was such a surprise to strum it successfully with hard rock songs. That's right, even unplugged hard rock songs! This FG700S knows its business. I am hoping that it will last through my first gig (whenever that may be) because I have become so comfortable with this guitar and would like to begin my music performing career with it. From what people tell me about it and from the reviews that are on the Internet, I can safely bet this is not going to be a problem.
Playing a Yamaha FG700s gives me all the musical pleasure I can hope to get! My fingers do not hurt when I play this guitar as has happened with several other guitars, and while this particular one may be a problem for someone with a slighter body build, it works just great for me. Of course, it does not consist of the bells and whistles of models which are more expensive and consequently of better quality, but for $200 it is well worth it! Even though I am not a seasoned player yet, I hate the buzzing noises and poor resonance some even pricier models make. That noise takes all the fun out of playing something so beautiful.
I have been told that I should replace the plastic saddle of my FG700S as it is not of that great a quality compared with an ivory one. I am contemplating making that cosmetic adjustment to my guitar. Apart from this, nothing can compare to the dozens of happy hours I have spent so far playing my Yamaha FG700s!

The Rise of the Freelance Creatives

2011-09-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

Humans have been around for hundreds of thousands of years. Yet think back just a decade or two. Computers were clunky; the internet was in its infancy; there was no Facebook, no Google, no YouTube, no Wikipedia. If you wanted to find out where a place was, or the definition of a word, you had to walk to the bookshelf and look it up in a physical A to Z or dictionary. And now the internet is mobile, available on your Smartphone wherever you happen to be.
The internet has reshaped virtually every industry, transformed the way business is done and even changed our social behaviour. It is not a passing trend; this is a fundamental shift that affects every area of our lives. And it is just the beginning.
This rapid ongoing transformation is ultimately a good one - for those who embrace it and are willing to adapt.

We are enjoying the benefits but mostly still underestimate the impact it will have, both in business and on our lives. The music industry was one of the first casualties of a failure to adapt. The digital world changed the way we acquire, store and enjoy music, and the established corporations resisted as hard as they could. They have been battling to stay relevant ever since.
The publishing industry is going through a similar transformation with the rise of e-book readers like the Kindle and the iPad. These devices are brand new and they are already shaking the industry - who knows what will be available just one decade from now? Analysts predict the collapse of the traditional publishing model within 2 to 5 years.
The general effect of the internet change is one of empowering individuals. Hulking industries have long been the gate-keepers between creatives and their potential audience; by holding the key to distribution they held the power to choose who emerged as an artist in any field. But the internet is rapidly smashing these traditional structures, and making the once all-powerful middle man obsolete. Now a musician or an author or a film maker can put his work onto the internet and find an audience directly.
Thus begins the Age of the Creatives. Technology has made it easier than ever to take a great photo, make a video, write a book or record a song. And we no longer need an agent or a record deal.
Yes, a lot of rubbish will be released. The dying gate-keeper industries used to provide a filtering function, sorting the wheat from the chaff. But the social web will replace that; through user reviews, 'likes' and similar rating mechanisms, we will learn to quickly determine whether someone's creation is worth our time. Word of mouth will become increasingly important. That can only encourage great content - the things that 'go viral' and become wildly popular will be those that are the most interesting and impressive. So to achieve success in the Age of the Creatives, people will have to produce work of real value.
Artists of all types now also need to be internet savvy and learn the art of self-promotion. They need to market themselves and win their own fans. They need to build themselves up as a personal brand and become a leading figure in their field, which requires a solid understanding of social networking tools and constant innovation. They have to be their own manager, their own business partner. But that is incredibly liberating.
All this is wonderful news for the individual, and for creativity in general.
If you aren't building a personal brand and active internet following for whatever your passion is, you risk being left behind. Get creating and get out there!
Be part of the rise of freelance creatives.

Titus Powell
Professional fashion photographer and author of the Apple iBookstore top 5 thriller The Dare Ring.
Blog.

How To Turn Your Drawings Into Unique Embroidery Designs

2011-09-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to turn your unique and creative drawings into embroidery designs? In many cases, we've tried to create several unique embroidery designs, but just don't have the resources to do so. So why are you sitting around, and not attempting to turn your unique drawing skill, into a masterpiece of an embroidery design? The process is very simple, and once you get the hang of it, you can use the same drawing as a template for future embroidery designs. After you've done it successfully one time, you'll be able to do it on any drawing that you create. By learning this fantastic technique, you will increase your embroidery design collection by ten fold.
To begin, redraw your original drawing on a blank piece of paper. If it is already on a blank piece of paper, you can skip this step. However, if it's already on a blank piece of paper, and you don't have another copy of the drawing, then you should redraw it. Simply because you will no longer have the drawing after the entire process.
If you have a scanner or some scanning device, you can use this as well to duplicate the design so you won't have to worry about redrawing it and/or losing it. If you are redrawing the design, do not include any of the texture, shading, or miscellaneous lines that are not needed. Keep the design simple, so that when you are trying to create your embroidery designs, you will have a few set colors you can follow, and won't have to worry about whether or not it is going to get too complex. The more you include in your drawing, the harder it will be to embroider.
When you are finished, look at it, and the drawing should resemble something that you would find in a children's picture book. The more simple you make it, the easier it will be for you to transfer it over to some of your embroidery designs. From here, you need to get some fading or erasable dressmaker's marking pens. With these pens, you have to redraw the outline of the drawing that you have made, onto your embroidery fabric. Now that you've created the outline for you to follow, you now have to go back to your original drawing, and begin coloring in the different parts of your drawing. This will let you know a basis of what colors you are going to use, and where they are going to be on your embroidered fabric.
From here, the process is up to you to begin sorting out all of the colors and determining whether or not you have too many colors, or you do not have enough. It is good in some cases to have just a few colors for a simple drawing. If the design gets to complex, you'll only be stressed out in the long run. Take your time, and with patience you will build up your skill for turning your drawings into unique embroidery designs.

Embroideryhorizons.com has a large library of high quality embroidery designs. You can visit us to see different types of designs.

Pop Art in Britain

2011-09-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

The emergence of the pop art movement has its roots in Britain. Historical records indicate that this movement emerged in UK during the 1950s as a direct distinction from the high brow culture of traditional art. This movement challenged everything that traditional art stood for and soon emerged as a strong contender. From Britain, this art form spread to other nations and flourished in different countries, especially in America. Even today, it is highly popular and many people vie to buy the various styles and versions that are continually being created. Through this article, we will try to examine how pop art emerged in Britain, how it took its name and the artists who helped promote the movement.
The Independent Group
The emergence of the art form has its initialization in the Independent Group.
This group was formed when critics, painters, architects, designers, musicians and other artists from diverse areas of work came together as one entity. This group challenged the standard norms of the industry and celebrated newness, novelty and individuality.
Emergence of the art form
During the 1954-55 session, the topic of Popular Culture was selected as the central theme for discussion. This theme was chosen as the group perceived that era to be of profound importance and as one that was witnessing various changes. It was also noted by the experts that art had to come to terms with that current culture rather than departing from it. The concept of escaping from prevalent culture or ignoring it was considered irrational, and experts decided that there was a need to embrace that as a form of art.
Exhibitions that kick-started pop art
After a series of many such discussions, the art form soon began to take shape. Exhibitions were regularly held with the most popular of these being titled 'this is tomorrow'. Conducted at White Chapel Art Gallery in London in 1956, it showcased various styles of art representing modern culture.
Emergence of the phrase: Pop Art
The term was coined around the same time. As per records, in the year 1954, 'pop art' was coined by John McHale for the movement that soon followed. This term was extensively used in discussions by the Independent Group. Much credit for popularizing this term also goes to Lawrence Alloway, a British art critic and curator who used it in a 1958 essay titled 'The Arts and the Mass Media'.
Popularizing the form
Once the movement started off with the support of the Independent Group, it had a good following. Both supporters and critics of the art form came across vociferously to get across their views. In this manner, the art form took shape and in the hands of a few artists took an improved form. From its origins in Britain, pop art quickly traveled to other parts of the world. America was specially influenced with many artists there adapting it to suit their culture and prevalent lifestyle.
Today pop art is a global phenomena, with many countries having their own special styles. However certain iconic styles like Warhol, Lichtenstein, Blek le Rat and Banksy have remained with us. Pop art continues to grow and thrive, with new trends continually fueling its growth and diversity. This is an art form that can only get better.

Ronan Le Breton is the owner of Personal Art, a pop art studio that is based in Bali and operational across the world. Through the virtual interface of its website http://www.personal-art.me.uk, the site showcases its 21 (and growing!) variations of pop art. The site also provides suggestions on how personalised pop art can be created from digital photographs and printed on to a range of mediums, at their gift shop.

Cheap Basketball Shoes - What To Consider First

2011-09-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the game of basketball, basketball shoes must offer toughness, support, permanence, and flexibility and shock absorption. It's also important that whenever you are going for something affordable, you want to buy shoes fit your style of playing of basketball.
The cheap basketball shoes you select should depend on what kind of player you are, power player, fast player or all-around player. Below are some suggestions of the shoes selection according to the type of player:
Power player
This type of players always wants cheap basketball shoes that can provide maximum flexibility and stability. These types of features will call for a weightier shoe.
All-around player
This type of players always tries to look for shoes which can provide moderate ankle support and cushioning. There are lots of cheap sneakers available in the market a player can choose from.
The bottom-line is this type of player wants a lighter shoe.
Fast player
Fast players are always going to want a lightweight shoe which offers them the moderate support, cushioning and flexibility when looking for basketball sneakers. Quick players may cater to a shoe that has a lower cut.
Another important factor that a player needs to consider when choosing a shoe is the construction of shoes. Being aware of the construction of basketball shoes allows you to determine what kind of shoes they will want. Below are some descriptions of the part of the shoe.

Upper part
The upper part of the basketball shoes is soft. The work of this part is to keep the foot in right place during the game.
Shoe cut
First of all one should always have to determine that where is he feels most easy in playing, high, mid or low after that tops is the first step in finding the right shoe for you.

Taking the above points into consideration one can find cheap basketball shoes that not only suit their game but are comfortable. The points brought out here are not hard and fast rules in regards to style of play and type of shoe. This is all just based on preferences and comfort. Some fast players still wear higher cut shoes, while some centers may still choose low cut. This post is simply to bring to your attention some of the factors that are considered when purchasing cheap basketball shoes. There is no doubt that you can find some great quality at an affordable price if you know where to look. Stay tuned for my next post.

9 Halloween Costume Ideas For Gay Couples

2011-09-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

Halloween is the time of the year that you want to dress in your favorite costumes. You get the chance for one day to show off to others the character or celebrity that you always want to be. During the Halloween party, it will be more fun if you dress up in a couples costume. It will give more life and laughs by dressing up as a couple. There are many costume ideas for couples to choose from like scary, funny, superhero, etc.
If you are a same sex couple then you don't need to feel being left out every time Halloween comes. Just like ordinary male and female couples, you and your partner can dress up as a couple and have fun. There are many costume ideas available for gay couples and below are some of them:
Ace & Gary

Often refered to as the 'Ambiguously Gay Duo', Ace and Gary are a parody of the comic superhero, Batman and Robin who are often accused of secretly having a relationship. Ace and Gary are mainstays of Saturday Night Live. They make a perfect costume idea for gay couples. Everyone will surely have fun at your Halloween party if you don these costumes.
Bert & Ernie
Everybody's favorite Sesame Street characters, Bert and Ernie is like your left and right hand. If one doesn't exist, there is just something missing. This makes a perfect gay couple costume idea.
Two Screws
Another funny gay couple costume idea that is a variation of the plug and plug costume. Instead of 2 plugs, use two screws for your costume which will definitely give a lot of laughs and giggles at your next Halloween party.
Dumb & Dumber
Sometimes we love to hate them but they just look so funny which makes them very adorable. Dumb and Dumber are like mirror images of each other. If you and your partner want to show the world that you are very much into each other then wearing this costume will tell subtly of your status.
Chip & Dale
This two chipmunks created by Walt Disney is another good costume idea for gay couples. You and your partner will surely have lots of fun dressing up as Chip and Dale. These chipmunks are known for their naughty disposition who are always pestering Donald Duck. Why not ask a friend to dress as Donald Duck to form a group costume.
Mario & Luigi
Who doesn't know of best pals Mario and Luigi from the Super Mario Bros. game which was very popular during the 80s. Dress up as this cute Italian plumber twins for lots of fun.
Batman and Robin
A classic gay couple costume idea. There is no better way to portray that you are a perfect couple than by dressing up as Batman and Robin. You and your partner will surely get giggles when you use dress up as the Dynamic Duo.
Wham!
Dress up as the British pop duo of the 80s. Become George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley at your next Halloween party. Wham! is one of the more popular pop bands of the 80s having sold over 25 million albums.
Peter Pan & Tinker Bell
Another costume idea that is a perfect fit for gay couples. You can be the boy from Neverland and your partner as the fairy, Tinker Bell If you prefer to portray a gentle character then dressing as Peter Pan and Tinker Bell is a good choice.

