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July 9, 2011

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Classic Rock Performers Who Have Had A Lasting Influence On Music

Classic rock is a fundamental part of American history. Many of todays leading bands can trace their styles back to the influence of certain musicians. While every song made available to the world has had an impact on the music industry, there are certain performers who will eternally stand at the forefront of music.

From folk rock to psychedelic rock, there have been many groundbreaking sounds and voices. Here are the top ten most influential classic rock bands in history.

Elvis Presley

While Elvis is not traditionally viewed in the classic rock genre, it is impossible to ignore his influence on the world of Rock-n-Roll. As the first to expose mainstream America to something other than traditional family music, he faced a tremendous amount of opposition from the mainstream.

Despite the extreme racism exhibited during the 1950s, Elvis never hesitated to give appropriate credit to his inspirations. Mainly African-American performers influenced Elvis sound and style. Southern radio disc jockeys originally refused to play Elvis singles, because they sounded “too Negro” for white stations to air.

It was not just Elvis sound, but also his performance, that drew controversy. The movement of his hips in a suggestive manner sparked an entire decade of debate.

Despite the firestorm of criticism that surrounded Elvis reign, his continuing popularity has ensured that Elvis crown as the King of Rock and Roll would remain valid for decades, even decades after his death.

The Beatles

As the best selling musical act of all-time, it is hard to deny the influence of the Beatles, not only on the musical culture of America, but also on every aspect of human life. The Beatles included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Star, and George Harrison.

Their innovative style defined the music of the 1960s – - twice. They began their career in England, and when they came to America, they were already a huge success in the United States. In their early years, they had defined pop music for a new generation.

As the hippy days of the late 1960s began to take hold of Americas young people, the Beatles redefined their music again, with another new style of music lauded by the masses. Their very loud stance on drug use and war made them a controversial group, but their popularity never wavered. Although the Beatles retained the loyalty and admiration of their late 1960s audiences until the group broke up, the touring days of the Beatles ended in 1966 when John Lennon proclaimed, “The Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ.”

Bob Dylan

Dylan has one of the most easily recognizable voices in the world. Raspy and full of passion, Bob Dylans sound is distinctive. His songs are amazing and defined a generation obsessed with the themes of social unrest, an anti-war stance, and encouragement for the civil rights movement.

A traditional folk singer, Dylans works transcended all genres and appealed to countless young Americans. His sincere lyrics spoke to many and made it possible to empathize with his many causes.

Jimi Hendrix

As the undisputed master of the electric guitar, Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock foundation. The self-taught guitar player refused to be limited by many of the conventional views of guitar players.

Prior to Jimi Hendrixs development as a guitar player, the electric guitar was considered to merely be a louder version of the acoustic guitar. Hendrix embraced the uniqueness of the electric guitar and showed his appreciation for it to the rest of the world.

Pink Floyd

Easily considered the greatest band of all time, Pink Floyds unique style and showmanship defined psychedelic rock. Their concept albums were thematic masterpieces that appealed to countless audiences. The Dark Side Of The Moon, Animals, and The Wall each still stand out today as great Rock masterpieces.

The Who

Also known for their thematic records, The Who pioneered the idea of rock opera. Most famous for their collaborative efforts with every major musical figure of their time, Tommy The Rock Opera ensured the longevity of the band into the future.

Their success and fame were not limited to their unique approach to concept albums. Their musical skills are still highly regarded in both mainstream circles and in the entertainment industry. Their music is currently being used as the theme song for at least three of the most popular show on TV on the air today.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones have easily maintained their position as one of the longest lasting bands in recording history. Like most popular rock bands of the age, they were an England-based band that was more than happy to take on America.

Their grungy unkempt image became so popular; many artists are still attempting to master it. Their unique sound and high quality lyrics have kept them at the top of the charts for almost 40 years.

Cream

Cream, featuring guitarist Eric Clapton, was one of the most technically advanced music groups of their time. Their instrumental techniques became legendary and paved the way for other bands to focus on developing their instrument techniques, in addition to their lyrics.

The Doors

The Doors have always been one of the most controversial bands that had ever existed. Jim Morrisons wild behavior set the tone for the countless musical bad boys that would follow in his footsteps.

The poetic lyrics of The Doors, as well as their outrageous behavior, made them a crowd favorite.

Led Zeppelin

The road to heavy metal was paved by Led Zeppelin. Their first album was pivotal in its inclusion of distorted amplification techniques. Over the years, their experimentation included mixing acoustic and electric sounds, with the addition of synthesized melodies. The success of Led Zeppelin helped establish a strong base for the development of metal music.

