The Walking Dead Season 2 Filming Draws Fan Frenzy

As many of us know The Walking Dead season 2 has been filming in Atlanta and is set to pick up where it left off in season 1. The end of season 1, "TS-19", ended with the group of survivors fleeing from the CDC as the building was about to destruct and obliterate them all. The crew is once again back in Atlanta and filming for what will become The Walking Dead season 2. The CDC, which really wasn't the CDC, is actually the Cobb Galleria Centre located near the Cumberland Mall.
Fans have begun popping up across the internet with photos, pictures, and even videos taken from their mobile phones as they try to capture a piece of the action. The enormous fan following began last year when AMC's TV series. When the show aired it really took the top spot in cable ratings. Since the filming began last week in the same area as last year, the hype has never been higher and fans never more on edge. If you think that season 1 had incredible ratings and viewers, we can only imagine what season 2
We were able to find a video that shows the crew filming a scene near the "CDC", and it happens to be some people captured the action from their office. The scene shows the camper from the end of season 1 speeding away from a large group of zombies as it heads down the street. This happens to be where the show left off at the end of season 1 when they were able to get out of the "CDC" and make it to safety. The Walking Dead season 2 is underway and fans are doing all they can to sneak a peek of their favorite show and characters.
I think I can say that everyone is pumped that filming has started and we cannot wait for more fan videos to be aired out on the internet for . The video capturing The Walking Dead season 2 is actually at a great vantage point as it captures the entire street along with the entire route of the camper. While not all videos may be this good, we can say that this is certainly a great shot. The hype surrounding The Walking Dead season 2 will continue to grow and videos such as this will only feed the fire.

Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids tells the story of a weekend in the life of Tim Lippe (Ed Helms), a small-town insurance salesman, who finds himself attending a conference in the "big city" of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. When the star salesman of his company winds up dead as a result of an accidental asphyxiation (more about that later), it's up to Tim to save the future of Brownstar Insurance by winning the "Two Diamonds" award. He's warned by his boss to avoid the terrible influence of Dean Ziegler (John C. Reilly) at all costs, and so naturally, they wind up sharing a room. The third roommate is Ronald Wilkes (Isiah Whitlock Jr.), who plays the straight man to Ziegler's boorish drunk. And no setup would be complete without a lady in the mix- in this case, Joan Ostrowski-Fox (Anne Heche), who uses these insurance conferences as an escape from the tedium of her daily life as a wife and mother of two. As she tells Tim, "What happens in Cedar Rapids, stays in Cedar Rapids."
Because this is first and foremost a character piece, most of the characters are drawn to the point of caricature. John C. Reilly's Dean Ziegler is crude and rude, making inappropriate comments every time he opens his mouth- and certainly contributing to the film's R rating. Joan is sassy and flirty, but manages to still seem like a devoted wife and mother even as she's clearly looking to score. And as Tim Lippe bears more than a passing resemblance to Helms's character from The Office, if you're a fan of that show, you're probably going to like this movie. Like Andy, Tim is naïve, inexperienced to the point of ridiculousness, and an all-around-nice guy. Before the conference, he'd never been on a plane, had a drink, or (we assume) been with anyone other than his current and recent girlfriend- who also happens to be his former seventh grade teacher (played by Sigourney Weaver). By the end of the movie, he's dealt with infidelity, disillusionment, and, as in any true coming-of-age-story, smoking crack.
One of the fun things about this type of movie is looking for familiar faces. As Ronald Wilkes, Isiah Whitlock Jr. throws out a few blatant references to HBO's The Wire (where he played Senator Clay Davis). Allegedly, those were written in before casting, which actually makes them more amusing. Also featured are Stephen Root (Newsradio and a bajillion other things- such as what seems like every Coen brothers' movie, for example), Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development), and Kurtwood Smith (That 70s Show and Robocop, among others).
Though this is billed as a comedy, it's more likely to produce chuckles than outright hilarity. And while director Miguel Arteta indulges in a few cliches, for the most part the clever, well-written dialogue and very likeable (though unrealistic) characters keep you watching, even as the plot veers from unlikely to downright zany. There are genuinely funny moments, but in the end, Cedar Rapids becomes more about confirming the value of the sweetness and decency of an ordinary guy and less about getting the laughs.
The R rating is earned- Ziegler's comments are at times astonishingly foul, and there are many other sexual references (the accidental death is due to auto-erotic asphyxiation, for example), crude humor in general, and situational drug use.

