Entertainment in the House

Christmas in Boston: A Must Watch Movie This Festive Season

2012-01-31T09:34:00.001-05:00

Christmas in Boston is a made for television movie. This romantic comedy originally aired on ABC Family on December 14, 2005. It is a charming holiday movie, which is suitable for family viewing. The movie has become a holiday favorite among many viewers. Many people have added it to their annual must watch Christmas movie list, along with classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." The Christmas in Boston DVD would be an excellent choice to add to your holiday movie collection this year.

The humorous plot is centered on two pen pals that began writing to each other thirteen years earlier, in sixth grade. The two, a young girl and boy, continued exchanging letters through the years. The two pen pals developed a close friendship over the years, but had never met. The girl, Gina, grew up to become a journalist and the boy, Seth, became a toy inventor for a toy company. Now, as adults, they find themselves presented with the opportunity to meet in person. In most cases this would be a long overdue, exciting, and joyous occasion. However, both individuals have a secret. Both, Gina and Seth were a bit insecure with their outward appearances in Junior High. For the past thirteen years, Gina has been sending Seth pictures of her best friend. And, as it turns out, Seth has been sending Gina pictures of his friend, as well.

Now that this unexpected opportunity to meet has arisen, each of the pen pals is worried about revealing their true selves. Seth is in town for a toy convention and Gina is assigned to interview him. They both manage to convince their friends to stand in for them at the initial meeting. Gina's friend, Ellen, meets with Seth's friend, Matt. To say the least, it is not magical moment. The two stand-ins do not exactly "hit it off" or "fall head over heels." The hilarity and romance that ensue make the Christmas in Boston DVD a must see holiday movie.

Christmas in Boston stars Marla Sokoloff as Gina and Patrick J Adams as Seth. The part of Ellen is played by Lindy Booth. The part of Seth's friend, Matt, is played by Jonathan Cherry. The movie was produced by Julian Grant and directed by Neill Fearnley. Christmas in Boston was written by Stephanie T. Baxendale. This soon to be holiday classic provides ninety minutes of family entertainment. This enjoyable movie is rebroadcast every year during the Christmas season. The movie was released on VHS and DVD, also.

The Christmas in Boston DVD is available in local retail stores, movie stores, and online. Consumers can order a copy online and have it delivered. This movie would make a terrific gift for friends or family members. It is perfect as an office party gift and would be a suitable gift for your child's teacher, as well. Giving this movie as a Christmas gift is a great way to spread some holiday cheer. Many wonderful holiday memories are made while enjoying a few Christmas movies with family and friends.

The author operates Christmaslightssites.com which is website offering unique gift ideas and advice for everyone on your list.

Check it out at [http://christmaslightssites.com/products/christmas-in-boston-dvd]

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Dil

2012-01-30T20:39:00.001-05:00

Super Hit movie Dil (1990), a love story starring Aamir Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Anupam Kher, Saeed Jaffery. Producer: Ashok Thakeria, Director: Indra Kumar, Music: Anand Milind

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Movie Review - New Year's Eve (2011) (PG-13)

2012-01-30T04:36:00.001-05:00

A Romcom for Auld Lang Syne

Garry Marshall's New Year's Eve is ostensibly a sequel to last year's Valentine's Day, a film I was very critical of for its surplus of subplots, overabundance of characters, and ceaseless intercutting. I described it as "a romantic comedy with Attention Deficit Disorder." I could easily make the same argument for New Year's Eve, and yet I feel much more forgiving this time. It's mushy, routinely implausible, a little too coincidental, and often times highly predictable, and yet I found the subplots a lot easier to keep track of, I could invest in more of the characters, and in some instances, I was genuinely touched. Yes, this is yet another instance of me going easy on a romantic comedy. If you've read my reviews, then it's your own fault for not seeing this coming a mile away.

Unabashed star vehicles, both films are a series of intercut vignettes taking place over the course of one day. All feature a number of characters whose lives are, to some degree, interconnected. But there are some key differences. For one thing, whereas Valentine's Day took place in Los Angeles, New Year's Eve takes place in New York City. This makes perfect sense. Where else to be on the last day of the year than in New York, specifically Times Square? Furthermore, although the film once again features Jessica Biel, Ashton Kutcher, and Hector Elizondo (a veteran of Marshall's films), they play different characters than the ones they played in Valentine's Day. The biggest difference is that, while the previous film focused almost exclusively on romantic relationships, this one expands its horizons to include family and friends.

The best place to start is with Claire Morgan (Hilary Swank), who has recently been appointed Vice President of the Times Square Alliance. Quite simply, her job is to make sure the ball in Times Square drops on schedule. She wants to make a good impression, although she's understandably edgy. There to support her is her friend, a security guard named Brendan (Chris "Ludacris" Bridges). As would be expected, things don't go smoothly; as the ball is being raised into position, several of its 3,000 LEDs suddenly go out. Everything grinds to a halt. Claire is forced to make a speech to the spectators on Times Square, and while it was a bit sentimental, perhaps even out of place, it was nice to hear. After a while, it becomes apparent that the only one who can fix it is a Russian electrician named Kominsky (Elizondo), who everyone refers to in nervous whispers.

Meanwhile, a professional caterer named Laura (Katherine Heigl) is busy preparing for a New Year's Eve bash. Into her life reenters a music superstar named Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi), who's set to perform at a concert in the middle of Times Square. The two were supposed to get married a while back, but he got cold feet at the last second and split. He has been regretting his decision ever since, and he wants her to give him a second chance. Understandably, Laura isn't as ready to put the past behind her. Hovering around Jensen like a cat in heat is Laura's sous chef, Ava (Sofia Vergara). Her bouncy enthusiasm is exaggerated enough to be amusing but not so exaggerated that she seems like a hyperactive child.

And now, a quick rundown of the remaining subplots. A courier named Paul (Zac Efron) helps a timid woman named Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) cross off items on a list she has made. Paul's best friend, a lovelorn New Year's hater named Randy (Kutcher) becomes trapped in an elevator with a young woman named Elise (Lea Michele), one of Jensen's backup singers. A single mom named Kim (Sarah Jessica Parker) must find her runaway teenage daughter, Hailey (Abigail Breslin), who desperately wants to have a New Year's kiss with a boy from school that she likes.

A man named Stan (Robert De Niro) lies in a hospital bed dying of cancer; his final wish is to be taken to the roof so that he can watch the ball drop one last time. At his side is a nurse named Aimee (Halle Berry). A man named Sam (Josh Duhamel) gets stranded in Connecticut after a wedding and is forced to hitch a ride with a family in an RV. He has to make it to New York City in time to give a speech, and possibly reunite with a woman he met on New Year's Eve a year ago. Finally, two pregnant couples - one played by Biel and Seth Meyers - are on the verge of delivery; it becomes a competition, as the first to give birth on New Year's Day with a $25,000 cash prize from the hospital. A few of these characters are connected in some way, although I leave it to you to discover how.

Of all the film's subplots, the one I liked the least was the one with Biel and Meyers. I don't know - something about turning impending birth into a contest doesn't sit well with me. Without it, however, we would not have Carla Gugino, which in turn would mean the loss of an outtake played during the end credits. To describe it would only ruin its hilarity. As for the other subplots, they're about as good as they can possibly be given their brevity and innate implausibility. I've long since learned to expect this from romantic comedies, which is why I'll often accept them for being exactly what they are. New Year's Eve imparts no wisdom about life and love. It's just what it is: A lighthearted, uncomplicated, feel-good date movie. Need it be anything more?

Although Chris never officially studied film, film theory, or even journalism in college, his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Creative Writing has taught him to appreciate story, character, and the imagination - all aspects that apply to the movies, and if there's anything his years of living in Los Angeles has guaranteed him, exposure to movies would be at the top of the list. He has always appreciated the art of filmmaking, but it wasn't until 2006 that he began writing reviews on various websites for new releases. Still residing in L.A., his reviews can be read at his website, http://www.atatheaternearyou.net.

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Smartphone pictures pose privacy risks

2012-01-29T16:26:00.001-05:00

Pictures you've e-mailed or uploaded from your smartphone could leak information that can threaten your safety or that of your children. Visit tinyurl.com to read much more on this investigation.

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Penn Point - Telling A Lie on NEW Discovery Channel Show - Penn Point

2012-01-28T23:01:00.001-05:00

Penn talks about his new show, "Tell a Lie," on the Discovery Channel coming out this fall. The show is full of outrageous, exciting stunts...but are they safe? BE SOCIAL! Share this video! Never Miss The Point - Subscribe for Free! www.youtube.com More episodes! www.youtube.com Twitter twitter.com Facebook facebook.com Penn on Twitter twitter.com Penn Point Homepage revision3.com ABOUT PENN POINT Penn Point is no ordinary vlog. It's a virtual conversation about today's hottest topics. Penn Point brings you a front row seat to Penn Jillette's unique and passionate point of view in a compact vlog, twice a week!

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Egypt Current Events

2012-01-28T08:30:00.001-05:00

The winter months in Egypt have various festivities and carnivals including Christmas, New Year, and winter food fests. Several events take place throughout the months of November and December in Egypt every year. Be a part of these Egyptian festivals and events and experience some of the wondrous moments of your life. Egypt current events in focus on cultural, social, and religious events to take place in November and December 2010. The dance and music festivals offer evenings full of fun and entertainment across the country.

The Spinx Festival represents the folklore dance in Cairo city of Egypt. It would take place in Swiss Club, Imbaba premises for five days beginning 1st December 2010. The schedule includes range of seminars, workshops, lectures, and musical art works. It will allow the visitors to know more about Egyptian folk dances, songs, and contemporary music. The cultural events encourage participation in the dance performances to preserve the cultural heritage of the country. Each event would have 60 participants. The event's website can be referred for reviews on last year's celebrations. Your December trip to this Spinx Festival will make your travel worthwhile.

The trade fairs and exhibitions also forms a major part of the popular Egypt events. Many fairs are of international standards as well. Stone Gate Egypt is one such exhibition drawing tourists. The event Stone Gate Egypt will begin on November 9, 2010 and will end on 12 November, 2010. Egypt's natural stone industry and its products is the main highlight of the exhibition. People related to the field of constructions, interior designing, mining, and archaeological would enjoy this exhibitions. Make your way to the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre for the show.

Egypt also has vibrant movie and media industry and several Egyptian directors have created Hollywood and Italian films for years. The local theaters screen films in various languages catering to international tourists. The Cairo Film Festival, December 2010 is an upcoming movie extravaganza that would bring in several superstars to the city. If you are a movie lover, you cannot miss any of the shows from November 30- December 10, 2010. Spanish and African movies will be screened in the "Black Pearl" section. The movies would revolve around poverty in Third World countries, African forests, and ethnic conflicts in modern era.

For more current events refer http://www.flightshotelstours.com/world-travel-destinations/egypt-tours/international-events/ and you can visit http://www.flightshotelstours.com for such other celebrated events

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Movie Trailer #2 - Official HD 2011

2012-01-27T14:44:00.001-05:00

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Official Trailer 2011! bit.ly - Click to Subscribe! Facebook.com - Become a Fan! Twitter.com - Follow Us! The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo hits theaters on December 21st, 2011. Cast: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Steven Berkoff, Robin Wright, Yorick Van Wageningen, Joely Richardson The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first film in Columbia Pictures' three-picture adaptation of Stieg Larsson's literary blockbuster The Millennium Trilogy. Directed by David Fincher and starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, the film is based on the first novel in the trilogy, which altogether have sold 50 million copies in 46 countries and become a worldwide phenomenon. The screenplay is by Steven Zaillian. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trailer courtesy Columbia Pictures.

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Home Business Record Keeping - Income and Expense

2012-01-27T02:01:00.001-05:00

So you've set up the basics - separate checking account, month end bank statement and duplicate checks (see "Home Business Record Keeping - The Simple Way" article for more details) - now how do keep your records? Let's start with expenses.

Use either a file folder or a large envelope. Write "Daily Expenses" on it. Every time you order something through the internet; print out your receipt and stick it in "Daily Expenses". If you go to your local office supply store, as soon as you get home, put your receipt in the folder.

Also set up either an excel spreadsheet or buy the old fashion spreadsheets at your office supply store. They may be old but they work just as well. You'll be recording your expenses daily and totaling your columns at the end of the month.

At the top left corner of your spreadsheet, write the month and year. Down the left side, you'll record the date of the expense and whom you paid. Use separate columns. For example: 05/15/2006 Media Marketing, Inc.

Across the top of the page, you'll list your expense categories starting with column 4 if you are using an Excel spreadsheet. Since you are running a home based business and you are a sole proprietor, we are assuming you do not have any payroll. How you pay yourself will be covered in another article.

Write the following categories in your top columns. It's helpful to list them from left to right with left being the most used category. Let's say you begin with Advertising. Then add the following categories (not necessarily in this order): Office Expense, Utilities, Phone, Vehicle Expense, Contributions, Meals/Entertainment, Travel, Taxes, Licenses and Permits, Bank Fees, Credit Card Fees, Legal/Accounting. Skip a few columns and at the far right list your next to last column as Income. List you last column as Total.

Now at the end of the day pull out your receipts and log in your expenses.

What about the good stuff? Your profit! If you are using a credit card service, PayPal or another online processor, you should be able to log online to check you daily balance. If they don't post transactions until the following day, just post it the next morning on your spreadsheet. If you receive checks in the mail, record the total amount of deposit. So at the end of day or the next morning write the date, "Income" and the total of monies received. And as always, keep copies of your records. Make copies of your deposit slips and print out your online processor statements monthly.

And that's the basic information you need to set up your expense and income report. If you are very familiar with software such as Microsoft Money or QuickBooks, go ahead and use them. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs buy the software and post expense (or what they think are expenses) into categories that may not be correct. When your Accountant has to straighten out these entries it takes his or her office time and that means more cost to you.

That's why a simple system, such as above, will save you time and money in the long run.

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Gujjubhai A Gaam Gajavyu

2012-01-26T13:51:00.001-05:00

The story revolves around three characters Hasubhai (Siddharath Randeria), his daughter Kajal (Leena Shah) and his Manager Rasik (Ashish Bhatt). Having a typical Baniya mentality, Hasubhai wished that his daughter Kajal would marry the Manager of his company, Rasik. However Kajal is in love with an Ad film Maker. The laughter ride begins when Hasubhai and Rasik took the challenge to induce Kajal for marriage. Will Hasubhai and Rasik win the battle? To find the answer watch this breathtaking humourous play.

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The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

2012-01-25T23:41:00.001-05:00

An "engrossing, delightful film" (The Washington Post), The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is the bonafide sleeper theatrical hit of the year. The film's endearing guide is Mark Bittner, an aging bohemian, but the supporting cast members, a rambunctious flock of urban parrots, are the true stars, and their surprisingly humanlike behavior makes for a wondrous and rare experience. The film follows the ups-and-downs of these wild birds within the green niches of San Francisco as Bittner befriends, feeds, and names the members of the flock. Along the way, we meet many unforgettable characters: among them Connor, the grouchy yet lovable outcast of the flock, crying for a mate but luckless in his pursuits, and "the lovers," Picasso and Sophie, inseparable until Sophie is forced into mourning when Picasso disappears. More than a mere birdwatcher, Bittner finds solace in his immersion with these strikingly beautiful creatures - but how will he cope when he's evicted from his sanctuary and forced to live away from the parrots? Packed with romance, comedy and a surprise ending that "makes you feel like you could fly out of the theater" (San Jose Mercury News), THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL shows just how wondrously similar the human and animal worlds really can be. MPAA Rating: NOTRATED 2004 Pelican Media. All Rights Reserved. Art and Design 2005 New Video Group.

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Doomsday (Unrated)

2012-01-25T09:09:00.001-05:00

From the director of The Descent comes an action-packed thrill-ride through a post apocalyptic hell! Doomsday Unrated is loaded with more explosive action not shown in theaters!

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Aarya 2

2012-01-24T17:28:00.001-05:00

Arya (Allu Arjun) and Ajay (Navadeep) are friends since childhood. Or put it straight, Arya forces Ajay to make friendship with him. Arya is always obsessive to be with Ajay. Years later, Ajay becomes big businessman, and once again Arya puts Ajay in a situation to take him as a software engineer, in his company.

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Teamwork in the Workplace: A Definition

2012-01-24T05:16:00.001-05:00

A tight knit team is a group of competent individuals who care deeply about each other. They are fiercely committed to their mission, and are highly motivated to combing their energy and expertise to achieve a common objective. From our observation and studies on teamwork in the workplace, we have found three primary conditions that have to be met in order to attain higher levels of team performance and member satisfaction.

Resources and Commitment

Ownership and Heart

Learning

These three conditions are the heart and soul of teamwork. These conditions are not a blueprint. Each group is unique, and the specifics and details of teamwork have to be worked out separately. Let's look closer at number one - Resources and Commitment.
RESOURCES AND COMMITMENT

A strong personal commitment and leap of faith are needed to start up and sustain tight knit teams. Genuine energy and resources are required during the early stages. For example, important non-task time is needed for teams to meet and establish identity, expectations, spirit, bonds, and patience is required for learning, coaching and behavior change that is consistent with team principles. Investment in teamwork is very intangible. You can't measure it like most corporate assets that can be sold off for a profit if you have a couple of bad quarters. Teamwork in the workplace requires a lot of care, sensitivity, and patience for it to pay off in the long run. This is not exactly the formula that most organizations run on these days. Typically we see organizations pre occupied with putting out fires and handling crises. Most organizations have a very short-term focus and many leaders are not enlightened enough to invest in fire prevention and not get caught by the excitement of the task or by the activity trap that is so common today. It doesn't take much to bring a group of individuals together to do a job especially if you are depending on just a compensation package to get them to produce. On the other hand, teamwork in the workplace does take a deep personal commitment and belief in team synergy and collaboration. Some managers harbor the belief that work only gets done when there is a singular powerful, expert, authoritative figure running the work group.

When you look closely at it, you are likely to find that a disturbingly large number of organizations are built around rugged individualism and that people want to build their own empires and work independently. So many of us have been taught in life to commit to win-lose competition for academic grades and sports scores. We learn to "go for the jugular" very early on in life, and we put our faith and commitment into this mode of thinking. Competition can be fun and rewarding if we can get this powerful drive aimed and the right target. The problem we see in a lot of situations is that teamwork in the workplace is being killed by "friendly fire." In other words, we are directing our competitive energies at looking better than another person or looking better than another team in the organization.

All too often we compete for personal rewards at the expense of others. We act as though our department is in a race with other departments, and we take our eye off the real competition. The fact of the matter is that we have found few organizations that are committed enough to base some of the reward system on teamwork and make it a priority. It seems that in earlier generations it wasn't a big problem and teamwork was naturally rewarding. People on the farms and ranches had to cooperate to survive. Successful crops and survival of the livestock depended on joining the efforts of many. Barns and homes were constructed as a result of teamwork, only we called it being neighborly.

Amazing things could be accomplished today if we could get members and leaders to trust and commit to the teamwork process of joint problem solving, consensus decision making and shared leadership and win/win conflict resolution.

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Put a Flat TV Screen Above the Fireplace

2012-01-23T14:31:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for a good place to put a flat screen TV, you might want to try putting one over the fireplace. When you place a TV in this location, you can ensure that it will be in a highly visible location. At the same time, you will never need to worry about it taking up valuable wall space that you might want to use for other decorative items.

Flat TV's and Optimal Viewing Angles

No matter where you put chairs or couches in a room, it can be very easy to establish a direct line of sight for all potential viewers. This tends to occur more often when you have plenty of wall space, and then set the TV at eye level. On the other hand, when you place a Flat Screen TV over a fireplace, you will most often have to place it higher than usual. While you are arranging furniture in the rest of the room, you are sure to notice that it will be much easier to create an unobstructed view from each location.

Safety and Damage Prevention

Even though your pets, children, and other household members may not intend to be destructive, one single thrown object can destroy a flat screen TV. In a similar way, if you pets decide to use the TV frame as a scratching post, you will find that the TV does not last for very long. Typically, placing a Flat Screen TV above the fireplace will remedy both problems. Among other things, children will not be inclined to throw balls or other objects in the direction of the fireplace. At the same time, your pets will also not be inclined to climb onto the fireplace just so that they can use the TV as a scratching post.

Attractive and Enticing

Many people today enjoy having electronic photo frames that will display all kinds of images. When you have a Flat Screen TV, you can easily use a wireless device to transmit images from a computer. Without a question, if you have pictures of family members, or even stunning sunsets, they will look perfect when displayed on an enormous screen located above a fireplace. As may be expected, if you want to switch over to regular programming, or watch a video, it will be just as easy to accomplish.

When you purchase a Flat Screen TV, you are sure to enjoy being able to save room in your home, as well as all of the advanced technologies that are built into these units. Nevertheless, you will still need to find a suitable wall space that will accommodate your new TV with a minimal amount of difficulty. In many cases, the space above your fireplace may offer the safest location, as well as one that will enable each person in the room to see the TV clearly. As an added bonus, you are sure to appreciate making use of a location that you pets an children aren't likely to use in a way that would damage the TV.

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Complete Wii Balance Board Game List

2012-01-23T01:12:00.001-05:00

I took some time to write a simple list about all the Wii games that are compatible with the Wii Balance Board (Wii Fit Board). Most of them are already released, some will be by early next year. I also included a small summery for each of the games.

1.All Star Cheer Squad - basically you have to play a cheerleader who moves up to become the head cheerleader. Start of as the rookie who has to try out for even getting accepted into the squad. The more you play the game the more advanced routines you will learn. You can play career mode or mini game mode style.

2.Academy Of Champions: Soccer - the tile says it all, a game basically for boys who love soccer. This title includes 12 mini games. Or play the story line to battle against a football academy. Try to make your team win the championship.

3. Avatar - the game to the upcoming film Avatar. The film is by James Cameron. The game is an action based adventure game, which takes place at an alien planet. Will be released at the end of November.

