LP RhythMix Mini Bongos

Our Rythmic Bongos are two-headed drums that produce hearty, authentic sound. They stand 6" tall, with 4" and 5" diameter sturdy synthetic heads - like two drums in one! Includes a musical activity booklet. Ages 2 and up.
Customer Review: Not easy to play with bare hands and too pricey*, but not all bad
Trying to play these myself, I have to play pretty forcefully to get a decent pitch. It's not nearly as easy to play as a better quality, non-toy version of bongos, but then, it's a whole lot sturdier than a quality wood & skin drum. The colors are vibrant and very appealing. These have withstood the abuses heaped on them by my kids from their toddler through preschooler years, and still look great. Buy a pair of mallets or drumsticks to go with these: it makes it a whole lot easier to play, and gives children more immediate gratification. *The "too pricey" comment was made when these were retailing at $35. The new list price of $20 seems much more reasonable, and a real bargain at the sale price of $13.99!

Teresa Reichlen of the New York City Ballet is a premier dancer in the competitive and demanding world of ballet but, as a person, she remains centered and inspired by her art. Her poised, serene face, long legs and elegant jumps have made her a soloist at age 23 in one of the world's greatest ballet companies.

Her journey from the Russell School of Ballet in Chantilly, Va to the School of American Ballet at age 15 and onto the City Ballet has taught her lessons about expressing herself as an artist and person. The following are three important lessons Reichlen has learned to help her grow as a ballerina and person. These same lessons can help performers in school, sports and the arts advance their talents and more fully express themselves in their field.

Performance Lesson 1: Don't over try on stage

As the NY Times explains, "Since being named a soloist in 2005, Reichlen has preserved her poise and attained a new rigor in her technique. 'It took me a long time to realize that you can try too hard onstage,' she said after a company class one day last month at the New York State Theater. 'Sometimes you just have to settle down. I would always have good shows when I was really tired, and I think it's because I just did what I had to do.'"

Focusing her thoughts and actions only on what is most essential during performances has helped Reichlen stay focused and relaxed in executing the precision needed in ballet.

This same technique can be used by other performers in school, sports and the arts. Before any project, practice, game, performance, or test, you need to ask yourself "What are the most basic things I need to do very well to be successful? What things will I see myself doing if I try too hard and over-react? How can I assure that I stay focused only on the things in my performance that are the most essential for success and not over try?"

Performance Lesson 2: Have a point of view when you perform

Beginning last summer Reichlen performed with Christopher Wheeldon's company, Morphoses. "I got a lot from that experience," she said. "He is very passionate about his ballets and getting the best out of his dancers, so he was pushing me a lot."

Wheeldon explained that she needed to have a point of view when she danced. "Honestly, that was a very hard correction for me to take," she said to the NY Times. "It's not something you can just fix. Some dancers appear to have a whole story behind a ballet - it's just the way they dance - and I'm not like that." But she realized that having a point of view when she dances can move her beyond executing flawless movements to embodying her character and the story.

Every performer in school, sports and the arts needs to have a point of view about their performance. A point of view is an opinion and understanding about why you are performing, studying, and training, and how you want to express yourself to others as an artist, athlete or student.

To get started, you need to first select an upcoming performance, project, test, or game for which you must prepare. Then, answer a series of questions to get outside yourself and imagine the type of idealized, fictional character you must portray during that performance: "What type of character do I need to play during the performance? What is most important to that character and motivates him or her to be successful? What is important to people around the character? How do I act to portray the character and give a masterful performance?"

These questions will help you journey into a fictionalize, ideal world to give yourself a different perspective about the role you must play to be successful during a key performance in school, sports or the arts.

Performance Lesson 3: Be calm on the outside to stay calm on the inside

While on stage Reichlen appears calm and serene. On the inside, however, she has a different experience. "It's funny because people tell me I look calm," she said. "But I don't always feel calm. When I'm the most stressed or angry I become really quiet. Maybe it's my way of dealing. I don't know if I hold it all in, but it's just the way I am - in life and on the stage."

Reichlen is explaining one aspect of the creative tension many performers experience. It is the tension between remaining calm on the outside while working hard on the inside. Some performers feel uncomfortable doing this and want to express their inner intensity openly. However, remaining physically calm on the outside can help your body relax and send messages to your mind that everything is going OK. Your outward calm can keep your inner drive and intensity in check and focused.

Performers in school, sports and the arts should practice this technique while studying, during practices and training. By doing so, you will find that your inner intensity remains more centered and relaxed, and your actions more precise and expressive.

While Reichlen is only 23 years old, she has lived a lifetime in ballet starting at age 3 in a ballet school behind a grocery store in Clifton, Va. Because of her love and dedication to dance, she has naturally developed mental techniques that helped her rise to the top of the ballet world and grow as a person. With her techniques in hand, you can also grow as a student, athlete and artist.

Receive a special bonus when you subscribe to a free biweekly newsletter that provides tips for parents to nurture children's talents: http://www.atalentedmind.com/files/Subscriptions.html

Read a special blog about parenting children talents and share your own opinions and ideas: http://atalentedmind.typepad.com

Learn how Michael Cerreto, Applied Performance Counselor, and A Talented Mind, Inc. can help you or someone you know: http://www.atalentedmind.com

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CP 9" & 10" Red Fiberglass Conga Set with Stand

Total height of the set ranges from 33" to 45-1/2" (from the floor to the top of the drum heads). A great conga set for musicians in the early elementary or middle school age range!

