The End of the Year - a look back at what has come to pass

So this is it - We have made it through 2010.  Needless to say it was a bumpy ride and it had plenty of ups and downs.  A lot of people i know are focused on the idea that the new year also brings a new you via New Years Resolutions and promises to oneself to either be better then the previous year or to change habits and create anew.  While I am inclined to agree with the betterment of oneself I think that we should all take the time and take a look back at what we REALLY did past year.  Not in pop culture, not in politics, not even in the news - there will be time for that later.  But right now you should reflect upon the person you were and the things you accomplished in 2010. 



I started this blog earlier this year, with full intention of using it to express the things i have learned in my journey to become a more active part of the gaming industry through creating my own.  Not modding, not fiddling - I want to understand the business and make my own news.  So to relate this sentiment to this particular article I find that I have an easier time remembering the events in my 2010 through my achievements on  my Xbox 360.  Funny enough from the biggest and most epic tales from the apocalypse to space , my achievements have gained something that i never would've thought they would have - sentimental value.



Enough of that though on to a list!

This year I

-Finish 12 games on my 360, 1 on my PSP, 3 on my DS.

-Made the decision to attend online classes and further my education and one day become a Game Designer!

-Watched my girlfriend, Mina graduation from college.

-Helped her move from Boston to my house here on Long Island making my relationship all the stronger.

-Created some of the coolest and most entertaining Midnight Launches for my store.  A big thanks goes out to local bands -  Aprils End, 5 Star Heroes, and High Bluff!

-Learned how to outwardly market myself and my goals as conference really taught me what kind of business I was really getting into. It was awesome to meet and greet with some of the leaders in the industry.

-Had gotten my phone stolen, and so did my girlfriend, not a great year for that.  However that lead me into an early upgrade and an Iphone4 and of course a whole slew of new games and content to oogle over.

-Was also part of  getting one of the most unexpected presents ever.  A Washer and a Dryer. That may be a common household appliance but me and Mina have gone without for a long time and now we have a set.  I seriously do not have words for the gratefulness and appreciation I have towards Mina's parents.  Its different in a good way to have another family.

-Started this blog which has been heavily neglected in December.  Sorry till I stop working retail December is going to suck.

-Restarted DnD and have been the serving dungeon master for my group of players.  Bless them for their patience as I juggle work, school and family.





While those are the seeming "achievements" for my personal life this year there is plenty to look back on that was not so pleasant.  I think we all need to remember what we have and what we lost, in a personal manner and let bygones be bygones.  At this point it it truly time to look ahead and to create for ourselves what we want and who we want to be.  No matter how you perceive it - Tomorrow is a new day!

The End of the Year - a look back at what has come to pass

So this is it - We have made it through 2010.  Needless to say it was a bumpy ride and it had plenty of ups and downs.  A lot of people i know are focused on the idea that the new year also brings a new you via New Years Resolutions and promises to oneself to either be better then the previous year or to change habits and create anew.  While I am inclined to agree with the betterment of oneself I think that we should all take the time and take a look back at what we REALLY did past year.  Not in pop culture, not in politics, not even in the news - there will be time for that later.  But right now you should reflect upon the person you were and the things you accomplished in 2010. 



I started this blog earlier this year, with full intention of using it to express the things i have learned in my journey to become a more active part of the gaming industry through creating my own.  Not modding, not fiddling - I want to understand the business and make my own news.  So to relate this sentiment to this particular article I find that I have an easier time remembering the events in my 2010 through my achievements on  my Xbox 360.  Funny enough from the biggest and most epic tales from the apocalypse to space , my achievements have gained something that i never would've thought they would have - sentimental value.



Enough of that though on to a list!

This year I

-Finish 12 games on my 360, 1 on my PSP, 3 on my DS.

-Made the decision to attend online classes and further my education and one day become a Game Designer!

-Watched my girlfriend, Mina graduation from college.

-Helped her move from Boston to my house here on Long Island making my relationship all the stronger.

-Created some of the coolest and most entertaining Midnight Launches for my store.  A big thanks goes out to local bands -  Aprils End, 5 Star Heroes, and High Bluff!

-Learned how to outwardly market myself and my goals as conference really taught me what kind of business I was really getting into. It was awesome to meet and greet with some of the leaders in the industry.

-Had gotten my phone stolen, and so did my girlfriend, not a great year for that.  However that lead me into an early upgrade and an Iphone4 and of course a whole slew of new games and content to oogle over.

-Was also part of  getting one of the most unexpected presents ever.  A Washer and a Dryer. That may be a common household appliance but me and Mina have gone without for a long time and now we have a set.  I seriously do not have words for the gratefulness and appreciation I have towards Mina's parents.  Its different in a good way to have another family.

-Started this blog which has been heavily neglected in December.  Sorry till I stop working retail December is going to suck.

-Restarted DnD and have been the serving dungeon master for my group of players.  Bless them for their patience as I juggle work, school and family.