4. Daisy Fuentes Pilates - a great workout game not only for all the pilates lovers, but also people in general who want to improve their posture and do some more exercise without going to the gym. This game includes 10 pilates routines. There are 5 pre set routines and 5 customizable ones. The game starts at the level of beginners, but will move up in difficulty to advanced. You can play this game in English or Spanish. The commentator is Daisy Fuentes that will guide you all the way with her great tips in subjects like health and fitness.

5. DanceDance Revolution Hottest Party 3 - a sequel to the DanceDance Revolution games. You can either play with the dance pad or as the title of this article says, with the Wii Balance Board. The game can be played in workout mode, story mode, lesson mode or kids mode. This rhythmic game is the best one until now, because all the previous titles didn't include the Wii Balance Board. It includes also more than 50 tracks of music.

6. Diva Girls- Divas On Ice - a nice girlie game who want to try out as ice princesses. There is a career mode available, but also mini games. Defiantly a game for girls for the age of 8+.

7. Doctor Fizzwhizzle's Animal Rescue - a game where you have to advance in stages to rescue animals. An arcade kind of game. You have more than 180 levels to play and can rescue 60 different animals. It includes also a kids mode with quizzes about animals.

8. Don King Boxing - a boxing game where you step into the ring to fight against the greatest boxers in real venues like Madison Square Garden or Boardwalk Hall. See if you can make it to the top - in career mode. This is one of the top rated games of this year. You should try this game, even if you are not too much into boxing. This gives you the workout of a fitness game, but still makes it fun to play. Has a teen rating.

9. EA Sports Active More Workouts - This is the sequel to the EA Sports Active Personal Trainer game that was released about a year ago. One of the highest rated Wii fitness games. You can use the Wii Balance Board, the Wii remote and Nunchuk to play this game. This game adds 35 new exercises that target the whole body. More Workouts is made to be played in the winter as it focuses on warm-weather games like surfing, jet skiing and rafting. It also keeps players motivated with a 6-week-challenge that tracks the players progress.

10. EA Sports Active Personal Trainer - This was probably the most successful game for the Wii Balance Board. You can play sports like running, basket ball, volley ball, roller skating, boxing, baseball, dancing, and many other games. This game includes a rubber resistant band for muscle workouts and a pouch for jogging and running. If you want to play this game with a friend you can get the gear also separately. Sign up for the 30 day challenge with its 20 minute workouts to get into shape. This game will make your living room into a gym without the need of leaving the house.

11. Go Play Circus Star - Go try out to become the greatest circus performer. Play in career mode and play stage-by-stage or play mini games. Most of the games in this title are compatible with the Wii Balance Board. One of three games of the Go Play series.

12. Go Play City Sports - Another one of the Go Play series. Play six street games like stick ball, kickball, street hockey and soccer. In career mode you have to stand up for yourself and become the top athlete of your street. A fun and casual game for the whole family.

13. Go Play Lumberjacks - The last one of the Go Play series. This title takes you to the outdoors where you can play five different event categories. In each one of those categories you compete against three other players. One of the fun games is defiantly the water log game where you have to balance on a log.

14. Gold's Gym Cardio Workout - Another great fitness title. What makes this game unique it that when you buy it, you get a free one week trial at any Gold Gym. In the game your workout is chosen according to your own fitness level. So you don't have to worry that you will not be able to keep up. Includes boxing, running, rope jumping and many other sports.

15. Imagine Fashion Party - A game for all the girls who love to live the world of fashion. Includes office mode where you play a designer that get challenged by difficult clients. Or try to be a make-up artist and style your models before they hit the runway. You can even own your own TV show just like the one from Heidi Klum. This game also lets you share pictures through the Wii Wifi connection.

16. Imagine Party Babyz - For all of you who love the cute baby games like baby food throwing, dancing and hula hoop. There are more than 30 fun mini games to play. Or go for the career mode where you are in charge of a daycare center.

17. Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009 - Another one of the popular fitness games for the Wii. This is a boot-camp-style game that focuses on four workout types: weight loss, intervals, hill climb and strength training. Just like in real life the game starts with warm-up, keeps you in your target zone to burn calories and cool-down for stretching. It even has a competitive mode where you play against a friend to find out who can burn more calories. The game is lead by fitness guru Jillian Michaels, that not only guides you through each exercise but also offers lifestyle tips.

18. Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 - The sequel to the boot-camp style fitness game. It adds on to the other game with a resolutions mode. In this mode you can plan ahead your routines for up to six months. Just like the first game it focuses on cardio like running, bicycle, swing kicks, jumping jacks. Strength training includes exercises like lunge kicks, push-ups, back kicks, sledge swings and many more. It offers very accurate motion tracking to give you a real-life experience. This is a recommended game if you want to get into shape fast.

19. Marble Saga Kororinpa - one of my favorite fun games from all Wii games. It includes more than 100 levels for the Wii Balance Board. Don't be fooled because I called it fun games. This game will defiantly challenge you while you try to move across the mazes and collect all the orange gems. If you collect also the green gems (one per level) you can unlock more stages at the end. Not only can you choose the difficulty but also different marbles - each with their own strengths. Collect all the stomp-temple-parts and you unlock the ability to design your own mazes at the end. You will play in 7 different worlds, each one with their own characteristics. So after you played the whole game you can even connect via the Wifi to get more advance levels. Check out the leader boards via the Wifi to see you is the best in the game.

20. Mario And Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games - Compete at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. Choose your favorite character from players like Mario, Sonic and Donkey Kong. This game targets primarily the fans of these characters. You have the option to play the game in single player, multiplayer and festival mode. Festival mode means that you go through all the Olympic events to become the greatest Olympic champion. This game includes winter themed games like skiing, hockey, bobsled and figure skating. But you also play dream events that won't happen in real life like dream snowball fight. You move your character with a combination of the Wii Balance Board, wii remote and nunchuk.

21. Mountain Sports - Another winter themed game that features six full length sports to make your gaming experience more satisfying. These include skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, tobogganing, bobsledding and curling. The goal of the game is to become the champion of the white mountain. Most of the games make use of the Wii Balance Board (5 out of six)

22. My Fitness Coach - This fitness game includes 500 exercises like cardio, flexibility and strength training. You can choose your favorite environment to suit your mood. Also customize your music with styles like Latin music, hip hop, oldies, music from the 80's,... As you progress the workouts will get more demanding. It also includes a meditation garden to practice stretching and yoga.

23. My Personal Golf Trainer - The only golf game that makes use of the Wii Balance Board. Not yet release thus not much more information available.

24. NewU: Fitness First Personal Trainer - another fitness title that was released in 2009. Just like many of the other fitness based games your own personal virtual trainer guides you through a set of exercises. This game will try to get you in better shape through fitness and healthy living without you ever having to leave the comfort of your own home.

25. Overturn - a wii ware title that you can get through the Wii Shop via the Wifi Connection.

26. Playmobil: Circus - This game combines the playmobil characters with the circus theme to attract primarily the younger players. You can unlock more than 16 circus tricks to impress the crowd. Two multiplayer modes are available: versus, where you compete against a friend and teamwork, where you work together to reach your goal. Play acts with elephants, magician, tame the lion and many more wacky games.

27. Punch Out - The sequel to the popular game of more than 15 years ago. Play against characters like Glass Joe and King Hippo. Most of the names will be familiar if you played the first game. In career mode you will have to win against 13 opponents. Each one has their own characteristics and weaknesses. Boxing games are not only fun games to play but will definitely get you into shape as you use your whole body to play. The Wii Balance Board makes the game even more realistic.

28. Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party - The only title of the Rayman Raving Rabbids series that is compatible with the Wii Balance Board. This game focuses on TV series, ads and TV classics. Play either in story mode where you will go through one week of television with unique tasks and very hilarious challenges. Or play party mode with up to 8 players, four of which can play simultaneously. In all these mini games your overall goal is to help the rabbids destroy the daily TV viewing and thus drive Rayman crazy. Two of the 65+ games are Beestie Boarding (slide down a hill filled with obstacles where the board is a wildebeest) and Garden of Weeden (get rid of all the weeds in the garden by spraying them with poison - apply pressure to the Wii Balance Board to succeed in the challenge). Overall, one of the number one party games.

29. Shaun White Snowboarding Road Trip - Shaun White will instruct you to become a great snowboarder. Turn the board so you glide down the mountain just like on a real snowboard. You can enjoy the scenery with the unique camera system and beautiful graphics. Or go for the challenges to compete in snowboarding events. There are four ventures to explore: Alaska, Europe, Japan and Park City.

30. Shaun White Snowboarding World Stage - was just recently released. Is the sequel to the Shaun White Snowboarding Road Trip game. This game just like the previous one has the rating 10+. Can you make it in the half-pipe to be better than everybody else? A nice game if you live far away from any snow, but still would like to know how it feels to snowboard.

31. Skate City Heroes - A skating game that takes place in a futuristic city on top of skyscrapers. You have to race between trains, hoover over cars and other crazy moves. The goal of the game is to out-race your opponent with your skills and moves. You need to free a friend and make peace in the city. All these if you can become the skateboarding master. Has a multiplayer mode for up to four players.

32. Skate It - A more realistic skating game where you can customize your own skate park with ramps, rails, benches and many more skate-able objects. The career mode lets you compete in skate venues to become the skater of the year. This is the game for you if you are into skating and the whole skate culture.

33. Ski And Shoot - A biathlon style game that includes original world cup tracks. But you can not only compete in those original sport spots but also play real time biathlon sports icons like Kati Wilhelm and Michael Rosch. Choose from 20 different tracks and more than 15 international locations. As the title says, you will focus on cross country skiing and target shooting.

34. Snowboard Riot - another Wii Ware title that you can get through the Wifi Connect Shopping channel of your wii.

35. Stratosphere Yoga - not much yet known about this title or when it will be released.

36. Super Monkey Ball: Step And Roll - Planned release is in February of 2010. This is a sequel to the popular Super Monkey Ball series. You play a monkey (several different ones to choose one each one with their own strengths) in a giant bubble that has to finish levels and collect bananas on the way.

37. The Biggest Loser - The game to the popular TV show "The Biggest Loser". Not only for those who want to loose weight but also for those who want to stay in shape and not gain weight. Trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels will guide you through exercises, motivate you and stand by you all the way. This title includes more than 88 exercises which target the upper- and lower body, the core and cardio. It also teaches you yoga poses and thus improves your posture. The Wii Balance Board can be used in over 66 exercise. Choose from 4, 8 or 12 week challenges and see if you can stay above the yellow line in weigh-in. To all those above mentioned features it also includes more than 50 healthy recipes and a daily planning calendar.

38. Vertigo - An action game where you have to control a metal ball. Try to keep it from falling off the sides just with the balance of your body. Sounds easy but is in reality very tricky. The game is set in a futuristic environment on top of skyscrapers and tall buildings. It includes 54 levels and has 4 different modes. You can even customize your own ball to give it its unique controls.

39. Walk It Out - an upcoming walking game. This game will be released in January 2010. The more you take steps and walk, the more beautiful your world will become. This game features more than 120 songs which should keep you focused and motivated. The game keeps track of your progress and burned calories with charts and graphs. You can use the Wii Balance Board, the Dance Dance Revolution controller, the wii remote and the nunchuk to play the game. This is a very popular game in Japan, where it is already released.

40. Water Sports - The game focuses on summer themed games like windsurfing, jet skiing, kite surfing and wake boarding. You have different locations to choose from like Australia and South Africa. Do tricks and combine them to get lots of points.

41. We Ski And Snowboard - Choose from 14 courses and from beginner to advanced in this great skiing game. Choose if you want to go skiing or snowboarding. You are in the Happy Ski Resort where you can focus on just casual skiing, competitions or tricks with your snowboard. Explore the surrounding area by helicopter. You can even decide at what day-time you would like to experience skiing: during day, afternoon with its warm light or night under the light of fireworks.

42. We Ski - Again you are in the Happy Ski resort. This game lets you only do skiing but you will for sure enjoy the great two mountains. You can even try black diamond slopes. Just like in the previous game, you can choose the time of the day, and which course you would like to try. Overall a fun game for the whole family.

43. Wii Fit - The most famous game for the Wii Balance Board. This is the game that got released first with the Board. Part of the title focus on your balance like the Balance Games and Yoga games. Our family's favorite are the Balance games. You start off with 5 games. The more time you spend exercising and playing the more games you can unlock. The other categories are Strength Training and Aerobics. You can even create a Wii Fit Channel - a mode where you don't have to put in the DVD to do a daily body test. Each time you do a body test you will be weighed and your balance will be tested. According to that you will get a score that is your Wii Fit Age. Don't take it too seriously if you are 10 or so years older than your real age. This should just motivate you to do daily exercises and keep in shape.

44. Wii Fit Plus - The just recently released sequel to the Wii Fit game. It combines the two games so you can play both of them from one CD. The difference is that you can now customize your workouts much easier and even decide if you want to do 20, 30 or 40 minute workouts. This game adds six new yoga activities and strength training exercises and 15 new balance games. A very fun game for the whole family not only if you are into fitness and weight loss.

45. Wii Music - Use the Balance Board to play 60+ instruments. But it does not matter if you press buttons at a certain time like in other music games. This is a very casual game, where there is no right or wrong. Just enjoy yourself while playing in a band. You can invite up to 4 people to play with you in your band. And you can even connect with friends through the Wifi connection. Choose your flavor like rock, jazz and Latin.

46. Winter Sports 2 The Ultimate Challenge - a winter themed game where you try out in 18 disciplines from 11 different winter sports. In this game you are in the center of sporting events that are broadcast all over the world. Some of the activities include snowboarding, ice skating, biathlon and ski jumping.

47. World Championship Athletics - Compete in 28 different summer themed sports games. Some of these are: high diving, hurdles and pole vault. See if you can win the gold medal and improve your own personal best.

48. Yoga - just recently released yoga game that focuses not only on yoga itself but also on its unique lifestyle. It lets you choose between story mode, where you start off as a complete yoga beginner and end up as a yoga guru. Training mode, where you can learn new poses. And Routine mode where you customize a workout that puts together several yoga poses. This game is a must if you liked the yoga exercises in the Wii Fit game.

Most of the games are just casual games that you play for fun. Some of them are excellent fitness games like Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus. And my pick for the most fun game from the whole list: Marble Saga Kororinpa. In this game you have to balance a marble through a maze and collect colored gems on the way. Might sound boring to you, but when you play it you get really addicted. You can play this game also with the Wii Remote only. (Not less fun!)

Venture Brothers Season Action Movie

DWTS Week 1 Recap Todrick Hall and Lauren Gottlieb - Dancing with the Stars Season 13

2012-01-22T10:06:00.001-05:00

Lauren Gottlieb (So You Think You Can Dance Season 3, Top 6) and Todrick Hall (American Idol, Broadway's Memphis) recap week 1 of Dancing with the Stars Season 13. Find out how the new group of DWTS celebs performed according to extraordinary dancers Lauren and Todrick. All new episode of FYI every Tuesday :) Lauren Gottlieb- www.lauren-gottlieb.com Todrick Hall- http DWTS Season 13 Couples: Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer Carson Kressley and Anna Trebunskaya Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani David Arquette and Kym Johnson Elisabetta Canalis and Valentin Chmerkovsky Hope Solo and Maks Chmerkovsky JR Martinez and Karina Smirnoff Kristin Cavallari and Mark Ballas Nancy Grace and Tristan MacMahon Ricki Lake and Derek Hough Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke Ron Artest and Peta Murgatroyd Featured Music: The Blitz Ambassador - "Free Your Mind" www.facebook.com Follow Us on Twitter- www.twitter.com

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What Makes A Good Movie

2012-01-21T21:06:00.001-05:00

Art is reflection of our society and life and movies are often regarded as modern expressions of art. They make us laugh and cry and we often love to quote them, they edify us enlighten us.

Every year numerous movies are made in the entertainment industries but all are not liked: some top the charts while others are kicked out of the box office. Some become the hot topic of discussion for the critics while others just escapes their notice, in short some get a thumps up while others a thumps down.

But how many of these, which get a positive feedback, are actually good movies? Well it is not that simple to answer, as it seems. The topic is very much subjective. What seems good to some may not be the same for the others. What appears enjoyable to a few others might be enjoyable for others. Then what exactly is a good movie? To generalize it, we can say that those movies, which are liked by the mass and not by some class category of people, could be considered as a good movie. But what are the traits that are needed for a movie to qualify as a good one. First of all a movie should provide good entertainment. They are of course others:

Touch our feelings: A movie should touch our heart and make us talk or think about it instead of just becoming a time pass. It should have the capacity to teach and inspire us and provoke us emotionally.

Educative: It should be able to let us know about something new. Nowadays movies are considered to be one of the most effective educational tools used to teach or educate people regarding certain issues. In short a good movie should have some educative value for the masses.

Mirror of the society: A good movie must also provide some elements of encouragement and inspire people towards successfully overcoming barriers. Movies are regarded as the mirror of life. Every story of a movie is more or less inspired by our life, by what happens around us.

But this is not all; there are some other factors also which contribute in making a movie, to be considered as good. Following are the points:

The Plot: This is the most important part of the movie. Without a good plot a movie fails to attract and retain the viewers in the theaters. Even if they were drawn to it initially for some reasons, people would loose interest sooner than later.

The Characters: The second most significant factor of any good movie is the characters of the story. Without them there would be no story and no plot. Characters should be such, that the audience likes them. Be it a positive character or negative one. They should have some qualities to which the people can relate.

Actors: We need good actors to make a good movie. Actors, who can justify the characters and make them, come alive in front of the audience. They must be able to portray the characters well so that people say that the characters are made keeping them in mind. They should blend themselves into the characters.

Script: Without dialogues movies look dead. Script is the life of movies so they should be very strong and appealing. They can even make people come and see the movie repeatedly.

Last but not the least, visual display of a movie with beautiful scenes and sceneries can also influence and draw people to the theaters.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for used DVDs, used movies, and used car stereos. You can find the best marketplace for used DVDs, used movies, and used car stereos at these sites for used DVDs, Movie, characters, and car stereo, amplifiers, loudspeakers, subwoofers.

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Zombies Vs. Vampires & Star Trek 2! - Film State

2012-01-21T07:21:00.001-05:00

On today's episode we talk about Robert Zemeckis doing a live action monster movie, A film about zombies fighting vampires called Last Blood and is there gonna be a live action Voltron film? Twitter: www.twitter.com Facebook: facebook.com Ryan's Twitter: twitter.com

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Spring Awakening on broadway part 1 out of 13 - original cast please read the description!

2012-01-20T18:33:00.001-05:00

Spring Awakening on broadway part 1 out of 13 - original cast. I did not record this. Somebody else did. This is not mine.

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RJD2, Quest Crew, Glee, ABDC, Hellcats, Bridesmaids

2012-01-20T05:17:00.001-05:00

ABDC crews take on Rihanna & Justin Bieber music, Bridesmaids hits theaters, RJD2 teams up with Quest Crew for "Might As Well Step Forward," Glee dances its way to prom and the Hellcats do the 1,2 step. RJD2 on iTunes- itunes.apple.com Mikey Bustos- www.youtube.com Featured Music: Vandalism & Static Revenger - "Vegas" itunes.apple.com The Kickdrums - "Counting On You" thekickdrums.com Hype Jones - "Everybody" soundcloud.com Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com Opener Choreography- Shea Sullivan

New Lyrics

Jeans

2012-01-19T16:14:00.001-05:00

Nassar is a restaurateur in Los Angeles, USA (Originally, the Gandhi Cusine shot in the film is in Las Vegas). His twin sons Vishwanathan and Ramamoorthy (Prashanth), are medical students, who help him out in the evenings and on weekends.

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Baap Ni Jaan Ma Dikro Anvar

2012-01-19T00:11:00.001-05:00

A widower father, with the excuse of giving peace to his dead wifes soul, marries different girls. This way he intends to earn a lot of money through dowry. Situations keep changing and so do the girls. But on one occasion, he plans to marry a girl whom his son loves. And the son has to unwillingly attend his fathers marriage. This leads to hilarious and funny situations.

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Movie Bytes - Battleship with Rihanna, GI Joe 2: War Movies 2012 -- MOVIE BYTE

2012-01-17T03:33:00.001-05:00

Jon Chu is directing GI Joe 2, and Rihanna stars in Battleship The Movie! Host Grace Randolph gives you a closer look at these AWESOME war movies hitting theaters in 2012! Will Channing Tatum return to the GI Joe franchise? Can Jon Chu bring his dance moves from the Step Up movies to the battlefield? And will Brooklyn Decker and Rihanna sink Universal's Battleship? Movie Bytes is the latest movie news from Beyond The Trailer, distributed by Indy Mogul and Next New Networks!

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A Separation trailer - in cinemas 1 July 2011

2012-01-16T09:38:00.001-05:00

The stand out film of the 2011 Berlin Film Festival and winner of the Golden Bear, A Separation is a suspenseful and intelligent drama detailing the fractures and tensions at the heart of Iranian society. Written and directed by Asghar Farhadi, the film boasts a range of superb performances from the ensemble cast who collectively received the Silver Bears for both Best Actor and Best Actress at the Berlinale. The compelling narrative is driven by a taut and finely written script rooted in the particular of Iranian society but which transcends its setting to create a stunning morality play with universal resonance. When his wife (Leila Hatami) leaves him, Nader (Peyman Moadi) hires a young woman (Sareh Bayat) to take care of his suffering father (Ali-Asghar Shahbazi). But he doesn't know his new maid is not only pregnant, but also working without her unstable husband's (Shahab Hosseini) permission. Soon, Nader finds himself entangled in a web of lies manipulation and public confrontations. A Separation is the first ever Iranian film to be awarded the Golden Bear. A Separation will be released in the UK on 1 July 2011

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How To Use Your IRA To Buy Real Estate

2012-01-15T15:02:00.001-05:00

In life there are a lot of things we learn by accident, which can be very beneficial to us. Sometimes understanding these processes can take a while. Sometimes after proper explanation ...BLAM, you get it. That is exactly what happened to me. When I first heard about the topic, I will discuss in this E-book, it was perplexing, however, I knew that it could reap huge rewards in the future. It took a while for me to understand the process. I remember trying to tell a buddy who owned an apartment building about _________ and what it could do for him. I remember getting it all confused (like telling someone a good joke, but while you are trying to say the good joke, in mid sentence you realize that you don't remember it all and it is not coming out right, so you just say forget it because you are screwing the joke up). Fortunately, by mistake I came across the company Pensco Trust who has educated me on this great opportunity of____________. I am considered one of their "Preferred Professionals." My learning curve is your benefit. Enough with my teasing games, the purpose of this E-book, is to educate you on Self Directed IRAs. So buckle up!

