For Good Relationships with Yourself
You can write bad poetry, can you not? Why do so? Here are three reasons:
1. If you think it doesn't have to rhyme or be any good, you will write a poem each time you are struck by awe, struck in the gut, struck in the heart for good or bad.
2. If you write some, you will read one of mine. (below) Then you will start a heartfelt relationship with me.
3. You will soon afterward discover what is really important to you in all your relationships.
Many people assume that poetry is hard to understand or boring. Some academic poems are boring because they are simply showing off erudition. But poems about momentous or weird little experiences that strike the poet are wonderful to hear. Some are better than monologues from well known stand-up comics.
Poetry likes a strong feeling and the courage to express it with the power of that feeling. No holding back. Flat out condensation of the moment.
When you write bad poetry you feel gloriously alive. You improve all your relationships.
Eventually, you may re-write and turn your poems into some really good stuff.
Poetry won't make you money, but it will make you rich. Here's one of mine that set me free. See if you can tell how it set me free. If you have any questions, write to me. evycole@hughes.net
CRAVINGS by Evelyn Cole
I want to put out bowls of candy/to welcome every guest/ all kinds of sweets/ dripping with decadence
to offer red wine with legs/ stuffed grape leaves, Retsina, Italian prawns/carrot flan, Incan fire dip
and succulent salads /chilled ready to serve/ spinach, asparagus, pistachios /all fresh aphrodisiacs
marinated meats/ ready to grill to any taste/ from rare to rubber/ spiced tofu for some
a full shelf of pies I’ve just baked /with perfect crusts /Tiramisu and mocha mousse too /and apricot clafoutis
I have a craving for candy I don’t eat/a passion for cooking concoctions others won’t touch/ a yearning for money to give it away/
Why?
A craving to please /to ease
Why? A craving to give /to live?
Ah, Do I need to put out /or die?
~~~
That last stanza took me by surprise.
Here is what the former U.S. poet laureate, Stanley Kunitz, says about poetry. It's wild and wonderful.
Saturated with Impulse Stanley Kuntiz from “The Braid”
"So much of the creative life has its source in the erotic. The first impulse is strongly erotic, but then one becomes reflective--a philosophic human being, an explorer--and then as one grows older and older there’s a need to renew that energy associated with erotic impulse.
"A poet without a strong libido almost inevitably belongs to the weaker category; such a poet can carry off a technical effect with a degree of flourish, but the poem does not embody the dominant emotive element in the life process. The poem has to be saturated with impulse and that means getting down to the very tissue of experience. How can this element be absent from poetry without thinning out the poem?
"That is certainly one of the problems when making a poem is thought to be a rational production. The dominance of reason, as in eighteenth-century poetry, diminished the power of poetry.
"Reason certainly has a place, but it cannot be dominant. Feeling is far more important in the making of the poem. And the language itself has to be a sensuous instrument; it cannot be a completely rational one. In rhythm and sound, for example, language has the capacity to transcend reason; it’s all like erotic play.
"That’s the nature of aesthetic impulse, aesthetic receptivity. Whether you’re walking through the garden or reading a poem, there’s a sense of fulfillment. You’ve gone through a complete chain of experience, changing and communicating with each step and with each line so that you are linked with the phenomenon of time itself. The erotic impulse is so basic to human experience that we can never be free from it, even in old age."
So, dear reader, go forth and write poetry.
Why Write Bad Poetry
New Types Of Poetry
There are many different types of poetry. I counted 50 on a quick search of the internet. You may have heard of Haiku and Limericks. There are the more obscure types too, like Terzanelle and Sestina. Learning different types of poetry though, isn't nearly as much fun as inventing your own, so here are some ideas about that.
Types Of Poetry - Playing With Stanzas
What is a stanza? A division of a poem consisting of two or more lines. How many ways can you structure a stanza? As many as you want. Look at this stanza from the poem, "Gratitude:"
So there is nothing to say
There is nothing to say
There is nothing
Nothing...
But gratitude
Each line is a smaller part of the previous line. In this case, it quiets the mind in order to emphasize the last word: gratitude. However, this idea could be used in many ways. You could start with a line like, "She watched the birds come in from the sea," and it can reduce to, "Come in from the sea;" "From the sea:" "Where Michael was left alone in the storm."
Each stanza could have lengthening lines. Lines could be varied in length to create a picture on the page. Playing with stanzas is a fun way to create new types of poetry.
Ideas For New Types Of Poetry
In the poem "Do Not Believe In God," each stanza starts with one of our senses: "See God... in stars and sunlight... and the face of your lover;" Hear God... in wind and waves... and the music of the birds." All the senses are covered. How could we use this general idea? By starting each stanza with a different verb or adjective? By starting each stanza with a different person's name? By having each stanza get smaller or larger as the poem progresses?
How many ways can you play with poems? "Dream poems," could be a type of poetry that puts actual dreams into verse. "Dialog poems" could have stanzas or lines answering each other back and forth. A series of poems could use all the exact same words, rearranged, with an entirely different outcome in each. There are endless types of poetry you can create.
The Office (Season 2) DVD Review
One of the best new comedies on television, The Office chronicles the inner-workings of the fictional Pennsylvania paper company Dunder-Mifflin. The name itself sort of alludes to a bureaucratic labyrinth administered by dunderheads, and in reality, it is. Unfortunately, what makes The Office so outrageously funny is the frightening ability of its millions of viewers to relate to the onscreen happenings. Dunder-Mifflin is mis-managed by the politically-incorrect, borderline lunatic Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Deploying his twisted logic as the basis of company policy, substituting worn out clichés for real leadership, and offering an endless array of ever ridiculous group activities to “increase morale,” he fosters a white collar environment that makes the comic strip world of Dilbert seem desirable in contrast.
Carell, one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, shines in the role of the crazed and eccentric office manager, and his talents are well complimented by Rainn Wilson in the role of Michael’s butt-kissing, rule-Nazi sycophant, Dwight Schrute. Dwight’s over-the-top antics regularly conflict with the rest of the office, particularly co-worker and desk neighbor Jim Halpert (John Krasinski). An unspoken office crush between Jim and Pam Beesley (Jenna Fischer) makes for an interesting and recurring subplot. The two epitomize the rest of the Dunder-Mifflin employees who convey themselves as logical, well-reasoned, and normal individuals; normal people trapped in a bizarro world where bumbling idiots like Michael and Dwight preside over their work week. Similar in theme to the hilarious feature film Office Space, the show provides viewers with a much more excitable Bill Lumbergh lording over an army of Peter Gibbons-like worker bees. For creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who first experienced success with the concept in the United Kingdom, it’s a surefire recipe for pure, unadulterated laughter.
The Office (Season 2) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “The Dundies” in which the annual staff awards, “The Dundies,” are handed out by Michael. Michael struggles with the event due to some corporate complaints about his past handling of the event, while still managing to offend each and every one of his fellow employees. Following a fight with Roy, Pam gets hammered and the spends the evening joking around with Jim. The two end up kissing before Pam catches a ride home with another coworker… Other episodes include “Christmas Party” in which Michael screws up the office Christmas party with another one of his erratic decisions, and “Conflict Resolution” in which Michael’s efforts to improve relations within the office result in a worse situation.
Below is a list of episodes included on The Office (Season 2) DVD:
Episode 7 (The Dundies) Air Date: 09-20-2005
Episode 8 (Sexual Harassment) Air Date: 09-27-2005
Episode 9 (Office Olympics) Air Date: 10-04-2005
Episode 10 (The Fire) Air Date: 10-11-2005
Episode 11 (Halloween) Air Date: 10-18-2005
Episode 12 (The Fight) Air Date: 11-01-2005
Episode 13 (The Client) Air Date: 11-08-2005
Episode 14 (Performance Review) Air Date: 11-15-2005
Episode 15 (Email Surveillance) Air Date: 11-22-2005
Episode 16 (Christmas Party) Air Date: 12-06-2005
Episode 17 (Booze Cruise) Air Date: 01-05-2006
Episode 18 (The Injury) Air Date: 01-12-2006
Episode 19 (The Secret) Air Date: 01-19-2006
Episode 20 (The Carpet) Air Date: 01-26-2006
Episode 21 (Boys and Girls) Air Date: 02-02-2006
Episode 22 (Valentine’s Day) Air Date: 02-09-2006
Episode 23 (Dwight’s Speech) Air Date: 03-02-2006
Episode 24 (Take Your Daughter to Work Day) Air Date: 03-16-2006
Episode 25 (Michael’s Birthday) Air Date: 03-30-2006
Episode 26 (Drug Testing) Air Date: 04-27-2006
Episode 27 (Conflict Resolution) Air Date: 05-04-2006
Episode 28 (Casino Night) Air Date: 05-11-2006
Player Profile: Amarillo Slim
Thomas Austin Preston Jr. is one of the great legendary figures in the world of professional poker, but to most fans he is much better known as “Amarillo Slim”. Strangely enough, Amarillo Slim isn’t a Texan by birth. He was actually born in Johnson, Arkansas, on December 31, 1928, but he now does reside in Amarillo, Texas.
Amarillo Slim is a colorful throwback to the “old days” when poker – then regarded as a disreputable game – was played in the back rooms of saloons, pool halls, and cramped, smoke-filled rooms in sleazy hotels.