While those are the seeming "achievements" for my personal life this year there is plenty to look back on that was not so pleasant.  I think we all need to remember what we have and what we lost, in a personal manner and let bygones be bygones.  At this point it it truly time to look ahead and to create for ourselves what we want and who we want to be.  No matter how you perceive it - Tomorrow is a new day!

Can You Play Any Song On the Piano You Want Without Reading Sheet Music? Why Not?

Do you know what a chord is? Do you know what an inversion is? How about a flat or sharp? Or a scale?
Maybe you know what these things are, but do you know how to apply them to the piano? Can you take these fundamentals and use them to play any song you want by ear? Better yet, can you use them to create your own music?
The problem with most pianists or beginners starting out on the piano is that they will get reliant on sheet music. They will start off learning how to read music so if they ever want to learn a new song, they'll have to go out and buy more sheet music. They never learn how to apply the basic principles. They never learn how to put these building blocks together in order to create their own music. They never really understand the basic structure behind pop piano.
They will memorize 3 or 4 songs, and play those same ones over and over everywhere they go. They will fake their musical talent in way.
Wouldn't it be better if you actually knew how to play the piano? Sure you might be able to read music and copy exactly what you're reading, but do you really understand how to play the piano? The piano is a musical instrument. You should be able to be creative with it. You should be able to freely move around any key you want and discover songs on your own. You should be able to sit down at any piano without any sheet music and play any song that comes to your head.
That's how the piano is meant to be played. The best part is how simple this really is. Folks outside of the music circle find this to be such an impressive talent. They think you need to be born with this sort of talent. Let me tell you that this is something that is easily taught. More importantly, it's really easy to learn if you're willing to put in a little time.

Do you want to learn how to play all your favorite top hits on the piano?
Follow my FREE 10 simple piano lessons. I have built these lessons in the most optimal way to teach you all the basic building blocks of pop piano. Best of all, you will learn a popular song within each lesson.
Click here to visit the best online popular piano tutorial site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Pho

Can You Play Any Song On the Piano You Want Without Reading Sheet Music? Why Not?

Do you know what a chord is? Do you know what an inversion is? How about a flat or sharp? Or a scale?
Maybe you know what these things are, but do you know how to apply them to the piano? Can you take these fundamentals and use them to play any song you want by ear? Better yet, can you use them to create your own music?
The problem with most pianists or beginners starting out on the piano is that they will get reliant on sheet music. They will start off learning how to read music so if they ever want to learn a new song, they'll have to go out and buy more sheet music. They never learn how to apply the basic principles. They never learn how to put these building blocks together in order to create their own music. They never really understand the basic structure behind pop piano.
They will memorize 3 or 4 songs, and play those same ones over and over everywhere they go. They will fake their musical talent in way.
Wouldn't it be better if you actually knew how to play the piano? Sure you might be able to read music and copy exactly what you're reading, but do you really understand how to play the piano? The piano is a musical instrument. You should be able to be creative with it. You should be able to freely move around any key you want and discover songs on your own. You should be able to sit down at any piano without any sheet music and play any song that comes to your head.
That's how the piano is meant to be played. The best part is how simple this really is. Folks outside of the music circle find this to be such an impressive talent. They think you need to be born with this sort of talent. Let me tell you that this is something that is easily taught. More importantly, it's really easy to learn if you're willing to put in a little time.

Do you want to learn how to play all your favorite top hits on the piano?
Follow my FREE 10 simple piano lessons. I have built these lessons in the most optimal way to teach you all the basic building blocks of pop piano. Best of all, you will learn a popular song within each lesson.
Click here to visit the best online popular piano tutorial site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Pho

More and more food addicts

In the UK we are going to hell in a handbasket filled with food.

Average UK male weight up 16lb in 15 years, study finds

Continue reading the main story

Related stories

• PE hell or PE heaven?
• Inactivity obesity link: Your views
• Fathers-to-be 'gain extra weight'

The average British man was more than a stone heavier in 2000 than he was in 1986, an Oxford University study found.

Scientists put the average weight rise of 7.7kg (16.9lb) down to men eating more calories and taking less physical exercise than 15 years earlier.

The British Heart Foundation research in the British Journal of Nutrition analysed changes in food consumption and body weight between 1986 and 2000.

Women's average weight gain over the period was 5.4kg (11.9lb).

By studying official figures on body weight from 1986 and 2000 and calculating the food energy available during that time, researchers were able to work out the expected extra food eaten by men and women during that period.

They predicted that the average man in 2000 ate more food than the average man in 1986 - enough to make him 4.7kg (10.3lb) heavier in weight.

But the actual observed increase in average male weight turned out to be higher.

This was much more than expected, so the study concluded that a reduction in physical activity was behind the increased weight as well as the extra food.

Read more here

The food industry is thriving, feeding our addictions and providing a readily available food fix at any time of the day or night.

Its not the extra food that is the problem, and we know we cant lost weight with exercise alone.

