In the sculptures, wall paintings, and papyri of the Egyptians, we are presented with another glimpse into the obscurity of early musical history. Among the ancient Egyptians we find music at a similar level of development to that of the Assyrians, technically, that is, but also having a far grander spirit, at least so one would imagine by comparing such works as exist of the musical life of the two nations.

The Egyptians regarded music as of sacred origin; they employed it largely instrumental music, for the most part in the services of their religion, and, together with astronomy, regarded it in a vaguely philosophic way, fluctuating in their conceptions, between the mystical and the scientific. Judging by the size of the instruments depicted on the monuments of ancient Egypt, their music must have been of a deep and sombre cast than that of the Assyrians.

Many of the Egyptian harps were twice as large as the largest of those of the Assyrians. This is in the illustrations of the obelisks, temples, and tombs of Egypt.

Its fascinating to think that they designed their instruments and musical composition according to there influences at the time. But maybe it's no different to how we in the 21st century design and create new musical instruments. It seems that all musical instruments are still evolving and will continue to do so.

Of the spirit animating the musical art of the Egyptians, we can only guess; but there must have been something fine in the music existing in the days when the priest Taphesumnes wrote this hymn to the setting sun :-

"Gracious be to me, Thou God of the rising sun, Thou God of the evening sun ; Lord of both worlds ; Thou God, who alone in truth dost dwell, Thou who hast created all, Revealing Thyself in the eye of the sun. At eventide I praise Thee, Peacefully dying to begin new life, 'Midst hymns of praise sinking into the sea, Where jubilant Thy bark awaits Thee."

In today's modern music, hymns like the above are seldom used if ever, and for many years have only been heard in a church or religious setting. But we must conclude that in the early times of the Egyptians, the above hymn would have been part of their top twenty songs, and if indeed it was then we have to accept that in some way, that maybe invisible for the time being, the above hymn and hymns like it, have had a direct or indirect influence on the modern music of today.

Sophisticated oil paintings make a huge difference in home decorating. An original Van Gogh painting will be worth tens of millions of dollars, however. To most of art lovers, art reproductions are the first choice. The price of art reproductions varies greatly. There're a few common mistakes to avoid when buying an art reproduction painting.

First of all, art reproductions should look as close to the real thing as possible. If they are imitations you want them to look like the original even if they aren't the original! So, what you need to do is have a good idea of what you are buying. If you see an art reproduction that you like check out photos of the original so you know what it should look like. You don't want to hang a reproduction on your wall and try to have it pass off as the real thing only to have someone come over and tell you how bad a reproduction it is. If you know what the original looks like then buying a reproduction of an oil painting will be no problem. Just educate yourself first to have an idea of what a reproduction should look like.

Another mistake that is commonly made is overpaying. Lots of people think that just because an original oil painting costs thousands of dollars that an art reproduction will also be expensive. Way too often people pay lots of money for an art reproduction as if it should cost a lot of money simply because it is a copy. If you do some research you will be able to find plenty of art reproductions that are affordable and beautiful.

Yet another thing you should look out for is artists claiming a piece of work are an art reproduction when it really isn't. Unless you are an expert in art and know all the pieces of a particular artist then it would be really easy to have the wool pulled over your eyes in this sense. But, if you double check all claims before making a purchase you will serve yourself well and get the art reproduction of your dreams.

The world of art reproductions is special and different and if you just know what to look out for you can find a beautiful painting that looks just like the original but costs you thousands of dollars less.

Over the past ten years or so, electric organ sales have slumped to all time low. Yet the arranger keyboard market continues to flourish, especially with keyboards such as the Yamaha Tyros, Korg PA-1X and the Roland G70. In my opinion, the organ is much more playable as a live instrument, and using bass pedals, you can play the organ without any drum machine or automatic chords and get a fantastic sound.

The keyboard on the other hand would sound thin, definitely lacking without auto chord/bass. Of course, arranger keyboards are considerably cheaper than new organs and take up less room. This has created a new generation of keyboard players, some of which could never afford the hefty cost of an organ.