Wesley is blogger and editor at Halloween Costume Ideas For Couples. Costume Ideas For Couples is a website dedicated to provide you will the latest couples costume ideas.

Tips on How to Learn to Sing Well

2011-09-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those who want to sing well or better but don't have a good voice or have little knowledge of the skills of singing? Maybe you like singing and are happy to share your sound with others, but how to improve your singing is such a big challenging for you that make you feel very frustrated. In fact, it is so easy if you have learnt some techniques about singing. And here are some great tips for you if you are still looking for the singing well tips.

First, you should learn how to sing naturally.

It is a great tip for a beginner. And it means that you should sing with free mood and open voice which help to stimulate all your singing ability and vocal cords. Remember that it is a naturally event for you. Just enjoy your singing then you'll find you have been a "super" singer.

Second, select the songs according with your vocal range.

Only when you sing the songs corresponding with your vocal range, you'll feel free and ease. In the details, you should know your voice type and tone. There are too many songs with various styles. What you should do is to find which one is suit for your voice. Do not try too much songs with different styles. If you do, you'll find it will be unpleasant experience.

Third, more practice help you to get improvement soon.

Just practice your singing everyday for an hour. You can sing aloud with your will at anytime if it is not a disturb for others. More practice help you to be skilled at it and more familiar with your favorite songs which can help you to improve your singing effectively.

Fourth, select the songs which you can find feeling.

It help you to feel free to sing. If you sing high up at first, then a little bit lower tone, which is comfortable to continue it later. So your good intonation is no problem at all.

In addition to proper posture and breathing are also important for one who want to sing well. Of course, you can learn more details about them on the internet. You also can find some useful suggests and tips on my blog. In a word, for those who want to sing well, it is not a problem at all if you can learn some skills and practice them.

Getting A Tattoo - 3 Easy Tips For A Great Tattoo Experience

2011-09-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

If you think that getting a tattoo has to be a bad experience, it doesn't have to. In fact, if you follow a few simple tips, it can be very fun and easy. Getting a tattoo is a lot of fun for many people, but for some the experience can be a little less than fun.
If you are new to tattoos, or have had an unpleasant experience with getting a tattoo done before, there are some simple things you can do that can make a huge difference as you are getting a tattoo on your body.
Make sure you are feeling well before getting a tattoo done.
A seasoned tattoo recipient knows how much pain will be involved, and is likely used to it. So if he or she doesn't feel all that well, they may go ahead and keep their appointment even if they are feeling a bit under the weather.

If you are not one of these people, make sure you feel OK!
Being even a little bit sick can ruin a persons day to begin with, but if you add sitting in a tattoo chair for hours on end, and then add the discomfort that a tattoo brings for some people, you will not have the best experience.
If you have to reschedule, your artist will understand and you will be able to get back in when you are feeling better.
If you are getting a tattoo, eat something before the appointment.
There is nothing worse than getting a tattoo and realizing that on top of your skin burning, your stomach is burning too. If you are prone to fainting or getting nauseous, this means that you need to have something in your stomach before you go for your appointment.
Even if it's something fast and easy, that's better than hunger pains ruining your tattooing experience.
Don't be in a bad mood.
This one should be the easiest, right? The experience of getting a tattoo on your body is a really great one, so go into your tattoo shop of your choice and leave your problems at home.
I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to be poked a million times with tattoo needles while thinking about the job that I hate, or the annoying neighbor!
Go into your appointment in a positive mood, and your appointment will be a positive experience, not only for you, but for your artist as well!
Follow these simple tips before your appointment, and you will not even notice the minor burning sensation on your skin during your body modification.

Reality TV Lovers Need Satellite TV

2011-08-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

More and more, reality television has become part of our cultural landscape and many people have become passionate fans. Whether you enjoy shows about regular folks, contests, or dangerous jobs, reality television has become a way that folks have engaged with each other and showed their humanity in interesting and unscripted formats. If you are a fan then you are probably signed up for all of the different fan groups and on all the social media sites. In order to get even more reality television you should invest in a satellite TV package that allows you to pick and choose your favorite shows when you want to see them.
Within the world of reality television there are dozens and dozens of memorable and outrageous characters. They seem to always be getting into fights, expressing outrage over something trivial, and just generally being weird. There is something cathartic about being able to watch folks who are so out of touch with everyday life try to navigate themselves through the real world. If you enjoy watching these hilarious mishaps, then it is important to have the ability to watch what you want when you want to watch it. Investing in an upgrade for your television programming means that you will have access to all of your favorite stars with a touch of your remote control.

One great feature of satellite TV is that you will have access to all of the different programs that are out there and you will be able to follow all of the old classics, while learning about new favorites. With the different options that are out there you can find a viewing plan that is right for you. Many different ways to get the programming that you need exist, so make sure that you are doing your research and keeping up with the latest trends. If you want to be the one at the office water cooler who is sharing the latest reality gossip, then you should make sure that you are watching constantly to hear about who has done what.
Another thing that is important is that you will be able to catch up with episodes that you may have missed if you have been doing other things. With the wealth of channels and programming options that are available it should not be too hard to make sure that you are well informed about what is going on in the world of television. If you have the ability to record and then play back your favorite shows you will be able to enjoy them at your convenience. A world of television programming exists for your joy and entertainment. Take advantage of top quality high definition picture which will make reality television come to life.
Fortunately, this programming package has come down in price compared to years past. Satellite TV is now an affordable option for families and individuals everywhere who enjoy reality programming. Act soon and you will be able to watch all of your favorites and stay up to date.

Blues Guitarist Carolyn Wonderland Follows Her Own Muse

2011-08-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

The marriage of blues guitarist Carolyn Wonderland and writer/comedian A. Whitney Brown officiated by Michael Nesmith, former member of the Monkees, was the featured wedding in the New York Times Style section on Sunday, March 6.
The ceremony on Doug Sahm Hill in Austin's Butler Park began at 4.44 p.m. sharp. The time was chosen by Mr. Brown, who emphasizes that everything one does occurs at a specific moment. The wedding and environs were as homey and casual as the parties involved.
"The wedding was very sweet and I'm happy being in The New York Times for falling in love because it's better than being there for doing something bad," she said.

Growing up in Houston, she was more interested in playing her guitar and singing than attending school. Although her mother once sang in a band and prophesied the ups and downs ahead, that only propelled Wonderland onward.
She acquired her surname early on from a high school friend. They were booked for a gig but didn't have a name, so he suggested Wonderland and it stuck. During high school, she played four or five nights a week in blues bars. She is certain that she would have been thrown out of school if she had not left of her own accord..
From the beginning, her family and friends were her strongest support, even though her mother would have preferred she say in school and become a music teacher. Today the support comes from her band. They travel together in a van and appreciate each other's sense of humor along the way.
Texas has hailed Wonderland's talents from the get go. Her awards include the Best Blues Band (1996), Best Female Vocalist (1997), Local Musician of the Year and Song of the Year - "Blue Lights" (1999), Best Blues Songwriter of the Year (1999), Best Female Vocalist (2000), Best Blues Band (2009) and Best Female Vocalist (2009). She also received the Gold Award from Flagstaff International Film Festival for her music video of "Party on Houston."
Since her appearance on "Austin City Limits" in 2008, her music has been used on NBC's "Homicide" and Fox's "Time of Your Life." In 2009, she was a headlining artist at the annual Rochester International Jazz Festival.
Tiny Wonderland, who tops only 5 feet 3 inches, is huge in the blues world. Hailed as a "Blues Guitar Goddess," she has wowed and played with B. B. King, Buddy Guy and other great artists. Since Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel signed her to his label, Bob Dylan has been phoning her to play with him.
The lyrics she has composed for all but a few of the songs on her CDs are carefully crafted. Many like "Annie's Scarlet Letter," "Homelessness in Austin" and "Throw My Love" draw on "a little bit of everything"experienced or viewed, and the varied local Austin charities she supports.
She explains that she doesn't want to waste her time hating people, so she writes about things that can happen to anybody to teach folks to be nice to each other. This attitude matches the philosophy emblazoned across her albums, "I speak not with guns, but with flowers."

10 Reasons People Like to Read About Celebrities

2011-08-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Reading about celebrities can be both exciting and addicting for everyday people. Discovering new and interesting information about celebrity personalities from TV, movies, music, politics and sports is a favorite pastime for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Why is it so intriguing? Here are just a few of the many reasons people like to read about celebrities, what they are doing and all of the notable little details about their lives.
1. Celebrities go places most people can never dream to travel - and frequently. Celebrity photos often include pictures of far away cities, luxurious hotels, private jets and unfamiliar cultures.
2. Keeping up with the latest fashion trends can be exciting. It's fun to watch people wear things most folks
would not be caught in -- dead or alive.
3. They can do some pretty stupid and silly things, and they can usually get away with it. Even if they can't get away with it, people will forgive them and still like them anyway.
4. Where there are interesting stories about celebrities, there are usually interesting celebrity photos. They pique interest and shock the conscience.
5. Some of the most beautiful homes belong to people seen in the news, in the movies, on television and online. Celebrity homes photos show the inside of mansions which people love to see.
6. When someone thinks they are having a bad day, all they have to do is go to the best gossip websites and see that someone else is having a worse day. Misery loves company, but this is one time when it is okay to be outdone.
7. Some celebrity photos are a lesson in what to wear; some are a lesson in what not to wear. One glance will tell the story, and it often comes with a commentary about what's happening and why.
8. Famous people often have talents that others find intriguing and secretly wish they could do well themselves. These include acting, singing, playing sports and other skills.
9. Celebrities often have a lot of money, so they spend it in unusual and amusing ways. They have beautiful clothes, homes and friends that are interesting, strange and sometimes shocking.
10. There is always new celebrity news; a new wedding, a new love interest or a new baby to read about among the rich and famous. Sometimes they are all happening to the same person at the same time.

Let The Magic Begin! - Tips on Beginning the Art of Magic

2011-08-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked what the best way to start out in magic would be and I'm sure it can be different from person to person, but looking back at my own introduction (I've got a very looooong memory), gives me some ideas about what can be done and probably more importantly, - what to avoid.
I think the most important thing to do when just starting to dabble in magic is to learn a few simple tricks that can be done without having to use any gimmicked apparatus or special props. Although, I think like most people the first magic I got was by way of a Magic set.