This publication is made to provide basic information in regard to Self Directed IRA's. It is presented with the understanding that I am not engaged in rendering accounting or legal advice. If you need legal advice services of a proficient professional should be contacted. I can not in any way guarantee that this material will be properly used for the purposes intended and I assume no responsibility for its correct and proper use.

We all know that Social Security (SS) is struggling and the money there will eventually disappear. Prior to 1935 there was no personal SS. All that existed were people saving their money in their bank/under the mattress. In 1935 SS was created. Remember that this was the same time period of the Great Depression. Keep in mind the life expectancy back then was like 62 years old. Now it is 76. Baby Boomers make up a huge portion of the population. Baby Boomers are retiring everyday. You want some hard facts? Well according to Research Corporation Study: The New Landscape of IRA Rollover © 2005 BISYS Retirement Services.

o The first of the baby boomers reached age 59.5 in July 2005

o 4 million more will reach age 59.5 each year

o 24 million people will reach age 65 by 2010

o 55% plan on to work after "retirement"

Now on the flip let's say there was no problem with SS. Have you ever talked to someone who gets SS checks? They don't get a lot of money. It is sad sometimes. I am not trying to offend anyone, but the majority of the older people you see at Wal-Mart greeting you and marking your receipt didn't have a "nest egg" to rely on when they "retired". The topic I will discuss will prevent that from ever happening to you and I.

1974 congress created IRA (Individual Retirement Account) to supplement Social Security. We know these are programs to help shelter money away for tax benefits. Typically people go after the traditional investments. We always hear about stocks, bonds and CD's. Yes all investments have risks, but the thing about these investments is that you can not affect the outcome of the business/your return. You are a spectator, watching the game. Also, you can't use leverage (an example of using leveraged will be discussed later). Also, with stocks if any little blip in market occurs, like oil, war, scandal, etc. your value could go down. Real estate does go up and down but generally you don't lose all of your money in worst case scenarios. Real estate appreciation has kept pace or exceeded inflation. It is a cycle. When it goes down, the value does not go down instantly (like Enron).

Self Directed IRA (SDI) an overview. Now I am not bashing stocks, I have them, if you talk to any financial planner, they will tell you to always be diversified in your investments. This is what SDI does for you. Ideally you should have SDI, stocks, bonds etc.

SDI has been a well kept secret. Why? I think it is because of ignorance, and I also the folks on Wall Street don't benefit. A broker at an investment company will not tell a person about it, because they can't make money off of the transaction (let alone having them understand how it works). The last reason is because there are "professionals" who don't have a clear understanding on its use.

To get a SDI, you would either have to go through an Administrator, or a Custodian.
What is an Administrator? Banks, brokerage firms (like Charles Schwab) and insured credit unions.

What Is A Custodian?
There are very few self-directed IRA/401k custodians in the United States. In order to be a custodian for self-directed products, the custodian is known as a "passive custodian." This simply means that they are obligated by law to provide only custodial and administrative services for the qualified plan. They can provide NO investment advice. This tremendously reduces the fees associated with traditional investments because you, the investor, make all of the investment decisions. They are also FDIC insured.

What is the role of the custodian

o Holds your IRA assets

o Performs all IRA transactions

o Keeps all IRA records

o Provides all IRS required reports

o Keeps IRA plan in compliance

o Provides access online access

There are only three things your SDI can't invest in and they are

o Collectibles/antiques

o Life insurance

o Stock of a sub-chapter "S" corporation (these are companies that are traded publicly on the stock market)

As long as the transaction is for investment purposes and you have not created a "prohibited transaction" (will discuss later) the list of investments are endless.

The beginning of a long list of real estate you can buy with your SDI

o Foreclosures, Options, Pre-construction, raw land, apartments, offices, strip malls, mobile homes, public storage, any type of investment property

o Trust deeds/mortgage notes

o Privately held C-Corp stock, LLC membership
.
The rules on prohibited transactions

o Cant buy from or sell to a disqualified/prohibited person

o Cant make personal use of property

o Cant use SDI as collateral for personal loan

Personal use prohibitions

You can't personally use a vacation home. Even if you rent it out for 354 days and spend one day in it, this is illegal. You can't perform maintenance on the property. You can hire a maintenance crew using the money coming out of your SDI, but you can't physically work on the property. You also can't hunt on raw land, dock boat at a SDI owned boat slip. There was a person, who worked with Pensco, that bought a specific area of a water fishing spot in Alaska. The person, couldn't fish there, so she leased out the area to other fishermen and received profit.

3D Projection Mapping

2012-01-14T20:30:00.001-05:00

Barco Newsletter: www.barco.com 3D Projection mapping in the city of Sugarland, Texas for New Years Eve 2010. LD Systems provided sound, lights, video and staging for the 25th anniversary of the city. The equipment included a gramdMA lighting console, Barco HD projectors, Hippotizer HD media server and mapping system, and EV X-Line concert speakers. LDS and TV&P collaborated for this event on the heels of the overwhelmingly successful Glowrama event.

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COD Black Ops - I Used to Have a Trampoline & What Disappoints Me

2012-01-12T18:29:00.001-05:00

www.youtube.com Spawn trapped nuke vid^^^^^^ Did you ever jump on a trampoline in your childhood? What disappoints you in Black Ops? Why do so many SMGs only have 20 in the clip?

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Top Causes of Homelessness in America

2012-01-11T23:15:00.001-05:00

As many as 3.5 million Americans are homeless each year. Of these, more than 1 million are children and on any given night, more than 300,000 children are homeless.

While the general impression is that the homeless are primarily the chronic and episodic, those unfortunate individuals often seen living on the streets in the downtown areas of our cities, the fact is that more than half the homeless are families with children. The vast majority of these have been thrust into homelessness by a life altering event or series of events that were unexpected and unplanned for. Contrary to the belief that homelessness is primarily the result of major traumatic events or physical and mental disabilities, there are many top causes of homelessness in America.

Homelessness is, in fact, caused by tragic life occurrences like the loss of loved ones, job loss, domestic violence, divorce and family disputes. Other impairments such as depression, untreated mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical disabilities are also responsible for a large portion of the homeless. Many factors push people into living on the street. Acknowledging these can help facilitate the end of homelessness in America.

For those living in poverty or close to the poverty line, an "everyday" life issue that may be manageable for individuals with a higher income can be the final factor in placing them on the street. A broken down vehicle, a lack of vehicle insurance, or even unpaid tickets might be just enough to render someone homeless.

Divorce costs and the associated lowering of a family's total income can cause one or more family members to become homeless. For families that can hardly pay their bills, a serious illness or disabling accident may deplete their funds and push them out onto the street. Today, the rapid, unexpected loss of jobs and resultant foreclosures has caused great dislocation among families and has dramatically added to the number of people without a roof over their heads.

Natural disasters often cause current housing situations to become untenable and costly repairs are often simply not possible. The results of Hurricane Katrina stand in bleak testimony to the power of nature to displace people.

The great challenge for the newly homeless is to figure out how to return to their normal lives. Organizations that build emergency shelters and transitional housing typically work with a larger number of service providers around the country whose mission is to provide the services, such as job training, social skills training, and financial training, that enable these people to regain employment and return to mainstream lives. The progression for these recently homeless is to first be housed in transitional residences where they can learn these skills, to graduate to assisted living in affordable housing while they build up economic reserves and rebuild their employment resume, and then to graduate to full, market rate housing.

Many of these service provider partners are household names, such as Volunteers of America, Rescue Missions, and the Salvation Army. Many others are local organizations formed to address specific homelessness issues in the community. By carefully vetting the qualifications and financial stability of these service providers, organizations that build emergency shelters and transitional housing are able to assure that their facilities are effectively utilized in the fight to end homelessness.

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LITERAL Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Trailer

2012-01-11T10:58:00.001-05:00

MP3! - bit.ly POSTERS! - dft.ba Shirts! - bit.ly NEW Gameplay channel! youtube.com Click-To-Tweet! tinyurl.com Subscribe! bit.ly iTunes Store - bit.ly Subscribe for daily TobyVlogs! bit.ly Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. Literally. By Toby Turner. Toby Links: TOBUSCUS SHIRTS! - bit.ly Twitter: www.twitter.com Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com Blog: www.tobyturner.com The lyrics, as transcribed by JigSawPuppet on fxp.co.il Stargate, UbiSoft, SPARKLE A white matrix picks a date then faaaaaaaade. and people say Rome wasn't built in a dayyyyy - AH BLOOM TRANSITION The birds get the hell out of there. Because they know something's going down Is he gonna die? No, it's a medium shot. Pan, zoom, and slow-mo means he's the target. Mysterious hooded man watches (from a distance) Take a second to look awesome Time to go. Walk in slow-motion So you still look awesome. Guard just saw you, And he's gonna shot you. But don't mind him Just keep looking awesome. That shadow will take care of him WHITE! Guard says "Stop!" Just kill him with your awesome The other got it by an arrow so you're good. PART THE RED SEA Hopefully those guards have good armor No, they don't. Maybe they do They don't. Now act like you didn't do it. They're not buying it... Target comes out of his shelter He's distracted by a feather. He's like, "SHOOT ME!" He likes feathers. He looks up when he remembers Ooh, I LOVE birds! Nod at the bird and PEOPLE DIE Everywhere PEOPLE DIE Target doesn't die, HE'S FINE! Target sends ...

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iPhone Music Downloads - 7 Tips to Find the Top Service for iPhone Music

2012-01-09T15:59:00.001-05:00

iPhone owners are getting excited about loading their new gizmos with iPhone music downloads. After all, the phone-cum-digital portable media player can store up to 100 songs easily and allow a playtime of up to 24 hours of audio. This article will show you 7 hot tips to find the top service befitting of your new toy when it comes to iPhone music downloads.

1. Free or Paid

Freebie seekers probably would argue with me on this. There is nothing wrong with wanting free iPhone music downloads. Who doesn't anyway? But the trouble is that free websites that give you music for free are often associated with exposure to viruses, spyware and adware when downloading media files there. Our phones are too new and precious and to risk exposing them to these harmful elements is a No No.

How about downloading each iPhone song for $0.99 or more at online music services like HMV, iTunes and so on? People wouldn't mind if it is only one or two song. But if we are going to load up at least a 100 songs or soundtracks, this is going to be expensive.

There are now services that offer a lifetime membership for a flat fee of lower than $49.95 to access unlimited iPhone music downloads. These are the real gems!

2. Variety & Size of iPhone Music Library

Music lovers probably have their preferred music. You may not like pop but to another, pop may really sound heavenly. If you love all kinds of music, go with the services that offer multiple genres from Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Classical to many unheard music genre. Several top sites now offer over 100 million media files including music videos, TV shows and even movies and games.

3. Download Interface

This is a key feature that must not be overlooked. For easy navigation, the interface must be simple to use and does not take long to search and find your music files. One way to get a rough idea is to see how professionally done the site is and to read comments of existing users.

4. Software Applications for Download and Conversion

Several of the more established services are providing free software applications required to download iPhone music as well as movie and video files. They also provide the conversion software needed to convert movies and music file formats into iPhone-compatible formats. The top services also offer you a free DVD conversion software that transfer movies from DVDs to your iPhone.

5. Fast Downloading Speeds

Make sure that the download speeds are fast. Music file sizes are about 3-4 MB per song. Assuming you are downloading 20 songs at a go, the service must not limit your bandwidth usage by slowing down the speed. This is what some poorly run B-grade services do.

6. Safe Download Environment

Some services do not provide good secured environment with a high level of security and safety when you download iPhone music downloads. The last thing you want to worry about is adware, spyware and viruses that could make their way to your computer because the music store refuses to buck up on its system architecture.

7. After-sales Customer Care and Support

Many services just want to make more money. While they promise a 24/7 technical support to entice you to join them, they are hardly around when you need them to help troubleshoot when you face difficulties. Thankfully, there are a few reputable ones who can deliver an excellent level of after-sales service.

Look around and use these tips to find a good service for your iPhone music downloads. Want to know which services score well in every aspect mentioned? Read up my iPhone blog.

Davion is an ardent lover of techno gizmos. He runs a hugely popular iPhone review blog where he reveals where you can find unlimited iPhone downloads for pennies.

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Every Child Is Special: A Movie Review

2012-01-09T02:05:00.001-05:00

Every Child Is Special is probably my first Bollywood movie. (I do not count Slumdog Millionaire because I have watched it only in parts and have not even gotten to the ending, haha.) Anyway, Every Child Is Special is a Hindi drama film released in 2007 (Taare Zameen Par, translation: Stars On Earth) produced and directed by Aamir Khan. It tells about a boy, Ishaan Awasthi, who was always getting in trouble at school for being so misbehaving and out of focus from his lessons. Too often, he would be caught by his teacher daydreaming and getting low grades. Because of this, his father sent him to boarding school, all alone and homesick with the hope of disciplining him. But the academic status of Ishaan did still not improve. Instead, he became withdrawn and lonely, far from the Ishaan who was active and fun-loving. Then came a new art teacher who would just change the way Ishaan would act towards school and learn to appreciate himself even more.

How can I not love this movie? Darsheel Safary is perfect for the role of Ishaan Awasthi. Safary, with his innocent eyes and face, made me laugh with his funny antics and at the same time rend my heart as he goes through the agony of enduring boarding school alone and away from his parents. From start to finish, the movie gripped my attention, and the musical portions added to my fascination. I cannot speak about the technical aspects of film-making as I am not knowledgeable of such, but for an easy to please movie fan like me, Every Child Is Special is one heart-touching movie.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Every Child Is Special is an eye opener as to the worth and significance of every child. The story deals with an issue that is as real as it is unrecognized - dyslexia. I first knew about dyslexia in the book, Pearl Harbor by Randall Wallace, but the movie has increased my education on this kind of ailment.

Every Child Is Special is a movie that can tug the heartstrings and at the same time bring hope that having dyslexia is not a desperate situation. Family support, patience, and love are central themes in this story, plus the primary focus on painting and art. The theory on multiple intelligences in education plays a major role in this movie and can be very informative to teachers and parents alike.

I really love this movie and I highly recommend this to everyone. My sister has also been nagging me to watch The Three Idiots. Maybe, tonight.

5 stars.

http://www.lynaisms.luigiandlynai.net

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Inside Gaming Halo Reach Special Edition: 4/28/10 - Halo Waypoint Exclusive!

2012-01-08T13:49:00.001-05:00

www.youtube.com Click here to watch Inside Gaming Halo Reach Coverage coming to Halo Waypoint (Xbox Live) on April 26th! (Promo) Inside Gaming Halo Reach Special Edition: 4/28/10 - Halo Waypoint Exclusive! Inside Gaming begins its special coverage of Halo: Reach at Halo Waypoint on Xbox Live! Special guest hosts Hutch and Mr Sark join The Dead Pixel to bring you the latest and greatest on Halo Reach! Download the full version now on Halo Waypoint. There's more to come as we march toward the beta, so stay tuned. Check out our new Facebook app at apps.facebook.com ! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Follow Machinima on Twitter! Machinima twitter.com Inside Gaming twitter.com Machinima Respawn twitter.com Machinima Entertainment, Technology, Culture twitter.com FOR MORE MACHINIMA, GO TO: www.youtube.com FOR MORE GAMEPLAY, GO TO: www.youtube.com FOR MORE SPORTS GAMEPLAY, GO TO: www.youtube.com TAGS: yt:quality=high Inside Gaming IG Halo Reach beta waypoint news sark hutch machinima dead pixel Adam Kovic video games trailer twitter youtube facebook yt:quality=high Halo Reach Bungie Microsoft Game Studios XBox X Box 360 Xbox360 Box360 Live FPS First 1st first-person Person Shooter Spartan Covenant Elite Arbiter console video game Promo Trailer Teaser Master Chief Waypoint XBoxLive Live

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Agneepath - OFFICIAL Trailer

2012-01-07T07:53:00.001-05:00

Join: www.facebook.com Follow: www.twitter.com STARRING: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt & Rishi Kapoor PRODUCER: Karan Johar DIRECTOR: Karan Malhotra

Movie Comedy Venture Brothers Season

Charice-Listen

2012-01-06T11:51:00.001-05:00

Charice Pempengco-Oscar Awards

Venture Brothers Season

Episode 6 - New Rules / Nuevas Reglas

2012-01-05T22:34:00.001-05:00

Amadeo is shocked and angry to find the party at the theatre and refuses to let the kids stay. Finally, he gives up but sets some uncompromising ground rules. La historia de cinco adolescentes con diferentes personalidades y clases sociales que llegan a un teatro abandonado, cada uno de ellos guiado al misterioso lugar por la casualidad y el destino.

DVD Movie Action

Breast Cancer Ribbon Tattoos

2012-01-05T01:51:00.001-05:00

Breast cancer ribbon tattoos have become a very popular way to show your support for those who have fought a cancer battle. While there are many different types of ribbons supporting many different causes, the pink ribbon is one that has taken on international significance representing breast cancer awareness.

With one in eight women and men fighting the breast cancer battle this year alone there is a good chance that you will know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. As a tattoo enthusiast, I love seeing people who have chosen to honor and support someone with a breast cancer ribbon tattoo.

If you are thinking about getting a breast cancer tattoo for yourself that honors someone who is fighting this particular battle or someone whose has fought this battle and ultimately lost ~ then here are some tattoo tips that you will want to keep in mind.

* Choosing the Right Breast Cancer Ribbon Tattoo Design.

Take your time choosing the perfect breast cancer tattoo. Not only do you want the tattoo to be the right one for you, but you'll want it to properly symbolize your love and support for your friend or loved one. Looking through online designs is a good place to start. Having a stencil in hand of your chosen artwork when you go to your favorite tattoo artist can also save you some time and money.

* Location, Location, Location

Just as in real estate, the location of your tattoo is important, especially with this type of tattoo. Display it in a prominent location. After all... you want the world to see this beautiful work of art that shows your love and support for those with breast cancer.

* If This is Your First Tattoo?

If this is your first tattoo then you must Think... Think... and Re-Think Before You Ink! Take your time choosing a design. Take your time choosing the right placement location.

Don't get a tattoo while under pressure from someone else. Hopefully, you will be living with this tattoo for the rest of your life so choose wisely from the start. You will want to be happy not only today but for all the tomorrows to come.

* Consultation Please!

It is a very good idea to make an appointment for a consultation with the artist. Actually, you should consult with several artists before making a final decision on just which artist will ink your tattoo. Take all your ideas, sketches and stenciled artwork with you to your appointment so together you and the artist can come up with the best custom tattoo design that is just right for you.

Getting a tattoo is somewhat of an intimate experience so you will want to be comfortable with the person who is going to be making art with you.

* Don't Shop for Price Alone!

Tattooing is an art form and great tattoos can be expensive. If you decide to go smaller in order to save money, you may regret it later. Sometimes waiting until you can afford to get the right tattoo will be worth it in the long run. Your tattoo should be unique and special to you so don't scrimp on it.

Deciding to get a breast cancer ribbon tattoo is commendable and offers a special tribute to your loved one or friend. Take your time choosing the best design and the right application location. Only then will it truly show honor and respect for those who fight the breast cancer battle.

DVD Movie Action Venture Brothers Season

The Rent Is Too Damn High Party's Jimmy McMillan at the NY Governor Debate

2012-01-04T06:56:00.001-05:00

October 18, 2010 -- In a debate expected to be dominated by top New York governor candidates Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino, Jimmy McMillan of the Rent Is Too Damn High Party provided the fireworks. Watch his inspired views on karate, gay marriage, and, well, rent.

Venture Brothers Season Lyrics Singles

Insane Bridge Collapse! -- Final Destination 5 Review

2012-01-03T17:12:00.001-05:00

Watch my review of "The Final Destination" -- bit.ly Rate Next Week's Film: • 2001: A Space Odyssey -- micropoll.com • The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy -- micropoll.com * Tweet a review with the #JPMN hashtag, and have it featured on the show! * Tonight's Films: • Final Destination 5 -- Inventive, gruesome, scary and satisfying, 6/10. • 30 Minutes Or Less -- Shamefully unfunny trainwreck that disappoints, 3/10. • The Poseidon Adventure -- Fantastic premise and entertaining execution, 8/10. ~~ Movie Night ~~ Incorporating viewer comments, your host, and film critic Jonathan Paula reviews everything from opening day releases, recent DVDs, and classics from years past. Along with your votes, these films are scored on the "Rate-O-Matic" for a 1-10 ranking. New episodes every Friday (Nov through May). Born in February 1986, Jonathan Paula is a professional YouTuber and creator of the hit web series, "Is It A Good Idea To Microwave This?". In April 2006 he founded Jogwheel Productions, a new media production company that specializes in web video. Jon graduated from Emerson College in 2008 with a degree in Television Production / Radio Broadcasting. He currently lives in Rockingham, NH with his wife Rebecca. ~~ Links ~~ Facebook ---------------- bit.ly Twitter --------------------- bit.ly 2nd Channel ------------ bit.ly Movie Night Archive -- bit.ly FAQ Video -------------- bit.ly T-Shirts ------------------- bit.ly ~~ Technical ~~ Created by ------ Jonathan Paula Camera ...

