Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Songs You Love to Love: The Top Ten Romantic Tunes of All...

Ah, the power of love! Your heart beats faster, your eyes open wider, and you're much more likely to listen to a love song. Each February 14, and during the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, the musical choices of the nation turn more romantic. Over the years, some wonderfully potent love songs have been recorded. In fact, the most difficult part of writing this article was trimming the list. . .

3 Critical Truths About P2P File Sharing Networks

If you're confused about file sharing networks, and the hazards involved, you're not alone.Many people looking for for free downloading networks online have unanswered questions about p2p sites and RIAA lawsuit risks. So here are crucial facts and important information you need to know about p2p file sharing sites - before using them!- File Sharing Download Truth #1: File sharing networks ar. . .

Gladiators & Hollywood: When Will They Get It Right?

With the wrap of HBO’s first season of Rome comes the inevitable debates over historical accuracy vs. Hollywoodized storytelling. In the rhetoric over Julius Caesar’s looks, mannerisms, and political acuity, one key scene near the end of the series has been consistently overlooked: the gladiator games. Once again, costumers and production designers won out over the reality of arena combat and f. . .

Music for the Christmas Holidays

In our multi-cultural societies today the run up to Christmas is experienced in many different ways. The commercial version pioneered by Coca Cola's magazine advertisements which established the red suited Santa Claus image, washes over us all through the TV advertisements and the decorations in the High Streets and shopping Malls. They built on and reinforced the Victorian version of Christm. . .

Takamine Guitar Reviews EC132SC

Reading Takamine guitar reviews is a great way to find out what you are getting before you buy. Of the many Takamine guitar reviews available this one discusses the ec132sc. This instrument will give you a very classical sound. If you like mellow, you got it, plus the tone is well defined.One guitarist when asked to submit some Takamine guitar reviews described the ec132sc as very simple to pla. . .

LED Buckles: Getting A Grip On What’s Out There

LED buckles are a part of every hip hop lover’s wardrobe. They offer a wide range of sayings, designs, and styles. But, the bottom line is that if you want to have that hip hop look you need to get yourself an LED buckle. At least one of them anyway! These great looking buckles can say just what you want them to say and they offer some of the most sought offer options in hip hop jewelry. L. . .

Hip Hop Magazines, Read About It, Now!

Hip hop magazines are the best way to know the latest on what is happening with your favorite hip hop bands. Want to look great donning your favorite hip hop bling bling? You have to know what the latest fads are in hip hop clothing. Stay connected to the hip hop world by getting in a few great hip hop magazines each month. With so many great choices in these magazines available to you, why. . .

Hip Hop Message Forums, Talk About It

Hip hop message forums are out there for you. If you have a love of hip hop, you probably want to shout about it. Well do it! Talk about your favorite artists and what they are up to on hip hop message forums. Throughout the web, you will find various places to do this. There are often great websites out there that you can express your feelings, talk about your thoughts or just find out wh. . .

Hip Hop Mixtapes, If You Don’t Have Them, You’re Left Out

Hip hop mixtapes are one of the foundations of the hip hop music genre. It is often through mixtapes that music gets out for the first time. And, it is through these tapes that many hip hop artists got their first start. No matter what your thoughts are as far as who to consider as hip hop’s first artists, there is no doubt that they had a mixtape. First, a definition of what a mixtape is. . . .

Hip Hop Jewelry, A Little Bling Bling

Hip hop jewelry is awesome. There are many various types out there. What you own says a lot about you. If you want people to know who you are, then you need to get the bling bling going for you. The good news is that there are a number of fabulous pieces that you can own without having to spend a whole lot of money on them. Hip hop jewelry is something everyone needs to have. Are you look. . .

50 Cent, A Biography About The Man

You know 50 Cent by his music but in this 50 Cent biography you will get to know more about the man and where he came from. With so many obstacles in his way, this individual was determined to make it big. Now, 50 Cent is the largest figure in the hip hop world, dominating rap for the last two years. So, we can’t get everything into this 50 Cent biography that we would like to, but getting t. . .

The G Unit Clothing Line, Look As You Should

The G Unit Clothing line is by far one of the best selling clothing lines in hip hop genre. People who love the music of 50 Cent can own clothing that he helped to design. Within this line of clothing is a number of hot sellers and many of the coolest, phattest pieces out there. You know 50 Cent and you love him. So, it is reasonable then that you will love the clothes in this awesome line . . .

Hip Hop Fashion, A Very Fast Growing Field Of Fashion

In the hip hop fashion world, few things are the same as in other clothing lines. Because everything in the hip hop world is out of this world, it just makes sense that it has its own clothing line. And, it is one that is fast becoming a hot seller. Sometimes, items sell out faster than they can be put on the shelves. Because of the huge demand and the great looks of hip hop fashion, people. . .

