In the world of toys, there is a battle raging: technology versus back to basics toys. On one side, we have the people who say it is best to start a kid learning how to use today's technology as soon as possible. On the other hand, we have the people who say classic baby toys are best and help to foster imagination and creativity. The latter group believes that today's high tech toys do too much for the kids and that there is very little imagination involved.

Back to basics toys are also called "active" toys. These toys require the child to make up their own games. Classic baby toys include building block, toy cars and trucks, dolls and puzzles, toys that don't have a computer chip in them to guide the child through a game by "talking" or moving automatically. These automated toys are also referred to as "passive" toys, because the child doesn't have to do anything except press a button to make the toys work.

Examples of classic baby toys are many and varied. Building blocks and ride-on toys have been around for generations. Any toy that simulates household activities is classic and appropriate, such as a toy cooking set, toy tools or toy shopping cart. Music making devices such as toy pianos or guitars are also highly popular toys that help spark the imagination and are considered back to basics toys. Animal related toys such as play farms or animal sound machines are also excellent classic baby toys. Some form of fort, tunnel or other climbing and crawling spot is highly recommended as well.

When selecting back to basics toys, it is wise to consider the message that is being conveyed. For example, toy guns are highly popular classics. Many parents feel that there is nothing wrong with this, while others feel that toy guns send the message that gun violence is acceptable. If you are buying the toy for a child that is not your own, make sure that you get the parents' approval prior to purchasing any violence-oriented toy.

Along the same lines, it has always been the tradition to purchase baby boy gifts or baby girl gifts. Baby boy gifts fit the traditional masculine profile, such as guns and trucks and hammers, while baby girl gifts accentuated the traditional female roles with dolls, cooking equipment and housekeeping toys. Many parents are now against following those gender lines, eschewing baby boy gifts and baby girl gifts in favor of more gender-neutral presents. Others take the opposite approach, encouraging their boys to play with traditional "girl toys" and daughters to play with "boy toys." When purchasing baby gifts, be sure that you are sensitive to the parents' wishes in this regard.

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of technological versus back to basics toys. Ultimately, the child's parents must make the decision. Most parents opt for a combination of these types of toys, allowing the child the freedom to play with the toys that he or she most prefers.

Tags: basic toys. kids

 
Sirius Satellite Inc., based out of New York City, was named the #1 "Fastest Growing Company in 2007" by Deloitte Technology Fast 500 ranking. Many people are wondering what this satellite radio craze is all about and why anyone would pay for something they already get for free.

First of all, satellite radio provide you with a high-quality digital signal that can transcend geographic borders by beaming down from three geosynchronous communications satellites orbiting around the Earth. Many channels feature CD-quality sound, static-free.

Secondly, subscribers have the choice of over 130 different satellite radio channels, ranging from various rock sub-genres to several news radio sources. This is great news for people who regularly listen to alternative sub-genres like Punk Rock, Death Metal, Christian Rock or Electronica! Satellite radio blends the best of both worlds - the specific ambiance of a CD, with the consumer's need for exposure to new music.

The third benefit - that's worth its weight in gold - is that there are NO commercials! It may be hard to believe that 100% commercial-free radio exists, but for just $13/month, you can evade the constant interruptions that plague your morning and late afternoon commutes. Satellite radio is the obvious choice for truckers, delivery drivers and long road trips.

However, the fact that satellite radio costs anything is still a deterrent to many frugal individuals. Therefore, there will always be a market for regular local broadcast stations. At this point, it can be a hassle to go to the electronics shop and get satellite radio receivers for home use or for your car. In the future, satellite radio will become the standard and most new cars will already have it installed. Maybe then the real revolution will begin.

Tags: satellite radio

When searching for classical music online, you might expect to find classical music news, concert dates, and album reviews. Certainly, a search for classical music online will reveal these things, but it will also show you that it's time to change the way you think about classical music. Classical music has made its way into everyday life in rather surprising ways. You may be shocked to find it out that is used to improve your health and make your world a safer place.

Listen to Beethoven and Call Me in the Morning

Classical music can keep you healthy. According to the American Music Therapy Association, classical music can be used to treat:

- Children, adolescents, adults and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities
- Alzheimer's disease and other age-related conditions
- Substance abuse problems
- Brain injuries
- Physical disabilities
- Acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor

In addition to aiding in the treatment of these conditions, classical music can help you sleep, essential to good health. A study published in the February 2005 edition of "The Journal of Advanced Nursing" found that older adults who listened to quiet music at bedtime slept longer and better than those who did not. Classical music can play a significant role in maintaining health by improving sleeping habits and creating better resting environments. The healthcare industry continues to conduct research about classical music and its many benefits, revealing many of the studies regarding classical music online.