Movie Comedy

9, Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself, & Whiteout: The Rotten Tomatoes Show

2012-01-02T05:04:00.001-05:00

In the this episode of The Rotten Tomatoes Show, hosts Brett Erlich and Ellen Fox lead ensemble reviews of "9," "Whiteout," & "Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself," Brett finds the The Top 5 Hottest Women Trying to Kill You, Ellen Learns How To Be a Therapist from Watching Movies and we'll meet Erlich & Associates: Movie Lawyers for Hire. The Rotten Tomatoes Show is now a part of infoMania, Thursdays at 11/10c on Current TV

Movie Major Movie Comedy

Monopoly and Mortgage: Playing the Game

2011-12-30T15:15:00.001-05:00

Remember monopoly? Remember mortgages? You know, the text that's written when you flip your title deed. Flipping the title deed means your property is on mortgage and you'll get money from the bank.

Sounds simple right? Wrong. There's much more to it than that.

Here are the things you need to know about the game and how to get most out of your mortgages.

The idea of the game is to buy and rent and sell properties so profitably that one becomes the wealthiest player and eventual "monopolist". Starting from "go" move tokens around the board according to the throw of dice.

When a player's token lands on a space not yet owned, he may buy it from the bank: otherwise it is auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The purpose of owning property is to collect rents from opponents landing there. Rentals are greatly increased if you put houses (those little green ones) and hotels (those dreaded red infrastructures).

So your best bet in winning the game is to put the most houses or hotels in your lots. (That's assuming you don't land in your opponents' lots with houses or hotels).

To raise more money, lots may be mortgaged to the bank. Here comes the tricky part. That includes deciding which lots to mortgage and how you can get the most out of your mortgaged property.

Mortgages in monopoly can be done only through the bank. The mortgage value is printed on each title deed. The rate of interest is 10 percent, payable when the mortgage is lifted. If any property is transferred which is mortgaged, the new owner may lift the mortgage at once if he wishes, but must pay 10 percent interest.

If he fails to lift the mortgage he still pays 10 percent interest and if he lifts the mortgage later on he pays an additional 10 per cent interest as well as the main value.

Houses or hotels cannot be mortgaged. All buildings on the lot must be sold back to the bank before any property can be mortgaged. The bank will pay one-half of what was paid for them.

In order to rebuild a house on mortgaged property the owner must pay the bank the amount of the mortgage, plus the 10 percent interest charge and buy the house back from the bank at its full price.

When you mortgage a property, you can use the money for anything you want to, so long as it's legal under the rules of monopoly. The only restriction in this regard is that a player cannot pre-mortgage a property to finance its own purchase.

For example, say a player wants to purchase Boardwalk but can't do it with his or her current assets. That player cannot say, "I'm going to buy Boardwalk by mortgaging it, and then using the money I get for the mortgage to complete the purchase." You must own a property before you can mortgage it.

Playing the game is fun and it will give you an idea of how it is in the real buy and sell world. There are also the Community Chest and Chance spaces which players land on. Instructions ranging from winning $25 dollars to $500 dollars are given. Sometimes players even land in jail! This game is definitely a clever and amusing entertainment.

Movie Major Movie Comedy

ICE

2011-12-29T07:50:00.001-05:00

Aishwariya - Ice is mentally disturbed due to past experiences. She falls in love with Vikram. But Vikram is committed to Sneha, his would be wife. Ice denies accepting Vikram and Snehas relation. This angers her so much that she tries to kill them but does not succeed. Before the situations get worse she is sent to mental hospital.

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Arm Tattoos For Men - Tribal, Armband, Skull and More Tattoo Design Tips

2011-12-28T01:16:00.001-05:00

The arm tattoos for men seem to be an expression of our tough and rough side. For us guys, we would love to think that the ladies find it sexy and charming. As you may have noticed, the tats in the arms are easily seen as compared to other body parts. You can find a lot of men with body arts on their upper arm and arm sleeves. The designs also vary like tribal, skulls, and many others.

Arm tats are timeless and even though a lot of men are into back and chest tattoos, arm bands are always trendy. Whether you have a conservative or rebellious personality, this is a great addition to your physical features. Here are great design tips for your arm tattoos:

Flames
Fire-breathing dragons
Tribal designs
Skulls
Scorpions

More and more people are now willing to experiment on tats. Getting a tattoo is really easy. If you want, you can use the internet to locate body art shops in your area. Find a safe and reputed body ink artist in your area. The artist can provide you with great tips on the right designs. Always consider your personality when choosing the appropriate design. If you're funky or sporty, you can experiment on the most suitable body inks.

Price is another consideration when getting a tat. The quality body ink artists usually charge a reasonable price and this will depend on the area where you want the tat to be. For the arm tattoos for men, the charge is usually lower as compared to the chest or back tats. You can shop around for the best deals but here's a tip - never sacrifice quality with a low price.

The designs mentioned earlier as only some of the most poplar. There are still many other designs in the market that you can choose from like angels, heart, fairy, dolphin, nautical star, tiger, koi fish, and many others.

Men should spend some time in looking for the perfect arm tat that will suit their personality. Thanks to the internet, looking for the perfect body art is really easy. Conduct your search online by using any of the major search engines to find the arm tattoos for men. There are many websites on body arts that you can visit. This is your chance to find the best arm tattoos in the market. Go ahead and find a reputed body artist. If you can find one in your local area the better since you don't have to go someplace else.

Kids and Family Movie News criminal minds full episodes

Rental Car Adventures! -- RCC Week (2 of 4)

2011-12-27T01:42:00.001-05:00

California Travel Vlog Playlist -- bit.ly September 22/23, 2011: With filming for "Roller Coaster Commotion" finished, Jon spends the middle of his week in Los Angeles visiting Mann's Chinese Theater, and exploring expensive rental cars at Hertz . Video 2 of 4. ~~ Jon's Adventure Vlog ~~ Whenever Jon ventures out into the world to do something exciting, he will take you along for the adventure! These videos will be posted sporadically, and often in small bursts immediately following any traveling Jon does - but the schedule depends on when Jon actually goes on an adventure! Jonathan Paula is a 25-year-old professional YouTuber and creator of the hit web series, "Is It A Good Idea To Microwave This?". He graduated from Emerson College in 2008 with a degree in Television Production and Radio Broadcasting. He lives in Rockingham, New Hampshire with his fiancée. ~~ Links ~~ Facebook ----------- bit.ly Twitter --------------- bit.ly The World ---------- bit.ly Game Time -------- bit.ly Main Channel ----- bit.ly My Best Movies -- bit.ly FAQ Video --------- bit.ly T-Shirts ------------- bit.ly ~~ Technical ~~ Created by ------ Jonathan Paula Camera ---------- Riley's Canon PowerShot SX210 Software --------- Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 Computer ------- bit.ly • Jogwheel Productions © 2011 • ~

Venture Brothers Season

18 Ways to Create Marketing Buzz

2011-12-25T21:14:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for ways to get people talking about your brand? An increasing frustration with traditional media has driven businesses and marketing firms to start employing more creative means of getting customers attention beyond the traditional media outlets. You may hear this referred to as viral, word-of-mouth or buzz marketing and this method is attaining broad popularity as an inexpensive and highly effective marketing method.

What is Viral Marketing, Word-of-Mouth, or Buzz Marketing?

Viral Marketing is a way of capturing attention of consumers and the media to the point where talking about your brand becomes interesting conversation. Generating a buzz is based on either customers' personal experience with brands or what other people have told them about these brands. When this experience becomes interesting, your brand and what your company is doing become a source of entertainment, and your brand becomes newsworthy. Basically it's unconventional, it's economical and it's powerful. Buzz marketing is capturing the attention of consumers and the media to the point where talking about your brand becomes entertaining, fascinating, and newsworthy. Buzz marketing is about starting conversations. In a nutshell, buzz marketing is about getting people talking and getting the media writing about your brand. With Buzz Marketing you stop talking at consumers, and start talking to them.

Why does buzz work?

Today's noisy advertising environment has forced marketers to become more creative and some say even slightly devious with their methods. Consumers are subject to constant information overload and are wary and distrustful of companies due to scandals and scams they have heard about or been victims of in the past. All of that buyer's remorse from past bad purchase decisions has built up and created a wall of sales resistance that they psychologically throw up whenever faced with something that appears to be a marketing message or sales pitch. Conversely, consumers like to rely on friends and peers for product and service recommendations and will do less shopping around and are more apt to act based on recommendations of people the know. This has long fueled efforts to increase customer referrals for companies. Another way to enter a customer's mindshare is through buzz marketing, which is simply the process of sharing information through the natural social networks of your target market that helps them in the decision-making process. That way, instead of coming from a faceless and distrusted corporation, the marketing message instead seems to emanate from the most powerful endorser possible: your coolest friend.

How is it different than traditional advertising?

Most marketing, advertising, and PR employs a push strategy, where you push your message out into the marketplace at people, typically when they are not seeking it. Many people do not enjoy or appreciate this approach. Good marketers know that using a pull strategy to market their products and services can result in close rates at least twice as high as a traditional push strategy. Doubling your marketing effectiveness is certainly worth paying attention to. Buzz marketing is powerful because it gets customers to seek you out.

Why is this a good time for Buzz?

Marketing today is in a state of turmoil. Industry leaders say traditional marketing campaigns, based on mass media advertising, are not working anymore. And the facts back them up. A 2004 study into advertising effectiveness by Deutsche Bank in the US consumer packaged goods sector found that only 18 percent of television advertising campaigns generate a positive return on annual investment, while the Harvard Business Review reports that for every dollar invested into traditional advertising for consumer packaged goods, the short-term return on investment is just 54 cents. Marketing in the business-to-business sector fares no better. An astonishing 84 percent of B2B marketing campaigns actually result in a fall in market share and brand equity. Word of mouth connections are highly influential. A 2004 UK survey of 10,000 consumers by consultants CIA:MediaEdge found that 76 percent cite word of mouth as their main influence on their purchasing decisions, compared with traditional advertising's mere 15 percent. In the US, NOP (now GfK) research shows that 92 percent of Americans cite word of mouth as their preferred source of product information. Studies show that when it comes to generating excitement about products, word of mouth is 10 times more effective than TV or print advertising. Younger consumers, who are still forming their brand preferences, are among the most coveted by marketers. These days they spend less time planted in front of the tube and are more skeptical about the messages they receive there. Therefore a recommendation for a product or service from a trusted friend is more memorable and convincing than the cleverest television ad and more likely to be turned into action.

What are the benefits?

Many are saying that buzz represents the future and will surpass traditional ads in regards to maintaining consumer brand-interest. If I can involve one person really deeply in my brand in 50 cities, vs. 50 people in one city, I'll take the former every time, says Mark Hughes, author of Buzzmarketing: Get People to Talk About Your Stuff. Jon Berry of research company Nop World, and author of The Influentials, argues that word of mouth is worth more than twice what it was in the 1970s in affecting consumer purchases, and it's 150 percent more influential than newspaper and magazine advertising or articles. Another benefit of buzz marketing is the ability to break through customers' natural defense mechanisms that they typically have up when receiving marketing messages. Customers think of you more like a friend and less like a business trying to sell them something, and that is a great place to be.

You're speaking face-to-face, which gives you attention and mindshare. Another reason word of mouth works so well is credibility. When your friend, neighbor, co-worker or a family member tells you about a great movie, product or service you believe them. They're not being paid to pitch the item and so you give them full credibility. That's why having a great product matters so much: If you can really wow people, they will tell their friends and neighbors. Such face-to-face attention creates superior memory retrieval. In a study of two groups presented with advertising information with the brand removed, only 49 percent of people recalled advertising based on a visual cue, while 70 percent recalled advertising from a thirty-second musical cue. Given the right context of attention, audio stimuli can be far superior to visual.

Buzz marketing is one of the hottest trends in marketing today. By applying these 18 techniques in your business you'll see people buzzing about your brand.

Here's how to do it:

1. Start with your initial or existing base of satisfied customers. While enrolling new consumers, a successful buzz marketing strategy bases itself on the impact these consumers could have on the next potential customer. Providing a positive customer experience establishes trust. This trust is rewarded with consumers acting as buzz marketing agents, literally working for brands free of charge. The consumers who are first to climb aboard and become evangelists of your brand.

2. Pick a target market you can find. Where does your target market hang out? If you're selling hot pink lipstick you might find that your main customers are at the corner of Pine and Main Street wearing stilettos and pleather. Make them easily definable and be able to name the specific areas where they go so you can target your target market.

3. Find the thought leaders. Every social culture has its thought leaders. Building a successful buzz campaign hinges on finding the right carriers for the message: influencers who are obsessed with staying one step ahead of their peers. You must find, connect, and collaborate with the people who influence your brand, lead opinions, and spread word of mouth. Look for opinion-leading individuals who frequently offer or are elicited for category-related advice. Thought leaders are the 10percent of society that help influence the majority of all purchasing decisions. They are not necessarily the customers who spend the most money with you, but they are the most important people you can reach because your target market takes their advice. They hold a social power that will amplify the affect of your word of mouth campaign.

After finding influencers, make sure that you develop ongoing, two-way relationships with them from giving them a trial before the product is available to the mass market, to going back a step and getting them involved in your research and development. Try to give them experiences that exceed expectations. This will generate goodwill and advocacy that will go a long way toward kick-starting positive word of mouth and wider interest in your product, service, or campaign.

4. Again, find the influences and give out freebies. Think outside of the box. Rather than blitzing the airways with expensive TV commercials, give out freebies to select people who are trendsetters. Targeting the influential people you will get more visibility for your product or service by others who are their friends or assistants and who will buy based on the trendsetters. It is worth it to give out what you can for free that will allow customers to experience how great your brand is.

5. Use fake shoppers. One way to get closer to your customers is to show up right under their noses without them even seeing you. Often buzz marketers cover their tracks, at least initially. Slip into the conversational pathways of the target market and those who heavily influence their peers.

6. Work at a grassroots level. Get out there and hit the streets. Buzz requires manpower, whether its volunteers, paid representative, or evangelists that just can't stop talking. Create a culture around your brand, something that people can stand for, support and be proud of. Get into their neighborhoods. The most successful buzz marketers start on the streets, in the places people live, eat, work, socialize, etc..

7. Piggyback off an existing trend or cause. Look for a trend that your target audience is currently interested in, such as environmentalism. If you can show them that you are interested in the same things that they are, you'll make fast friends and get them talking.

8. Go to the point of sale. Stage an impromptu demonstration, create a display that will attract your customers or have actors put on a show around your product. If you are going to get people talking, get them talking as close to the point of purchase decision as possible.

9. The more unusual and shocking the better. Traditional ad campaigns have lost some of their punch while quirkier campaigns have generated huge grassroots followings for their brands with laughably low marketing expenditures. Use what people naturally like to talk about by creating a messages that contain one or more of these 6 elements.

The taboo (sex, lies, bathroom humor, etc.)

The unusual

The outrageous

The hilarious

The remarkable

Secrets (both kept and revealed)

10. Be completely believable. When you have your consumer do marketing for you, it is credible, less expensive and enormously believable.

11. Make it personal. Using the viral strategy on a humdrum product category, will not yield your best results. Buzz marketing still seems to work best for the relatively narrow range of products and services that consumers care deeply about because of their physical intimacy, technical complexity or status-enhancing potential.

12. Create a sense of scarcity. Lure those key consumers with coveted items--whether hot news, loaner cars, or cool gadgets--that are in short supply, and let the buzz begin.

13. Be bold and extreme. Companies that play on the extremes of being either totally authentic or blatantly unoriginal are memorable and different. Although a buzz campaign may have fictional elements, the premise should be true to the brand. Make sure your buzz campaign fits with your overall ad strategy. Similarly, being totally irreverent can get people talking as well; just make sure consumers don't feel duped. Be sure to test your humor out on a sample of your target market first.

14. Leverage the internet and buzz with blogs. From large corporations such as GM and Microsoft to entrepreneurs, businesspeople of all kinds are using blogs as a tool to connect with customers and internal audiences in new ways. They're generating unprecedented buzz, and exponentially amplifying word of mouth marketing. A single successful blog can attract tens or even hundreds of thousands of visitors. Done right, they can give back loyalty, goodwill, and valuable feedback. The best part is they often spread that message to others within their sphere of influence through blogs, instant messenger or e-mail.

15. Don't overlook quality and customer service. Make sure that your product, service or brand is of a quality level that stands out next to competitors. The last thing you want is to have all this talk you generated turn into complaints. Customer service should be given extra attention while you are working a buzz campaign. Good service and superior quality are so unique they create an inherent buzz of self-propelling word of mouth and customer recommendations.

16. Do something innovative. Buzz is great for anything new and innovative, but if your product is not innovative in itself, then put extra creativity in the execution to generate that buzz.

17. Measure as much as you can. Connected marketing is not about control; it's about management. You cannot manage what you cannot measure. The initial contact may look spontaneous, but it's anything but, and the back end of your campaign should be meticulously planned and the results carefully measured. Marketers are even attempting to quantify how often their message will be passed along and how many downstream consumers they need to influence before a fad is born. Obviously, using online capabilities will make this kind of measurement more easily and precisely monitored. At the very least it will show you whether or not your efforts paid for themselves, best case scenario you can determine the exact ROI. Figure out what types of data do you want to collect, the measurement of recommendation rates, what specific actions should be taken post-measurement, and what influences the recommended rate and how marketers improve recommendation rates.

18. Integrate the campaign with the overall marketing strategy. It is time to develop internal and external connected marketing strategies that integrate product development and marketing activities in innovative ways, enabling consumers and businesses to connect and collaborate with each other as respected partners in order to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Don't fall into thinking that if you get buzz you don't need any marketing. Buzz marketing should be one part of an overall integrated marketing communications plan. Good buzz is the best thing you could wish for. But, in most cases, distribution, advertising, promotion and other traditional concepts are essential to translate the goodwill surrounding your product into sales. The focus should be not on whether something is classified as traditional or guerrilla, mainstream or viral--but on whether it works. Focus on results, and don't get caught up in any single marketing ideology. It is best to start little fires in lots of places and fan them afterwards.

Implement these techniques and watch the buzz get started. For more information about how you can create a marketing buzz, visit www.flourishingbusiness.com.

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There Is No Unemployment in Nigeria

2011-12-25T08:30:00.001-05:00

Nigeria, said to be giant of Africa and with a robust population of over 150 million, can boast of bountiful supply of human resources, both skilled and unskilled, made up of men and women, account for the capital base of the nation. However, it would be pertinent to note that the number of skilled but idle far outweighs the unskilled and working (Rotimi Ige, Tribune Newspaper; Tuesday 6th July, 2010. ). The above cited work represents the view of most Nigerian populace on Nigeria and the level of unemployment in its economy. Before we will divulge more into the discourse, let us know what the concept 'unemployment' connotes. Ewa Udu and Agu (2000) define unemployment as a situation in which persons capable and willing to work are unable to find suitable paid employment.

Unemployment could be seasonal, frictional, internationally transmitted or structural. Seasonal unemployment occurs in industries that are seasonal in nature. Such industries engage labour temporarily during the peak periods and lay them off in the off-peak seasons. Again frictional unemployment exists when particular occupation has surplus workers in one part of the country while spaces for similar jobs are very much available and are not filled in other geographical locations of the same country. Poor knowledge of the existence of job opportunity elsewhere and labour immobility are the major factor that give rise to this type of unemployment. Moreover, in export-oriented industries, if demand in the industries falls off due to deterioration of trade of the importing country, most workers in the industries will be laid off. Sometimes, there may be changes in the pattern of aggregate demand and in the techniques of in the industry. When this occurs in an adverse way, some workers may be affected and they will be retrenched. This is termed structural unemployment.

In 2006, the rate of unemployment was only 2. 9%. It rose to an outrageous rate of 5. 8% in 2007. Thereafter, it fell slightly to 4. 9% in 2008. Since then, it remained static at that level till the present 2010 (CIA World Factbook). These statistics do not portray Nigerian economy in the positive as regards employment of human resources because in a country like Britain, 2% rate of unemployment of the labour force is considered very high. Recent release by the National Bureau of Statistics reports that over 20 million graduates are unemployed in Nigeria. A casual visit to any center where employment aptitude test is being conducted will show one the exact level of unemployment in this country. The test conducted by WAMCO Consulting Firm on behalf of one Dutch company last year witnessed more than 30 thousand candidates. Another test conducted by the same firm on behalf of Honeywell recorded more number.

These candidates were only the ones that met the screening criteria (ie 2nd Class Upper), am not talking about those that applied but were rejected. When most banks conducted their own tests, security men (illiterates) were used to drive graduates up and down. Some were flogged, maltreated and humiliated; just because they needed some job. One hardly passes ten people on the road without coming across at least one unemployed graduate. Some of these graduates have migrated round all the cities of Nigeria in search of jobs; all to no avail. They have moved from Lagos to Port-Harcourt, to Kaduna, to Kano, to Onitsha and all other places not worthy of mentioning.

This socio-economic problem of unemployment can be attributed to many and varied causes. Some of the conspicuous roots of the problem include population, academic curriculum, choice of course of study, laziness, greed, government policies, employment discrimination and government poor implementation of its employment policies.

Nigeria is the most populated black nation of world. The last conducted census put the figure at over one hundred and fifty million. In this great number, more than 50% are in the labour force of the country. What this means is that there will be serious drag for the little available openings of job opportunities available. This offers the answer to the reason why more than thirty thousand Nigerian graduates turn out for a job aptitude test that will not take up to twenty candidates.

More so, another major cause of unemployment in this country is the education system and the type of curriculum they run. From primary school to the university, the curriculum is more of theory than practical. In the eighties, primary school pupils were asked to do crafts; molding objects, making baskets, carving works and other handiworks but today in public schools, they are asked to bring toilet tissues as craft while in private schools, they bring money in lieu of craft. So, after primary school, a holder of First School Leaving Certificate cannot do anything with his or her hand. That of post primary school is nothing to write home about. The students are taught only how to cram textbooks and nothing more. Once you are able to commit all the contents of Ababio, P. N.

Okeke and Modern Biology to memory, you are a bright and intelligent student. Nobody or no teacher cares whether you know their practical applications or not. Ours is Science without Technology; which is useless. All the old Commercial and Vocational Schools that offered vocational courses like catering, fashion and designing and culinary skills have all been turned into pure ordinary secondary schools in order to join the trend and not run the risk of being left behind.