Slim was what was known as “a rounder” or card shark, a professional gambler who made his living hunting for “fish”, gullible players with fat bankrolls who thought they were better players then they actually were.
Amarillo traveled the country in his constant quest for “fish”, or just looking for some poker action where ever he happened to be, often accompanied by fellow “rounders” Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts.
Slim is assuredly the stuff of which legends are made, and it was only natural that he should publish his autobiography, “Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People” in 2003 in which he tells of poker games played with U.S. Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon, as well as Hustler Magazine publisher and casino owner Larry Flynt.
Amarillo Slim did not, however, earn his legendary reputation due to his colorful past alone, it was his exceptional poker-playing skills that initially brought him the fame he enjoys today. Slim, in fact, is a four-time World Series of Poker event winner having won his four bracelets in:
• 1972 - $10,000 No Limit Hold ‘ em World Championship - $80,000
• 1974 - $1,000 No Limit Hold “em - $11,100
• 1985 - $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha - $85,000
• 1990 - $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha - $142,000
It could be said that Amarillo Slim has brought more world-wide attention to the world of professional poker than any one individual, having appeared on such high profile TV shows as 60 minutes, The Tonight Show and Good Morning America, among others. He was also cast in a 1974 gambling movie, “California Split”, starring George Segal and Elliot Gould, and directed by Robert Altman (M*A*S*H – NASHVILLE).
Slim is generous with his advice to new poker players and been quoted as offering these words of poker wisdom:
1. Play the players more than you play the cards.
2. Choose the right opponents. If you don't see a sucker at the table, you're it.
3. Never play with money you can't afford to lose.
4. Be tight and aggressive; don't play many hands, but when you do, be prepared to move in.
5. Always be observing at a poker game. The minute you're there, you're working.
6. Watch the other players for "tells" before you look at your own cards.
7. Diversify your play so others can't pick up your tells.
8. Choose your speed based on the direction of the game. Play slow in a fast game, fast in a slow game.
9. Be able to quit a loser, and for goodness' sake, keep playing when you're winning.
10. Conduct yourself honorably so you're always invited back.
Who Wrote The Most Famous Love Poem
The Most Famous Love Poem
Love poems have been written for centuries to inspire lovers and create romance. When you give your special someone a love poem, you can express your feelings through eloquent words in a memorable way. Many famous love poems are written by classical poets, such as Lord Byron, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Shakespeare. But a famous love poem by a modern poet may appeal to a younger person who likes a less formal tone.
The poet e.e. cummings wrote what is probably the most famous love poem currently. It has been featured in other books and movies, used as inspiration for other writers.
i carry your heart with me
by e. e. cummings
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
The poet e.e. cummings is quite a unique writer in that he used new methods of creating mood and setting the words to paper. He explored the use of white space on the page and made the words’ appearance just as important as their sound when the poem was read aloud.
This poem is a perfect example of his use of parentheses and unusual stanza variation. He found a wonderful way of expressing very abstract ideas with some concrete grammatical forms. Use this poem to express to your loved one just how much they mean to you.
Visit to find out more about famous love poems.
Rent A Phoenix Limo For First Class Fun!
Renting a Phoenix limousine is an excellent way to make any type of special occasion even better. Luxurious yet surprisingly affordable, you’ll find plenty of top-notch Phoenix limousine rental services ready to take you and that special someone anywhere you both want to go, for as long as you both want to be there.
Imagine the look of surprise you’ll see when a Phoenix limousine pulls up to your honey’s front door. And then imagine how romantic it’s going to be, just the two of you inside, gazing into each other’s eyes. Think how you’ll be able to fully focus you attention on that special someone sitting beside you because the limo driver is up in front, dealing with the traffic lights and the traffic and all those other distractions on which you would normally focus your attention.
Once you’re both seated comfortably in the back of your Phoenix limousine, glass of champagne in hand, just relax and imagine the many different ways your date is going to thank you for your generosity and your thoughtfulness on this special evening.
Heading out for a night on the town?
The city of Phoenix has so much to offer. Cultural events, sporting events, concerts, movies, museums, fine dining, comedy clubs – it’s all right there. So when you’re ready to go, why not go in style? Even if you just want to head up into the foothills so you and your honey can gaze down on the brilliant city lights, your evening is sure to be a night to remember when arrive at your destination in style.
Looking for justification?
Then here it is. When you ride along in a Phoenix limousine, you really can feel like royalty. It’s okay – you’re allowed to indulge without feeling guilty or selfish. And besides, when was the last time you or your significant other truly felt like royalty? If you can’t remember, then it’s definitely been way too long. You don’t have to be a blushing bride to justify renting a Phoenix limo. Anyone can, so just go ahead and do it!
Looking for a reason?
You really don’t need a reason, but just in case you do, here’s a rundown of some of the times when it might make sense to spend the evening driving around town in a Phoenix limo: birthdays, anniversaries, wedding announcements, a new job or promotion, the realization that you’re “expecting,” or a holiday like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Sweetheart’s Day, or New Year’s Eve. Heck you could even go out on Groundhog Day if you wanted to! The only reason you need a reason is because YOU think you do.
You work hard and you deserve a break and that’s all the justification you or anyone needs. If you and your sweetie need time to “reconnect, then that’s a good enough reason, too! Just do it and stop wasting time thinking that you need a reason to rent a Phoenix limo!
Sewing And Knitting
I was looking with my neighbor for a project to keep us busy during the winter; something that we would both enjoy and something that would help the community. We both like sewing and knitting, so we thought that we could try to make use of these skills in whichever project we chose. We got in touch with a local care home for the elderly and volunteered our services. They said that some of their residents suffer from bad circulation and often feel cold throughout the winter, particularly those in wheelchairs. Many patients have to be covered in blankets, so they suggested that we could knit some blankets for the residents. We were given the specifications, including the desired dimensions so as not to get caught in the wheels of the wheelchairs, and we consulted on choice of yarn and pattern.
The blankets were ideal. They were easy and quick to complete, and were also easy to transport, so we could meet in each other's house to continue with the project. I decided to go for a patchwork style look on the first blanket I made, making use of scraps I had from past projects. I put it together in a random pattern, and then used a single fabric for the other side to give it a finished and professional look, and a soft layer of thick padding to go in between. After completing each component part, I pieced them together and traced a very basic embroidery-quilting pattern on the top to finish. The blankets were ideal to work with because they fit so snugly on your lap and were easy to handle.
When I finished off my quilts I phoned my neighbor and asked how her project was coming along. She had run out of supplies, and told me she had to go to the store to get more fabrics. When we awoke the next day, there was deep snow with blizzard winds, making a trip to the store impossible. There was a localized travel recommendation to stay indoors and not make any journeys that were not essential. My neighbor walked across to my house and asked if she could finish the trimmings on my quilts to keep her occupied. So we sat in front of the fire my husband built with logs and twigs from the garden, and finished off my quilts. It was so relaxing and cozy to finish off the quilts on such a terrible day. The guys sat and played cribbage all day, and we drank some of the brandy we'd kept for special occasions. It was a great day.
When I finish off the hand sewing, I will bind them with a single color before sending them off to the nursing home, where they can hopefully help out someone this winter.
5 Funny Love Poems
Funny Love Poems
When most people think of love poems, they think of serious and soulful expressions of passion. Long sonnets by Shakespeare or romantic poems by Browning and Lord Byron are the norm for love poetry. However, funny love poems can be good for a laugh. They may not be romantic, but they do give your friends something to enjoy.
Some of the best funny love poems are limericks. Limericks started in Ireland and follow a standard form of five lines and a rhyme scheme of aabba. Here are a few limericks written by anonymous authors:
There once was an old man of Lyme
Who married three wives at a time
When asked "Why a third?"
He replied, "One's absurd!
And bigamy, Sir, is a crime."
There was a young fellow named Hammer
Whose had an unfortunate stammer
"The b-bane of my life"
Said he, "Is m-m-my wife
D-d-d-d-d-d-damn ‘er!"
She made friends with a young undertaker;
Her last boyfriend had forsaken her.
But she started to curse
When he turned up in a hearse.
She said next time I’ll date a baker!
There was a young lady named Constance,
From boys she wouldn’t stand any nonsense.
If her partners grew deft
She would lead with her left;
The results would not weigh on her conscience.
My sweetheart and I are just wed.
Already I wish I were dead.
Two weeks she’s been spending.
It was time never ending.
We are thousands of pounds in the red!
Limericks are fairly easy to write if you can rhyme well, so you might try writing a limerick yourself that includes the name of your friend or loved one. This is a good way to make a funny love poem that is personalized.
You can find more information about funny poems at:
http://www.love-poems-quotes.info/funny-love-poems.html
Poetry World
Poetry World is a poetry website list I've put together that features so many great poetry forums and poets for your reading pleasure. For example some of the newest members of the site to join and include their work on the list are people like Marine and famous poet Thomas L. Vaultonburg of Zombie Logic Press and Janet Kuypers who has written many books and Brian Douthit who is enjoying great success with his book Perfectly Said when words become art. Also people like Carolyn Edwards you can find listed on the site so check it out because it's jam packed full of poetic talent.
Visit Vaultonburg's site and just see the good things celebrities like Gary Busey and Henry Rollins had to say about the man and that alone is worth the click. So come and enjoy the many poetry resources you can find at Poetry World.
