One Life To Live – 6-29-09

June 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The talk recently has been on two major charecter’s: The Mannings and Rex and Gigi.

Last week, Stacy seduces Rex and he tells her that she is the one he wants, and they proceed to make love on the floor of his club.  Shortly after Rex starts to realize he may have made a mistake on impulse.  Stacy goes to gloat to Gigi at Rodies.  Meanwhile, Gigi who just got done spilling her guts to Natalie about why she lied to Rex, is on her way to confront Rex and finally tell him the truth.  Gigi lays it out flat, exactly what Stacy did to her and how she was going to let their son die if she didn’t get Rex.  Rex was floored and now realized he made a terrible mistake with Stacy.  Stacy however comes in and sees the two of them together.

Rex says to Gigi get out, he’s done with her making it seem very convincing; Stacy is overwhelmed.  Once Gigi leaves, its back to status quo as normal with Stacy and Rex, until she goes to kiss him, Rex turns his head and sends her out the door.  Gigi goes back to Rodies devastated and tells Schyler the whole thing.  Finally at home Gigi is sitting on the stairs when Rex comes to the door.  She opens it and says I can’t take any more, I already know how you feel, when Rex pipes up and says “no you don’t” before laying a huge passionate kiss on Gigi.

I think Rex realizes that Gigi does not know who the doner to Shane is, and since Stacy does he has to play the cards to ensure Shane’s life.  I think he will tell Gigi this and they will work together.  However, Stacy is vindictive and will use the fact they slept together to hurt Gigi; which may end their relationship all together.  I can say that Rex will not go back with Stacy.

On the other side of town Natalie dropped the charges against Kyle Lewis, to get the name of Shane’s doner.  He is reluctant and says he will only do what he promised Roxie, that is to keep the doner quiet.  So Natalie and Jarred blackmale him a bit.  Finally he takes him to see the doner at the hospital as asked.  That’s where we leave it.

Roxie is being threatened by the nurse at the long term care facility, who took the only bag left of Rex’s dad who donated the blood, that Roxie was keeping in her salon.  The nurse knows she tried to kill Rex’s dad and threatens to turn her in.

Cole was busted for drugs and was sentenced to 2 years in prison.  He goes to Star only to see she got the baby back, determined to keep her he proposes to her when her dad sees the proposal.  He gives them a full OK.  Back at his place he freaks out to Tea and threatens Cole’s life, she was taping the whole thing.  Todd leaves back to Dorian’s where he hopes his plan works; Blaire who is more sensible will not sign the paperwork and he will look like the good guy, until Tea runs in with the tape.  Star then threatens her dad to sign the papers or she will have nothing to do with him and leave.  Todd signs, and everyone is upset and shocked.  There will be a wedding very soon.

The theme is Lover’s Reunite, there is a work in progress to get Cole out of jail, but use him as bait for the drug infestation.  That will really P.O. Todd.  Gigi and Rex I think will get back together, but don’t be surprised if Stacy gets pregnant or uses the “sex” to try to destroy Gigi.

Filed Under: One Life To Live Tagged With:

America’s Art Of Freedom

June 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

690px-WhistlersMotherAmerica has been around for eons, but it wasn’t till 1776 when we were recognized by the nations as a independent governing body.  Since that time, America has led the way and spread our ideals across the world.  Some of our contributions come in many forms, but art and music is what we’ll focus on.  This July 4th, America turns 233 years old, and in that time we have seen some amazing artists come around and inspire with their work.  To celebrate this month of independence, we will focus on some of the “patriotic” pieces and artists that helped define us in the arts.

James McNeill Whistler – Whistler’s Mother 1871

Whistler’s Mother is probably one of the most well known American paintings that surfaced in the 19th century.  It’s been called the Mona Lisa of the American civilization.  It’s a simple portrait, however, it shows the American spirit all the way through it.

Civilization in America was simple back then; family was the focus of the town.  In this picture we can see a woman grieving in her classic style mourning dress.  She has probably lost a son or daughter.  Her solemn face shows all the emotion in one powerful package, yet her elegance overrides her stern appearance.  She sits by a picture that looks like a fort of some sort.  Since this is only six years post the Civil War era, I assume she lost a loved one in battle.  This very picture could depict the tragedy we suffered to keep America one great nation.  Despite the loss, the victory and bloodshed formed America to what it is today, though the wounds may never be erased.