All the graduates of these high schools have no place in economy because they don't have any skill to offer for exchange. This trend takes the students into the university. The university is the worst because not only that it is theory based system but most lecturers are not even willing to give that theory. Students are taught computer science in the classroom without a single computer system. Most roadside mechanics are more skilful than most graduates of mechanical engineering who parade themselves as engineers. A final year Accounting student has never seen a real cash book except the hypothetical ones he sees in the textbook. How can a product of this kind of system be employable?

Choice of course of study is another factor that contributes much in the employment problems in Nigeria. Many parents tend to choose careers for their offsprings because they in love with a particular profession without considering whether those their children have penchant for such profession. Some people may like to be musicians or comedians but their parents will kick against that and force them into a discipline they have aversion for. At the end, when they come out of school, they cannot practice and thus remain unemployed. Again, due to JAMB and its related admission problems, some students end up studying what they didn't intend studying initially. Many students started with Sciences but they ended up studying an Art course due to admission 'wahala'. Nigeria is a developing economy. For that, not all disciplines are fully functional here. If you read such courses, you remain unemployed unless you have a godfather somewhere. I can still remember when one former president of Nigeria was addressing some national issues on Radio Nigeria and people were calling him to ask some questions. One guy called and told him that he graduated from the university and for four years he had not gotten a job. The president asked him what he read and he replied 'Sociology'. The president gave a mirthless laugh and told him that all the money spent for training him was wasted. Although that professionalism is not so highly upheld in Nigeria, yet there are graduates of certain disciplines that cannot fit into Nigerian economy. The crude mentality of a greater percentage of Nigerians equally contributes to this. For instance, somebody who has some problems, obstacles or setbacks would rather go to a native doctor, pastor or prophet instead going to a psychologist.

More so, some graduates are lazy to work. They want easy life. They expect everything to come in a platter of gold. Most of them are looking for white collar jobs where they will just sit under an air conditioner, do little or nothing and get paid. They will keep looking for that type of job till eternity. A graduate was offered a job as a store keeper and he has the temerity to say that he won't touch or arrange cartons. This means he is lazy and not yet ready to work. Some female graduates concentrate on posting their pictures to all the social networks, dating and match making websites on the internet to cast their bait and know if they can catch a big fish. Nobody wants to bear the cross before wearing the crown any longer.

Furthermore, some graduates are too greedy. Many of them don't want to start from the scratch. They want to make it overnight. They thought that once one graduates from the university, he become super rich. Most of them only talk and discuss about the 'big shots' in the society without taking out time to read their biographies or at least go through their profiles. If they do that, they will find out that all those men and women have worked and served in various capacities; both low and high before arriving at their present positions. Immediately after graduation, the eyes of these graduates are set on Politics, Oil and Gas and Banking (when banking was doing well), ignoring other lesser sectors that are willing and ready to absorb them. They all want to ride fanciful latest cars after three months of their employment. This is utopia and mirage because such jobs are semi-nonexistent now. For that, most graduates will keep on waiting for them till kingdom come.

Again, there is a great discrimination and prejudice going on in the labour market now. Employers of labour are not helping matters at all. Some applicants are prejudiced against on the grounds of their sex, age, type of certificates and even tribe or ethnicity. Most office works can be done by both males and females alike; why the sex discrimination then? Why do we see an advert that goes like this "a young female accountant needed for immediate employment"? Does it mean that a male cannot do that job? Some job interviewers give jobs to ladies that are not qualified because they agreed to sleep or have slept with them; leaving behind the more qualified males. Females are equally being discriminated against but are mostly married women. Most engineering jobs that involves much field work and constant movement don't usually consider women. Most new generation banks don't consider married women. Some go the extent of getting the young ladies sign an undertaking that once they get married, their appointments are terminated. Age is another area for discrimination. Banks as well as other blue chip companies are mostly culprits of this offence. Most of them don't accept any applicant that is above twenty-four years old. They need very young, beautiful and attractive ladies that they will push into the market for 'corporate prostitution'. The young handsome guys are used to entice the sugar mummies to operate an account with them. . These young fellows are pushed back into labour market once they failed to meet up with the unrealistic targets given to them. The worst discrimination in the labour market is that of BSC/HND dichotomy. Many employers of labour discriminate against the HND holders in favour of their counterparts with BSC. Although that in the advert, they always write BSC or HND as the qualification needed but when it reaches to the actual job placement, the HND holders are jettisoned. Government equally has a hand in the creation of unemployment in the economy. Some government policies are highly detrimental to job creation in this country. Some graduates who couldn't find jobs pick up motorcycles and become 'okada' riders. But some State Governments thwarted their efforts by laying a ban on okada riding. Many graduates want to go into the production of local beverages, cosmetics and other little items with little fund they garnered after service but they don't have the money to register the products with appropriate government agencies like NAFDAC, SON etc. Some of them that succeeded in erecting a small scale manufacturing firms are being asphyxiated by huge and excess taxation. All these not withstanding, the government has initiated some policies and established some agencies that will help in addressing the issue of employment in Nigeria. Some government efforts towards achieving a high rate of employment in Nigeria include the establishment of Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, institution of the Nigerian Director of Employment, initiating of National Poverty Eradication Programme and National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy.

Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity has a network of thirty-one Employment Exchanges and seventeen Professional and Executive Registries. Nigeria Directorate Of Employment has four specific programmes which are Vocational Skills Development, Rural Employment Promotion, Small Scale Enterprises and Special Works. National Poverty Eradication Programme has five initiatives which are as follows: Village Economic Development Solutions, In Care of the People, Community Economic Sensitization Scheme, Multi Partner Matching Funds and Score on Poverty. National Economic Empowerment Strategy is a Nigeria's plan for prosperity. The government way of letting the people know how it plans to overcome the deep and pervasive obstacles to progress that the government and the people have identified. The greatest of the obstacles is unemployment.

In spite of all these institutions and programmes, the economy is yet to feel any appreciable impact on the area of employment. They all remain only fanciful drawings that are only achievable on the pages of the newspapers. NDE recently conducted a Graduate Attachment Programme Test in which more than a million graduates took part online. Finally, only 500 were accepted and trained. After the training, there were no openings where they could be fixed and the NDE Director, Mallam Abubakar Muhammed was begging the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association to help absorb the trainees as interns. Daily Sun of Wednesday, 21st July, 2010 reported thus "Minister of Finance, Mr. Olusegun Aganga has pledged the FG's resolve to tackle unemployment in the country as he decried the 49. 9 percent unemployment rate in the urban centres across the country. NAPEP also lays much emphasis on private sector initiative as a sustainable poverty eradication initiative. Everything now boils down to the private sector; the government is not ready to rise up to its responsibility of providing employment for its citizens. All those government policies lack substance hence they are poorly executed.

This social and economic canker called unemployment has many disastrous consequences on the entire nation. It gives rise to social vices, mass exodus of some Nigerians to other countries, continuous economic instability, stagnant or decreased Gross Domestic Product etc.

Many youths who have endured the scourge of unemployment for a long period of time have decided to challenge their fate by picking up arms and become armed robbers, political thugs and kidnappers. Kidnapping has become a common exercise in Nigeria because youths are idle and devil finds work finds work for idle hands. Daily Sun of Friday 6th August, 2010 reported that one Mr. Silas Ifeanyi, a House of Representative aspirant was abducted on his way back to Onisha from his home town Nsukka. Mr. Ifeanyi was very surprised to find out that all his kidnappers were all graduates. Youths of Niger Delta turned to militancy because they don't have reasonable and sustainable jobs. Even the post Amnesty policies that are meant to get them fixed into legitimate ventures in the economy are not being fully implemented as proposed. General election is fast approaching and so many unemployed graduates are ready to stake their lives just because they have no alternatives. Female unemployed graduates imbibe the spirit of the cliché "use what you have to get what you want". Most of them have turned into full time prostitutes. Every romantic magazine and all dating websites have their names and fabricated profiles looking for hook ups.

Some debased themselves to the level of renting rooms in brothels or hanging in clubs and hotel premises for any available standing.

Many graduates have been unemployed for so many years that they have lost their self esteem and developed an inferiority complex. They are withdrawn from social gatherings and disassociate themselves from their mates who seem to be doing well economically. Sometimes, they even suffer stigmatization from friends and relatives. The family members who entrusted hopes in them that after their graduation, they will start benefiting from them are all disappointed.

Their parents are tired of feeding them and giving them pocket money even still after graduation. They are seen as utter social misfit. All these constitute emotional and psychological trauma for the unemployed youth.

Most of the internet and ATM scam are perpetrated by the unemployed graduates. Internet fraud uses online services to present solicitations to prospective victims, to conduct fraudulent transactions or to transmit the proceeds of fraud to financial institutions or to others connected with the scheme (WIKIPEDIA).

ATM scams are on the rise and the use of online information has made it one of the easier inter-net scams to pull off for any moderately technically con artist (http://www.secureidentity.com.au). Why is internet and ATM scam on the rise? The answer is not far fetched. It is because of the high rate of unemployment in the country. Man must survive by hook or by crook, they say. This does not end here. This unemployment has led many youths into different forms of forgery.

Due to the fact that every employer needs people with some years of working experience, many unemployed graduates have started forging appointment letters, so that they may be considered. Due to the fact that those that didn't take part in the NYSC programme are discriminated against in the labour market; those graduates that did part-time, sandwich or evening programmes go to the extent of forging NYSC discharge certificates or pay money to some illegal agents in order to be mobilized for the programme. Recently there was a report in the Punch Newspaper of Tuesday, August 3;2010 that 69 fake corps members were arrested in Nasarawa State. How much does a corps member earn that will entice somebody to involve himself in such a disgraceful act if not for hunger caused by unemployment? Some even fake recommendation letters from highly placed government officials in order to be considered for a job. The most annoying of all these frauds and scams are the ones pull by the so-called employment agents. These are cheer exploiters. These people knowing fully well that many people are desperate for jobs use it as an opportunity to cheat them. They go about the cities and towns of the country pasting posters advertising for non-existent jobs. Some even advertise on the pages of Newspapers. The unsuspecting and innocent job seekers always fall prey to these criminals. They extort money from applicants with the promise of linking them with mouth watering jobs. Eventually they will disappoint and aBSCond with their money.

Another major consequence of unemployment is the mass exodus of the youth out of the country. That people migrating out of the country is not the major problem but the issue is that most of them do it illegally. Everybody is looking for a greener pasture and Nigeria doesn't seem to be one because there is no job, therefore people must leave whether legitimately or otherwise! Many Nigerian youths die on their way to Europe; where they go through deserts, forests and other barricades. Most Nigerian youths are presently languishing in foreign prisons just because they are struggling for survival (although sometimes wrongly). Most people have been duped by some so-called travel agents. These agents collect money from people under the pretext that they will prepare traveling papers and help them to travel. Finally they will aBSCond with all those money without doing anything.

The economic effect of this unemployment on the nation is that there is a great loss in the potential output that would have been generated by those unemployed labour force. This decreases what should have been the actual Gross Domestic Product. This ultimately leads to economic instability. Nigeria was not invited to the G20 Summit on the grounds of political but mostly economic instability.

Despite all these causes and consequences of this economic problem of unemployment, something still has to be done to address if not redress the situation. We can't continue crying over the spilt milk rather we should rise to the challenges and take the bull by the horns. The government through its Ministries, Departments and Agencies should wake up to its responsibilities. The Federal and various State Ministries of Education should restructure the academic curriculum to suit the demands of the present day economy. The schemes of work should be more practical oriented than theory based. Vocational studies should be encouraged. There should be establishment of more technical schools and the existing ones should be adequately equipped. Government should provide practical materials to its various universities. These materials include computers, laboratory equipment, machinery etc.

Moreover, parents should stop interfering in their children's choice of career. These children should be allowed to choose what they have passion for so that they can practice after the training. Again the potential undergraduates who are finding it difficult to pass University Matriculation Examination should desist from accepting 'anyhow' course offered to them by the university because of their low grade rather they should work harder to achieve their goal no matter how long it might take. They are advised to go for courses that are presently relevant in the Nigerian economy. Nigeria presently needs more of people that studied business related or practical oriented courses.

Another area that deserves government attention as regards employment is the supply of electricity. Some graduates are ready to go into small scale production but due to the erratic nature of the power supply; they are incapacitated. The cost of production will be too high if they depend on generator set. Most of them cannot afford the cost.

Loans and credits should be made available and accessible to young graduates who want to go into entrepreneurship. There are four hundred and seven registered microfinance banks in Nigeria, yet young entrepreneurs don't have access to funds. Most of them give loans at an outrageous rate of 20% per annum with collateral security provided and they don't give more than fifty thousand naira. Yet they claim that microfinance banks help the youths mostly in achieving their goals in life (Scribd website). The government should mandate the financial institutions to provide loans for graduates who wish to go into business ventures at a very low interest rate and accept only their academic certificates as collateral.

Finally, young graduates who are yet get jobs should learn to take their fate in their hands. At the back cover page of Lucky Star exercise book is written "The only Nigerian who does not ask anybody to give him work is the uneducated". If this is true of uneducated, then the educated should be better off. They cant continue asking anybody to give them work. They should be job creators instead of job seekers. What I mean is that self employment and entrepreneurship should be at the back of mind of every young graduate. Nigerian economy still has a very wide market and opportunities yearning to be tapped. It only needs careful observations and thorough analysis. Opportunities abound in the areas like ICT, Sports, Entertainment, business and agriculture. With the little money saved during youth service, one can start up a small business which is bound to grow with time. With the knowledge of ICT techniques, one can do many things like designing of graphics, printing of labels, identity cards etc. An unemployed graduate can organize some entertainment shows or sit down and write books. He can equally write scripts for movie productions or write other entertaining books and sell them off to publishers. He can worse still attach himself to a private school as a tutor and at the same time be organizing private tutorial classes for students and adults.

Conclusively, some experts and authorities say that agriculture was the mainstay of the economy before the discovery of petroleum but I maintain that agriculture is still the mainstay of the economy. The release by National Bureau of Statistics shows that agriculture contributed the highest quota of 41. 84% to the Gross Domestic Product of 2009 while the 'almighty' petroleum contributed only 16. 05%. This implies that agriculture still dominates the economy. So, the young graduates who are yet to secure jobs should see agriculture as a good alternative. Areas like fish rearing, rabbit rearing, small scale poultry, vegetable plantation and numerous others should be explored. These do not take much resources. For instance, fish can be reared in a GP storage tank or even in a very small aquarium.

Therefore, the innumerable unemployed graduates should gird their loins and get ready for actions. They should stop waiting for government as government has nothing to offer in terms of employment. They should make use of the potentialities that nature endows them with to come up with ideas, innovations and solutions. Once you have solutions to people's problems, they must come looking for you and pay any price you require. The world needs a problem solver and once you become one, you will find out that THERE IS NO UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA.

Movie Major

IGN Rewind Theater - The Green Hornet - Rewind Theater

2011-12-24T19:30:00.001-05:00

We break down the first teaser for Seth Rogen's superhero movie.

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The New Sony Store Tour - SGNL by Sony

2011-12-23T22:02:00.001-05:00

We've got a special tour for you today- we're visiting the first newly branded Sony Store in the US! Located in Los Angeles, CA, the store is a completely different experience from any Sony in-store encounter you've seen to date. This store features a new design concept and is packed with gadgets to play with.

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YogTrailers - Skyrim Teaser Part 2

2011-12-23T06:51:00.001-05:00

With only 10 days till release, Simon and Lewis look at a 9-month-old trailer that has finally been made available because there's nothing newer to use, they haven't been given any kind of advance previews or demos to play, and they are both really excited about this game :)

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Cebu City, Philippines - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2011-12-22T11:33:00.001-05:00

A tourist visiting Cebu City for the first time may well be turned off by some of the city sites. The city has several world class resorts, hotels, beaches and dive sites. It also has some areas of the world's most devastating poverty. Cebu City is the capital city of the Cebu Province and it is the second largest city in the Philippines following Manila. I always feel at home in the city and lived in the city before building my home in the rural Cebu Province of Camotes Islands. Cebu City is a mix of the old and new, rich and poor, good and bad and pretty and ugly. There is also the mix of clean and really dirty or filthy. The rule for anyone going to Cebu for the first time is to not make a snap judgment.

My first trip to Cebu City was in February 2004. I went to the Philippines to meet a girl (Judith) now my wife. I flew into the Cebu-Mactan Airport and was met by Judith and one of here sisters. My flight started in Florida and the last leg of the flight was from Hong Kong. The Cebu International airport is just a little outdated, but very functional. Once outside of the airport doors I saw waves of people waiting to meet people coming off of the flight from Hong Kong. The airport was not all that busy when I arrived and I think my plane was the only arriving flight at the time. As people from my flight walk outside of the airport door they were bombarded with shuttle, taxi and V-hire greeters, all trying to get a fare. I met Judith just outside the airport doors. She, her sister and I all jumped into an old Kia Taxi and we were off to my hotel.

The taxi was old and not very well maintained. The Air conditioner didn't work and the window wouldn't go down. Of course that didn't matter as I couldn't close the door because the door latch was broken. So, I got lots of air. The hotel was about a 30 minute drive from the airport. As we traveled the city streets I saw crowded sidewalks made even more crowded by the many sidewalk vendors and street vendors. Some of the roads we traveled were moderately maintained while others were in very poor condition. The roads were crowded with many types of cars, but mostly Kia's and Hyundais. There were also a lot of Jeepneys, a Philippine traditional method of travel. A jeepney looks like a stretched army jeep with a hardtop and a large cargo area used for two benches for passenger seating. Jeepneys are normally painted with several different colors and lots of chrome. Many of the jeepneys are poorly maintained and most have bald tires and the braking systems may be questionable. Also, there were lots of small motorcycles.

After traveling just a few minutes I decided that the most dangerous vehicle in Cebu was the Jeepney, the Taxi and finally the motorcycle. The jeepney drivers tend to rule the road and stop on either side of the road to pick up or drop off passengers. I saw many jeepneys cut both lanes of traffic off just to drop off people and then saw others swerve quickly to the side of the road cutting off traffic so the driver could jump out of the jeepney to urinate along the side of the road. Taxis are no better, but pose a slightly smaller threat because the vehicles are smaller than a jeepney Motorcycles seem to be a danger only to the motorcycle driver and passengers and anyone walking along side the road or on the sidewalk. Motorcycles make their own traffic lanes on whatever little shoulder the road may have to offer or sometimes drive on the painted divider line as a narrow roadway to make an extra traffic lane for themselves. At other times I saw motorcycles throttle down sidewalks weaving around pedestrians. Yet, the pedestrians seemed little concerned of the carelessness and just continued on their way.

As we continued on our way to the hotel we drove through many different areas of the city. Some areas were very old and the buildings looked as though they were ready for demolition years ago. Many buildings and store fronts are concrete with plywood or corrugated steel sheets added to broken windows and steel bars cover the window or plywood. I can't imagine what would be worth the cost of the steel bars as the buildings were so poor. I was sure the contents within were no better. I noticed several small store fronts with one big open widow covered with chicken wire. These little stores are about the size of a small closet and there are dozen of these little stores on every street. They are called sari-sari stores and sell just a very few items such as canned fish, rice, snacks, cigarettes and so on. Most of these little stores are attached to the front of private houses and are crudely constructed of unpainted plywood and tin roofs. Most of the Sari-sari stores block the sidewalk, forcing people to walk on the road to get around the protruding plywood box. Other Sari-sari stores have a small table or tables along the narrow sidewalks for their rum buying customers and a karaoke machine assist in blocking the sidewalks.

In many of the old areas the sidewalks are filled with vendor's shacks, tents or some other type of hurried shelter to sell goods. The sidewalks belong to the vendors and the pedestrian is left to find his own way around the ugly obstructions. These small vendor shacks on the sidewalks block the store buildings behind and I still wonder why the store owners allow the vendors to block their stores. The old neighborhood streets and sidewalks in most areas are filthy. Trash is all over the streets, chickens are tied to utility poles or street signs as well as dogs. Many of the old homes along the city's commercial streets may or may not have running water and a sewer system. Many people use the streets and sidewalks as their bathroom and even bath on the sidewalks. The infrastructure of the old neighborhoods is almost non-existent. There is poor drainage, poor sewer systems, and electric lines hang low to the ground with hundreds of wires attached carelessly to a single wimpy pole. I often wonder how trucks make it under these wires without hitting the wire. In many cases the bigger trucks do indeed hit the wires and knock out power to large section of the city.

The one thing that stood out for me as we past by all these areas in the taxi was the people all seemed happy. Despite, what I saw as great poverty and terrible living conditions, these people, or least many people were happy. Although, most of the people I saw were rushing down the sidewalks going about their daily routine. I thought these people are doing the same thing as other people do in any major city around the world. Yet, my first visit in Cebu City opened my eyes to the fact that at the very least, the city was poverty stricken or had a large population that lived in poverty.

After about 30 minutes riding in the taxi we came into a much nicer area of the city and there like an oasis in the middle of all the poverty was this beautiful Hotel and a large modern shopping mall next to it, as well as several large modern well maintain high rise buildings. The scene was a stark difference to the old areas of the city. This area could be found in any modern US city and looked very much like a commercial area of a US city. The area is called the Ayala Business Park and the Ayala Mall. This is modern Cebu City and it is everything you would find in any modern city.

Once at the Hotel, the Marriott, I checked into a very nice room and we all went to the dinning room for a pleasant lunch. Soon after that it was just Judith and I as her sister went home. Judith then took me across the park to the Ayala Mall, just a five minute walk and once inside the mall I was amazed. The stores were the same as in the US, Ace Hardware, Levi, MacDonald's and so on. Plus, several Philippine Department stores and many different types of restaurants and coffee shops. All the store clerks and sale people spoke English and most all the Filipinos walking through the stores were speaking English. Others used a mix of English and their native Cebuano. All the store signs are written in English and the restaurant menus are written in English. In many ways I felt as if I just traveled 20 plus hours from Florida to be in a US city.