Here is a poem of mine for your enjoyment and I hope you do like the poem and decide to visit Poetry World.
I could Really Love You
There's something right in front of me that I can't leave behind
It's always in my dreams and keeps on dancing in my mind
I don't know if I'll lose it just because of circumstance
Cause I could really love you if I only had the chance
I could make you happy and I'd chase away your fears
I could hold you close to me and wipe away your tears
And I could hold your heart and show you love that's pure and true
Cause I could really love you if you only loved me too
Jeffrey Michael Miller
Poems Web
Pomes help to expresses feelings which can not be explained in simple words. Many people love to express their feeling in pomes because its have a deep thoughts and it leave a good impression on others.
If you are in deep love with pomes you can easily get good and impressive collection of love poetry, as well as some famous quotes, friendship poems, inspirational quotes, and even a poetry contest for kids and also kids pomes that are positive, romantic, and easy to understand for elder and for teen ages. In addition to the work of famous poets, you will also find a number of poems unique.
If you are an internet savvy then you don’t have to go anywhere as you can get good and impressive collection of pomes through pomes site web where new pomes always get added every month and on the topic which your are looking for.
Pomes are used by everyone but mostly used by the teen ages to express their love feeling. Then what you all are waiting for just go to love pomes site web where you can put your feeling in words in front of your love ones.
Pomes always workout in ever situation and its very easy to get good collections of pomes and if you are familiar with internet then its more convenient for you to get the selective pomes on every situation without wasting your time and keeping your love one and friends to wait for your reply.
I am Free Lance writer and currently for this website http://www.poems-web.info . I have just started to write article and press releases which are related to this mentioned site. This article is prepared on the basis of reliable sources. If you find any error or mistake in this article please email us immediately at this email address annajosephs@gmail.com so that we can take immediate action.
Why Gift Gift Basket
It’s true that we all want to give the best gift for the lowest possible price. With online shopping for your next gift basket, you have the power to pick and choose among the best professionally done gift baskets for the lowest price. You have no excuse to give beautiful affordable gift basket without over paying.
Inexpensive gift baskets are an elegant way to send an expression of love to your loved one. Gift baskets are a great choice for sending congratulatory, or appreciatory gifts to your clients or colleagues, friends and neighbors. There is so much variety in gift baskets that regardless of the occasion you can find a beautiful gift basket that is tasteful and sure to please both the recipient and the gift giver.
If you ever wondered about the origins of gift giving; it is said to have originated from an ancient Roman practice surrounding an annual festival. During the Saturnalia, citizens of Rome presented the emperor and each other with tokens of good luck, called strene. Initially, the gifts had little material value, being merely symbols of the donor's good wishes. As the practice evolved, it became customary to give precious gifts, including clothing and objects made of precious metals.
Today when we exchange gifts with each other we still do it as a token. Whether it be a token of affection, or appreciation today’s gifts are given in great or small packages but they all represent the same concept. The gift giver respects the recipient enough to present her with a gift. Finding just the right gift can be difficult because we want that one product to be the right gift for the right person.
Gift baskets simplify gift giving. Gift baskets solve this problem because they include a variety of gift items. With a variety of gift items in a basket, you can be sure the recipient will find products they like. If you or someone you know deserves a relaxing retreat, s spa gift basket is the perfect gift. The best bath and spa gift baskets showcase exotic aromas and vibrant colors.
Gift baskets come stuffed with many different kinds of goodies, from chocolates, gourmet food items, spa products, candy, baby products, and more. Sending a gift basket is sure to please both the giver and receiver. You would be hard pressed to find a better gift to show you appreciation than a beautiful gift basket.
Barbra Streisand Tickets - A Vocal Legend Returns To The Stage
Anyone who has ever listened to music has heard the voice - that angelic, instantly-recognizable voice of Barbra Streisand, and Barbra Streisand tickets are once again available. This legend of the music industry is not just a singer, however, but a performer, and her acting roles have garnered the same positive reviews as her albums. Streisand is also active in support of several causes, and her life is one of the more interesting biographies of recent times.
Early Life
Barbara Joan Streisand was born on April 24, 1942 in Brooklyn. She had a somewhat-difficult childhood, as her father died when she was only 15 months old. She never had more than a “touch-and-go” relationship with her stepfather, and she also experienced turbulence in her relationship with her mother.
Streisand loved performing as a child, but she was discouraged by her mother from pursuing it as a career. Her mother told her that she was not attractive enough to succeed, and that she should concentrate on her studies and settle down with a stable husband. In a reaction that is indicative of her character, Streisand defied this “advice” and began to sing and dance at every opportunity.
She attended Erasmus Hall High School and graduated in 1959. She sang in the school choir, and one of her choir mates was none other than Neil Diamond. After graduation, Streisand decided not to attend college, and instead found work as a nightclub singer and appeared in a number of off-Broadway productions.
Streisand continued to hone her lounge act, and she shortened her first name to its present form in order to be more distinctive. Her act became a hit in Greenwich Village, and her audiences followed her every move. This local attention got her noticed, and she landed a role in the 1962 Broadway production of I Can Get It for You Wholesale. On the heels of this performance, Streisand signed her first recording contract, and her star was on the rise.
Smashing Success
Streisand’s first album, The Barbra Streisand Album, was not only a success, but won two Grammy Awards in 1963. Streisand would win many additional awards for many different performances, and she was fast-becoming a household name. Her act was also becoming popular outside of New York, and Barbra Streisand tickets began to experience high demand.
All in all, Streisand has recorded more than 60 albums and sold tens of millions of copies of her work worldwide. She has also acted both on Broadway and the big screen, and her litany of awards is stunning. Among many others, Streisand has won two Oscars, six Emmys, eleven Golden Globes, ten Grammys, a Tony Award and two Cable Ace awards. She is recognizable everywhere in the world, and her status has allowed her to publicly support several causes, sometimes with a high degree of controversy.
Beliefs
Streisand has been a lifelong supporter of gay rights, as her first performing gig in Greenwich Village was at a gay bar, where she was introduced to the sub-culture and discovered that despite all the dark stories, homosexuals were “just people, like everyone else.” Streisand spoke out loudly against the state of Colorado when voters did not approve a gay rights initiative, and she drew heavy criticism for her stance.
She has also donated time and huge sums of money to help the homeless, those afflicted with AIDS, and many other causes that she feels need attention. Barbra Streisand tickets will allow you to not only hear a legendary voice, but to get to know a person whose beliefs are more important to her than her accomplishments.
The Basic Ballet Steps
Ballet is a classic art form which dates back for centuries and has entertained royalty and common folks both young and old. The basic ballet steps look deceptively simple, but that is only because of the highly skilled dancers who devote many hours to perfecting their art.
Ballet is beautiful and graceful to watch and many young girls have dreamed of growing up to be one of the lovely ballerinas upon the stage. It all starts however, with the basic ballet steps which must be mastered to perfection before advanced moves and ballerina stardom can be achieved.
Modern ballet was popularized in France by King Louis XIV, and many ballet terms are referred to by their French name to this day.
The basic ballet positions:
First Position - Premiere
The toes point out to make a V shape while the feet are in a straight line at the heels. Heels together. Knees together. Arms form a soft curve out in front of the body. The spine is kept straight with the back, pelvis, and the head in alignment.
Second Position - Second
The feet are shoulder width apart and the legs are turned out. The arms are kept rounded and out to the side.
Third Position - Troisieme
Maintain the out turned legs and cross the leg placing the heel on the middle of the other foot. If the right foot is on top then the right arm is raised in a semi circle above the head and the left arm is out to the side. Reverse the arm positions when the left foot is on top.
Fourth Position - Quatrieme
Maintain outward leg position and put the right foot in front of the left leaving about 12 inches in between. Raise the right arm over the head and curve it into a semi circle. Reverse arms if the left foot is placed in front.
Fifth Position – Cinquieme
Legs are out turned at the hips and the heel of the right foot is placed against the big toe of the left foot at the position of the first joint. The arms are formed into a circle over the head.
Below are some of the basic ballet steps:
Arabesque
Stand on the right leg while the left leg is raised straight out behind
Chasse
A galloping motion where one leg appears to chase the other.
Emboite
Move forward while jumping on alternate toes.
Jete
Leaping from one leg to another.
Piroutte
To turn, or spin.
Passe
To pass the leg into a new position.
Pas de chat
A jump to the side.
Plie
To bend down the knees.
Releve
To rise upon the tiptoes.
Port de Bras
Moving the arms through various positions.
Saute
To jump.
Tendu
To stretch the leg while maintaining a pointed toe.
The positions and steps above are the basic building blocks of ballet upon which all else is built. These movements are practiced by beginners and professionals alike until they become second nature.
The Star-Bright Future Of XM Radio
XM Radio has the potential to be one of the biggest innovations in the broadcasting world. It provides crystal-clear digital sound around the globe without commercials or unwanted pauses. It offers a vast array of listening options, from every type of music genre to every type of sports coverage and news programming. It's little wonder the satellite radio service is number one in the United States with over two million satisfied customers.
The numbers are remarkable. Those two million listeners get the pleasure of choosing from 68 commercial-free music channels. These channels include any genre from country, rap, hip hop, metal, bluegrass, reggae, rockabilly, to classical. On top of these, 33 channels are available for the latest information in news and sports, along with the leading talk shows and entertainment programs. Even more impressive are the 21 channels that provide continuous and immediate weather and traffic for the major metropolitan areas in the country.