Transformers 3 Costumes - If You Liked The Movie Then Wear The Costumes

With the third installment of the Transformers franchise of movies just out, no doubt fans of the movies will be flocking to see it. Many movie critics think this is the best of the franchise so far. And to some extent, the story looks to be the best. So if you have had the opportunity to see the movie and liked it, why not get your own Transformers 3 costume? There are quite a lot to choose from. And if you haven't seen the movie yet, why not wear your costume to the movie theater and really make an impression.
The basic synopsis of the movie is that a spacecraft that has technology that could tilt the balance in the seemingly never ending battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons has been found on the moon. There is a great rush to get to this spacecraft and use the technology to get the upper hand. Ultimately, the battle reaches it's climax on Earth with all the characters from the previous movies involved (except for Megan Fox's character Mikaela Banes but let's not go into that).
Like all the big budget action/adventure/sci fi genre movies, the film is packed with special effects and epic stunts. In fact, as is the current trend, the film has been shot in 3D to make the action and effects just that little bit more visceral and put you in the midst of the action. The film may not have a lasting cultural impact on our existence but it's a great piece of entertainment to while away an afternoon.
So, like most of these movies, there is plenty of merchandise that can be purchased. There are games, action figures and, most importantly, for the purpose of this article anyhow, costumes.
Transformers 3 costumes are all about the Robots. Let's face it, as nice and heroic as Sam Witwicky is, nobody really want's to dress up as him. We want to be one of the Cybertronic robots of course.
You can get a full range of costumes for pretty much all the main Transformers. You can be one of the Autobots or be the villainous Decepticons. Whatever takes your fancy or mood at the time.
If you want to go full on, you can get the full theatrical costumes. These are complete costumes that make you look like the Robots. They are possibly the closest thing you can get to being the real thing. The full theatrical costumes are quite expensive but well worth it if you are a diehard fan of the Transformers and the movies.
If your passion does not go to a full outfit, then you might want to get get something a little more comfortable. You can get the T-shirt and mask combination costume. This is your standard T-shirt, with a print of the body of the particular robot and a separate face mask of the robot. The face mask does not completely cover the face and can be slipped on and off depending on your wishes.
The Transformers 3 costumes are available for men and women and most also include child sizes. You can get the popular Bumblebee, Ironhide and the heroic leader Optimus Prime on the goodies side. And on the baddies side, you will find Megatron.

The Lorax Movie and the Art of Adapting Seuss

The children's books of Dr. Seuss are so beloved and revered that any feature-length film adaptation is going to be highly scrutinized and met with skepticism. The same can be said with any children's literature classic brought to the big screen, and for every successful attempt, like the Harry Potter series, there's a stinker, like The Cat in the Hat. A computer-animated version of The Lorax hits theaters in March of 2012, and Seuss fans await with the usual mix of excitement and trepidation. Will it meet expectations? There is reason to be optimistic.
First, though, let's consider what elements would make for the ideal film adaptation of a Seuss book. Of course, as with just about any adaptation, we want our Seuss movies to be true to the source material. It has to look like it belongs with Seuss's distinctive and whimsical artwork. It is not good enough to simply pay homage to the Seuss style; these films must have an authentic Seuss look. Main characters should not be drastically altered. No new plot points that Seuss himself would clearly not add. No contemporary pop/rock tunes or quips about present-day novelties like the iPad and Facebook. Seuss fans will quickly reject films that so tamper with the original. While the scripts understandably cannot consist solely of clever Seuss rhymes, a significant dose of Seussian wordplay is required. We want our Seuss movies to be genuine Seuss.
I'd like to think Hollywood gets that, but of the three major Seuss films made to date, only one has obtained widespread approval from Seuss fans. Perhaps the biggest problem in adapting these books is their short length, all less than eighty pages long, with many of the pages consisting of only one or two sentences. Inevitably, new material must be added. Characters must be fleshed out, given back-stories and a sensible motivation. New characters may have to be added. Filmmakers must tread carefully here.
Lead actors can also factor largely in a Seuss film's reception. If the character's tone is off, it's all over. It's tempting for many actors to want to put their stamp on a classic character, to give the portrayal a "freshness" and to make it their own. For example, in Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Johnny Depp turned the mysterious-yet-avuncular Willy Wonka into a goofy, effeminate weirdo. Great actor, odd choice.
Let's take a look at the three existing Seuss films and how they measure up to our ideals:
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
What it got right: The production design effectively captured the look and feel of Seuss's Whoville in the first live-action Seuss adaptation ever made, although too often it felt too much like a sound stage set. The new material and Grinch back-story were acceptable.
What it got wrong: Jim Carrey's performance as the Grinch was too loud and over-the-top, overpowering the charms of Whoville and the Christmas season. His interpretation of the song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," from the 1966 Boris Karloff-narrated TV special paled badly in comparison. Perhaps our expectations were too high.
The Cat in the Hat (2003)
What it got right: Again, the production design was the highlight, widely praised by critics.
What it got wrong: Everything else. Mike Meyers' Cat is not the magical playful visitor from the book, but an unnecessarily crude and unlikable annoyance. Sadly, the kids' family is dysfunctional. It was all too far removed from the book. We can only hope for a proper remake one day because this was a bona fide failure, and The Cat deserves a proper big-screen treatment.
Horton Hears a Who (2008)
What it got right: As the first computer-animated Seuss film, the look and feel was once again on target. There was even a nice nod to Seuss's artwork when Horton imagines the inhabitants of the speck. The new material felt appropriate and changes to the original seemed logical. As Horton the elephant, Jim Carrey's performance worked this time, as did Carrell's Mayor of Whoville. We even got Carol Burnett as the sour Kangaroo.
What it got wrong: The pop song tacked on at the end was a terribly ill-conceived. Had the filmmakers not done so much else right, this ending would be unforgivable.
Early next year comes The Lorax, that sad tale of a greedy industrialist destroying the forest of truffula trees to make thneeds, which nobody needs. There is good reason to think this computer-animated movie will be a successful adaptation. The script is by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, the same team that adapted Horton Hears a Who, and also the writers of last year's Despicable Me, which was an enormous success. Suess's widow, Audrey Giesel, is on board as executive producer, as she was with Horton, and is presumably working to preserve Seuss's legacy. The talented cast boasts Ed Helms as The Once-ler, Danny DeVito as The Lorax, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White, and Rob Riggle. One cause for concern for some is the reported decision to show the Once-ler's full body, as opposed to just showing his arms, which lent the character an air of mystery in the book. Judging from their work on Horton, however, these filmmakers have earned the benefit of the doubt, and soon we'll see The Lorax speaking for the trees on the big screen. Here's hoping his voice is well-received.