Unfortunately the typical Magic Set is usually made up totally of "self-working" tricks, with trick cards and boxes etc., none of which can be examined by the audience after the trick has been shown and so there's the problem and worry of having to hide your tricks as soon as you finish each one.
For a beginner this creates a problem, especially among friends and classmates, who are always desperate to examine the magical props and try to find out "how it's done".
So that's why I suggest learning some simple tricks with ordinary everyday objects that can often be borrowed and then freely handed out for examination.
This really adds tremendously to the magic and of course, as you've heard me say before, - "the simple effects are the ones that are usually the most stunning to the audience and in my experience, get the best response".
As you've already heard, I started with a little magic set, but very quickly the family friend whom I called Uncle Dick, showed me how to vanish and produce coins and small objects and I have to say, at that time I thought this was real magic.
So although, like most parents, I bought my own son a magic set, I also taught him to vanish and exchange coins and several small objects, using the "French Drop". So I would certainly recommend that one of the first things that you should practice, as a beginner, is just that (French Drop) and coupled with the simple Palming of a coin.
This will allow you to carry out a nice magic routine with borrowed coins etc. and will leave you "Clean" at the end of the effects. It will also get you out of difficulty when you are expected to do something magical.
So it is really important to be prepared to entertain at all times and always have "something up your sleeve" so to speak.
You see, the moment you do one little trick for someone, YOU ARE A MAGICIAN and there's no going back.
That person will often be so amazed and amused by your trick that he'll tell others, who'll in turn, expect you to do wonderful things and it's so difficult to persuade them that you only know two tricks.
So this is why I've put together The Magic Touch Website and the "easy-to-do" tricks that I have carried with me at all times and performed them as a professional magician whenever the necessity arose.
My aim is to help you to have fun with magic and boost your confidence and also enjoy the adulation and praise, that those of us, who just love performing magic, get all the time.
The secret is always to have a couple of stunning effects that you can do anywhere, with everyday things like money, jewellery, pens or string etc. and practice them in a routine that gets you over the dreadful experience of doing your "One and Only Trick" and then when everyone says, "That was great, - show us another", you are caught in that horrible embarrassing situation where you have nothing magical in your repertoire.
The secret to your success is to start by learning simple magical effects with ordinary everyday items like money, coins, string, pens, rope and of course, many magician's favourite, - playing cards. - Remember, the simplest of effects are usually the Best!
There are lots of amazing tricks and tips to get you started at: The Magic Touch....

Digitally Editing Photographs of Paintings

2011-07-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

In my previous article, I explained how I photograph my paintings, recording high enough quality jpg's to reproduce well to at least 7 inches square in high-resolution print. In this article, I explain the digital editing process I use in Adobe Photoshop 7.0, once I have downloaded the images to my computer. The aim is to have a final high-resolution file ready for print, and also some lower resolution files suitable for use on a website. Whether or not freeware is as good as Photoshop, I wouldn't know, but if you don't have Photoshop already, I would research this before buying a copy.

This article is not a Photoshop or computer tutorial. It lists what I do, but doesn't give instructions. This article is for readers that already have a reasonable knowledge of Photoshop, and other computer skills. I only have basic skills myself, so nothing too advanced is needed. Before you do anything, you will need to ensure your computer screen is properly calibrated. If you type "PC monitor calibration" into your internet search, there are plenty of websites that will take you through this.

Let's assume I've just finished photographing my latest painting, and have just downloaded the images into my "Source Images" folder on my computer. I keep all my source files in this folder, and keep a regular backup of this, and all my other images folders, safely hidden in another location. I back-up to CD or DVD, as it's non-volatile memory. You might want to consider backing up to an external hard drive too. Any editing I do to the source file is saved as a different file, in a different folder.

Firstly, you may remember from my previous article, I take several versions of each shot. I preview them carefully, and delete all but the best one of each.

Opening the file in Photoshop 7.0, I crop, rotate and zoom out so that I have the largest view possible on my screen of the whole image. Then, with the painting next to me for visual reference, I adjust the Levels accordingly.

Then the Colour Balance. My source files are usually too blue, so I move the pointers slightly away from Blue and Cyan. Then, I adjust the Saturation. With my photos, the red is often very over saturated. I sometimes have to move the red saturation down to around minus 15. That's usually enough to get the colours and tones right. Tweak around if necessary. I occasionally use the Brightness/ Contrast too.

Stand back and look at both the painting and the PC screen together. Take a break, then look again with fresh eyes. If there's someone else around, ask them for a second opinion. Getting this right is important, especially if you are going to be uploading a version of this image on-line for a potential buyer to look at. Then, I zoom in to 100%, and use the Unsharp Mask to bring it crisp into focus. Don't overdo it. I always find the image needs a bit of sharpening, and always leave the sharpening till last. I Save As jpg to my "High Res Edited" folder, (image quality maximum).You may want to save to a lossless file type instead, but high-res jpgs have always been fine for my purposes.

Now for making images suitable for my website. I reduce the Image Size, so the longest dimension is 850 pixels. Zoom in to 100%, and use the Unsharp Mask to focus. I then Save For Web at a quality setting I'm happy with in the preview screen. I tend to save them at very, perhaps unnecessarily, high quality. The file size is usually around 200k. If you're worried about people downloading useful versions of your images, you may want to reduce the longest dimension and/or image quality.

I then create the thumbnail image, using the same Save For Web process as before, but making the longest dimension 157 pixels.

Note: I always sharpen in 100% view.

Photographs Everywhere, But Is It Really Art?

2011-07-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

I once heard a lady say to a photographer that she would have bought his work if it had been a painting. She liked the image, but for whatever reason didn't consider the medium suitable for her "it's just a photo".
I am sure that some share her thoughts, whilst others would be quite happy either way, but a growing number of people do recognise photography as an Art form. And collect it.
"There are three fundamental components of what we call art. First, is the artist; second, is the medium; and third is the artwork. All three, clearly are interrelated." Tad Beckman
Defining photographic art
It is true many people do regard photography as merely a reproductive medium, and the photographer as simply the technician. And if this were just about your holiday snaps then it would be a valid point.
So let's start with my definition of photographic art. I say my definition because there is no stock answer it means different things to different people.

For me it's about creating a beautiful image that is an interpretation of the scene that I saw in my mind captured on film, rather than just a recording of what is already there.
It's about the photographer being the choreographer of the various components; the composition is critical, as is the lighting, weather conditions and the colours at play.
It's not just about pressing the shutter release, although timing is everything. Patience comes into play too, as you wait for all the components to be perfect all at the same time.
Some things you can control, but the weather well that constantly throws out surprises that can add that hint of drama to a picture or send you home disappointed.
It's these uncertainties that add the challenge, and this results in creativity as you respond to the situation. Other photographers will have their own criteria, but we all are producing very personal pieces of work that we feel passionate about and that are a representation of our interpretation of the world.
A photograph - more than just a sheet of paper with an image on it?
Oh yes! Typically a photographer will capture an image that pleases their eye. They will create something that is close to their heart, and therefore give a little of themselves in the image.
Effectively they are allowing you to see how they perceive the world to be, one moment at a time. Add into the fact that many photographers print their own work (once they have an order!), and sign it then you could say you are buying a piece of history - or designer art!
In other words you are not buying a mass produced print, and naturally the price reflects this. You are buying into the reputation of that photographer and you will expect to pay more. When someone is starting out and building reputation then you are investing in the potential of that person.
You won't pay as much, but you'll be backing your own instinct and demonstrating your belief in that person's talent. Contemporary photography is affordable art.
Subject matter - does it matter?
Personally I don't believe it does, and I mean this in the sense that people will be drawn to your work because they have seen something of yours and liked your style, and typically that means they like your choice of subject matter too.
My preference is for landscapes and increasingly flowers, whilst other photographers prefer sport, people or a more abstract approach to name but a few.
I think the key to preserving artistic integrity is to shoot for your own personal satisfaction, although naturally as your reputation builds you will develop an understanding of what collectors want, but for me I always have to love the image myself to want to share it with the world. Anything less and it stays in the drawer!
I still experiment, and search for new subject matter, but my photographic style is what it is. It just keeps evolving.
A new language
Understanding the language of the image is something quite individual to the viewer, it does not explain itself in the same way to each person. It is subjective. And although some may view photography as easy, believing that there own point and shoot cameras can produce similar results to a master photographer are confusing the issue.
After all most of us have made paintings at some time in our lives, and may still own paint brushes, but wouldn't necessarily look at a painting by a master and not consider it to be art would we?
It is the heart and hand of the author behind the brush, camera or pen that executes the creative vision not the tools used.

Photography Montage

2011-07-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

Simply put, photography montage is the process of making a composite photo from several different photographs. The process has been in use since the mid eighteen hundreds and took place in the photographer's darkroom. These techniques were untried and new and no doubt took a great deal of patience, trial and error. The photographer's skill was paramount as he manipulated negatives of different subjects and printed them on to the same piece of photography paper. The end result was a picture of illusion where people and things printed on the photograph were not really there.
Although the darkroom is fast becoming a thing of the past with the digital age of photography, the techniques are still in use albeit in an altered state. Photos are 'stitched' together to produce a panoramic view of the subject (typically a landscape), people are added or erased from a picture and, as in the past, a number of pictures can be combined into a photograph montage before the printing stage.
The sort of effect that this type of editing produces has been popular for as long as photographs have been accessible to everyone and makers of photo frames have tried to pick-up on this by producing frames where multiple photographs can be displayed within the same frame. It works well for families where several children can be featured or where the age progression of just one child can be seen at a glance.
However, back to the digital age of photography and modern day techniques. Software such as Photoshop or The Gimp allow us to manipulate images, so with the right skills it becomes incredibly easy to produce a photography montage that is plausible and worthy of any collector of photographs. But then a paper photograph is just a paper photograph and unless it is put into a frame it is unlikely to ever be on display.
New techniques are being developed all the time where photos can be printed on media other than paper such as photos on mugs and plates, metal and canvas boards and more - the process is so dynamic and progressive. The printing process is what separates amateur from professional as specialised inks and commercial products are likely to be needed, and they are just not cost effective for occasional use. The comparison between what you may print on your standard inkjet printer and what the professional prints will therefore be vastly different and will potentially spoil your whole project.

Vincent Van Gogh, the Tragic Story of a Brilliant Painter

2011-07-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

Twelve years after his tragic suicide, Vincent's work was discovered by a Parisian art dealer. Until then, no one, except for those who knew him personally, had ever even heard the name. Today, large sums of money are exchanged for his work.
Vincent was born in the Dutch village of Zundert, in the south of the Netherlands. He studied theology and became a preacher in the Methodist Church. He also worked for several different art dealers in The Hague, London and Paris. Only in 1880 does he start painting, first traditional and very "Dutch", reflecting the Dutch rainy climate with many dark brown colors.

In 1886 Vincent moves to Paris, and two years later to Arles, on the Mediterranean, near Marseille. On the 20th of October of that year, Vincent's friend Gauguin joins him in Arles. Vincent's art becomes lighter in color, showing the Mediterranean sunlight in it.
Two months after Gauguin comes to Arles, Vincent has a schizophrenic episode and cuts a piece of his own ear off. The years following, Vincent starts to get very sick, and he eventually kills himself in 1890. His brother, Theo van Gogh, who had supported Vincent all of his life, dies seven months after Vincent, possibly from grief.
Van Gogh never sold a painting in his life. Today, his paintings are the most expensively sold in the world, and are admired around the globe in many museums and private collections. He also is celebrated as the forerunner of the expressionist movement.

The Traditions of Cultivation of Flax and Linen Weaving in Lithuania

2011-06-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Linen is a fabric used for all kinds of purposes, mostly clothing and decoration, that is appreciated for its durability, naturalness and freshness. Linen is manufactured from the fibres of the flax plant which is grown throughout the whole world - from Canada to Ethiopia. Flax has been cultivated since the times of ancient Egypt and ancient Ethiopia, while the latest findings of dyed flax fibres date to 30000 BC.
In Lithuania, a small country in Northern Europe with a very rich history, linen has a special place in the nation's traditions, arts and crafts. Flax has been grown here since the times of the Baltic tribes that were living in the modern country's territory from around 2000 BC. In the Medieval times, when the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was one of the largest countries in Europe, linen was probably the only fabric used for clothing by the peasants and the warriors (except for the armour, of course). Even in the early 20th century, when the availability of other fabrics was much greater, flax and linen had a major part in Lithuania's exports. The significance of linen in Lithuania has diminished ever since, yet there are still some folk artists in the country who weave linen and keep the traditions alive.