Getting Hip Hop News

Hip hop news is a huge priority of many people. Let’s face it, no other class of artists are involved in so many things, good and bad. But, where do you find just the information that you need? How can you learn what is happening? There are several ways that you can do this, but some are often times better than others. It never fails that you will find the latest in hip hop news available . . .

Hip Hop Slang, Knowing What It’s All About

Okay, now you may be a hip hop fan that is just not with it enough. Or, you may be new to it. Or, you may even be a parent trying to figure out what the hip hop slang is all about. Hey, no problem! Let’s talk about it here. If you are not sure what the words you are hearing mean, take a minute to check them out. We’ll get you in touch with a few here, but know that there are some awesome . . .

How Hip Hop Started

Hip hop means many different things. It was first used to refer to the culture and way of life of urban city New York City. But, since then, the term has taken on a life of its own. The most popular meaning of hip hop is now music. Hip hop or rap as it is also called has several origins. In fact, there is no one origin that can be called the only one. There are several histories about how. . .

Iced Out Watches: The Fad Of Diamonds

Okay, let’s start with the basics. Iced out watches are watches that are gleaming with awesome sparkle from diamonds. They are often some of the most sought out in the hip hop fashion world. In today’s markets, there are all sorts of designs and features offered in iced out styles. There is no doubt that those who are after an iced out look can find it available to them right on the web. L. . .

Hip Hop Ringtones, Yes, You Can Have Them

One of the most sought after ways of making a statement about how you are is by using hip hop ringtones. With so many people looking for something unique, something that says that they love hip hop, many cell phone companies have found a unique niche. Offering a variety of hip hop ringtones, these companies have made millions and on top of that, they have pleased millions of hip hop listeners. . .

Hip Hop Pendants, A Must Have In The Hip Hop Jewelry Coll...

Hip hop pendants are one of the core pieces of jewelry in the hip hop jewels. These pendants can represent just about any aspect of hip hop that the customer wants them to wear. And, because they are offered in some very unique styles, there are sure to be enough options out there to fit everyone’s needs. Having a few great hip hop pendants shows off a love for the music, the bands, and the p. . .

Hip Hop Radio Stations, The Source To Know

Sure, you can listen to hip hop radio stations to hear all the hip hop music that you want, but this is also the perfect location for much more including interviews, information about artists, and finding concert information as well. Throughout the radio waves there is an increasing amount of hip hop radio stations. And, whether they play hardcore rap or if they play a combination of hip hop . . .

Hip Hop Record Labels, The Job The Fame

Hip hop record labels are the companies that sponsor and produce the music that you love to hear. Hip hop is one of the hottest types of music on the market today and that is due at least in part to the advertisement and promotion of these artists by their hip hop record labels. So, we can thank them for bringing the artists we love to the forefront in music, but that is not all that they do. . .

Noise, The 21st Century Punk

There's a form of underground music that's so underground that it's looking up at the underground. It's called noise. Noise, a misunderstood genre of music so extreme that it makes death metal sound tame. Noise, music that follows its own rules, then quickly disregards them because noise hates rules. Noise, a genre of music that's flourishing, alive and well beneath the underground of the under. . .

Fear Not The Book of Daniel

Fear not, the decline of Christian America did not come to pass with the 2 hour debut of NBC’s “The Book of Daniel” on Friday. After watching the well produced and written premiere, I’m certain that the show will become my newest Friday night obsession.A cross between Desperate Housewives and Six Feet Under but set against a religious backdrop, The Book of Daniel manages to torpedo through nea. . .

Roll Over, Roy Orbison

In the late nineteen sixties Roy Orbison, on a concert tour of Australia, arrived in Adelaide on the same flight as the Walker Brothers. I recall watching on television the airport interview in which Roy, always the nice guy, explained how much he loved the music of Scott Walker and his fellow band members. He went on to explain that he believed Rock 'n' Roll was a passing craze which would soo. . .

The Origins and Magic of Slide Guitar

It's a hot sultry night on the Mississippi delta. The full moon casts it's translucent light on the fields and swamp oak trees. The lingering smell of barbecue and wisteria mix with honeysuckle and tobacco smoke. Folks are sitting on the front porch trying to beat the heat. Someone picks up an old guitar and begins to play a familiar tune.The sound is unmistakable, cutting right to your heart, . . .

What does the term Anamorphic mean on a DVD?