Stop! Or I'll Play Bach!

Most people search for classical music online to play their favorite composer's works as background music while they are in their homes. Little do many realize that classical music news has revealed the soft sounds of Bach or Mozart can be effective deterrents to crime and reducing violence in many areas of cities.

A drug-plagued corner of West Palm Beach, Florida has undergone an amazing transformation thanks to a 24-hour a day, free classical music concert. While the idea of using classical music to drive away drug dealers was met with a great deal of skepticism, it has proven to be a stroke of sheer genius.

The police had a theory about classical music - a constant concert would drive away those who did not appreciate classical music and would relax others enough to keep them out of trouble. The hunch proved correct. Drug deals, shootings and thefts have declined on the corner significantly since the introduction of classical music. This same technique has been used in Tube stations in London and 7-11 stores across the US with similar success.

If you want to implement classical music into your life, a good way to do so at a low cost is to tune into one of the many radio stations offering classical music online. A quick search about classical music online will reveal plenty of choices, and you can use your computer's media player and speakers to fill your home with the healthy sounds of some classical music compositions.

Tags: classical music

Classical music DVD is a phrase that often makes people wonder whether Bach has a video on MTV for television viewing. While most people are familiar with classical music CD format, very few realize that classical music DVD format is a new technology just around the bend slowly replacing music CDs. This amazing adaptation to how people listen to classical music can make the experience a wonderful method of enjoying clear sound and incredible audio.

DVD vs. CD

Both audio DVDs and CDs will play your classical music.  Why would you choose an audio DVD over the current technology?

Quality -- audio DVDs provide significantly higher quality sound than the standard classical CD.  Rapid high frequency passages allow for excellent definition of individual notes.  In addition, the reproduction of the instrument sounds is incredibly sharp.  This makes the audio DVD particularly useful for listening to classical music.

Storage Capacity -- due to the actual configuration of the DVD, each disc has roughly seven times the storage capacity of a traditional CD. 

Flexibility - the music DVD format offers the capability to interactively display video clips, liner notes, lyrics, discography or a message from an artist. There is even the possibility of accessing the website of the classical artist  All you will need is a TV or computer connection.

Are there drawbacks?

One of the biggest issues facing classical music lovers who want to experience the new audio format is availability of classical music DVDs in stores. Any type of classical music DVD is hard to locate for now, and selection is often quite limited, if at all offered at a specific stores. Searching online for classical music DVDs is an option, but be prepared to sift through sites offering visual concert recordings. Availability will increase in proportion to popularity and demand for music DVDs as well as the increase in technology, so the drawback is a temporary one.

The limits of the technology itself are the another major drawback to this exciting new musical format.  While music DVDs will play on most standard DVD players, you will lose the clarity of sound that distinguishes the classical music DVD from a standard CD.  This negates one of the major benefits of the music DVD.  Audio DVD players, like the DVDs themselves, are difficult to find.  Like traditional visual DVDs, audio DVDs are not able to be played on a CD player, severely limiting the portability of the music.

The development of the classical music DVD still leaves something to be desired, but the clarity of the music and instrumental reproduction makes purchasing classical music DVDs a better choice than standard CD format. The sound quality available on the new media is well worth the expense to provide an enhanced, enriched experience for classical music lovers to enjoy.

Tags: classical music, classical music dvd, dvd, music

Before rock and roll burst onto the scene, pop music was more sedate and one of its leading exponents was Patti Page. She began as a country music singer and crossed over into pop, with country-tinged records that were very popular with the public. Page was born into a poor, farming family in 1927 in Claremore, Oklahoma. Her vocal talent and good looks were to carry her away into stardom. She was Clara Ann Fowler before she assumed her stage name.

The break came when she was picked to sing on a local radio show, broadcast from Tulsa. The bandleader and manager, Jack Rael listened to one of her sessions and invited her to join the band he managed, the Jimmy Joy Band. Rael later became her personal manager and supervised her solo career. The first single was released in 1948, called Confess and it reached the Top 20 chart position. The follow up, With My Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming was a million seller.

Even more success followed when All My Love came out. It was adapted from the orchestral piece Bolero, composed by Maurice Ravel and was the first number one hit for Patti Page in 1950. Later in the same year, she had the biggest hit of her career when she recorded The Tennessee Waltz.

The face of pop music changed of course as the 1960s revolution of groups took hold. Patti Page had a loyal fan base however and remained a much sought after live performer. The last pop hit occurred in 1965 with the theme song from the movie starring Bette Davis, Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte. Her last ever chart position was in the country charts in 1982, with the song My Man Friday, which reached number 80.

Despite her advancing years, she continues to give live performances for her fans. Patti Page has been an astute businesswoman too and started her own record label in the 1990s. She was given a special Grammy Award in 1998 for her contribution to music as the Best Traditional Pop Singer. 

