Discover the Best 7 Places to Travel Alone

Discover the Best 7 Places to Travel Alone Some say that traveling alone is the only way to go. Some of the best places to travel alone to are the same as any other place, it's what you do when you get there that matters. The advantages are endless-go where ever you want when you want to, do whatever activity you want, and spend only a little bit of money.

One of the best places to travel alone to is Costa Rica. The people are very friendly, the beaches are gorgeous, the mountains are beautiful, and they have very nice accommodations, great food and a great climate. Although sometimes a single woman will draw an inquisitive look now and then. Another city to visit is Prague in the Czech Republic because it's a very historical city. The old world architecture is awesome. The city is a treasure trove, with museums, music, art galleries and theaters. Some say Prague is best experienced if you're with a lover since it's very romantic, but it's ok to be alone. Some say one of the best places to travel alone to is Ireland in the off-season. If you don't like the hustle and bustle of other vacationers, April to October, is best time to travel to go. Sign up for a Celtic Spirit Journey with international teacher and writer, Mara Freeman, it is enlightening! Rome is one of the most beautiful places you can ever visit, full of history, arts, and culture. The best way to enjoy the Eternal City is to hire a local Official Tour Guide which will lead you through its hidden and captivating treasures. If you're into adventure, then you must visit Alaska. There is something for everybody, the scenery is stunning, and the locals really try to make your visit special. Since Alaska is known for its population of bears, you don't want to get lost, so book a tour guide to show you the sights. Until you have had a gondola ride on the Venice canal, you haven't ridden anything! Italy is one of the best places to travel alone because if you pick the gondola with a musician on it, you'll have the pleasure of some very fine music while you take in all the glorious sights of Venice. For the shopping and cuisine alone, New York City is worth experiencing. The Broadway shows, visiting Times Square, the shopping and climbing to the top of the Empire State Building is well worth the money you'll spend there. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself, keep safe and buy a lot of souvenirs Discover the Best 7 Places to Travel Alone

The First Reality TV Show - In 1952

The First Reality TV Show - In 1952 Reality television shows have been a craze for the past few years. You may not realize that the first reality TV show was first aired in the 1950s. It featured a band leader and his family. The show actually started on the radio and was a husband and wife affair. The children were brought in and later, after it had transferred to tv, the kids grew up, got married and their wives were also in the show.

It was called The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and had its roots in a spot on a radio show in 1935 and lasted 31 years until it ended its TV run in 1966. Oswald Nelson was born in 1906 in New Jersey. He studied law at Rutgers University and was also a keen musician. To help pay the fees, he was a part-time football coach. He also was in a band, playing saxophone. In time, he learned to play most of the band's instruments. When the depression hit in late 1929, Oswald realized that there was no guarantee of a job at the end of his studies. He enjoyed playing in the band and as this was a proven source of income, he decided to form his own band and try his luck. The Ozzie Nelson Band had moderate success playing lowly clubs around New York and the East Coast. When a competition was run by the New York Daily Mirror for readers to vote for their favorite band, he and the band obtained hundreds of unsold newspapers and sent in votes for themselves. When they won the competition the publicity spurred them into a bigger league and they could at least scrape a living. Oswald recruited beautiful 23 year old vaudeville showgirl Harriet Hilliard as lead singer in 1932. They soon fell in love and were married within three years. Their big break came when they were booked at the Glen Island Casino. Their performance was broadcast on national radio. In those days radio was as big as TV is today and this exposure led to their first big hit And then Some along with regular spots on The Baker's Broadcast radio show from 1935. They were then recruited to do regular spots on another popular radio show, The Red Skelton Show. In 1936 Harriet gave birth to their first son, David, followed in 1940 by brother Eric, later known as Ricky. Ozzie and Harriet were increasingly inserting comedy skits between musical numbers, and this seemingly spontaneous repartee went down well with the audience. These were basically skits based around the couple's family life. When Red Skelton was drafted in 1944, Ozzie and Harriet were offered the vacated time slot and filled it with The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Oswald decided to major on the comedy scripting, with the music taking second place. In time, the music was dropped altogether with the scripts being penned by Oswald. The subject was once again their own family life including their two sons, played by actors. By 1949 the actors were replaced by the real David and Ricky, largely as a result from pressure from the boys themselves and a guest appearance by Bing Crosby who brought his own two sons along to appear in the show. If Bing's kids could do it, then so could Ozzie's kids. In 1952 the show was premiered on ABC television. By now David was 16 and Ricky was 12. The theme continued to be the family. Many of the comedy script ideas came from incidents that actually occurred in the Nelson household. If the boys took up a hobby, that would be featured. When David and later Ricky started dating girls this was also included and became a regular theme. By the time he was 17, Ricky began to take an interest in the new rock 'n' roll music that had taken hold of so many of his generation. He once dated a girl who swooned over Elvis Presley. Not wishing to be outdone, Ricky told her that he was cutting his own disc, a fact that had absolutely no foundation. Wishing to turn this white lie into reality he asked his father to pull some strings. By 1957, Ricky had a recording deal and released Fat's Domino's song I'm Walking. Ozzie duly produced a special script of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet that would feature the new song. A few years back this may not have had any great effect, but by the late 1950's television was rapidly being taken up across the country and I'm Walkin' became a big hit. Ricky was an overnight pop idol. Oswald soon realised that the TV show was a perfect way to promote Ricky's records and that the show would attract more viewers, especially teenagers. From this point onwards, Ricky's songs would feature in many of the episodes. When they couldn't be incorporated into the script, a song performance by Ricky would simply be tacked on to the end of an episode. When the boys finally married - David to June Blair in 1961 and Ricky to Kristin Harmon in 1964 - the art-imitates-life theme was taken to new heights when the wives were cast in the show to play themselves. Had The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet not been cancelled in 1966, maybe the show would still be playing with Ozzie and Harriet's grandchildren taking up the baton. What was striking was the way that the scripts, all written or supervised by Oswald, paralleled their real life so closely. When Ozzie and Harriet cracked their first joke on stage together back in the 1930's, little did they know that this would lead to one of the longest running shows on tv and the grand-daddy of today's reality TV. The First Reality TV Show - In 1952

Show Off Your Team Spirit With PVC Patches

Show Off Your Team Spirit With PVC Patches If you want your sports team to really stand out in the crowd, then you need a symbol that can identify all of you as proud members! The colors of the team are always something that you can proudly wear, something that brings all the players together, but you should consider to add something else, something more visible and everlasting, such as team patches.

When talking about custom made patches, there are many options available in the market, such as, embroidered, woven or PVC patches. All of them are very popular among clubs, teams and different types or organizations and it will depend on your specific project which one will work best for you. PVC patches are a great option for sports teams. They are inexpensive and they can be easily attached to different clothes or accessories. What is more, durability is not an issue for them, they are water resistant and they can last more than 5 years even in the harshest weather conditions. If you are a coach or even a player, you can't go wrong by suggesting PVC patches for your team. PVC patches can be a wonderful idea when it comes to school clubs. In today's economy people are always looking for ways to save some money and parents are not the exception. Sometimes, even the most proud and dedicated mom is not willing to spend a lot of money in a uniform and team patches can help to solve the dilemma. The entire team can dress in black or white or actually any color they want and simply attach a PVC patch at the front or back of the t-shirt. Team patches go great with soccer, baseball, basketball, and because the material is water resistant, they can even be used by the whole swimming team. Because PVC patches can be done in any size or shape, they work great in any part of the uniform. Then again, these patches can be used in other garments and accessories such as jackets, gloves, hats, bags, etc. Besides, PVC allows you to reproduce at an exact scale any logo the team has previously chosen, keeping the proportions and colors, something that is not always easy to achieve when you print the logo directly on a t-shirt. Another advantage of this kind of patches is that they are really easy to attach. Your team patches can be sewn on the garment if you want them to stay permanent, or they can have a velcro backing if you want to change them every year or every season. Anyway, it's your choice! Now you know why investing in PVC patches is a great idea for your sports team or school club: they are affordable, they are durable, they are simple to attach and they don't get ruined in the water. But what may be more important, the right PVC patches will give your team a true sense of identity! Show Off Your Team Spirit With PVC Patches

Review of Rock of Ages Broadway Musical

Review of Rock of Ages Broadway Musical I saw "Rock of Ages" just last week and had first refused lout aloud when asked by my son. It is a jukebox musical which I hate to see ever since Beach Boys debacle back then. I also think that the eighties are my lost decade since I was then just married and was raising my son, I didn't pay attention to the music.

