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Such a controversial figure Whitney Houston has been for years, and yet her sound is still incredible. Reports of drug use and abuse at the hands of her husband Bobby Brown have definitely overshadowed a very promising singing career. Well, finally after years out of the limelight, this incredible singer has created a new album, which promises to be one of the most promising albums to hit the store shelves in a long time. Her newest album entitled Whitney Houston I Look to You CD.

Whitney Houston who offered up a sound that was incredible with that powerful raspy voice and ballads that brought people to their knees showed some true promise back in the 90s and there are many people who are wondering if this comeback after 15 years of alleged drug abuse will bring the singer back into the spotlight or send her packing.

Many are behind Whitney 100%! She was an icon, and had the greatest vocals in the business. Both the general public and those in the music industry are cheering her on and hoping for nothing but a successful return for Ms. Huston.

There is a scheduled release date, for I Look to You, of August 31st, and many have already pre ordered their copies, with the hope it will be nothing but amazing. While you are waiting for you copy here are some tracks from the album, Million Dollar Dill, Nothin But Love, Call You Tonight, title track I Look To You, Like I Never Left, A Song For You, Didn’t Know My Own Strength, Worth It, For the Lovers, I Got You, and Salute.

Her title track song is available for listening, at her official website, and I have to say her talent is still there, but she sounds like a much different Whitney. The song seems to look back on the trails she has faced in life, and how she over came them. Although she has a maturer sounding voice, she still delivers with wonderful vocals and inspiring lyrics.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Patrick Daniels
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Pearl Jam has created an instant fan base and sold over 15 million copies with their first two albums. They came into the music scene in 1992, as the first grunge band, and years later continue to go strong. Their ninth album is soon to be released, and is predicted to be anything other then another success for the band. Backspacer, their newest album, is scheduled to be released on September 20th and many fans are anxiously awaiting it’s arrival.

Already promoting the new Pearl Jam CD in a very unique way, Pearl Jam has hidden pieces of its cover art all over the internet. Find the nine pieces of cover art that are out there on the web click on the pics and they will store the snapshots on one page for you. And there is a reward waiting for you if you can find all nine new cover art shots, then you get a free download The Fixer one of the songs from the Backspacer CD which was put out there on the radio a week ago.

Pearl Jam stands out among the rest, with their booming guitars and excellent lead vocal, by Eddie Vedder, it is said that their music will live on, even after the band stop producing albums. You can catch them promoting, their newest album, on various web locations and late night television. It is even rumored that you may get a chance to catch their track, The End and Speed of Sound, which Eddie Vedder recently performed during his solo tour.

Here is a look at the tracks you can expect to hear on the Backspacer album:

Gonna See My Friend

Got Some

The Fixer

Johnny Guitar

Just Breathe

Amongst The Waves

Unthought Known

Supersonic

Speed of Sound

Force of Nature

If you are anxiously awaiting the release of this album you can fulfill your Pearl Jam desire by joining the hunt for cover art pieces, as least then you will have a free single download to listen to until you get your album on September 20th.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Patrick Daniels
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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, is the sixth book, ad movie released, in the series, and with each new release the fan base grows bigger, with new generation entering into the Harry Potter craze. When a movie or book is released they sell out instantly, and it has one of the biggest fan on earth.

This summer has brought with it Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince to the big screen and with it a mix of fans both old and new. Some of us have been with Harry since we first picked up our first Harry Potter book and some have joined the fan club with all the hype that has followed.

Many have voiced their disapproval towards the Harry Potter series, due to the Black Magic, but I honestly do not see the reason for all the controversy. The magic that is portrayed, both good and evil, is what has many of the children, some who have never picked up a book, reading the Harry Potter series; over and over. Another aspect that has many children so in tuned to the Harry Potter series, is the fact that beside the magic, Harry is an normal boy that faces many of the issues that our children face today.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, is difference then many of the other movies as it focuses more on relationships, and is more slow paced then the other wizarding adventures, that we have grown used to. Instead it focuses on snogging, and afternoons of butter beer. This is because it is the lead film into the final movie in the series, which is scheduled to to hit theatres in 2011, and will be broken up into two parts.

No matter what your take on the focus of the Harry Potter series, you can not deny that the writing and the acting stands out among the best. Other people criticize the films because the actors who portray the popular characters are aging faster then the characters that they are protraying. If you are a fan of the series, however, you do not care about this fact, you just want to continue seeing the characters that we have watched grown, portrayed by the actors we have watched grown, as well.