The importance of linen to a Lithuanian can be clearly seen in the folk songs - one of the greatest and most significant parts of the Lithuanian heritage. Up to the mid-20th century, people had sung songs on every occasion, including the seeding and cutting of flax and weaving of linen. Linen also appears in other folk songs, such as the ones about war or marriage, and is used as a symbol of prosperity and well-being.
Apart from the folk songs, Lithuanians even have an annual celebration, commemorating the importance of flax and linen. "Flax is one of the oldest cultures cultivated in Lithuania, and it is unjustly forgotten. Even our ancestors knew about the miraculous healing qualities of linen. Linen had a very important part in the formation of the Lithuanian attitude of mind." - says Zenonas Macernis, one of the organisers of the Festival of Flax, celebrated every year in the village of Budraiciai. In this festival, artisans and craftsmen who work with linen come from all parts of Lithuania to share their experience and sell their hand-made clothes, toys, tablecloths, towels and other kinds of items. No traditional festival in Lithuania is celebrated without songs and dances, so a lot of folk ensembles come here as well.
In every part of Lithuania, the traditions of seeding and cutting the linen were different. The greatest similarity of traditions from different regions is that the cutting of flax was usually a work done by women. Unsurprisingly, a lot of songs were sung during the process, and some of these songs even survived until our days. Some of the more interesting traditions come from Zemaitija, the North-Western region of Lithuania. For example, when the cutting of flax was over, the cutters always waited for a rabbit to come out of the field. Sometimes, the more shifty cutters managed to catch the rabbit, thus earning the family a delicious dinner. There have been a lot of beliefs of how and when to seed the flax to get the best results. For example, in the village of Dadotkai, flax was seeded in the end of May, but only when the junipers are dusty, when the Moon is in its gibbous shape and when the wind blows from the South. Quite a lot of conditions, isn't it?
When the flax is prepared to be made into linen, once again it's up to the Lithuanian women to do all the work. From the ancient times, the man of the house had to be able to tend to the horses and other animals and supervise the cultivation of crops, while the woman had to have cooking, weaving and spinning skills. There was a spinning wheel in every house, and in the evenings the linen was made into clothes, towels and other everyday items. At that time, linen was the most prominent fabric used for clothes by everyone living in the countryside. It was completely natural and made locally - people wore clothes made from linen grown in their own fields.
Nowadays, linen clothes associate with people having holidays in the French Riviera and not with a simple farmer living in the countryside. This transition happened some time in the 20th century, when the supply of other cheaper fabrics increased significantly and the cultivation of flax became much less profitable than before. Fortunately, there are still some people who cultivate flax and produce hand-made linen items, but their number has decreased dramatically over the years.
"We are very lucky that the traditions of making completely natural, hand-made linen clothes and other items are still alive. There are a lot of factories that manufacture linen clothes, but the main thing that they are lacking is quality. If an artisan knows his job well and if the traditions are passed from one generation to the other, no mass-produced linen clothes have the same quality, freshness and feeling of naturality as when the items are hand-made." - says Jurate Stanisauskiene, owner of the only children-oriented Lithuanian linen webshop LinenKids.com.
In general, the traditions of cultivating flax and making linen clothes were close to extinction in Lithuania, but nowadays there are more and more people who remember their heritage and decide to keep the traditions alive. The demand of natural hand-made linen clothes is growing, so fortunately this trade still has a future. Saving this craft is very important to Lithuanian heritage, as together with the linen making itself, it also carries a lot of other traditions, such as songs, dances, festivals and the Lithuanian attitude of mind.

The 5 Biggest Mistakes Made by First Time Filmmakers

2011-06-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Is putting the audience to sleep a mistake...or a blessing? Filmmaker Sondra Lowell sets new screenwriters and directors straight.

1. Contrary to current belief, keeping the audience awake is the biggest mistake a first time filmmaker can make. If viewers are asleep, they will never notice your other mistakes.

2. Waiting to get famous till after your movie is made is another error common among those new to the medium. Why do people pay to see and hear Jessica Simpson--this goes double for Ashlee? Because they're already famous. While having people actually see your work is not advisable, you still want them to buy tickets or DVDs, and they are more likely to do that if they feel they already know you. Consider inviting hundreds to your wedding, then escape just before The Big Day and make up a story about being kidnapped.

3. Almost as devastating to your new career as the first two mistakes is not knowing when you're done putting your film together. While having a feature to your credit can be a career maker, don't spend the rest of your life perfecting it. Remember, the audience will not be awake and so will not be as critical as you are.

4. Most new filmmakers try to get their movie seen. Big mistake. Smart new filmmakers try to get their movie heard of. Hollywood big shots who hear of your movie may well sign you to a three picture deal. Hollywood big shots who actually see your movie are more likely pass in favor of an American Idol loser with proof that he had sex with Paula Abdul.

5. Expecting to make your money back on your first film is the least of the five biggest mistakes new filmmakers make because you're not going to max out ten credit cards just because you read that Robert Townsend did it and his movie made millions...are you? I mean...are you?

Unlike advice by filmmaking gurus, which has to be padded to fill 200 pages and make claims that help sell books, this no-nonsense list by award-winning filmmaker and 1,052,569th top Amazon.com contributor Sondra Lowell can be trusted. Sondra's first film, WebcamMurder.com, is the first officially sanctioned digital feature in the Film Sleepy genre, the category that puts the audience to sleep.

The Crisis of Human Survival

2011-06-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

Environmental Pollution
1. Damage to The Ozone Layer Causes Radiation Pollution
The hole in the ozone layer above the North Pole is becoming larger, allowing large volumes of ultraviolet radiation to fall directly on the Earth's surface, causing destruction and harm to humanity, and resulting in skin cancer and other bodily ailments. At the same time, it reduces the rate at which green plants photosynthesise, thereby reducing oxygen content in the atmosphere.
This has extreme negative effects on the Earth. Health organisations all over the world are continuously researching on ways of reducing such harmful effects on humanity. In a direct attempt to address the issue, many are actively looking into the effects of radiation, and taking measures to rectify the situation, such as through modifying the coolant compartments in automobiles and refrigerators, and setting up new guidelines for certain products.

2.Acid Rain
The emission of pollutants and toxic gases into the atmosphere has resulted in chemical reactions, which cause acid rain. Acid rain damages the environment by, for example, corroding the metals we use in car doors and buildings. It also harms human health; the first sign of prolonged exposure to acid rain is the onset of skin ailments.
3.Agro-Chemicals
Many of the agricultural products, which we consume regularly, are sprayed with chemical pesticides that are harmful to humans. Some of these products may reach the consumer before an interval of time that is necessary for them to be safe and fit for human consumption. Consumers may unwittingly purchase these quick-to-the-market agricultural products, still tainted with chemicals, and expose their family to the harmful effects of these pesticides. Prolonged accumulation of these chemicals can cause irreversible damage to our health.
4. The Contamination of Western Medicine
Frequently, we see a new phenomenon. Whether is it among a family member or in the office, as soon as someone catches a cold or cough, it will inevitably spread quickly to someone else. Besides the highly contagious nature of the virus, the body's low resistance to viruses also plays a part. The abusive use of antibiotics has resulted in viruses' resistance to medicines as well as deterioration of the human body's immunity system. The rates of contagious diseases are thus on the rise.
Air Pollution
Rapid worldwide industrialisation has increased the daily emission of toxic waste and gases. Vehicle exhaust fumes and dust are increasingly trapped in our environment and this is exacerbated in densely populated cities where smog blankets and traps polluted air.
Tobacoo Smoke（Public Places）
The harmful effects of nicotine found in tobacco smoke are well documented. Passive smokers who are exposed to tobacco smoke in public places can also suffer from the same ill effects as smokers themselves - lung diseases, damages to our brain cells, heart problems, strokes, poor blood circulation and high blood pressure are some of the more well known illnesses associated with tobacco smoke.
Indoor Air Pollution
On average, we spend 80% of our time indoors. The high cost of living and pressure for space have resulted in smaller living areas, with a higher tendency of congestion and poorer ventilation. Coupled with an enclosed indoor environment, these living conditions often come with pollutants such as cigarette smoke, dust, fungi and spores, droppings from dust mites, chemicals from photocopying machines and construction materials (glue, paint) and smoke from cooking. Sustained exposure to these elements can cause cancer, respiratory ailments such as asthma, hypersensitive rhinitis, hypersensitive dermatitis, and deterioration of the immune system.
1. Cooking Smoke (Kitchen and Restaurant)
Research reveals that cooking a meal is equivalent to smoking six cigarettes. Although the proportion of women in China who smoke is small, the mortality rate of these women who suffer from pulmonary diseases is high. Epidemiologists suggest that there is a strong correlationship between this and the inhalation of smoke and oily fumes while cooking.
2. Recycling of Accumulated Carbon Dioxide (Office and Bedroom)
Prolonged inhalation of carbon dioxide in an enclosed or badly ventilated office can result in fatigue and lack of concentration among office workers. Fatigue felt after a long journey in the car is also similarly caused by poor circulation of air where there is insufficient oxygen to replace the carbon dioxide.
3. Bacteria and Fungus Found Living In Air Conditioners (Office Buildings, Hospitals, Homes, etc)
It is essential to clean the filters of all air-conditioning systems regularly, be it centralised or single units. Filth in the units will lead to the growth of micro-organisms which will flow into the room through the inlet duct when the air-conditioner is switched on. Many cases of asthma today is closely related to allergy to these micro-organisms.
4. Air Pollution by Chenical Substances (Home, Office)
The scents and odours of household products like insecticides, detergents, deodorisers, mosquito coils, hair gels, hair sprays, glue, correction fluid, calcium carbonate, etc, are sometimes unhealthy. They may even be cancer-causing.
The Change in Lifestyle
1. Changes In Diet
In the modern diet, chemical additives occupy nearly 65% of all daily food content. In addition, fashionable trends in fast food resulted in people taking in excessive animal fats and food with high cholesterol contents. Such changes in eating habits resulted in people consuming too much unhealthy products and thus health is affected.
2. Lack of Exercise
Oxygen is important to the body. With exercise, oxygen will help to strengthen cardiac and lung functions. Exercise will also help to burn excess fats and reduces intravascular LDL ( low density lipoprotein cholesterol) to prevent arteriosclerosis. Exercising will benefit the health but when done excessively, it will result in hypoxia and overproduction of free radicals causing physiological imbalance.
3. Mental Stress
Changes in the present living environment: reductions in natural greens making way for the metropolis jungle, inter-personal relationships becoming increasingly superficial. As life's pressures build up, so does stress in the workplace. The world of feelings and EQ succumb to imbalance. Many modern people suffer from the sickness of melancholy and this constitutes another concern of living in the modern society.
The Origin of Virus and Allergy
Man's endless devastation to Mother Nature has resulted in severe environmental pollutions, and nature is reacting. The constant mutation of bacteria and virus variations, coupled with the bustle of world trade, has lent favor to virus broadcast. With developments in aviation and frequent travel, viruses are being disseminated at lightning speed across the globe. Strange illness abound, the pace of medical research cannot keep up with the unexpected speed of viral mutation. Plagues continue to endanger lives of humans and livestock. Life on earth is seriously threatened.
In addition, while most allergies do not endanger life, they can cause a person to live unhealthily or become unhappy. An example is dust allergy. Asia has the world's highest incidences of asthma, 90% of such cases arises due to dust allergy. The common symptoms of dust allergy include: habitual early morning sneezes, running nose, blocked nose, cough, rhinitis, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and uncommon dermatitis.
The above-mentioned issues constitute factors that threaten the survival of humanity, cause deterioration of health and increase mental stress, leading to unhealthy and unhappy lives.

How To Make A Home Movie

2011-06-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

In this article I will be going over simple steps to creating your own home made movie. First you will need a device you can record with, this can be anything from your webcam on your computer to your families old camcorder basically anything that can record. Now you will want to get familiar with your camera, start out by just playing with the buttons learning each function you have available. There will be a couple tools you may want to invest in, a tripod is a great tool this will make a huge factor in the quality of your film. Also you will need to use video editing software, most computers now come equipped with editing software Macs have iMovie and PCs come with Windows Movie Maker.
There will be three basic shots when filming, close ups are used to show specific things happening. Wide shots will establish your location and your medium shots are typically used to follow action in the scene. Now if you are not using a tripod you will want to avoid zooming in all the way this will cause a lot of accidental shaking and you will want to refrain from little camera movement. You will need to establish where you want to film your movie, whether it is in your house, backyard, front yard, or even your basement. Also get your friends and family involved as you will need parts to fill. Discuss how you want them to play there roles and who will be doing behind the scenes work, keep in mind there are many jobs in making a film. You will need actors, director, editor, and you may need someone to do the make-up for your actors.