I was forced to go because my son's date backed out in the last minute and it would be a waste of the ticket. Although reluctant, I managed to drag myself to the theatre front door, amidst a long subway ride and heavy rain, and anticipating that I would react to the show by sitting and wishing I was elsewhere. I didn't know that I was in for a total surprise, and that the show would totally blow me away. "Rock of Ages" is on a totally different level compared to other broadway musicals, it can be seen more as an arena concert, where there are drinks served in the aisles of the theatre, having back up band and little LED flashlights taking place of lighters that are usually waved in the air on encores. It is then, I found out that I am in for something much more than a Broadway musical. It tells of a story of boy meets girl, which is filled with clichés and characters similar to the rock and roll ages of the 80's. Drew, the rockstar wannabe played by Constantine Maroulis falls in love for Sherrie, the nave girl who ran away to become a star, played by Amy Spanger. There's also a former hippie who opens a rock club dive on the Strip, an entrepreneur who specializes in ruining all the fun, his son who's learning the ropes of the business and a social activist trying to preserve the integrity of the society. The whole play is about getting great laughs, where Lonny, played by Mitcheel Jarvis gives out a breaking performance. Lonny truly understands that it is a joke and breaks the wall a couple of times in the performance to laugh with the audience. The whole story is amusing and funny as well as the costumes. It was surprising that I came to love the music. I found that I liked this music as if they came from a long lost memory of my youth. There were songs by classic artist such as Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Bon Jovi and Jorney. This show is full of great performances that seem to top out each other and the story itself eventually comes to a happy, yet unexpected ending. After the show, I find myself wanting to watch it a second, and maybe a third time. Review of Rock of Ages Broadway Musical

Top Travel Destinations in the United States

Top Travel Destinations in the United States Planning to pay Uncle Sam a visit and don't know where to go? Being a huge country that it is, the United States offers just about anything for any type of tourist they attract. They also offer top accommodations to pamper even the most fastidious royalties. With all these different tourist attractions, one is left with so many choices that it makes the selection process even more difficult. Allow us to narrow down your choices and feature the top vacation destinations in the US.

New York, New York! Undoubtedly the most famous city in the United States. The world knows how this city never sleeps and is a landmark when it comes to urban living. With its towering skyscrapers and historical buildings, this is a must-see for people traveling to the US. Aside from its modern appeal, New York City has been successful in combing nature with modernity as evidence by the massive Central Park. Go to Broadway Street and watch top stage actors show thespian prowess show after show. Don't leave without that I love NY shirt! Miami/Orlando, Florida! Get a taste of American beaches. Yes, the sandy ones I mean. Miami offers beautiful spots perfect for that lazy afternoon of sipping margaritas and enjoying a good book. If you feel like strolling around, head over to the Marketplace for great finds and some open-air shopping. Orlando boasts of theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wet N' Wild, Seaworld and many more! If you are feeling more outdoorsy, why not try paintball? Paintball is a war simulation game of two opposing teams. Each member of the team is armed with markers (air guns) that are loaded with pellets. The objective of the game is to take down as many enemies by shooting them with pellets. Florida offers 73 paintball fields with two sites in Miami and seven in Orlando. Las Vegas, Nevada! If night life is what you seek, then Las Vegas is the place for you! Hop from one luxury hotel to another and get a chance to win big in their top casinos - Venetian Resort and Casino or Aladdin Hotel Casino. The view of lights from the Stratosphere tower is also a must-see. However wild the party and night may be, remember that "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Hollywood, California! Come to the place movies are made. International blockbusters, art house favorites and independent films, you can find them all being filmed in one of the most glamorous cities in the United States. Experience Hollywood through these locations: Mann's Chinese Theater, Universal Studios, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kodak Theater and the famous Hollywood sign. Lights, Camera, Action! Still confused on where to go? Here's one more piece of advice, be sure to take the trip that fits your interest so you can fully appreciate the attractions in the city that you visit. Wherever you decide to go, do what most tourist are best in doing - take pictures and have fun! Happy travels! Top Travel Destinations in the United States

2011 Fashion Trends For Children's Clothing

2011 Fashion Trends For Children's Clothing 2010 has been an interesting year for fashion. This is the year where the press criticized celebrity baby Suri Cruise for wearing expensive designer kid's clothing. This is the year where designer brands began to actively produce clothes for children-as there seems to be a market for expensive kid's clothing. This is the year where children and adults alike explored the potentials of fashion from another culture-with Japanese and Korean fashion being in the forefront of the kid's clothing and adult clothing fashion trends. And the year has not even ended!

So what can people expect for the year 2011? It's not too early to tell: after all, designers and clothing companies release their clothing lines early. The likes of Ducci and even lesser known brands such as Ouef Eco have already shown their 2011 designs, among many others. What prominent trends can be seen from these early kid's clothing releases? Perhaps the most prominent trend to surge for the year 2011 is the theme of practical luxury or elegance for kid's clothing. Again, this is a trend that probably stemmed from the "Suri Cruise effect," wherein children want to wear designer clothes and parents want to dress their children in design brands. However, the clothing companies are gunning for something appropriate for kids despite its designer-luxury trappings. These designer kid's clothing items will be comfortable and will steer away from styles that are inappropriate for the toddler and pre-teen set. Of course, don't expect these "practical luxuries" to be practically priced. The eco-conscious theme will also become prominent in 2011, sipping its way from the adult runway to the kid's clothing industry. Expect kid's clothing pieces made from highly sustainable materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, and other similar fabrics. In short: frivolous is out, environmental trends are in. Fashion pundits are already proclaiming the year 2011 as the year when the 80s rocker look returns. Expect this influence to become apparent in kid's clothing-or at least in teen and pre-teen clothing. Don't expect kid's clothing to incorporate the leather and the highly sexualized look of 80s rock, although many will see the disgruntled, mixed and matched styles that the 80s made popular. Because of this, Japanese-inspired kid's clothing will become a bigger hit in 2011. This fashion aesthetic somewhat adheres to the concept of 80s fashion-clothes and accessories that shouldn't match but go well together anyway, the somewhat mature Victorian-inspired dresses, the exotic Lolita-styled dresses made innocent and child-like (and therefore safe yet cute). For girl's fashion, expect dresses with flowing fabrics. This trend, which is more apparent in countries such as Australia and United Kingdom, is likely to be incorporated in kid's clothing-a far cry from the current trend of flesh showing for women's fashion. What not to expect in kid's clothing in 2011: velvet. Many fashion journalists are already seeing velvet as a major material in some of the biggest designs for next year-but it's unlikely that this material will enter the kid's clothing scene. It goes without saying that the year 2011 is still several months away-anything can happen in the world of kid's clothing. 2011 Fashion Trends For Children's Clothing

Comdex and CES Shows - 2010 is Intense - What Will Comdex and CES Las Vegas 2011 Be Like?

Comdex and CES Shows - 2010 is Intense - What Will Comdex and CES Las Vegas 2011 Be Like? At the Las Vegas CES show this year it was amazing to watch the strategies employed, it appeared as if Nokia was trying to preempt the launch of Google's New Phone, which we learned later would be the Nexus One. Nokia told of its GPS feature which would be standard on its smart phone models - some ten different handsets in fact. And not just any old GPS, we are talking turn-by-turn GPS features. Move over Garmin, Tom Tom, and DeLorme.

Not only was Nokia doing a little tidy'ing up on the smart phone market share front, but also sending some shock waves through the personal GPS markets as well. The Ovi Maps software which run the Nokia turn-to-turn GPS system runs in 75 nations and you can speak to it with voice recognition software in nearly 50 languages. Can you say; "Ah, Hello artificial intelligence!" Interestingly enough, did you know that Nokia made nearly a billion dollars in profit in 2009 and sold some 1.46 million handsets, and even with the market share attack now from Apple and Google in the sexy, and sleek smart phone space, 2010 appears good for Nokia in world-wide sales. Nokia's Symbian 4 Operating System is quite the advancement as well, apparently attempting to not fall too far behind Apple's 3GS iPhone. In the future we can expect even more features, perhaps, holographic cell phone video conferencing, or perhaps, projection cell phone with mobile TV interface, anyway, if it can be dreamed, these personal tech gurus of science and industry will deliver, you can count on that, for sure! For 2011, it appears to me that 3D TV will have some new features to look forward too, such as eye-tracking using your 3D headsets, and perhaps the first holographic projection phone prototypes, albeit, perhaps too expensive for the average citizen and only able to run on 4G networks, with an exorbitant or outrageous calling plan. Sound too far-fetched to you? It shouldn't really. Indeed, your smart phone may be linked to your living room VR gaming center, and pull snap shots or video from your real world to be replayed in a video fashion online, alone, or networked with friends. All this is coming too, and considering the iPhone, iPad, video projection smart phones, real time GPS, etc. it only makes sense that this is the next logical step and natural progression. Please consider all this. Comdex and CES Shows - 2010 is Intense - What Will Comdex and CES Las Vegas 2011 Be Like?

Does the Flu Shot for 2010 - 2011 Contain the Swine Flu Vaccine? Do I Need a Flu Shot?

Does the Flu Shot for 2010 - 2011 Contain the Swine Flu Vaccine? Do I Need a Flu Shot? It's that time of year again. Children back at school. Football season is underway and baseball playoffs to start soon. The television networks are rolling out their new shows.