Although there were many other foreigners in the mall many Filipinos walking by asked where I was from and in general everyone was very friendly to me. While at the mall I bought a few souvenir type things to take home and Judith and I just did a lot of window shopping. I was happy to see the prices of most things in the stores were very cheap compared to the US. At that time one US dollar bought 56.00 pesos. Today it's one dollar to about 44.00 Pesos. Still a good deal, but today I'm careful in my spending. By the middle of the afternoon I was ready for some sleep after my long flight to Cebu. Judith went home and I retired to my hotel room.

The next morning Judith was at the hotel bright and early and we had breakfast at the hotel and then off to see the city and some of the beach resorts. Cebu has wonderful and beautiful resorts and all very affordable. The resorts are all well maintained and modern. The biggest population of customers at the resorts are foreigners and the staff Filipino. I quickly change my opinion of the city from a poverty stricken third world to a modern commercial and tourist city with a few old areas that needed a lot of help.

During my trip to Cebu we went into the old area of Colon. Colon is the oldest street in the country and has several landmarks. However, Colon is a dirty area of very old and poorly maintained buildings. Prostitution is a major problem in the Colon area as is street crime. There are some wonderful markets and great bargains to be found in Colon, but not an area for the new tourist to wander alone. Hotels can be had for a really cheap price in Colon. Some just $20.00 a night, but these hotels cater to those picking up street girls and both the girls and the rooms are really dirty. Last year Judith and I stayed at two different Colon Hotels. We went into the city for our monthly shopping trip from Camotes Islands. We decided to try the hotels as they are cheap and close to many of the outside markets. I would never stay at either of these hotels again. The best words to describe them is old, filthy, rat infested and full of prostitutes. Both of these hotels seem to cater to single foreign men and any girls the men may find at the Colon bars or on the streets. The area has several little Bikini type bars with Bar Girls (Prostitutes) also called GRO's. Unless you are looking for a prostitute there is little reason to go to Colon after dark and even then one needs to be very careful. This is not intended to say that all of Colon is bad. There are some nice stores and restaurants in Colon. I enjoy shopping in the Colon area, but one needs to use caution in Colon.

During my first visit I saw most all the areas of Cebu City and felt safe at all times. Of course we didn't go into the old parts of the city after dark. Rather we were at the resorts or around Ayala Park and these are all very safe and enjoyable areas.I would recommend Cebu City to anyone that wants to go to a great resort and spend time on a beautiful beach, go diving, take a boat tour of the outer islands and not spend a lot of money. There is just so much to do in Cebu City and so many great things to see. Staying at any of the resorts is very affordable just about $60.00 per night and some as high as $250.00. Dinner at restaurants is also very cheap. Meals at nice restaurants can cost just $10.00 to $20.00 for two people, I had a wonderful time during my first visit. However, I had Judith as my tour guide and as my girlfriend. I'm not sure I would have liked Cebu City as much as I did if Judith wasn't with me during the first trip.

Soon after my first visit to Cebu City I moved from Florida to Cebu City in 2004. By this time Judith and I were engaged to marry and I wanted to live in Camotes Islands. However, we decided to live in the city while looking for land to build a house in Camotes. Camotes Islands are a rural province of Cebu and just two hours from the city by boat. We rented a brand new two bedroom house in the Lahug area of Cebu City. The monthly rent was just $125.00 plus our TV cable for about $15.00 a month. The house was located on a hillside overlooking the city and close to everything we needed. Lahug is a very nice area and now there are many new housing sub-divisions built in the area. Our monthly budget while living in Lahug was approximately $700.00 and that included the rent, utilities, food, taxi cabs and even lots of dinners at restaurants and entertainment. I assume if we still lived in Lahug the budget would be just a few more dollars a month.

Within just a couple of weeks after moving into the Lahug house I felt as if Cebu was my city and I really enjoyed the city life. The city has many things to offer the foreigner and the city is always trying to attract more foreign retirees. It truly is a foreign (expat) friendly city. The largest group of foreigners in Cebu is Korean then Americans, Australians, British and Japanese. There are no racial tensions or problems in the city that I am aware of and the city is very safe. However, like any major world city there is crime, but using common safeguards and precautions one can have a happy life in Cebu City. Driving in the city is something I have never attempted and I don't think I ever will drive in the city. The taxi cabs can get you almost anywhere in the city for $1.00 to $2.00 and that's fine for me.

Shopping in the city is great and there are products from all over the world in Filipino stores. Many food stores stock western brands so you will never get homesick for your favorite foods from home. The outside markets, located all over the city offer great bargains and it's always fun to negotiate prices with the vendors. Cable TV is available in the city and it offers many American shows and news programs. You can go to the movie cinemas and see a new release movie for about $1.00 and the popcorn is just a few pennies. The city has grown since I moved to the Philippines. There are many new gated housing Sub-Divisions that cater to foreign buyers, new high rise condo buildings and the resorts all continue to attract foreigners. The two major malls in the city, Ayala and SM are both expanding. Many of the roads have been upgraded as well as the infrastructure in many areas. The city is a major draw for tourism and is always attempting to bring in more tourist and more foreign retirees.

Any expat on a monthly pension of about $1,000.00 can live like a king in Cebu City. You can live on less than $1,000.00 but I think $1,000.00 is the right figure if you include saving a little each month for emergencies, trips back home and medical needs. The city has very good hospitals and medical cost are much less in the Philippines. Good dental care at very reasonable rates is also available in the Philippines. Many people go to Cebu for medical or dental vacations. Just remember, if you think you want to move to Cebu City do your homework. Do you want to live in a new country? do you want to be separated from your family and grandchildren?, if you are married how does your wife feel about living in Cebu? If you have young children do you want them to live in a new country and what about their education? Do you have the patience and understanding to learn and live in a new culture? Do you have the money to live a good life in Cebu without the need to find work? Do you have enough money to cover any type of emergency that may require five to ten thousand dollars? Finally, what is your reason for wanting to live in a new country? If you can be honest with yourself and have a positive answer for the above questions, then maybe Cebu City is for you?

Remember too, The Philippine economy is struggling. Filipinos with four and six year college degrees are driving taxi cabs or working as store clerks. Unemployment in the country is through the roof. Poverty is a major issue in the country. For all the beauty of the Philippines Poverty continues to destroy many Filipinos and their futures and creates an ugly face to an otherwise beautiful country. Just this week on November 8, 2007 an 11 year old girl in Manila living with her mother, father and little brother in a shanty town hung herself. The reason left in a note from the little girl was because of the poverty she and her family lived. The father not able to find work for months and the mother working for just $1.00 a day. The little girl had just the night before asked her father for P200.00 for a school project. The father did not have the money, just under $4.00. All the girl wanted was to finish school and buy a new bike. A simple dream complicated by severe poverty in a country struggling to overcome political corruption and theft. Please remember, what you may spend in just one day in the Philippines is what a Filipino may have to live on for a month. Poverty does indeed take lives.

I truly love my lifestyle in the Philippines, but it took some time, patience, understanding and a few sacrifices to live in the Philippines. I made several mistakes before coming here and a few since living here. I didn't have enough money when I came here in 2004. I've made a few trips back to Florida to do some contract work and then returned to my beloved Camotes Islands. I'm currently away from home on a teaching contract. However, for me, it's worth the price to have just a few months a year in my paradise called Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines. I think anyone looking for a great vacation will enjoy Cebu City. Those looking to retire on a modest pension can live well here, but just be sure living in a new country is right for you. Before making a decision to move here it's wise to come on a vacation first and see the city for yourself. Then you can decide if this is the life you want. Once again, for me this is paradise.

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Louis CK standup clip at "Cinema Classics in NYC 8/3/04

2011-12-21T18:47:00.001-05:00

www.louisck.com very fucked up jokes that I mostly never told again. Just a strange set I did in Eugene Mirman's room in the East Village

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John Mayer NY, Beacon Theatre - 5. Perfectly Lonely

2011-12-20T18:10:00.001-05:00

Seven-time Grammy Award winning musician John Mayer performs at the Beacon Theatre (Tuesday, November 17 at 9pm) in celebration of his new album Battle Studies. More at www.johnmayerlive.com

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Hannah Montana - The movie: "You'll always find your way back home" music video

2011-12-19T19:05:00.001-05:00

Un altro video di Hannah Montana in una delle canzoni più belle della colonna sonora del film. "Hannah Montana - The Movie", al cinema.

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War Horse Movie Official Teaser Trailer - Directed by Steven Spielberg - HD

2011-12-18T11:23:00.001-05:00

Watch the New Extended Trailer: www.youtube.com War Horse is director Steven Spielberg's epic adventure, a tale of loyalty, hope and tenacity set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War. From director Steven Spielberg comes War Horse, an epic adventure for audiences of all ages. Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, War Horse begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets—British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter—before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man's Land. The First World War is experienced through the journey of this horse—an odyssey of joy and sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure. War Horse is one of the great stories of friendship and war— a successful book, it was turned into a hugely successful international theatrical hit that is arriving on Broadway next year. It now comes to screen in an epic adaptation by one of the great directors in film history. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Stars Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan, Niels Arestrup, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irvine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Toby Kebbell. Based on the book by Michael Morpurgo and the ...

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Richard Roeper's Reviews - The Beaver, Win Win, and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold - DVD Reviews

2011-12-17T20:11:00.001-05:00

Richard Roeper reviews this week's new DVD and Blu-ray releases For more news, interviews, showtimes, clips, and trailers go to: www.reelz.com Connect with other movie fans: www.facebook.com Be sure to follow us on Twitter: twitter.com

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Emotion in Poetry: Using Metaphor and Simile

2011-12-17T01:15:00.001-05:00

Poetry needs emotion, but we need to create emotion with words, the creation which is called imagery. To enhance the emotion of any writing, we can use poetic devices. Using metaphors or similies is one way to strengthen (intensify, vigorize expression, support, vitalize, justify, stimulate, enhance)emotion.

A metaphor is the comparison of two unlike things by saying one is the other. An eample would be "love is honey poured over life." Love is not honey, but the comparison creates a mental image of sweetness added to life.

A simile is the comparison of two unlike things by saying one is like or as the other: "Love is like honey poured over life."

Metaphors and similes are very like in what they do in writing. Both compare unlike things.

Remember the nursery rhyme, author unknown:

Twinkle, twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

Comparing the star to a diamond is a simile. But that comparison doesn't show about emotion, right?

So, let's think of an emotion. Shame is an emotion that most people have felt one time or another. Now, to what can we compare shame?

Shame is like a dirty, smoothering blanket that clouds our sight. Shame is a monster that steals our self-worth. Shame makes us feel tarnished, unworthy, like a statue that has sat in the rain until worn and dull. Shame wraps us in gray, obscuring us from others' love. That gives us a start for a poem that includes the emotion shame and some ideas for metaphors or similes.

Shame
by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

I stand nude before the world,
My faults and shortcomings
Exposed for all to see.
Like a tacky, tattered blanket,
A cloud of despair smothers me.
Layers of gray with streaks
Of blinding black press me
To the ground, a broken statue,
Tarnished by relentless rain
And worn by whimpering wind.

I cannot lift my head to watch
In case others turn from me,
Disdain displayed in their eyes.
Shame turns confidence into
Disgust for myself, burning
Like a fire without warmth,
Only a chill leaving no comfort.
How can anyone love me
When I remain disgraced in life
By being who and what I am?

The preceding poem has two similes and one metaphor. The one simile states that a cloud of despair, like a tacky, tattered blanket, smothers the narrator. The other says that disgust burns like a fire without warmth. The metaphor compares the narrator to a broken statue. All help strengthen the emotion in the poem, enhancing the feeling of shame. Alliteration is also used: tacky, tattered; blinding black; relentless rain; worn, whimpering, wind; disdain displayed.

Hopefully we can improve our poetry and add to the emotion and imagery by using metaphor or simile or both. Let's try practicing the use of these in our writing to see how we can create more power in our poems.

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Beauty & The Beast

2011-12-16T08:42:00.001-05:00

irokotv.com Due to an ugly experience he had before, charming prince Maurice (Olu Jacob) decides to hate humans and starts maltreating his subjects, till he met a begger on his way who casts spell on him, turning him to a monster and making him undesirable for everybody.

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Battleship 2012 Official Movie Trailer 2 - HD - New

2011-12-15T12:45:00.001-05:00

the new battleship movie trailer was taken from www.comingsoon.net subscribe for more videos for more trailers visit this channel www.youtube.com Battleship hits theaters on May 18th, 2012. Cast: Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgard, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, Hamish Linklater, Tadanobu Asano, Josh Pence, Peter MacNicol Peter Berg ("Hancock") produces and directs "Battleship", an epic action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force. Based on Hasbro's classic naval combat game, "Battleship" stars Taylor Kitsch as Lt. Alex Hopper, a Naval officer assigned to the USS John Paul Jones; Brooklyn Decker as Sam Shane, a physical therapist and Hopper's fiancee; Alexander Skarsgard as Hopper's older brother, Stone, Commanding Officer of the USS Sampson; Rihanna as Petty Officer Raikes, Hopper's crewmate and a weapons specialist on the USS John Paul Jones; and international superstar Liam Neeson as Hopper and Stone's superior (and Sam's father), Admiral Shane

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Max Azria - Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week

2011-12-15T00:38:00.001-05:00

CHIC.TV backstage and on the runway at Max Azria Fall 20111 New York Fashion Week.

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Famous Supernatural Events in 19th Century America

2011-12-14T12:14:00.001-05:00

Supernatural or paranormal events have long been a newsworthy topic, attracting the attention of believers and skeptics alike. It seems that when anything seemingly unexplainable happens, especially when mysterious circumstances like ghosts are involved, it isn't long before neighbors start talking, newspaper articles begin popping up, and soon enough the story has become something of a legend. Over the years, these stories become more and more embellished, and they are soon part of a community's lore. There are numerous fantastic examples of these supernatural tales, and following is an overview of three of the most well-known.

The Bell Witch - One of the most famous hauntings in America occurred in what is now Adams, Tennessee, on the land that was owned by John Bell in the early 1800s. The tale begins in 1817 when John, a farmer, was working in one of his cornfields and spotted a bizarre looking animal. The creature appeared to have a dog's body with a rabbit's head, and John wasted no time in trying to shoot the thing. After several shots, the animal simply vanished, and John returned to his home. That evening, a series of loud banging sounds began, as if something were beating on the outside of the home. John and his sons went to inspect the noises and found nothing amiss, but this was only the beginning of the bizarre and terrifying events that the family would suffer. Before long, the Bell children began experiencing strange sounds in their bedrooms, covers being yanked off them at night, and even painful pinching and slapping. Betsy Bell was the main recipient of these unwelcome events, but the whole family was being traumatized as well. Faint whispers, laughing, and crying sounds were also occurring, and soon John Bell was forced to tell his close friend and neighbor about the strange happenings. News of the haunting began to spread, and people as far away as Nashville began to take interest in what had begun to be called The Bell Witch. As the years passed, the entity's antics did not cease; rather, they became more frequent and severe. Betsy continued to endure the physical abuse of the Witch, and it wasn't until John Bell's death in December 1820 that the events apparently began to die down. Bell family descendants have reported the return of the spirit on a few occasions, and to this day, people in the area claim mysterious things still go on around the old Bell place.

The Lemp Mansion - One of St. Louis's finest homes from the 19th century is the Lemp Mansion, located right in the heart of the city. The home was built in the 1860s by brewing tycoon Johann "Adam" Lemp, who became world-famous for his lagers. Lemp and his sons amassed a fortune operating their brewery that covered five city-blocks, and were well-known in St. Louis for their wealth and power. With so much success in the brewery, William Lemp, Sr., son of Adam, built the 33-room mansion that became the family home for all the Lemps. Problems began for the family in 1901 when William's favorite son died quite suddenly from health issues, and only continued for the Lemps with scandalous divorces, dwindling success in the brewery, Prohibition beginning in 1920, and finally, multiple suicides. By 1922, three of Adam Lemp's children had committed suicide, with another son doing the same in 1949. With the brewery permanently closed and eventually sold, and the family name so tarnished, the remaining Lemp descendants lived rather quiet lives. But the mansion, it seems, was anything but quiet. Paranormal events first began to be reported in the 1950s following the fourth suicide. At that time, the home had been purchased and transformed into a boarding house. But with the strange sounds and eerie footsteps echoing through the house, tenants didn't stay long. In 1975, the Lemp mansion was sold to Dick Pointer and turned into a restaurant and inn. Patrons of the place have reported mysterious sounds, the feeling of being watched, and objects moving of their own accord. Though the Lemps have long been gone from the mansion, it seems that their absence is only in the physical sense, and that their spirits linger, unable to leave the family home.

The Fox Sisters - Sisters Leah, Kate, and Margaret became undoubtedly three of the most famous mediums in America when they began receiving messages from the dead in 1848. Living in a house with a reputation for being haunted, it wasn't too far of a stretch for people to believe that the young girls had been selected by a spirit to serve as links between the living and the dead. Through a series of knocks, a code was developed where the girls asked yes-no questions and the spirit answered with a certain number of knocks. These communications led to the discovery that the ghost was that of a murdered man who had been buried in their cellar. Word quickly spread, and soon the girls were famous, traveling and giving public séances. As interest in Spiritualism escalated, so too did the skepticism surrounding the Fox sisters, with critics loudly proclaiming that they were frauds. It wasn't until many years later that Kate and Margaret confessed that they were responsible for the knocking sounds, producing them through the cracking of the joints of their toes. Though they admitted to duping the public about their spiritual communication, their story furthered a growing interest in the supernatural and remains one of the most well-known examples of paranormal activity today.

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ARCH ENEMY - Bloodstained Cross (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

2011-12-13T21:09:00.001-05:00

ARCH ENEMY - Bloodstained Cross (OFFICIAL VIDEO). Be sure to catch ARCH ENEMY on tour this fall with DEVILDRIVER, SKELETONWITCH and CTHONIC! Check out the tour dates below to find a city near you! 9/8/2011 - Ram's Head Live - Baltimore - MD - US 9/9/2011 - Best Buy Theater - New York - NY - US 9/10/2011 - The Palladium (MA) - Worchester - MA - US 9/12/2011 - Imperial Theater - Quebec City - QC - CA 9/13/2011 - Metropolis - Montreal - QC - CA 9/14/2011 - Phoenix Concert Theatre - Toronto - ONT - CA 9/17/2011 - The Garrick Centre - Winnipeg - MB - CA 9/19/2011 - Macewan Hall - Calgary - AB - CA 9/20/2011 - Edmonton Event Center - Edmonton - AB - CA 9/22/2011 - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver - BC - CA 9/23/2011 - Showbox SoDo - Seattle - WA - US 9/24/2011 - Knitting Factory Concert House - Spokane - WA - US 9/26/2011 - Regency Center - San Francisco - CA - US 9/27/2011 - Club Nokia - Los Angeles - CA - US 9/29/2011 - Marquee Theater - Phoenix - AZ - US 9/30/2011 - Sunshine Theater - Albuquerque - NM - US 10/1/2011 - Gothic Theater - Englewood - CO - US 10/3/2011 - First Avenue - Minneapolis - MN - US 10/4/2011 - House Of Blues - Chicago - IL - US

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instrumedley - Dream Theater

2011-12-13T08:41:00.001-05:00

Dream theater play instrumedly at modern drummer festival

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BUMP! - BUMP! - New York - Part 1

2011-12-12T18:44:00.001-05:00

Often called The Capital of the World, New York City has been the Emerald City for gays &lesbians from all around the world for years... In fact, there is so much to see and do for the LGBT traveler that it took us two episodes to barely scratch the surface. In Part One of our trip to The Big Apple, performer Seth Rudetsky has Shannon jazz stepping through the theater district in search of cheap tickets for the hottest shows on and off Broadway. Next, humorist Kate Clinton treks us around the Upper West Side -- a popular "guppie" neighbourhood. In recent years, Chelsea has evolved into a major gay district. Long-time resident Richard Winger gives us his take on this trendy area and how the iconic "Chelsea Muscle Boy" is now getting on in age! For jocks (and their supporters), the Chelsea Piers complex on the west side of Manhattan is home to many gay sports teams. Shannon tries playing with balls for a change -- basketball, soccer, golf and baseball, that is! From there we head south and traipse through fabled Greenwich Village with native New Yorker Arthur Strickler, including visits to the legendary Stonewall Inn, where the fight for LGBT civil rights was born, and other popular watering holes in this historic gay quarter. And finally, we join Clare Cavanah of Toys In Babeland, who reveals what a lesbian playground the Lower East Side has become, complete with shops, sex clubs, bars and other attractions for the grrrls!

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Autograph Values - Identifying the Value of an Autograph - So, What's It Worth?

2011-12-11T13:27:00.001-05:00

Perhaps the most commonly asked question I hear is; "So, what's it worth?" The question may pertain to a four language ship's paper signed by James Madison and James Monroe, a signed photograph of movie star and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe, or a hand-written letter by Union General (posthumously promoted) Samuel K. Zook. Frequently it is an innocent request for a "ball park figure" on a specific item. As a professional appraiser it is difficult to formulate a simple one-word answer.

Each item has many different values. The Madison / Monroe document, for example, will be shown to have at least four different values -- and each one will be correct. How can that be? It depends upon the market.

You are probably familiar with the term "market." A market is any place or system for exchanging property between buyers and sellers. A market can be a retail gallery or a flea market. It can be a bankruptcy liquidation sale or a mail order catalog. The internet and other on-line services are markets for the buying and selling merchandise. The "value" at which the item is sold may be different in each market. The term "Fair Market Value" is a legal definition used in a variety of instances. Charitable contribution, dissolution of marriage, or estate tax liability, may be circumstances when fair market value is required. "Fair Market" does not mean "reasonable." The term "fair" comes from old English law, meaning open and free market, as in a "market" or "fair" where goods are bought and sold.

This value may be very different than retail value. In situations when someone is interested in insuring an item, a retail replacement cost may be most appropriate. It all seems quite confusing, but once you identify the reason you want to know "what its worth" then a value can be provided. The "reason one needs to know" is referred to in appraising as the "function" of the appraisal. It is also called the "intended use" or the "assigned use." With a known "use," the appropriate market can be researched.