Cat Caught King's Tongue: A Review of The King's Speech (2010)

When God couldn't save the king, the queen turned to someone who could.
At the 83rd Academy Awards, The King's Speech won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director (Tom Hooper), Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Original Screenplay (David Seidler). The film had received twelve Oscar nominations, more than any other film. Besides the four categories it won, the film received nominations for Best Cinematography (Danny Cohen) and two for the supporting actors (Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush), as well as two for its mise-en-scène: Art Direction and Costumes.
I am not sure how strongly the story of a stammering, early twentieth century Duke of York will appeal to audiences in Dhaka, but The King's Speech is a must-see for our local moviemakers. Natoks and non-FDC cinema in Bangladesh are usually similar dialogue-driven dramas. Therefore, a comparative analysis with The King's Speech is pertinent. This film has won the top award at the Producers' Guild and the Directors' Guild of America, the People's choice at the Toronto Film Festival, seven Golden Globes and has been nominated for twelve Oscars. Moreover, according to market data providers, Rentrak, it has grossed near about 100 million dollars and counting, in the US and through international markets.
Of course, the scale of this production is incomparable with the size of Bangladeshi productions, but the subject matter The King's Speech handles is of the nature that Bangladeshi filmmakers feel comfortable dealing in. Presupposing that the wily, know-it-all Bengali filmmaker receives this film positively, there may be many lessons to be learned from The King's Speech. The question I want to pose to them before I go ahead and review the film: Does the success of a drama depend on the bare rudiments? A formidable screenplay, some stellar acting, a picky director and, and: a knowledgeable team? Or, is there some mantra behind it?
The story of the The King's Speech is as thorough a look into the world of a stammerer as ever seen. The three character plot may seem rather linear, but it is perforated with subtext. Director Tom Cooper does a good job of executing the tension that writer David Seidler writes into the relationship between his Royal Highness, or Bertie, (Colin Firth) and his Australian speech therapist, Lionel Louge (Geoffery Rush). My one complaint about the script: the viewer has to suffer through too many of Bertie's excruciatingly agonizing failed orations. To call for empathy is alright, but the repeated pain inflicted on the audience needed to be curtailed.
In his screenplay, writer David Seidler in effect, creates three worlds-the early twentieth century time period; the protocol encrusted world of the Royalty and Lionel's world- where he is king and the Crown becomes a commoner. There is a reason behind his impudence: he supports that his unorthodox and controversial methods will work on the Duke, only if they behave as equals. The discomfort that this situation creates for the Duke, opens up a novel avenue for both textual and subtextual investigations on sociability in the monarchy. Also, as the relationship between patient and "doctor" grows, a unique friendship is explored.
Geoffery Rush, Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter's acting does justice to the script. Variety Magazine's Peter Debruge claims, in his September 4, 2010 article, that the big scenes are indisputably the monarch's. Yet, the therapist's stubbornness in choosing his way over the king's, has more onscreen visibility than the monarch's royal perseverance to deliver and finish a speech. The Duke of York does have the more emotional scenes, but, the memorable character sketch and performance is the therapist's. Geoffery Rush gets to play a delightfully independent persona and everything Rush does onscreen enriches the story. His every gesture, every deliberation brings us closer to this period piece.
We are reminded very early into the film that Lionel the therapist is a failed actor. This bit of information foreshadows the later revelation that he is also an actor, somewhat, in real life: he is not a certified practitioner. This foreshadowing illuminates Lionel's inner conflict and gives the goings-on of his mind as much importance as the conflicts in the title character's mind.
The props and sets have a distinct charateristic of their own. Every wall is rich and textured, every room borrows heavily from a particular palette and every character and every staging uses spaces to make them look like lived-in places. Tom Cooper and the director of photography, Danny Cohen, exploit the locations to a point of flaunting their baroque beauty. Actors are shown with ample headroom, they are often short-sided and the close-ups are shot with wide lenses giving the viewer a much wider, almost askew, angle of view behind the actor.
Danny Cohen, in his interview with ARRI News, says they decided to shoot in this manner in order to not lose context, to increase the period piece's authenticity and to increase the story's impact. Cooper and Cohen went with two ARRI Lite cameras, the ARRI Master Prime lens kit and to get the cold look they wanted: Fuji Eterna Vivid 500T film stock.