So is this the end for the electric organ. So how do organ manufacturers address this problem? Well they were and still are designed to be a piece of furniture. Great big lumps of wood, which appeal to the older generation, which is why they have the reputation of being an older person's musical instrument. This need to be changed so they appeal to all generations. The next major change has to be the hefty cost. A top of the range electric arranger keyboard such as the Roland G70 would cost between two to three thousands pounds. The top of the range Roland Atelier organ will cost you in the region of twenty thousand pounds new.

This change may have already started with new models from Yamaha with the Yamaha D-Deck organ and the top of the range Yamaha Electone Stagea. Both are portable and very modern looking. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information on these models unless you read Japanese. Yamaha have decided there is no organ market in the UK, Europe or the USA. So if you want one of these models you will have to import it yourself.

At the time of writing this, even these new modern looking organs are now out of date. As far as I am aware the Yamaha Stagea electone organ and Yamaha D-Deck organ do not have the "Super Articulation" that is available on the Yamaha Tyros 2 arranger keyboard. There are also a lot of brand new features on the latest crop of arranger keyboards, which include Roland G70, Korg PA 800 and the Ketron Audya, the latter, still a prototype.

So if you want an electric organ set up. You might be better of buying two arranger keyboards and a pedal board. It would be considerably cheaper than importing the Yamaha Stagea and you would be assured of the latest sounds and technological advancements.

Comedians are a funny bunch.

They often seem really cruel, even heartless. They make jokes about disasters and disability. Remember the Hurricane Katrina jokes? The comedians were telling them even as the poor victims were stranded in flood waters with their homes destroyed.

I'm just about old enough to remember jokes about Aberfan. Aberfan is a village in South Wales that lost about half of the children at the local junior school when it was hit by a collapsing coal waste heap. The very next day I was asked how "they" deliver coal in Aberfan and told that "they" deliver it through the wall. So, no sign of a kind heart there.

But, sometimes, these tough, cynical comedians can be amazingly kind hearted.

Gill Smith and I are organising a charity night for The Mary Hare School For The Deaf as part of The Newbury Comedy Festival (Newbury on July 10th at 8:00 p.m.). We were short of a couple of acts. So, Gill put a post on Chortle an internet site for comedians (http://www.chortle.co.uk) and loads of comics have responded offering to come and perform. Some of these acts live hundreds of miles away and they are coming to perform for free as we can't even offer expenses.

So, just a thought - a comic may tell nasty jokes without being a nasty person.

Anyone can get satellite TV for free using PC satellite TV software today. When you surf the internet looking for information on 'free PC satellite TV', 'free PC satellite TV software' or 'free satellite TV on PC', they all mean the same. The TV channels and programs are indeed free but the software is not. But you would quickly realize that it is still very affordable to anyone. This article is meant for anyone who is fed up with paying out so much monthly for TV subscriptions and has no idea or interest in setting up a hardware or equipment on the computer to get satellite TV for free.

There is a fair bit of advantages when you get satellite TV for free using satellite TV software. Other than being able to get satellite TV online for free, these are a few reasons why people go gaga over PC satellite TV software.

1. It allows anyone to watch hundreds to thousands of satellite TV channels from across the lands and oceans. You can be in New York and still catch a TV show screened in Japan or Australia. The software works anywhere in the world and you are not confined to using it at home only. You cannot possibly carry your satellite dish around right? See my point?

2. There is no restriction or limit to the number of channels you can watch. This is so unlike subscribing to local services where they cap the number of programs you are entitled to watch. You can get satellite TV for free on any program that your software and internet connection can reach. It starts first at over 3000 channels and would increase with time. From movies to LIVE sports, there is a program for everyone in the family.

3. There is no special requirement for hardware or additional equipment in order to get satellite TV for free on PC. Anyone with a computer and internet connection can watch satellite TV online for free without having to pay for and install expensive satellite dish or PC TV cards.

4. Installation is so simple that a 10 year old can do it effortlessly without supervision or instructions from an adult. The technology is pretty much plug and play. A computer novice who knows nuts about the interior of a PC can set it up to run in minutes. If you know how to click your mouse, you are qualified to install the software.

Of course there are other ways you can get satellite TV for free such as erecting a satellite dish, installing a PCTV card and visiting online streaming channels. But that is not the intention of this information. You would be able to find the information from a search at the search engines.

There are thousands of satellite TV stations which offer free to air TV broadcasts for your viewing. But it can be a daunting task to locate them without proper software and tools. Find more useful information and tips about PC satellite TV software to get satellite TV for free at my TV blog.