It was the spring of 1997 and I was a sophomore in high school. I was in Austin, Texas, with about 25 other classmates from my high school. We traveled down to Austin to watch other schools, large and small, participate in the state one-act play contest. We wanted to soak up everything we could about state-quality plays after losing disappointedly in the competition circuit a few months before. Can you imagine being the theater instructor or one of the parents chaperoning such an event? With male and female high schoolers ranging in age of 15 - 18 with varying maturity levels and hormones ranging, I did not envy them. Needless to say, it was an interesting road trip.

Our theater instructor Ms. Murphy had to drive one of those school provided white utility vans hauling her share of the kids for five hours south on I-35 and around town while another parent did the same. We were "her kids" since she never had any of her own. We loved playing tricks and mind games with her, almost as much as she liked playing them on us. Every year her house was toilet papered and forked - not because we didn't like her. We loved her. That's why we didn't throw eggs.

I was riding with the group driven by one of the parents which ended up being a wild ride. We hit a couple of curbs, got lost, drove half way across Travis County the wrong way, and, I found out after the fact, almost ran out of gas! We ended up getting stopped for a taillight out, but since it was a school sponsored trip, the officer let her off with a warning and she did not have to take a defensive driving course in Austin, although she might have needed it.

After all that, we finally made it to the hotel where more hijacks insured. The next day we went and watched lots of plays. Some good, some bad, some outright confusing (all plays had to be cut from the original length to 40 minutes, most were originally 1
to 2). The road trip down there was not the highlight of the trip, nor were the plays, but I will tell you what was the most interesting part.

The next day the plays did not start until afternoon, so we piled in the white utility vans again and went to the local mall and Central Market. We were moving through the store as a group when someone pointed out to one of us with a camera that Harry Connick Jr. and Sandra Bullock were in the store and she should try to take their picture. We did just that. Harry looked like he had just gotten up from bed with some peacock hair, but he was very pleasant and congenial. Sandra looked a little peeved in the picture. She was probably on her lunch break from being on the set of Hope Floats (Fox 1998) being filmed at the time.

I don't remember any of the plays that year, but I do remember the trip down there and meeting these two actors at the height of their careers. Maybe it was a sign, or a stroke of good luck, or the just the fact that we made down there alive, but we did make to state the next year, not as audience members, but as participants.

Neil Lemons represents Comedy Defensive Driving, a state approved Texas defensive driving online course. Since 1989 Comedy Defensive Driving has helped dismiss traffic tickets and lower insurance rates. Learn about their Austin Defensive Driving course, or any other Texas city by visiting their website: http://www.comedydefensivedriving.com

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Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour [Blu-ray]

After wrapping up her world-wide sold out Oral Fixation Tour, Shakira is back with the LIVE CONCERT Blu-ray that captures it all. Viewed by over 2M people in 36 countries, Shakira delivers all of her smashes, such as "La Tortura"(featuring Alejandro Sanz), "Hips Don't Lie" (featuring Wyclef Jean), "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes". Fans can witness Shakira shifting gracefully from the hypnotic hip-swaying siren to the all-out rock star in love with her guitar.

TRACK LISTING:
1.Intro/Estoy Aqui
2.Te Dejo Madrid
3.Don't Bother
4.Antologia
5.Hey You
6.Inevitable
7.Si Te Vas
8.La Tortura (featuring Alejandro Sanz)
9.NO
10.Whenever, Wherever
11.La Pared
12.Underneath Your Clothes
13.Pies Descalzos
14.Ciega, Sordomuda
15.Ojos Asi
16.Hips Don't Lie(featuring Wyclef Jean)

BONUS FOOTAGE:
"Barefoot": a 20-minute documentary focusing on Shakira's nonprofit organization, shot in Colombia
"Around The World in 397 Days": a 5-minute behind-the-scenes exclusive

BONUS VIDEOS:
OBTENER UN SÍ(LIVE)
LA PARED(LIVE)
LAS DE LA INTUICIÓN

BONUS AUDIO CD TRACKS:
1.Intro
2.Estoy Aqui
3.Don't Bother
4.Inevitable
5.La Pared
6.Hips Don't Lie

VIDEO/AUDIO SPECS:
Full 1080p24 High Definition Picture
PCM (uncompressed) Stereo
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (640 pbps) PCM (uncompressed) 5.1 Surround Sound
Customer Review: Fantastic
This DVD along with Live and Off the Record are simply fantastic. Shakira is the whole package from the voice of an Angel to a body...well, that's out of this world!! How could you not love this goddess!!!!!
Customer Review: Bought it for the price. Ended up liking it.
It was available for less than fifteen so I picked it up. I liked Shakira's first major Spanish album before her international success. I hadn't really listened to her newer stuff. When I put it in I was pleasantly surprised. The visuals are great and the sound is even better. To be honest I do skip a few songs whenever I watch it but I still consider it a good purchase for the price.