And it is also time to think about getting flu shots. Just got mine today as I have done annually since going to medical school. Compared to last year, there isn't as much news about the flu or the flu vaccine. This year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gives clear guidelines that everyone aged 6 months and older should get the influenza vaccine. This month the American Academy of Pediatric recommends that all healthcare providers should be required to get the influenza vaccine. And one fact that hasn't gotten much attention is whether the 2009 H1N1 virus is included in the 2010 - 2011 vaccine? Yes it is. This year's vaccine will be as safe as vaccines in past years as the production process is unchanged. Inclusion of the 2009 H1N1 virus will not be a problem. These facts are far calmer than the news in the spring of 2009 when the appearance of a novel influenza virus had the world extremely anxious. Unlike other flu viruses, the swine flu or H1N1 virus was more easily contracted by young and healthy adults as well as infants, children, and pregnant women. Older adults seemed to be spared. A flu virus attacking young and healthy resulting in deaths raised concerns that perhaps this was the beginning of a pandemic much like the 1918 influenza pandemic which killed millions worldwide. Influenza or flu is not simply a bad cold. It's a viral illness that nationally causes tens of thousands of deaths. When first signs of this new virus appeared in April 2009, scientists worked feverishly not only to identify it but also figure out how to create a vaccine to protect the public. The potential for millions of deaths worldwide was a significant possibility. By the fall, a new vaccine was available. Because of the time it took to determine the viral DNA sequence, it was not included in the 2009 - 2010 flu vaccine combination batch. Patients would need to get a separate flu shot in addition to the traditional one. That is when the firestorm of controversy occurred. Instead of being grateful that scientists that a new vaccine was produced in record time, concerns of about safety appeared. In addition on the initial rollout, there was inadequate or uneven supply of vaccine which resulted in lines of people waiting for a limited supply of vaccine. People were being turned away. To add to the uncertainty, the optimum dosage of vaccine to be given to children wasn't initially clear. All of this didn't help allay fears. "Deadly virus about to kill millions. Untested vaccine rushed to production." None of these stories panned out. Fortunately the H1N1 pandemic wasn't as deadly as initially feared. Nevertheless many of these unconfirmed concerns spread quickly and were repeated resulting in many unnecessarily scared patients. People are increasingly skeptical of large institutions and organizations, even if they are working in the public's best interest. As people become more irrational about making important decisions of significant consequence, it is vital that people can trust a group of individuals who put the well-being of others first. It is vital that doctors step up and lead by example. Doing the right thing means that if controversy appears, whether regarding vaccinations or healthcare reform and policy changes, doctors must step up and be heard. Too much misinformation exists. The public is increasingly confused. Speaking up means sometime you have to disagree with fellow doctors. Doing the right thing sometimes is the hardest thing to do. Getting a flu vaccine certainly isn't one of them. Do the right thing, roll-up your sleeves, and get the flu vaccine. It's what I'll be doing for my family. Demonstrate to your staff and your patients it is the right thing to do. Doctor, get vaccinated. Remind them to get the flu vaccine. Does the Flu Shot for 2010 - 2011 Contain the Swine Flu Vaccine? Do I Need a Flu Shot?

Top Boutiques in NYC

Top Boutiques in NYC You want to dress yourself in your style, your own mark then New York City has the answer! NYC has numerous fantastic boutiques for you to get customized dresses. Women need not be worried simply because New York City is host to some of the finest boutiques in the world! All you need is to share your idea with them and you get your dreams turned into reality here.

What Goes Around Comes Around - is a renowned name in the vintage clothing industry since 1993. Fashion lovers visit WGACA for its rare vintage gems and modern pieces with unique clothing lines for both men and women. Alexis Bittar -defines bold and colorful. Here you will find exceptional jewelry handcrafted, hand-painted Lucite and delicate with semiprecious stones set in sterling silver. ROSIE POPE MATERNITY is one of the best boutiques in New York City. It was formed to celebrate and cherish women and their pregnancy experiences. The Shop is there to bring out the real beauty of pregnant females. H & M is top female boutique offering high fashion and quality at the best price. Rag & Bone is David Neville and Marcus Wainwright's first New York boutique! It is similar to their clothing trademark: Simple, understated, but still mesmerizing. Men and women both can treat themselves to the duo's must-have denim in an environment where you can buy something that is long e term! French Fashions - Best hunting place of college graduates and stylish twenty. Another fantastic boutique in New York City is the Darling Boutique of Broadway costume designer Anne French Emonts. This is one place that caters to romantic, theatricality, and old-school charming clothing. This NYC is the best spot to hit when looking for the perfect wear for a special occasion. This New York City boutique also has a backyard where you can simply experience a moment's calm and serenity before starting your dress hunt again! Classic Tailoring at Etro: This family run gorgeous boutique is known for beautiful Italian hand-loomed paisleys in rich colors and luscious silks and cashmeres. Find Outlet is one of the many smaller New York City shops, where you can buy without a crowd. At Girly Wear, you can pick from this shop's trendy feminine clothing and accessories or bring your own stuff to be custom made! Other New York City classic boutiques include names as Flying A, Gigi Boutique, Gente, Ghost, Intermix, Jutta Neumann and Legacy. Top Boutiques in NYC

Fun Valentines Day Gifts for Guys and the Best Valentines 2011 Ideas

Fun Valentines Day Gifts for Guys and the Best Valentines 2011 Ideas Valentine's 2011 is approaching, and while some may only start shopping last-minute, planning a really special, non-cliched Valentine's Day takes a little bit of effort! This is especially the case when you're shopping for the perfect Valentines gifts for him and you're tired of being cheesy or boring, but you have to stick to a budget. If that's the case, check out these fun budget-friendly ideas to spice up your V-day!

CREATIVE VALENTINES IDEAS FOR ALL THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE No matter what his interests are, or whether you're trying to make it a happy Valentines for your Dad, husband, or boyfriend, here are some of the best Valentines ideas to bring a smile to anybody's face and transform a holiday that can sometimes be a bit cliched from dull to delightful. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach: Everybody loves a home-cooked meal, so it's hard to go wrong with this idea for V-Day! It's also less expensive than dining at a fancy restaurant. For a special finishing touch to the evening, get a fondue set like the Toastess Fondue Maker from Buy.com and enjoy some delicious chocolate fondue, or brew up a latte for your loved one with the funky Espressione Cafe Retro Espresso/Cappucino Machine from Sears.com. Long-distance love: If the man you love lives in a different city or country, you can still make it a special Valentines 2011 by sending email gift cards. It's also a great way to save as there are no shipping costs on online gift cards. Personalized presents: Incorporating your memories into a gift is always a great way to add a unique touch to your Valentines gift. For instance, if he's missing your home-cooked meals, you could put some of your favorite recipes onto an iPad for him, or put a fresh spin on the mixed tape by uploading music from fun times you've had together onto his iPod. If you're looking instead for the perfect Valentines Day gifts for guys based on personality, check out the following gift ideas, sorted by type. HIGH-TECH VALENTINES GIFTS FOR THE GADGET GUY Blu Valentine: There are a lot of portable DVD players on the market, but with Blu-ray quickly becoming the standard for movie-watching, consider getting a portable Blu-ray player for the tech guy on the go - the Samsung BDC8000 Portable 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player from TigerDirect is a terrific option, with a 10.3" screen and both 3D and Wi-Fi capabilities. Kinect with him: The Microsoft Kinect motion-sensing system for Xbox 360 is one of the hottest gadgets on the shelves right now, so if your guy is a big video game buff, get him the Microsoft Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect and the Kinect Adventures game, available at Kmart.com! Photo finish: Digital SLRs are becoming really popular as more people want to have quality photos for their blogs and for social networking, so if you're buying for a man who's a little artsy and a little high-tech, check out a camera like the Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR from Sears.com! SPORTY VALENTINES DAY GIFTS FOR GUYS WITH ACTIVE LIFESTYLES Take a hike: If your man loves the great outdoors, help him stay warm and dry during his hikes with the North Face Atlas Triclimate Jacket from Shoebuy.com! The fleece interior jacket is removable so he can use it in multiple seasons, and it has a waterproof breathable outer shell. Camp out: A good, lightweight three-season tent makes for a great Valentines gift for the camping enthusiast - try something like the Texsport Phoenix Tent from Sears.com for your next romantic backpacking adventure together. Stay on track: Don't get lost while venturing off the beaten path - get him a GPS navigator like the Garmin eTrex Venture HC Portable Navigator, available from Mwave.com. THE PERFECT FIT WITH STYLISH VALENTINES GIFTS FOR THE WELL-GROOMED MAN Off the cuff(link): Cufflinks make for elegant and classy Valentines Day gifts for guys. For a fun twist (or if you're shopping for a guy's first pair of cufflinks), try the Blue Button Mother-of-Pearl Silver Plated Cufflinks from Forzieri.com. Watch it! Every guy can do with a nice dress watch, and you can really make a big style impact with something like the Caravelle Men's Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch with Diamond Accent from Sears.com, which is set with eight genuine diamonds. Here comes the sun: Sunglasses are the perfect accessory for any man, especially if you choose a bestselling classic style like the Ray-Ban Aviator Outdoorsman Sunglasses, available at AC Lens! Fun Valentines Day Gifts for Guys and the Best Valentines 2011 Ideas

TV Talk Show Sidekicks

TV Talk Show Sidekicks The era of the TV sidekick seems to have come to an end. Before, many famous talk show hosts such as Ed McMahon always had an ever faithful sidekick right by their side. They played second banana, participating in jokes and pranks, and often being the recipient of such hijinks. It's not easy being the wingman or second in command. It's a position that requires humility and finesse. You have be humble and somewhat servile; you have to be a buddy even if you are the brunt of the jokes. Today, the trusted sidekick is something of a rare specimen. Some have chalked it all up to the digital age. Today we have HD TVs, thousands of shows on satellite TV and the whole second man act really doesn't capture our attention so easily.