Sell Your Songs on iTunes - The 2 Best Ways

How To Sell Songs on iTunes
There are a lot of programs that will get your songs on iTunes. Which one should you use? I have researched the different programs that sell your songs on iTunes and Amazon, and have found a few that stand out above the rest. With both of the programs below, you keep 100% of the profits. Both also include free UPC codes for your albums or songs. Both programs have a lot of great information to help you promote your music, and promote yourself as an artist, creatively, financially, and legally.
No matter which program you use to sell your music online, it can take a while for your songs to show up in iTunes and Amazon. So, the sooner you start, the better!
The top programs:
Reverbnation: This site offers a lot of other services along with selling your music on iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, and some other major music stores. They provide music player widgets, and other widgets that show your pictures, videos, music store, shows, and merchandise all in one little unit that you can copy and paste into MySpace, a website, or any comments area you can use HTML. They also provide a customized builder for facebook pages for artists. If you are a label, they also have options for you too, but I am mostly familiar with the artist tools. Aside from the music tools, they also provide a basic fan newsletter program where you can send out emails very easily to your entire fan list (this list can be collected through the widgets they provide - you can give out free downloads of certain songs as Fan Exclusives, and require that people join your newsletter to get the free download. They can also provide a custom iPhone app for your band, a website builder, a profile within their website, newsletter with opportunities for gigs and competitions, and much more. Oh, and they can get your music into Rockband - so people can buy and play your songs (and you make a commission, but this does cost extra). The downside to Reverbnation is that they are always trying to sell you their other services for an additional fee (for example, they have a newsletter that lets you know about new opportunities for gigs and competitions, but you have to have their Press Kit service to sign up.
Tunecore: This program also gets your music on a lot of different online music stores. It is much the same as Reverbnation. You do, however, also get your music on MySpace music, available for purchase and play on Rock Band, on demand physical CD distribution from Amazon (which you need to get into Pandora radio) and a streaming music player you can add to your website. They also partner with Guitar Center and Ernie Ball Guitar Strings for possible endorsement deals, in-store radio plays in Guitar Center stores, and possible physical distribution there as well. They partner with Universal Music group to help get your music licensed for TV shows, movies, and video games. Overall, I think Tunecore is the best value.

Check out my website for more information about other products and services for bands, and to get 15% off your first Tunecore submission:

Top 5 Places to Enjoy Old Time Radio

The golden age of radio was a rich and colorful time in American history. In fact, it can be argued that many classics of the time gave birth to the movies and television series we enjoy today!
I must confess that this old art form holds a special place in my heart. My younger years were filled with episodes of the heart-warming stories of 'Lassie' and the fantastical adventures of the 'Wizard of Oz.' These old radio shows had a huge impact on my life which is why until this very day, I still have a deep love for old time radio.
The fact that old radio shows are rapidly becoming popular among avid radio fans warms my heart. With today's technology, syndicated serials from yesteryear have become available and accessible to this niche market. This same popularity has pushed old time radio to the forefront of many other areas in society and has expanded its reach and use beyond simple entertainment.
Hospitals have started utilizing old radio programs in the rehabilitation of their patients. It has been noted that listening to classic shows helps speed up their recovery time. Old time radio has the advantage of keeping them entertained without taxing or stressing them out unlike television.
Radio drama anthologies or detective mysteries have also played a huge part in lifting the spirits of elderly retirees in an Old Folk's Home. Immersing themselves in old radio shows provides them with a way to stroll down memory lane and remember the best years of their life.
Learning about history has also become fun with the unique approach of using old time radio as an educational tool. By listening to serials geared towards world wars I & II, the interest of a student becomes hooked by this interactive method.
On a personal level, I believe that old radio programs are best enjoyed at home. I find that it is easier to concentrate and imagine the exploits of 'Flash Gordon' on my Mp3 player while puttering about in the kitchen or tinkering with my gardening tools in the shed.
Another great place to enjoy the hits of the golden age of radio is while traveling. In fact, I believe that this is an avenue that greatly benefits from old radio shows the most. Commuting to and from work is no longer boring when I'm tuned in to the amazing world of my all-time hero, 'Superman.'