Its a typical situation. Youve been putting a lot of energy in your craft and people are starting to talk about your band. Youve played a few shows and everyone is asking for a CD. I used to think that in order to release your own CD you would go out and play a bunch of shows and then someone would come out and sign you. Theyd take care of everything. Theyd set up the recording studio, organize the artwork, and pay for it to get manufactured. Thats not the case these days.

At present, technology is readily available for any budding musician to record, create, and duplicate CDs. CD duplication involves CD-R media. CD-R prices have dropped dramatically since the first CD Recorders were available on the consumer market. This makes it an affordable option for anyone who wants to copy their own CDs and pass them on to friends, family, or fans. This is a great option for the young band that is still getting their feet wet in the music industry. Duplicating a limited amount of CDs can keep a limited budget in place.

If your band is at the point were your ready to start selling your CD your best option is to make a retail-ready CD and having it replicated. What is a retail ready CD? These are the same CDs you find in the music stores by the major label artists. They have great artwork printed on CD inserts, a nice tray card insert, silk screened art on the CD, and they are shrink-wrapped.

The retail-ready CDs are not duplicated, but Replicated. This means that an exact replica of your CD master has been stamped out on all of the CDs. CD Replication is the way to go if you are serious about selling your music for profit. In fact most music stores will not sell duplicated CDs. Think about it this way. It is illegal to sell or profit from duplicating copy written material. If you tried to sell CDs that have been duplicated to a retail store youll more than likely get turned down. How are they to know that it is really your band? One of the best anti-piracy practices that CD manufacturing plants have instituted is the verification of copyright and ownership through a International Property Rights Form. Filling out an I.P.R. form ensures the CD Replication plant that they are not infringing on anyones copyright.

CD Replication not only shows that you value your art enough to have it made retail-ready, but also cost effective. Ill break it down in general.

DIY CD Duplication

1 Computer with CD Recorder

100 Memorex CD-R

CD Jewel Cases

Printer Ink

Man Hours

Total $1495.00Typical CD Replication Package

CD Replication for 1000 CDs

1-3 color on-disc silk-screen imprint

CD Jewel box, assembly, professional quality film-wrap

2 Panel Insert and Tray card

Bar Code

Total $1000.00

These prices are very approximate and are only used for the purpose of estimating the difference between CD Duplication and CD Replication. Lets dig in a little bit. Ive already illustrated some of the benefits of CD Duplication and the benefits of CD Replication. You can see above that you are spending approximately $500 more taking on the CD duplication responsibilities yourself and only getting 100 CDs!! Having your CDs Replicated costs less and someone else is doing the work. You can spend the time youd spend on CD duplication and practice your chops or promote your upcoming CD release party, saving yourself $500 that you can use for items like merchandising, t-shirts, stickers, and posters.

Whether you choose CD Replication or CD Duplication, youll need to do some research. There are plenty of resources available for CD Duplication and you probably own everything you need. It is up to you and your band to decide which option is better depending on what level you see your band on. Are you a band that plays parties or small clubs, or is your band seasoned and touring? There are benefits to both. Find a local CD manufacturer in your area and ask for their recommendation. Most CD manufacturers also offer quick turn high quality CD Duplication with printing on the CDs. Keep rockin!

Blake Stoffregen writes for many websites including Crystal Clear Sound CD & DVD Replication. Crystal Clear Sound provides cd, cdr and dvd duplication and replication services and offers packages from disc only to retail ready.

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Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos

Customer Review: Pura Dinamita Get It
Absolutely essential latin music DVD. Ok, it starts nice but once it gets into YAMBU, just buckle up your seat belt because it just heavy descarga until the last number A Gozar Timbero. Along with Calle 54 and Fania in Africa (Incorrectly called Celia Cruz in Africa)indispensable videos for aghasting and open your friend jaws!!! BUT PLEASE WE NEED A DVD VERSION!!!!!
Customer Review: A must have for any latin music fans
This video is an absolute must have for anyone who considers him or herself a music fan. My only complaint is: WHERE IS THE DVD VERSION!

When downloading or looking for music, it's easy to find a site that will download songs and movies, but unfortunately not all of them have the selection you want. You can just point and click to get whatever you want, and not worry if something is in, and not worry about individual costs. Some companies let you download individual songs, but the cost and selection is annoying, or on the other hand, pay a flat fee, but never be able to keep the songs, and once again their selection is a bit of a pain.

There are a couple of steps that you need to take to make sure that you have an easy experience. Make sure you have the room on your hard drive for the movies and the music. A big complaint with the normal download sites are that lack of selection, and your media player has a large problem with the navigation, and it can be hard to find everything. You won't have to worry about that again, find your music, listen to whatever you'd like. In your folders, make sure that you create separate names and separate folders so managing your music and movies would be a lot easier. Find your movies and your TV shows as well, with the same ease as the music.

The navigation is very simple, and you shouldn't have a problem with it at all. It's all broken down, and is very user friendly. Enjoy the new interface, and enjoy the availability of the new music, and the classics.

Click Here!