Besides, many shows actually let the audience participate by blogging, texting or even calling in. Often audience members are chosen to share the stage, ever so briefly, with the host; they take over the role that was once relegated to the sidekick. However, a revival may be in the makings. Conan O'Brian, that tall drink of water, is bringing back his lovable pal Andy Richter who used to sit side couch with the host in NY. Soon he'll be right back at it in LA. In the meantime, you can reminisce over these classic talk show sidekicks. Catch the highlights on satellite TV. Ed McMahon virtually invented the role of talk show sidekick. Before he started doing the New Year's countdown in HD and before he hawked incredibly large checks for Publisher's Clearing House, McMahon played second banana to the legendary Johnny Carson for an incredible run of thirty years. He developed the role of the second person sitting on the couch, pitching jokes and setting up Carson. Really, without Ed, Carson's show would have been quite different. McMahon's trademark exclamation Heeeeeeerrrrrre's Johnny has become a pop culture catchphrase. Peggy Cass was an actress, comedienne and game show panelist. She is most known though as being Jack Paar's second fiddle on the Tonight Show. Cass filled in as announcer on the show during the 1970s. She clowned around like the best of them. Cass later went on to be a regular on the quiz show circuit. You can still catch some of her performances on satellite TV. Regis Philbin, before he went on to host his own show, started off as the sidekick on the Joey Bishop Show. Bishop was fond of teasing the young Philbin; once Bishop's teasing went too far and Philbin walked off the set during a live broadcast. However, as we all know, Regis has made it to the top ranks and is one of the most enduring talk show hosts around. More recent sidekicks usually also double as band leaders. For example, Paul Shaffer, the musical director on the Tonight Show, often lends David Letterman a hand in some of his jokes; he's also there for moral support and banter. Max Weinberg, drummer on Conan, takes up the same role, especially since the departure of Richter. Despite their waning popularity, there will always be a role for the trusty, steadfast friend and clown. TV Talk Show Sidekicks

Using Symbols to Show Emotion in Text

Using Symbols to Show Emotion in Text In written forms of communication, smileys or emoticons are used to portray the mood of the message. To make the smiley faces, colons or semicolons are used for the eyes and various letters are used for the mouth to display the emotion. For instance a smiley face with a wink and a smile is a semicolon with a closing parenthesis. Example; ) For a frown a colon with a left hand parentheses. Example: (. A big smile is a colon with a capital D. Example: D

While smileys are made purely of text characters, emoticons are little yellow faces that can be loaded from smileyCentral. Both display emotions to enhance the message of the text. The acceptance of the smileys for informal and written messages are largely due to the abundance of communications by text messages, message boards and instant messaging (IM). With the increasing use of the internet and wireless digital telecommunications, the adoption of the smileys has taken prominence. This movement was initiated by the youth and there is probably not a young person out there who does not know the meaning or usage of smileys. The emotions displayed have evolved from just happiness and sadness to disbelief, anger, playfulness and surprise. Females use the emoticons much more often than males. This may be due to feeling more comfortable in expressing emotions or they may be more versed in using telecommunication nuance techniques. Those who criticize the use of emoticons as being detrimental to the depth of human communication do not address the benefits of using them for quicker messages with more intimate text messages. Smileys have all been figured out and do not have the range of emotions that emoticons can express. The future of these symbols seem to have hit a plateau and the future or more nuanced symbols would require a wider range of symbols for longer text messages. Using Symbols to Show Emotion in Text

Top Five Activities for Kids in San Antonio - Family Fun and Entertainment

Top Five Activities for Kids in San Antonio - Family Fun and Entertainment As a life-long resident, I have experienced most of the "must-do" kids activities in San Antonio. Now that I am raising children of my own, I am blessed to be able to share some of these same family fun experiences with them. Here are my picks for the top five must-do activities for kids.

Seaworld SeaWorld of San Antonio is a marine life-based amusement park and aquarium. From dolphins to beluga and killer whales to penguins and sea lions, children get a chance to view these creatures, as well as interact with some of them. Being both an amusement park and aquarium, Seaworld offers a wonderful lineup of entertaining shows and thrill rides, along with a waterpark and a very special place called "Shamu's Happy Harbor", where kids can enjoy a water play area of their own. SeaWorld is a great way to spend a day, or even an entire summer! Magik Children's Theatre The Magik Children's Theatre, located in the heart of downtown, is a wonderful place for kids to experience the magic of theatre, while watching some of their favorite children's books be put into action. The theatre, which offers plays year-round, focuses only on popular children's literature. They also offer resources for educators who would like to expand what their students learned in the play, as well as a touring group who performs at schools and events around the area. San Antonio Zoo Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! The San Antonio Zoo, which is located on fifty six acres near Brackenridge Park in San Antonio, is home to over 3,500 animals, making it one of the best zoos to visit in the nation. The zoo also boasts the Kronkosky Tiny Tot Nature Spot, which is an entire area dedicated to the development and education of young children, allowing children to learn through play and to immerse themselves in the nature all around them. Witte Museum - HEB Science Treehouse The H-E-B Science Treehouse, located inside the Witte Museum, offer four stories of fun for kids of all ages. Exhibits include Eco-Science, Body Transformation and the H-E-B Sky Cycle. The H-E-B Science Treehouse, and the other exhibits which the Witte Museum has to offer can make for a morning or afternoon of fun! Kiddie Park The Kiddie Park, located on Broadway, has been a staple for San Antonio kids fun since 1925. Recently purchased by new owners and renovated, the park provides a one-of-a-kind experience for family fun. There is nothing that comes close to watching your child's eyes fill with excitement as they ride the carousel or kiddie-sized ferris wheel. From the rides to the music to the treats, the Kiddie Park offers an opportunity for kids to step back into a simple era of fun! Top Five Activities for Kids in San Antonio - Family Fun and Entertainment

2010-2011 Economic Predictions For the "Average Joe"

2010-2011 Economic Predictions For the "Average Joe" Average Joe Prediction #1: The economy will slump into another recession by the end of 2010. This is double trouble for the Average Joe. You combine a slowing economy with high unemployment, along with the end of tax cuts and you end up with a situation that will squeeze the middle class. To combat this problem, focus your effort on keeping a reserve of cash on hand, as well as current or future sources or ideas of generating extra income quickly.

Average Joe Prediction #2: The stock market will gyrate in wild up and down swings with mostly sideways movement, perhaps ending 2010 at the 8000-8500 level. The 2011 market may trend lower, to perhaps the 6000-6500 level by year end 2011. Media will not admit to continual signs of economic weakness and hope for a return of a bull market. People like "Cramer" on TV will insist the market is oversold and that now is the best time to buy. For the Average Joe, you may want to consider investments that include financial stocks supported directly or indirectly by the government. These may be the only safe havens that can provide returns. Small and mid-capped stocks might get thrown under the bus since they do not have the strength to combat higher taxes, health care reform and slow markets. Average Joe Prediction #3: Oil prices will go up, and gas will end 2010 at .25 per gallon on average, while 2011 will yield prices at the -.00 per gallon level. This might seem high, but considering the current BP disaster, the government in conjunction with the oil industry, will start price hikes for a number of reasons. The biggest reason will be to help pass legislation on cap and trade, to pressure the public that alternative energy is the best way to go. The other factor will be the BP disaster, and its inflated effect on the oil markets. The rug will be pulled out from under the Average Joe in this case, with price hikes taking people by surprise. A good hedge for this problem is to simply conserve fuel by purchasing fuel efficient vehicles. 30 to 40 miles per gallon sub compact cars, as well as car pooling can keep this item in line on your budget. Average Joe Prediction #4: Possible changes in currency/dollar value. In this case inflation or deflation may be the outcome by 2011. For the Average Joe, you can prepare for this scenario by forming alliances with other people and businesses that like to barter or trade goods and services, rather than paying for them with devalued or overvalued dollars. 2010-2011 Economic Predictions For the "Average Joe"

Life Insurance Industry Performance: Apr 2010-Mar 2011

Life Insurance Industry Performance: Apr 2010-Mar 2011 The annual sales figure of the Indian life insurance industry for 2010-11 are now available.