Incorporating A Sound System Into Your Home Is Easier Than Ever

If you want professional quality sound for your home theater or stereo system but don't want big, ugly speakers taking over the room, there's no need to worry. It's now easier than ever to incorporate your sound system into a room with Yamaha, Sony or Bose speaker systems, or systems from several other brands, all of which can be found at reasonable prices online.
In the past, improving sound quality for your audio equipment meant adding big, clunky speakers that could be something of an eyesore. Over time, the size and look of speakers was streamlined to make them smaller and more attractive so they don't take away from your décor. Now it's possible to include a full sound system into almost any room, no matter the design.
The other major stumbling block with traditional sound systems was the rat's nest tangle of all of the necessary wiring. Even if the speakers themselves looked good, you could have a seemingly endless amount of wire stretched around the room, looking ugly and creating a potential tripping hazard among other things. Now that problem has been addressed as well with the advent of wireless systems.
Using a powerful audio receiver, wireless Bose speakers can transmit clear, crisp sound from one part of a room to the other without using a network of wires. Other brands, including Sony, COBY and Yamaha, also offer wireless technology that improves the look of your sound system without taking away from the audio quality.
And that same technology can be applied outdoors as well with specially designed outdoor speakers made to withstand the elements. These systems are not only durable but they are made to blend in with your backyard so that they don't take away from the look of your patio, barbeque, or pool area. And they offer the same high quality sound as the interior systems so that you don't miss a single beat no matter where you are.
Of course you're probably thinking that all this high tech wizardry must come at a steep price, but that's not necessarily the case. You can find great deals on brand name sound systems through retailers and auction sites online. Many places offer tremendous discounts and even throw in special deals on shipping and handling.
There is no reason why you should shy away from buying Bose speaker systems, Sony audio equipment or COBY speakers and receivers. You can find it all at prices you can afford if you shop wisely and pay close attention to the deals offered at various sites. Most even include guarantees and full return policies to make online shopping even easier.
Don't think that professional quality sound is out of your reach or that it has to cause you design headaches. With wireless technology, you can have the sound you want without disturbing the look of your home. And you can find it all right on your own PC if you know where to look.

You will only be as successful as the decisions you make. Each decision we make either takes us closer to success or failure, nothing is neutral.

Anyone Can Be An Artist

If you have a very creative brain, you might find yourself with this problem. A lot of people want to surround themselves with art supplies and foam board and sit at a table but then realize that they do not know what to do next. Creativity is a gift, but some people do not feel as if they have the gift to use that creativity. Lacking the natural ability to draw or paint keeps them from putting their creativity down on paper. However, just because you are not born with a talent does not mean you cannot attain it. Art and creativity goes a lot further than being able to paint or draw in fact, not being able to do these things often results in much more interesting and dynamic art.
For instance, making a collage is more than just cutting out magazine pieces or putting pictures together. Collages can be fine art pieces. Using just colored pieces, or magazine bits, or newspaper, you can create an image without having to draw at all. A collage is sort of like a puzzle, they are time-consuming and you have to find where each little piece fits; but in the end the picture is great. These are great ways to create dynamic and emotional pieces as well. You would be surprised by the amount of talent in collage pieces.
Also the art of photography is something that is great for people with creative minds. Yes, there are those with a natural apt for photography, but if you are creative you could probably learn just the same. The trick with photography is to master the basics and the rules, and then learn how to bend or break them. It sounds silly, but it makes for the best pieces. Photography can be learned through a class or on your own, it is one of the most accessible are forms for people who want to pursue it. The type of camera you use in photography is also vital. Do not try to be a serious photographer with a basic digital camera. You will need either a film camera, an SLR or a DSLR which camera you use, you can use all! It will also alter what you need to learn and what style of pictures you take. Film is a tough media to learn in this technological day and age, but it is also beautiful so if you have the resources, try this medium out.
Lastly, do not think just because you do not draw or paint well now means you cannot learn. Through art classes or trial and error, everyone can find some sort of style of drawing that works for them. Not everyone can do perfect portraiture or detailed pencil sketches, but anyone can learn to draw is some way or another. The most important thing to remember when trying to create something is that there is no wrong way to do art. Just because your art teacher or best friend does it differently does not make it bad or wrong.

Best Websites for Wasting Time

The Internet was originally created to share and spread knowledge. It is highly unlikely that the engineers who originally configured what we now know as the Internet intended for people to spend thousands of hours downloading videos of monkeys sniffing their own farts. But they didn't get out much! If you want to take your idle mind for a walk, here are the best websites for wasting your time:
YouTube - No list about wasting your time and brain cells would be complete without first mentioning YouTube. Whether it represents all that is wrong with the world or all that is great about it is a matter of opinion, but with over a billion page views - I don't think they care.
Wikipedia - Perhaps more inline with the Internet creators' intent, Wikipedia, the free, online Encyclopedia, is one of the most click-able sites on the web. The in-text links make it easy to go from reading about a city in China to reading about the history of pizza in just a few clicks... But hey, at least you are leaning!
Virtual Tourist - My favorite travel website! Virtual Tourist contains travel reviews and tips from people who have been there. Their database is huge. You can find tips ranging from Paris to Shentuckettville, Wisconsin. MY favorite section is the 'Warnings and Dangers' section... Reading warnings and dangers of places like Rio, Somalia, or Johannesburg can be pretty darn interesting.
eBay - Don't think it is addicting? Try searching for "NIB NR" (new in box with no reserve) sorted by ending soonest. If you like getting a good deal or you are a hoarder of worthless things, you won't be able to stop yourself!
BuzzFeed - Looking for the best the internet has to offer? Check out BuzzFeed, a site that pulls the most viral content on the web and puts it all in one place for you to find.

