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Ansel Adams – American photographer, lecturer & writer who made some extraordinary nature based black and white photos for which he is best known. The main hunting ground for his black and white photography were national parks dotted around North America.

The 1902 birth of Ansel Adams signalled an early love of photography encouraged by the natural beauty of San Francisco, California and his own passion for this art. The Golden Gate was a key area for his early photography.

Throughout most of his photography career, Ansel Adams spent alot of time in Yosemite Sierra, where his true passion lied most. Ansel Adams loved to hike, climb and journey around the beautiful landscapes ever since his very first camera, a present from his parents.

The relationship between Paul Strand and Ansel Adams, who first met in 1930, was to shape the future of straight photography, which Adams had not gained fame for previously.

Ansel Adams loved travelling to various parts of North America in order to photograph his favorite destinations. This connection between his photographs and the landscapes was understood by his audience.

Black and White Photography offers a frozen in time snapshot of a landscape, and it was Ansel Adams that first showed this style. He remains key to the whole industry of black and white photography prints, and his own photographs are in thousands of homes around North America and the rest of the world.

Half Dome, Merced River, Winter by Ansel Adams was created in his beloved Yosemite Valley. Adams took the photograph from Old Sentinel Bridge near the Yosemite Chapel. Snow, trees and mountains gave this photograph a classic feel and had Ansel Adams’ timeless photography style.

American Art and Photography owes a great deal to Ansel Adams whose passion for Black and White Photography was infectious.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Tom Gurney
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G.O.O.D. music artist Kid Cudi has decided to take the leap from hip hop to acting. You can expect to see Cudi staring in a lead role in a upcoming HBO series.

The truth is I have received a couple of press releases about a rapper named Kid Cudi as well as a few media packages, but I have never heard of him.

Out of no where Kid Cudi’s name have been popping up all over the place. I decided to do a little home work and I found some of his mix tape work. Boy was I blown away – Kid Cudi represents the essence of hip hop and what it represents.

Alright… Maybe I have gotten off track just a little! Back to the facts… The series that Kid Cudi will be featured in on HBO is entitled, “How To Make It In America.” What makes me believe that this series is going to be a hit is because HBO has obviously stacked the deck. The show is going to be produced by the same guy who produced Entourage. Mark Wahlberg is the executive producer, and Julian Farino will be directing.

His character’s name is Domingo Dean, and despite the successes that Kid Cudi has had as a rapper he insist that his character have nothing to do with the music business.

Although landing a lead roll in the new HBO series is extremely demanding Cudi has still maintained his music career. In fact he has a new album coming out September 15th entitled, “Man on the Moon: The End of Days.” The album will feature The Clipse, Common, Kanye West and hip hop super star Snoop Dogg. The production for the album was supported by Kanye West, Just Blaze and Will.i.am.

Tags: Music by Jenny Ortiz
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Chakra meditation is a form of meditation that emphasizes on 7 focal points in the body, and the effect that these focal points have when focused on. The manipulation of Chakra via meditation is more often than not used to enhance sensation to the organs surrounding each Chakra point, in addition as promote healing and good health to those points.

The 7 Chakra points include the Root Chakra, which is placed at the base of the spine. This Chakra is the focus of health within the body, in addition as thoughts on how the body connects to the material world. In Chakra meditation, Root Chakra is represented by the color red, and symbolized by the gemstones ruby and garnet. The Naval Chakra point is noted to be the color orange, and is represented by the materials amber and coral. In Chakra meditation, the Naval Chakra point is the focus of giving and receiving, and is similarly tied to love, compassion, sensitivity and the arts.

The Chakra point placed at the Solar Plexus is the one that focutilizes on transformation of self and the force of our will. The sense of power and authority is focused on here, also as self control and disciplines of our ego. This Chakra point is yellow, and is represented by amber and gold.

The Heart Chakra is green, and shares similarities with the Naval Chakra point. Rather than a more physical response to love, compassion and sensitivity, the Heart Chakra focuses strictly on the spiritual effects. The Heart Chakra is represented by the stones malachite and emerald.

The Throat Chakra is the point of communication. This is what may be focused on if you want to affect your thoughtfulness of speech, also as spoken truths and wisdom. The Throat Chakra is sky blue, and is represented by turquoise and blue topaz.

The Brow Chakra point, similarly known as the area of the Third Eye by those of the Buddhist faith, is what controls intuition, insight, imagination and clairvoyance. It’s represented by the color indigo, and the stones Lapis lazuli and sapphire.

