Archive for March, 2007
There is little out there that has moved as many people as the music of Johnny Cash. From punks to preachers, from country music fans to hipsters, everyone loves Johnny cash music. He is one of those Great American songwriters whose work unites people from all walks of life. When I wear my Johnny Cash T-shirt, I get compliments from almost everyone I meet. He is a true musical genius, and musical geniuses find fans everywhere.
“What no adolescent can appreciate, however, is their parents’ taste in music.”
It took me a long time to realize how great Johnny cash music was. You see, the first person I ever knew who listened to Johnny Cash was my dad. Kids can appreciate their parents’ taste in books, their parents’ taste in people, and their parents’ taste in food. What no adolescent can appreciate, however, is their parents’ taste in music. If my dad liked Johnny cash music, it was obvious that Johnny cash music was square.
That all changed when I met my first girlfriend. She was a bit of a country girl, to tell you the truth. She liked all the old country stars, including Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, and Bill Monroe. Whether it was country, bluegrass, Western, or Appalachian music, she could not get enough of it. Most of all, she loved Johnny cash music.
I was in no position to tell my first girlfriend that I hated the music that she listened to. At first, I pretended to like Johnny cash music just to humor her, but soon it started to grow on me. I guess that, up to that point, I’d never given it a chance. I associated it with my dad, and I took it as a given that anything that my dad would listen to had to be awful. But honestly, once I started listening to the music of the man in black, it blew my mind. I had never heard anything like it.
I got my heart broken by that girl, and it was a long time before I could listen to anything that she had played for me. After long enough though, I was drawn back to the music of Johnny Cash. I have been listening to Johnny cash music ever since. To tell you the truth, it is almost always on my play list. Although I don’t listen to it every day, barely a week goes by that a cd of Johnny cash music can’t be heard through my window.
March 5th, 2007
I love fancy dress parties. They give me a chance to express myself and everyone is very competitive and wants to have the best of the fancy dress costumes. The only thing I don’t like is if someone turns up wearing their street clothes. It’s like saying it doesn’t apply to them, they are above such things and are important people who are too busy to bother with such trifles. It really annoys me when everyone else has put in the effort.
The best party I ever went to was a science fiction themed party. People really went to town, with mostly hand made fancy dress costumes that were completely bizarre. It was like a convention of aliens or that scene in Star Wars when they’re all sitting in the alien’s bar.“We all trooped in to the pub before going to the party and got a stunned reaction.” I have a friend who has one leg and he turned up in a costume that had four arms. No other fancy dress costumes could beat that! Best of all, he had gone to the party on the bus. We all trooped in to the pub before going to the party and got a stunned reaction. We were a bit of a fire hazard, having used so much hair spray trying to style our hair into wacky styles.
The most popular themed party at the moment seems to be pirates. This is because of the popular Pirates of the Caribbean movies. It’s a great excuse to wave a cutlass around and have a stuffed parrot glued to your shoulder. Men doing their Johnny Depp impressions in their fancy dress costumes can say the most outrageous things because they’re in character. That’s the terrific thing about fancy dress costumes, you can say and do things you wouldn’t dream of ordinarily. It’s like those old movies with the set piece of a masked ball. There is intrigue in spades because we are led to believe no one is recognized behind their flimsy mask!
I prefer more inventive fancy dress than the tired old subjects. It doesn’t take much imagination to throw a doctors and nurses or a cowboys and Indians party. There’s a good episode of Frasier in which Frasier hosts a party at which the guests are invited to come in the guise of their hero. He of course comes dressed as Sigmund Freud and is disgusted at Roz’s choice of Wonder Woman. I’ve thought about throwing a similar bash myself. It would certainly make for some bizarre fancy dress costumes. My hero however is Mahatma Gandhi, and I don’t really want to carry trays of nibbles round, wearing my loin cloth and wire rimmed glasses. My husband’s hero is Gandalf, the Wizard from Lord of the Rings. At least we’d have fireworks!