Few people of their generation or the current generation realize that like Elvis, Led Zeppelin took most of their inspiration from African-American performers. As a lifelong fan of Led Zeppelin, it is was oddly fascinating to listen to some of the not-so-famous African-American rhythm-and-blues performers of the 1930s, and to be able to hear the Led Zeppelin songs we have loved for years in a whole new way.

Final Thoughts

Clearly, these ten bands had a significant impact on the evolution of Rock-n-Roll music through the generations, but it is more difficult to put them into an ordered list of important groups. Lets just agree that most of us love all ten bands on this list.

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Dance Class: Making it Safe for Children

A dance class should be safe for students particularly young children. Parents should ensure that the place their children go to a class that provides adequate training and amenities for them.

Some parents may consider the location, time and price of the class but the most important factor to look into is the safety of the kid. They should make sure that the child is getting the right training without overexertion.

Safety to children does not only mean safety in the studios physical features. It also means proper training methods which is suitable for the age of the child. This will help prevent unwanted injuries while dancing.

The parent must see to it that the child gets proper supervision and adequate training that do not strain his or her young body. The teacher has to consider that the childs age pose some developmental limitations when it comes to physical exertion. He is, for instance, not capable of lifting his partner.

  1. To be able to determine if the class is safe, the parents should be able to watch the class.
  2. The students must be able to follow the teachers direction.
  3. If most students are struggling with the instruction, the dance classes might be too advanced for their skill level.
  4. This is an indication that the training might be too strenuous for the child.
  5. Another factor parents should look into is the number of accidents or injuries in the class.
  6. If the teacher fails to provide a comprehensive warm-up for the kids before the start of the lessons, this can result in injuries.
  7. If the child just experience temporary aches at the early stages of the lessons then that is understandable.

But if the muscle pain does not go away then the routine could be too advanced for the child or they are not doing enough warm-up exercises. It is best if the parent asks the child if he or she experiences physical problems after the dance. This can prevent injuries from occurring or worsening them.

The childrens bodies may be flexible but plunging into their routine immediately right after they get into class will not be beneficial to them in the long run. This practice can have harmful effects on the joint, tendon and muscles. Dance education should forego preliminary procedures.

If there are acrobatic exercises to be executed in dance classes, it will best that the floor have cushions or mats. The cushion will be great for any tumbling, twisting or flipping moves in a dance. This can prevent the child from getting injured or strained.

There are some lessons that require several years of training before a child can take part in it. If the school does not allow your child to join in some lessons then that means it is not age-appropriate for her or him. You should not insist on enrolling because forcing a child to study dance techniques beyond her age and experience can lead to physical problems later.

Children below 6 years old should be allowed to experience several dancing classes. Older children who have enrolled in dancing classes and wish to quit should be allowed to do so. A child who is not interested in the class will most likely not learn anything. Forcing your child will not produce positive results. A dance class for children should be a fun, exciting and safe experience for the child.

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Dance Classes for Adults

People who have not started dancing at an early age may want to try dancing when they reach their 30s or even the golden years. The method of teaching an adult dance class may differ from other age groups. Adults do not have the same physical make-up with younger dancers. They are not as flexible as children. This is one consideration that teachers look into when teaching adults.

It would be best for adults to enroll in dance classes whose teachers understand this unique requirement. Adults will have certain concerns and limitations that do not bother other age groups. For instance, they may find it awkward wearing revealing clothes, they are worried about getting injured or they might feel out of place in a group comprised mostly of young dance students.

Dance instruction should not be for the different age groups. The reason for this is largely due to physiological differences. An adult beginner dancer enrolled in dance class filled with teenagers may find themselves pushing too hard to keep up with the young ones. These could pose risks to their health rather than help them.

  1. Adults must look for a studio where they can have a good warm-up before doing the dance routines.
  2. A good warm-up consists of exercises that move the joints from neck down and all muscles.
  3. It should enhance flexibility, balance and speed.
  4. The exercise should last 30 minutes for a one-hour class.
  5. If the class runs for 90 minutes then a 45 minute warm-up would be enough.
  6. Warm-up exercises usually become routine.
  7. This will enable adult students to memorize the steps and make the most of the exercises.

The dance warm-ups must make use of aerobic motion. This will develop flexibility of body. It will also help prepare the body for the physical demands of the class.

Exercises that are non-weight bearing enable adults to utilize their energy for lifting and holding without using balance. Progressive exercises will prepare the adult step-by-step on a level they are comfortable with.