John Mellencamp

Mellencamp’s career started in the late 70s and ran through the 80s and into the 90s, until he took a backseat for a while. Mellencamp’s music has defined America through rock.  His songs are based in simple times, and in simple towns where values run deep.  Songs like “Small Town” and “Ain’t That America” depict what it’s like growing up in the heart of America’s “breadbasket states.” The songs create a picture of those small towns with just a few stores, eating watermelon and drinking ice tea on a hot summer afternoon.  His songs take us back to the way America used to be.

Francis Scott Key

During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was stationed in a fort that fought a bloody battle.  While in his cabin, he listened and heard the canons fire; the turmoil and sounds of war taking place outside as the Americans tried to defeat the English attack on the fort.  It went throughout the night, but when the morning sun rose and tranquility settled in, Francis Scott Key looked out the window to see the American flag still flying high over the fort.  The Americans defeated the King’s army and sent them packing.

That inspired him to write a poem about the event, which later became the American National Anthem.  That poem, our anthem, tells of that bloody night where the Americans fought off the super power motherland, and came away victorious.  Ironically, the man in the president’s chair was Thomas Jefferson, the writer of the Declaration of Independence, who now commanded the country he helped create, to victory.  During his reign in office, the national anthem was written.   The anthem is probably the third most prized article written about America, next to the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Betsy Ross

An American seamstress, Ross was said to have designed and created the very first American flag, commissioned by George Washington.  Today, many different stories have emerged about how the flag was created and why, but nobody can take from Ross.  Her creation is now the symbol of the free world and world power.  The flag is loathed and loved by many.

Lee Greenwood

Greenwood’s song to America came when President Clinton was in office, but its sound is timeless and feels like it’s been around since the start.  He wrote and sang the song, “I’m Proud To Be An American.”

This song contains the basic principles this country was founded on, something many have forgotten.  It’s about a hardworking blue collar employee who loves his family, his freedoms and his country, and would gladly die to preserve that.

Today, the song is played during many American functions and celebrations, such as the 4th of July.  The simple message will send chills down your spine and make you proud of this country we call the USA.

So if you forgot what it was to be American, or why we are a proud nation, simply look back at our simple roots and our fight for freedom.  These talented artists will tell you the American story.

Filed Under: Art, featured Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Ready, Aim, Click: The Art of Amateur Photography

June 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

084The art of photography surrounds us everyday.  It’s in everything we do and in everything we see.  A blossoming flower.  An amber sun melting into the ocean.  A child reaching up for its mother.  Perhaps it is even the dirtied and shameful face of a homeless man on a city street.  These all could be award winning photographs waiting to happen.  The ability to visualize and be creative behind a lens is what separates a photographer from the rest of us.  However, you needn’t own a fancy studio or have years of specialized training to take beautiful photographs.  Amateur photographers are taking the street with nothing more than a basic camera and an artful eye.  Many of these beginners have not studied the art formally.  They just have a way of seeing things differently and simply take on photography as a hobby. Some eventually develop this hobby into a successful career, while others are content to keep it as just something to do on the side.

For Sarah Jordan, photography has always been a passion and a part of her life.  Jordan says she started the art as a just a past time and was never trained.  This amateur picture taker simply follows online forums and tip pages to get ideas on how to better her skills.  Without a mentor, Jordan also uses the Internet for inspirational and educational sites such as Picasa and Flickr.  She says she likes to see what others take pictures of and then learns how to find her own subjects.

The St. Petersburg, Florida resident got her first “nice” 35 mm camera when she was about twelve or thirteen.  It was at this time Jordan really started taking photographs.  Today, she uses a Kodak Easy Share C813, which she considers to be “a very simple digital camera.”  According to Jordan, her lack of equipment is a major limitation.  ”With a basic camera, it is difficult to capture certain angles and compensate for poor lighting, etc.”  Although she admits she wouldn’t mind upgrading, Jordan is happy with the results she has achieved with her Kodak.