What does it mean when a DVD is described as being ” Anamorphically Enhanced”?. Basically this means that the picture is stretched vertically on the disk. When the disk is played the picture is resized by the DVD player depending on the shape or format of your TV set.For example if a film is described as being in a 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen format then on a conventional 4:3 (square) format t. . .

HOW TO GET AN AGENT: Basic Tips for Actors.

It is not easy getting an agent but it is almost necessary if you want to work in this business. There are no easy methods to secure one; rather, it takes hard work and lot of tenacity. The irony of it all is that agents want established actors yet to really get established you may need the help of a talent agent. Although trade publications such as Backstage are a good source of job opportunit. . .

Memories Are Made Of This : The Golden Years of The Sixti...

Notes from an era of true free expression where we were "spoilt for choice" with the newest musical innovators. Before the onslaught of the digital age and the polarisation of modern music we experienced a cultural revolution which, in my humble opinion, has yet to be equalled in successive generations ...I suppose my first realisation that music was something more relevant than learning the wo. . .

Hip-Hop Love Stories and the Construction of Socially Acc...

Hip-Hop has historically existed as a male-dominated industry. Being a reflection of urban life and struggle, past Hip-Hop artists have been forced to maintain a certain level of masculinity in order to be accepted by their urban communities. Old school rappers who talked about love were often viewed as soft or corny. Because of this perception, the existence of love in Hip-Hop is a fairly new . . .

Beginner On Guitar? Learn These Ten Chords!

It's a combination that just doesn't mix, but it always happens. Start with 1 part enthusiastic beginning guitar player, 1 part beautiful new guitar, and 1 part confusing "Learn guitar" chord book. The result is rarely pretty -- it usually results in 1 confused and frustrated not-so-enthusiastic-anymore guitar player!A "chord" is simply a mixture of notes played at the same time. You finger . . .

Why Netflix Is Right For You

Going out every time you want a DVD rental can be a gigantic pain in the butt, thank goodness that there are now amazing direct to you services like Netflix. These guys take all of the hassle out of DVD rental, I will never go to the movie store again.The most annoying thing about brick and mortar DVD rental stores is not even the convenience factor but the late fees. I don't know about you but. . .

It Takes an Iron Resolve to Make an Independent Film Prod...

Commitment is an independent filmmaker’s most valuable resource. Without a lot of money to grease the wheels of production, a low budget film producer must rely on creativity and determination to get their films made. If a person wants to get their film made badly enough, there is not much in this world that can stop it from happening. Making a film on your own with your own money is a very dau. . .

Cheap Electric Guitars

If you are looking for cheap electric guitars there is a lot of choice out there.You can buy a cheap electric guitar from as little as £70 and there are a number of brands making cheap guitars.Don’t spend under £90 on a guitarIf you are buying your first electric guitar, I wouldn’t recommend spending under £90. Most of these guitars are built with very cheap materials to bring the production co. . .

What’s Love Got To Do With It? Commentary on the state of...

Everywhere I go there seems to be some sophisticated discussion or debate about what’s wrong with the music industry and what needs to be done to fix it. The conversation takes place in offices amongprofessionals who have been around long enough to know thatthings are indeed different, and annindustry conferences amongmusic artists who revel in new found optimism that the changeswill “level” th. . .

Brokeback Mountain Blues

I wanted to see it, but I didn't want to see it. I'm talking about the "gay cowboy" movie called Brokeback Mountain (even though I read Jake Gyllenhaal, one of the two major actors - “Jack Twist.", wants it to mean much more than that to its audience).I didn't want to see Brokeback Mountain because I felt it could be considered some type of tacit approval of two men “falling in love,” which goe. . .

The Revolution Of High-Tech Recording Industry

Today, music is one of the biggest entertainment industries in the world. This market is hotter for many reasons. First of all, customers’ demands and tastes are higher and more diversified than ever. Second, the number of people and companies working in this field are increasing at such a dizzy speed that it creates a very large pool of tough competition, and of course, to survive, they have t. . .

Celebrities: They Are Just People Too

Every time I go to the supermarket and stand in line to check out I see dozens of magazines or tabloids about celebrities. My question to anyone that buys these magazines or cares what is inside is, why do you care?I can understand going to a movie because you are a fan of the star. I personally try to see any movie that Tom Hanks is in because he makes excellent films. I can understand why a p. . .

Strongly Recommend movie “I Am David” available on DVD

When the movie “I am David” became available on DVD in the fall of 2005, I did not rent it, because the movie reviewers gave it a rating of 2.5 stars or approximately a B-. They could not have been more wrong. “I am David” is one of the best films I have seen in the past five years. When I rented it recently, I ended up watching it a total of three times from start to finish. The movie is very . . .