While you are filming you will want to have 2-3 takes for each scene, keep in mind you will face all kinds of problems there's no escaping it. Just bear in mind small problems are ok it is the big problems that can ruin your movie. So take the extra time to rehearse and remember it's not hard to go back and change a few words. During your action scenes you will be tempted to zoom in and out but remember you want to avoid the least amount of camera movement. While filming you will want to keep your actors eyes in the top of the screen, leave about an inch or two of space above there heads. Don't make it confusing for your watchers to know what is going on keep in mind your main audience will be your friends and family.
The main rule is to have fun and be creative. Keep your outtakes if there funny it makes for good bloopers, and add some background music to some of your scenes. Try to add some special effects if you can get a fog machine or make someone fly whatever you can do to add extra excitement is always good. Once your movie is complete show it off, publish it on You Tube or put it on a DVD, and if you want to get fancy add some opening and ending credits. Don't get stressed out with this remember it is suppose to be fun!

What is 3D Animation?

2011-05-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Do not be fooled by the seemingly simplicity of this question.

I was actually quite tempted not to write this article because it's such a difficult topic to write on. It can be answered as complicated as you want it to be or as short as you desire. The thing is, I need to let clients know how complicated the process is, but not to let them walk away confused. Saying that, I will try my best to answer this question in the most concise but uncomplicated way possible.

In a nutshell, computer 3D animation refers to the work of creating moving pictures in a digital environment that is three-dimensional. Through the careful manipulation of objects (3D models) within the 3D software, we can then export picture sequences which will give the illusion of movement (animation) based on how we manipulate the objects.

What happens in animation is that motion is simulated in a way that the eyes tend to believe that actual motion has taken place while the fact is the perceived sense of motion is only because of the consecutive images that are passed through very fast.

This theory is inherent be it for 3D, 2D or stop motion animation.

In traditional 2D animation, pictures are hand-drawn and every one showing subtle changes from the previous. When played back sequentially, it creates the illusion of motion. In stop motion animation, real life models are moved slightly and filmed. Again, the pictures will create the illusion of motion when played back. In 3D animation, everything is done within the computer and exported from the computer.

The process of creating 3D animation can be sequentially divided into three phases: modeling - which describes the process of creating the 3D objects within a scene, layout and animation - which describes how objects are positioned and animated within a scene, and rendering - which describes the final output of the completed computer graphics. Through the combination of the above phases and a few other sub-phases, this completes the process of a 3D animation production.

There are many software in the market for creating 3D animation, ranging from the cheaper lower-end ones to the professional high-end versions. If you are curious to see how a 3D software works, you can download a free one called Blender. Just Google it and you will be able to find its official website.

Is Modeling Fair To Your Child?

2011-05-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

It is likely that at some point, you will consider whether or not modeling is fair on your child. This might be when you are just starting out, or it could be after some time, perhaps when your child is not enjoying modeling like they used to.
Child modeling is a very adult environment, with the pressure of timescales, and with money at stake. At any given shoot, there are a group of people for which this is their livelihood, and the success on the day depends in part on your kid.
You can't force a child to model - that is never right. That is a line that one must never cross. But there are grey areas that make the decision to model or not less clear cut.

First and foremost, a child should be modeling because they enjoy it. That may sound like an obvious point, but there are many pushy parents out there who apparently do not agree.
Modeling should never be a job or a hardship to your child - it should be fun most of the time. If your kid likes getting his or her photo taken then you are clearly at a great advantage, because quite frankly, that is all they should be thinking about. You should be handling all of the logistical complications and stresses.
But does your kid have what it takes? If nothing else, a child who is forced to model simply will not make a good model. Every photographer or casting director is looking for a happy, confident and cooperative child. A kid that can get the job done in a straightforward and professional fashion is coveted in the industry.
There is a key consideration when it comes to considering modeling for your child - if he or she does not enjoy it, then they will probably not be a good model. This goes beyond considering the moral arguments for or against modeling when your child is not enthusiastic.
An important question to consider is how you should reward your child. You should strike a balance, because your child should never be working so that they are rewarded. That should not be the aim of child modeling.
Rewards can take many forms. For instance, photo shoots may well take you out of town, in which case you can make a day of it and perhaps see some local sights. The shoot itself can be an enjoyable experience, depending on what it is for and who you are working with. The point is that the modeling itself can be the reward.
Praise is free, and is something that you should use often. If your kid has done a good job, then of course you should tell them.
One thing is for certain - you should never bribe your child. There is nothing good that can come of bribing your kid, and as a parent or guardian, I am sure you know that already. If you bribe a child, they will keep pushing the boundaries, and you will have to give more and more. This struggle for power will ultimately end in tears.
Your child should never be enticed into modeling because of the promise of a reward at the end - they should truly want to do it. Of course, some days they will not, but that is completely different to an intrinsic dislike of modeling generally.
It is also important to consider how you handle the concept of money with your child. Many parents do not even tell their kids that they are earning money. This may seem unfair at first, but then I don't believe it is right for a child to consider their modeling career a job, and that would inevitably be the case if they realised that they were earning a wage. And besides, some children are simply too young to understand the concept of money!
Many parents put the earnings towards a college fund or something similar, which can be an excellent way of introducing your child to the concept of money itself and how it is needed in order to provide an education and good quality of life.
Whether or not modeling is fair on your child depends entirely upon the circumstances. Only you can really answer that, by chatting to your child, considering their thoughts, and considering whether it is something they really want to do.
If your child is dead against the idea of modeling then you shouldn't try to encourage them too much. It may just be a case of waiting a few months, or a couple of years, until their attitude has changed.
However, if your child has been modeling for some time but seems to have lost enthusiasm, you shouldn't necessarily give up. It could just be a phase, or they could be unhappy because of rejection. Having said that, you should be attentive to their emotional state, and if it does seem that modeling is no longer fun for them on an intrinsic level, then you should strongly consider at least taking a break.

CG Animation

2011-05-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Computer graphics are the graphics created with the help of computers which includes presentation and manipulation of images via a computer. Computer graphics animation, also referred as CG animation is a process of creating animated images by using computer graphics. it refers only to moving images.The concept CG animation hit the market late back in 1973 with the movie Westworld, but got the proper podium in the year 1992 with James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
Now, CG animation is divided into two main category 3D animation and 2D animation, however in this cutting-edge market scenario the demand of 3D CG animation is growing at a constant pace. Still, 2D CG animation is also in demand because of its stylistic look, low bandwidth and faster real-time renderings. In fact, it is a real successor of stop motion animation techniques.

Nowadays, besides 2D and 3D animation, CG animation provides varied range of solution including 3D illustrations, 3D modelling, photorealistic artwork, 3D rendering, 3D visualization, video games, cartoons and much more. Computer graphics animation is able to create stunning visual effects, allowing the individuals to experience something unique. It works as an innovative tool for giving a spotlight to any given material, product, company or business. Indeed,industries will always seek for innovative solutions for marketing and Computer graphics animation have indeed played a vital role in circumscribing these requirements.
Below are the few advantages of it:
• Able to create stunning visual effects.
• Helps to convey the right message to your targeted market.
• Works best and proves to be an affordable solution.
• Helps to generate more profit with increased customers and clients.
• Allows your product, material, company and/ or business to get the right spotlight.
• Incorporates an array of solutions including
o 3D animation
o 2D animation
o 3D illustrations
o 3D modeling
o Photorealistic artwork
o 3D rendering
o 3D visualizations
o And much more...
• Prominent solution for video game, cartoon and film industry.
• Could work as a best marketing tool as well.
• And much more...
Before opting for any CG animation services it is essential to justify the requirement of the desired audience, the purpose and the favorable outcome. A professional CG animation company could certainly understand these requirements. Such a company possesses the knowledge on various 3D software applications and is skilled with a pool of skilled Computer graphics animators. It could provide you with array of solutions with utmost quality best matching your requirements. These companies are the experts with significant years of experience in providing the top-notch solutions to their clients. They perform a detailed study of client's every requirement of it and offer a solution which suits perfectly their client's industry standards. This eventually helps their clients, to get more customers, allowing the company to reach new heights.

10 Simple Ways To Expand Your Subscriber List

2011-05-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

Here are 10 ways to expand your subscriber list:
1. Keep your subscription form easy to find on every web page. Preferably, add it on your navigational bar. If the form is to large for the bar or page, add a hyperlink and send them to a popup or a separate page so that the previous page on your site doesn't disappear. It is easy for them to return.
2. Not only must the form be easy to see, it also needs to be easy to read. Label each field. I've seen a few where I didn't know what to enter. Be kind to computer readers suffering from dry eyes, make the font large and easy to read.

3. Do you write your own EzineArticles? Add a "please subscribe here line to your byline. Begin the line with a benefit they get from subscribing and then add a few invitational words along with a URL hyperlink. Example: "Learn more about this topic. Subscribe to [name of your ezine] by visiting...."
4. Generally, people are impulse buyers. So, give them that impulse. Give away a free ebook. Instead of letting them see that the ebook is free. Regularly charge for the eBook. Six dollars is a good price, just explain them that it is a limited special offer.
They will perceive it even more valuable when there is a price connected to it. An example of the wording could go like, "Normally this ebook sells for $6 at [your web site URL or even a middle man ebook site]." Always give them a reason why you are giving it to them free. Make the reason believable.
5. Do you belong to networking groups, or attend other events? Invite everyone you meet if they would like to register for your ezine. Give them a story about the free, but not so free, ebook offer. Always, make this offer limited. In fact, have a list of these free but-not-free ebooks, written either by you, affiliates, or from resale right products. Move them around. Put one on the calendar for January through December and then repeat them the next year. Then in the third year, change it. Also, share with them how easy it is to opt-out if they don't like the ezine and they can keep the ebook.
6. Don't stop at networking groups, contact trade or professional organizations you do or don't belong to that have a high percentage of your type of readers. Ask for the membership list. Look for the people you have identified as your gatekeepers (people that know lots of others in your target market). For accountants, it's lawyers and bankers. Call them and introduce yourself. Ask if they could recommend your ezine to a few of their friends. You can also attend their networking events and ask, ask, ask.
7. Instead, or in addition to, calling the gatekeepers you have identified on the membership lists, you can send them a letter of introduction -- a direct mail piece. The piece can ask them (a call to action) to visit your web site for more information on your newsletter and/or receive a copy of the free but-not-free ebook.
8. Share the wealth. Exchange recommendations to each other's newsletter. Be prepared for these so that it doesn't cost you valuable time when you are working on a deadline. If you work with a virtual assistant, let them respond to these opportunities. Prepare three or four examples and offer the exchanger their choice to use one that they feel is appropriate for their audience. Ask them for a reciprocal and equal announcement.
9. Make comments and include your byline at the end. Comments can be product review on Amazon, ezines you enjoy, or local newspapers. Give suggestions, share your stories on how it helped you, ask questions, or give ideas that emerged from your reading. Blogs are also good places to comment on as well.
10. It takes 7 times before people start to trust. Present them 7 opportunities to have two-way conversations with you. Not one-way conversations (you write, they read). Provide the two-way with surveys, questions, contests, games, things that they need to ask for are just a few. If you are offering a contest, send them a testimonial from the winner. If you can, create an opportunity for many winners. It spreads the hope.

Supporting Locals - Flashback

2009-05-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

I published this piece a while ago but it's definitely still relevant. Young Missouri based directors Randy Prywitch and Jason Goldstein of the Be The Shoe Productions recently won 'Best of Arts' for The Maneater Student Newspaper and it was certainly well deserved. I highly recommend checking out their most recent film, Salad Daze. It'll be showing for the last time on the big screen on May 27 at the Parkway Central Theatre. If you're interested in buying the DVD or viewing some of their shorts, please visit Be The Shoe on the web.