078So, why did Jordan choose this hobby?  ”Photography is fun for a lot of reasons.  It is rewarding to find beauty in things that people may otherwise take for granted, and capturing a moment on film allows you to go back and look at it and interpret it in many different ways,” explains Jordan.  Although the photographer has been interested in using a camera for most of her life, she has gotten much more involved with her hobby in just the last couple of years.  Jordan, in addition to being an amateur photographer, is also a paranormal investigator.  While out on ghost hunts, she would take pictures in the hope of capturing evidence of the spirit world.  ”I noticed that I took some interesting pictures while gathering information for future investigations and just expanded on that- taking pictures wherever something caught my eye,” states Jordan.

Jordan’s inspiration is not just in the paranormal, but is found in natural Florida beauty, specifically in Tampa Bay.  She is drawn to St. Petersburg’s history and its beautiful landmarks such as the Skyway Bridge and Fort DeSoto.  However, Jordan also enjoys candid photography taken of her family and friends at places like Disney World or while out fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. “Anywhere memorable,” sums up Jordan.  Florida’s landscapes and pristine beaches always make for inspiring canvases.  Jordan believes inspiration is all around us in the “Sunshine State” and photographic opportunities are abundant in beautiful Florida.  ”I was born and raised here so it has been easy to take the things we see everyday for granted.  By taking pictures of these things, I can go back and look at the landscapes that surround me everyday and appreciate them more fully,” says Jordan. It is this kind of reflection that makes for an outstanding photograph.  Jordan believes this her strength in photography- the ability to find beauty in everyday things.  But with a strength, can come a weakness.

So, what’s the hardest thing right now for Jordan when it comes to taking pictures?  That’s an easy answer for this beginning photographer.  ”Forgetting to take my camera with me everywhere I go!”  With the ability to see beauty in all aspects of life, one must be prepared for those unexpected and awe-inspiring moments.

Rainbow 3Jordan says that when it comes to photography her favorite part is scouting out new subjects for her photos.  But even better than that? Being able to review the photos when she gets home.  It’s almost like unwrapping gifts; you’re excited to see what is inside each one. “All parts of photography are fun,” claims Jordan.

So, with that said, is Jordan planning on changing her amateur status to professional anytime soon?  ”I would like to learn more about the technical aspects and maybe even pursue it as a career.  I can’t imagine being lucky enough to get paid for doing this,” admits Jordan.  For this talented beginner, her dream job doesn’t seem too far from grasp.

To contact Sarah Jordan regarding her photography, please e-mail her at sarahmarie315@hotmail.com, or you can find a sampling of her beautiful work on Flickr under the username, sarahmarie315.

Filed Under: featured, Photography

Freedom Of Speech vs. Morality

June 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

PAThis article is something that’s near and dear to my heart, something I wish and hope that everyone who reads this will listen to and apply to their everyday lives.  I don’t know if you actually look at the entertainment industry nowadays, but it’s grown out of control on so many aspects.  For instance, look at the celebrities with their drinking and drug use.  They seem to have total disregard to their community, mocking the judicial system by getting off easy simply because of their name.  We also can’t forget to mention the violence and vulgarity on the silver screen that’s piped through our television and radio.  Things are not like they used to be.

Growing up in the 80s, it was taboo to say the word “damn” on the television or radio.  Now anything goes except the “f-bomb” and sadly enough, the word God.  In today’s radio and television we glorify sex, murder, gangs, blood, guts and gore.  Though absolutely hilarious, we show television programs that depict people doing stupid stunts that we all want to try.  Now, none of this stuff would have been seen 20 some years ago. Yet, today this is what our children are watching and want to be like. Where did our values go?  Ask the ACLU.

Despite all the violence, swearing and sex on television, the silver screen, radio and the Internet, those that watch also idolize these situations and celebrities that are running a muck.  This is a scary situation that predicts a dismal future.  Why you ask?  Those that idolize and want to replicate these stunts and behavior are our children.