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Coldplay (A Rush of Blood to the Head) Music Poster Print - 24" X 36"

We bring you the best selection of Movie Posters, Music Posters, Sports Posters, Art Prints, Television Posters, College Humor, and more! This is the premier destination for finding entertainment posters. Find authentic movie advertisements, increase your celebrity photo and poster collection, locate that missing pop idol piece you need to complete your set, or discover rare concert sheets from your favorite musicians and bands. Whether its that one rare framed art print youve been looking for, or you need to wallpaper your dorm room with the hottest, sexiest posters, this is the place to find everything. Brand new, perfect condition, fast shipping! Buy from the best!!!

Have you ever wondered how piano tuners learn their trade? Most tuners learn the business from a family member. In fact, piano tuning often spans several generations in a family, handed down from father to son.

There are good tuners and great tuners, but in any case they have to learn a craft that is several hundred years old and has changed little.

There are three distinct types of tuners: tuners, repairmen and rebuilders. Usually a tuner works their way up from simple tuning to the more difficult task of repair and then rebuilding.

A tuner can expect $100 per tuning, but if they work for someone else they may take home only half of that. Still, it is a job much in demand.

The average tuning takes at least an hour, and requires quiet and solitude, although the very best tuners, usually working for a large firm like Steinway, can expect to be on call for the most famous concert pianists.

These superstars of the piano business hover backstage at major concerts, waiting for the occasional string to break so they can vault out onto the stage and fix it in front of thousands of people.

One such tuner superstar is Franz Mohr, who was tuner and repairman for two legendary pianists, Vladimir Horowitz and Artur Rubinstein. As an employee of the Steinway Company, he was delegated to accompany either of these two great artists on their world travels, tuning hammer and pliers at the ready, in case something should go wrong, \he most dramatic being a string breaking during a concert.

Mohr became a personal friend of both Rubinstein and Horowitz, was part of their international entourage.

Mohr selected pianos for Horowitz, for Horowitz never took a "company" piano. By this you must understand that great concert pianists are sometimes forced to play on a variety of instruments in their travels. The only solution to this problem of inconsistency is to take a piano with you, and this is very, very expensive, requiring genuine superstar status.

Horowitz had his favorite Steinway 9 foot concert grand, and he kept it at home. When a concert tour came, the neighbors of his New York City Upper East Side townhouse were used to the sight of the immense piano being lowered slowly out the window and onto a waiting truck.

Mohr and other great tuners I have known like Steinway's Heinz Zimmerman were artists in their own right. To tune and repair a piano for a professional pianist is an extremely demanding job, for the results must in fact be perfect. Every key must feel exactly the same. Every key must feel, to the artist, as if they have the same weight, the same feel, the same speed. The process that achieves this at the piano is called "regulation," and may take several days to adjust the thousands of tiny moving parts

There is no better feeling to a great pianist than a great piano, perfectly tuned and regulated, waiting for beautiful music to be played.

By John Aschenbrenner Copyright 2000 Walden Pond Press. Visit http://www.pianoiseasy.com to see the fun PIANO BY NUMBER method for kids.

John Aschenbrenner is a leading children's music educator and book publisher, and the author of numerous piano method books in the series PIANO BY NUMBER.

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" Coldplay " the Singles and B Sides: Guitar TAB

Children learn languages faster than adults. It is much easier for them to learn a second language while they are learning their first one. The earlier we can start kids off learning a second language, the better. Start before 3 years old, achieve fluency before age 12 would be good rules of thumb.

There are several reasons for teaching your children Spanish, (or giving them a chance to learn it from native speakers). Here are a few of the more important reasons:

1. Usefulness. Spanish is the most-spoken language in the western hemisphere and the fourth most-spoken language in the world. There are 17 million Hispanic people in the U.S. who either do not speak English well or do not speak it at all. Knowing Spanish equips people to talk with their neighbors and deal with nearby Latin Americans. Spanish is also widely spoken in Europe. So it is an obvious second language of choice for North Americans.

2. Helps brain development. Learning a second language stimulates and helps children's brain development. Apparently new and different neuron paths and connections are established, resulting in more brain cells and more extensive use of existing brain cells.

3. Employment. With 17 million in the U.S. who communicate better in Spanish than English, there are many job openings for bilingual people. Increasing trade with our Latin American neighbors creates demand for bilingual people who can work with both the U.S. office and the Latin American client/customers.

4. Cultural expansion. Learning another language is a cultural experience. It is more than just the ability to communicate. It enables the learner to read the books and newspapers, understand the works of literature and drama, understand current events and politics better.

In addition, children can learn to speak a second language and speak it without an accent. This will help them enormously in working with and being accepted by native Spanish-speakers.

One of the best ways to learn to speak Spanish is through interactive audio learning courses. There are several of these that can be downloaded from the Internet for under a hundred dollars.

Remember, the earlier we start kids off on a second language the better. So download a learning course and start today!

To learn how to get the best Spanish-learning course available visit: Learn Spanish For a list of good Spanish-learning programs see: Learn Spanish
Jorge Chavez began to learn Spanish after he was 30, now is bilingual. He has monolingual friends, relatives and clients who only speak Spanish and others who only speak English. Read his articles at http://language-center.ya23.com

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Con Bajo Y Todo

Communication plays a vital role in our society. We communicate through words and actions. Contrary to the quote that says, "Action speaks louder than words", it is still hard to know what a person is saying without hearing them talk. But, we all know that there are many languages in the world and that makes it a bit hard for us to communicate to someone who doesn't speak our native tongue. And with that, it is always nice to learn another language for us to be able to communicate well with other people.