To watch satellite TV online would not make you a pauper or burn a big hole in your pocket. In fact, online satellite TV is one of the most affordable methods currently for anyone who wants to watch satellite TV on a shoestring budget. All it takes to provide clear and brilliant TV reception to your whole family is using a downloadable PC satellite TV to watch satellite TV online.

If you are hunting for a new system to watch LIVE TV on PC, consider several advantages of PC satellite TV software to watch satellite TV online when considering different options like PCTV display cards, monthly satellite TV subscriptions etc.

1. One-time Payment For PC Satellite TV Software

Perhaps one of the main reasons why anyone would go for this option is the relatively low cost to watch satellite TV online. A PC satellite TV software for online satellite TV probably costs you no more than $50 to enjoy LIVE Satellite TV on PC as compared to subscribing for satellite TV channels with service providers which can easily set you back by $20 – 100 over every month. Once you purchased the software, you are free to watch any TV channel without restriction and additional charges for new TV programs that come on later.

2. Versatility to Watch Satellite TV Online With Desktop or Laptop

Do you own more than one computer? You may own a laptop at home. As long as you have access to the internet, you can use the software on your laptop or desktop. The flexibility is there. With a wireless router, you can watch satellite TV online in your bedroom, kitchen and even when you are dipping in your bathtub.

3. No Need for Additional Hardware to Watch Satellite TV Online

In case you may be wondering if you need special hardware or equipment to configure your computer for satellite TV online. You need not fix any additional hardware or PC card on your PC. The software works fine on any computer which runs on a Pentium 3 and above on Windows OS. Software only requires a minimum 56k internet connection though a broadband would deliver superior audio and video quality.

4. Direct and Instant Delivery

Since the software is downloadable from the internet, you need not wait for any shipment or delivery to your doorsteps. I can imagine how anxious you would be after purchasing the software to watch satellite TV online if you have to wait for the hardcopy to arrive at home. Well, there is no need for that. Download is instant and a few clicks away.

5. More Than 3000 Satellite TV Channels Online

There are well over 3000 satellite TV stations and channels to choose from. It is TV suitable for the whole family. And these channels are from over 30 different countries. You also get to watch satellite TV online in other foreign languages.

6. LIVE Sports Games to Watch Online

Anyone can watch LIVE games on satellite TV online happening in other states and countries. Unlike the local stations, you are not confined to watching games that are taking place in your home town or state. You can tune in to watch your favorite NFL or NBA game that is going on in the other side of the country.

7. A New TV for the Kids

Rather than spending money to buy a new TV for your kids, simply buy the software and install it on their computer and they have a new TV set.

These are some benefits to watch satellite TV online with PC satellite TV software. Read up more about PC satellite TV at my online TV blog and see how it compares against other ways to watch satellite TV.

Words 'Scotland' and 'dance' for many immediately conjure up mental pictures of swinging kilts. These aren't just cliches: since the 18th century, dance has always had an important place at all levels of Scottish society and even today, it is still very much a living tradition.
There are generally three different styles of Scottish traditional dance: ceilidh dancing, country dancing and Highland dancing.

The first one is the most accessible form of our traditional dancing. The basic dances are all fairly easy to master, are few in number and comprise mostly round-the-room and set dances. The emphasis is firmly on having fun and being sociable - there is none of the regulation and competition that marks the other forms of traditional dance and the dress-code is invariably 'come-as-you-are'. Key ingredients of a good ceilidh include enthusiasm, a good band, and usually - but not essentially - drink. Ceilidh dancing is taught to schoolkids across the country so most Scots grow up with it, which is no doubt why it's a regular feature of weddings and other social gatherings, such as Burns Suppers. In the past decade or so, however, Glasgow and Edinburgh have witnessed an explosion in the ceilidh's popularity as a weekend entertainment and have seen a number of ceilidh clubs emerge.

The next one - Scottish country dancing is much more organised affair than ceilidh dancing. The dances involve combinations of up to five couples, usually arranged in lines facing each other or in squares, moving through a repeating series of prescribed steps and movements which eventually ends with all the dancers back in their original formation. Individual dances - of which there are literally thousands, with new ones being created all the time - are often quite intricate and require a fair degree of technique, mobility and grace.