Since the 1980s with morals in the trash can, we have seen a huge increase in violence.  I don’t know how many times children and those easily influenced have been on trial for a crime they saw or heard through music, television or the movies.  They literally act them out in real life, forgetting that this is not the way of life we live.  Those on the silver screen that were killed or raped or what-have-you, are sitting nicely in their trailers collecting a huge paycheck to “act” that incident out and “play” a victim.  However, our children don’t know that, and neither to the easily influenced.  That does not excuse the fact that now their lives are forever ruined and the reality of their actions slap them hard in the court of law.  They don’t have a name to get them off of their crime, and their victims may not always get up or live their lives the same again.

With this new revolution of “anything” goes I have also seen an alarming increase of parental disrespect by children that the parents just take and do nothing about.  I see troubled teens turning to the fantasy world for answers, when their parents are right in the next room… or are they?

That’s exactly my point, as parents it’s our duty to monitor what our children are watching and listening to.  It’s okay to let them watch that stuff and listen to those explicit lyrics in music as long as you do your job and parent them.  Talk to them about that song or movie, tell them what is right and what is wrong and why it’s wrong and what the consequences are.  Tell your children that talking back, and disrespecting you as a parent is wrong and will not be tolerated.  Let them know that you are always here to help them out with any problem they have, and that the only role model they need in their lives is you.  Like it or not you are their role model, and they should mimic you in everything you do; another reason to live life the best way you can.  Modern America, with all the goodies and luxuries we want, condemns us to work almost around the clock.  Yet, those who suffer are the children, despite the fact they can go to school in their own BMWs.

Don’t let them be influenced by these celebrities, and don’t let fantasy glorify your children or family into doing something that they will forever regret.  As America turns for the worst down the road of morality, it’s our duty to remind those what the right morals are that our founding fathers infused into our great country.  Be their parent and not their friend, that is the only way you can keep from seeing your child’s face in the newspaper for something you absolutely don’t want.

I can think of two great songs that depict what I am saying to the fullest.  Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young sang, “Teach your children well, their father’s hell did slowly go by, and feed them on your dreams, the one they picked, the one you’ll know by.”  And probably the one by Whitney Houston, “I believe that children are our future, teach them well and help them lead the way, show them all the beauty they posses inside.”  It’s a simple thing to do, while lending wisdom to your child and spending quality time with them.

Filed Under: featured, Film Tagged With: ,

Frank Macek – Bringing It All Together

June 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

HHTo put paint to canvas, it takes a great bit of knowledge, even though it seems simple.  Really it’s the talent of the artist that makes it look simple.  When an artist takes the brush and mixes the paint, they must know exactly what colors work to create another because a mixture of the wrong colors just won’t give the true effect they want.  The same goes for music as well, something Frank Macek of Mongrol Records knows all too well.

As a producer Macek understands exactly how a good mix works, and the beauty it produces when done correctly.  Mixing the song is just like mixing paint for Macek, only the final product is art for the heart and the auditory senses.  When he mixes songs, Macek takes what works and makes it perfect.  His brother Bill will tell you that Frank Macek is a perfectionist with his work and has no problem scrapping something and starting over if it gets a better final product.

Macek is no stranger to music, especially on the production end. He is a Grammy nominated producer, writer, engineer and programmer.  He has a resume that would make many envious, some of those names are Grammy award winner India Arie, Ice Cube – Kill At Will, Death Certificate, Predator, King Tee-The Triflin’ Album, DJ Pooh- Del The Funky Homosapien, Yo Yo – Black Pearl, Quincy Jones III- The Fresh Prince Of Bel Aire – Tevin Campbell – Strawberry Letter 23 (REMIX), 2 Pac – Strictly For My Niggaz.  A resume with those names and albums are certainly impressive.

Today, Frank Macek’s main work is with his young nephews, Casey and Riley of Holes And Hearts.  Macek signed them to his record label, Mongrol Records and painstakingly molded them into the success they are today along with his brother Bill, Casey and Riley’s father.  With his leadership, connections and attention to detail, Macek helped the boys release a sure fire hit, “Holes And Hearts”  which was their debut CD.  He helped them receive endorsements from some incredible guitar manufacturers, and he had a hand in making his nephews one of the official spokes bands for “Rock Against Homelessness.”