Learning a new language isn't always easy. But, being able to master another language is something that would be really helpful. Aside from English, Hindustani and Mandarin, Spanish is the second most-spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese. It also has more native speakers than English language does. It is a romance language that originated in Northern Spain. So, how helpful is it to learn Spanish?

Of course, it would be totally helpful if you were into traveling. It would give you less confusion with everything, especially when you feel like striking up a conversation with some people. If your job requires you to speak Spanish like in some call centers you could earn very big money even if you're still a college student. Besides, if you know how to speak Spanish then you'll find it easier to learn other Latin-based languages like French and Italian. How great could that be?

There are different styles of learning, visual, auditory and kinesthetic. It is best to know ones strength to learn more easily. Visually, there are always movies, pictures, magazines and newspapers you can read. And on the Internet, you can listen to podcasts and well, again, the movies and a wide array of songs you can listen to. Kinesthetic learners need to do something physically. While learning a new language, try to do it while doing what you love most, like the sport you like. You can look for the Spanish names or equivalent of the English terms you use in that particular sport.

Spanish is quite easy to learn compared to the other languages. It is somewhat similar to English vocabulary since it has Latin origin. You just have to really like it. Not in the sense that you need money or it's cool because you speak it fluently. But, you should like it because it helps you grow as a person, it helps you in interacting with people, it helps you understand one's culture and most of all, you'll get to know how they learn and how they think.

If you want to speak, write, and understand Spanish using easy and creative techniques ... check out our unbiased reviews visit us at: http://www.ten-top-reviews.com/learnspanish

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Spanish in the Real World

In our increasingly shrinking global world learning other languages seems like a natural progression. Speaking a second language acts as a window to a wider world. Specifically, becoming a Spanish as well as an English speaking member of the United States would yield both academic and cultural results while giving you a broader array of opportunities.

Spanish as a language has a foothold and a very bright future here in the United States. After English, Spanish is the second most common language in the United States. The influx of Spanish speaking immigrants from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Mexico has greatly increased the number of Spanish speakers in the U.S.. Traditionally, an immigrant's original language tends to become reduced through generational assimilation. However, of the U.S. Hispanics only 9% speak English only. 50% of second generation immigrants speak Spanish at home. According to the US Census, the Latino population is expected to account for 44% of the nation's growth over the next 25 years.

The number of Spanish newspapers, magazines, publishers, local television stations and programs in the United States are constantly increasing. We are seeing trilingual labeling of products as a standard and bilingual labeling in public facilities becoming more commonplace. It is very safe to assume that Spanish will remain firmly in the number two spot for years to come. So, I think I have made my case as to the significance of Spanish in our country! Now I will move on to point out the personal benefits of learning to speak the language.

Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn. Spanish is Latin based as are French and Italian. Russian and German also have some characteristics that are present in Spanish but not in English. Therefore if you can learn Spanish you have a head start at grasping other languages as well.

Much of the vocabulary of the English language has Latin origins. Therefore, learning Spanish could improve your English vocabulary as well. Studying a language involves thinking about how the language is structured. It is likely that while you are learning about how verbs are used in Spanish you may gain a greater understanding of English verbs' tenses and moods.

Connecting with our neighbors and cultural understanding is a huge benefit of learning Spanish. You most likely have or will have a Spanish speaking neighbor or co-worker. Communication is priceless. We gain so much from interacting with others and a language barrier greatly decreases the quality of any interaction. Spanish culture is also distinctly different from American culture. It is interesting and inspirational to become familiar with other customs, foods, histories and people. In some areas where the Latino population is a significant portion of the populous, learning Spanish is simply a way to participate fully in the life and culture of your environment.

Traveling to Spanish speaking countries is an entirely different experience when you speak the language. So many more doors are opened and opportunities presented!

Lastly, employment opportunities expand greatly by knowing Spanish. Medicine, education, international trade, communications and tourism are examples of professions that may require their applicants to be bilingual. And being that so many of our citizens are Spanish speaking there isn't a profession that could not benefit from having a bilingual employee. It will put you above other non Spanish speaking applicants hands down.

Resources are plentiful for materials that teach Spanish. There are a plethora of choices of learning methods. There are instructors and home based courses at every level imaginable and in all different forms. There are audio exercises you can practice while you drive or at the gym. There are conversation classes. There are internet based activities and educational computer games. A second language is mandatory in most grammar school curricculums throughout the U.S.. I strongly advise choosing Spanish although other languages are offered!

We are living in an increasingly shrinking global world. Learning to speak a second language is a logical progression. Becoming a Spanish as well as an English speaking member of the United States would broaden your array of opportunities both personally and professionally.

Computer Learning Software for Kids

Please visit us at The Software Spot!

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Rosetta Stone V3: Spanish (Latin America), Level 1, 2 & 3

Why is Rosetta Stone the world's No. 1 language-learning software? Because it works.

Escape the endless tedium of translation, memorization, and grammar drills. Get the language you want, the skills you need and the success you deserve by learning a new language naturally--the same way you learned your first language.