Its our addiction to sugar, wheat and potato, with lashing of cows milk in a dozen different forms.

For food based in these ingredients there are millions of hungry, if not desperate consumers.

Food addicts get fat, ( except of course for those who starve after or instead of eating or vomit it all back.)

Lets change our diet, eliminate all this wheat, dairy potato and sugar. Lets  feast  daily on all the other lovely delicious ingredients now plentiful and inexpensive, and watch the pounds fall off and our energy rising.

This is the book, this is the way to do it.  Come and join in with the amazing Four Zero Experience.

New Year, new start? New diet? New body?

You have nothing to lose but extra weight.......

More and more food addicts

In the UK we are going to hell in a handbasket filled with food.

Average UK male weight up 16lb in 15 years, study finds

Continue reading the main story

Related stories

• PE hell or PE heaven?
• Inactivity obesity link: Your views
• Fathers-to-be 'gain extra weight'

The average British man was more than a stone heavier in 2000 than he was in 1986, an Oxford University study found.

Scientists put the average weight rise of 7.7kg (16.9lb) down to men eating more calories and taking less physical exercise than 15 years earlier.

The British Heart Foundation research in the British Journal of Nutrition analysed changes in food consumption and body weight between 1986 and 2000.

Women's average weight gain over the period was 5.4kg (11.9lb).

By studying official figures on body weight from 1986 and 2000 and calculating the food energy available during that time, researchers were able to work out the expected extra food eaten by men and women during that period.

They predicted that the average man in 2000 ate more food than the average man in 1986 - enough to make him 4.7kg (10.3lb) heavier in weight.

But the actual observed increase in average male weight turned out to be higher.

This was much more than expected, so the study concluded that a reduction in physical activity was behind the increased weight as well as the extra food.

Read more here

The food industry is thriving, feeding our addictions and providing a readily available food fix at any time of the day or night.

Its not the extra food that is the problem, and we know we cant lost weight with exercise alone.

Its our addiction to sugar, wheat and potato, with lashing of cows milk in a dozen different forms.

For food based in these ingredients there are millions of hungry, if not desperate consumers.

Food addicts get fat, ( except of course for those who starve after or instead of eating or vomit it all back.)

Lets change our diet, eliminate all this wheat, dairy potato and sugar. Lets  feast  daily on all the other lovely delicious ingredients now plentiful and inexpensive, and watch the pounds fall off and our energy rising.

This is the book, this is the way to do it.  Come and join in with the amazing Four Zero Experience.

New Year, new start? New diet? New body?

You have nothing to lose but extra weight.......

Music The Universal Language Of Mankind

We’ve all heard that music is the Universal Language of mankind. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said this centuries ago. But did you realize that music is actually therapeutic? That’s right. It has healing powers.

There are actual accounts of people who are suffering, and listening to music will ease or even eliminate their ailment.

Case in point: My mother is an Alzheimer’s patient and 91 years old. The nurse told me to let her listen to the radio during the day. This will keep her alert and aware of her surroundings.

Another example is the fact that I have had a stress-related headache. And although it was caused by stress, it was nevertheless real and painful. I put on some soothing music, a genre that I like. And “voila!” Headache disappeared!!

Many singers and musicians have discovered that they can write a song in their native language, and it will be appreciated, even LOVED in a country far away, where the people speak a different language. Even though the listener doesn’t understand the words of the song, if the melody is pleasing to the ears, the song is appreciated and loved. That, to me, is amazing!

This theory works so well, that a performer from America can go to Europe and be received for his gift of music just as well as, or sometimes better than, he is received by his native countrymen.

Why? Because Music is The Universal Language of Mankind.  Realize this:

·         Christmas Carols are sung in hundreds of languages, but the songs are the same!

·         There can be a gathering of hundreds or thousands of people, all from different walks of life, in a moment of disagreement or confusion. Put on a song they all know, and they will invariably all start singing together and thereby have a moment of unity! [like a sports event, or a parade.]

·         An animal can be disturbed or annoyed. Put on some soft music, and the animal calms down. I’ve even seen an animal fall asleep to the sounds of soft music!

The fact that music is the universal language of mankind should be a source of encouragement for the musician and the singer. You have the power to unify. You have the gift to soothe. You have the ability to heal.

Cherish your gift. YOU are a gift to mankind.

For more encouragement to the musician, go to http://www.saintandrewproductions.com

Music The Universal Language Of Mankind

We’ve all heard that music is the Universal Language of mankind. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said this centuries ago. But did you realize that music is actually therapeutic? That’s right. It has healing powers.

There are actual accounts of people who are suffering, and listening to music will ease or even eliminate their ailment.

Case in point: My mother is an Alzheimer’s patient and 91 years old. The nurse told me to let her listen to the radio during the day. This will keep her alert and aware of her surroundings.

Another example is the fact that I have had a stress-related headache. And although it was caused by stress, it was nevertheless real and painful. I put on some soothing music, a genre that I like. And “voila!” Headache disappeared!!