This has indeed been a tumultuous year for the industry, with the new regulations on ULIPs coming into force from Sep 1, 2010. In certain cases, the private life insurance players have had a sales dip of as much as 35% post the new regulations taking effect, over the corresponding period in the previous year. However, the overall dip has got masked due to the robust performance in the first half of the financial year. Gradually, the life insurance industry is finding its feet post the regulations and reported traction in sales during the month of March, 2011. The biggest beneficiary of the new regulations has been LIC, the big daddy of insurance in India. At an overall level, the life insurance industry has reported a growth of 15% over the previous year. The industry reported new business premium of Rs 1.26 lakh crores in FY10-11 over Rs 1.09 lakh crores in FY 09-10. However, most of this growth was accounted for by LIC which recorded a 22% increase in premium to Rs 86,444 crores from an earlier 70891 crores. In the process, LIC increased its market share of the overall life insurance market by 4% from 64.86 % to 68.7%. The private life insurance players, with a combined premium of Rs 39,381 crores and a market share of 31.3%, reported only a 3% growth in new business premium in this financial year. However, that tells only part of the story. In the last 6 months since when the ULIP regulations came into force, the private life insurance industry would have had a significant de-growth which has been hidden by the stronger performance prior to the regulations taking effect. The New business premium and the market share of the private players is as follows. New Business Premium is in (Crs) and market share is in percentages Market Share ICICI Prudential 7861, 6.3% SBI Life 7571, 6.0% HDFC Life 4065, 3.2% Bajaj Allianz 3462, 2.8% Reliance Life 3035, 2.4% Birla Sunlife 2077, 1.7% Max New York 2060, 1.6% Tata AIG 1331, 1.1% Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual 1253, 1.0% Canara HSBC OBC Life 823, 0.7% Star Union Dai-ichi 759, 0.6% Aviva 745, 0.6% IndiaFirst 705, 0.6% Met Life 704, 0.6% ING Vysya 660, 0.5% Shriram Life 575, 0.5% Future Generali Life 449, 0.4% IDBI Federal 445, 0.4% Bharti Axa Life 362, 0.3% Aegon Religare 275, 0.2% SaharaLife 91, 0.1% DLF Pramerica 74, 0.1% Total 39381, 31.3% Clearly, the top 5 private players are ICICI Prudential, SBI Life, HDFC, Bajaj Allianz and Reliance Life while there are 14 life insurance companies at a market share of less than 1%. A detailed look at the business premiums of the private companies throws up a list of companies which have had a significant increase in premium, while at the same time, a few have lost ground. IndiaFirst Life has recorded a significant increase of 250% premium growth, though on a significantly low base. DLF Pramerica and Aegon Religare have also shown an increase on a low base, but the most impressive increases are for Canara HSBC Oriental, HDFC Life and ICICI Prudential Life, all of whom have recorded increase of +25%. IndiaFirst 250% DLF Pramerica 98% Aegon Religare 83% Star Union Dai-ichi 46% Shriram Life 37% Canara HSBC OBC Life 29% HDFC Standard 25% ICICI Prudential 24% However, a few private life insurance companies have registered significant degrowth. MetLife, which lost the Axis Bank relationship, registered a decrease in premium income of as much as 34% (it is in the final shortlist for the PNB Bancassurance relationship, and could possibly make up the lost ground). Birla SunLife's new business premium was 30% less than last year, while Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance had a 22% decrease. It would be interesting to see how the life insurance industry performs in the current financial year, which would be the first full year since the watershed regulations on ULIPs took effect. In the long term, the changes brought about would be healthy for the life insurance market in India. The pensions product, which used to account for 30% of the market and for all practical purposes was killed by the new regulations, would also come back to life in this financial year as IRDA is planning to bring about changes from its earlier guidelines. All in all, it promises to be an interesting year ahead. Shankar Nath Life Insurance Industry Performance: Apr 2010-Mar 2011

Top College Basketball Arenas

Top College Basketball Arenas If you're a fan of college basketball then these are the courts that are said to be the best of best to watch a game in. Between the skills the seating and the concessions there's no better place to see a game then these courts.

In first is Kansas' Allen Fieldhouse. Built in 1955 it gets 16,300 fans surprisingly close to the action and makes your eardrums feel on the verge of popping. This place has a charm to it that you just can't find in many arenas. Composed of almost all bleachers fans can populate this building with ease. It was ahead of its time with the bleachers in the corners angled in toward the court and three concourses that spread out the crowd to relieve pedestrian congestion. Minnesota's Williams Arena comes in second. Built in 1928 it's historic and charming. With a raised playing floor, the first row of fans look at the players at about knee level. They also did a good job of honoring their history by having large banners hanging in the arena of past Gopher greats. The concessions won't put a strain on you're wallet either. This arena can hold about 14, 395 for basketball. Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse is another one built in 1928. Try to catch an afternoon game when the sun is shinning in from the windows at the top of the arena as if the heavens are watching the game too. If it doesn't send chills down your back, you are not a genuine hoops fan. The Fieldhouse can house about 11,000 for basketball. The historic Palestra home court for Penn comes in fourth. It was built in 1927 and seats 8700 for basketball. It is loud and when you walk around the outer concourse, you get a real sense of the history of this sacred basketball building. There are pictures of many of the past greats from the Big 5 who played there hanging on the wall and in display cases. Finally, Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium ranks fifth. The student crowd, known as the 'Cameron Crazies', are mind blowing with their well-embedded actions and chants for all 60 minutes of the game. A forceful half-time show gets everyone pumped as well. Fans have to squeeze in here a little more than they would like, but the history is great from the architecture of the building to the numerous displays documenting the past. The stadium seats 9,314 screaming fans. Top College Basketball Arenas

Top Vegas Attractions You Shouldn't Miss

Top Vegas Attractions You Shouldn't Miss A Las Vegas vacation can be an all encompassing experience. There are so many things to see while in Vegas that it could easily take a month and still there would be things left to do that were not got to. If you're planning a trip to this popular gambling getaway, prepare to be amazed by the sights and sounds - from Broadway style shows to top notch gambling to amazing culinary delights - there is something in Vegas for everyone in your group.

Fremont Street is the Times Square of Las Vegas. This lit up haven of street performers and shops has the feel of a carnival. Strolling around in the evening is the best time to see the sights on Fremont Street, and this section of the city is simply dazzling. The Adventure Dome Theme Park is completely indoors with over five acres of rides. There are tons of rides and plenty of amusement activities to keep everyone busy for hours. There is some adult themed entertainment as well, and it is interesting and unique as everything is Vegas seems to be. Travel the world and never leave the strip. The Eiffel Tower Experience combined with the Gondola Ride at the Venetian will take you to Paris and Italy all in the same day. Of course each ride has an opportunity to grab some food - French or Italian - both prepared by master chefs from either France or Italy. The Lion Habitat at the MGM is an awesome sight to see. The Lions are presented in a habitat that is several levels high, they are completely at home and are ignorant of the gawking visitors, and sometimes (depending on the time of year) there are cubs running around with their parents. It is really a phenomenal sight. The Strip in Las Vegas is the hot spot for Las Vegas; all the big name hotels are located on The Strip. The hotels are not only amazing on the inside but are pretty awesome on the outside as well. The Bellagio for example puts on an amazing to see water show. The fountains at the Bellagio are world renowned. The water spouts out of over four hundred individual mini fountains within fountains, and dances to music ranging from Pavarotti to Sinatra - and it is an incredible sight to see. The Mirage, which is also located on The Strip, has a volcano out front that erupts every hour on the hour from dusk until dawn. Since you're already on The Strip, pop into the Golden Nugget Hotel and take a look at the largest golden nugget in the world. Walking The Strip is free and provides many top notch photo opportunities. Las Vegas is such an exciting place - it is unequaled on earth for its many shows, attractions, casinos, and non-stop night life. No matter what your age, you will find something to do in this beautiful city - which is why Las Vegas vacations are among the most popular and why millions of people flock to Sin City each year. Top Vegas Attractions You Shouldn't Miss

My Favorite Top 10 Comedy Movies

My Favorite Top 10 Comedy Movies I have always been a movie fanatic for as far back as I can remember and although I have enjoyed all genres, I especially gravitated to comedy movies for the most part. My father and I would sit watching comedy movies and laugh until it hurt and on Fridays in the summer, it was always a given that my parents would take my sister and I to the Drive-In Theater. (Does anyone remember them?) If it was a comedy, that was a double plus for us. So, for me to say that I love comedy movies would be a vast understatement and for me to make a Favorite Top 10 list is literally next to impossible. In fact, making a Top 20 would be hard enough as it is, but I am going to try anyway. I will cover groups of movies and some solo movies and then try to accomplish my feat for the evening. And although this will be my most difficult task to date, I will most definitely enjoy the memories that these movies provide to me and hopefully for you also.