Unlike the freeform ceilidh dancing, this dancing is strictly regulated and standardised. Under the gaze of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, the form and movements of each dance are agreed and published so that its 25,000 members across the globe learns the authorised version. While this may stifle individual creativity, it does allow people to come together from all over the world and enjoy the common language of dance. It is important to have a proper uniform, that migh also improve a self confidence, especially for beginners. The easy way of having a nice suit is a kilt hire.

In contrast to ceilidh and country dancing, Highland dancing is performed competitively, usually by youngsters. The dances are mostly solo performances, where the emphasis is on the precise execution of intricate footwork. The standard of competitive performance is very high and thanks to a number of regulatory bodies in different countries, competitions often have an intenational flavour.

American photographer Jill Greenberg hit headlines in 2006 when she exhibited her 'End Times' show.
The show contained a series of manipulated photographs of young children angry and crying. Some were utterly shocked at this work, deeming it pornographic and abusive, even going so far as to suggest she be arrested.

From the public reviews I have read on the show, there is a general feeling of disgust towards the artworks, and the artist. In my opinion, these photographs are far more gentle than many artworks. 'The Rape of The Sabine Women' by Nicolas Poussin for example, depicts the abduction of Sabine women by the Romans. Although this painting was done in 1634, one could argue that because it depicts such a violent scene, (violence towards women at that), Nicolas Poussin should be condemned as an artist and all his works destroyed! Botticellis 'Primavera' should be considered pornographic also as it contains an image of a naked child (Cupid).

This is certainly not the first time in history where artworks have been deemed unsuitable for public viewing, but in my opinion people are only angry about this work because they feel if they are not, they are encouraging abusive behaviour. With everyone so worried about being politically correct, they seem to have missed the point. These photographs are of children doing what everyone does, crying! While some suggest her methods of getting the children upset are questionable(taking lollipops away from them), does it really mean she is abusing them? If so, then every single parent in the world is abusive if they take something away from their child. I feel as though people try to find hidden meanings in everything, and when they cant, they just conjure something up. There is a difference between nude art and pornography, but many people do not know which is which.

( I think the original idea for the stories of Arizona Blue, were invented in my mind, back when I was perhaps ten or eleven years old, those far off dreams come back do them not.)

The Arizona Blue stories: first imagined, and were written down in 1990, was but two stories, and put into a stack of papers in the basement of my house in Minnesota, and forgotten for the most part (today, May, 2007, there are now 31-stories, and on 226—internet sites, and three of the 31, are in a book called, "Everyday's an Adventure," and perhaps someday all will be put into a book, should I find someone willing to publish them).

The first story was suppose to be the last story 1) "Lady in White," (six chapters) being the first of the two, although if I recall right, in 2001, and 2002, I reconstructed it a little. And the second one was 2) "Wild Flower," which was not it's originally name; it was really part of the first and original story. Then I wrote the third in 2001, and completed it in 2002 called "Deadwood," (after I went to Deadwood) I added as a subtitle 3) "The Mexican Stand off (Deadwood)" and in July 2005 (was created in episodes, but made in chapters: for example: ´Showdown on Main Street,' and 'The Barber Shop' and 'Chickamauga' and 'The Rooming House.' Thus, we have five episodes individually published but later on sewed together) I added to the five part story, about 2500-more words, making the four parts more of a five part short story, connecting to one another, instead of one interconnecting long story, which it is in essence, if one wishes it to be. So Episode four could really be #8.

In the third story, originally called "Deadwood," which later on became part of the full title "The Mexican Stand off (Deadwood)" a story of Chickamauga was added to the narrative. The rock of Chickamauga was put in after review of the battle. The author me, during my Army stay in Germany, prior to going to the war in Vietnam, in 1970-71, I was stationed at a military base, called Reese Compound, in Augsburg, Germany 1/36 Artillery, where there was a huge rock their with the inscription, "In Memory of the Battle of Chickamauga." This I never forgot some how, and so out of respect and memory I added it to his story, or series as it has now turned out to be.