The last Chakra point utilized in Chakra meditation is the Crown Chakra point. This point deals directly with the mind and spirit, and is the center of your contact with the divine. All aspects of extremeer self are focused upon in the Crown Chakra point. It is associated with the color violet, and is represented by amethyst, diamond, and quartz crystal.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Okeke Nnaemeka
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When hosting your childs party, there are a number of points to consider. It can be a sizeable task and even overwhelming with a house of screaming children making mess and spilling drinks. The following article should help you to avoid being overwhelmed, through proper organisation.

1. Location: Firstly consider the location; where you hold the party will determine the atmosphere, the mood, and the activities you are able to run. An outdoor venue is generally the best idea such as a park or playground, which are free to use and children have a great time running around in the sun. If its raining then consider hiring a hall, day care centre or even a restaurant which has an area for kids to run around.

2. Themes: Once the location is figured out you can think about the themes your child would like. Potential ones for girls are fairy and mermaid. Barbie and princess are also great. For boys you can do superheroes and pirates or goblins. You can make it no theme, but children love to get dressed up and use their imaginations it adds a unique touch to the party.

3. Decorating: To create an even more exciting and magical experience for your child it is important to build upon the theme and let the magical experience run throughout the day. For example with a fairy theme you can decorate the venue to look like fairy land with balloons and glitter and pink cushions etc. Get innovative with the names of the food, changing marshmallows to fairy clouds or the red cordial to love potion, chips can be goblin ears and coke can be witches broth.

4. Entertainment: If you are hiring an entertainer make sure you book a few weeks in advance to guarantee availability. Send out your invitations after you have booked the entertainer and decided on time and venue. Look for entertainers that have had lots of experience and really look the part of the character they are portraying. Let your child choose the character if possible by searching on the internet.

5. Timing: For younger children under 3 years old it is best to hold a morning party between 10-12pm as the little ones get tired and usually need to sleep in the afternoon. An hour of entertainment is great if you are hiring someone and even half and hour works well with really small groups. With older children any time of day is fine and extended entertainment packages are great with activities such as story telling, magic treasure hunts, craft activities and guessing games.

6. Games: There are certain games that will always be loved by children at parties. Pass the parcel, musical statues, treasure hunts, bubbles are all very popular. Ensure you have fun lively music to brighten up the atmosphere and tailor the music and games to reflect the theme. For example change musical statues to fairy freeze or pass the parcel to pass the magic treasure box, with special treats within.

7. Have Fun: Finally relaxing and having fun is the most important thing, sometimes, even with all the preparation you put in, things dont always go as planned. Make sure you take lots of pictures and dont let bad weather, unexpected guests or unreliable catering companies ruin the special occasion! Remember that in the end this is your childs special day to celebrate their life with you.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Hannah Scrivener
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Phantom of the Opera is a marvelous performance that will send your feelings through an array of emotions from sadness, happiness, to fright. When planning on attending a performance of the Phantom of the Opera make sure you bring your opera glasses.

Our Story begins in the nineteenth century, and the curtains open to reveal that two business men have purchased an old theater house which is haunted by a spirit. This spirit is that of a genius construction worker who helped build the opera house by the name of Erik. The reality of the matter is that Erik is not in fact a phantom but was one who was disfigured from birth. To cover the disfigurement of his face the Phantom of the Opera wears the mask that we all know so well today.

As time goes on the Phantom come to one of the performers; Christine, and tells her that her father who has passed away, has sent him from heaven to give her voice lessons. The Phantom begins to train her through the walls of her dressing room, as these take place over the course of time Christine becomes a remarkable singer, and takes the leading role in the opera.

Christine, one night, faints during a performance. A daring man in the audience comes to her rescue. We come to find out that this daring man is Raoul, a childhood friend of Christine. We find also that Raoul has fallen in love with her. Raoul begins to attend Christine’s performances regularly, showering her with gifts.

Jealousy of Christine and Raoul begins to consume Erik, for the Phantom has also fallen in love with Christine. Erik can no longer restrain himself from meeting in person with Christine. When he finally appears in her dressing room, he does so wearing the famed mask. He then takes Christine deep within the catacombs of the opera house to his secret home.