The In-Laws with Peter Falk and Alan Arkin is so funny and enjoyable. The way that Falk's character slowly gets Arkin's character, Sheldon, involved with all of his CIA shenanigans is priceless. A definite must see for those who have never heard of this gem. "Serpentine Sheldon, serpentine!" Let It Ride is one of the most unique comedies I have ever seen, in that, every character is nuts. I mean, in every comedy you have some normal people and then the funny ones. But this movie has no normal people. It takes place at the race track and everyone is a funny character. Richard Dreyfuss is great as Trotter, as he is with every character he portrays. What About Bob?, Moon Over Parador & The Goodbye Girl, to name a few, are terrific Dreyfuss movies. Since I already mentioned it, What About Bob? is a classic with Dreyfuss and one of my favorites, Bill Murray. I love watching Murray drive Dreyfuss crazy ever so slowly during the course of the movie. 'Baby Steps'. And when you speak of Bill Murray, you have to acknowledge Stripes, Groundhog Day, Ghostbusters, Scrooged and of course, Caddyshack. What a terrific cast Caddyshack had. It was Harold Ramis' first attempt at directing and he did a fantastic job in making what is now a Golf Country Club classic that had so many memorable lines delivered by the irrepressible Rodney Dangerfield. The war between him and Ted Knight was hysterical. "Hey, who stepped on a duck?" The Producers is a Mel Brooks masterpiece and a screenplay Oscar winner. Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder are so superb in those roles. The idea was to sell much more than 100% of a Broadway play to investors and make sure it is a flop by acquiring the worst script, 'Springtime For Hitler', the worst actors, director, music and anything else to assure a quick closing. This way they could keep the money without paying the investors back. But of course the play is a hit and there is no possible way they can pay everyone back, since they sold about 5000%. So they end up in jail and do they learn their lesson? Nope! They produce 'Prisoners In Love' and sell the warden 200%. While on the subject of Mel Brooks, how can I not list Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, History Of The World Part 1 and another favorite, Blazing Saddles. The absolute Best Comedy Western of all time, period. Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, Mel Brooks, Slim Pickens and of course, Mongo (Alex Karas). What a blast! The Pink Panther movies are some of the best works of the great Peter Sellers. Inspector Clouseau had to be one of the funniest bumbling fools to ever grace the silver screen. A Shot In The Dark, The Pink Panther Strikes Again and Revenge Of The Pink Panther were such great vehicles for Sellers. And on the topic of Peter Sellers, how about Being There, The Mouse That Roared and Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb. Peter Sellers plays 3 roles in this movie and makes them all so funny and memorable, a tribute to his comedic acting genius. A Day At The Races with the Marx Brothers would make my Top 5 of all time no matter how long a list I had. I loved the Marx Brothers and this movie is one of my absolute favorites. They were so off the wall and this movie had so many incredible funny scenes. Then you have A Night At The Opera, Monkey Business, Duck Soup and Horse Feathers. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein was so great to watch as a kid. Here were the monsters of the times that used to scare us, Frankenstein, Dracula and The Wolfman, and now here they were in a comedy with one of the best Comedy Teams of all time. What a treat! That whole scene with Costello in the hotel room and Lon Chaney,Jr has already changed into the Wolfman. Lou didn't know it and is so close to getting killed. A great comedy effect of anticipation. Sleeper is a great Woody Allen movie. The premise was he was revived 200 years after being frozen cryogenically. The results were as funny as you would expect from an early Woody Allen movie. Let me also give tribute to Bananas, Annie Hall, What's New Pussycat?, Play It Again Sam, Take The Money And Run and Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex (But Were Afraid To Ask). Monty Python And The Holy Grail is a true classic with so many funny and out of the ordinary scenes. I especially loved the scene with the sword fight at the bridge and the loser has his limbs sliced off one by one and yet keeps insisting that he is winning the battle. Even when he is just a torso on the ground he states, "So we'll call it draw then?" Let's also throw in Monty Python's Life Of Brian and Monty Python's Meaning Of Life. On the side, I must mention that if you ever have the time to see a play on Broadway, then by all means go see Spamalot. I laughed the whole entire play and you don't even have to be a Monty Python fan to laugh your fool head off, as I did. It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World was the first comedy movie of it's kind. It was the first movie with an all star cast like that. Anyone who was anybody in comedy at that time wanted to be in that movie, even if it was just a small cameo appearance. If you weren't in that movie, you weren't on the comedy map, so to speak. One of the great comedy premises for a movie and an absolute amazing cast of actors, headed by Spencer Tracy. A must see for any generation. The Nutty Professor and The Errand Boy are terrific comedy performances by Jerry Lewis. I know the word genius is used a lot but Mr. Lewis certainly proves that he is in those two classics. The Nutty Professor remake with Eddie Murphy was fantastic too. A virtual tour de force comedy performance by him with all of his family characters. Plus, I must mention two movies with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis together to complete his work: The Stooge and The Caddy. "Whose you're little whosie? Whose you're turtle dove?" Now I would like to write about some comedy movies of more recent times. There's Something About Mary is hysterical with so many unique scenes that have never been done before, and in comedy that is extremely hard to do. The scene with Matt Dillon and the dog is one of my most favorite scenes of all time. I literally fell out of my chair laughing at that one. He accidentally kills the dog and tries to resuscitate him by giving him an electric jolt with the live wire from a nearby table lamp. Ben Stiller has really made a name for himself in the business, which makes sense knowing that his parents are Jerry Stiller and Ann Meara. And when talking about Ben you must mention Meet The Parents, Meet The Fockers and Night At The Museum. Analyze That with Billy Crystal and Robert DeNiro was great and though it was a sequel to Analyze This, I loved it even more. The scene when DeNiro comes down to the Shiva with his robe open and nothing on underneath was hysterical. "Hey, who do you have to f*#k around here to get some bacon? Not you I hope." Mr. DeNiro, as everyone knows, is a tremendous serious actor, but he delivers comedy equally as well, as he did in Midnight Run with Charles Grodin. They were supposed to make a sequel for that but never did. I wish they had. Other Billy Crystal movies I have loved are City Slickers 1 & 2, Mr. Saturday Night and When Harry Met Sally. Liar, Liar with Jim Carrey is terrific. But of course, I love Carrey in everything. He is so animated, rubbery faced and one of my favorite comedic actors. I love the outtakes at the end of the movie also. They really show his improvisational abilities well. Then there is Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Me, Myself & Irene. My Cousin Vinny is a well written and wonderfully acted comedy movie with Joe Pesci, Fred Gwynne and Marisa Tomei. In fact, Miss Tomei won an Oscar for her role. The chemistry between the three of them on screen was terrific, as were all of the courtroom scenes. In the words of the judge, "What's a yute?" Something's Gotta Give was very funny with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. What a great script. I think it should have won an Oscar for Best Screenplay. Of course, you can never go wrong with Jack in the movie. He has such a great face. Even in the horror flick, The Shining, he makes me laugh. The Witches Of Eastwick, Terms Of Endearment, As Good As It Gets, Batman and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and so many more are such an amazing body of work. Stir Crazy with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor is absolutely hysterical and their chemistry together was wonderful to watch. They did a few more movies together and they delivered some belly laughs also. Another You, Silver Streak and See No Evil, Hear No Evil. My honorable mentions, which would definitely make it to my list if I did a Top 100, are Used Cars, Tommy Boy, Lady In Red, Airplane, Weekend At Bernies, Hooper, Smokey and The Bandit, Animal House, Home Alone 1 & 2, Evil Roy Slade, The Naked Gun Movies, Repossessed, Fire Sale, The Road Movies with Bob Hope & Bing Crosby, Carry On Teacher, Arthur, 10, Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke, Clifford, Meatballs, The Jerk, The Court Jester, The Inspector General, The Birdcage, Neighbors, Porky's, My Favorite Year, Night Shift, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Seems Like Old Times, Easy Money, Back To School, Kentucky Fried Movie, Bachelor Party, Forrest Gump, Toy Story, Chums At Oxford, Police Academy, Trading Places, 48 Hours, Cheech & Chong's Nice Dreams, Start The Revolution Without Me, Gremlins, Lost In America, Defending Your Life, Modern Romance, The Scout, Cat Ballou, Back To The Future, Clue, Beverly Hills Cop, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Fletch, The Golden Child, Crocodile Dundee, Tootsie, Soapdish, A Fish Called Wanda, Good Morning Viet Nam, Coming To America, Mrs. Doubtfire, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Edward Scissorhands & Buck Privates. Whew! As you can see, I pretty much named almost every darn comedy movie ever made but there are so many that I love and I could write about them for a year and not make a dent. And yet, I know that somehow I still may have forgotten some. Anyway, here it finally is: My Favorite Top 10 Comedy Movies 1. The Producers 2. It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World 3. A Day At The Races 4. Blazing Saddles 5. Monty Python's The Holy Grail 6. Liar, Liar 7. The Return Of The Pink Panther 8. There's Something About Mary 9. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein 10. The In-Laws Here is my next 10 if I would have made the list a Top 20: 11. The Errand Boy 12. What About Bob? 13. Analyze That 14. Dr. Strangelove 15. Stir Crazy 16. The Nutty Professor (Both Versions) 17. Sleeper 18. Caddyshack 19. Let It Ride 20. My Cousin Vinny Well, if I left off something that you would have liked to see on this list...tough. You try to narrow down your favorite genre to a Top 10 and see how far you get. This was definitely the hardest list I ever had to write and the only good thing about it is this: any other Top 10 list I ever write will seem so easy by comparison! Once again, thanks for reading from THE COMEDY TORNADO!! My Favorite Top 10 Comedy Movies

Broadway Musicals

Broadway Musicals Broadway Musicals have always been the most exciting part of Broadway for me. They have tunes that make it so worthwhile to watch the show and not only watch but enjoy as well. An even better thing is that they have albums that will constantly remind you of the music even though the show is not running.