I spent 11-years in the military service. In the first part of August 2002, when I was editing the three stories for the book "Everyday's An Adventure," of which many of my short stories were put into the book, my wife Rosa of three-years, at the time, liked the stories so much, I wrote a forth story, called 4) "Arizona-Blue, and The Wolf Nest (in the North)". I completed it except for the conclusion, which it was already designed to be a two part story; but felt later on it was not necessary, and entered a short summation to the story.

Thus, it was revised, and is as you see it now; it surfaced August of 2005, and became very popular on the internet.

I did start to write another Arizona-Blue story, my fifth, called 5) "Another Town," in 2001, but it was just an outline and until this day, has never surfaced beyond that; in July of 2005, I did revised it and added about 300-words to it, it was meant to be a chapter within a story, or an Advance for a story.

Consequently, all the stories are new for the most part, with the same themes or topic, and plot, but perhaps, better motifs [or designs].

July, 2005, I added the sixth story to the ongoing series 6) "Crazy Sam," and in August, 2005 (which I wrote on a napkin and can't find), added number seven, 7) "A Rough Year—1844" which was really an extension of "Another Town," and "Crazy Sam," an extension of "The Mexican Stand-off" 8) Purple, Gray Skies (1844—Flagstaff, Arizona) 8/2005; 9) In the Wagon (1844) 8/15/05; 10) Abilene-Loreto (Arizona-Blue, 1887) written 9/15/05 and 11) A Fools Draw (1870s) Written 11/29/05. 12) "At the Red Dog," was rediscovered 1 December, 2005, the idea was planned out on the computer 1/2005 (after visiting the Red Dog Saloon, in Juneau Alaska, where the Idea came from), but never fully constructed; when discovered in my files #2 out of #9 files where at that time I kept some of my stories I put it on the internet. Number #13 "One Horse and Six Men," was written on 12-12-2005, spontaneously, as most of these stories were written, especially the later ones (2001-2007).

In 2006, I wrote several more Arizona Blue stories, such as (#23) "Rawhide and Whale Bone," written on: 6-2-2006. "Roofless Hades, in Mexico"; Episodes number #24 & #25, (written on: 6-24-2006)

and up to May of 2007, I wrote four more short stories ¨#27 thru #31, all interconnecting (linking that is) with the theme and plot constructed in number #27, "Death Along the Canyon's Rim!"

Most all the places, locations I've mentioned in these 31-stoires I've visited, such as Deadwood, and the boarder towns, Cheyenne, Minnesota. The only one I can think of I have not been to would be El Paso.

By the author, Dennis L. Siluk May 11, 2007

Our senses influence our sensibilities!

Life may sound like a melodious music to the auditory sense organs if we take care of them well. Many of us keep worrying about how to get rid of the unwanted 'earwax' and soothe sore ear problem in an effective manner.

Well, age old folk medicine practice of 'ear candling' has been a popular means adopted by people for addressing their 'earwax' problem. Ear candling helps the natural cleaning of ear wax and toxins from a person's ear by placing a hollow candle in the ear.
In ear candling, one end of the candle is lighted and the other end is placed in the ear canal. The heat generated from the candle melts the ear wax and the vacuum created by the burning candle sucks the earwax out of the ear. Ear candles are hollow in order to allow the molten wax reach into the ear canal.

Medical practitioners consider ear candling as a pseudoscience, a theory or practice that lacks a scientific and rational foundation. According to them, ear candles cannot generate a vacuum sufficient enough to draw out the ear wax. Moreover, ear candles cannot create a sufficiently high temperature to melt the ear wax.

However, all such antagonistic viewpoints have not deterred people from availing the positive effects of ear candling. Ear candling is a gentle and natural way to get relief from ear pain due to build up of ear wax. The heat makes you feel good and is quite relaxing! Ear candles may be used to break down the earwax or open the eustacian tube that usually gets blocked after flying.
More and more people are purchasing ear candles for cleaning their ears. Ear candles are usually available at the health food or nutrition stores.

So, ear candling not only helps you to get rid of ear pains but also pampers your auditory senses!

Her Artworks... Bold... Electric.. Emotional... Her Smile... Warm and Dazzling. This is Leann Simpson. The twenty four year old artist/muralist/logoist/optimist, who has a message in her heart, that may help open the eyes of children, teens and yes, maybe even adults. Ms. Simpson, who is driven by the need for spiritual and emotional expression has big plans. She is embarking on a series of Anti-Drug Artworks, in hopes of reaching the minds of the young and not so young.