Painting Portraits Her Passion for Twenty Years

Portrait painting is once again being celebrated in the 20th century and an artist living somewhere in Italy is making it big on three continents. The pendulum of art has swung very strongly back to the figurative, said this artist, who started her own artistic career as an abstract painter. Attention is being placed on human aspect and visage again.
Painted portraits of presidents and board chairmen are getting more popular now than photographed portraits. Portraits symbolize the wealth and heritage of rich and famous people.
United States, Western Europe, and South Africa have been penetrated by the artistry she wields with her brush. Although she has a studio and also has access to her twin sister's studio in New York, she usually goes to the homes of her subjects and paints them there.
Around three weeks are needed for the artist to complete the painting of one portrait in a studio. Painting a portrait on location, in contrast, would only take five days. The place where the artist does her painting is a factor that actually affects the quality of her painting. Often, she eats with the subject and observes the home in which the portrait will be hung.
A famous actress wrote a biography and used her portrait drawn by the artist as a cover. The artist has recorded members of the family who owns the five and dime fortune, the makers of fa mouse tomato ketchup of 57 varieties fame, the maker of tire and rubber, and the makes of that famous line of greeting cards. A Dominican monk and a tribal chief have also made it to her list of recorded portraits. When her portraits spread around the world, she became so famous she didn't expect commissions coming from certain people.
She creates this flattering effect on the portraits of her subjects. There is bargaining sometimes when costume is involved. She meets the wishes of those who want to be seen in their portraits wearing university robes or their favorite dresses. What she wants as a costume is an informal dress. She makes suggestions on makeup and insists that hairdos be at least a day old.
Having a conversation is something she likes to do with her subjects while she works. For the smile on the portrait, she needs them to move their lips. In a portrait, one can see if the subject is bored or not. Clients usually study a book of photographs of her work in order to decide whether they want a formal or casual pose, head and shoulders, half or three quarter figure, or full figure.
Also popular are sketches made with ink, oil, and tempera in sepia tones. When she sketches, she sometimes makes a lot of sketches of the person on just one canvas, but puts the most detailed sketch in the foreground. What you get is something you would likely see in a sketch book. She has had this career for about 20 years already, and it began when a gallery owner wanted to display a self portrait the artist had made for a show in New York. This part of the show was the best of all.

Money Origami Christmas Decorations

Christmas is one of the most important and popular holidays in this country. Many people celebrate this holiday for religious reasons. Others simply enjoy the sights and sounds of this time of year. The decorations seen in homes and businesses at Christmas time have come to characterize this time. Christmas trees, bright lights, and ornaments are common fixtures during this holiday.
Christmas is more than just a holiday however. It is a time for family and friends to join together at various events. People use this holiday to plan parties and dinners. It is one of the most joyous and carefree seasons. This is another reason why Christmas decorations are important. They help to enhance this time of year and the holiday.
Many people use ornaments and decorations from the past. These are often keepsakes from years ago. Others shop for new ornaments each year to add to their display. It is possible, however, to create your own ornaments. Origami ornaments are some of the most popular of these offerings. Money origami Christmas decorations are very unique ornaments.
Origami itself is a traditional Japanese method of folding paper. Through this process creative works are made. Money origami Christmas decorations are trendy examples of these ornaments. Let's take a look at why these items are so popular and creative.
Money origami Christmas decorations are original
The Japanese art of folding paper, called origami, dates back to the 17th century. There are many detailed designs possible through this craft. You can fold paper in such a way that you make unique designs. These are very original ideas for decorating at Christmas. They are also unique gifts for friends and family.
These decorations show creativity
Stars, crosses, and flowers can be made with specific techniques. These include folds, creases, and crimps. The finished products are fabulous looking money origami Christmas decorations. Dollars are generally used to make money origami Christmas decorations. Any denomination can be used in this process. The more skilled you are in origami the more creative you will become. Teaching others this technique is a great party activity at Christmas time.
There are many ways to use money origami Christmas decorations. These are wonderful items for decorating your Christmas tree. They can also be a gift for many people in your life. Once you learn the art of folding paper this way, there will be a lot of options for these designs. They even make wonderful tips for servers, waiters, and waitresses.