No matter whom the playwright is or whether the show has received reviews or not. There are shows that are bound to leave you spell bound with just how realistic they can be. The Broadway musicals actually take us into another time and place that makes us forget about the real world for a moment. There are movies that have been made into Broadway musicals. Some people like to call them Disney on Broadway which I agree is a title that suits the show quite well. These shows are a hit more so with the children because of how they manage to accelerate the wide scope of the children imagination. No matter how old or how young you are, the musicals are for everyone. Unlike other plays, it is rare to find one that has an age restriction. These will only happen with the wicked plays. Advances in technology have done little to influence Broadway. People who feel they might not enjoy the theater will always have the options of going to a Cinema to watch big screen movies. However if you are sure that you want maximum thrill, then Broadway is the way to go. Broadway Musicals

17th Lion's Gold Awards 2011

17th Lion's Gold Awards 2011 Raju Manwani's Lions Gold Awards for 2011 supported the cause of saving water. Hence, the theme was 'blue' and our gorgeous celebs walked the 'blue' carpet.

The awards aim to recognize and felicitate outstanding contributions from various walks of life including Films TV, sports, business, medicine, NGO etc. Attended by who's who of film and TV fraternity the event was successful and growing bigger and better each year. Some of the winners spotted are as follows... The first to walk the blue carpet was Katrina Kaif, looking gorgeous in a fuchsia and red saree. She took home the award for favorite actress for Rajneeti. Priyanka Chopra, who is the brand ambassador of the Lion's Club came in a black short number with papa Chopra. She bagged the award for Lion popular actress. Akshay Kumar, who won the award for being the most popular actor said, "I am glad to see the cause Raju Manwani is supporting and I hope and wish that parents and children always lived together." Arbaaz Khan walked with Abhinav Kashyap to take the award for the best debutant director for Dabangg. Sonakshi Sinha, who was accompanied by mommy Poonam Sinha looked stunning in a green gown. The lady was declared as the best debutant for Dabangg. Ranvir Singh and Anushka Sharma looked happy together. The duo enthralled the audiences with their Band Baaja Baarat lingo and said that finally they have received their first gold medal! Ranvir was honored with the best debutant award, while together they made the most poplar Jodi. Anjana Sukhani came in alone and left early, while Tusshar Kapoor and Rohit Shetty stayed on to receive the award for Golmaal for being the most popular film. Prachi Desai who came in a light green knee-length got the award for supporting actress. Raju Manwani had ensured the successful evening and it was indeed with entire industry present in midst of lions members. Others present at the ceremony were yesteryear's actress Salma Agha and her family, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Farah Khan, Anup Jalota, Ashutosh Gowariker, Shraddha Kapoor and Parmeet Sethi. 17th Lion's Gold Awards 2011

Branson - the Best of the New and the Old

Branson - the Best of the New and the Old Many visitors to Branson struggle to pick just one reason why they love the town so much and return year after year. For some, it's the chance to see over 100 shows that feature the best performers in some of the country's most beautiful concert halls. For others, it's a way to escape the stress of an everyday routine at home and enjoy the beauty and relaxing air of the Ozark Mountains. Many find that the reasons are too numerous to list.

Perhaps the most unique trait that Branson possesses is the ability to combine an old town feel with the luxuries and amenities of a modern city. Rather than becoming a tourist trap, Branson balances contemporary entertainment and accommodations with a welcoming environment that millions of visitors find to be the best vacation environment in America. Shopping It's no secret that Branson is a haven for shoppers. With hundreds of outlet stores, many visitors come to Branson looking for old-fashioned prices on the newest designer clothing trends. At Branson Landing, shops are located on the waterfront of Lake Taneycomo, combining an ultimate shopping experience with a scenic view. In the downtown area of Branson, shoppers can enjoy perusing handmade items from area artisans. Many items are locally produced such as stained glass or jewelry created by a silversmith in Branson. Accommodations While Branson's old town feel includes cabin rentals and campground sites for vacationers, the town is no slouch when it comes to modern vacation luxury. With towering luxury hotels that offer waterfront and mountain views, you and your family can choose from a variety of options when looking for the perfect place to stay in Branson. Dining Branson has hundreds of restaurants that satisfy every set of traveling taste buds. If you and your family want a favorite meal from a chain restaurant, you will have no problem finding it. If you desire different options - such as local eateries or fine dining opportunities - you won't need to search for very long. It's all right here in Branson. Branson Live Perhaps the best examples of the merging of new and old in Branson are the hundreds of live performance productions each year. While many performances elsewhere in America carry incredibly high ticket prices and mediocre talent, Branson ticket prices rarely top . These tickets aren't for just any show, either. The level of talent in Branson rivals the acting, singing and dancing that can be found on Broadway in New York City. Most importantly, performances in Branson are all family friendly, so you and the kids can enjoy a night out on the town. Wherever your vacation in Branson takes you, you will be able to experience the feeling of a small town while enjoying the modern amenities of a big city first-hand through the incredible people that work, live and vacation in Southwest Missouri. We must warn you, however, once you visit Branson, you may never want to leave! Branson - the Best of the New and the Old

The Bright Lights of Broadway - A Look at 1920s Musical Influences

Glamour, glitz and Gershwin. The 1920's were an era that saw the rise of flappers, gangsters and Broadway musicals.

Coming out of the late 1800's and early 1900's, America was leaving rural living behind and moving to the big cities. With that came the indulgence of music, moonshine and misbehaving. Unknowingly headed for the Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression, many Americans were indulgent, lawless and living life in the fast lane. It was the time of Al Capone, Hollywood glamour girls and prohibition. Dance halls and speakeasies were springing up on every corner. The pace of life was headed towards full throttle and all of that was being reflected in American music. The beat got faster and the sound passionately reflected a carefree style of frolic and fun. Ragtime was evolving into the new controversial genre of jazz, which would truly come into its own by the 1930's. Probably the most definitive and influential music of the decade however, was that of the Broadway musical. Even in an era that seems technologically primitive to us today, the Lights of Broadway illuminated New York City with 25 million candlepower lights that cost millions of dollars. Elaborate musical scores were being composed by greats such as George and Ira Gershwin. These seriously talented showmen turned out elaborate productions that would continuously pack out the theatres throughout the decade. Intricate musical scores and fabulously choreographed dance numbers that are still celebrated today, would see show-goers spending top dollar just to experience one of these productions. At that time, tickets were selling for as much as .50 a piece. For some that could be a week's wages. The tempo was upbeat, as was the mood of the thriving young country. Ragtime and blues were experiencing progressive innovations. The marching band style of music began boasting more horns, pianos, and strings. Vocals were being introduced into the mix with the powerful voices of legends like Bessie Smith, Rudy Valeé, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Some of the most popular songs of all time came out during the 1920's. George and Ira Gershwin's, Embraceable You was written in 1928 and would eventually find it's most memorable home in the voice of the incomparable Billie Holiday's 1944 rendition. One of the most talented singer/songwriters in musical history is Irving Berlin, whose musical credits include poetic standards such as Always, Remember, and the timeless, White Christmas. His contributions to the Broadway musicals of the Twenties included songs from productions such as the Ziegfeld Folliesand Coconuts. Radio and phonographic records were bringing the different genres of music to remote areas of the nation. The American public was now being introduced to talent, which prior to the wide availability of these mediums, was only heard regionally in concert and dance halls. The gangster capital of America at the time was Chicago and out of that area a new musical genre was becoming hot. Riding on the coat tails of ragtime and blues, was the up and coming jazz invasion. Many believe that jazz, in its earliest forms, moved up from New Orleans to the Chicago area where it evolved into the style of jazz, as we know it today. Popular artists to come out of this era include King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. A decade that began with a boom would end with a crash. A carefree and somewhat spoiled American public would see a catastrophic end to the high life of the Roaring Twenties with the Stock Market Crash on October 29, 1929. The great advances in American music would continue at a much slower pace during the next decade as songs of celebration and liberation would turn to down-on-your luck lyrics that were definitive of the times during the 1930's. Music of the 1920's would come to tell a story, a story of a culture of people who grabbed life by the horns, ran with it and lived it to its fullest.

Top 10 Celebrities Who Had HIV

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) strikes anyone - young and old, the rich or poor, the famous and unknowns. The nameless victims who get infected go unnoticed, but celebrities who do, always get the world's attention. This is a list of the top 10 celebrities who are known to have or to have had the virus known as HIV, including those who have died (whether from AIDS or another cause).