Here's the article, published in The Maneater on April 9th:

" As they strode into Kaldi's coffee shop, students Jason Goldstein and Randy Prywitch appeared to be calm, collected college juniors. They swapped small talk -- journalism school, weather patterns. But the minute their upcoming film, "Salad Daze," came up, they feverishly raved about the production -- and a little bit of spit was sprayed in the rush.

Then again, they're passionate about their craft.

Goldstein, a former Maneater staff member, and Prywitch have been friends since fourth grade and filmmaking has always been a mutual dream.

"When we were in middle school and in high school, we started making short films together," Prywitch said. "We were just messing around a lot and then 'boom.'"

The pair caught the movie-making bug, and they've continued with the art form together ever since. Since the release of their first feature length film, last November's "American Gothic," the dream has become an even larger part of their lives.

"Salad Daze," the duo's second feature length film was written during last year's spring semester and filmed throughout this summer.

The term salad days, Prywitch said, is an old Shakespearean idiom, which defines the days between adolescence and adulthood. Playing off this, the film chronicles the life of a young boy who has just graduated from high school and is struggling through his own salad days. Just dumped by his girlfriend and spending the summer trapped with his older sister, the story revolves around the quirky interactions within his family. The story comes to its climax when their grandfather dies and the family is forced to reunite at his funeral.

"There's a lot of latent tension in the family," Goldstein said. "They have their conflicts and they have their issues, this brings them out and then they start to resolve them."

Prywitch elaborated, explaining the comedy in the film.

"It's a serious comedy because it's about things that aren't necessarily funny," he said. "But the characters are very interesting and you like to see how they interact."

Prywitch said they worked with the same actors they used for "American Gothic," making writing roles much easier for him.

"Everybody who had a part in the last film is playing a completely different character this time because I know what their strengths are and I tried to write a role that they could fit," Prywitch said. "Every single one of the major characters is spot on."

Prywitch said this film was a serious expansion on the last.

"We wanted to make another feature length film while we were home, really up the ante," Prywitch said. "We got new cameras, we got lighting equipment and our actors are more refined."

One of the biggest difficulties the duo faced, though, was making a soundtrack. They initially selected over 40 songs from big-name bands, but didn't want to pay the royalties.

Thinking on his feet, Goldstein invented a creative solution to this problem.

"Jason created this thing called 'Be the Shoe music' where he reached out to local musicians and bands," Prywitch said. "They hear that we want to put their music in our movie and they're thrilled. They're supporting us and we're supporting them."

Not only are they supporting local music with the release of their film, but Goldstein and Prywitch also wanted to ensure Columbia was the location for the premiere of their movie.

"Columbia is one of those towns that just accepts art, especially recently with the emerging independent filmmakers at the True/False Film (Fest)," Prywitch said. "This is the perfect time. We're not amateurs anymore, we want to show this off."

Sugar & Gold - A Sweet, Infectious Throwback

2009-04-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

When Sugar & Gold waltzed onto the stage at The Blue Note last Friday evening, as the opening for Of Montreal, some in the crowd were unsure how to react.

The lead singer, Fati Beloved, clad in a hairnet and oversized red heart-shaped glasses began excitedly belting out songs reminiscent of the Scissor Sisters thrown over the top of a KC and the Sunshine Band track and mixed around a bit by someone who has done a wee bit too much LSD. He strummed guitar like an old funk professional, as backup singer Fatima Fleming waltzed around like she owned the stage. The stage was writhing with activity at all times. In short, watching this band perform was a trip.

Sugar & Gold made it seem impolite for members of the audience not to dance. Their electronic beats with a heavy bottom groove make rump-shaking feel like a natural impulse. Background vocalist Fleming stripped down to nothing but a beaded gold bikini and began to dance around the stage, shaking along with the heavy backbeat. Fleming, a part-time fashion designer, adds a feminine element to the otherwise all-male band that helps the music feel both complex and layered.

As things really started to heat up, there was a pause as the band stopped briefly to catch their breath.

After Beloved asked the crowd "Do you like psychedelic music?" he was met with a cavalcade of cheers. The band promptly erupted into a 10-minute jam session, leading into their hooky heavy, song "Workout." A riotous dance romp ensued as the crowd worked themselves into a sweat. The stage presence of the group demonstrated extreme interest in keeping the crowd enthralled as they waggled all over the place, dancing and singing at the top of their lungs.

Sugar & Gold, though relatively new to the music scene, have been making a big impression with their live performances. Their harmonious lyrics combine with a new wave of retro dance music and a funky visual platform to make a lasting impression. San Francisco based, the band has spent much of the past few years recording everywhere from New York to Los Angeles, building a fan base in between. They have already been acclaimed as San Francisco Magazine's "Best Local Dance Band," but it was their performance at South by Southwest of tracks off their latest album Crème that really made them known. While "Workout" -- their first single -- was successful, this album received rave reviews because of its capabilities to connect with the entire country. Recorded between live shows, each individual track is reminiscent of a different live experience the band had.

The band is known for its do-it-yourself approach to song writing, and this is conveyed in the overall sound of their first studio album. Sugar & Gold has developed a style all their own, using repetitive, circa 1970 lyrics, electronic and soul elements to create one of the most rhythmically pleasing albums heard in a while. This band does not make irony its goal, which sets it apart from similar sounding bands, such as Gravy Train. Sugar & Gold is first and foremost concerned with producing quality music and as evidenced by their performance, they have certainly succeeded.

The group is slated to begin work on their second live album with Antenna Farm this spring.

Flashback - Interview with Fake Problems

2009-03-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

(This is one of the first band interviews I ever did. With the recent release of "It's Great to Be Alive", I thought it was relevant again.)

Fake Problems’ bassist Derek Perry and drummer, Sean Stevenson pulled up three black leather stools to the bar at the Creepy Crawl in St Louis, MO. Passing a single Budweiser and cigarette between them, the pair cracked jokes as they reflected on the evening’s events. Sweaty and slightly intoxicated, the pair recalled the very beginning of Fake Problems.

“We all played in bands in high school, that’s how we know each other,” he said, pausing to take a puff of his cigarette, “We came together as a super group from high school bands. Everyone was going to college and we decided to keep going in the music direction,” Perry said.

Joining Perry and Stevenson in this Naples, Florida based band was front man Chris Farren and guitarist Casey Lee. Formed in 2005, the band began touring only two months after they formed. “We all moved into a house and recorded a CD that summer and then went on tour,” said Stevenson “We view ourselves as a summer camp band, that’s sort of how we view our lives”. Smirking, he added “Imagine us as the ‘Heavyweights’. That’s how we live”.

The show opened with a track off the band’s latest CD, “How Far Our Bodies Will Go”. As Farren strummed the opening chords of the title track, the crowd whipped itself into frenzy, echoing his vocals as the song increased in tempo. Perry and Farren hung out into the crowd, thrusting their microphones into the faces of eager crowd members. A boy in an Operation Ivy t-shirt threw himself forcefully into the stage, reaching toward Farren, singing the chorus at the very top of his lungs. Fake Problems has a very active and interesting stage presence, never resting in one spot for longer than five seconds. Lead singer Farren sprinted back and forth between the drum set during vocal rest periods as Perry holds his bass above his head, carefully plucking at the strings. Stevenson pounded away at his silver glittered drum set, smiling to himself.

At one point Lee rushed back to the drum set, helping Stevenson add a heavy tom beat to the song. The two play away laughing amongst themselves as the song goes on. It seemed that this band was indifferent to the audience’s perception of them and wanted nothing more than to have a good time playing music they love. They tried to have fun with the audience and the show was all the better for it. When the band announced that the show would conclude, the audience remained, chanting and pleading for more. Finally, the band emerged, half of them shirtless, to play the telling opening chords to their song “To Repel Ghosts”, a song seemingly designed to sing along with. A mass of young men mounted the stage and link arms to sing the chorus along with the entire band, concluding a night that was far from dull.

Fake Problems is reminiscent of Andrew Jackson Jihad meets Bob Dylan and CCR, all tossed into a blender and then electrocuted. They have taken the traditional “Florida punk sound” and turned it on its head, infusing it with call and response lyrics and indie rock elements. Add in a little alternative country and folk rock and you have Fake Problems. Perry claims that his favorite album is “More Adventurous by Rilo Kiley” which is evident in the musical styling of this band, particularly in songs like “Oh Maria” and “Oh, Your Silver Heart” off of “Spurs and Spokes”.

“The only reason we play music is so we can keep playing music.” mused Stevenson. “It’s very personal. We want to be big enough to make money but not doing stupid things. Everything we do we want to believe in”.

“We’re always dodging major labels and we’re highly sought after.” continued Perry. “For our next record, we decided to go with an indie label because it’s real”.

The band worked with AJ Mogus, the producer of the new Cursive record to record their latest album, "It's Great to Be Alive" which dropped in February to rave reviews.

Fake Problems - Cannonball

Interview - RATATAT

2009-03-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to MOVE magazine, I recently had the pleasure of a thirty minute telephone call with Evan from electronic group extraordinaire, RATATAT.

Here is the interview, republished with absolutely everything.

Be it the catchy name or the infectious electronic music, Ratatat is a band that is hard to forget about. Quirky Skidmore college students Mike Stroud and Evan Mast began working together as musicians in 2001, pushing the boundaries for musicians everywhere. Known for their live shows and raw musical talent, the band quickly worked their way into the electronic scene.

With the 2008 release of their third studio album, LP, (the band has released two remix albums where they rework rap songs), the electronic duo showcased its ability to create some of the most complex beats and multilayered pieces of music currently being produced. This pair of instrumental musicians turned electronic makes it clear that no instrument is out of their realm, no technique too complex. MOVE checked in with Evan Mast of RATATAT to talk about the band’s musical progression, hip-hop and the ups and downs of the road to stardom.

Andrea Kszystyniak : You’re about to start a new tour in mid-March?

Evan Mast: March 21st I think for sure.

AK: How are you feeling about the whole thing?

EM: I’m looking forward to it, it’s gonna be good. We’re playing like a lot of cities that we haven’t played and a lot we haven’t played in a long time. It should be fun.

AK: Have you guys played in Columbia, MO before?

EM: Yeah, a long time ago, probably right after our first record came out. We were touring with the band Clinic and we played at the Blue Note.

AK:How do you feel this tour is going to be different than the last few that you’ve been on?

EM: The last tour we did was probably six months ago or something. It’s kind of different. We switched up the way we’re playing the songs. We’re switching instruments a lot more than we used to. We got a lot more instruments on stage and we’re kind of running around doing different things. We’re a lot busier than we used to be during shows. The last tour we did was in Europe and we did it that way as well and it ended up working really well so we’re going with that again.

AK: Are you going to pursue playing with a live band ever?

EM: It is a live band, even if it’s just the two of us. There’s different levels of live too I guess. I mean, um. Because of the way that we write songs, there’s so much layering and there’s so many different things happening in the arrangement and the interpretation changes so much from song to song like I feel like if we ever fully did it with just the four or five dudes playing in a live band, it would probably sound pretty horrible. It’d be hard to capture all the details. We talked about in the future maybe rearranging the songs for strings or something. I don’t know. I hope to keep it kind of open ended so we can approach it from different angles.

AK: Your songs are definitely really layered. What is usually your strategy when laying down new tracks? Do you lay down drums first; do you start off with just a basic concept? How do you go about it?

EM: A lot of the time we start with drums. . For the last record, I had been making a lot of the drum beat stuff while we were on tour so I just kind of made a stockpile of beats and then when we went to the studio we just start like listening through and if we heard something that kind of inspired an idea or something we just started playing over it and um, a lot of the songs happened that wa. A few of the songs started with just piano parts or guitar parts or whatever we had around. It tends to be like yunno starting with a melody or a chord progression or a beat. We kinds just start playing over the top and we just improvise things and kind of just put on another layer and then respond to that and then put on another layer and just keep going until it seems kind of finished.