XM Radio is not just produced on its airwaves, though. There are its award-winning receivers and reception devices that you need to secure the satellite radio signals. But there's no need to be worried that you're going to have to go out and replace your home stereo equipment. You can effortlessly add satellite radio service to your existing audio and home theater system.
Or you can purchase the latest new XM Radio equipment. This equipment is some of the smallest and lightest satellite receivers and antennae in the field, so it is a sound investment no matter what. Your XM equipment allows you to listen to regular AM and FM radio terrestrial broadcasts if you wish, as well as your CDs and cassettes.
Other features included in the receivers are a display and memory so that the device shows the channel name, artist name, and song title for every song you listen to. No more reliance on a DJ to tell you what you are listening to. For you auto-based audiophiles, the satellite radio service is available in more than 100 new cars in the 2006 models. You can pick up the Delphi XM Roady 2, the Delphi XM Roady, or the XMCommander for your listening pleasure in your car.
Playmobil And Childhood Stories
Why medieval castles seemed so familiar in the history class for me and most of my classmates? Why some of us have a déjà vu when we watch films like the "Pirates of the Caribbean"? We have spent so much time assembling the Playmobil version of the castle, or making stories about pirates, knights, sheriffs and Native Americans as children and playing with the Playmobil spaceship, that sometimes we think that we actually have lived in all those places. For everyone who was a child in the 1980s and later Playmobil is not just the name of a toy, it is a legend.
This legendary story of "Playmobil" started in the 1971, when Horst Brandstätter the owner of toy manufacturer "geobra Brandstätter", asked the -so called- "father of Playmobil", Hans Beck, then a cabinetmaker to develop figures for children. Beck spent three years developing what became Playmobil. His aim was to create a simple and flexible toy and as it turns out he could not be more successful. Playmobil, a 7.5 cm toy, with hands, which are capable of gripping and holding objects and a facial design based on children's drawings (big smile, no nose), was first presented at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg in 1974. The first figures were of Native Americans, construction workers and knights, while the 1973 oil crisis made it possible for Playmobil to be considered a viable product. Rising oil prices made plastics extremely expensive and larger plastic toys virtually unaffordable. Playmobil began to be sold worldwide in 1975 and had an unprecedented success.
Only a few years after the first introduction of the product, "geobra Brandstätter" became the German toy manufacturer with the highest turnover. In 2004 when Playmobil celebrated its 30th Anniversary, 1.8 billion figures had been produced. And these little figures have been almost everywhere: in movies, video games, fast food restaurants. Today, there are seven Playmobil fun parks worldwide three of them in the United States (Orlando, Florida -Palm Beach Gardens, Florida - Woodbridge, New Jersey) and four in Europe: in Paris, Athens, Malta and in Zirndorf, Germany where the manufacturer's headquarters are located.
"Playmobil is a toy that doesn't impose specific play patterns on children, but rather stimulates their imagination," said once Hans Beck. And he is right. Some months ago when I visited a friendly couple, I found out that children still play with Playmobil, creating their own scenarios and stories. The memory of the Playmobil pirate ship, that I got as a present for my 6th birthday brought tears in my eyes. As a representative of my generation I owe a big thanks to Hans Beck, for all the dreams that he helped me to create, all the stories, most importantly, all those little friends, who may be now kept in some attic, but they often come to my mind and make me smile.
Unforgetable Fear Factor Experience At Universal Studios
Have you always dreamt of participating in a reality show ? Here is your chance. Fear Factor Live is a stunt show at the Universal Studios Tours where volunteers are from the audience ! Since there are three to five shows held everyday, chances are good that you might just be able to take part in it.
Of course there are a few things to know and remember before you take part in the stunt show. First, this is not a mock show. The fears are real and no simulated Fear Factor in this show. And the stunts are performed by members of the audience just like you. So if you are faint-hearted, better not attempt.
If you think you have the guts to go ahead and take part, visit the casting office, located near the Terminator ride, in the theme park. There are some physical standards that have to be met, which stands guarantee that you can handle the tasks assigned to you. You have to even sign a liability form which relieves Universal Studios and Fear Factor of any obligation, in case of any injuries or damages that may occur.
Before the actual show begins, those members of the audience who were not selected to participate are called on stage and some similar challenges are thrown, like eating insects and bugs. The winner of the pre-show contest is awarded wonderful prizes, like an annual pass to the theme park. Then there is an audience warm-up to build the excitement by the hosts of the show.
There are six participants in the show – all chosen from the casting office. Their dress code is just like the original Fear Factor dress – tight uniforms. Then a line-up of challenges, again like the Fear Factor challenges are thrown at the contestants. These include falling from a height, skill tests and of course the well-known gross-out challenge. While the show is on, a member of audience is picked up for yet another challenge, like putting your head in a tank which is replete with scorpions.
After watching Fear Factor, if you have bragged to your friends that it was easy for you and you could easily handle all those stunts yourself – watch out. It could be that you prove yourself right or your friends could prove you wrong. This is your life-time opportunity to participate in the Fear Factor Live show at the Universal Studios Tours, and prove your mettle. Go and meet the casting office as soon as you can but make sure that you meet all their physical requirements. In case you don’t, ask for being part of the audience.
Poetry Frauds
My name is Jeffrey Michael Miller and I'm the author of the poetry book entitled " From The Inside Out " by Publishamerica. I want to take this time to talk about some self appointed poetry guru's who freely hand out misleading information. Some of these people that I won't mention by name parade around on every website and forum they can find expressing all their ideas and notions about the world of poetry while they themselves are the very things they are warning you the readers about.
These very same people who give you information on how to become successful in the world of poetry are nobodies themselves with bad reputations that are documented on websites around the internet for being frauds for the most part. Some of these people have been accused of stealing the work of others and they have been ostracized and disowned by their very own publishers but they still come on sites like this hiding the truth about themselves and making it look to you the reader like they are successful and sought after poets with good and informative information.
Do yourself a huge favor and ignore these people dishing out this garbage advice while trying to make other poetry groups and organizations look bad in the process. The reason why some of these people are so very mad and spew this kind of nonsense is because they have never won one single award or recognition from the organizations they are trying to ruin the reputation of. Their work was not seen as being good enough to merit a recognition or award in the free world so these people create their own forums with horrible reputations for all kinds of abuses and nonsense to be spread throughout the poetry world like a bad virus.
They award themselves poet of the month on their very own forums and it's absolutely laughable and they do this because nobody else would award them poet of the month if they didn't do it themselves. If you took the time to look into some of these names you would find case after case of allegations against them so research the source of these poetry articles before you listen to the words of these people.
These people logroll and review one another's books in attempt to look popular and their book sales come from one another with little interest from the general public.They sell to their own forum members who are misleaded into thinking these people are prominent poets when they are in reality laughing stalks of the art.
Don't be fooled by a snake dressed up in bunny rabbits clothing my friends and look into the source of the poetry information you're receiving because the garbage from so called poets out there is rampant. Self promotion and delusions of grandure are the only things they really know about and poetry is far from their knowledge base.
If you prefer to listen to people who name themselves poet of the month on their own forums then please go ahead and do so but to me it stinks and is far from legitimate. Just remember that I warned you when you finally realize who you're reading information from.
Always take time to know the source before you get wrapped up in someone's pretty and deceitful words. The poeple pointing fingers in reality should be pointing to themselves and not deceiving the readers. If it walks and talks like a poetry duck my friends then indeed it is a duck.
Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise Jewelry Is Absolutely Magnificent
Examples of turquoise jewelry have been found that date back to ancient Egyptian times. The famous burial mask of Tutankhamen as adorned with turquoise and there were many other pieces of turquoise jewelry found in his tomb. There have also been numerous pieces of Aztec turquoise jewelry that have been discovered. These ancient cultures appreciated the beauty of this blue-green mineral. Throughout history, other cultures produced turquoise jewelry and other items that incorporated turquoise. The native Indians of America have made use of this gem throughout the centuries it is still considered an essential part of their colorful heritage.
Turquoise jewelry is a wonderful gift for anyone, but it is especially appropriate for anyone born in December. This is because the gemstone for December is traditionally turquoise. It is an extremely versatile mineral and can be set into silver earrings or elaborate 24-carat gold necklaces. There are different grades of turquoise and it is possible to buy a piece of turquoise jewelry for only a few dollars. Of course, the value of a piece of turquoise jewelry depends on the quality of the stone used, the amount and also the value of any other stones that are in the piece.
As turquoise is not a naturally hard mineral. This does make it easier for the gem to be cut to fit any type of turquoise jewelry. A hardening process is used to help protect the mineral once it has been cut to the desired shape and size. The most expensive forms of turquoise are those that require the least amount of hardening treatments. This does, however make it more difficult to use them to form turquoise jewelry, as it is easier for it to break. The lower grades of turquoise require a lot of hardening and waxing before they can become pieces of turquoise jewelry and are less sought after. The color of the turquoise also has an impact on its value. If a piece of turquoise jewelry comprises a piece of sky blue turquoise then its value is going to be far higher than a piece that utilizes greenish-blue and speckled turquoise.