Warm-ups that only use basic stretches, kicks or bending are not sufficient. The requirement should be moving all muscles and joints of the body. Basic moves cannot accomplish that. Insufficient warm-up can pose risks of injury and strain to an adult dancer.

A great teacher should inquire from the adult dancers if they have existing injuries or if they have physical conditions that pose limitations on their movements that day. An instructor must be able to communicate to students not just issue directions. This will make the class more interactive and fun for the student.

After a good warm-up, dancers will proceed to the center of the studio. The teacher demonstrates to the student how certain moves are made. If there are limitations in an adult dancers movements due to a physical condition then the teacher must not force her or him to execute some steps. A teacher is there to guide not to force instruction.

Adult students do not attend classes to be able to compete professionally. This is a very rare occurrence although not an impossible situation. Adult students usually enroll for the love of salsa dancing. If an adult student has the passion for the dance then letting him or her help choreograph will enable the dancer to feel fulfilled.

An adult dancer who learns to be flexible can perform as well as the young dancers. It might take time to perfect a performance but the dancer can learn various moves that will help in the dance. Jumping, twisting, turning, balancing and partnering are all part of the rigorous demands of dancing which an adult should prepare for. Teachers can make a difference in the adult dancing experience in a dance class by helping him or her adjust.

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Display Your Strength With Eagle Tattoos

There are great deals of important factors that go into getting a tattoo, including where your tattoo belongs on your body. Different tattoos have different story and importance behind it. Eagle tattoos are one of them that reflect strength and are the common choices for men and women who serve as police officers, firefighters, soldiers, or other service members. Emphasizing articulates such as freedom, strength, and liberty are popular choices added to banners or underneath a tattoo of an eagle particularly if the tattoo is done as a memorial or tribute to someone to make the whole image impressive.

Eagles are counted among the birds of strength with strong talon that soars high in the sky and possess keen eyesight. The images of eagles hold an important position in history also. They appeared in various emblems of the past history in many different lands and their importance have been mentioned in different historical events of the past. For instance in Native American cultures, the free-spirited eagle are deeply profoundly honored and their feathers were also given importance. They were often given as a sign of pride, security or friendship. Even in ancient Greece eagle was worshiped as it was thought to have some association with the god Sun. You can also find the name of the eagle has been mentioned in the Norse mythology. It had some association with the god Odin, who represented wisdom.

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  1. Eagle tattoos are unique in themselves and it can be also done in many different creative ways and just about anywhere on the body but still the most common area for this type of tattoo is the upper arm, followed by the shoulders, and the upper and lower back areas.
  2. Eagle tattoos whether it is with spread wings or roosting position are really eye-catching.
  3. The most important feature of eagle tattoo is its feather.
  4. So if the tattoo is done on a large area with spread wings where every details of the wing are clearly visible provides the eagle tattoo with a realistic appearance.
  5. The back is a great location for eagle tattoo with their wings fully spread as if in flight.
  6. You can also ink your back with another popular swooping pose of an eagle.
  7. This swooping poses of the eagle targeting its prey with sharp talons is really mind blowing, and of course the internet and many tattoo shops are full of images of the majestic eagle in varying poses.

Small eagle tattoos featuring only the head of the bird can be inked on the leg or armbands, or can be incorporated into another design. There are many tattoo shops and websites that will provide you with varying poses of eagle.

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Famous Quotations On Various Topics

Quotes in short can be described as a smarter way to describe ones opinion on certain topic and feelings. Though quotes is more like a poem but quotes is more fun to read as well as to understand. Many great individuals from different fields such as science, history, movie stars, musicians and politicians have shared famous quotes on their view on various aspects. Marilyn Monroe, Bob Marley, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Confucius, John Lennon, William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Jim Morrison, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela are some of the most famous authors. Thought they too quote on their related fields yet they also have quoted on various topics and topic related to general life such as love, relationship, fame and so on.

  • Marilyn Monroe one of the most famous Hollywood actresses is also known for her smart quotes on various topics ranging from women freedom to her personal life.
  • Some of her most famous quotes includes, If you can make a girl laugh – you can make her do anything, Hollywood is a place where theyll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul, Husbands are chiefly good lovers when they are betraying their wives, Some people have been unkind.
  • If I say I want to grow as an actress, they look at my figure.
  • If I say I want to develop, to learn my craft, they laugh. Somehow they dont expect me to be serious about my work. Bob Marley, one of the most famous musicians and singer in the world is also famous for his quotes. His quotes ranges everything from music to world affairs.