Her style brings to mind a Van Goghish kind of flavor, swirls of eddying form and color, with a fresh punch of bold op art influence. The combination is not subtle. It reaches you. Grabs your eye. "The Anti-Drug series I have been painstakingly developing, encompasses twelve distinct pieces of emotionally charged expression, aiming at the truth of drug use... one for each of the most used and harmful drug substances" Ms. Leann reveals, with a master artpiece tying together "The Whole Message." The power in this message will be recognized by those lives' who are in struggle with substance abuse addiction. Ms. Simpson completed her first mural in April, 1997, while still at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA.

The work, entitled " Diamond Habitat", is a 20 foot by 10 foot masterpiece in the school's Science Building. She completed another master muralpiece entitled "The Adventure" which was commissioned by the city of Long Beach. More mural assignments followed, all commissioned, at various locations in the city of Los Angeles. Ms. Simpson is not afraid of challenge, as one can tell by the topic she has chosen to create her newest collection upon.

Ms Simpson is a bold artist with a heart and a goal. A goal that may serve up shocking visual lessons of the insidious harm and decay that families endure, watching loved ones suffer through addictive problems. With optimism and reality based expression, this young artist may start a new trend. USE ART... NOT DRUGS. We wait for her reveal.

Officially, the meanings of the colors on the flag are as follows:


• Green: the agriculture and rural areas of Zimbabwe


• Yellow: the wealth of minerals in the country


• Red: the blood shed during the war of the liberation


• Black: the heritage and ethnicity of the native Africans of Zimbabwe


• White: peace

The flag of Zimbabwe was adopted on April 18, 1980. The soapstone bird featured on the flag represents a statuette of a bird found at the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The bird symbolizes the history of Zimbabwe; the red star beneath it symbolizes the revolutionary struggle for liberation and peace. before 1980, The Flag of Rhodesian existed which changed its colours a few times.

A national flag is the pride of the country and It's a symbol of unity and progress and it's instantly recognisable to Zimbabweans everywhere.

Here are the lyrics to the Zimbabwe National Anthem in English


O lift high the banner,


the flag of Zimbabwe


The symbol of freedom


proclaiming victory;


We praise our heroes' sacrifice,


And vow to keep our land from foes;


And may the Almighty


protect and bless our land.







O lovely Zimbabwe,


so wondrously adorned


With mountains, and rivers


cascading, flowing free;


May rain abound, and fertile fields;


May we be fed, our labour blessed;


And may the Almighty


protect and bless our land.







O God, we beseech Thee


to bless our native land;


The land of our fathers


bestowed upon us all;


From Zambezi to Limpopo


May leaders be exemplary;


And may the Almighty


protect and bless our land.

If you've been dabbling in poured ceramics for any time at all, it's time to learn some new tricks.Despite what you've been told, you don't have to wait until the greenware is dry before cleaning it. In fact, it's much cleaner work if you clean it while it's still wet.You can trim off those seams and then flatten them out, with the side of your cleaning tool. This way seams don't show at all, in the finished piece.

Using a wet sponge, at this stage is also a cleaner job, as it doesn't take much water at all to smooth out the rough spots.You really need to have experienced handling wet greenware before attempting a wet cleaning job, as you can hold it too tight and collapse the piece. If it's strong enough to just sit on a small board, it's best to leave the piece in the standing position, so that you don't handle it too much. Miniatures, you can hold in your hand while cleaning. It's really no big deal.Careful not to use a sponge too dry though, as this can pack down the clay, causing a slick spot.

If you plan to use glaze or underglaze, that's important but if you plan to simply paint on bisque, it makes no difference at all.You can also add and subtract clay bits to change the design. As long as it's still wet, you can add a little slip, slide too pieces together, sponge off the excess and you've made an attachment. You can carve out designs like in the side of a pot. You can attach the carved out pieces to the side of the pot using slip like a glue. As long as everything is still wet and has not yet shrunk. You can play with the greenware, all the way up to the leather hard stage.http://judysbookshop.com/ceramic.htm

See other ceramic articles at http://creatingceramics.blogspot.com
and http://clayslip.blogspot.com

There's always more articles on this subject at http://judysbookshop.com/ceramic.htm