The History Of The Acoustic Guitar

The bowl-shaped harp, otherwise known as 'tanbur' was the beginning of the stringed instrument age we these days know as the guitar. Prehistoric societies built these instruments out of tortoise shells and animal intestine for strings. The Archaeological Museum in Cairo contains the oldest vintage guitar which belonged to the Egyptian vocalist Har-Mose. It was built from polished cedar wood and an animal hide soundboard. In Europe, an instrument entitled an 'oud' was transported to Spain by the Moors and the Europeans rebranded this instrument to a 'lute', simultaneously contributing frets and manipulating the body to a pear-like design.
The lute was around in Europe from around 450AD until the mid-renaissance and additions to the instrument were added along the way; these include enhanced quality wood for the body and freeboard, improved quality strings and inventive designs to create marginally different tones. In Central Asia and Northern India, the traditional folk-stringed instrument remained unaltered for a few hundred years.
The prefix 'tar' was positioned in front of the quantity of strings on the guitar to clarify its final name. For example, in modern Persian, 'do' is two, 'se', is three, 'char', is four and 'panj' is five; for this reason, a dotar has two strings, a setar has three strings, a chartar has four strings and a panjchar/panchtar has five strings. Everything was commonsensical.
Within the European renaissance, the four string (four-course) guitar has grown to be dominant. Nevertheless, towards the end of the 16th Century in Italy, the five string 'guitarra battente' started to take over the four string instrument and the typical tuning for which was the recent day A, D, G, B, E for the top five strings. The amount of frets on the guitar also went up from eight, to ten and ultimately twelve. The Italians were once again the pioneers of the final enhancements from five course guitars to the final six strings and this was a comparatively easy task as it consisted of changing/modifying the nut and bridge and installing in a further tuning peg hole for the sixth and concluding string.
An unbelievably ornate guitar crafted by a German man known as Joakim Thielke (1641 - 1719), was transformed in this way and became a triumph. The current traditional guitar 'appearance' took its design from when the Spanish maker Antonio Torres increased the dimensions of the body, reformed the whole guitars dimensions and established the revolutionary 'fan' top bracing; in around 1850. This design radically enriched the guitars pitch, volume and robustness and was so capable and intuitive; it remains almost the same to this very day.

A Review of the Revival RG-26 Acoustic Guitar

The RG-26 is an OM/OO size/style acoustic guitar built with an all solid Sitka spruce top and solid Honduran mahogany back and sides. This small bodied wonder really packs a punch as it excels at both finger style playing and flat picking. Upon first receiving this particular model guitar, I found myself inspired to play some finger style tunes and cover some new musical ground as well; however this guitar is certainly no slouch at flat picking tunes either!
This model has the spruce top compared to Revivals all mahogany RG-26M and the combination of these two different woods make the difference here between the two models. Spruce and mahogany continue to be a very popular choice in woods for any instrument, especially the guitar. I have always been a fan of D-18's, and I do believe these woods compliment each other very well indeed! It is somewhat difficult to describe the difference between the RG-26 & the RG-26M however, as mentioned previously in my review the all mahogany version of this guitar, it sounds like mahogany because that is what it is made from and that is what you will hear, strings vibrating from all the mahogany top, back, sides and neck! The RG-26 however, is the sound of a combination of the two different woods, similar sound but different and the Sitka Spruce top is what makes the difference; remember most of the sound is generated from or by the top wood and you can hear the spruce compliment the tone of the mahogany, but the spruce wood it's self shares a unique tone, which is why it is perhaps the most popular tone wood used for instrument tops! Over time as it ages spruce will improve and develop a more mature sound with increased overtone's that are sure to please; this is the beauty of investing a little more money in an all solid wood instrument of any kind; they just continue to sound sweeter and sweeter as the days go by! Just like a skilled craftsman, the more a musician works with the wood the better it becomes!
In fact, the more I play this guitar the more I enjoy it and the more I seem to be able to pull from this guitar! This is a nice looking guitar too, with a fine slender figure and those comfortable thinner mahogany sides; contrasted with the creamy colored spruce top! This guitar is very appealing, sporting nice straight grain which is wider on the outside's and tighter toward the mid section and a tasteful abalone inlay around the sound hole which adds just the right touch of class! So if you have been looking for an OM style guitar with this combination of woods then look no further, the Revival RG-26 model acoustic guitar scores a knock out punch and offers a considerable amount of bang for the bucks!

Learn More About The African Drums

What seems most noticeable about the beautiful African music is that it relies heavily on percussion materials, especially on the African drums. One can also notice and appreciate the intense, upbeat and fast-paced rhythmic style used in playing the African drums. This style of playing these special instruments is most especially evident among the various tribes in Africa.
African Drums And The Culture Behind Them
For other countries, playing the drums normally serves as an addition to entertainment by livening up a song. However, the African tradition pays more respect and gives more meaning in the presence and prominence of African drums in their culture. For the African tribes, they are symbolic ceremonial objects that play an essential role in their daily routine and in their cultural expression, respectively.
Moreover, these musical instruments are used as an accompaniment in ceremonies like births, deaths, marriages while a ritual dance is being performed. In here, pounding several drums together provide an effective way to stir up emotions in a battle to ignite passion and provide excitement.
Africa is often called the 'Drum Continent' as supported by a great number of variation in the types of drums they have. This continent alone can fill up an entire book of drums. The various kinds of drums that can be found in the continent of Africa are the following: bara drums, djun djun, bougarabou, ashiko drums, bata, talking drums, water drums, udu drums, kpanlogo, Native American drums, slit drums, gadzo, conga drums and the most popular among all, the djembe drum.
The Djembe: Queen Of All African Drums
Among the variety of African drums, the djembe drum is hailed as the most popular and commonly used by the African tribes. It also goes by the names jembe, djenbe, sanbanyi, yembe or jymbe. This instrument is made from a piece of wood that is carved into a goblet shape. It is hollow all throughout and the top is covered with a piece of skin. The instrument is played with bare hands only.
Over the years, the djembe has been the most sought after instruments in the Western part of the hemisphere. Its popularity has even inspired the master drum makers from all over the world.

