West Coast Rhythm Kings

A gemstone usually refers to a rock or mineral that is used in jewelry or as a collector's item, usually after it has been polished, cut or faceted.
Gemstones are classified through several ways. They may be grouped according to chemical composition -- for example, rubies are made of aluminum oxide and diamonds are made of carbon. If they are crystals, they may be classified using the crystal system, which divide gemstones into cubic, trigonal or monoclinic. They are also classified according to habit, which refers to the shape of the stones. It's also possible to group gemstones according to species -- for example, the mineral species beryl would include such gemstones as emerald, aquamarine, bixbite, goshenite, heliodor and morganite.
Buying a gemstone can be an absolute joy. Imagine the thrill of being surrounded by a roomful of precious gems, with colors that dazzle and captivate. Over 30 types of gem varieties have been identified, not counting those rare, singular gemstones that show up once in a while and defy category. Some of these gemstones have decorated and adorned the earliest civilizations of man, while others are recent discoveries but nonetheless as impressive as their forebears.
Emeralds are the most popular gemstones in the world and have been esteemed since ancient times. They are a dazzling green all over, alternately shiny and intense to the eye. The highest-quality emeralds are more coveted than diamonds, a little known fact. They were named from the word "esmeralde" which is Old French for "green gemstone." Their rich history dates back to the times of great ancient civilizations like the Incas and Aztecs. Its roots are buried deep in the jungles of South America where the rarest of emeralds can still be found.
The ruby is the gemstone that best represents love and vitality, passion and intensity. The ruby has long been regarded as first among gemstones, their bright red glow that conveys strength and warmth. These qualities made the ruby the most valuable gemstone for centuries, a royal favorite of emperors and kings.
Often compared to the blue sky in literature and history, sapphire has as many shades as the sky has hues. Legend has it that early man actually believed that the sky was made of one big block of sapphire and that the earth was simply a thorn on its side. Among emotions, Sapphire is associated with noble feelings of harmony, friendship, loyalty and sympathy. And since blue is the favorite color of about half the world's population, sapphire's appeal and popularity worldwide is not surprising.

The history of the violin runs for centuries as an instrument that is used in various musical genres like classical, pop, jazz and country. It is a small, hollow stringed instrument with a long neck and four strings tuned from low to high; with each note having a perfect fifth to the one below it.
The violin is made of different kinds of wood where the top is usually made of spruce while the sides and back are usually of maple. The fingerboard of the violin is usually made of ebony; however, sometimes ivory is also used. Violin strings were originally made of gut but is today made of different materials. Different kinds of violin strings give different tones and sound quality. Some violin strings also stay in tune, and last longer than others. Violin strings are today usually metal, synthetic core or gut strings.
Metal violin strings produce pure, clear and loud tones and are easy to play. Beginners and intermediate players prefer using steel core strings. The synthetic core violin strings are made of the nylon perlon and produce subtler sounds than metal strings and don't have to be tuned often.
Today, there are also electric violins that send signals via an electrical pickup device. There are also electric violins that work only when plugged in. Electric violins have a solid body design with wiring and batteries found in its body. Being a new invention, electric violin makers today can use their imagination to decide on the shape of the electric violin.
Violins are best bought in violin stores for a better range of violins. There are some violin stores that sell violins from different manufacturers, and some that manufacture their own violins. Some violin stores also rent out violins and sell used violins. As new violins cost between two hundred to twenty thousand dollars, beginners usually rent violins or buy used ones. Whatever the case, make sure that the violin comes with a violin case to provide it protection from any damage.