Mongrol records is now moving to the Los Angeles area where he hopes to obtain some new talents that he can mold and shape into future successes.  This move is also to help Holes and Hearts in the entertainment capital of the world, where resources are at his fingertips.

This new label, combined with the proven success of Macek’s past will surely provide an incredible outlet for any rising bands of tomorrow. To obtain his services, simply visit his MySpace page www.myspace.com/mongrolrecords

Filed Under: featured, Music Industry Tagged With: , , ,

Metal Gypsy- Body Language

June 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

l_5eb7c7aaf164bf1dc42454c084b6924eIn the Middle East, Turkey, and even Italy, belly dancing is a way of life for some.  It’s popular all over the world, including Brazil and other South American countries, however, in the United States some people believe this to be a taboo form of dance.  Belly dancing has received a bad label because of the exotic form which is branded “seductive” and also the exposing outfits.  I know this dance is just misunderstood.

For Jennifer, a.k.a. Metal Gypsy, belly dancing is her passion, a passion that started when she was very little.  She first saw the dance at a Renaissance Faire and it was love at first sight.  Since then she has performed for live audiences and now teaches this romantic dance of the gypsy.  We had a chance to interview Jennifer so she could explain what belly dancing is all about, and tell her story for all to read and maybe, just maybe, take the negative tags off this ancient dance.

Besides belly dancing, what other forms of dance have you learned and performed?

I have performed ballet since the age of six, then after ballet during that same time frame, saw a gypsy show at the Renaissance Faire that had many other forms of dancing.  So I went to a class called “Ms. Linda’s.”  (Ms. Linda teaches jazz, tap, and ballet, however, Jennifer “Metal Gypsy” knows and is fluent in swing dancing, but learned elsewhere.)  Right now what I am doing professionally is belly dancing. I started off at the Renaissance Faire, and I performed at other local places, then the word got out and now I do it all over the place. Plus, I love doing it.

Give the history behind belly dancing.  A lot of people misinterpret it, when really it’s an ancient dance that tells a story with your body movement.

l_00a76a460e6744efb7d2cb205e937fabGoing back further than the Sultans who these women danced for, it was known as a maternity dance as well.  People take it today on a different level as it should be… their fantasy.  Belly dancing, however, is an expression just like any other dance should be.  It became popular around the turn of the century when it became more glitzy and glamorous, and it was used in movies.

Despite the form of belly dancing, there are many unique styles to the dance.  There is Turkish and Bedoan which started being popular in the 20s, and gypsy dancing.  I prefer the Fusion which is a collaboration of each.

There are so many different movements in the art, like gypsies are more open and expressed freely.  Egyptian belly dancing is more finer movements, and many of the watchers may not have the appreciation of it because the movement is refined  and unnoticed.  However, the intense concentration and control needed over your body really makes it the standard for all belly dancing.

In belly dancing, correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t everything from the movements down to the costumes tell a story?  What does it mean?

The costuming today in the theatrical world is more glitz and glam; each style has it’s own style.  Bedoan, for example, has a head dress and dress from head to toe, so they don’t show skin.  It’s not about sexuality, but about performance and expression.  Every single form has costumes, from Tunics who have pants under their skirts. Tribal has Tibetan and Moroccan with different jewelry, and bras with metal going across the front. In cabaret there are more beads and perfect shiny jewels. It just shows that each one has it’s own story and style. In America we’ve made it more sexual with the glitz and glam. Really it’s like back in school, categorizing the jocks from the preps and so forth.

How much discipline goes into this dance form?

l_1793a8b7d61d6093825b9757405d281dOh, I would say it’s a lot of discipline.  If you don’t already have the natural talent for dancing, it’s best to take classes on the different forms of dancing to try to round yourself to know your body.  For instance, like lifting your arm and really feeling intensely each muscle when you do a snake arm, and doing a body anglation, chest hips then chest hips down. It’s different for each person, and can take a few weeks to master to many years.  Nobody can say they are professional with one class.  Once you can master the dance, then you must also have fun with it just like any theatrical performer.

Do you teach belly dancing?