You learned your first language without translation.
You learned your first language easily and naturally by connecting words to objects and events around you. With Rosetta Stone, learn a new language the same way: using native speakers and thousands of real-life images to help you think in the new language from the very beginning. Studies show that learning exclusively in the new language, without translation as a crutch, is crucial.

The exclusive Dynamic Immersion method reinforces your natural language-learning skills with award-winning instructional technology. Identify your learning goals, then choose customized courses that take you there.

	The complete immersion environment puts your native language-learning skills to work, eliminating your dependence on tedious translation and rote memorization.

	Images		Intuition
	In Rosetta Stone you learn the meaning of new language from clear, real-life images. In this activity you learn colors.		You advance using language you've learned and clues from new images. That's your intuition at work. Now that you know colors, you can easily grasp the meaning of the new words...
	Interactivity		Instruction
	Throughout Rosetta Stone, you constantly interact with the program to confirm your intuition. ...and then check what you've learned.		From beginning to end you build systematically toward your language-learning goals, for the most effective and enjoyable instruction anywhere. And finally, you get the fun of trying your new language in a real-life simulation. Speech recognition shows you exactly how you're doing.

The timeless immersion method, along with research-based techniques and new technologies, make Rosetta Stone the clear solution to your language-learning needs.

What will you be able to do?

Understand everyday language.
Through Rosetta Stone's proficiency-based listening and reading activities, you'll learn quickly.

Pronounce words correctly.
After practicing with Rosetta Stone's speech recognition and analysis tools, pronunciation will come easily.

Speak without a script.
Contextual Formation makes sure you have the confidence and cues you need to get the words out on the spot.

Spell and write accurately.
You'll build gradually from letters to words and sentences.

Engage in real-life conversations.
With Milestone activities, gain confidence using speech alone in simulated situations.

Retain what you learn.
The unique Adaptive Recall reinforces language so it sticks with you in the real world.
Customer Review: Rosetta Stone V3-Spanish (Latin America) Level 1,2,3
I purchased this for my college-aged daughter so that she could become proficient in Spanish. This has given her the practice she needs that the classroom (high school) did not.
Customer Review: Great Addition to School Learned Spanish
I took 17 hours of Spanish during my undergraduate degree, but could not speak Spanish. I could read Spanish, but I could not understand it when spoken. Rosetta Stone takes a different approach to teaching Spanish than my university. It has made understanding and speaking Spanish within my reach. I had a strong vocabulary base, but Rosetta Stone has helped me to be able to speak and use this vocabulary in everyday conversation. This is a great complement to any Spanish curriculum. It is a wonderful option for those who couldn't learn Spanish "the old fashion way."

The legend of Bob Marley means something different for everyone. While his musical styling will always be remembered in the reggae genre, his music and message were varied and emotional. His songs touched on basic human needs for love, togetherness, equality and peace. But he often sang from the darker of human deeds as well. Slavery, war, and political injustice were all far targets for this musical prophet of Kingston, Jamica.

Even in passing, Bob Marley still continues to reach generations who weren't even born till after his death. His message is universal, timeless and evocative. It still speaks generations later, and will continue to do so decades from now. His albums, cds, artwork and posters continue to spread his message.

One remarkable phenomena is the fascination young people have with the images, photographs and posters of Bob Marley. Posters of his live concerts, and personal life outside the music stage continue to sell and be collected by people of all ages and walks of life. The young especially. It's not unusual to walk into any dorm room from Florida to Alaska, and find images of Bob Marley adorning the walls.

Bob Marley was a devout follower of the Rastafari. It influenced his life, his music, his actions, his beliefs and ultimately his death. While it is common knowledge that the herb he so openly enjoyed was a part of this religious devotion, many don't know that part of the Rastafari belief is that the body must remain whole. Which is why he decided not to have a foot amputated that was stricken with cancer. Ultimately that cancer spread through his body, and took him from us. It seems a harsh injustice, but you have to admire the man for being true to his beliefs.

Could it be his universal messages of love and devotion. His political stance against apartheid and other governmental injustices seem to connect with many people young and old.

Bob Marleys message was important, and it's good to see it still entrenched in the spirit of the young. They are the future, and the message in the music still reaches them. Especially in todays troubled times. Our leader seem to have forgotten the message of one love, that Bob so adamantly echoed through our consciousness years past.

Let's hope the ghost of Bob Marley continues to live on through music, artwork, photographs, t-shirts, and posters. It reminds us all of what it means to be human.

To see more about Bob Marley posters, and help spread the message, please visit, and see some truly brilliant Bob Marley posters.

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The Best of Coldplay for Easy Piano: Updated Edition

Easy piano arrangements of 12 songs from these acclaimed British pop/rockers. Includes the mammoth hits Yellow and Clocks plus: Amsterdam Don't Panic Everything's Not Lost Green Eyes In My Place Rush of Blood (A Rush of Blood to the Head) The Scientist Sparks Trouble A Warning Sign.
Customer Review: Not original arangements or really even close
I'm surprised that none of the other reviews mentioned the fact that these "arrangements" are very different from the originals. The melody (vocals) is in the right-hand treble clef and simple base notes in the left. These are not really the chords that are played by the band, and it is virtually impossible to sing along with what is written, unless you like singing exactly the same thing your right hand is playing. And there's not enough of a chord in the left hand to fill it out if you just drop the right and sing it. I'm fairly disappointed in this. Maybe if all you're looking for is a similar sounding arrangement and don't plan to sing, then this may be the book for you.
Customer Review: As advertised
The music was easy piano by my standards, a quick learn and authentic enough to the true sound of Coldplay as well.