Although it is not available for pre-order yet, you should keep an eye out for this opportunity. The DVD and Blu Ray versions are set to hit store shelves on December 7th and with this release date so close to the holidays, it is probably a good idea to pre-order it as it will be a very popular item for all the little witches, warlocks and wizards this year.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Patrick Daniels
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If you are looking for a realistic game playing experience you will want to purchase Arma II: Armored Assault. It utilizes a Real Virtuality engine, that has been used by militaries from around the world, and has taken nearly 10 years to prefect. From the changing in the whether, realist day cycles and great action battles, this game will have you forgetting that you are sitting at a computer.

Like real battles, events will never unfold the same way twice, most of the game is unscripted, not only leaving you on your toes, but the AI as well. Just as your tactics may change depending on the ever-shifting battle and environment changes, the AI’s speech and maneuvers shift drastically depending on what is happening around it.

The AI isn’t completely independent, however. Not only are you able to control your own squad real-time, but you can use the high command system to also control other squads during the battle, which gives you the means to turn the tides of the war. To help keep things fresh and exciting, you can also turn on an optional ambient battle system, which populates the world with additional friendly and hostile units that fight around you. This, paired with authentic weapon simulation, makes each battle a distinctly unique experience.

The games unique weapon simulation, which is, yet again, another excellent feature, makes each battle a distinctly different. The weapons have a realistic effect on your enemies and the game engine simulates each shot to decide whether or not you have hit your enemy. You also have the ability to move your head around, without having to drop your weapon down. This is a completely unique feature that allows you to stay armed and aware of your surroundings at the same time.

The realistic feel of the game also goes beyond the battles. Every decision that you make can change the outcome of the campaign, from how well you treat others to your resource management. So you better that the civilians right or they just may start helping out your enemies. Arma II: Armored Assault, also allows you to crate missions and campaigns, making your playing enjoyment endless.

Tags: Games by Patrick Daniels
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Paramount Pictures and Hasbro have teamed together, once again, to bring us one of the most action packed adventure movie of the year. The two have paired up before to bring Transformers to the big screen, and now they have attempted to do the same for G.I. Joe. The movie, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, is rated PG-13 and is geared to a youthful audience, however it has been receiving rave reviews from the youths and the adults, alike.

G.I. Joe is full of, every boys dream, action and gadgets! Adult will be brought back to their youthful days and leave the theatre in awe, at the amazing journey they just took. I would describe this film as action packed fantasy, that is honestly enjoyable for all.

Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller and Marlon Wayans, make up much of the cast in this film, and one can say the acting is incredible. Each actor adds their own spice to the characters and makes the film that much more enjoyable.

Watch as the GI Joe team uses ultra modern spy gadgets and arms to fight Destro and the whole Cobra team to save the world from utter chaos and destruction. From their battles in the desserts of Egypt to the frozen tundra below the polar ice caps, you will find that this movie really keeps moving; a great action film with lots to offer all audiences. If you grew up with G.I. Joe and Cobra then you probably know the characters and the cartoon. You will probably find this movie to be an enjoyable light film with funny moments and action galore; lots of futuristic gadgets that just add to the enjoyment of the viewing experience.

Unfortunately, G.I. Joe The Rise of Cobra DVD wont be available until March 2010, but if you want to get your hands on a fun family movie, then be sure to pick up your copy when they come available. Whether you have already seen it, or have yet to have the experience, this is one that you will want to own and watch over and over again.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Jennifer Thames
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Using the Costumizer in Poptropica One of the best features in the well-liked Poptropica kids game is the Costumizer. It’s extremely easy and fun to use but many people do not even know it’s available. Are you perhaps curious about what the costumizer is used for? Well, it lets you very quickly copy and wear any costume you see another personality wearing in the game. In merely a matter of a few seconds, you can wear nearly any outfit you want to in Poptropica.

Here is how you can use the costumizer. The very first thing you must do is to find the personality you want to look like in the game. This is often any personality you come across in any of the island journeys on Poptropica. For instance, let’s imagine you need to look like Shark Boy from Shark Tooth Island. Walk up next to that character in the Shark Museum and then click on the Costumizer icon in the upper-right corner of your screen. The costumizer is the green t-shirt and you’ll be able to find it next to the map. Next, you need to click the personality you want to look like. In this case, give good old Shark Boy a click.

The very next thing that you will see is a screen that shows you and the other personality. Click on any clothing item on the other personality to wear it and click any clothing item that you are already wearing to remove it. You can copy the entire costume of the other personality or simply mix and match till you get something that you like.

The better part is that you can wear any outfit worn by another character in Poptropica. It’s really cool to wear the costumes that you see other special or rare characters have, like Mordred from Astro-Knights or Betty Jetty from Superpower Island. If you’re feeling truly creative, you can come up with some great combos that no one has seen before.