Yes, I do. I teach children at a very young age to advanced students.  I try to teach them to understand the different styles, and how to coordinate with their body, as well as how to perform.  They must pretend that you are in the audience, and how will they feel when you perform.  You want it to be a clear message; you want to connect with them even if it’s a sad message.  I try to clarify the difference between a “dancer” and a “performer” when I teach.  Anyone can be a dancer, but only those who really want to perform are the performers, but anyone can perform if they want it.

Where have you performed?

I’ve performed my belly dancing at 8:00 theater and then I tried to pursue acting. I was in a movie produced by Andrew Allan.  I go to different restaurants and see if they need a belly dancer there as well, so you may see me in a local restaurant that you favorite.

How did you come up with Metal Gypsy?

I wanted a screen name and I wanted to be unique.  I was a huge metal fan; I love metal music and I’m a gypsy so I coined the name “Metal Gypsy” and that’s what it shall be.

What is your definition of what a gypsy is?

There are two definitions. My alter ego, Sereena, is a character in a band of gypsies that travels around and performs for anyone that wish to drop a couple coins in her hat, as well as try to be the show-off of the group.  In reality gypsies do travel around, and they tend to steal to avoid starving, but they are not evil.  Gypsies can be dangerous, but I am not dangerous.  Well, maybe a little… no, just joking.  I would never trick someone; I would never steal because I am a performing gypsy.

If you want to get to know this wonderful “gypsy” and have her perform her magical theatrical belly dancing moves, check her out at www.myspace.com/metalgypsy or www.deaddollsociety.com

Filed Under: Dance, featured Tagged With: ,

Stomp Romping Into Tampa

June 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment

STOMP-grpDowntown Tampa was rocked when the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center hosted one of the most intensely physical, rhythmic percussion shows I have ever seen.  Stomp “drummed” up a crowd and took the hearts of their patrons by storm.  I don’t think I witnessed one person not amazed by their performance in that sold out theater.

Stomp is a performance with an urban feel to it, but resembles so many different aspects that it’s hard to put it all into a list.  It’s as intense as River Dance with a blue collar urban feel, but I also see Cirque De Soleil and West Side Story, all masterfully blended into its own unique play.  This show would amaze Fred Astaire for sure.

From start to finish, it was an hour and forty-five minutes of non-stop rhythm. The performers used their bodies, brooms, Zippos, trash cans, signs, newspaper, and anything else they could find to make incredible sounds with.  They combined karate, slapstick, juggling, tap dancing, comedy, intense lighting and the feeling of friendship that will send your emotions running all over the spectrum.  I was awestruck with the choreography of this show, and have a new found respect for the level of physical and mental endurance as well as the countless hours needed to learn this act.  They are true sportsmen and theatrical artists combined into one true package.

What I like the best about this show is the feeling of urban friends (ie. New York City) getting together on a hot summer day, behind one of their places of employment, down an alley chilling out.  They come up with some incredible sounds and dancing to pass the time away.  If you ever lived in a big city, you will know what I mean when you see Stomp.

Stomp is definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever seen; a must for anyone who loves dance and intense choreography. Stomp is a show perfect for any one of any age and race.  When they’re done, you’ll be out of breath and feel sore just from watching.  Oh yeah, they will get you involved in the show, too.

The Expressionist Magazine gives this intense show 5 out of 5 stars, and a big kudos to all the performers who made this look easy.  We also thank the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center for having this show for the people of Tampa to be amazed with.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: ,

Internet Explorer 8

June 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Many of you know Microsoft software over the years has been hit hard by naysayers.  The monopoly victory won a few years ago sent their founder and CEO packing, not to mention their software vulnerability for hackers and viruses.  Microsoft has gone through a lot, and for me personally, I feel they haven’t been the same since Bill Gates stepped down.

They released Microsoft Vista a year or so ago, and since then the complaints have flown in. Despite the sleek look and cool features, most of the computers act like mine- constantly freezing up and crashing, programs not compatible, very slow and sluggish when it’s not crashing.  I think I wait more than get my tasks accomplished, so how is that being productive?