The music at your wedding reception can play a big part in how much your guests enjoy the reception. Every song played brings on a unique emotion and memory for every person in the room and the mood of the room as a whole. Some people love a certain song whilst others might find it nostalgic. Songs that are chosen during the reception can reflect your own style of music taste and the type of atmosphere you want to create. The right song selections will have your guests relaxed during the formalities and partying when it's time to get their groove on!

Below is a general wedding reception timeline. It is entirely up to the Bride & Groom which traditions and music they want to incorporate into their wedding.

I have listed 5 songs for each wedding event to give you an idea of what has been popular at past weddings...

Cocktail / Pre Dinner Drinks Music

This is best as classical, jazz or various modern music usually at a quiet and relaxing volume. Some song title suggestions are.

Jack Johnson - No Other Way

Jamie Cullam - I Get a kick out of you

Eva Cassidy - Fever

Norah Jones - The Long Day is Over

Van Morrison - Into the Mystic

Bridal Party Introduction

This works well as an upbeat styled song that people can clap & make some noise to as the Bridal Party, Bride & Groom make their entrance into the reception venue. Some song titles would be..

U2 - Beautiful Day

Jagged Edge - Let's Get Married

The Monkees - I'm a Believer

Dire Straits - Money for Nothing

James Brown - I Feel Good

Dinner & Easy Listening Music

If there is a mixed generation of guests, all genres of easy listening music works well during dinner. These can be the favourite easy listening songs of the Bride and Groom.

Some song suggestions would be..

Sting - Fields of Gold

Ray Charles - I Got a Woman

Crowded House - Don't Dream it's Over

Chris Isaak - Wicked Game

Elton John - Your Song

Cake Cutting

The cake cutting song can be a favourite of the Bride and Groom. A slow tempo, romantic song works well for this part of the reception. Songs that have sugar and sweet references have been popular at previous weddings. Some songs used at past weddings include..

Marvin Gaye - How Sweet it is

Archies - Sugar Sugar

K-Ci and Jojo - All my Life

Queen - You're my best friend

Michael Buble - The way you look tonight

First Dance / Bridal Waltz

The first dance is traditionally the most important song of your wedding reception. This is the first dance of the newly married couple as husband and wife. You can learn a specific dance for this song be it a traditional waltz or the Bride & Groom's favourite slow dance song. If you are using live entertainment for your first dance, make sure you hear a rehearsal / recording of the song that way you know what to expect. Their version may sound a lot different to the original if it's a cover. Some song suggestions are..

Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply

Etta James - At Last

Van Morrison - Have I Told you Lately

Enrique Iglesias - Hero

Nick Cave - Into my arms

Father and Daughter Dance and the Mother and Son Dance

The Father and Daughter Dance and Mother and Son Dance represents a dance with the Bride and her Father and Groom and his Mother. This can be made as a "parents of the bride and groom's dance" after the Bride and Grooms first dance. Some song titles include..

Elvis Presley - Memories

Temptations - My Girl

Paul Simon - Father and Daughter

Natalie Cole - L-O-V-E

Elvis Presley - Always on my mind

Dancing Music

A Good DJ or Party band will keep a nice balance between tactful (not so cheesy) and fun songs to keep the dancefloor moving. It's a good idea to give the entertainment a few "must plays", "play if you cans" and "do not play" songs. Some dance floor song titles include..

Outkast - Hey ya

Bob Sinclair - Love Generation

Beatles - Twist and Shout

Elvis vs JXL - A little less conversation

Michael Jackson - Blame it on the Boogie

Anniversary Dance

The longest married couple at the wedding reception can have their own special slow dance tribute. This is great to recognise their length of marriage and an opportunity for a another slow dance.

Bouquet Toss

Traditionally, the single and un-married ladies gather around as the Bouquet is tossed by the bride. Whoever catches the bouquet is the next in-line to get married. This can accompany a game of some sort where the winner receives the bouquet also. Some song ideas for the Bouquet Toss are..

Cheryl Crow - All I Wanna Do

Pussycat Dolls - Don't Cha

Shania Twain - Man I Feel like Woman

Ani Difranco - Wishin & Hopin

No Doubt - Just a Girl

Garter Removal & Toss

As the Garter is removed by the Groom, a sexy song can be played. This can also accompany a game of some sort where the winner receives the Garter. Once the garter is removed it is tossed to the single and unmarried men and whoever catches it is traditionally the next in-line to get married.

Jimi Hendrix - Foxy Lady

Weather Girls - It's Raining Men

Inner Circle - Bad Boys

ZZ Top - Legs

Marvin Gaye - Let's get it on

Last Dancing Songs

These last couple of songs for the night should be a climax to a great celebration that everybody can dance to.

Farewell Music

The farewell music can be 2 or 3 of the Bride and Grooms favourite songs. These are the songs played whilst the Bride and Groom farewell their guests via a circle or bridal archway (Made by the guests). Some song suggestions are..