Sin City; Antagonist Fatalism or the Ultimate Good vs. Evil?

The Sin City DVD blew my mind, or maybe I should say,warped my mind. I haven't been a great fan of GraphicNovels, but this movie encouraged me to purchase a few ofthe Sin City books. Frank Miller's now famous, seriescreations have taken us into the world of a bizarre surrealenvironment of death, destruction and gallows underbellylifestyles.Is the story telling and artistry supposed to show a wo. . .

Million Dollar Upgrade to Your Sound - FREE!

There is one simple way to improve the production quality of your music and it requires zero money invested as long as you have a simple setup which includes: CDs, CD player, speakers, your ears, your time. That's it. I think of this exercise as a "million dollar improvement" in that doing this has taught me things about production and music that have improved my production skills without me pa. . .

2005 Top T.E.N movies

Honourable mention: The War of the WorldsWould have made the list of not for the horrible ending, this movie demonstrates the awesomeness of alien creatures like never before. Spielberg fused old-style movie monsters with the latest special effects to give you a visually spectacular version of the War of the Worlds. While this movie was breathtaking in the beginning and middle, it’s ending left. . .

900 Number and Text Message Voting Decide Figure Skating ...

If you don’t like the new scoring system recently introduced into the world of figure skating, you could make up your own on Sunday and help choose the winner of the Marshall’s Figure Skating Challenge.Presented by ABC television, fans from all over the country were able to pick the winners during the first-ever live, interactive, fan voting during a nationally-televised ice skating event. Fan. . .

Guitar: What Is The Ultimate Way To Practice On Your Guitar?

What is the ultimate truth about guitar practicing?Is there a best way to practice on your guitar? Of course you have to make your practice sessions effective but could there be a way to practice that is more effective than other ways? There are many principles involved in an effective practice session and I think some of these are a motivation founded on a love and passion for the music you ca. . .

Daddy Yankee

Daddy Yankee is one of the best reggaeton artist today. He has won a grammy and has sold over one million albums and has traveled around the world. He was born in Puerto Rico and raised there. He once got shot for being with a gruops of people that were bad but he recoverd and left that life to follow his dream of being a great reggaeton artist and he made it.Daddy Yankee is now very successful. . .

Kid's Quest: Choosing the Right Time for Piano Lessons

To this day, I feel deprived that my parents didn't sign me up for piano lessons. You see, I have two sisters who are considerably older than I am (ten and 14 years older, respectively). They both learned to play the piano, and my parents had a piano in the house until the time I was six years old. At that point, they sold the piano and, alas, my potential piano lessons went with out the door w. . .

Ramones Forever

Immortality is so much better when you can stay around long enough to realize it ...In that respect, the Ramones endured to at least have a hint it was being bestowed upon them.Once again, you've got a chance to see why. If you were among the many who missed them in their heyday, you can now relish their legend --- in sound and sight --- with a cleverly-packaged collection entitled 'Weird Tales. . .

Chihuahuas Get a Solid ‘YES’ From Paula Abdul

She may not be able to put up with Simon Cowell and his sharp-tongued criticisms on American Idol, but Paula Abdul can’t get enough of her three Chihuahuas- Thumbelina, Tulip and Tinkerbell. There’s no doubt that if there were an American Canine Idol contest for dog breeds, Chihuahuas would receive a solid ’YES’ from Paula when it comes to cuteness, intelligence and hug-ability! When it comes t. . .

6 Reasons to Trade Dvds vs Renting Movies

Over the years, have you purchased so many dvds that you could start your own Blockbuster store? Think about the dust that your dvds are collecting and the space they use up. Stop the insanity and trade your dvds!If your sick of watching Grease a million times, do yourself a favor and trade it! If you have horror movies from 1980, trade them. You can be trading with other people, who love m. . .

What does "Chronicles of Narnia", Richard Pryor and "Brok...

That's right "Chronicles of Narnia", Richard Pryor and the new movie "Brokeback Mountain" posess an insidious link to, a controversial persuasion author, JK Ellis. This is a conspiracy of implication. JK Ellis and Richard Pryor - fearless in telling you whats on our minds. JK Ellis and the movie "Chronicles of Narnia" - compelling in what we have to offer. JK Ellis and the new movie "Brokeba. . .

Rap Is More than Music

This is a style that stays aside all the other music trends. Not aside, but somewhat deeper. The reason is it is a reflection of the race, the plurality of people united by roots and origin. Rap is the culture of Afro-Americans, the continuation of their language and traditions. Rap is a mixture of speech and music, actually it is speech laid on music or beat it’s better to say. And when we cla. . .