1) Rock Hudson - Iconic Hollywood leading man, the first major American celebrity whose AIDS diagnosis was made public. Unquestionably, he was one of the most popular and well-known movie stars of his time. The public got a double shock when it was revealed he had AIDS and was gay. In 1985, Hudson died at the age of 59. 2)Freddie Mercury - Queen's lead singer noted for his vocal abilities and his charisma. His death led to The Mercury Phoenix Trust anti-AIDS charity and the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness. Died in 1991 at the age of 45 and was inducted into Rock and Roll's Hall of Fame in 2001. 3)Liberace - Flamboyant Las Vegas singer and piano player known for candelabras, lavish costumes, exotic cars and kitchy homes. In the '70s and 80s, Liberace was a major box office attraction in Las Vegas. In 1987, he died due to complications from AIDS. 4)Arthur Ashe - one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Was the first African-American to win a Grand Slam and he went on to collect three. Ashe transcended tennis to become a social activist who led public protests against apartheid in South Africa; became infected with HIV via transfusion during heart surgery. This Tennis Hall of Famer died in 1993 at the age of 49. 5) Isaac Asimov - famous science fiction writer and biochemist. Two of his works were turned into highly successful films - I, Robot and Bicentennial Man. Asimov, who was also popular for his science books, became infected by transfused blood during heart surgery. 6) Earvin "Magic" Johnson - One of the greatest NBA players of all time, Johnson is widely considered as the best point guard ever to play the game. Since publicly announcing he had been infected with the virus HIV, Johnson continues to be an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex. 7)Greg Louganis - Olympic gold medalist in diving. Was the most outstanding amateur athlete in 1984 and went on to win back-to-back Olympic golds in both the 3m and 10m diving events. Following the announcement of his HIV status in 1995, Louganis was dropped by majority of his corporate sponsors. Since retiring from diving, Louganis has ventured into acting mostly in off-Broadway plays. 8)Tommy Morrison - world champion boxer better known for his role as Tommy Gunn in Rocky V. In 1996 it was revealed he was HIV-positive which automatically retired him from boxing as a competitor. Currently, he is pursuing a career in Mixed Martial Arts and is trying to mount a comeback in boxing. 9)Ryan White - expelled from high school because of his infection which he got from contaminated blood during treatment. White, who was a hemophiliac, became a poster child for HIV/AIDS at a time when the public knew very little about the disease. White made many celebrity friends including Michael Jackson whose song "Gone Too Soon" was a tribute to the teenage AIDS victim. White died in 1990 at a young age of 18. 10) Esteban De Jesus - a world lightweight champion boxer from Puerto Rico. Famous for his trilogy with Roberto Duran, "Vita" had a life full of controversy, problems and scandals. Sentenced to life in jail for murder, he became a preacher and started to turn his life around. De Jesus acquired HIV and succumbed to full-blown AIDS in 1989.

Cooking With Coconut Milk - Filipino Ginataang Manok and Bicol Express Recipes

Like other Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, the Philippines is noted as one of the homes of spices and food. Thailand, however, has become now more popular than Philippines when it come to food and recipes as a result of it's increased popularity in west. The recipes cited below will bring your taste buds to life and allow you to discover the food of the Philippines.

Ginataang Manok Ingredients: 1/2 kilo Chicken meat (any part) 1 red bell pepper 1 bundle spinach 1 medium ginger chopped 1 onion 5 garlic cloves chopped 1 can coconut milk salt and pepper to taste Cooking Procedure: In a frying pan, fry chicken meat until golden brown. Saute onion, garlic and ginger. Add the chicken meat and mix. Add red bell pepper Add coconut milk and simmer until chicken is tender. When chicken meat is tender, add the spinach. Salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for few minutes and serve. Enjoy your Ginataang Manok. Bicol Express Ingredients: 1/2 kilo pork meat 1 can coconut milk 2 siling labuyo chopped 1 thumb size ginger diced 5 cloves garlic chopped 1 onion chopped 2 tbsp. shrimp paste 1/4 cup water Cooking Procedure: Saute onion, garlic and ginger. Add pork meat saute until outer part turns light brown. Add some water. Bring to boil. Add the coconut milk simmer until pork is tender and thicken the sauce. Add shrimp paste and chili peppers. Simmer for few minutes. Serve hot. Enjoy your Bicol Express!

Paying for Sex

There are two British studies that suggest some interesting, if not troubling trends. One concludes that the number of men who pay for sex has doubled in the past decade. Another has a few facts to ponder:

1 out of 10 men, with an average age of 34, said they paid for sex. 50% said they had paid for sex while traveling abroad. 66% said they had paid for sex in the previous year. 25% said they had repeatedly used prostitutes 20% had a sexually transmitted disease. 46% said that they had a current partner when they paid for sex. This was from a study of 2500 British men at a health clinic from October 2002 to February, 2004 and was published in 2006 in several journals. Currently, in Great Britain, there are more than 3900 escort/massage parlors that charge at least 50 pounds an hour or 0 in the US. Looking on Craig's List under "erotic services" in most major cities, the ladies are charging per hour from 100 to 150 roses as some like to call it to supposedly bypass the law. Anyway you call it, that's a lot of money for a few minutes of pleasure. I know a gentleman that owns such a club and says well over two-thirds of his clientele are out-of-towners on business and mostly married. I am not a sex therapist or a frequent visitor to one of these places. I just like to write articles that make one think and I enjoy studying the human condition. If you, however, do pay for sex, I would like to know a few things about you. I imagine you have your reasons. Assuming you are either married or have girl friend, purchasing the offerings of a prostitute must; (a) fulfill a fantasy, (b) substitute for something you are not getting at home, (c) give you a cheap thrill, (d) allow you control, (e) be something you can obviously afford, (f) be something you would rather keep private. Therefore, I doubt if you would admit this to your friends and relatives. That's why sex surveys are hard to come by. My brothel-owner friend was happy to tell me all about the people that frequented his establishment. They covered the spectrum and were wealthy, poor, young, old, famous, and frightened. But they all had one thing in common; the need for anonymous, emotionless sex. Craig's List ads have pictures of gorgeous models and you can believe them or not. Some look like they are barely 18, which they must be, although technically all women advertising for sex are breaking the law. But it's a petty offense and there are not nearly enough police to enforce it. In the US, Nevada has it legalized. In Europe there is Amsterdam, legalized in 2000 and Germany in 2003. It's also legal in Greece and Turkey and Denmark as long as there is a regular medical exam. Brazil and Canada do not prohibit acts of prostitution as long as it is not conducted in a brothel environment. So I guess you can do it outside or in the car. I'm not making light of it, but the idea of paying for sex is, ironically, as old as the Bible. And we are no better off trying to stamp it out than eliminating drugs. People think they need it and many are willing to provide it. There was even a Broadway play made about it: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. You can't get much more mainstream than that. I'm neither a moralist or a religious fanatic. But being a fairly normal male in my fifties, I can't imagine paying for sex. If I have a loving relationship with my wife or girl friend, we should be having great sex. It depends on good communication and affection. If I had no partner at all, I could always practice masturbation. It's free, always available, disease-free, and private. There are even great toys, dolls, and devices if the need is there. Now, at the risk of alienating all those nice woman under "erotic services," I'll bet none of them read online articles. So who will I offend with my next statement? I say that a whore is a whore, is a whore. I've even met a few and they are probably amazing in their own way. But I could never imagine being with a woman who, an hour before, was with someone else. And besides, they could care less about me and just want my money. The quicker it's over with, the better. Luckily for them, most men only take a few minutes anyway. So, in summary, what's the bottom line? It's all about the bottom line, of course. If you can afford 0 an hour for something that actually takes 5 minutes, then good luck to you and your expensive habit. Although I have a news flash for you. Do the math and that equates to paying out 00 an hour. Even most high-priced attorneys don't charge that much. Of course with them, you never truly realize that you're being screwed.

What Do I Wear to a Broadway Or Off-Broadway Show?

We get a lot of questions from new and veteran theatergoers alike, and one of the most common questions we get is "What do I wear to a Broadway or Off-Broadway show in New York City?" The quick answer to this question is that there are no specific rules on how to dress for Broadway or Off-Broadway shows in New York. There is no required dress code at any of the theaters in New York, and that rule applies to all productions; whether you are seeing plays or musicals, a comedy or a drama. You don't have to worry about a formal dress or a suit and tie before going to a play or musical. That said, the most common type of dress for both Broadway and Off-Broadway theater is 'business casual.' If you dress in that style you'll feel perfectly comfortable.

We also find that the type of show tends to dictate the trend of the dress of the audience. An Off-Broadway show like Altar Boyz will have a more casually dressed crowd, while audiences for a revival of an old play on Broadway may choose to "dress up" a bit more. We recommend that you dress for a Broadway or Off-Broadway show as if you were going out on a nice date! But whatever you wear to your Broadway or Off-Broadway production, we encourage you to dress comfortably, as this will help you can enjoy your theater experience that much more without worrying about unnecessary wardrobe malfunctions.