Extreme - More than words

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Somewhere over the Rainbow

Green Day - Time of your life

Jack Johnson - The Sharing Song

Lior - This old love

Whatever songs and genres you choose for your wedding reception, make sure they reflect your own style and at the same time will be appropriate for your guests to enjoy themselves at the celebration of your wedding. Good luck with your planning!

Cheers, Adrian Makarov

Secret Wedding Songs http://www.secretweddingsongs.com

For more songs, ideas and resources to help with choosing your wedding reception songs make sure you check out Secret Wedding Songs at http://www.secretweddingsongs.com

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Salsa & Afro Cuban Montunos for Piano (Book&CD)

Salsa And Afro Cuban Montunos For Piano is an extremely informative 100 page book containing over 400 musical examples showing you how to play in these aforementioned Latin styles. Mr. Campos who teaches a course in Latin piano styles at the Berklee School Of Music originates from Lima Peru and has studied Latin music for over 20 years. This book contains great study material for learning the various techniques and rhythms used in playing Latin piano styles. It can be used as a source to practice reading syncopated rhythms. A CD of Latin percussion rhythm tracks to play along with accompanies the book.
Customer Review: Excellent latin piano playing
I am a full time musician. I am currently studying the materal in this book..Right on the money for learning how to play this style !
Customer Review: Great Resource
As a professional musician seeking to broaden the scope of what I play this book was just the ticket. Very sensibly laid out, easy to follow and some great Montunos to get you underway. A practical useable book and great with the CD to play along with.

Because there are MIDI guitars! And there are MIDI interface attachments for regular guitars.
You can make totally new sounds, change your existing sounds, or add instrumentation
you never thought possible before!
So let me give you the rundown!
Historically the Musicical Instrument Digital Interface, or MIDI, got started with MIDI keyboards.
Although there were researchers and hobbiests experiementing with other MIDI devices including guitars,
it was predominantly a keyboard world.

If you used a keyboard standalone (or without a PC), the MIDI keyboard MIDI out would be connected to the MIDI in of a sound module or other keyboard. The keyboard could then be used to play
multiple sound modules at the same time.
If you used a MIDI keyboard with your PC, a MIDI keyboard MIDI out would be connected to your PC's MIDI in. The PC's MIDI out would be connected to the keyboard's MIDI in. When you press a key on the MIDI keyboard the MIDI note number and velocity (how hard you hit the key) is transmitted over the MIDI. This is somewhat like an old piano-roll piano. If you've ever examined one, you know the holes in the roll let a pin slip through as the paper rolls by (with the speed that the roll is turning controlling the tempo). And the pin corresponds to the piano key that will be hit at a particular time (relative to the start of the roll). MIDI data is like this except it also includes some dynamics (i.e. how hard the key was hit). When the keyboard is operated "standalone", normally the MIDI out just loops back to the MIDI in. This is done internally so you don't need to put a MIDI cable in. Most MIDI keyboards let you turn off this automatic loopback when you're working with a PC so that you don't get double notes from the keyboard and from the PC echoing it back. It's as if the keyboard and sounds are two separate pieces. There's an assumption here. The PC must have some software directing the MIDI connectors on the PC for this to happen. That software is usually a MIDI sequencer which functions almost like a multi-track analog recorder. With the MIDI sequencer running, you start the record function and the sequencer program will store all the MIDI notes it receives into memory (and let you file them to disk later into a MIDI file). The recorded MIDI file can be examined with a graph showing the notes (and it looks almost exactly like a piano-roll). Most sequencer software is smart enough to display (and print) in standard musical notation as well. Cool!

There are a couple more wrinkles, but good ones. In addition to MIDI note number and velocity, there's a channel associated with MIDI transmissions. MIDI allow up to 16 different channels over the cable "simultaneously" (in quotes because I'm fibbing a little). Just like the cable TV coming into your house has 50 or 500 channels at the same time you can set a MIDI device to send or receive on a specific channel and it will only send or respond to notes for its channel. But you may have a TV with a preview capability that shows a whole bunch of TV channels at once so you can surf channels. Well some MIDI devices are like this. Actually most MIDI devices are like that these days. They can handle multiple channels at one time. Which is to say the MIDI device can "play" multiple instruments at the same time by being able to listen to multiple MIDI channels and play the notes for which each instrument is assigned. This assignment can be done on the MIDI device's panel or sometimes by using a computer program running on the PC. This way you can have a whole band in one keyboard -- piano, bass, percussion, vibes, flute, etc. As a general rule, as the number of instruments and/or simultaneous notes the keyboard can play increases, so does the price! And some MIDI keyboards have the squencer built in so you don't even need the PC.

There are lots of freeware, shareware, and open-source MIDI sequencers out there, so just query your favorite search engine.

There are MIDI guitars, and MIDI interface attachments for regular guitars.
You can play your guitar and have it sound like a flute, or trumpet, or
a string section, or depending on the synthesizer or synthesizers you use,
it can sound like a flute AND a trumpet AND a string section AT THE SAME TIME!
For backing or solo work, your universe of sounds expands.
It opens a whole new world of music making for you!

Mike Furlong

I like to play guitar, talk about guitars, and collect them. So many guitars, so little money!
Check out
Electric Guitar Advisor
or my blog Electric Guitar Advisor Blog

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