March 4th, 2007
Who doesn’t have a coffee lover in their circle of friends? If you’re looking for a gift for the coffee afficiando, look no farther! A coffee gift basket can perfectly express your appreciation and esteem. You may even learn a thing or two about this wondrous beverage. Let’s look at some of the possibilities. Your coffee connoisseur will doubtless be shocked at your astute appreciation of the art of coffee drinking.
The consummate Java imbiber is typically a strict adherent to quality, aroma, fragrance and presentation. Unlike the ordinary coffee drinker, this gourmet seeks excellence in their morning cup. With a few facts, you can make a flavorful and beautiful coffee gift basket.
It all starts with the coffee bean. The Arabica coffee bean is well established as the choice of connoisseurs. Arabica coffee beans produce the finest quality and complexity of taste. High altitude Arabica coffee beans, grown in jungle shaded conditions, are the cream of the crop.
“You may find it difficult to part with your coffee gift basket…”
Besides the quality of the coffee bean, you need to think about coffee accessories to prepare the brew. Grinders should figure prominently in the truly stunning coffee gift basket. Coffee mugs and thermoses are important too. When purchasing these items, choose the best quality you can afford. After all, a paper cup simply doesn’t cut it. Coffee is theatre!
When assembling your coffee gift basket, try to put together an ultimate coffee experience for the recipient. You’ll need, at the very least, a premium grade Arabica coffee, a suitable mug for the contents, and a grinder.
Look for coffees labeled “100% Arabica coffee”. Organically grown Arabicas are worth the extra expense. There is a significant difference in taste that won’t be wasted on the coffee connoisseurs.
Coffee mugs can qualify as a hobby for the true coffee lover. Look in small shops featuring local artist’s ceramic works. You’ll surely find a nice selection of unique mugs.
Grinders are important to the gourmet coffee gift basket idea. Once coffee is ground, it begins to lose both flavor and aroma, so you’ll brew a superior cup by grinding your beans just before making a pot.
Coffee syrups, such as the famous Torani line, come in some thirty different flavors and will appeal to every dyed-in-the-wool coffee lover. Coffee syrups can be used to bring a distinctive note to an otherwise ordinary cup of coffee. The nostalgic and attractive labels on these syrups give a boost to your coffee gift basket presentation.
“Coffee-of-the-month” clubs abound on the net, and make an excellent year-round gift. This gives your Java lover access to different blends they may have never tasted.
You might also consider adding a thermos to your coffee gift basket. After the coffee is brewed, a good thermos preserves aroma and fragrance for later enjoyment. Choose a high quality thermos to make your coffee drinker’s dream come true.
You may find it difficult to part with your coffee gift basket. Then you’ll need to make your own.
March 4th, 2007
Are you a dedicated book freak, one of those people who simply can’t start the day without a cup of Joe and a chapter or two of your latest reading material? Some of us, desperate for something to read, may grab that cooking magazine, promising a taco you won’t soon forget or a heavenly pumpkin cheesecake. This type of reading gourmet is fully aware of the information available on the net. Sooner or later, you’re lured in to the world of books, and all they have to offer. Suddenly, you’re aware of the opportunity to purchase books online.
Whatever your subject of curiosity may be, you’ll find that purchasing books online is the doorway to heaven. Whatever your dream, a book has been written to help you along the way. Most online book sellers organize their subjects in a way designed to allow you to quickly zero in on specialized aspects of any given topic. “Large online sellers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Borders […] are usually very quick to deliver.” For example, do you have a big problem with carpet stains? Do you want to know more about AIDS? Are you fed up with conventional medical care and want to look into alternative treatments? Do you want to re-create that fantastic chocolate croissant you had in Paris? Do you want to know the secrets of New Orleans gumbo? Do you want to know how to help yourself to manage diabetes?
Take my word for it, there is a book or booklet you can find to resolve your curiosity. The “purchase books online” concept is easily executed, requiring only a debit or credit card. Large online sellers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Borders rely heavily on click-throughs, well-organized pages and alternative offerings of related books to make it easy and tempting for you to purchase books online. These booksellers are usually very quick to deliver. Your books may arrive the next day. It’s in the booksellers interest to make you a satisfied customer, returning to again purchase books online at their site.