Christine becomes frightened and angered at Erik and wants to be let go back out into the world. Erik makes a promise to let her go after five days of being with him. Erik gives Christine a tour of his home which if very strange and horrific. Chills will be sent down your spine. Make sure you have your opera glasses out for this moment in the theatre.

Christine cannot wait to see just who Erik is and why the mask is on his face. She grabs his mask and quickly takes it off during a remarkable duet. Grab your theatre glasses so you may get a glimpse of Erik’s face. The lights may be too dimmed but it is worth a try! More chills will be sent down your spine with the screaming from the horrible site revealed. This deception angers Erik who now thinks he will not let Christine leave his spooky home. Erik so wants Christine to love him and you can feel his passion.

We will not reveal the ending of this wonderful performance; suffice it to say it is an epic one. You will never forget the impressions that this musical leaves on your heart. The costumes, music and storyline will truly astound you. This is a performance that demands to be seen again and again to full appreciate, for this reason it has remained on Broadway so long! As we always recommend bring your opera glasses to appreciate this wonder to the fullest.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Jeff Bridges
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The musical Hairspray is set in June in the year 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland. The main character, Tracy, is an overweight young girl. The young girl dreams of becoming famous. If you do not have front row seats, you will want to bring your opera glasses so as not to miss a heartbeat of this fast-paced musical.

One day, our hero, is watching T.V. And finds out that That the Corny Collins Show is having a huge dance contest, excitedly Tracy tells her mother that she would like to enter the contest. Her mother, who is overweight like Tracy discourages the idea that Tracy has had. In reality, Tracy’s mother, would like nothing more to protect her daughter, as she knows that people will make fun of her for being overweight. Additionally, her mother feels that the show is racist.

Tracy does make it to the audition with permission from her father, Wilbur. While she is auditioning she meets the popular hunk Link Larkin. Get ready to put on your opera glasses as you will want to catch Tracy’s eyes light up just as yours may have back in high school. Tracy daydreams that she and Link Larkin will end up together one day. She sings absolutely beautiful songs about her love sick dream. Tracy is awakened from her sweet dream as she does not make the cut to be on the show due to her weight, just as her mother suspected would happen.

After the audition, Tracy returns to school down trodden, but as luck would have it, her troubles do not end just yet. Tracy is given detention simply due to the fact that her hair is just so big, her big hair causes such a problem, because those that sit behind her in class are not even able to see the chalkboard. For this reason, the musical Hairspray, is named Hairspray.

As Tracy sits in detention feeling sorry for herself she meets a nice black boy named Seaweed, Seaweed is a great dancer, and teaches Tracy some amazing dance moves. A dance party is scheduled for the school, and Tracy decides to attend despite her recent run of very bad luck. This time Tracy’s luck is about to change, attending the dance, is the owner of the Corny Collins Show, the show that is to feature the dance contest, as he watches the dancers he notices the moves that Tracy puts on, he falls in love with her dance style, and chooses Tracy to dance on his show. Tracy is ecstatic to find out that at long last she will be on the show! Make sure you are using your opera glasses at this point.

Tracy again finds herself as the recipient of good news, she finds out that the lovable hunk Link Larkin will be singing a romantic song to her on T.V! Another character on the show is Amber a snobby cruel girl, who also happens to be in love with Link, finds out about Tracy’s fortune, and decides to make Tracy’s life a living hell, full of harassment.

As we continue with the play, Tracy is invited to record shop that Seaweed’s mother owns, all during the play, Tracy continues to grow close to Seaweed, and is upset to find out that the show that she is about to go on, only allows black people to attend their shows once a month, on “Negro Day” because of this Tracy finds herself fighting for black rights, and helping her best friend, the ending of Hairspray the musical is sure to please, but you will have to attend to find out.

Hairspray is a delight to attend, and a bigger delight to hear, it is no wonder it made such a run on Broadway, Remember to bring your opera glasses to catch every last expression, and the wonderful costumes. This is truly a performance to cherish.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Jeff Bridges
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Over the last few years, Miley Cyrus has become into the American sweetheart, as millions of fans have watched her grown from a bubble gum chewing preteen, into a young women. Her character, Hannah Montana, has made Miley Cyrus a household name, children and parents, alike, enjoy watching both her portrayal of Hannah, and the musical talent that shines through in each of her songs.

Season 2 of Hannah Montana has been released onto DVD in two separate collections. The first half of the season was release earlier in the year, and now the second half, of season 2, has just been released. Season 2 contains 2 discs and as the season progresses you will begin to see many big names, from the Jonas Brothers to Brook Shields.