Markets range from high-end, high-quality, retail autograph galleries to flea markets and garage sales. Various quality and all types of material can be found within any market. An example is the multi-million dollar Dunlap copy of the declaration of independence reported to have been found behind and old picture at a garage sale.

Here are some examples of situations where the value is dependent upon "use" or "need." The market researched is based on the use and value required.

If the report's function is to obtain insurance coverage, the appraisal will identify the estimated replacement cost. The market to research is the gallery where the item was purchased.

If the report's function is to liquidate a bankrupt business, the appraisal will identify the liquidation value. The market is the courthouse steps.

If the report's function is to establish a potential tax deduction for a charitable contribution, the appraisal will identify the Fair Market Value. The market is most likely a well advertised auction.

As an example, we'll use Madison/Monroe four language ship's paper. If an owner and the insurance company need to know what it will cost to replace the item with a similar piece, an appraiser might research its original source, the gallery where it was purchased. The Estimated replacement cost in a mid-to-high-end market is $7,500.00. This may be the valid value for this need.

If that same owner filed for bankruptcy and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge ordered the sale of the item, it may bring $1,200.00. This may be a valid value for this situation.

If the owner decided to donate it to the National Archives, it might have a value of $3,350.00. This may be a valid value for that appraisal "use."

Finally, if the gallery owner was robbed his insurance company would compensate him at his or her cost. This value could be $1,750.00. Perhaps an accurate value for this
situation.

As you can see, the same item has four different values. Each may be accurate and appropriate for the "intended use" and "purpose" of the valuation. There is more to determining value than picking a price. Anyone providing values must understand the autograph, manuscript, and historical document market as well as the reason for asking the question; "So, what's it worth?"

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Blue Valentine - Movie Review

2011-12-10T22:01:00.001-05:00

Find more info about the film here: www.imdb.com Blue Valentine hits theaters on December 31st, 2010! Tumblr | www.prettymuchit.com Twitter | http Facebook | www.facebook.com

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Final Destination 5 - Official Trailer [HD]

2011-12-10T04:38:00.001-05:00

Subscribe ow.ly | Facebook ow.ly | Twitter ow.ly Release Date: 12 August 2011 Genre: Horror | Thriller Cast: Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell, Arlen Escarpeta Directors: Steven Quale Writer: Eric Heisserer, Jeffrey Reddick Studio: Warner Bros. Plot: Survivors of a suspension bridge collapse frantically work together to try and outwit Death and its sinister agenda.

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Video Streaming Advertising for Small Business - Tips and Guides

2011-12-09T15:40:00.001-05:00

This is the first article in a series for operators of businesses who actually want some real practical everyday answers about streaming video and online advertising - what's the best way to do it, and how does it work in the real world?

First of all, let me disclose that I'm a producer of streaming videos and online advertising. I've ybeen making commercials and online tours using streaming video for local businesses in Perth, Western Australia for about the last three years, after coming from a background in film and television. From what I've experienced, there's a steep learning curve and a methodology particular to streaming video, not only in a technical or production sense, but also in terms of business use and marketing.

If you're like me, you've probably done your fair share of googling for information about streaming video and how it works. And there are some genuinely good articles out there.
But many focus on aspects which, though relevant in some respects, don't directly address the concerns of business operators who just want to know the best way of adding video to their website. A typical selection of articles will focus on the greater trend of streaming video in terms of a global or nationwide user base. You know the ones I'm talking about - "40% of such and such..." and "3 billion users by...." etc. Others will talk about the technological issues: servers, formats, delivery models etc.

This is all well and good, and valued information. But, if you're the owner for a small to medium sized business, you'll probably be interested to know how it works on a very local level. That is, how do you get it done, what's the best way of doing it, and what's the best way to optimize your video once it's been produced? Hopefully I'll be able to provide you with some tips that will hold you in good stead should you wish to go down this interesting track. I'll break this down into a couple of areas, beginning with the initial decision about how to go down the streaming route.

I'll gather that you're already aware of whyou want to use streaming video (or audio) on the internet. So we'll skip the "why video?" question for the moment and move onto the "how and who?". I'll then discuss tips that will give you ideas about how to get the most of the production and deliver a great video, and then how you can get more people to watch it and feed into your website.

WHO should I get to produce my streaming video?

This can be dependant on the level of presentation you want for your video. In general, I've never recommended that operators go the DIY route. I know you'd expect a video producer to say this, but there you go. Why? Because most often than not, the final product is a piece of crap whose total value is the merest slice of novelty. There, I said it. Sorry if this causes offence. It's not just a technical issue. To a certain extent a typical audience will endure a less than professional image or sound quality if your final video is incredibly entertaining and engaging. But that is unbelievably rare, and also the reason why a lot of these guys selling these DIY video streaming packages are kidding themselves and trying to kid you. It's fine for basic video blogging, but doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to online advertising.

The production standards are likewise less of a concern in the personal video blogging domain, but generally sub-par production standards reflect badly on a business website, no matter what the content. If you're in business and you value your business image, you need to stay at a genuinely high standard of presentation. You wouldn't, instead of using a professionally printed business card, choose instead to scribble your name on the back of piece of chewed up cardboard taken from the back of your breakfast cereal box. But that doesn't mean you need to spend megadollars on a big time media-producer. If you do decide to go down the DIY route, you'll have to accept that you will require some basic training and practice in video production. If you plan to have a video that you will update on a monthly or even weekly basis, this may have some merit, and repeat visitors to your site may put up with less than perfect standards in exchange for the positive of regularly updated content. Be warned however, first time visitors will not be impressed with anything less than a high professional standard.

At the opposite end of the spectrum you have your larger video production companies who traditionally produce corporate videos for DVDs and commercials for TV. I also engage in this market as part of my own business. They're set up for larger corporate clients and their often larger production demands. These production companies typically structure their business in accordance with these demands. They operate with larger crews, have more staff, and the production process has to pass through a number of stages before final completion. An efficient and relatively cost-effective structure if you're into producing something with a budget of a television commercial. But if you just need to produce a simple but professionally produced video for your website, you're going to find the final bill pretty hefty - a whole lot more than your entire website. I know because I came from this production world, and I know the costs involved.

That's why I decided that the only way to service small clients with this particular form of advertising was to set-up a small business structure, with an extremely streamlined production process that was still able to deliver quality customised videos. To give you some idea, you can look at any of the samples on the video showcase page of the Online AURA website. Typically the 2 minute promos done for tourism and real estate clients were shot in a single day with one operator, scripted, voiced and edited (with original music) over the course of a few days, and then added to the client's website. A turnaround that is basically unheard of for TVCs or any other traditional form. It's not an easy job, and it's taken some years to perfect the process, but you can see for yourself the quality that can be produced using this model. So the answer to the question is - try and find a small production company that shows a genuine specificity in producing online video. Oh yes, and make sure they're actually specialists in video production, not an IT or web design company. Nothing against IT or web design companies, but many of them seem to be offering streaming video production as an addition to their other services, and it's evident they know almost nothing about the craft. If there's a single major determinent of quality, it's basic video craft - from scripting, to lighting, to editing and image grading. The process of finally encoding a high-quality master into a streaming video format (e.g. Windows media, Flash etc.), adding it to your website or into a new webpage is a relatively simple task.

Tips for your video content

Length of your video - This depends what you're selling, and who you're selling it to. A common thing you'll hear out there is that "the shorter the better", and that online advertising videos should be less than 30 seconds in length. While this may have some merit for the particular model of advertising usually discussed in relation to this (usually "interstitial advertising" spots that are placed before or after genuine content), for the content that we're talking about, this is incorrect. A general rule of thumb I used for producing streaming videos for real estate tours or tourist operators in Perth was 2 minutes duration. Beyond this, unless your content is either blisteringly good or your audience highly specialised, it wears a bit thin. 90 to 120 seconds seemed to work reasonably well, and gave the video a chance to develop and breathe. Why not make it just like a 30 second TVC? Just because that's an established norm for television, doesn't mean it needs to be a norm for online video advertising. If anything, online advertising should break out of those imposed conventions. It doesn't have to be 30 seconds and doesn't need to be. If people are on your website, they're most likely taking an active interest in what you are and what you're offering, rather than passively consuming a TVC between breaks of Idol.

In our research, users have wanted to have the full experience, the detail, not just the flashy summary of a 30 second sales pitch. This of course depends on your content. Say, for instance, you wanted to produce a streaming video demonstration for each of your products. My guess is that each demo would not exceed 20-30seconds, especially if it were something relatively simple. My own video introduction to my business takes about 1 minute, though for other businesses I could see shorter and longer form videos. And don't forget, there are ways in which longer form videos can be broken up, like chapters on a DVD that are selectable. Give your audience the choice of which section they'd like to watch.

Get involved in the scripting of your video - This may not mean writing the final copy for it, although if you have that skill it will prove advantageous to the final product. But make sure the aspects of your business that you want to push is understood by the video production company doing your online commercial. If they care about their job, they should be actively consulting you about the direction and approach of your streaming video advertisement. Even if you're not exactly sure what you want to show, give them your thoughts and ideas. They'll be able to translate some of those ideas into a rhythm and visual flow.

Make it personal - While the copy on your website needs to convey a professional image and spell out the features and benefits of your product using specific language, you're video doesn't have to be a total sales pitch. One of the strengths of video is its ability to build identification, familiarity and emotion. I suppose this point can be applied to marketing in general. Customers don't necessarily gravitate toward companies they feel offers them the most in hard benefits. They often choose companies and businesses that they identify and feel comfortable with on a human level. That's why many people still choose to buy from local businesses, and also why businesses with marketing campaigns that emphasize people over product do very well. Video has this ability to humanize what otherwise would feel impersonal and cold. Look at many of the most successful websites and how they are designed visually. Note how many use images of people, and particularly faces, as a fundamental part of their visual design, regardless of what product they're trying to sell you. This design approach is used to counteract the feeling of a website as an impersonal cash-register waiting to gobble up your money. Video has the strength of being able to take this further, by offering life and personality, the texture of a person's voice and face. Think about this when you do your video. Think about whether your entire video should be focused entirely on your product, and entertain the idea that maybe people want to see the culture of the people behind that product as well.

You're selling a lifestyle - When I do streaming video advertising for tourism and real estate, the important thing I keep in mind is that I'm selling a lifestyle, and not just a 'product'. You're always selling an experience. Even if it's for bug spray, in which case you're selling the wonders of a bug-free life for your customers. So make that a fundamental part of your video. It's very tempting with video to show and explain everything - I've had clients in real estate for instance want me to go into detailed descriptions of all manner of architectural features. But even though part of my job is showing off the actual features, primarily I'm creating a film about the lifestyle that living in such and such a property provides. That's also why there's a lot of emphasis on the culture surrounding the property, not just the structure itself. If you're working with a video producer, let them know you want to focus on the lifestyle your product or service conveys, and let them know the kind of feeling you want your viewers to experience. The end result will be a lot stronger and your video will be far more effective.

Voice - A lot of streaming videos include voice-overs. They're very effective in terms of lending a narrative or story to your video. I have a dedicated voice-over artist do all of my video voice-overs. And it's amazing what the effect of having a good quality voice will do to lift an advertisement. On the flipside of that, having a poor voice will bring down even the strongest visuals. If you can't afford fantastic live video footage, at least you can make up for this in some degree by having an engaging speaker.

Music - Another underrated aspect of videos online is music. You'll run into a lot of video production companies that use generic or "stock" music. It's usually terrible stuff, and makes your video seem contrived and artificial. AURA doesn't have that problem, because we also have a background in original music production, and so develop our own music tracks. Ask about music and, if possible, run through a selection of available soundtracks for your streaming video.

Tips for your finished video.

This is the part where you've gone through the process of producing your video. You've found your producer, the final streaming video advertisement is great, and you're ready to add it to your website. Here are some tips:

Make it visible - Although this seems obvious, many businesses inexplicably choose to place a tiny, barely visible link to their video on their website. Having a tiny bit of text in 8pt saying "video" with a hyperlink does your video no justice, and greatly reduces the effectiveness of your streaming video ad. A prominent display on your homepage is preferable, with some kind of graphic (animated graphics work best) that attracts clicks from users. Video is still a rarity of most websites, and users will easily overlook that a site even has a video unless it is significantly signposted.

Portal power - If your business lists its products on portals, why not include a link to your video. Sometimes, with accommodation industry portals, they forbid direct links to your website because they work off commissions from people booking on their site. In my experience however they are far more open to allowing links directly to video content, given that it doesn't take people off to a separate webpage. This is sometimes the advantage of having a simple link to your video, rather than relying on it just being embedded in your webpage. Ideally, you should have both. That way, people can see it inside your site, but you can also email people links to the video directly or list it as a hyperlink on other people's sites.

Video search - This is the area making big waves at the moment in the search engine world. With Google video, Myspace, YouTube and other players, your video can be a key part of your search engine strategy. Arrange to submit your videos to all these sites, and provide keyworded descriptions of the content and a link back to your website. It won't cost you a thing. Video search is going to take off in a big way, with major players Google, Yahoo and MSN all putting big money into marketing and developing this new arena. Also keep in mind the paid video ad market that will emerge in the future with Google and Yahoo. You can have a highly visible direct link to your video straight from search. For uploading purposes, ask your streaming video producer for a higher definition version of your video, either in Windows Media format or MPEG-2.

Offline action - Your video should be able to be supplied to you on physical media in some form or another for little extra cost. This could be DVD video, as part of a CD-ROM presentation, or just as a digital file on disc. Videos are typically shot and edited in very high-quality and then compressed greatly for streaming delivery on the internet. This means that the producer will most likely have a broadcast quality master, either on tape or on digital file. At AURA, we store uncompressed masters on external hard drives or DVDs. This means also that the streaming videos are future proofed - should some new fabulous video codec, like a new version of Flash or Windows media come out, we can take the master and re-encode it again to take advantage of the new technology. Also, as broadband becomes quicker, we are able to up the bit-rate of our videos.

Having a high quality digital file means you can use your video for other things, like showing it at a trade expo at DVD quality, or re-packaging it as part of a CD-ROM presentation or CD-business card.

Hopefully what I've discussed will help you as you embark on the wonderful adventure of producing your first streaming video advertisement for your website. I'll be back later to discuss other aspects of streaming video, and also another interesting media element that has been much underutilized on business websites - streaming audio. Until next time, take care, and if you have any questions, feel free to email me or visit my website at www.onlineaura.com.au [http://www.onlineaura.com.au]

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Yellow Matter Custard The Beatles Rehearsal

2011-12-08T23:03:00.001-05:00

Yellow Matter Custard es el nombre de la Banda formada por Neal Morse, Matt Bisonette, Paul Gilbert y Mike Portnoy, para un par de presentaciones realizadas en Nueva York en 2003. La grabación que vio la luz como DVD y CD doble fue la del 18 de Mayo de ese año, realizada en el club BB King de New York. Por un lapso de 2 horas, Mike (de Dream Theater), Neal (cantante y compositor de rock progresivo Cristiano, con quien ha colaborado Mike), Matt (ex bajista de Ringo Starr y su banda, así como de formación Jazzística) y Paul (fundador de Racer X) interpretaron 31 melodías de prácticamente toda la historia Beatle, aunque haciendo un poco hincapié en el período de evolución (es decir, a partir de Help!, Revolver y Seargent Pepper's). La filmación del concierto se efectuó con tan sólo 2 cámaras, pero en vez de ser un defecto, se convirtió en una virtud, al darle cierto aire de antigüedad, rudimentarismo y también de intimidad. El espectáculo tuvo también la ventaja de que los integrantes asumieron el rol de ser realmente The Beatles, por lo que la frescura, las risas y hasta los errores en la interpretación de las letras estuvieron presentes. Y sobre todo, que las interpretaciones de la Música Beatle, sonó como si fueran ellos mismos quienes la tocaran.

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Downtown EBM Dance Invasion

2011-12-08T05:01:00.001-05:00

This one is made for Russia! I love my Russian fans))) Song by FGFC820 - Not The World I Remember (used with permission) www.FGFC820.com About the Tetris intro Google Tetris DS T-spin :) Filmed by Sarkstir www.youtube.com Guest Dancer is Mary www.youtube.com Google+ plus.google.com Facebook www.facebook.com Twitter twitter.com As requested by KS101208. Here are the locations we filmed at: Nokia Theatre, Staple Center, China Town, FIDM, and other areas Downtown Los Angeles.

Movie Major

Bas Kar Bakula

2011-12-07T16:22:00.001-05:00

Prof. Parimal Pujaras dead father in law comes to him in a dream and tells him fo the huge fortune he has buried in the wilds of Khandala. Prof. Pujara is at Kandala with his newly married second wife on a honeymoon. After searching for high and low and not finding andy treasure, Prof. Pujara asks the tantrik Satellite Shivmani to call up his dead father in laws soul. The trick misfires. For it is Bakula, the professors first wife (now dead) who lands up to help find the treasure. What follows is a laugh a minute riot of entertainment.

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A Guid New Year From Glasgow

2011-12-07T01:47:00.001-05:00

Producer Rai Purdy joins us from The Theatre Royal in Glasgow with a special program celebrating Hogmanay. As Glaswegians gather at the Glasgow Cross we see footage of the crowds, live music and dancing at the studio as well as a look back at the highs and lows of 1957.

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Is Johnny Depp Like Nelson Mandela?

2011-12-06T11:26:00.001-05:00

Twenty-four-year-old Johnny Depp thought that his starring role in the 1987 TV series 21 Jump Street would not last a whole season. After a few weeks of playing a young-looking cop who goes undercover at high schools to catch drug dealers, the Kentucky-born actor began to feel that the spying he performed in each episode was immoral. Worse yet, Jump Street was a breakout hit, and Depp's busy schedule kept him from accepting movie offers. The resentful teen idol tried to provoke his bosses into terminating him. His onset antics included lighting his underwear on fire, constantly changing dialogue and suggesting wild plot lines, such as having his character cover his entire nude body with peanut butter. The program's creators realized that their leading man was the main reason viewers tuned in and held him to his contract. Johnny did a professional job and appreciated Jump Street for making him a household name, but compared his being able to leave the show in 1990 to the freeing of imprisoned South African leader Nelson Mandela.

After years of playing dingbat society types, Natalie Schafer (1900- 1991) was perfectly cast as the spoiled but kind-hearted Lovey Howell on the Gilligan's Island pilot in 1963. For the veteran actress, it was all about getting a quick paycheck, plus a free vacation to Hawaii. The script about seven castaways, without a single luxury, was so stupid; there was no way that the network would pick it up. With this kind of material floating around Hollywood, she couldn't wait to move back to New York. The Red Bank, New Jersey, native did a professional job, and then quickly forgot about being marooned. A few weeks later, Schafer was vacationing in Puerto Vallarta with some friends when she received a phone call. "What! Oh my God, no!" Her companions, assuming that it was bad news about her ailing mother, ran to comfort her. To their surprise, Natalie's tears were caused by CBS' decision to make Gilligan a weekly series, which the actress was now contractually obligated to be on. At that moment, Schafer was crushed to have the new, wellpaying employment that would make her famous.

James Garner became a popular TV star because of the Warner Bros. western Maverick (1957-1962). But to the Oklahoma born actor and Korean War veteran, the show was often purgatory. The studio refused him permission to earn extra money on weekends making personal appearances, and turned down his requests for a raise. He finally got out of the show through a breech of contract suit, and stated bitterly "If you have any pride in your work you don't go into TV." When he returned to TV after 11 years of films to The Rockford Files (1974-1980) he again quickly became unhappy with working conditions and staged a successful sit down strike in his dressing room to get what he wanted.

Sometimes a seeming big break can turn into a nightmare. Stage actress Vivian Vance was thrilled to get the role of Ethel on I Love Lucy (1951-1957). Vance, who was a good-looking woman, even acceded to Lucille Ball's demand that she be twenty pounds overweight. Each summer she would get an irritating phone call from Ball," Viv, we start shooting in a couple of weeks, start eating." But playing a frumpy, second banana weighed on her. One day sitting in her make-up chair she complained for all to hear," Can you believe they have me married to that old coot, William Frawley? He should be playing my father. Every morning when I get my script I say please God, don't let me have any kissing scenes with the old coot." During her diatribe the old coot was standing right behind her, which started a long and famous feud. Later when Desi Arnaz proposed creating a spin-off show called The Mertzes, which could of made them both rich, Frawley jumped at it, but Vance killed the idea stating, "Six years is long enough to be married to the old coot."

Not everyone is unhappy in television. Comic actor Don Adams faced a difficult financial choice when he played the bumbling Maxwell Smart in the 1965 television series Get Smart. The producers offered him two options: he could take home a healthy paycheck each week or get very little money in exchange for a one-third ownership stake in the show. The ex-Marine swallowed hard and gambled for the long term. Get Smart stayed on the air for five years and was shown constantly in reruns. Viewers repeated Adams' made-up catch phrases like "Would you believe" and "Missed me by that much" often. The now wealthy star, who claimed he hated performing, was able to spend the last years of his life playing cards at the Playboy Mansion and traveling the world with his seven children. When asked how he ended up with such a large brood, the three-times-married Don shrugged, "No big deal. It only took seven minutes."

criminal minds full episodes

Dogfighting in 1942! -- Arcade #1

2011-12-05T19:34:00.001-05:00

Jon takes flight in the Pacific Theater battle against the Japanese in the original "1942" arcade console. Recorded at Funspot in Laconia, NH. Arcade video #1. Arcade #2 -- bit.ly ~~ Game Time ~~ Jon has enjoyed playing video games since the late 1980's... Now you can join him for some commentary excitement as he plays some of his current and past favorites - featuring titles from the Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, PlayStation 3, computer, and everything in between! Rather than a full-blown "let's play", each game is showcased in six uploads, representing a snapshot of that particular title, instead of the entire game. The sixth and final part of each playthrough will usually be an extended video, recorded during a live uStream show. New episodes uploaded every other day. Jonathan Paula is a 25-year-old professional YouTuber and creator of the hit web series, "Is It A Good Idea To Microwave This?". He graduated from Emerson College in 2008 with a degree in Television Production and Radio Broadcasting. He currently lives in Rockingham, New Hampshire with his fiancée. ~~ Links ~~ Facebook ----------- bit.ly Twitter --------------- bit.ly The World ---------- bit.ly Adventure Vlog --- bit.ly Main Channel ----- bit.ly My Best Movies -- bit.ly FAQ Video --------- bit.ly T-Shirts -------------- bit.ly ~~ Technical ~~ Created by ------ Jonathan Paula Camera ---------- Canon PowerShot SX20 Microphone ----- Sennheiser ME 66 Software --------- Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 Computer ...