If you have credits from finishing the islands or you have purchased some, you can use these in the store to buy costumes right there combine them with ones you find on other characters in the game.

Tags: Games by Scott Archer
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Choosing the right guitar for you can be quite an ordeal. You want it to look cool hanging from around your neck, but you also want it to be comfortable and unique. You see the many different types on television and that makes it even more difficult to decide. The first decision that you have to make is between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar. Knowing a few things about both might help you to make an informed decision.

The difference between an acoustic and an electric guitar is simply amplification. An electric one needs an amplifier, but they are much easier to play. The electric guitar will cost more because you will have to purchase a good amp, and they both cost quite a bit of money. The acoustic instrument is more limited in shape and size because both shape and size make a difference on the sound that comes from the guitar.

Therefore, you do get more of a selection when you choose an electric one. Although an electric guitars are easier to learn on, there are obviously limited types of music that you can play with it. So, if you learn with an acoustic one, you might find yourself a better musician.

Acoustic guitars do have lots of choices as well. You can get a steel string or a nylon string guitar. A nylon string guitar is good for playing music styles such as classical, flamenco, and folk. The reason for the particular styles is that the nylon string produces a more tranquil sound.

The steel string guitars are much louder and you find that they gravitate more towards rock, country, and any other style that requires a louder, crisper sound. While the nylon is almost always played with fingers, the steel string is usually played with a pick.

Choosing between an electric and an acoustic instrument can be a moot point due to the option of buying a blended guitar. This type of guitar combines the ease of learning generally associated with an electric instrument and the rich sound of an acoustic guitar.

Blended Guitars designs and styles are also a combination of both kinds of guitars. The body is similar to an acoustic instrument while the neck generally resembles the electric instrument style. The blended guitar will sound much better when used with an amplifier rather than alone.

One thing that it is never a good idea is to bite off more than you can chew. You should master whatever you feel the most comfortable with first. For example, many people fall in love with the sound of a twelve-string guitar. This instrument is known for a rich sound that resembles two guitars playing at once. However, the twelve-string guitar would be frustrating and infinitely harder to learn before mastering a simpler six string electric guitar.

Pay close attention to your own personal preferences. If you want to be a rock star, and you love Aerosmith, looking for a huge acoustic guitar would not be the wisest decision because you will hate learning to play. The same rule applies for the next James Taylor; don’t invest in an expensive amplifier if it is just not your style. The electric guitar can be a lot of fun to play for your friends – and maybe even your own band some time.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Johnny Cashton
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Although Yamaha has only been producing Yamaha electric guitars since 1966, they have more than 100 years of experience in creating musical instruments. Have you ever wondered why the Yamaha logo on your motorcycle is 3 tuning forks? Now you know! Today, when it comes to buying Yamaha electric guitar there are wide array to select from including complete kits which contain a practice amplifier, guitar cable, padded gig bag, 2 single coil pickups and hum bucking pickup, a tremolo bar, and a 5 positioning pickup switch.

In fact, many of the world’s accomplished guitarists would have first used one of Yamaha’s electric guitar kits and one of the most popular being the EG-112PF. As well as being suitable for those who are only just starting to play an electric guitar it can meet their needs as their skills improve.

Yamaha also makes Yamaha acoustic guitars such as Folk Guitar, Classical Guitar, Handcrafted Guitar, Parlor Guitar, and Jumbo Country Guitar.

For over a decade, the Yamaha PAC012 Pacifica electric guitar has been one of the best values in electric guitars. It provides a quality workmanship and outstanding playability at an unbelievable price. Yamaha is now putting the same value into the popular GigMaker series with the GigMaker Electric. With an impressive 15-watt amp, protective gig bag, and a wide assortment of outstanding accessories, the GigMaker Electric is the ultimate electric guitar package. Includes: Guitar, Amp, Gig Bag, Qwik Tune Digital Chromatic Tuner, Cable, Instructional DVD, Guitar Strap, Extra Strings, & Picks!

Another guitar, also proving popular, from Yamaha is the SLG100 Silent Guitar that is perfect if you live in close proximity to others. This allows you to connect a set of headphones to it and as you practice you will feel as if you are playing in a concert hall, yet no one else can hear what is happening. Plus you still have the capability to connect it up to a sound system when you want to play your Yamaha electric guitar in public.

Yamaha electric guitars are so easy to recognize, as the neck of the instrument is set deep into the body of the guitar rather than being bolted on to it. Also they have a patented “T cross system” and “sustain plate” which no other electric guitar has and which provides a powerful but warm tone to the sounds they create.