Many singers and musicians have discovered that they can write a song in their native language, and it will be appreciated, even LOVED in a country far away, where the people speak a different language. Even though the listener doesn’t understand the words of the song, if the melody is pleasing to the ears, the song is appreciated and loved. That, to me, is amazing!

This theory works so well, that a performer from America can go to Europe and be received for his gift of music just as well as, or sometimes better than, he is received by his native countrymen.

Why? Because Music is The Universal Language of Mankind.  Realize this:

·         Christmas Carols are sung in hundreds of languages, but the songs are the same!

·         There can be a gathering of hundreds or thousands of people, all from different walks of life, in a moment of disagreement or confusion. Put on a song they all know, and they will invariably all start singing together and thereby have a moment of unity! [like a sports event, or a parade.]

·         An animal can be disturbed or annoyed. Put on some soft music, and the animal calms down. I’ve even seen an animal fall asleep to the sounds of soft music!

The fact that music is the universal language of mankind should be a source of encouragement for the musician and the singer. You have the power to unify. You have the gift to soothe. You have the ability to heal.

Cherish your gift. YOU are a gift to mankind.

For more encouragement to the musician, go to http://www.saintandrewproductions.com

LOVE KEEPS US KIND!
And
Everyone
Think First.

LOVE KEEPS US KIND!
And
Everyone
Think First.

Chicken Korma Recipe

An authentic korma will have little to do with ready-made sauces that might bear the same name, and should showcase aromatic spice combinations that will take a bit more time to prepare than just opening a can or jar. The following chicken korma recipe is a wonder of Indian cookery and should prove to be a favourite party dish or just use for that special family treat.

The word korma probably has Persian origins -‘koresh’, which referred to a mild stew. The Moghuls made the dish very rich and highly aromatic by using cream, yoghurt, ground almonds, saffron and other special spices. In the average UK curry house, korma will herald a very mild and creamy dish but traditionally a korma can be quite hot . In Kashmir the korma's accepted home, one of the most popular recipes ‘Mirchwangan Korma’ is red in colour because it is so full of red chillies! The following special chicken korma recipe is of medium heat and of course you can add less or more chillies to suit your own particular taste.



Chicken Korma Recipe

4 onions, two sliced, the remaining two chopped

4 - 6 tablespoons of oil for cooking, more if you deep fry the onions

25 grams (1 oz) almonds, blanched

25 grams (1 oz) cashew nuts

A few strands of saffron

4 - 6 whole cloves

6 brown (sometimes called black) cardamom pods

12 green cardamom pods

10 cm (4 inches) cinnamon stick

750 grams (1 lb 10 oz) chicken breasts or thighs

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 inch (2.5 cm) cube of ginger, peeled and grated

½ - 1 teaspoon chilli powder

1 teaspoon coriander seeds

100 ml (4 tablespoons) double cream (or yoghurt for the health conscious)

 ½ teaspoon garam masala

10 cashew nuts, chopped and toasted



Prepare the sliced onions by sprinkling them with salt ad set aside for at least 30 minutes. Then squeeze out as much water as you can from them and dry with kitchen towel. Next fry (preferably deep fry) the prepared onions in a good quantity of oil until they are golden brown. Remove from oil and drain well. These fried onions are then made into a smooth paste with the addition of hot water (about 4 -5 tablespoons) by using a food processor. Put aside this onion paste for use later.

Soak the almonds and cashews in warm water before processing them into a puree with some of the soaking liquid (around 3 tablespoons). Set aside.



Soak saffron strands in 3 tablespoons of warm water and set aside.

Next make the main curry base in a large pan or wok. Fry the chopped onions in some oil for 10 minutes, stir in cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon stick, before adding the chicken pieces. Follow this with the fried onion paste, the ground nut paste, garlic, ginger, chilli and coriander. Fry for at least a further 10 minutes on a slightly higher heat. Next add about 150 ml of water and simmer for 15 -20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through when you can then add the saffron and soaking liquid,  and finally the cream (or yoghurt). Heat through again and then garnish by sprinkling on the garam masala and toasted nuts just before serving.



Possibly the best chicken korma recipe in the world. Enjoy.

Chicken Korma Recipe

An authentic korma will have little to do with ready-made sauces that might bear the same name, and should showcase aromatic spice combinations that will take a bit more time to prepare than just opening a can or jar. The following chicken korma recipe is a wonder of Indian cookery and should prove to be a favourite party dish or just use for that special family treat.

The word korma probably has Persian origins -‘koresh’, which referred to a mild stew. The Moghuls made the dish very rich and highly aromatic by using cream, yoghurt, ground almonds, saffron and other special spices. In the average UK curry house, korma will herald a very mild and creamy dish but traditionally a korma can be quite hot . In Kashmir the korma's accepted home, one of the most popular recipes ‘Mirchwangan Korma’ is red in colour because it is so full of red chillies! The following special chicken korma recipe is of medium heat and of course you can add less or more chillies to suit your own particular taste.