The guitar is a stringed musical instrument that is played by plucking or strumming the strings, while the fingers hold down the strings in certain combinations, to play the notes. Most guitars have six strings that are tuned on the scale E A D G B E. There are two broad categories of guitars today, acoustic and electric.
Acoustic guitars have hollow bodies, called sound boxes, which produce the sound, and thus do not need amplification. However, some modern ones do come with the electronics so that it can be connected to an amplifier. On the other hand, the body of an electric guitar is solid on only semi-hollow and needs to be connected to an amplifier to be heard.
Thanks to the electronics you can produce all kinds of effects and sounds with an electric guitar that is very hard or impossible to reproduce on an acoustic guitar. Samples of the special effects that can be produced on an electric guitar are: distortion, wah, phasers, compression, vibrato, flanging and chorus effect. These effects cause the sound produced by the same note to be different. For example:
- Distortion effect. This will produce a distorted and very heavy sound, as often used in heavy metal and rock music.
- Wah effect. The frequency of the note goes up and down each time you hit the foot pedal.
- Flanging effect. This effect causes a pause in the signal, followed by a series of the note originally played, sounding like an echo.
The guitar is used to play almost any kind of music, and is usually a big part of the music played by a band. Learning to play a guitar can be exciting and is a great way to entertain yourself and your friend.
When you decide to learn to play the guitar you will also have to learn tablatures and sheet music. Guitar sheet music is useful to guide you when learning to play the guitar, as you just have to follow the notes and tablatures illustrated on the sheet music. It is a great tool to help you play your guitar. By practicing frequently and being dedicated to learning the notes, you will soon be playing like an expert.

You know, there is something that is definitely more artistic about black and white photography. I know I am getting a little away from the overall concept of digital photography. But as a photographer, you will no doubt run into the phenomenon that is black and white photography.
I can remember vividly a photography named Michael Zagaris who is the team photographer of the San Francisco 49ers. He said that he was just captivated by the use of black and white photography. The way the light and the shading are so much more evident. This helps contribute to the overall feeling and emotion of the moment that the black and white photo captures.
Some of you may be saying to yourselves that color photography has surely taken the place of black and white photography, and I would say that for the most part you are correct. An interesting note here is that black and white photography still holds a degree of nostalgia in most photographers, amateur and professional alike.Perhaps one reason for this nostalgia is of course that photography was first taken on black and white film. Not only that, but many photography students are tasked with taking black and white photos when they are in their first photography classes. I know in my first digital photography class I was astounded at the very idea. Only later when the photos were developed did I truly start to appreciate black and white photos.
Therefore if you are an amateur or even experienced photographer, I would encourage you to give black and white photography a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the level of sophistication it takes to really pull off a great black and white photo. After that you may be able to take in some advanced photos such as adding one stream of color. You may have seen these kinds of photos before when the photographer allows one color to be very evident in a black and white photo. For instance I can remember a picture of a little girl in a black and white photo, but the coat she was wearing was bright pink. It was great moment to capture.
As for taking the black and white photos themselves, more advanced digital cameras have gray-scale mechanisms that allow to this. Also you can have the color picture converted by using a digital photography software such as "Photoshop." Give yourself a chance in black and white photography. I think you will be pleasantly surprised in the results.