If you decide to purchase books online, you’ll soon discover another advantage. Most online book sellers discount the price of a book anywhere from 10 to 20%, which can really add up to some substantial savings. Online book stores also may offer “bundled” offers, where you receive 30 to 35% off if you buy the companion book at the same time. Online book sellers don’t have the overhead of the brick and mortar bookseller, so they can afford these discounts to customers who purchase books online.
You can just as easily browse the virtual aisles when shopping the online bookstore, without the crowds. Don’t forget to check out the “bargain book” sections while you’re visiting.
March 4th, 2007
Australia changed its money denomination in 1966 and converted to the decimal system. Australian money was now based on the Australian Dollar. As with other dollar systems, it broke down into cents. The new dollar took over from the Australian Pound. The new notes and coins made in the Royal Australian Mint did suggest that the country was taking a step back from the British Commonwealth. However, Queen Elizabeth II does appear on the obverse of all coins. The banknotes are made as $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes.
The Mint produces special 50-cent coins from time to time, to celebrate special occasions. There were issues for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and Prince Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981. The Commonwealth Games of 1982 and the Australian Bicentenary of 1988 were also commemorated. The banknotes, which are very colorful, are used to pay tribute to honored figures in Australian history. The country may still be part of the Commonwealth and, therefore the Queen’s subjects, but it is the sons and daughters of Australia that are remembered on Australian money.
“Banjo Paterson … is most famous for writing the words of the nationalist song, Waltzing Matilda.”
One of the most internationally well-known figures on a banknote was Dame Nellie Melba, the famous soprano and opera diva. The arts were represented again with the inclusion of Banjo Paterson. He was a journalist, writer, poet and true Aussie patriot. He composed poems and ballads in tribute to Australia and particularly, the outback. He is most famous for writing the words of the nationalist song, Waltzing Matilda.
Politics and the arts meet in the form of Catherine Helen Spence, a journalist, teacher and novelist. She was also a suffragette and politician. Women’s politics again feature on Australian money with the image of Edith Cowan. She was a politician concerned with social issues and was the first woman to take a seat in the Australian Parliament. Another politician, Sir Henry Parkes, who died in 1896, was one of the original Founding Fathers.
A renowned Aboriginal was also included. David Unaipon was a man of many talents. He was a writer who re-told the traditional stories of his people and he also wrote articles for newspapers, campaigning for the rights of Aboriginals. He also found time to preach and he was a very practical man and had success as an inventor. One of his inventions, the shearing machine, was his greatest success. Another hero on Australian money was the Reverend John Flynn. He was a pilot and he set up the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the first of its kind in the world.
March 3rd, 2007
Anyone who appreciates good music that carries profound messages should own at least one Bob Dylan CD. This artist is a true master of songwriting and performing. His songs span generations and it is impossible to find a comprehensive collection on just one Bob Dylan compact disc. However, you can get a good start on your collection with just one purchase.
I am a big fan of this talented musician. Many say that he doesn’t have the best singing voice in the world and I agree but there is more to singing that the tonal quality of the singer’s voice. This is apparent once you listen to any Bob Dylan CD. I like to compare this artist to Johnny Cash for a few reasons.
Johnny Cash had an unusual quality to his voice but once he sang a song, he made it his own. Even though Cash wasn’t really a songwriter, he had a way of recreating the composition through his singing. If you listen closely to a Bob Dylan CD you will find that he makes each song speak to the listener with a profound message.
“I like to compare this artist to Johnny Cash for a few reasons…”
His messages have changed over the years and I guess that this is to be expected. His earlier songs appeal to the peace-loving generation from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Some songs that you may find on a Bob Dylan CD that appeal to this sentiment include “Blowin’ in the Wind” which was covered by another band.