Chicken Korma Recipe

4 onions, two sliced, the remaining two chopped

4 - 6 tablespoons of oil for cooking, more if you deep fry the onions

25 grams (1 oz) almonds, blanched

25 grams (1 oz) cashew nuts

A few strands of saffron

4 - 6 whole cloves

6 brown (sometimes called black) cardamom pods

12 green cardamom pods

10 cm (4 inches) cinnamon stick

750 grams (1 lb 10 oz) chicken breasts or thighs

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 inch (2.5 cm) cube of ginger, peeled and grated

½ - 1 teaspoon chilli powder

1 teaspoon coriander seeds

100 ml (4 tablespoons) double cream (or yoghurt for the health conscious)

 ½ teaspoon garam masala

10 cashew nuts, chopped and toasted



Prepare the sliced onions by sprinkling them with salt ad set aside for at least 30 minutes. Then squeeze out as much water as you can from them and dry with kitchen towel. Next fry (preferably deep fry) the prepared onions in a good quantity of oil until they are golden brown. Remove from oil and drain well. These fried onions are then made into a smooth paste with the addition of hot water (about 4 -5 tablespoons) by using a food processor. Put aside this onion paste for use later.

Soak the almonds and cashews in warm water before processing them into a puree with some of the soaking liquid (around 3 tablespoons). Set aside.



Soak saffron strands in 3 tablespoons of warm water and set aside.

Next make the main curry base in a large pan or wok. Fry the chopped onions in some oil for 10 minutes, stir in cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon stick, before adding the chicken pieces. Follow this with the fried onion paste, the ground nut paste, garlic, ginger, chilli and coriander. Fry for at least a further 10 minutes on a slightly higher heat. Next add about 150 ml of water and simmer for 15 -20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through when you can then add the saffron and soaking liquid,  and finally the cream (or yoghurt). Heat through again and then garnish by sprinkling on the garam masala and toasted nuts just before serving.



Possibly the best chicken korma recipe in the world. Enjoy.

Chapter Six Teaser

Laying back on the exam table never felt comfortable, but I’d never not cared less about my own discomfort. I had Alice and Jasper with me throughout everything with my first pregnancy, but in a way, I still felt alone.

Not now.

Emmett sat next to me, holding my hand, and everything was okay.

I hoped we’d really done it. He was so excited and I wanted to experience this with him. 

“I know what you’re gonna say next, Doc,” Emmett spoke and made both the doctor and I look his way.

The doctor smiled, “What’s that?”

“Congratulations, you’re gonna be a dad.”

Chapter Six Teaser

Laying back on the exam table never felt comfortable, but I’d never not cared less about my own discomfort. I had Alice and Jasper with me throughout everything with my first pregnancy, but in a way, I still felt alone.

Not now.

Emmett sat next to me, holding my hand, and everything was okay.

I hoped we’d really done it. He was so excited and I wanted to experience this with him. 

“I know what you’re gonna say next, Doc,” Emmett spoke and made both the doctor and I look his way.

The doctor smiled, “What’s that?”

“Congratulations, you’re gonna be a dad.”

Bariatric surgery and alcoholism!

Here is an article about how people cross addict from food to alcohol.

WHEN WILL THEY LEARN!!!!!

FOOD ADDICTION IS REAL. It cannot be treated by surgery. It is a psycho-spiritual malaise, a disorder of the will. It is self-abuse, self-defeating and suicidal and can only be treated by addressing the underlying emotional issues.

If you felt suicidal and wanted to cut your wrists, would it be a good idea to cut one hand off so you could not cut the other - absurd idea, isn't it? You wont stop people from killing themselves with food by surgery. They will find another way.

Bariatric surgery and alcoholism!

Here is an article about how people cross addict from food to alcohol.

WHEN WILL THEY LEARN!!!!!

FOOD ADDICTION IS REAL. It cannot be treated by surgery. It is a psycho-spiritual malaise, a disorder of the will. It is self-abuse, self-defeating and suicidal and can only be treated by addressing the underlying emotional issues.