Some of his most popular quotes are, Dont worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright, Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned, everywhere is war and until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation, until the colour of a mans skin is of no more significance than the colon of his eyes. And until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race, there is war. And until that day, the dream of lasting peace, world citizenship, rule of international morality, will remain but a fleeting illusion to be pursued, but never attained… now everywhere is war.

William Shakespeare, one of the worlds most renowned poets and writer is also famous for his quotes such as Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs. Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers eyes. Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers tears. What is it else? A madness most discreet, a choking gall and a preserving sweet Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my King, He would not in mine age have left me naked to mine enemies.

There are myriads of famous quotes from famous celebrities as well as from normal individuals, but no matter what reading a smart and snappy quote is always fun.

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Free Online Poetry Competitions

A lot of people are always looking to enter poetry contests. Poetry competitions can be free to enter or charge you a fee to enter. Poets usually search for the free ones. Poem contests can be set up as a general competition which would allow writers to submit any form of poetry or set up as an inspirational, motivational, love, urban or Christian poem contest.

In inspirational poem competition writers are usually told to enter a poem that is in some kind of way inspiring. Poetry about overcoming a difficult challenge, hope or self-esteem could be entered into an inspirational poetry competition. Writers who like writing inspiring poems are probably the most likely ones to enter.

Motivation poetry contests usually require people to enter a poem that is motivational. A poem about achieving a goal, gaining something or on self-esteem can be entered into a motivation poetry contest. Motivation poetry is written a lot by people. Just hearing about a motivation poetry contest could motivate a person to write a motivation poem.

  • When it comes to love poetry love poem contests requires poets to enter a poem in the area of love.
  • A love poem can be about romance, family or friendship.
  • Because a lot of poets write love poetry lots of poets look for love poetry contests to enter.
  • Most times when people write love poems its about the love that they have for another person that they are in a relationship with.

Urban poetry is a very popular form of poetry. African American poets are most known for writing urban poetry because of urban culture. For a writer to enter an urban poem contest their poem would have to relate to urban culture in some kind of way. Urban poetry is generally written with urban style words.

A short story poetry contest is a competition that usually requires a writer to enter a short poem that is written in a story style. People who write fantasy or fiction poetry are most likely the ones to be interested in a competition like this. Short story poetry can be written about any thing as long as its in the style of a story.

Christian poetry competitions are competitions based on Christians faith in God. These contests most likely would require that the enter poem be about God in some kind of way. Poets who often write pure poems or go to church are usually the ones who enter this kind of poem competition. At the same time poets who do not believe in God or have faith in God may enter a Christian poetry competition with a poem that explains their disbelief in God.

Before entering a poem contest it may be wise to know a little about the host of the competition. Some people set up poetry competition scams in order to gain something most of the time money. Poem contests may be found on the internet, in a magazine and hosted by local community business or organizations. Poems entered into poetry contests are usually very creative so in order to win the contest a person should try to write a great poem.

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Hollywoods Fling with the Mob

Hollywood is home to some of the biggest movie production companies, directors, actors and actresses. Today Hollywood is the word used for the glamorous multibillion dollar US film industry. It is also home to some of the world biggest names in the entertainment industry and a place that most up and comers aspire to be on day. How could Hollywood ever be linked with the Mob? On the surface Hollywood would seem to be worlds apart from the murderers, extortionist, and gangsters in the Mob. But on closer inspection you can see that the film industry and the mob are very similar indeed.

Many of the Hollywood stars and moguls often originated from the same place as the gangsters, in that they were immigrants from Europe or sons of immigrants. For instance, the Warner brothers were sons of a Polish cobbler while the Cohn brothers were sons of a German tailor. And Frank Sinatras grandfather lived in the same village as Lucky Luciano.

With the film industry being so successful in Hollywood, of course the mafia would be attracted to it and the huge potential for financial gain. The need for huge amounts of cash to create a movie meant that this was perfect for laundering money unlike other forms of “fronting” such as a manufacturing business which take a bit of time to set up before they can start washing money. So the mafia would be naturally attracted to such an opportunity. It would be simple enough for the mafia to move into the film industry.

  1. Bankers were always reluctant to lend the huge sums required to make a film
  2. Because they saw the film industry a volatile and unable to produce a consistent return on investment, but the gangsters who already controlled the film industry unions were prepared to take a greater risk for bigger reward.
  3. Control of the unions gave the mob greater leverage over the film industry.
  4. Although the big movie producers were all too happy to jump into bed with the mob because it afforded them more financial freedom.