She has been married twice, the first time in 1956 until her divorce in 1972. Her second marriage took place in 1990. She helps her present partner to run a successful maple syrup products company. A CD release is scheduled for 2007 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma becoming a state. Patti Page is one of the contributors to the compilation, along with other Okie artists such as Jimmy Webb and Garth Brooks. The proceeds will go towards a local charity.

Tags: country music, patti page

There are singing competitions all over the country now, where young singers can compete for cash prizes, and the chance of fame and fortune. American Idol is the best known of these singing competitions, but there are many others as well. There is one in Las Vegas with a $50,000 cash prize just for winning the singing contest. Besides that, there is European Idol, which is sweeping much of the rest of the world with its unprecedented popularity.

My friends and I all love to sing, but we basically completely ignore these singing competitions. I don't even think the singing is particularly good. It is all bad pop music, saccharine sweet and completely without soul. We have our own singing competitions, and although no one ever gets 50 grand for winning them, I think that they are a lot more fun anyway.

Sometimes, after several rounds of drinks, we will pick a song and compete, doing different renditions of it. Whoever can sink it in the loudest, grittiest, most raucous and audacious intonation automatically wins, and everyone has to buy him or her a drink. By the next round of that contest, the winner of the previous one has a clear advantage, and usually whoever wins the first one wins all night, or until he passes out.

Because we are classically trained vocalists, our singing competitions are not always quite so ridiculous. Sometimes we form duos, trios, or quartets among ourselves, and entertain our other non-singing friends at parties. They have to vote on which piece is best, or perhaps we informally decide among ourselves.

Additionally, because we are all in professional choirs, sometimes we go to attend real singing competitions. Although they receive little attention, and many professionals shun them, nonetheless there are in fact singing competitions where choirs from all over the state compete for a prize and the recognition of their peers. The best thing about these singing competitions isn't actually the trying to win (although the winning is nice). It's the festive atmosphere of the whole thing. It is wonderful to spend all day just singing some classics with some of the best singers in the country, singing our pieces and listening to them singing theirs. These singing competitions are always the highlights of the seasons, because it is such an opportunity to be around other great artists, hear what they are doing, and pick up new ideas.

Tags: american idol, sing, singing competitions

I’ve never been a big fan of country music. Nashville just never really interested or inspired me. However, Johnny Cash music is a whole other story. There is something about the way that he used his voice to convey emotion and meaning in the lyrics that makes his work wonderful to hear.

My interest in Johnny Cash music isn’t new at all. I have listened to his work since I was a kid and I have to admit that I really didn’t associate him with country music at all. There is something unique about his voice and style that seems to transcend categories. I can’t place him in any particular “type” of music. This may be the great appeal that Johnny Cash music has for me.

Once he sang a song, he owned it. No other artist could reproduce his style and sound and covers of Johnny Cash music makes for great tributes but they never seem to match his original efforts. Many have shown appreciation for his technique but none have been able to duplicate it.

I mostly listened to Johnny Cash music because my father did. Of course, I loved the songs and his unique voice but I really didn’t connect with his work until relatively recently. The album The Man Comes Around appeals to an entirely different generation.

The first track I heard from The Man Comes Around was his cover of Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode. I immediately recognized his signature voice but I had to double-check my hearing. This wasn’t the typical Johnny Cash music that I was accustomed to from years ago.

The next track that I heard from the amazing album was a cover of Hurt originally sung by Trent Reznor. This cover prompted me to buy The Man Comes Around. The chilling piece is also accompanied by an astounding award-winning video that is beyond words. I love the album and I think that it is the perfect addition to my eclectic collection.

Johnny Cash music is like no other. This artist has touched more than one generation with his delivery and style. He has also managed to transform songs, giving them a whole new meaning just through the way he sings. The loss of this musician has had great impact on people who love music.

It is so very rare that one artist can appeal to such a diverse audience. My grandfather, my parents and even my young nephews have great appreciation for Johnny Cash music.

Tags: concerts live music, johnny cash, live music, music
Current Mood: calm

There are many different styles of music in India and regional preferences. A wide variety of Indian musical instruments give different sounds to classical, popular and folk music. Some of these instruments are very old. Western instruments are used too sometimes. Violins can be heard in some classical recordings and the harmonium is used in some popular Hindi music. Three basic types of home grown instrument is used; strings (plucked, bowed or struck), wind and percussion.

The Sitar is the most familiar instrument in the West. This is because The Beatles and other rock bands used it during the 1960s and 1970s. George Harrison studied under the prominent player, Ravi Shankar. It is one of the most difficult to learn of the Indian musical instruments and constant practice is required. There are sympathetic strings to complement the normal strings. In India, it is played in Hindustani classical music. This is a traditional form, which evolved in the North. The Sarod is another classical string instrument. It has twenty five strings, is similar to a lute and is played with a plectrum.