This 2 disc set offers lots of extras and bonuses in addition to some of the funniest Hannah Montana episodes of all time. 14 Episodes in all, this incredible boxed DVD set makes a great gift for all that love Hannah Montana from coast to coast.

If you are thinking about when the rest of the episodes will be released on DVD, have no fear. The Hannah Montana Season 2 Part 3 DVD set is not far behind. This disc set will include 7 more episodes from the season. These episodes include:

Me & Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas; Don’t Stop Til You Get The Phone; That’s What Friends Are For?; Lily’s Mom Has Got It Goin On; I Will Always Loathe You; Bye Bye Ball; and (Were So Sorry) Uncle Earl.

This is an incredible opportunity to own the whole Hannah Montana season 2 collection, and it will provide hours of entertainment for the Hannah Montana lover in your family. The DVD collection is reasonably prices and you will become the favorite person to your Hannah Montana fan.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Patrick Daniels
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Anxious fans, have been ecstatic, now that Arctic Monkeys, an English rock band, has just released their third album. There latest album is entitled, Arctic Monkeys Humbug, an it is truly an amazingly wonderful CD. I fell in love with Arctic Monkey, since the first time I heard “I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor”. Since then, I have purchased all there CD’s. The fact is, these CDs are not the type that you will be skipping from song to song.

Humbug, to me, is the greatest of the three albums. Co-produced by Josh Homme, Queens of the Stone Age, and James Ford, this is an excellent album and by far much different from the first two. Humbug has a more psychedelic sound, and more evolved lyric. The evolution of the lyric really shows how much the group has grown, since the release of their first and second albums.

Although that they have evolved, fans do not need to worry because the music has not changes, and where it did it was due to advancements in the technology, which will make fans excited. It is amazing to think that this group was once just some guys who got guitars for Christmas and decided to teach themselves how to play, and create a band.

Track titles, from upcoming Artic Monkeys Humbug, include:

My Propeller

Crying Lightning

Dangerous Animals

Secret Door

Position Approaching

Fire and the Thud

Cornerstone

Dance Little Liar

Pretty Visitors

The Jewelers Hand

Humbug, is the perfect album for every fan of the Arctic Monkey , and a great CD to introduce new fans to their outstanding sound. It is their best album to date, and has numerous tracks that I can honestly say are my favorites. Be sure to get your copy!

Tags: Music by Patrick Daniels
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* It’s 12 noon and you’re in Rome, but are you in the central part of Rome? If you are, chances are that you will hear the bang of the cannon shot being fired at this time every day on top of the Janiculum Hill. This is a tradition that goes back to January 1, 1847, when Pope Pius IX introduced it to ensure that all timepieces would be set on the same time.

* Ever heard of the “most beautiful hole in Rome”? On top of the Aventine Hill – one of the seven hills of Rome – there is a garden known as ‘Giardino degli Aranci’, or Orange Garden, with a fabulous view of the city. At sunset, when the entrance gate closes, you can peep through the keyhole and have a breathtaking view of a line of trees and, lit in the background, St. Peter’s Dome.

* If you have toured around Rome, you are sure to have seen Bocca della Verita, or Mouth of the Truth and to have been told the story that in antiquity, if you put your hand in this mouth and you were lying, you would lose your hand. What you may not have been told is that in fact there were judges who would decide whether you were or not guilty… and your hand was safe or…gone! What’s more, that piece of antiquity that is widely admired today, once used to be the top of a sewer manhole in the Roman Forum.

* Do you know that Rome is famous for the quantity and quality of its water? Actually this has been the case ever since antiquity, when the Romans built aqueducts to bring water to the city. What you might not know is that some of the aqueducts that are feeding water into the pipes of a large part of Rome are still the original Roman aqueducts! And most fountains you can admire in Rome receive water the same way.

* The “bewitched” climbing slope. Ever been driving downhill along a road and suddenly found yourself backing up or at least coming to a stop? You can have this experience along a road near Ariccia, in the vicinity of Rome! Don’t ask us why. All sorts of explanations have been given, but none really satisfactory. It’s fun to watch, though, a soccer ball or a tennis ball rolling back along the road!