If you felt suicidal and wanted to cut your wrists, would it be a good idea to cut one hand off so you could not cut the other - absurd idea, isn't it? You wont stop people from killing themselves with food by surgery. They will find another way.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Almost an entire year after taking a beating from fans and the media for his 2009 VMA fiasco, Kanye West wasted no time climbing from rock bottom right back to the top of the charts. With the November 22 2010 release of " My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", Kanye has proved to fans and foe alike that nothing can stand between him and making great music
This brilliant album features a refreshing variety of sound from bone chilling choral melodies to the well mixed beats and rhythms one would expect of Kanye. Mix in some powerful and somewhat controversial lyrics and some well placed auto tune and ladies and gentlemen we have a chart topping comeback.
Opening up the album is the title track "Dark Fantasy" a spoken word intro followed by captivating choral melodies "can we get much higher... so high" are the words sung as a majestic opening is formed, then like a curtain rising the beat drops and in comes Kanye delivering both powerful and provocative lyrics. The listener can't help but feel a sense of wow at this point as Kanye grips their soul and the journey begins.
Following the grand opening we have "Gorgeous" followed by Track 3 & 4 "All of the lights" with interlude. This is one of my favorites and I personally recommend it to those of you wishing to get a feel for this album. This track features the typical Kanye sound from 2005's "graduation" album mixed with some amazing harmonies and some melodic beats. Soul, Rap and Rock 'n' Roll combine to bring us "All of the lights" a masterpiece and of course one of this albums singles.
The next three tracks Monster, So Appalled and Devil In A New Dress bring the listener back to 2005 and the sounds of "Graduation", all the while mixing in some clever rock riffs and vocal harmonies providing a fresh yet familiar listening experience, a deja vu if you will for the long time fans. Don't forget to factor in the guest appearances by artists like Jay-Z, Pusha T, Da Prince and new comer Rick Ross just to name a few.
This brings us to track 9. "Runaway" starts with an almost erie sounding intro to snap the listener out of the past and back into the new and fresh sounding present. This track featuring Pusha T takes the listeners back into the melodies and tunes we found at the beginning of the album. This song keeps to the powerful lyrics and ramped up beats providing yet another fresh erie soul provoking track.
"Grab my hand and baby we'll live a hell of a life" Just one example of the cocky and provocative lyrics from West in Track 10 " Hell of a life" another one of the albums chart topping singles. This track takes an electronic sounding rap beat and mixes in the controversial lyrics fans have come to expect from Kanye West giving listeners a rush and leaving them with a thirst for more.
In the next track, West heads back to some of the softer melodies we found earlier in the album. Track 11 "Blame Game" mixes a soothing blend of rap beats and R&B style song.
Listeners take an intense journey as track #12 "Lost in the World" Featuring Bon Iver starts up. This song has a dramatic feel about it and features the raw emotion and soul that we saw earlier along with Kanye's rap roots. This new found harmonious and chilling sound leaves the listener emotionally provoked and wowed. The clever use of auto tune provides a truly unique experience for everyone that will allow themselves the opportunity. The album closes out with " Who will survive in America"a short but controversial finish to an all together amazing album.
All in All this album was a thought provoking adventure through the many styles of Kanye West. With critics raving about the album and fans all but doubting his success I encourage everybody to listen to at least one of the songs before condemning this masterpiece.
This album has many gems that are sure to captivate any fan. Three songs in particular grabbed my attention as the heart and soul of the album "Hell of a Life", "Lost in The World"and All of the Lights. If you are going to judge the album without listening to the entire thing be sure to check these songs out.
-Article by Greg Banman of Gbandz Entertainment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Banman

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Almost an entire year after taking a beating from fans and the media for his 2009 VMA fiasco, Kanye West wasted no time climbing from rock bottom right back to the top of the charts. With the November 22 2010 release of " My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", Kanye has proved to fans and foe alike that nothing can stand between him and making great music
This brilliant album features a refreshing variety of sound from bone chilling choral melodies to the well mixed beats and rhythms one would expect of Kanye. Mix in some powerful and somewhat controversial lyrics and some well placed auto tune and ladies and gentlemen we have a chart topping comeback.
Opening up the album is the title track "Dark Fantasy" a spoken word intro followed by captivating choral melodies "can we get much higher... so high" are the words sung as a majestic opening is formed, then like a curtain rising the beat drops and in comes Kanye delivering both powerful and provocative lyrics. The listener can't help but feel a sense of wow at this point as Kanye grips their soul and the journey begins.
Following the grand opening we have "Gorgeous" followed by Track 3 & 4 "All of the lights" with interlude. This is one of my favorites and I personally recommend it to those of you wishing to get a feel for this album. This track features the typical Kanye sound from 2005's "graduation" album mixed with some amazing harmonies and some melodic beats. Soul, Rap and Rock 'n' Roll combine to bring us "All of the lights" a masterpiece and of course one of this albums singles.
The next three tracks Monster, So Appalled and Devil In A New Dress bring the listener back to 2005 and the sounds of "Graduation", all the while mixing in some clever rock riffs and vocal harmonies providing a fresh yet familiar listening experience, a deja vu if you will for the long time fans. Don't forget to factor in the guest appearances by artists like Jay-Z, Pusha T, Da Prince and new comer Rick Ross just to name a few.
This brings us to track 9. "Runaway" starts with an almost erie sounding intro to snap the listener out of the past and back into the new and fresh sounding present. This track featuring Pusha T takes the listeners back into the melodies and tunes we found at the beginning of the album. This song keeps to the powerful lyrics and ramped up beats providing yet another fresh erie soul provoking track.
"Grab my hand and baby we'll live a hell of a life" Just one example of the cocky and provocative lyrics from West in Track 10 " Hell of a life" another one of the albums chart topping singles. This track takes an electronic sounding rap beat and mixes in the controversial lyrics fans have come to expect from Kanye West giving listeners a rush and leaving them with a thirst for more.
In the next track, West heads back to some of the softer melodies we found earlier in the album. Track 11 "Blame Game" mixes a soothing blend of rap beats and R&B style song.
Listeners take an intense journey as track #12 "Lost in the World" Featuring Bon Iver starts up. This song has a dramatic feel about it and features the raw emotion and soul that we saw earlier along with Kanye's rap roots. This new found harmonious and chilling sound leaves the listener emotionally provoked and wowed. The clever use of auto tune provides a truly unique experience for everyone that will allow themselves the opportunity. The album closes out with " Who will survive in America"a short but controversial finish to an all together amazing album.
All in All this album was a thought provoking adventure through the many styles of Kanye West. With critics raving about the album and fans all but doubting his success I encourage everybody to listen to at least one of the songs before condemning this masterpiece.
This album has many gems that are sure to captivate any fan. Three songs in particular grabbed my attention as the heart and soul of the album "Hell of a Life", "Lost in The World"and All of the Lights. If you are going to judge the album without listening to the entire thing be sure to check these songs out.
-Article by Greg Banman of Gbandz Entertainment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Banman