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IGN Rewind Theater - Mortal Kombat Trailer Breakdown - IGN Rewind Theater

2011-12-05T07:28:00.001-05:00

We breakdown the new Mortal Kombat trailer for you frame by frame.

DVD Movie Comedy

HDC Shuffle Night in LA

2011-12-04T16:33:00.001-05:00

TURTLE HDC and SONY HDC met up with vyro and decided to go film a sesh in LA after Turtle and Vyro recieved there new phatts in the mail :) we got kicked out of the nokia theater but not before we could get a couple clips in :) woohoo :) Ps Wish we had a better cam too :) but its all good thanx vyro ;)

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Tezaab

2011-12-04T02:16:00.001-05:00

Tezaab (1988), is a violent love story. Story of how an ideal college school student's life turns towards acid path of crime. It is the story of Anil Kapoor and his life. He goes through a series of serious incidents which causes him deep problems.

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Surviving Traumatic Events

2011-12-03T13:43:00.001-05:00

In the wake of traumatic events it feels like the world is closing in and nothing makes sense, not even what others tell you or how you feel. It can be very unmanageable in how you feel and think, like nothing is right and you don't know where to turn. Yet this moment is when you need direction and answers the most because of the ungrounding nature of the event.

It can feel like you've lost your body and are no longer connected to what is real and happening around you. Some call it shock, a disassociating method in order to deal with the stress and unreality of the event. Yet here is where we need to be most grounded and present so that we can come to terms with what has happened and what happened to ourselves. Here is where truth and honesty can help us the most on the way to recovery and bringing ourselves back to the present. By letting go of the truth, by turning away from the event, we are not just disassociating from it, but rather laying claim to the fact that it never happened for we wish that to be true. But events as they happen can not be changed or taken away, only prolonged by the idea that we must keep them away.

It is a hard road to walk down, first trauma and the disassociation, followed by fear and sadness. If we could in that moment, be truly present at whatever stage we are in, we can then allow ourselves to not only grieve but to let go. The more quickly we are honest with the truth, the event, and our feelings, the sooner we will feel like ourselves again, for that is the most important thing. By returning to ourselves we can come back to reality and see the moment for what it was and is now. To fully be in the moment that we are in allows us to be much more free and capable of dealing with everything. We are then able to accept and find a way to move on and heal. Moments like these can happen and there is a release in accepting them, not ignoring it or staying inside of the trauma. Rather acknowledging oneself, the traumatic event, and believing you will be okay and others as well allows you to move forward and to find closure.

Movie Major

What Is Anime Based On?

2011-12-03T00:34:00.001-05:00

Anime is most commonly based off of a manga, which is basically the Japanese word for comics. Usually when people call something manga they mean that it was made in Japan. Some people prefer manga over anime and vice-versa but the two are usually quite closely related to one another, if not directly following one another, although in almost all cases the manga comes first before the anime. Unfortunately I am not a fan of the genre so I don't have much expertise in reading it, of course with my love for anime I have given manga a chance here and there but it will never be as good as anime to me. Manga is becoming increasingly popular in many parts of the world including the United States. Manga often comes in magazines that will include a few chapters of several different series, some daily, some weekly, and some even more spread out or even produced randomly. While not all anime is based on manga, I would venture to say that at least 90% of them are. It is not uncommon for an anime to be produced at the same time as the manga it is following, however this often leads to the anime catching up to the manga too quickly which forces the anime creators to either go on a hiatus or create 'filler' episodes that have no real connection to the overall storyline. One problem that this creates for fans of anime but not manga is that the manga is always ahead, thus the people who read it will know what is going to happen before the anime viewers will, one of the many reasons I have almost always avoided anime discussion forums is because of the spoilers that manga readers inadvertently blurt out and may ruin months of anime viewing for me.

That's not all though, anime is also very commonly based on video games, and some even have entire franchises of video games based on the anime. One of the best examples I can think of for this is Star Ocean: EX, the anime almost follows the games storyline and cinematic perfectly, some people may not realize how powerful of storylines some video games have within them, and to have the entire thing presented to you visually can really be quite stunning. Some other great current examples of games turned anime are Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Valkyria Chronicles, Gungrave, Devil May Cry, Pokémon, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter, and many more. It was actually a misconception of mine for the longest period of time that the Pokemon anime came before the games, it wasn't until about five years later that I realized how wrong I was. Those are just a select few that were in many cases beloved video games of my childhood that left me wanting more, having an anime to watch that continues or gives me more plot and story is always a beautiful thing. A full listing of anime based on video games is kept up-to-date on Wikipedia, the link is provided. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_anime_based_on_video_games

Of course, some anime are even original creations, these however require far more work than simply taking comic strips and animating them together (not a proper explanation of the manga to anime transformation but the gist of it). Original creations require, at least in my opinion, a truly visionary person to create them. OVA's, or original video animations, while sometimes based solely off an anime of the same name but created by another animation organization, are the most commonly seen forms of original anime content. Most OVA's are short in length ranging from one to five episodes each, but then again in some specific cases there are others that are anywhere from 10-100+ episodes in length, obviously this is a factor of how much time and work goes into them. Currently I am following two anime OVA series that are around ten episodes each in length but rather than weekly episodes they only release about one episode every six months, that's right I said six months between episodes. Obviously this sounds like a pain, but many OVA are considered to be better than their parent story anime by a large amount of the anime viewing public.

Not surprisingly some anime even evolves one step further into having a live-action movie or series made based on it. Many of the more popular anime have spawned off live-action creations such as Gantz, Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, Cowboy Bebop, and Great Teacher Onizuka. While the success of these live-action movies hasn't been spectacular, it is quite a different watch and gives you a better look into the capabilities that anime has over what special effects can do for a movie. Having seen the live-action Dragon Ball, Detective Conan and Great Teacher Onizuka movies and other specials, I must say that I was quite disappointed with them, but mainly due to bad acting and low budgets. Earlier I mentioned the Cowboy Bebop live-action movie, which is still in development at this point, but looks promising with The Matrix star Keanu Reaves playing the main character Spike Spiegel, that alone puts it over the seemingly random set of actors I have seen in other live-action things. Hopefully Cowboy Bebop does well in American markets so we see more big name actors starring in live-action anime based movies, it's my belief that things are leaning that way since I've noticed an increase in actors like Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Andy Richter, and Will Arnett amongst many others doing the voice-overs for major anime movies (usually the ones made my Studio Ghibli) in an attempt to bring a wider American audience to anime. I actually watched one of Studio Ghibli's movies recently, Ponyo on the cliff by the sea, in English and was overjoyed when I was able to recognize popular television and movie actors voices, however that movie is packed with stars including Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, Betty White and many others, which was very unlike the usual one or two actors you may recognize.

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Some Pointers About Online Doll Games

2011-12-02T11:38:00.001-05:00

Little girls have heard about the Bratz games. The Bratz are the most popular trend today, and everyone is excited with their cool style. Every little girl knows about the Bratz dolls, and many of kids fell in love with them from the first time they appeared. For those of you who haven't hear about such dolls, let me give you a brief introduction. Bratz dolls are not so big (10 inches) and are extremely fashionable; probably this is why they have such a great popularity among children in UK and other countries. It is difficult not to see the similarity between these dolls and the well known Barbie doll.

Such dolls can be a little costly, and I don't describe all the dresses that go with the dolls. So, probably the best way to play with the dolls is online. There are numerous internet sites that let you play interesting games for girls with your favourite dolls. Such way is by far less costly than actually purchasing them, and you can find numerous styles to choose from. Having fun with internet Barbie games as a child may help children boost some abilities, e.g., patience.

Every little girl loves new toys, but not all parents like purchasing new toys, for example that kind of toys that needs to buy new clothes weekly. By enjoying internet fashion and make up games you and your kids might see all the trendy Barbie dolls. Because of these games can teach a kid lots of tricks, most of mothers like these games too, and let their kids have fun with them.

Internet doll games that involve Mya:
This is a popular web game where you get to dress Mya, by picking any dress that players can find in her wardrobe, you and your children can even design her makeover.

Glamour browser-based Bratz and Barbie games:
An interesting fact related to this kind of internet Bratz dress up game is that this type of games lets the girls name their personage, thus making her more real. You can install downloadable Windows games, but be certain the owners of the PC allow this.

Funny interactive doll games:
If you and your daughter get tired of dressing up cute dolls, you and other gamers can have a break and challenge your artistic talent on some virtual pets. You and your girls are able now to dress funny pets and give them fashionable look. This process is very interesting and guarantees several hours of entertainment.

After you and your girls design for your doll the perfect look, you and your kids will have to create an ideal environment to make Barbie feel comfortable. You and your children can select the image to fit the colour of the dress. You and your children can add furniture to make it look like a beautiful scene from a movie. Players can find such options on different gaming sites, most of them have instructions and are very user friendly.

Other Dress Up Games With The Bratz:
Everyone knows today that the Barbie dolls are really fashionable. The virtual doll game offers you and other gamers the classic doll dress up game where you and your daughter can have fun with them and dress them up how you and your children wish, but also offers missions meant to grow the fashion designer within. You and your children may imagine that the Bratz are guests in a really beautiful room. You and your girls can now help them decorate every room to fit their liking. That is now more than just a dress up game, this is a dress up game. You possibly know, that even in the case that such games have been created to be played by children, there is no reason that an adult woman cannot have some fun with online games as well.

DVD Movie Comedy Animals Documentary Movie Major

Abhee To Main Jawan Hoon

2011-12-01T22:37:00.001-05:00

It is a wonderful story of a group of people who have lived their entire life working hard and now when they have grown old they want to live their life to the fullest. They re group and decide to have total fun and do things which they have never done. See their defination of fun and enjoyment. Watch this hilarious play.

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Just Dance - Iconic Boyz, SYTYCD, Teen Choice Awards, Born to Dance, Glee Project, Smurfs

2011-12-01T08:35:00.001-05:00

So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) sends home Clarice and Mitchell. America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC) Season 6 runners up ICONic Boyz say goodbye to crewmember Vinny Castronovo. Mike "Spikey Mikey" Fusco talks the single life. Youtuber Mia, "POTENTiALcelebrity", gives us her predictions on The Teen Choice Award nominees. Laurieann Gibson's new show Born to Dance premieres on BET. Chord Overstreet is the only cast member of Glee not returning next season. The Smurfs hits theaters, and The Glee Project tests the ability to take a cold slushy to the face! POTENTialcelebrity- www.youtube.com Follow Us on Twitter- www.twitter.com

criminal minds full episodes Animals Documentary Action Movie

Bunny

2011-11-30T19:41:00.001-05:00

After fleeing a war torn country, a couple finds that their only means of survival is to don giant bunny suits to make a living. CHECK IT OUT AT: cineticfilmbuff.com

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In The Presence Of Enemies Part I - Dream Theater (Cover)

2011-11-30T06:59:00.001-05:00

Playing Dream Theater new masterpiece ( Part 1) Follow us in twitter: www.twitter.com/SamuelAgonia www.twitter.com/RodCalcagno

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John Mayer - "Who Says" Live Acoustic (Excellent Quality)

2011-11-29T18:06:00.001-05:00

John Mayer performs "Who Says" live at 96.5 TIC's Acoustic Cafe at the Comcast Theater in Hartford, CT. 08/07/10

Lyrics Singles

Underbelly - Can A Police Officer Become a Prostitute?

2011-11-29T05:25:00.001-05:00

I have been watching the third series of Underbelly: The Golden Mile and so many people I know have said that there's no way that the main character Kim could be accepted into the police force when her previous employment was as a prostitute. The Underbelly series is based on real life incidents, people and places. The third series is situated in the heart of Sydney's Kings Cross area and sees cops, drug deals and night club owners all living out of each others pockets.

That got me thinking, the Underbelly series is based on real life incidents, people and places. The third series is situated in the heart of Sydney's Kings Cross area and sees cops, drug deals and night club owners all living out of each others pockets. The uneasy alliance is tolerated on the understanding that no one gets killed and everyone gets paid. Things start to go down hill when two police women join the police team. One is raped by the cops and the other, Debbie Webb, turns whistle blower but then the gravy train flows all the way to the top of the New South Wales police force and she is ostracized.

In the series Webb befriends the prostitute Kim Hollingsworth and one scene has them sunbathing nude on a Sydney beach. The two become disgusted with the corruption and work to bring justice onto the Kings Cross police and assist with the Royal Commission into the NSW Police Force. Hollingsworth quits the game and enrolls into the police academy. Soon after passing the entry exam she is asked to help some officers open up their own brothel. This is where we are today, Hollingsworth goes undercover to get evidence on the bad cops.

Could this really happen? Well the answer is yes. Kim Michelle Hollingsworth (born 1966) was formerly a prostitute, student police officer and undercover agent. She was however, dismissed from the New South Wales Police Academy for failing to disclose her past life. Her ten year long legal battle for reinstatement was ultimately unsuccessful. Thanks to the publicity surrounding Underbelly she has appeared in Zoo Weekly magazine. Now 44, she still looks totally stunning in a bikini and would still command premium dollars for her services. She's definitely come out on top after a tempestuous life in Sydney and now spends her time looking after horses on her farm.

To my question then, a prostitute cannot become a police officer - not in Australia anyway.

Action Movie Movie Major DVD Movie Action

Recreating the Movie Theater Experience in Your Living Room With Satellite TV

2011-11-28T17:01:00.001-05:00

The movie has been selected, the popcorn has been popped, and the blankets and pillows are ready on the couch. You and your friends are ready for your weekly weekend movie nights in your own home. Rather than spend the high costs of going out frequently to the movie theater, by subscribing to satellite television and watching movies at home, you can enjoy newly-released movies in the comfort of your own living room. Given the state of the national economy, many people have needed to cut back on their budget and certain spending. Thus, by doing this, you can save some money without sacrificing on the viewing quality of the movie theater experience.

The movie selection offered by satellite television is huge, allowing you to enjoy not only older films, but also newly-released movies as well, many of which have yet to hit DVD or BlueRay. Moreover, depending on your particular movie tastes and mood, you can choose from whichever genre appropriate for the night and situation, whether it is an action, thriller, horror, romantic comedies, or even a Disney cartoon. Having such a great selection with satellite programming, you can even save the time and money of having to run to the movie rental store to pick up a DVD. You can simply just browse through the listings and decide what you want to watch for the night.

Satellite television is transmitted digitally, meaning that with the proper television, you can enjoy all your programs in high definition. This viewing quality ensures that you can enjoy your movie similar to a movie theater experience. The clarity of picture and sound-particularly if you have a surround sound system-make you feel as if you were in the movie itself. As the protagonist runs from the mobsters, you feel as if your own life were in danger. As the peaceful alien creatures prance through the vibrant forest, you feel as if you too were jumping atop trees and running through the creek. The excitement and life in the movie can be felt from just watching the movie with this superior viewing quality.

Watching movies this way is not only fun, it is comfortable since you and your friends are able to curl up in your blankets and pillows in the living room. Moreover, you can also save some money. The movie ticket prices have shot up and movie theater snacks have always cost a fortune. By watching the movie at home, you are saving on the entrance fees and also a significant amount on snacks. Given the economic recession, many households and families have had to cut their budgets and cut back on their spending. Thus, opting to enjoy your movie nights in this manner rather than a movie night out can be a great way to save some spending money without sacrificing on the quality of the movie experience. Plus, by subscribing to satellite television, you are not only able to enjoy these movies, you get the added bonus of all the additional programming, including shows, football games, and music, that comes along with it.

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Unique Fundraising Events Are Fun And Profitable

2011-11-28T04:46:00.001-05:00

A fundraising event does not have to be something new and different in order to raise a good deal of money. The bake sale and car wash are still successful fundraising activities. A unique fundraising event will probably generate a great deal of attention because it is unusual. The unique fundraising events should attract a great deal of attention, and this attention should translate into a lucrative fundraising campaign. A fundraising activity could be something that is very special to the group or a unique fundraising event could be found in a far away place via the internet.

There are many unique fundraising events, and someone looking for a special project might look at the talents of the group involved. A group of students working for new uniforms for their team might stage a special program at one of these events. For example, a group of young people in a drama might use their talents to put on a special presentation. This type of activity could generate a great deal of energy in the group. This group might even charge a bit more for a presentation of a dramatic production to raise funds.

Unique Fundraising Events Generate Excitement

A unique fundraising event can be advertised in order to attract the attention of the potential customers. People usually contribute to the ordinary bake sale or carwash, but these activities do not produce great excitement. A unique fundraising event will attract potential customers, but it will also encourage the people involved to use their mind to come up with something new and different. People will be very interested in unique fundraising events so these will probably generate extra funds because of the added interest in the event.

There are some unique fundraising events that each group should consider for their fundraising activities. Some companies constantly come up with unique fundraising activity to help their customers attract attention. Some of these companies have unique ideas ready to go so the groups will save some energy, and they can concentrate on sales alone. There are several books that have information about unique fundraising events. These include activities such as making jewelry or selling comfortable cushions for the hard chairs at events. A group will probably be most enthusiastic if they have a unique fundraising event so it will be easy to find volunteers for the duties of the fundraiser. An enthusiastic group usually makes more money, and they enjoy the activity at the same time.

Kids and Family Movie News Venture Brothers Season DVD Movie Comedy

Farmer's Markets in Austin

2011-11-27T15:25:00.001-05:00

With the recent push towards local, sustainable eating, Austin residents are lucky to claim quite a few local farms. Many of these farmers bring their freshly harvested produce in to town periodically as part of one of the farmer's markets located throughout the city. Not just produce, Austin's farmers markets also feature locally made products such as cheese, tamales, breads, jams, soaps, and other handicrafts. With live music, entertainment for the kiddos, and an air of celebration, these bi-weekly events provide sustenance for the spirit as well as the body.

Austin Farmer's Market: With two locations, this aptly named market is held on Wednesdays from 4PM to 8PM, and Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM, year-round, rain or shine. A growers-only market, all of their produce and products are grown or produced within a 150 mile radius of Austin, and produce farmers make up at least 51% of their vendors. An offshoot o f the Sustainable Food Center, a local 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, the market is an important extension of their mission, to improve access to local, healthy and affordable food for children and adults in Central Texas. A unique feature of this group is their Chefs' Circle - a group of well known local chefs who periodically present cooking demonstrations at the Market. (Triangle Park, 4600 Guadalupe - 46th Street between Lamar and Guadalupe, AND Republic Square Park - 4th and Guadalupe)

Sunset Valley Farmer's Market: Claiming "The Spirit of the Farm in an Urban Setting" this weekly market is festival-like in atmosphere. With farmers, artisans, bakeries and restaurants all hawking their wares, shoppers are just as likely to get lunch as they are to get their weekly produce. Live music, face painting and inflatable slides and jumping structures make this an attractive destination for families. Held in the parking lot of the Toney Burger Center just east of Brodie off of Ben White, this weekly market is held on Saturdays from 9 to 1:00, year round, rain or shine. (3200 Jones Rd, Sunset Valley, TX, 78745)

Boggy Creek Farm: Although this market is held at, and features produce only from one of Austin's premier organic farms, it merits inclusion in this list due to its expansive offerings of things other than produce. Boggy Creek Farm provides local, organic produce to many local restaurants, and at their Wednesday and Saturday morning market, also offers local cheeses, breads, and other carefully selected products to the general public. The eggs from their free-roaming chickens go early, but the chickens remain strolling about to delight the kids, who can also take advantage of a small play area with farm-oriented toys. (3414 Lyons Road, Austin TX 78702)

South Austin Farmers Market: This small but tenacious market features local produce, and occasionally local products may be offered as well. Held on Saturdays, year round from 8AM to 1PM, they are located in the parking lot of El Gallo Restaurant on South Congress Avenue, across the street from St. Edwards University. (2910 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704)

Movie Major Venture Brothers Season

Die Hard: BEST ACTION MOVIE EVER?

2011-11-26T23:22:00.001-05:00

Tonight's Films: • District 9 -- 9/10. • Die Hard -- 10/10. Next Week's Films: • A Perfect Getaway -- micropoll.com • Money Train -- micropoll.com * Tweet a review with the #JPMN hashtag, and have it featured on the show! * ~~ Movie Night ~~ Incorporating your viewer comments, film critic Jonathan Paula reviews everything from opening day releases, recent DVDs, and classics from years past. Along with your votes, these films are scored on the "Rate-O-Matic" for a 1-10 ranking. New episodes published every Friday (Nov through May). Jonathan Paula is a 25-year-old professional YouTuber and creator of the hit web series, "Is It A Good Idea To Microwave This?". He graduated from Emerson College in 2008 with a degree in Television Production and Radio Broadcasting. He currently lives in Rockingham, NH with his fiancée. ~~ Links ~~ Facebook ---------------- bit.ly Twitter -------------------- bit.ly 2nd Channel ------------ bit.ly Movie Night Archive -- bit.ly Tweet Critiques -------- bit.ly Movies I've Rated ----- imdb.to My Best Videos ------- bit.ly FAQ Video -------------- bit.ly T-Shirts ------------------- bit.ly ~~ Technical ~~ Created by ------ Jonathan Paula Camera ---------- Panasonic HMC-150 Microphone ----- Sennheiser ME 66 Software --------- Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 Computer ------- bit.ly • Jogwheel Productions © 2009 • ~

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