* We are in the year 1586. Over 800 workers are trying to hoist the obelisk in St. Peter’s Square, Rome. It’s a terrible effort which needs maximum concentration. To avoid confusion the Pope has ordered that no one should speak upon pain of death. The gallows has already been set up in the square for the purpose. All of a sudden a bystander notices that one of the ropes is giving way: the obelisk may collapse! He immediately shouts – WATER TO THE ROPES! – this way the hemp will shrink and get tougher. The workers follow his advise and the obelisk is finally up – in one piece. The man should be put to death, but the Pope decides to give him a prize and a title of honour.

* You must have heard that great artists competing with each other don’t get on well together. But what happened between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini is hard to believe. According to popular belief, when Bernini designed the fountains you can admire in Piazza Navona, Rome, he made sure that one of the statues representing the river Rio de la Plata stretches out its arm as if to protect itself from the collapse of the church. The statue of St. Agnes on top of the church, instead, brings its hand to the heart as if to mean that the church will never collapse.

* Conclaves are held in the Vatican City, Rome, for the election of each Pope. All cardinals attend the conclave because only the people actually there may be elected Pope. Cardinal Carol Wojtyla came to Rome after the death of Pope John Paul I and the morning of the opening of the conclave he was running late and risked being left out. In despair he thumbed a lift along the way. A bus driver returning to his depot noticed this strange priest looking for a lift and stopped to enquire. When Cardinal Wojtyla explained things to him, the bus driver simply said: ok, I’ll take you there, you never know, we might miss a Pope! In fact Cardinal Wojtyla did become the new Pope!

* Do you think that highways are a modern invention? Think twice. Over 2000 years ago the Romans had their version of highways. They certainly didn’t have vehicles hurtling along at breakneck speed or gas stations, but they did have a road network that even these days would be second to none in length (thousands of miles) or quality (many stretches of Roman roads are still partly in use or have been used as tracks for new highways). They were also fairly sophisticated: they had service areas where people could relax or rest during their trip, facilities to change horses and a sort of diners where you could have a full hot meal or take it away with you in hot stone containers to be left at the next service area.

* There is a street in Rome named Via del Porto di Ripetta (Port of Ripetta Street). What has this peculiar name got to do with Rome? The answer is that in Roman times ships could sail up to the city because Rome was 11 kilometers closer to the sea (the Tiber has discharged huge quantities of silt and sand at its mouth over the years) and the Tiber was navigable. Perhaps it will be possible to sail up the river again before long if the mayor of Rome has it his way: he is pressing for it.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Cristiano Rubbi
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If you want to get the true feeling of an ancient city like Rome, walk through its alleyways and savour the typical dampish smell of its history. Walk into the old greengrocer’s and marvel the colors of the typical Italian tomatoes and vast varieties of veggies. The geraniums on the sills of the tiny windows and the cobble-stoned streets.

Do you enjoy going through old stores, little stalls and workshops? Rome is the place for you! The only thing you have to worry about is your luggage. The tendency is to go overboard and buy just about anything and everything that catches your fancy.

Would you like to visit a very typical suburb of Rome? Visit San Lorenzo! The stone work and marble and statues of all shapes and sizes are to be found there. Not to speak of the very characteristic name signs for old time mechanics. Very Roman in their attitude.

Have you not had the opportunity to use your credit cards? Via de’ Coronari, near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon is the place to go to. See antiques, jewels, prints, carpets and anything else you may wish to give free vent to your fancy.

Is it always necessary to buy? Of course not! Window shopping is just as interesting and as exciting as buying a tiny souvenir. Getting to know Rome is also walking, having an Italian coffee and finding yourself, without realizing it, in front of Via Giulia, one of the most beautiful streets of Rome, that reaches the end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Are you looking for something really special to take back home? There is tiny little shop in Via de’ Coronari that is a collectors’ dream from jewels to old medals, from frames to expensive paintings and whatever may come to your head can be found in Il Collezionista at No 198.

Travelling with children? Get your child’s haircut done in Via Metastasio No 17 where a barber called Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will gladly entertain your children on a rocking horse or miniature car instead of the same old chair. Your children will want to come back!

Martina is a well known lady for her ability to fry fish and stuffed zucchini flowers in the real Roman way. How do you get there? It’s half way down Via de’ Giubbonari. It’s called Filettaro, which comes from fillets of fish.

Want a lunch time break? A pizza shop situated between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon serves the most delicious pizza of all times. Especially because you can choose from any possible topping at a very reasonable cost and take it away!

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Cristiano Rubbi
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