Making Your Music Count

When you discover you have a talent, it's very exhilarating to know you have something to share that will make others feel better. When you make your music count, you make it Memorable, Enjoyable, Worthwhile listening.

Have you ever heard a song, or a piece of music that appealed so strongly to you that you wanted to hear it over again? It hit you somewhere in your heart and soul, and you hit the "replay" button!

You may be really good at telling stories, telling jokes, reading poetry, rapping, rhyming, playing an instrument, singing, dancing, acting, modeling...whatever your gift, it actually begins to "mean something" when you share it with others.

It's important, however, that your self-esteem is intact before you step out into the spotlight. Knowing you are good at what you do is the primary way to make your music count. (When you "feel" it, others will, too!)
There are many ways to build your self-esteem. You don't have to wait for compliments or encouragement from "outside" sources. You can develop your self-confidence without anyone else's help if you have to. Here's how:

Read books about Self-Confidence and how to build it within yourself. Or simply type the words "Self-confidence" into a search engine. You will find hundreds of free articles that you can tap into. So read everything you can on the subject.

Read the Holy Bible. Okay. That's not your "thing." But you'll be amazed at the lessons you can learn from others mistakes and experiences. Take a chance, and read the book. Get a translation that you can understand. Think about what you're reading. I promise. It Will help you.

Finally, ask yourself, who else in your field does what You do? Find out more about that person or persons and what obstacles they encountered to get to the place where they are now. What did that person do to make their music count? Talk to people in your field and ask them how they make their music count.

Believe it or not, a lack of confidence is an "illusion." You have to change your mind about it in order to enhance it. If you tell yourself you are talented long enough, you will eventually believe it and act like you are talented.
Then, go out there and share your talent with the world. The more you do, the better you'll get doing it.

For more positive experiences about making your music count, Go To: www.SaintAndrewProductions.com.

Making Your Music Count

When you discover you have a talent, it's very exhilarating to know you have something to share that will make others feel better. When you make your music count, you make it Memorable, Enjoyable, Worthwhile listening.

Have you ever heard a song, or a piece of music that appealed so strongly to you that you wanted to hear it over again? It hit you somewhere in your heart and soul, and you hit the "replay" button!

You may be really good at telling stories, telling jokes, reading poetry, rapping, rhyming, playing an instrument, singing, dancing, acting, modeling...whatever your gift, it actually begins to "mean something" when you share it with others.

It's important, however, that your self-esteem is intact before you step out into the spotlight. Knowing you are good at what you do is the primary way to make your music count. (When you "feel" it, others will, too!)
There are many ways to build your self-esteem. You don't have to wait for compliments or encouragement from "outside" sources. You can develop your self-confidence without anyone else's help if you have to. Here's how:

Read books about Self-Confidence and how to build it within yourself. Or simply type the words "Self-confidence" into a search engine. You will find hundreds of free articles that you can tap into. So read everything you can on the subject.

Read the Holy Bible. Okay. That's not your "thing." But you'll be amazed at the lessons you can learn from others mistakes and experiences. Take a chance, and read the book. Get a translation that you can understand. Think about what you're reading. I promise. It Will help you.

Finally, ask yourself, who else in your field does what You do? Find out more about that person or persons and what obstacles they encountered to get to the place where they are now. What did that person do to make their music count? Talk to people in your field and ask them how they make their music count.

Believe it or not, a lack of confidence is an "illusion." You have to change your mind about it in order to enhance it. If you tell yourself you are talented long enough, you will eventually believe it and act like you are talented.
Then, go out there and share your talent with the world. The more you do, the better you'll get doing it.