Tags: Music by John Bearsford Tipton
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There are very few watch companies that can boast that wearing their watch can improve a persons health. While it may seem farfetched it is possible. Philip Stein Teslar watches are known for many things, one of which being their unique properties. The watches release radio signals which can many positive health effects on the wearer. Oprah Winfrey has stated that these watches are among one of her favorite things. Other celebrities who wear this watch are Hugh Jackman and Madonna.

Teslar watches all come with a dual face so that you can have the time for two different time zones displayed at the same time. If you have a business meeting in California and you live in NJ, you can display both times on your watch conveniently.

Philip Stein Teslar watches come in numerous colors and designs. The colors include mother of pearl, black, and white. These colors give the watch a luxurious look. A person can also get the watch designed to their liking. If one were inclined they could either get the watch without any diamonds or completely full of diamonds. It all depends on the style of the wearer. The watches are very customizable.

Teslar watches work in a simplistic yet clever way. It is common knowledge that all electronic devices such as cell phones, PDAs, computers, laptops, televisions, etc release radio signals. This electromagnetic energy can be harmful to humans. We are bombarded with them every day at all times of the day. The watches counter these signals with the release of their own positive electromagnetic signals.

For best results it is recommended for watch owners to wear it during sleep as well. The watch allows the wearer to sleep more peacefully and will combat any morning grogginess which is usually experience by all.

Teslar watches are designed to improve well being. They are created to stop headaches and migraines. The negative electromagnetic energy that can cause headaches and migraines is repelled with a Teslar watch and headaches are eliminated.

Watch wearers have also experience higher levels of concentration which has helped them over come many arduous and daunting tasks. Athletes have also noted an increase in energy levels during physical activities. These benefits can be quite beneficial to the common person.

The watch has also been known to help battle stress. The electromagnetic energy emitted from the watch is similar to the energy emitted from the brain during states of calmness for example during deep meditation. These energy signals decrease stress levels in a person during chaotic moments.

Philip Stein Teslar watches cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The watches are rather expensive but they boast an extremely helpful array of benefits which can greatly improve a persons well being. Not to mention the watches aren’t bad looking either.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Yvonne W. Decker
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A cartoon mascot is a great for a company to build brand recognition through their advertising. A mascot allows a company to basically display its personality in values for the entire world to see in a fun and related form. Custom Mascots can continue to grow and develop through the times right alongside the company, giving people something that they can always relate to. Below youll find a list, in no particular order, of some of the most famous and memorable cartoon mascots to ever exist.

1. Mr. Clean A lot of people think that the idea behind Mr. Clean is that hes some sort of ‘cleaning genie’ -given his single ear-ring, folded arms, and seemingly magical cleaning powers. However, he was actually based on a United States naval officer. This character is memorable for his muscled physique, friendly smile and, of course, ability to clean dirt and grime.

2. Tony the Tiger Originally designed in 1952, Tony the Tiger is one of the most prominent among the many different breakfast cereal related characters. His catchphrase, ‘Theyre g-r-r-r-eat!’ is instantly recognizable to kids and adults alike. Actually, the Tony we see today is really Tony Jr., a sleeker and more sport-oriented mascot, who replaced his more whimsical dad. The modern Tony appears to be something of an extreme sports enthusiast, and is always seen encouraging kids to get out and be active.

3. Charlie the Tuna The mascot of StarKist tuna, Charlie was based on an actor and friend of his designed named Henry Nemo. Hes most notable for his thick glasses, red beret hat, and of course his good taste. He was the source of another popular catchphrase, ‘Sorry, Charlie’ which was said in the 1980s commercials because Starkist was looking for good tasting tuna, not a tune with ‘good taste.’

4. The Pillsbury Doughboy Officially named ‘Poppin Fresh,’ the Pillsbury Doughboy is a ball of dough shaped like a little person, with a chefs hat and scarf. He is most famous for his memorable, high-pitched giggle that he makes when you poke him in his belly. Hes not technically a cartoon mascot -he was conceived as an animated character but he was actually brought to life by stop-motion in the early commercials, and CGI these days.

5. Joe Camel Joe Camel, or ‘Old Joe’ is a very controversial character, but no less famous for it. Joe represented Camel cigarettes and he existed as an icon of pure coolness before the company had no choice but to get rid of him -many people complained that his ‘cool’ persona attracted kids to smoking. His use in Camel was discontinued in 1997, but he still remains a recognizable character for many people.

There are literally hundreds more cartoon mascots that, over the years, have become engrained in peoples hearts and minds. While cartoon mascots are still great, many companies are now utilizing other types of media to create mascots that are just as full of personality and just as memorable.

Tags: Games by Amy Nutt
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