In fact, many of the songs found on a Bob Dylan CD compilation will include tunes covered by other artists. Dylan is first and foremost a songwriter, not a performer. However, his presentation and quality of tone can’t be overlooked. He had to start recording to appease his many fans.
The Essential Bob Dylan CD is a compilation of his hits. However, this contains only two compact discs. This is not nearly enough space to cover four decades of work. This collection does make a pretty good start, though. If you are an avid Dylan fan or even if you want to become familiar with the artist, you might want to try the Essential compilation.
After you become familiar with this classic artist you will probably want to delve deeper into his collection of works. There are plenty of Bob Dylan CD choices available and you are sure to be pleased with the songs if you like the compilation.
One of the best Dylan songs is “Things Have Changed” from the Wonder Boys soundtrack. You really can’t fully appreciate the depth of the lyric until you become familiar with his portfolio. Once you own a Bob Dylan CD, you are sure to be buying others in the future.
March 3rd, 2007
Everyone has taken a personality test at some point in their life. People love them as novelties. Whether it is the Myers Briggs personality profile test or some free personality test meant to indicate what character on a popular TV show you most resemble, they are everywhere. People love to think about what categories they might fit into and to compare with their friends. Not only does it show whether or not you are accepted, but it can also show what is unique about you.
Nevertheless, personality profile tests are used for a more important purpose quite often. More and more, industry likes to use a personality profile test to determine whether or not you are a fit for the job. This sounds alarming to someone who has never had one, but it is absolutely true. I know because I have been subject to them before.
“The creepy thing is, I think that the personality profiles cost me the job.”
The first time I had to take a personality profile test, I was so resentful that I decided that I would not answer correctly. Something as absurd as a personality profile test cannot be a true measure of who I am, and so it probably would not understand that I was lying. I gave the personality profile test the answers that I thought it wanted. I didn’t really like working in teams, I was resentful of my bosses, and I did not believe in the mission of the company. I didn’t want this personality profile test to find this out, so I pretended to be a real team player.
The creepy thing is, I think that the personality profiles cost me the job. I did outstanding in the interview, did very well on all of the skills assessment tests that I was given, and in general made a great impression. Nevertheless, I did not get the job. I think that the personality profile testing was designed to catch you in a lie.
I was sort of put in a Catch-22 situation. Whether or not I tried to fake out the personality profile test, I was bound to lose. If it found out my true personality, they probably would not want to hire me because I did not fit in with the company. If I tried to cover it up, however, it would catch me lying. It really seemed unfair to me. Wasn’t there a time when I could get a job based on possessing the necessary skills? What business is it of there is whether or not I like to work in teams!
March 3rd, 2007
Have you ever heard stories about people getting rich off of treasures they find in their attic of basement? Every time I hear some story about a cousin of a neighbor that lived down the road from the best friend that this happened to I assume it’s an urban legend. I would never have dreamed that it would happen to my husband and me.
When we got married my husband was thirty years old and I was twenty five. We had both lived away from our parents’ homes since we were eighteen years old. My husband was sharing a house with some friends and I was sharing an apartment with a girlfriend when we met, became engaged and set a wedding date. We found a duplex to move into after we were married.
When we were moving into the duplex there were several boxes that were marked high school junk. When I asked my husband about them he said that his mom had given him the boxes ten years ago and he has been moving them around with him ever since. His mom had cleaned out the attic of their old family home because they had moved. “We opened the boxes and found high school year books on top of dozens of old comic books in mint condition..” We had a storage area at the duplex so we put the boxes in there. We moved several times and each time the unopened boxes moved with us. During one family gathering my husband’s brother asked him what he had done with the old comic books he had. My husband said that they must have been thrown out a long time ago because he had not seen them since he left home. His brother told him that he had seen the old comic books going for hundreds of dollars on the internet. People were also getting lots of money for the Beatles trading cards that had been popular when my husband was growing up. My mother in law walked in just as my husband was saying that it was too bad that mom threw away the old comic books and cards. My mother in law said that she never threw away anything of his. She packed it all in boxes and gave it to him years ago.When we arrived home we went into the attic where the boxes marked high school junk were stored. By this time we had been married over twenty years. We opened the boxes and found high school year books on top of dozens and dozens of old comic books that were in mint condition. We also found stacks of Beatles cards. We placed the old comic books and cards on eBay and made enough money to buy a retirement condo, two cars and a huge CD which will allow us to retire five years early. My advice to everyone, check your attic and basement.