Due to the fragility of turquoise, special care needs to be taken when wearing a piece of turquoise jewelry. It is also extremely vulnerable to damage from solvents as it is a phosphate mineral. Special care needs to be taken to avoid any turquoise jewelry coming into contact with perfume, skin oils and chemical cleaning fluids. All of these can cause deterioration of the color and shine of the turquoise. Perfume, cosmetics, sunscreen, and hairspray need to be applied before you put on a piece of turquoise jewelry to lessen the potential damage that may be caused to the gemstone. Direct sunlight can have an extremely detrimental effect on turquoise as it causes it to fade and dry out which makes it more brittle and easier to break. Always clean turquoise jewelry with a soft cloth to remove any build-up and store in a separate box from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
Paved In Gold
A thing of beauty is joy forever said John Keats. Beauty attracts human like a magnetic field. Jewels have long been the most alluring ornamental force for women and even men. Kings and queens, emperors and their wives clad themselves with heavy gold. Somehow gold has always been preferred over other elements. Diamonds hold a secondary place when it comes to wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Although it can't be denied that this drift is more relatable to the Asians. Europeans are inclined toward white gold and diamonds.
There was a time when people wore pure heavy gold jewelry. It was a symbol of the rich. Brooches made of gold with convoluted designs where a must on the women gowns during balls and other occasions. The use of white gold is comparatively lesser than yellow gold because it is relatively expensive.
Weighty gold earrings and necklaces plus the anklets are worn on weddings. Not only the bride is adorned with gold jewels but every woman in the wedding room has something or the other around her neck or wrists and fingers. Nothing short of gold tends to give a sense of completion.
Today's gold jewelry is it not heavy and purely original any longer. The economies of the world now face a shortage of supply of resources that embraces every single criterion. Technological changes have placed its print even on ornaments. Gold jewelry once shaped into a necklace or ring manually passed on to generations. Now the inheritors simply get those jewels remade according to the trend. A 24 carat gold set is melted and remade occasionally. That reduces its value double fold down to 13 or 12 carat only. A single gold bracelet can now give a woman two pairs of gold earrings. A conventionally smart transaction!
Gold is assorted with other metals in order to make it light weight and economical. Besides this factor plain gold jewelry has become obsolete. Necklaces and rings made out of gold are decorated and embodied with beads, pearls, emeralds and stones. Another feat of jewelers is gold platted jewelry, making gold affordable. Most gold jewelry patterns are machine made and designs repeated. What the present world is doing with gold jewelry makes a person think, all that glitters definitely isn't gold. But at least it helps self and status conscious people in showing the world, they too can afford to wear gold.
Poetic Love versus Commercial Love
Am I the last romantic? This is a very tough question for me! I remember the times when love seemed more pure and diaphanous. A boy saw a girl, he liked her, she smiled shamefaced at him, giving him hope. Desire was fed by hope, and time was the perfect cook for a romantic love recipe. It all continued with peaceful thoughts at night, while looking at the stars and making wishes, sweet love wishes! Days were passing, the boy can’t get his thoughts back on the track, charmed by his beautiful princess. Another glimpse, a few days after, would keep the fire burning, until the boy can’t take it anymore, and moves to the next step:a romantic poem and roses, maybe even chocolate candy. Beautiful! I’m not going to exaggerate this, by inserting a balcony in this act.. But let’s admit it, those were the good old days of love and poetry.
Today, everything seems so empty and meaningless. The media is always showing us more and more violence and sex, pushing love away from our lives, replacing it only with desire. Now women are more and more interested of the bank account and limousine the boy drives, and probably would take poetry and candy as an offence or as unimportant; they would very much rather an expensive perfume or necklace. The boy, on the other hand, doesn’t have that shiver anymore in his voice, he’s a stable person that shouldn’t let loose his lack of confidence. He’s driving his luxury car, dressed up after the latest fashions, perfumed and everything, with sunglasses to give himself a superior attitude. He goes to her home, gives a horn and then takes his partner to the most expensive places to impress her. And he probably succeeds in most of the times. Very beautiful, some may say.
Well, I am very sorry, but I am one of the fellows who won’t give into this „new era love”. I stick with the poetic love that used to be once upon a time, the incurable romantic. You may contradict me if you wish, everybody’s free to have an opinion, but I remain the last mohican stuck to the idea that love and poetry come together as a blessing, and shouldn’t be torn apart.
Where Can An Arizona Charter Bus Take Your Group?
An Arizona charter bus can take your group more places than you can imagine. When you’ve got a large group to transport, you really should consider this method of transportation. Traveling on an Arizona charter bus will be much more comfortable than flying on a plane, or sitting in a cramped car, that’s for sure.
Once on board the Arizona charter bus, you’ll find plenty of leg room, reclining seats, overhead reading lights, onboard restrooms, comfortable temperatures, overhead storage, audio and video equipment, and large windows for viewing the scenery.
Scheduling an Arizona charter bus is easy
When you’re looking to schedule an Arizona charter bus, you’ll be amazed by the degree of flexibility you’ll find in scheduling your trip. When your group travels on a charter bus, you’ll also realize that getting there is going to be as much fun as your ultimate destination.
You’ll be able to recline and relax for the duration of the trip, without having to stop at a bunch of obscure and out of the way locations just to pick up a wayward traveler or two. Your group will meet at a departure location, and you’ll probably drive straight through until you reach your destination. Depending on the length of the trip, you may stop periodically to stretch your legs and fill your bellies, but that’s about it.
An Arizona charter bus company can take your group to most destinations throughout Arizona. Planning an extended family get-away to the Grand Canyon next summer? An Arizona bus can get you there. Do you and a group of friends want to travel from Phoenix to Sedona for the week-end to catch the music festival? Even though it’s not that far of a drive, why waste all that gas and all that time trying to coordinate enough cars and drivers? It’ll be a lot easier to make a reservation for your group on a Phoenix charter bus or even a Phoenix party bus! When you ride on a party bus, you can set the right tone, right from the start.
Maybe your church is planning a ski vacation for all the teens. It’s scary enough to think about teens driving other teens around town, but it’s going to be a lot more scary thinking about those teens driving hundreds of miles on unfamiliar roads, and roads that perhaps might be dark and slippery. Just imagine how relieved all those parents are going to be once they find out that the church has instead coordinated an Arizona charter bus for the round trip.
Call today for details!
It doesn’t matter where you and your group are headed – Las Vegas, Disneyland, Biosphere 2, Tucson Raceway Park, Lake Mead, Scottsdale, or anywhere – you’ll find that getting there will be more enjoyable when you get there on an Arizona charter bus. It doesn’t matter whether your ultimate destination is across the state or across the country. It’ll only take a few minutes to find out whether it makes sense to travel there on an Arizona charter bus.
Bound In Human Skin
The art of bookbinding has been around since the 1st century AD. Over the course of time, various mediums have been used to cover the outside of the books. Leather and cloths have been the most common materials used in the binding of book. Would you believe the most unusual material used to cover a book was that of human skin? It is said to feel very soft, much like suede. It is also said to be reasonably inexpensive, durable and waterproof. The practice of binding books in human skin, also known as anthropodermic bibliopegy, appears to have been most popular during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Many of the first books covered in human skin were medical books. The skins were primarily from amputated body parts and unclaimed corpses of the poor but were also obtained through executed criminals. As gruesome as this seems, the medical profession viewed the bodies being used as a compliment to the deceased. Dr. John Stockton Hough, from the University of Philadelphia, was known in for diagnosing the cities first case of trichinosis. He had four medical volumes bound from skin of three of his deceased patients. Another doctor, Dr. Charles Humberd studied gigantism and had a book on the topic bound in human skin. The skin was from an eight feet six inch Ringling Brothers Circus Giant by the name of Perky.
There are also circumstances in which the author or owner of the text donated their body for the purpose of becoming the covering of the book. A book written in 1837 entitled ‘Narrative of the life of James Allen, alias George Walton, alias Jonas Pierce, alias James H. York, alias Burley Grove, the highwayman. Being his death-bed confession, to the warden of the Massachusetts state prison’ was bound in the author’s own skin. The finished book was then sent to John A. Fenno, one of George Walton’s victims who successfully resisted the robber during the attempted theft. This book was later donated to the Boston Athanaeum, an independent library in Boston, Mass. It was not uncommon for an executed convict’s body to be used to cover the court journal and presented to the victim’s family or for a book to be published about the criminal. Another book bound by the skin of its previous owner is found in the Cleveland Public Library. The book is a Quran, the sacred text of Islam, and its owner was an Arab tribal leader.
Most of the best books bound in human skin are in private libraries throughout the world. One would be surprised how many of these books are in the nation’s finest libraries, including the Harvard University Libraries. There are several books bound in human skin throughout the various libraries, including two at the medical school library. The Harvard law school library purchased a copy of a 1605 practice manual for Spanish lawyers for a mere $42.50 from an antiquarian book seller in New Orleans. The last page of the book was inscribed with:
"The bynding of this booke is all that remains of my deare friende Jonas Wright, who was flayed alive by the Wavuma on the Fourth Day of August, 1632.” (The Wavuma appear to be an African tribe.)
Other human bound books can be found at Brown University, University of Memphis in Tennessee, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Clendening Library at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Try Writing Anniversary Poems
Are you about to celebrate a special anniversary with that special someone? If so, don't forget that a proper gift is required to make any anniversary celebration just right. Don't worry, though, because the perfect anniversary gift might be much easier than you think to come up with. Try writing some great anniversary poems for the one you love.