Adam Lambert: The One Thing That Makes Him So Great

When I first heard Adam Lambert, I just couldn't believe my ears. It was--literally--unbelievable. The problem with that kind of vocal perfection is that it is often too perfect. While every note is in place and every nuance is flawless, voices and performers of this caliber often lack one crucial element: soul!
While Adam's many theater performances growing up in San Diego are likely what gave him the incredible flare and wide vibrato, this kind of experience can hurt a lot of performers. They are so used to creating incredibly 'big' performances, that they simply don't connect with an audience in more subtle ways (or even care if the audience is out there at all). Technique is one thing, artistry is quite another.
Thankfully, Adam Lambert has both.
Even with a glam-slam number like 'Fever', you get a feel and delivery that rivals Aretha Franklin (close your eyes when you listen to it and tell me I'm wrong) in terms of both sound and soul. In the hands of a lesser vocalist, the lyrics of this Lada Gaga gem would be cheesy, but it's the conviction and the underlying warmth of Lambert's personality that make this number shine in nearly every version I've seen and heard.
And that's the real trick. Many of our most beloved vocalists are nowhere near as talented as Adam Lambert. Most couldn't pass the auditions to audition for American Idol much less match a guy like Lambert note for note. So what gives them their careers? Soul. That underlying ability to tell a story in a way everyone can relate to in the space of three minutes or so. Raspy, gaspy, gritty, grindy...some of these guys (and girls) have been selling story after story for decades now. Conversely, if Adam Lambert didn't have that likeable warmth and 'real' vibe underlying all his performances, I can guarantee you we wouldn't like him nearly as much.
Don't believe it? I can actually name three other vocalists who have the same range and general charisma that Lambert does. I can guarantee you that you won't recognize any of their names. Their careers lasted about two years apiece and despite incredible technical ability, they just didn't connect with their audience at a soul level. It's my sincere hope that Adam Lambert can keep his soul intact and enjoy a long and rich career bringing us many more mind-blowing performances.

Deepika Padukone Very Hot Pics

Too much attention from the scene show Deepika Padukone and her two co-stars Lara Dutta and Jiah Khan walk on the beach in a bikini in the current budget had been confiscated. But Deepika think too much is done for nothing.

"When you pull on a beach in Italy, you look sexy. However, the highlight of the movie not the bikini here. I remember people wearing a big deal about Priyanka Chopra, a bathing suit" Dostana "but we know that the film was much more than this, "Deepika told a news agency.

Deepika has no objection to be the bikini shot, this one advertised in the film, while not getting the people the wrong ideas about the film.

"All publicity is good as long as everyone is aware in connection with the film true intent. In the same direction as in House Full, we seem to girl in a bikini for a while, but the film goes on. Not the main focus is to show skin," said them.

Since it is rare that slip along the three great ladies of the film swimwear for the same time, we have a way tug of war of ego, if not expected Catfights look better in them. But Deepika says that there is no such thing.

"The three of us in the gym and share notes to go over our food. In fact, I remember with salad for the other girls. Lara also has something for me. It n" There were no negative energy whatsoever "said Deepika.
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Swimwear Modesty

All swimsuits by a factor of punch, sexy or hot babes roaming the beaches of miniature costumes (which they reveal more hidden links). But the port stuff is not cup of tea for all. It is not always in body size, which most of the questions as you slip into a bathing suit is a quotient of comfort you opened the door to all areas such as the beach. If someone is not well, especially in a swimsuit she shows in body language and facial expressions as well.

However, if you are a baby into the water, then it is not necessary to carry small things. The markets have a variety of ways, and that in different color schemes for every taste style. Women can go either swimwear swimsuits camouflage or leg, covering the entire body is covered and a lot of shame attached to it. These are essentially concealing costumes that cover the body from neck to ankles. Above the normal body-water departure, while the bottom has drawers in dark shades continue to make themselves thinner.
This insurance i [swimsuit is also ideal for people whose skin is sensitive to the salty sea water. And for those who will burn the skin into a nightmare, swim leg is another good option. Still, it is not necessary to put your body to extreme harsh climate of the beach and later regret it.

So what if you can not wear two-piece bikini like Halle Berry or Jenniffer Aniston, at least you can have all the fun in the water.