Percussion is very important to Indian composers. The Tabla is very popular; again one of the Indian musical instruments to be familiar to Beatles devotees, and is played in Indian classical, religious and popular music. Tabla is a pair of hand drums that vary in size and tone. Another form of percussion called the Dhol is played mainly in the Punjab and Gujarat districts. It is a double sided barrel drum and is used in religious music and to set the rhythm for dance music.

Flutes are used a lot and with several different versions. The Bansuri is an alto flute that is used in Pakistan as well as India. It is made from a single length of bamboo and has six or seven open finger holes. It's mostly played in Hindustani classical music.

Folk music is an ancient form with many styles.  There are some Indian musical instruments, with a very distinctive sound, that have no real equivalent in the Western world. The Sarinda is a three stringed folk instrument that is played with a bow.

There is a rich cultural heritage in India and the music reflects the history and beliefs of the people. Unfortunately, most people in the West only get to hear the more pop influenced Indian songs, as background music in curry houses. Other forms are worth exploring. Of all the Indian musical instruments invented, the Jal Tarang has to be the strangest.  It's a series of rice bowls, each tuned according to the level of water they contain. It's not heard much these days, which is a pity. Perhaps U2 could make use of it on their next album?

Tags: hindi music, indian instruments, indian musical instruments, sitar
Current Mood: accomplished

Pop music is one of the most popular music genres. Lots of stars had been famous for singing pop music song. Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake are well known artists all around the world. Almost everyone in the world has heard of them and knows the lyrics to all of their songs. It is the music that is most listened to and everyone enjoys. As well,  Even younger kids love pop music idols including Hilary Duff and JoJo.

It’s also what is heard the most in nightclubs. Unless it is a country bar, the type of music that is played is the bass pumping sound that everyone loves to dance to and is familiar with. Dancing to rock music is hard since there is no distinguished beat. People like dancing to something that they recognize since they can relate to it. Any other music just wouldn’t be suitable and wouldn’t make for such an enjoyable time.

One of the most popular shows on television, American Idol, is all based around pop music. Contestants enter the singing competition, sing well known pop songs and get the American public to vote for them based on their talents. What makes it one of the best shows on television is that all of the music used is so well known that public can relate to the song and know if the contestant is singing it good or badly.

The music industry makes up a large portion of the economy. Everyone listens to music so everyone will in turn buy CD’s. Pop music is more than just music; it is a business in itself. Money just pours in from the franchises built around music and it’s not easy to escape. Pop music is everywhere and it’s here to stay.

Tags: american idol, britney spears, justin timberlake, pop music

There has been a long love affair with the guitar, ever since its evolution from the lute of the Middle Ages. Classical guitar music from maestros, such as Andres Segovia and Julian Bream, has enthralled audiences. Jazz guitar too has many fans, as exemplified by Herb Ellis and Charlie Christian. It is rock and pop music that has produced the most feted heroes however.

The late 1950s introduced rock and roll to the world. Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry gave electric guitar music to the world and every teenager played air guitar in their bedrooms. Elvis burst onto the scene, ably assisted by his guitarist, Scotty Moore. As the 1960s dawned, boys formed groups and practiced in their garages and back yards.

One of the groups to make the big time were The Beatles, who learned to play their instruments by listening to imported American records and copying them. It's a lot easier today with sheet music, guitar tabs and downloads available for the backlog of songs. Computer software and tutorials are there to help budding guitarists learn their chords. Guitar music has always been the backbone of rock music, although the 1980s was a decade in tune to the electronic sound of the keyboard and synthesizer.

Having an individual style ensures rock icon status, making guitar music instantly recognizable as the work of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Brian May of Queen or Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd. Their personal style is as unique as a fingerprint and their technique has been honed to perfection. Some guitarists are flamboyant on stage, such as Hendrix who played with his teeth sometimes and set his guitar on fire. Pete Townsend of The Who was prone to smashing his guitars against the amplifier.

Certain guitarists have defined a genre and made it their own. Dick Dale made surf music; beloved of drive in surfing movies, known around the world and Ry Cooder will be forever associated with bottle neck guitar. In the 1970s, punk music opened up opportunities and more credence was given to energy and passion than ability. Guitar music, for a while, was reduced to three chords as a counter movement to ever more elaborate, progressive rock.

Today, guitar based bands dominate as ever on both sides of the Atlantic and across Europe. Guitar music will never go away, no matter how many computerized recording gadgets are invented. Young bloods will continue to practice Stairway to Heaven in their bedrooms, driving their parents insane.

Tags: guitar, guitar music, music