As an author and a professor of creative writing, it of course comes naturally to think about ways to incorporate writing into any gift situation. I love thinking of new ways to use words to express feelings or thoughts to people I love. One year I wrote each of my five children a unique children's story for their birthdays, and my wife is never surprised by some special writing pieces on her birthday or other occasions. I believe that writing is powerful, and that's why I think all people would benefit by writing great anniversary poems for the ones they love this year.
The idea of writing anything let alone poetry seems like too much for many people, but perhaps that is simply because they were never trained to write well. Take my advice: I have been watching non-writers turn into great writers each semester for nearly thirty years. Students frequently enter my poetry classes with a deep belief that they are not poets. Three months later they leave with an impressive portfolio and are convinced that anything is possible. Learning to write anniversary poems can be much the same process.
If writing great anniversary poems for the one you love sounds like a great idea, then start today. Begin by getting in touch with someone who can help you write great poetry. Hire a writing consultant to help you for an hour or two or attend a writing seminar. If going to class isn't your style, then head to your local library and check out some books on writing anniversary poems. You might be surprised at how much there is to learn.
Giving anniversary poems is one of the most unique and romantic ways to celebrate with the one you love. So make a commitment today to begin learning to write special anniversary poems and you'll be able to surprise and bless your special someone when your next anniversary rolls around. And don't worry too much about being perfect, just write your thoughts and feelings in poetry form and you'll have anniversary poems in no time.
Thinking And Imagining In Technicolor
Are your thoughts a dull and lifeless grey? Or a glorious, vivid and lively technicolor? Are they one-dimensional or like a hologram and fully formed in 3D? Are they tired and dull or vivid and full of life and hope? The difference is what separates the genius from the rest. If they are not you can train your mind and put it on the road to success. Because this kind of "imaging" in the mind and the will to make what you think a reality is a guarantee of success.
How does this kind of thinking or ideating ensure success? The answer lies in making perfection happen in the idealized world of the mind. Once you bring thought to life in your mind, you've gone into the realms of reality, eliminating any mistakes. For example, if you were to think of making a robot that would anticipate your every need and do everything you ever wanted, you are still in a wishful thinking stage. But if you were to build up the image of such a robot in your mind and put it together as if it were in the realms of your thought processes, you would pay careful attention to every detail. You would ferret out every which way you could to make it viable. You would play the devil's advocate and make sure all doubts and grey areas were eliminated. You would, in your mind, build perfection. When you decide to make this a reality in the real world, it would only be a matter of putting what already exists into practice. It would mean translating your vivid image idea into flesh and blood or metal or whatever as the case may be.
Does this sound too esoteric? Too good to be true? But that's the way the genius's mind has functioned from the beginning of time. Putting life into the images in your head means you've raised your level of consciousness to another level. No great invention in history could have been possible without this kind of imaging. It raises the human mind beyond its humdrum existence to a world beyond probabilities…to a world of infinite possibilities. It is to enter into a world without barriers, without limits. The only limitation is your own imagination. So sing "Don't fence me in" to your mind today and you'll find you soar somewhere over the rainbow where there are even more colors than you could ever dream of!
A Growing Demand for Poetry Books
Where were you when American poetess Sylvia Plath gassed herself in her London kitchen at the age of 30 during the harsh winter of 1963?
Not perhaps the stuff our memories are made of, but all that could change. There is a distinct revival worldwide of interest in poetry and poets. This is expressed in the increased purchase of poetry books – anthologies and works by individual poets – in the new and secondhand book markets.
There are a number of reasons for this:
The internet allows the discussion and publication of poetry in a way previously impossible considering the uneconomic nature of the physical publishing poetry and publishing critiques, both amateur and academic.
The brash and materialistic eighties preceded the fantastic and terrified nineties. Now here we are here in the middle of the first decade of the 21st century, more sober and reflective, wondering where the world is going.
Out of this a generation is emerging a present-day version of the 60’s and 70’s dreamers and idealists. They want more than self-help books, more than herbal remedies and fatuous fantasies. There is a return to serious intellectual examination and spiritual actualization.
And by serious I don’t mean lacking in humor. I’m talking about intellectual acuity (take the works of travel poet Bill Bryson for instance) compared to idiotic ramblings (say the books of creative conspiracy theorist David Icke). Bryson is funny and perceptive while Icke is obtuse and laughable. There’s a big difference. We are moving away from weak thoughts to profundity.
Can there be any explanation other than this when a 17-year-old youth enters our bookshop asking for The Complete Works of Byron, or when a blonde girl no older than 15 says she is searching for the poems of Shelley?
In a decade of book-selling this has never happened before. Suddenly we are buying poetry books again to meet demand, and retrieving the slim poetry books we relegated to boxes in the basement, to create a special poetry section.
This makes sense of the revival of interest in the sixties ballad-poets: Leonard Cohen and Joan Baez. Once again Bob Dylan is speaking to the contemporary generation. T.S. Eliot and Ted Hughes are being discussed again. The demand for the work of Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran can barely be met. Dylan Thomas is revisited. There is renewed interest in the war poets and so-called world poetry: the Senegalese, Thai, French and Swedish poets.
And why not? It is possible because the books are available and affordable, thanks to the international online book-buying market and the renewed interest in poetic thought.
Can a rediscovery of Shakespeare’s sonnets and Milton’s Paradise Lost be far off? Horde any old poetry books and poetry anthologies you still have. You could catch your children reading them one day in a way you never did.
Call it poetic justice.
An Internet Gambling Glossary - Part One
Despite the fact that internet gambling is now a multi-billion dollar industry, and countless thousands of new bettors world-wide sign on daily to play at online casinos, there are still millions of newcomers to the world of online gambling who do not as yet have a clear understanding of much of the terminology used in online gambling, and betting on sports in general. However, knowledge of these terms is essential to understanding the games and rules of play:
ACTION: Any type of wager.
ALL-IN: In poker, all-in means a player has put all of his chips into the pot, but cannot be forced out of the game by other bettors. A side pot is set up for the bettors with remaining chips, who, if winning can take the pot, and the side pot. If the all-in bettor should win, he can take only the pot, and not the side pot.
ALL-UP: To bet on several horses in the same race.
ANTE: A poker term for placing a required amount of chips into the pot before each hand begins.
BRING-IN: A mandatory bet in seven-card stud made by the player showing the lowest value card.
BUST: You lose; As in blackjack, when a player’s cards total over twenty-one.
BUY-IN: The minimum amount of money required to enter a game or tournament.
CALL: As in poker, when a bettor equals a previously made bet.
CHECK: In poker, to stay in the game without betting. This is allowed only if no other players bet in that round.
CLOSING A BET: As in spread betting, meaning to place a bet equal to but opposite of the initial bet.
COLUMN BET: To bet on any of the three columns of a roulette table.
COME BET: In craps, similar to a pass-line bet, but made after the shooter has established his point.
COME-OUT ROLL: A crapshooters first roll to establish a point, or the first roll after a point is established.
COVERALL: A bingo term, meaning to cover all the squares on a bingo card.
CRAPPING OUT: In craps, to roll a two, three or twelve is an automatic loss on the come-out roll.
DAILY DOUBLE: To select the winners of the first two races of the day.
DOWN BET: To bet that the result of an event will be lower than the lowest end of the quote on a spread bet, also known as a “sell”.
DOZEN BET: In roulette, to bet on any of three groups of twelve numbers, 1-12, etc.
EACH WAY BET: A sports bet, meaning to bet on a team or player to win or place in an event.
EVEN MONEY BET: A bet that pays the same amount as wagered, ( 1-1 ).
EXACTA: Betting that two horses in a race will finish in the exact same order as the bet – also known as a “ Perfecta “.
FIVE-NUMBER LINE BET: In roulette, a bet made on a block of five numbers, such as 1-2-3-0, and 00.
Gilleland Poetry – Storoems and Poems ~ Review
Retired professor of Microbiology, Harry Gilleland certainly has a wide variety of experiences and thought-provoking insights to share in his latest poetry book, Gilleland Poetry – Storoems and Poems. Harry’s poetry has appeared at numerous establishments over the years and he has authored three books to date. His dedication to and love of poetry is evident in the way that he writes his work.
Evocative and mentally stimulating throughout it’s 205 pages this book is sure to strike a cord within any reader. War experiences and trials of man are mingled with true-life experiences, fantasy, love and nature.
Harry explores the wonders of nature in a beautiful way and returns to the theme that seemingly runs throughout the entire book - what it could mean for man. Fun, playful – sometimes sad. He has us riding the rapids with him one moment and learning shocking news about American history in the next breath.
You Snake in the Grass is one of my favorites because it invokes awe of nature. But I also got a real kick out of The Power of Splinters and One Leaf’s Journey, which are clearly parallels to life experiences.
I really cried over A Journey Home and Alfred Must Die. The author’s deep endearing love for his wife is both moving and inspiring.
Though this might sound a little corny - I felt I lived a little more because of reading this book.
ISBN#: 1411629272
Author: Harry E. Gilleland, JR
Publisher: Lulu Press
Being True To Your Art
My name is Jeffrey Michael Miller and I'm a Publishamerica poet with a new book out entitled " From The Inside Out ".