A few months ago I noticed across Yahoo’s homepage a link to download Internet Explorer 8.0 and immediately I was a bit hesitant towards the transition.  I put it off as long as I could, but the mandatory updates caught up with me and so I downloaded it.  Now I think I hate Microsoft; thank goodness for Firefox.

Just using this software today, the day after the install, my computer has crashed a record seven times and has been slower than usual.  Internet Explorer 8.0 will not load all of my info onto Facebook and other networking sites.  I cannot access my government log-in pages nor my bank anymore and now have to use another browser for this purpose.  I installed it on my brother’s computer a few weeks ago and his stopped working, as well. I am simply disgusted with the program, however, there are a few out there who may disagree.  Two out of two computers in my house that have this software no longer can use Internet Explorer to browse the Internet.

What’s even worse, Microsoft was known for the Internet browser and the World Wide Web, utilizing it inside their programs.  There is no excuse to the fallacies contained in something that they invented.

If you downloaded this program and now regret it, you’re not alone, but there are some simple and free options:

FireFox  - www.firefox.com or www.mozilla.com
Safari – www.safari.com   (Mac’s browser that works on Windows; just be sure to download the right platform)
Google Chrome – www.google.com/chrome  (Yes, they have a web browser now, too)

As far as a star rating, I would give this P.O.S. web browser, to say it nicely, a 0.5 out of 5 stars.  This signals the downfall of Microsoft.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With:

How Did You Get That?

June 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

This post will be an ongoing thread of tidbits we pick up along the way about art and music, you know stuff that makes you wonder, and we have the answers.

Ina Gada Da Vida

Ever wonder how they got this name, honestly you’d have to be pretty messed up to think of something like that and they were.  The band’s lead singer had a few too many drinks one night, and talked with a reporter who asked them what the name of their new song was.  In a reply he said, Ina Gada Da Vida, which was drunk talk for In The Garden Of Eden.  The band actually liked the screwed up gibberish and made it the title of their new song.

Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady

Did this ever make sense to you?  Well, I heard from Scott Shannon on his radio station exactly how Lionel Richie came up with this song.  He was at his parents for a celebration, their wedding anniversary.  His dad got up and made a toast, and in it mentioned, she is once, twice, three times a lady.  Lionel thought, dang, that would make a great song; and he was right.  That song topped the charts upon its release.

In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed

The Alman Brothers made a musical tribute to Elisabeth Reed, but who is she?  Is she related to them some how?  Nope, they never met her at all.  She died in the late 1800s and was buried in the cemetery they would go and jam on.  They loved where she was buried and would jam on her grave.  Imagine this woman helped make Georgia rock legends, just by being in the ground.

Mellow Yellow

You will probably never look at this song right again, its not about a soda.  This song was actually about a vibrating “woman’s” toy.  It came out in the 1960s and was bright yellow.  That’s why it references “electrical banana is sure to be a certain craze.”  They call me Mellow Yellow.  Yea… you get it.

Filed Under: Music Tagged With: ,

The Dream

June 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment

thedreaming4The night is cold with a comforting warmth fills the air, as the crowd waiting inside grows impatient. A handful lined up just outside the Roxy, one of the many clubs that a line the famous Sunset Strip. Located in the one and only Hollywood, California where all the fun and excitement occurs. But tonight is a night of specialties because this night is the last time we will be seeing heavy metal/rock n roll sensation The Dreaming. For they wish to full fill their desires of creating new material for our listening ears to enjoy, just as much as we did their first achievement ìEtched in Blood.îThe Dreaming combines a raw intensity of energy when it comes to performing, displaying in jumping hypertonic matter a 35 minute set list of energetic motions and movements. Singing loud and clear the many sights and shouts of Dead to Me, Sticks and Stones, “Bullet,” “Ugly (Beautiful),” “Let it Burn,” “Disconnected,” “Make It Go Away,” and “Send Me an Angel,” a handful of songs that got the audience begging for more! During the set front man Christopher Hall mentions ìIíve been singing Dead to Me, over 7,000 times, if I have to sing it one more time i’ll put a bullet in my head. Going off into the reminder of their set as the crowd watching in amazement cheered for the new beginning of what The Dreaming has in store for us coming very soon.

Written by:  Natalie Perez

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With:
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