March 2nd, 2007
There is a lot to love about Mardi Gras. There is music, celebration, drinking, and dancing. But the most important thing about Mardi Gras is the costume parade. The Mardi Gras masquerade is known all over the world. Brightly colored Mardi Gras feather masks are icon of the season. Basically, they symbolize a last hurrah before the solemn month of lent. Even if you’re not Catholic, wearing a Mardi Gras mask and dancing around in the street can be a blast.
Mardi Gras masks, however, can be expensive. Ceramic Mardi Gras masks can run you hundreds of dollars. If they are antiques, they can cost even more! Nonetheless, that is no reason to despair. In my opinion, the thing to do is to make your own costume. A good Mardi Gras costume is much better if you have made it yourself. Making costumes is a lot of fun! Why would you want to miss out on it by buying one from a store?
“Mardi Gras masks all have brightly colored feathers, so this step is necessary…”
There are many different ways to make your own Mardi Gras masks. It really depends on how complicated he wants to make things. If you have access to a kiln, you can make a ceramic Mardi Gras mask. For most people, however, making one out of plaster or papier-mâché will be a much easier option. Making papier-mâché Mardi Gras masks is easy. You basically make the masks Mardi Gras by laying strip after strip of paper on your face. You have to remember to grease it first, of course, or else the mask can stick to you. That can be an uncomfortable mistake to make!
Once you are done and the papier-mâché has dried, all that is left to do is to decorate the Mardi Gras masks. This can be done in a number of ways. The most basic way to decorate them is to glue sequins and feathers on. Mardi Gras masks all have brightly colored feathers, so this step is necessary. However, more elaborate things can be done. You can make different additions to your Mardi Gras mask out of plaster or papier-mâché. Mardi Gras masks can have horns, fangs, over sized noses, or other strange facial features. The point is to let your imagination run wild! The strangest, most unusual, and most beautiful Mardi Gras masks are the best ones. There is no point to doing something mundane. Be as wild as you can be.
March 2nd, 2007
If I’m in a bad mood while I’m out and about, and I see a few funny shirts, my mood is instantly lifted. There are some hysterically funny people out there, and they are the ones that usually have a gift for picking out the best t-shirts. No matter what your sense of humor may be, there is a t-shirt out there with your name on it. You can find them almost anywhere, and you can even make your own if you are feeling creative and witty.
“Sometimes shirts are funny for the way they look … the laughter doesn’t come from what the shirt says.”
You can find a lot of funny shirts online, and you won’t have to search too hard to find them. Some have sayings on them, some have funny pictures, and some of them have both. Sometimes funny shirts are funny simply for the way they look, and the laughter doesn’t come from what the shirt says. I know people who will think the design of a shirt is tacky or outdated and they’ll wear it just for the laughs. They get all the laughs they could every want when they wear them in public.
If you want to make your own funny shirts, you have to have an idea, a printer and an iron. You can use almost any photo editing software you have, and you can put together the layout of your shirt. Once you have that done, you can print it out on iron on paper and iron it onto a t-shirt. When you are done you will have your own funny shirts and it probably cost you less than any shirt you can find in the store or online. You can find ideas for your shirts by looking online, but just make sure you don’t sell shirts you make if you are not the person who thought of the idea in the first place.
Many people don’t like to go to all of that trouble though, and they prefer to get their funny shirts somewhere else. There is no one great place to find them, but there are many places to look. If you see a tshirt specialty shop, that might be the first place you look. Funny shirts are everywhere, and most people love to own at least one or two. If you are a little shy and have a hard time meeting people, these shirts are a great way to get your sense of humor across to someone new without having to say a word.
March 2nd, 2007