This article deals with a most important subject in my view and that subject is how to be true to your art whatever that art may be. My art is poetry so I'm going to use this as my example but feel free to apply this article to any art you have a true passion for because I feel it's universal.
I see so many people who enjoy writing being what I call crossover artists who write in many genres but have no real specialty. I see romance authors or science fiction authors also putting out poetry books claiming to be authors/poets and this to me is troubling.
I am a poet who loves poetry and concentrates only on poetry so this kind of thing when it comes to crossing over I personally find insulting. The people who do this crossing over from genre to genre in my opinion are just trying to get their names seen in as many places as possible in the hope that in one it will stick and someone will see it.
I feel they care little for whatever genre they are writing under and they only care for the press that comes from it. In the music industry you don't see rappers/country artists so why in the literary world do we see romance/science fiction/poets?
In my opinion the crossovers have no real passion or belief in any one genre so they write in them all and to me it's disturbing. In my belief they also lessen and take away from the accomplishments of true artists solely dedicated to one genre and one genre alone.
You never see a proctologist/brain surgeon and so you shouldn't have the fake author/poets of the world that lessen what poets do in the art.
I study karate and I took the time to find a real street effective self defense system of genuine value that is not used for sport or pretty acrobatic shows. I have a passion for the art and I'm true to it not wanting to mix it up with other things like a bad salad. It's already perfect in every way to me without myself or someone else mixing things in and changing it's real and effective and valuable origin.
I guess my message to crossovers would be to stop diluting the art we care for by just dabbling in it and then calling yourself a poet because you disgrace real poets by doing that. Take a look at what happened to M.C. Hammer when he went and crossed over from dancing to thug and you'll understand the phoney light real poets see you in.
Think about having passion and originality for once and be true to your art with emphasis on the part that says your art. Leave ours alone and stop diluting it with your novice work and overblown ego. Be true to your art people.
Once you cross and change an art it ceases to be what it was and it begins to change because of dabblers and crossovers looking for another place to post their names and it sickens me.
If you know your true and real interest is not poetry then leave it to the people who have it as a real and true interest and stick to writing romance or whatever you do because you're not and never will be a poet.
Color Plays An Important Role In Design And Graphics
Color schemes are fun no matter what they are being used for. Color schemes come into play when decorating a room or painting a house. They are created for use in web pages, clothing, or arts and crafts. There is something joyous in looking at, planning, and working with colors and trying to make them fit, aesthetically, into a piece of work. Colors send emotional messages, and they illustrate traditions, trends, or themes. Some of the most interesting color schemes are those applied to clothing.
In the 1970s, for example, the trend was for neon-like colors. Pink and green were used together in for a spring fashion extravaganza, with these two solid colors used in tunics, shifts, skirts and pants. The two colors in combination provided a nearly psychedelic display that nearly always brought springtime back for anyone who wore them. Even if you look at these colors together today, you will get the same feeling of spring.
Needlepoint patterns contain complicated and careful color schemes. These works use hundreds of shades of yarn and thread, and the artistic designer of a needlepoint pattern makes use of the appropriate color palettes by combining and integrating shades and hues of yarn or thread to create fine lines, details, sharp angles and shadows, and even degrees of light that make for a nearly photographic image.
In the profession of interior decorating, color schemes are also complex and demanding. They require much attention and a lot of study to be effective. The interior designer must think about things like where the light coming through a window will strike a particular color and how big a space will look if one color or another dominates it. These factors enter into the decisions of where to use particular colors in a home’s interior. The color wheel is available online at a number of web sites to help with color scheme decisions. There is also information online concerning the psychology of color and the impact that specific color combinations have on humans.
Color tools are also very useful in the area of web site design. Just like color schemes for offices and other interior design project, color schemes for web sites are very important to the overall success of the site. Color may even be more important online because most web sites are created to sell products or services, and designers want the site’s visitors to feel positive about their offerings. Using the appropriate color scheme and considering psychological factors that are related to color can make a site more successful. Different demographic factors, such as age, educational level, financial status, ethnicity, and others can be impacted through the presentation and layout of a web site. These elements of a site rely on color schemes to help them do the work of selling the product or service to a particular audience.
Poetry “Reborn” Emerges In Thriller Mystery Novel
Since Mohamed Ali–then Cassius Clay–announced that he had written “The world’s shortest poem,” I have known that I would be a poet. “ME? WHEE!” His triumphant proclamation evoking shivers within my troubled teenaged identity, for I reasoned in rhyme.
Everyday, hundreds-of-thousands of seemingly sane souls satisfy some innate need to bare their concealed character via atrocious alliteration or in delusional doggerel. As in Kris Kristofferson’s early works, the marvelous magic masquerades within sweet musical lyrics, providing us with eternal material transcending generational barriers.
Even if none but we are ever allowed to examine our hidden essence, an inner longing is unleashed–only to be squished–should we presume to be published.
In1978, I self-published my first poetry book, Beacon©, to an enthusiastic reception of some uninformed who didn’t realize, fearing rejection, I had never submitted my musings to somber publishers. After all, Rod McKuen, suffering countless rejections, had self-published. And he was said–at that time–to be, “The world’s most widely read poet.”
To the accolade of local yokel fans, the following year, I followed up with Imperfections©, Verse by Russ Miles, songs and thoughts reflecting who, where, and what I was–at that time in my life. Even more well received, I was enjoying the affirmative attention of a metropolitan newspaper poetry editor insisting that I co-chair a college invitational symposium for wantabe poets with the State Poet LaTourette. My books selling well, a youthful, insatiable ego was being satisfactorily stroked.
Then, a strange thing happened. I caught a case of conscience. What if an unforgiving God held me accountable for my wanton actions or the impact of foisting my unholy understandings upon innocents?
Frightening purgatorial–or worse–reprisal prospects triggered instantaneous actions. Removing all remaining copies from the marketplaces which I had developed for distribution, I stopped penning poetry for the next twenty-five years.
Disabled at age fifty-three by Multiple Sclerosis, I found myself writing another book, For Sale By Owners:FSBO©. A mystery thriller novel evolved offering some insights that only a self-absorbed, worldly man of three messed-upped marriages could possibly convey.
I continue learning that God is so forgiving. How He can inspire good to come of all things. Even some of my old songs are once more awaiting discovery thanks to Red Haring, the song-writing, truck-driving character appearing between the FSBO covers.
By today’s standards, Red Haring’s vivid verse words and wayward rhyme renderings are no longer abysmal. Rather they reflect the subtle “It’s all about me” immoral fiber of a masculine male–wrestling with post 9-11 internal issues–choosing to make changes in his so self-consumed life. Red’s songs emerge to stimulate reflections within Brooklyn Best, the no-saint heroine, real estate agent with whom he becomes romantically involved.
They end up working together to unravel some horrific homicides~in this reality based mystery~thriller novel. Through its use in a sub-plot, my poetry is being reborn.
As for Beacon© and Imperfections©, perhaps I’ll offer my few remaining hand signed & numbered “First Edition” & “Limited Edition” poetry books on e-Bay®. After all, John Grisham’s originally published novels are now collector’s items aren’t they?
Pros And Cons Of Buying A Big Screen TV
Nowadays, there are many big brands making Big Screen TV’s which are very popular everywhere. Big Screen TV like high-quality 5.1-channel surround sound systems would definitely pull you into the movie action or TV show's story line just the way big movie theater screens and sound systems do. But at the same time sometimes a too-large TV can really overpower a room. To get the right big-screen TV for your needs, you'll need to consider screen size, the display technology, your budget, and also the viewing preferences. TV screens are being made much bigger, so that they are similar in shape to movie screens and the picture quality is being improved by technical tricks so that new projection sets will provide superior images even from standard broadcasts and videotapes.
While buying a big screen TV for your home it is important that you choose the screen size according to your room size. Your seating distance will determine your sense of picture clarity and detail as well as the quality of the viewing experience.
Big Screen TV’s are available in both Plasma and LCD. Plasma screens use a matrix of tiny gas plasma cells charged by precise electrical voltages to create a picture. LCD-Liquid Crystal Display screens are in layman's terms sandwiches made up of liquid crystal pushed in the space between two glass plates. Images are created by varying the amount electrical charge applied to the crystals.
Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses. For home entertainment, plasma TV screens have a slight edge over LCD TV’s that’s because plasma TV screens can display blacks more ac-curately than LCD TV screens thus they give better contrast and detail in dark-colored television or movie scenes. In LCD technology a backlight shines through the LCD layer which makes it harder for it to achieve true blacks because there is always some light leakage from between pixels.
These cool plasma and LCD flat panels which are only a few inches thick are alluring, but budget, screen size, and your need for optimal HDTV clarity are big factors you must consider. You may have to pay as high as $8,000 USD in order to get full HDTV resolution on a plasma panel which would mean getting a 50-inch diagonal screen but if you are willing to compromise with the flat panel and accept a more conventional box you can get full HDTV resolution for a fraction of that amount. However if you still like the flat panel and can do with a good but not true HD picture quality, you can save a lot of money on a smaller LCD or plasma display.
So, folks set your budget, decide on what you want and get the perfect Big Screen TV for your home. Invite your friends and enjoy the next game with loud cheers and drinks!!!