Film historian David Thomson once said that the Hollywood moguls in the Golden Age (1920s to late 1950s) often behaved like gangsters, which was probably largely down to their very close relationship with the mob. MGM boss Louis B. Mayer was good friends with gangster

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Introduction to Chinese Painting

Calligraphy and painting were two of the most prized art forms in antediluvian China. Calligraphy was thought to be the highest and purest form of painting. The annals of painting in China dates back to the 2nd century BCE. In the earliest era, painting and writing were made out on silk, until paper was subsequently developed during the 1st century CE.

Chinese art, and in particular, Chinese painting is greatly treasured around the globe. Chinese painting can be retraced to as far back as six thousand years ago in the Neolithic Age when the Chinese have started using brushes in their paintings. Chinese art dates back even sooner than that.

According to subject matter, Chinese paintings can be classified as landscapes, character paintings and flower-and-bird paintings. In traditional Chinese painting, Chinese landscape painting embodies a major category, depicting nature, especially mountains and bodies of water. Landscapes have customarily been the choice of the Chinese because they manifest the poetry characteristic in nature. Accordingly, many esteemed paintings are landscapes.

The most popularly known form of Chinese painting is “Water-ink” painting, where water-ink is the medium. Some of the basic things required for the Chinese painting include: paper, brush, ink or ink stick, ink stone, and color.

  1. Brush: The Chinese brush is a mandatory tool for Chinese painting. The brush should be sturdy and pliable. Two types of brushes are used. The more delicate brush is created from white sheep hair. This brush should be soaked first, and then dried to prevent curling. The second one is made from fox or deer sable fibers, which are very durable, and is inclined to paint better. The procedure the brush is used depends on the varied features of brush strokes one wants to obtain, such as weight, lightness, gracefulness, ruggedness, firmness, and fullness. Various forms of shades are applied to impart space, texture, or depth.
  2. Ink Stick: There are three types of Ink Stick: resin soot, lacquer soot, and tung-oil soot. Of the three, tung-oil soot is the most commonly used. Otherwise, Chinese ink is best if ink stick or ink stone are ineffectual.
  3. Paper: The most generally used paper is Xuan paper, which is fabricated of sandalwood bark. This is exceptionally water retentive, so the color or ink disperses the moment the brush stroke is put down. The second most well-known is Mian paper.
  4. Color: The most former Chinese paintings used Mo, a type of natural ink, to produce monochromatic representations of nature or day-to-day life. Made of pine soot, mo is combined with water to get unique shades for conveying appropriate layers or color in a painting.

Chinese painting is called shui-mo-hua. Shui-mo is the combination of shui (water) and mo. There are two styles of Chinese painting. They are gong-bi or detailed style, and xie-yi or freehand style. The second is the most common, not only since the objects are depicted with just a few strokes, but likewise because shapes and sprites are drawn by uncomplicated curves and natural ink. Many ancient poets and students used xie-yi paintings to give tongue to their religious anguish.

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Join My Band, How To Skyrocket Your Bands Popularity

Join my band, thats what youve got to be asking your fans to do, not just people you know, but the people that dont know you yet, and its not as hard as it sounds. Chances are, you are asking people to watch you, buy your merchandise and a few other routes that many bands take, and fail. This is because you are looking at the same methods that countless other bands use to generate publicity. Well, I can tell you now, the secret to making it in music is to do something different to the herd. Read on and let me explain.

Many bands out there are looking to increase their popularity, get more gigs, draw larger crowds and make money from their music. Its natural to find something that you like doing and try to get paid, or gain recognition from doing it. Theyve tried Myspace, Facebook, Flyers etc, etc, etc and the results are still the same, little or no gain in popularity and miles away from making real money from their music.

The problem with the band promotion ideas that many bands come up with, is that they are listening generally to their peer group. How many times have you played a gig to a handful of people, sold a couple of tee-shirts or cds and been told to “keep plugging away, youll get there

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Love Is

Love is the union of two people,
Who strive to attain many mutual goals.
Love is accepting ones good and the bad,
Of sharing the jolly times and also the bad.

Love is taking one another just as they are,
And making them feel like a bright shining star.
Love is knowing what the other one needs,
Showing you care with kind words and deeds.

Love is supporting the other without gain,
Of sharing the grace to forgive a wrong,
To heel a slight and not carry it long.

Love is the security and earned trust,
The feeling of safe and that is a must.
love is the gentle,warm, kind embrace,
Of two hearts wanting to share common space…

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