AK: That’s really cool. What program do you use to mix the whole thing?

EM: Logic. Pretty much everything. WE record everything in Logic and then last time when we ended up going to the studio to mix it we ended up mixing the tape on like an analog mixer too.

AK : I just downloaded your latest remix CD. It’s really really good. Is the remix and artform that you’d like to mess around with a little more, kind of expand on?

I’m not sure. We haven’t been doing much remixes. We’ve kind of been taking a break from it. WE did so many for a couple of years that I kind. I think we’re just kind of more inspired to do our own stuff…I don’t know. Not right now. I’m not that inspired to change the form much right now but maybe eventually.

AK: How were your remixes received by the hip hop community? What is your relationship with the hip-hop community?

EM: Uh, we don’t have much of one I don’t think. We never really got much feedback. I think rappers are kind of closed off from other forms of music but maybe not anymore, I don’t know. I guess now you have like M.I.A. and Santigold showing up on Jay-Z tracks so maybe they’re starting to take credit. They have like little things here and there. It would be like John Doe has a friend that works at Def Jam yet again and whatever. I feel like there’s been a million little connections like that that were supposed to happen but nothing ever amounted to anything. I don’t know. We might have to give up our dreams of being hip-hop producers. (laughs)

AK: Would you ever consider laying down any sort of vocals yourselves on your tracks or no?

EM: We’ve done a little bit of stuff just using vocals as sounds, kind of in the same way, using vocals the same way we would use another instrument or something but I don’t think we’ll ever get into writing lyrics and any kind of that weird vocal stuff. I can see like possibly a thing producing tracks for other people or doing like side projects with other things but I think for Ratatat we’ll probably stay pretty much instrumental.

AK: What is the origin of your name?

EM: Not really much there. We just kind of had to come up with a name. We used to be called Cherry.

AK: Wait, what?

EM: Cherry, like the fruit. This was before we had a record out or anything and we got off the first tour and our lawyer was saying that there was a bunch of other bands using the name already so we had to come up with something new. We had this tour starting in a couple weeks or something so we were just kind of scrambling to come up with a new name and it we were just brainstorming a little.

AK: How do you feel that you have progressed as a band from that time when you were Cherry to now with the release of LP3?

EM: We’ve come a really long way. In the early stages we didn’t really know what we were doing. I don’t know, maybe we still don’t know what we’re doing. But I don’t know. I think we still approach song writing in the same way. It’s still just about trying to keep us entertained and keep doing what keeps filling up the house. I guess we’ve just sort of defined our sound a lot then and expanded on it. I don’t know. It’s a weird thing. We just make the songs and the project just sort of grows and expands. It’s a lot of work and you guide it but I feel like it ends up I don’t know, it’s become this massive thing that we never expected.

AK : Who are your influences?

EM : I have a brother that is five years older than me. When I was in junior high, he was getting into punk rock and he would talk about music to me. That was a definitely a huge influence because I kind of avoided a lot of the bad music that a lot of kids get into at that age. He’s also been in bands and stuff to. That kind of inspired me to get into playing music when I was little. He proved that it could be done.

AK: What do you consider your best moment since you started playing music?

EM: I think I remember when we played at Coachella about two years ago. It was a pretty huge moment. That was like after our second record came out, a couple months after that record came out. That record was super difficult for us to make. It was a really long process A lot of work went into it, we were struggling with writing and many different things for a couple years. It was a good feeling to be touring. It felt like the reward for all the work. That kinda peaked at Coachella. That was the biggest audience by far that we played to at that point. That was a really good moment. Also, recording the last record LP3 was pretty amazing. It was more than a moment though, I guess it was like six weeks but we were just having a good time throughout the whole recording process.

AK: Okay, sweet. What are you into right now musically?

EM: I don’t know a lot of up and coming stuff. I’ve been on a big Bach kick lately. Harpsichord music and organ music. A whole lot of French, a lot of African stuff. Like African guitar music. I tend to go through phases. I don’t know. I tend to go through phases. I’ll get into one style of music for a couple weeks and then move on to something else.

The band has embarked on a national tour and should be visiting a city near you very soon. For dates, check their website. Though I have yet to see them live (I seem to be out of town every time they come around), I've heard that they are absolutely phenomenal live. Definitely don't miss your opportunity.

Check it out:

RATATAT - Wildcat

RATATAT - Shempi

Clinic - Porno

Back from Recess

2009-03-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

Truth be told, I have yet to make blogging a habit of my daily life. Things have been incredibly hectic over the past couple months and I've been focusing more on passing Economics at the University of Missouri than any sort of heartfelt discussion about what's been impressing me, musically or otherwise.

Musically, 2009 has been absolutely stunning:
Bulleted and compressed raving.

- Okay, "Merriweather Post Pavillion" by Animal Collective. I'm so far behind on this one but all I can say is that I literally did not move the entirety of my first listen to this album. By the close of the first track, my friend Hannah and I had secluded ourselves in her dorm room and were laying on the floor with the lights off, simply absorbing the dynamics of this work of art. Although the first five tracks are much stronger than the conclusion, this album is probably going to end up on my top ten of the year.

- Remember that absurd animated video with the lizard, talking about sea horses and drinking out of cups? Well, if not, here it is:

This was my first introduction to electronic musician, Dan Deacon, followed by this, a video for his song, "Crystal Cat":

While I absolutely adore this song, I wouldn't consider it musically complex, nor technically worthwhile. Ear candy for certain. I sort of discounted Dan Deacon as a legitimate musician. Then I heard his latest album, "Bromst" for the first time. My senses were bombarded by every sort of stimulus imaginable, be it catchy hooks, strange ambient noises or electronic rhythms. My favorite track, "Snookered", opens with the simple rhythmic pounding of bells and rapidly moves into an experimental romp as Deacon toys with everything imaginable, expanding the song into a piece of ritualistic beauty.

Dan Deacon - Snookered

- I now have a radio show, broadcasting live from the University of Missouri station, KCOU, every Tuesday morning, 2 - 4AM CENTRAL. Be sure to check it out. Entitled "Snack Time", it's an opportunity for you to get reacquainted with bands you may have forgotten about and have a blast listening to those on the up and up. My cohost Hannah and I will make staying up into the wee hours of the morning entirely worth your while.

Don't delay.

www.kcou.fm

I leave you with a promise to update more. Be sure to check out backdated posts.

And for goodness sake, listen to the new Wavves album.

What's Good 08?!

2009-01-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

Ah, 2008. As gas prices rose and the nation squabbled over who would be our next president, artists like Wolf Parade and Land of Talk worked to both entertain and inspire the weary masses. TV on the Radio expressed the sentiments of a people, tired and economically desperate while MGMT just tried to make them dance.

While it is difficult to define this past year musically, I believe that these selections serve as the best examples of talent and downright ingenuity.

In no particular order, I give you the albums, tracks and videos that I consider the best of 2008.

Best Albums

Some are Lakes – Land of Talk

Oh, Canada. Home of hockey, maple syrup and really, really, rocking female vocalists. Lead singer Elizabeth Powell carries this album places nobody ever expected. While Land of Talk lead singer is not quite as vocally talented as Canadian singers Alanis Morissette and Leslie Feist, with a bit of practice, the young singer will be running circles around these aging vocalists. The band’s sophomore album, “Some are Lakes” grabs you from the very first track, with the pounding drums of “Yuppy Flu” and doesn’t drop you till the closing, half-French, ballad, “Troubled”. Reminiscent of Cat Power’s “You Are Free”, Rilo Kiley’s “Execution of All Things”, and a little bit of Aimee Mann, Land of Talk has developed a unique sound despite a variety of widely popular influences.

Oracular Spectacular – MGMT

The duo experiments with psychedelic hooks and lyrics that pound more energy into one verse than most bands can fit into an entire song. MGMT is simply delicious, making this album impossible to turn off until the very last chord stops reverberating.

Feed the Animals – Girl Talk

Pittsburgh DJ Greg Gillis showed that he was able to make a series of samples sound like an altogether original art form. His intricate layering allowed songs to take on all new forms, exposing emotions never visible in the original form. This album is both fun and functional, artistic and downright amazing.

Pershing – Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

This album is technically simple but downright perfect in it’s simplicity. These songs cement themselves into your brain, a perfect combination of catchy pop lyrics and great hooks. While not exactly the most memorable collection, it’s a prime example of what an indie rock record should look like.

The Bake Sale – The Cool Kids

Reminiscent of 1980’s rap, this duos beats are complex without smacking you in the face. It’s quite easy to miss the perfectly timed drum machine but when you pay careful attention, it becomes evident that the Cool Kids understand the formula to construct catchy yet laid back beats, giving them plenty of time to spit genuinely individual lyrics. Their lyrics deviate from most modern day rap and focus on how “hip” they are as opposed to how tough they are. Never has 80’s revival, hipster friendly rap been so good.

Something for Everyone – E-603

E-603’s mash ups have more variety and flow together better than those of Greg Gillis. With samples from Wolf Parade, The Strokes and the Postal Service, this album was like a big Easter egg hunt. The first time I heard it, I was sitting in the back of a friends car, freaking out as the mix got more and more intricate. It seemed to combine absolutely every song I enjoy into one big, danceable track. Sweet deal.

In Rainbows – Radiohead

Dec 27, 2007 is close enough!

Full of up tempo guitar solos, uniquely Radiohead sound effects and acoustic ballads that exhibit all of Thom Yorke’s vocal capabilities, this album might be my second favorite of all time.

At Mount Zoomer – Wolf Parade

Mostly unintelligible and chock full of catchy, danceable rhythms, this album is the poster child for downright musical chaos. Thrilling breakdowns and frenetic guitar parts will make any listener stop dead in their tracks.

Tha Carter III – Lil Wayne

A collection of grade-A beats intermixed with a variety of moods, prove that this album is chock full of imagination. The “best rapper alive” proves that there is indeed, no way that you can “get on his level”.

Dear Science – TV on the Radio

Honestly, this album is too good for words. Every explanation I could dish out would not suffice. I consider this album the beginning of a musical revolution. It defined 2008 in a way that no other artist could even begin to try. A chronicle of hopelessness, this album is simply thrilling, boiling all of the horrors currently facing humanity into eleven rock solid tracks.

Top Tracks

Boring Fountain – Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

One of the happiest songs I have ever heard.

Bassment Party – The Cool Kids

Earwormearwormearworm.

Electric Feel – MGMT

This song is musical ecstasy.

In Step – Girl Talk

Beach Boys + Nirvana + Salt N’ Peppa = Sheer Genius

Single Ladies – Beyonce

The change in time signature in this song = amazing. (As a side note, I am absolutely enamored with the video)

Bangers and Mash – Radiohead

Perhaps one of my favorite Radiohead songs. That’s saying a lot.

Halfway Home – TV on the Radio

Perfect intro to a near perfect album. Sets the tone better than most opening tracks. Downright catchy. Can TV on the Radio do wrong?

Some are Lakes – Land of Talk

Vocalist Elizabeth Powell’s talent carries this relatively simple track to new heights.

L.E.S. Artistes – Santogold

I can’t explain. I just can’t. The sing along song of the year.

A Milli – Lil Wayne

The day I can accurately rap along with this song will be the very best day of my life.

American Boy – Estelle feat. Kanye West

Damn catchy. Estelle certainly didn’t need Kanye to spice this up but his vocal styling doesn’t hurt.

Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? – She & Him

So. Damn. Cute.

Skinny Love – Bon Iver

Heartbreakingly beautiful.

Mutha’uckas – Flight of the Conchords

Falsetto and fake swear words = Hysterical!

Enter the Wu Tang

2009-01-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

Last night, I, Andrea Kszystyniak, a white girl, born and raised in the suburbs of Providence, Rhode Island, saw Wu Tang Clan live and in concert.

Despite the absence of RZA and GZA, the whole family was there, putting on a spellbinding performance with hits like “Bring Da’ Ruckus”, “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Reunited”. It was just perfect.

Except for one thing.