What Is A Scrapbook?
All of us have heard of scrapbook but not all of us have really ventured into creating one. One sometimes really wonders whether creating a scrapbook is something we should attempt. These books filled with pictures, quotes and memories were definitely in vogue when we were kids and most of our parents had one wherein they stored memorable moments of us growing up. With the digital cameras taking over, our parents definitely had many more photo albums than we do.
A scrapbook is a book that aids in collecting scraps of memory to keep safe till the time you decide to take a walk down memory lane and revisit school or college days once you are too old to have vivid memories. It is something like a ‘pensieve' in which Dumbledore saves his memories except the one that you have will have will need to be created without the aid of magic.
Magic or no magic, you can conjure up a delightful scrapbook by a little bit of creativity. It can recount events of certain specific important days, have pictures of your first crush, include dried up petals of the first rose you ever got and be personalized with hand written comments from friends and dear ones.
Each scrapbook is personal and speaks a million words about the individual. Many secrets are hidden in the folds of the book and may be revisited years later. For many it is a fantastic way of capturing memories that you might forget later to share with your children and your loved ones once you are ready. Scrapbooks can form a lovely intimate gift to give someone you love, be it your kids or spouse.
Some people have the urge to create their own scrapbooks but feel that they are not creative enough to do justice to the concept. For such people many companies have made life easier by providing solution and easy do-it-yourself guides. There are many pre-packaged scrapbooks available that have various sections to kick-start the creative process. These are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased even if you are not sure whether you shall see light at the end of the tunnel. If you are crazed about the idea of a scrapbook and do not have the time to do it yourself, then hiring someone to do the job can also be considered. Even though the professional might do justice to the individuality that you want to lend to the book, creating a scrapbook on your own has its own charm.
How to Up Your Chances of Winning Poetry Contests
With so many poetry contests available both online and in poetry journals, you don’t have to look too hard to find one that suits your writing style and your wallet. While some poetry contests are free to enter, they may not have a great prize in return. On the other hand, some poetry contests that charge you ten or fifteen dollars to enter do not really offer you a lot in return. Spending fifteen dollars to win one hundred when you are competing with hundreds or even thousands of other writers is not a good gamble.
So when you find a contest that has both a tolerable entry fee and a reasonable payoff, you can enter. You may need to look at several contests before you decide on one that is right for you in terms of style. It is important to read the work of previous winners online if possible.
If the contest is sponsored by a university publication or a literary journal, you should pick up a copy or two of this journal to see what type of poetry appeals to the editors. Pay attention to the theme of the issue as it could affect the kind of poetry you read for that month. Try reading another theme to see if the style is similar even if the subject matter has changed. Then when you find a place that seems to publish work that is similar in style and tone to yours, check out the guidelines.
This is probably the best thing you can do, besides have natural talent, to win a poetry contest: follow the guidelines. It is not impressive to editors or contest judges if you try to be unique by straying from these rules. They are in place for a reason. Usually, this reason is to make the job of the editors and judges easier. They will be inundated with entries. If all the pages are uniform and the type is big enough to read, their lives will be much less stressful. If you are the one with the odd sized paper and blue font, you will make a bad impression rather than a memorable one.
So stick to the guidelines about page size, usually a standard eight by ten sheet of printer paper. Also use a font that is readable, at least an eleven or twelve point in something like New Courier, Arial, or Times New Roman. Also be sure that you follow guidelines about having you name and contact information on the page. Some people want a copy of your poem with no name on it so that judging is not biased by previously published work.
Remember to note whether or not you can go over one page for your poem. If they want you to stick to one page, this is not license to create two columns of stanzas on one sheet of paper, nor is it appropriate to shrink your type to a size that will fit a too-long poem on a single page. If your poem is too long, pick another one to enter or find another contest.
Finally, use the editor’s name in your cover letter and double check spelling. Be professional rather than artistic in your presentation.
You can find a list of poetry contests to enter at http://www.poetrycontests.biz/
Watch Unlimited Free Movies | How To Evaluate A Movie Download Service
With the advent of PCs, DVDs, Mp3 players and iPods, taking your movies and music along with you has never been easier. Building your portable library however can be an expensive venture if you are paying a fee every time you download a movie, game or music. Fortunately, there are many different movie download services to evaluate and join to watch unlimited free movies.
So, how do you evaluate a movie download service and watch unlimited free movies? First, it's important to note that most movie download networks are not completely free. They usually have a set up fee or there may be a monthly charge. There are 4 important criteria that a respectable movie download service should meet. This will tell you whether or not you will get a valuable and enjoyable service for your money.
The first thing you should look for in a movie download service is a guarantee of no spyware, adware or pop-ups. Spyware, adware and pop-ups are not only annoying; they can be downright dangerous to your computer system. Many people also consider them an invasion of privacy.
Second. Look for a movie download service that allows you to download and watch unlimited free movies. You should not be charged a service fee every time you download a movie. Another thing to watch for is a recurring monthly fee. The best movie download services will have a one time set up fee with no per movie download fee and no monthly service fee.
Third. Check to see if the movie download service you are considering also has games, music and other types of media available for download. There is where you will get the most bangs for your buck. Some movie download services will also offer sporting events, music videos and even your favorite TV programs. The more options that are offered, the better chances you have of being well satisfied with the money you have spent of your movie download service. Some movie download services will also offer sporting events, music videos and even your favorite TV programs.
Fourth. Technical support is vital. A great movie download service isn't worth much if you can't get technical support when necessary. The best services will offer 24 hour technical support assistance and you should be able to reach someone via email or by phone if you have a question or a problem with your service. If the technical support is via email, the turn around time to get an answer to your question should be 24 hours or less.
Armed with these 4 important criteria to evaluate the multitude of movie download services available on the internet, knowing how to evaluate a movie download service should appear to be a bit easier. If a movie download service meets the minimum criteria, you may be reasonably sure you can watch unlimited free movies for a long time to come.
If, An Online Marketer's Internet Addiction Poem, Can You Relate to This?
IF, An Online Internet Marketing Poem
If before you have turned on the coffee, or got your kids fed, If you are the last one dressed and ready to leave the house, While others in the family get ready, your still moving a mouse.
If you have more friends online, than you do in real life, And hubby refers to you as his cyber wife.
If you cook dinner between web pages and downloads, And your brain is dreaming about java script codes.
If your daughter tells her teacher moms a computeraholic, And you always push, "view source" to see how web pages tic,
If you are still sitting with blood shot eyes in that chair, While the rest of the family is off having fun somewhere,
If the dishes are piled high on the counter and sink, You know you should be doing them, you just got to hit one more link.
If all of the above in life seem too true, Maybe you should rule your computer, instead of letting it rule you!
By Laurie Meade Copyright 2002-2005 All Rights Reserved.
Dedicated to my 4 children, who I learned are growing to quickly for me to allow the computer to rule me.
Poetry Critics
My name is Jeffrey Michael Miller and my book entitled " From The Inside Out " is my first collection of poetry that's been published through Publishamerica. The book is doing well and even though this is my first book I've been writing poetry for quite some time. I care about the art and how the art effects people.
I want to talk some about how poetry is seen in my opinion and how narrow the view of some can be when it comes to poetry and the worth and value it holds in society. I've heard many times by reviewers and critics and even booksellers that poetry books are hard to sell and that little interest is taken in the art of poetry by the general public but I beg to differ on these views held by so many in the literary world.
I feel poetry is such a unique and expressive art that has stood the test of time and as we look back on poets like Wordsworth and Dickinson and all the wonderful poets of a time gone by we can all agree that nobody can discount or dismiss the contributions these people have made to the literary world.
The Wordsworth's and Lord Byron's are still out there today working hard to bring back into the mainstream the powerful emotions and feelings that once struck a chord so long ago. These people are putting their heart and soul into their words and putting forth messages that they want to share with readers from all origins and backgrounds.
We should not put limitations on them by telling them their art is dead or that their art is not much of a selling point in society because it is and if it wasn't we would not have so many poetry forums and websites accross the infinite space of the internet from nation to nation. One website I visited has over five million poets in their database alone so obviously their is an interest in poetry and it's growing bigger with every passing day. Multitudes of people from accross the globe enjoy this art we call poetry and this is a fact that should not be ignored.
There is also a problem in my view with some people who take the role of critic and these people judge the work of others and seek to influence how an individual chooses to express themselves through poetry. I feel that each person and expression is unique and I have never been much of a fan of the critic as Teddy Roosevelt reminded us in " The Battle of Life " it's not the critic that counts and I agree.
Individualism and uniqueness spawns genius in my opinion in every facet of life or work and it's also certainly true when it comes to poetry. I want to read new and freshly presented material from someone original. I don't want to see someone trying to copy another artist or his or her ways. I want to see someone expressing their own ways that I will not judge because I feel I have no rightful place in doing so.
We must remember that it's not my opinion or the opinion of a critic that counts when it comes to you and your work and the feelings you wish to present. These things are yours and yours alone that nobody should touch or try to fine tune in any fashion. If Shakespeare had allowed his work to be sorted out and played with by the masses then he would not have been the Shakespeare we know today and your work will not be yours if you allow it to be changed to fit the views of others.
Let your vision and your work live and die on it's own and let it live independantly and develop into what you wish it to be not what someone else wants it to be so it never ceases to be your very own.