For more positive experiences about making your music count, Go To: www.SaintAndrewProductions.com.

Teaching Children Music- First Steps to Maximize Your Teaching Efforts

Teaching children music can be both fun and rewarding on so many levels. There are many different methods to teach children effectively and maximize your teaching efforts, so that they retain what you teach, enjoy performing for others and gain self-esteem.

It is a known fact that when a child learns to sing a song, or learns to play an instrument, their self-confidence literally “goes through the roof.” That is why is so important to introduce a child to music as early in life as possible.

But did you know that before you can teach a child music, (or anything else for that matter), you have to take some very fundamental First Steps in preparation so that your teaching efforts are effective? Before you can effectively teach a child anything you have to first appeal to their emotions, show them that you care and always treat them with respect.

Case in point: If someone asked you, “What was your first-grade teacher’s name?” would you be able to remember it? You ability or inability to remember his or her name probably has a lot to do with the way that teacher treated you. I can remember my first grade teacher’s name. It was Miss Clarkson. I can remember because I can still “see” her kneeling down to my eye-level and asking about my well-being. She showed me that she cared and I’ll never forget her or the way she wrote perfect alphabets on the chalkboard.

Before, during and even after class, use these 3 techniques for making sure your students succeed and enjoy learning music.

1.       Appeal to their emotions. Smile and be pleasant and easy-going. When they enter the room, SMILE. When they make a mistake, SMILE and say something like, “That’s okay. Let’s try it again.” If they refuse to cooperate or participate, SMILE and go on to the next thing. Never be pushy. Let them be themselves. Remain pleasant and easy-going.

2.       Use their name when you speak to them. If you can’t remember their name, never call them by another title. Just say something like, “What’s your name again? Sorry I keep forgetting it.” They are young and impressionable. They need to know that their name is important to you.

3.       Show them you care. Ask them how was breakfast, how they are feeling, compliment them on their hair, their clothes, their shoes, anything to build their pride.

We all need some reassurance sometimes. But children are special and they need to be reassured that they are special. If you do this, when it’s time to perform in front of others, the child will shine if they have confidence in themselves and know that they are accepted. 

So when teaching children music, you can maximize your teaching efforts so that the child will remember the words to the song, or remember the techniques you taught them for playing the instrument, if YOU remember to always take the time to appeal to their emotions, treat them with respect and show them you truly care. 

Then they will respect YOU and fearlessly share their music with others.

For more information on ways to succeed in music, log onto www.SaintAndrewProductions.com today.

Teaching Children Music- First Steps to Maximize Your Teaching Efforts

Teaching children music can be both fun and rewarding on so many levels. There are many different methods to teach children effectively and maximize your teaching efforts, so that they retain what you teach, enjoy performing for others and gain self-esteem.

It is a known fact that when a child learns to sing a song, or learns to play an instrument, their self-confidence literally “goes through the roof.” That is why is so important to introduce a child to music as early in life as possible.

But did you know that before you can teach a child music, (or anything else for that matter), you have to take some very fundamental First Steps in preparation so that your teaching efforts are effective? Before you can effectively teach a child anything you have to first appeal to their emotions, show them that you care and always treat them with respect.

Case in point: If someone asked you, “What was your first-grade teacher’s name?” would you be able to remember it? You ability or inability to remember his or her name probably has a lot to do with the way that teacher treated you. I can remember my first grade teacher’s name. It was Miss Clarkson. I can remember because I can still “see” her kneeling down to my eye-level and asking about my well-being. She showed me that she cared and I’ll never forget her or the way she wrote perfect alphabets on the chalkboard.

Before, during and even after class, use these 3 techniques for making sure your students succeed and enjoy learning music.

1.       Appeal to their emotions. Smile and be pleasant and easy-going. When they enter the room, SMILE. When they make a mistake, SMILE and say something like, “That’s okay. Let’s try it again.” If they refuse to cooperate or participate, SMILE and go on to the next thing. Never be pushy. Let them be themselves. Remain pleasant and easy-going.

2.       Use their name when you speak to them. If you can’t remember their name, never call them by another title. Just say something like, “What’s your name again? Sorry I keep forgetting it.” They are young and impressionable. They need to know that their name is important to you.

3.       Show them you care. Ask them how was breakfast, how they are feeling, compliment them on their hair, their clothes, their shoes, anything to build their pride.

We all need some reassurance sometimes. But children are special and they need to be reassured that they are special. If you do this, when it’s time to perform in front of others, the child will shine if they have confidence in themselves and know that they are accepted. 

So when teaching children music, you can maximize your teaching efforts so that the child will remember the words to the song, or remember the techniques you taught them for playing the instrument, if YOU remember to always take the time to appeal to their emotions, treat them with respect and show them you truly care. 

Then they will respect YOU and fearlessly share their music with others.

For more information on ways to succeed in music, log onto www.SaintAndrewProductions.com today.