Never in my life have I felt so out of place. I have moshed with 300 pound men at Dropkick Murphys shows, been embarrassed by drunken friends during an interview with Fake Problems and been rendered utterly speechless by Rhett Miller from the Old 97’s. None of the above compared to how awkward the initial fifteen minutes at Wu Tang was for me. I love the group but for some reason, I felt it was inappropriate for me to be present and try to become a part of a culture that I admittedly and quite unfortunately, know very little about.

I squirmed, unsure if it was appropriate for me to dance. I awkwardly tossed my “W” in the air, putting it down anytime someone else in the crowd gave me a sideways glance. I outright refused all responsives. I hid the fact that yeah, I know most of the lyrics to most of the songs performed. I spent half the time trying to decode what the people in front of me were talking about, using slang that I have never, ever run across previously.

However, as time went on, I became accustomed to the thickest layer of cannabis smoke I have ever seen, coating Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel. I ignored the two couples getting really really really really really physical in front of me. I stopped focusing on my own inadequacies and just let go.

I must say, I am a damn good Wu Tang fan. I bopped. I danced. I rapped. I chanted "WUUUUUUU TANNNNGGG" at the top of my lungs. I pounded my fist, screaming along with everything I could.

And I had the time of my life.

This leads me to my next point:

Wu Tang Clan should take me on as their tenth member.

Reason 1 – Wu Tang needs new perspective. – Now, of course, I know nothing about the streets of Staten Island. I have never shot a gun. I am not a member of an affluent, underground and sometimes brutal society. But, I do know a great deal about the Midwestern corridor, Shakespearean plays and the 1960’s. I feel that this would allow Wu Tang to not only expand their lyrical allegories but also, add a new layer to their lyrical possibilities.

Reason 2 – I am a halfway decent freestyle rapper. – I could definitely hold my own in a rap battle. Granted, the raps I produced would be ridiculous and rhyme things like “kumquat” and “dog squat”, I think a bit of humor would certainly help the Wu.

Reason 3 – I can write beats – I have been drumming on and off for about seven years. Wu Tang needs ill beats? I’m on it like... Timbaland.

Reason 4 - I’m enthusiastic and a fast learner. – Zealous and eager to achieve stardom in the rap world, I would give every performance everything I had. You need to make act tough? I’ve got the meanest, grizzly bear, ‘I’ll cut your throat’ face this side of the Atlantic Ocean. If I’m doing something wrong, just spend about 30 seconds explaining how to fix it and I’ll be just grand. I know how to rile up a crowd. I also have public speaking skills. I mean, c’mon, I was captain of my high school debate team…

Reason 5 – Diversity? – Look at me. Look at Wu Tang. ‘Nough said.

Reason 6 – Money. Money. Money. - As a poor college student, I have 70 dollars in my bank account and have yet to buy books. A budding career in rap will certainly help me out on my quest to become a “cash money millionaire”. At least, more than this degree in journalism…

There you have it.

Wu Tang, feel free to email me at andrea.kszystyniak@gmail.com

What I've Been Listening to Lately:

Beard Lust – Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head

Crystal Friend – E-603

Halfway Home – TV on the Radio

Oregon Girl – Someone Still Loves Your Boris Yeltsin

2004-03-19T01:20:00.000-08:00

N.Y. Police Arrest Courtney Love on Assault Charge

NEW YORK - Rocker Courtney Love was arrested in New York early on Thursday after throwing a microphone stand into a nightclub audience and hitting a man on the head, police said.

Hours before her arrest, Love, 39, known for her sensational, erratic behavior, bared her breasts on the CBS "Late Show with David Letterman."

A police spokesman said Love was charged with assault and reckless endangerment after the 2:30 a.m. incident at an East Village nightclub. She was scheduled to appear in Manhattan criminal court on April 19, prosecutors said.

She threw a microphone stand into the audience and a 24-year-old man was injured in the head, police said. The name of the man was not released.

The arrest came hours after a burst of outlandish behavior on Letterman's show. Walking onto the set singing "Danny Boy," Love jumped up on Letterman's desk and, with her back to the audience, declared, "Oh, Drew, you've had it," and pulled up her blouse. She was not wearing a bra. Her exposed skin was pixilated by the camera for TV viewers.

Actress Drew Barrymore famously performed a similar stunt on Letterman's show for his 48th birthday on April 12, 1995.

"Thank you very much. That's very sweet of you," Letterman said to Love, laughing. "They're gonna lose their liquor license."

"You know, I haven't shown my boobs in so long," she said after climbing down from his desk. When he tried to ask about the drug possession charges pending against her in California, she turned around and flashed Letterman again.

At one point during the rambling and sometimes incoherent interview that followed, Love started to pull her shirt up again facing the camera as Letterman pressed her about her legal troubles.

When Letterman asked, "Are things going well, or not?" she replied, "Yeh, they're going great! Handcuffed in the bedroom, handcuffed outside, doesn't matter." Later she joked, "I used to be a porno star" and asked Letterman, "Do you think I'm, like, whacky and stuff?"

"Are you whacky?" he asked her back.

"OK, but is that against the law?" she said.

"No, it's not against the law. It's not a good idea, but it's not illegal," Letterman said.

While performing a song from her new album, "America's Sweetheart," Love took off her guitar and hurled it across the stage.

Love, frontwoman for the defunct rock band Hole and widow of Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain, had appeared in court in Beverly Hills, California, on Tuesday for a hearing to determine if she will be tried on drug charges. The hearing was postponed but not before she had disrupted proceedings and was admonished by the judge to keep quiet.

Love has pleaded not guilty to illegal possession of the prescription painkillers oxycodone and hydrocodone. The charges stem from Love's Oct. 2 trip to a local hospital for what police called "a medical emergency."

Asked on TV Wednesday night by Letterman if drugs were involved in her arrest, Love replied, "Yeh, one expired Percocet and one Ambien." Percocet is a narcotic analgesic that contains oxycodone. Ambien is used to treat insomnia.

She faces two charges in a separate case stemming from her pre-dawn arrest the same day outside a boyfriend's home, where police said she was breaking windows.

Love was set to play another Manhattan concert on Thursday to promote her solo album "America's Sweetheart."

2004-03-11T00:18:00.000-08:00

Charity Way to Go-Go for George Michael

LONDON - Pop singer George Michael's career has made him so wealthy he wants to donate all the money raised from any of his future releases to charity.

The singer's new album "Patience" will be the last fans can buy in record shops -- in future if they want to listen to his new songs Michael wants them to download them from the Internet and make a charitable donation.

"I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really don't need the public's money," he told BBC Radio 1 on Wednesday.

"I'd really like to have something on the Internet which is a charitable donation optional site, where anyone can download my music for free. I'll have my favorite charities up there and people will hopefully contribute to that."

The singer, who in a career spanning nearly two decades has sold more than 75 million records, hopes his decision will also help reinvigorate his life.

"It takes the pressure off to have a collection of songs every so many years, which is what nearly killed me.

"I'm not pretending I won't be famous any more, but in the modern world if you take yourself out of the financial aspect of things, you're not making anybody any money, you're not losing anybody any money.

"Believe me, I'll be of very little interest to the press in a certain number of years."

Michael shot to fame in the early 1980s with Wham! In 1998 the singer was fined for lewd conduct after being arrested in a public toilet -- an event that prompted him to acknowledge publicly that he was gay.

2004-03-02T04:24:00.000-08:00

'Passion' Grows to $125 Million at Box Office

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" keeps on defying conventions.

The film's boffo preliminary weekend estimates were revised upwards Monday when final numbers came in. The Friday-to-Sunday haul came in at a stunning $83.8 million, bringing total sales to a massive $125.2 million since its Wednesday opening. (The number includes $3 million from private previews the prior two days.)

Early estimates on Sunday put the weekend at $76.2 million and the total at $117.5 million. But that projection was based on a somewhat typical weekend model, where Saturday is the biggest day of the weekend, followed by Friday and Sunday.

"Passion" rendered that model irrelevant. When the final grosses were in, Friday's was $22.9 million, Saturday's was $33.1 million, and Sunday's was $27.9 million -- 22% higher than Friday and down just 16% from Saturday.

For a film to sustain such a small drop from Saturday to Sunday, and likewise make that big of a leap from Friday's gross, is unheard of at the box office in this day and age.

"I am not really sure what the reason is but it's probably a combination of things," Newmarket Films president Bob Berney said. "We had very strong Sunday matinees, and the overall strength of the weekend pushed people into the Sunday evening shows when they realized the daytime shows were sold out. We're also getting a strong response from the Latino moviegoers, and Sunday is typically a big movie day for that audience."

The weekend debut of the Icon Prods. film is by far the biggest opening in history outside of the near-summer and year-end holiday periods; it's the ninth-highest grossing weekend of all time; the biggest opening in February, topping MGM's "Hannibal" ($58 million); it's the second-biggest debut for an R-rated film, behind Warner Bros. Pictures' "The Matrix: Reloaded" ($91.8 million); and it's the largest debut ever for an independent film.

"Passion" holds the crown for the second-highest-grossing first five days for a film opening on a Wednesday. Minus the $3 million in previews, the first five days of "Passion" pulled in $122.2 million, just behind New Line Cinema's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" ($124.1 million), but ahead of 20th Century Fox's "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace" ($105.7 million).

While most prognosticators have been wide of the mark on nearly every prediction about "Passion," if exit polls are any indication, the picture should hold up very well in the weeks ahead. According to CinemaScore.com, a sensational 99% of respondents gave "Passion" a positive grade.

The audience skewed slightly female at 52%. It was an older audience, but fairly balanced: 29% were under 24 years of age, 30% were between 35 and 49, and 27% were older than 50. Not surprisingly the main draw of the film was the subject matter.

Industry sources speculated that midweek business for "Passion" would probably be cut in half or more from the weekend totals, and that next weekend's box office should hold up very well, slipping perhaps 30% or so. Most blockbusters lose about 50% in their second weekend.

Other films opening last weekend included Paramount's "Twisted," which landed in the third slot with a discouraging $8.9 million. The R-rated thriller doesn't seem likely to fare well in the weeks ahead as a dismal 63% gave the film a positive nod, according to CinemaScore.com. Genders were in equal proportions, and it was a largely older audience, with 81% over 25.

Lions Gate's "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights" placed fifth on its debut with a disappointing $5.8 million. The film received a favorable grade from 83% of those polled. The dance-themed romantic drama drew more females than males, at 64%, and played younger, with a solid 63% being under the age of 25.

Fox Searchlight's "Club Dread" arrived in the 10th spot with a bleak $3 million in its debut. The youth-oriented comedy, which carried an R rating, generated an 83% positive grade in exit polls and played predominantly to young males.

2004-02-27T00:14:00.001-08:00

Gibson Laments Judgment of 'Passion'

LOS ANGELES - Mel Gibson said Thursday that his film "The Passion of the Christ" was unfairly prejudged for a year before its release — but he forgives his critics.

Gibson told Jay Leno on NBC's "The Tonight Show" that he would try to adopt a loving attitude "even for those who persecute you."

"For a year, it's been nothing but nasty editorials and name-calling," he said.

The movie, which grossed $23.6 million on its opening day Wednesday, is based on Gospel accounts of the last hours of the life of Jesus. Some have praised Gibson's commitment to his subject while others have called the movie excessively bloody, obsessed with cruelty and unfair in its portrayal of Jews.

Gibson acknowledged the movie is violent and said it was R-rated for a reason.

"The Bible is R-rated. I mean, look at that book. ... That's a hot book," he joked.

But he noted that many other films were violent, mentioning "Kill Bill: Vol 1," the Quentin Tarantino martial arts bloodbath.

"Why am I being picked on for this? There's far more violent movies," he said.

Gibson alleged that a copy of the script was obtained "nefariously" before the film was completed, leading to "all these accusations of anti-Semitism," which he denied.

"That's not what the film's about," he said. "It's about tolerance."

Gibson said he never considered changing the script because of protests.

"I don't know any director, any artist who would bow to this kind of pressure. It's un-American," he said.

In his opening monologue, Leno joked that the movie, which cost Gibson $30 million to make, was doing so well that "there's now talk of turning it into a book."

2004-02-27T00:14:00.000-08:00