Despite the fact that internet gambling is now a multi-billion dollar industry, and countless thousands of new bettors world-wide sign on daily to play at online casinos, there are still millions of newcomers to the world of online gambling who do not as yet have a clear understanding of much of the terminology used in online gambling, and betting on sports in general. However, knowledge of these terms is essential to understanding the games and rules of play:
ACTION: Any type of wager.
ALL-IN: In poker, all-in means a player has put all of his chips into the pot, but cannot be forced out of the game by other bettors. A side pot is set up for the bettors with remaining chips, who, if winning can take the pot, and the side pot. If the all-in bettor should win, he can take only the pot, and not the side pot.
ALL-UP: To bet on several horses in the same race.
ANTE: A poker term for placing a required amount of chips into the pot before each hand begins.
BRING-IN: A mandatory bet in seven-card stud made by the player showing the lowest value card.
BUST: You lose; As in blackjack, when a player's cards total over twenty-one.
BUY-IN: The minimum amount of money required to enter a game or tournament.
CALL: As in poker, when a bettor equals a previously made bet.
CHECK: In poker, to stay in the game without betting. This is allowed only if no other players bet in that round.
CLOSING A BET: As in spread betting, meaning to place a bet equal to but opposite of the initial bet.
COLUMN BET: To bet on any of the three columns of a roulette table.
COME BET: In craps, similar to a pass-line bet, but made after the shooter has established his point.
COME-OUT ROLL: A crapshooters first roll to establish a point, or the first roll after a point is established.
COVERALL: A bingo term, meaning to cover all the squares on a bingo card.
CRAPPING OUT: In craps, to roll a two, three or twelve is an automatic loss on the come-out roll.
DAILY DOUBLE: To select the winners of the first two races of the day.
DOWN BET: To bet that the result of an event will be lower than the lowest end of the quote on a spread bet, also known as a "sell".
DOZEN BET: In roulette, to bet on any of three groups of twelve numbers, 1-12, etc.
EACH WAY BET: A sports bet, meaning to bet on a team or player to win or place in an event.
EVEN MONEY BET: A bet that pays the same amount as wagered, ( 1-1 ).
EXACTA: Betting that two horses in a race will finish in the exact same order as the bet - also known as a " Perfecta ".
FIVE-NUMBER LINE BET: In roulette, a bet made on a block of five numbers, such as 1-2-3-0, and 00.

Personalized Wind Chimes: Ideal Gift for Any Occasion
Ancient giant bamboo chimes had practical uses such as protecting rice fields from birds and animals. Musical and artistic qualities of wind chimes were refined by ancient Asian civilizations. The Chinese in particular were skilled metal workers and excellent iron refiners. Wind chimes designed by the Chinese were used for religious and ceremonial purposes. The wind chimes were believed to drive off evil spirits while inviting kind spirits.
In the nineteenth century tubular bells were used in orchestras. This instrument sparked the perfection and the development of precisely tuned high-quality wind chimes. Modern technology allowed for wind chimes to be precisely cut and tuned so that they can resound ancient or modern musical scales. Multitudes of people have been captivated by the melodic sounds of wind chimes throughout history. Today a garden or patio just isn't complete without the harmonious tone of a properly tuned wind chime.
Wind chimes are the ideal gift for any occasion. Give that special person a memorable gift that will withstand the weathers of life (literally). Wind chimes made with high quality craftsmanship will enhance any surrounding and leave an impression that will last a lifetime. You can make giving wind chimes more memorable by having them personalized. Personalized wind chimes are perfect for expressing your care in a way that will continuously warm the heart of the recipient.
The wind chimes' graceful, soothing tones will resonate glorious sound while striking a memory of your love through your personalized gift.
Special Occasions
Tell your mother or wife how much you appreciate all they do with a set of wind chimes that have a personalized message on Mother's Day. Some message ideas are: "Thank you for all you do. With love, your name,"
"Eternally grateful. Your loving son/daughter/husband, your name," or "A mother's love is ever-lasting. Thank you, your name." She will always treasure your thoughtfulness when she hears the wind softly blow the chimes with a gentle breeze.
On Valentine's Day give wind chimes with a personalized note of your undying love and affection to your one and only. A few message ideas are: "Forever yours," "To my one and only," "My Soul Mate," "Be Mine," or "Happy Valentine's Day." Whatever message you decide on, when the chimes harness the wind as player and composer it will continue to remind him/her of your happy times together and resound the sweet confession of your love.
Personalized wind chimes make a thoughtful wedding gift. Help the bride and groom commemorate their special day with a blessing to them from you. Some message ideas include: "Bride and Groom's name, wedding date, your name," "Wishing you love and happiness," or "Congratulations on your blessed union." Throughout their years together they will forever be delighted by the melodic sound of the wind chimes and reminded of your heartfelt wishes for them.
What better way to help someone add ambiance to their new home than with a personalized set of wind chimes? Wind chimes add character to an atmosphere and make the ideal housewarming gift. They will set off any decor and leave a warm memory of your friendship through the gentle tones adrift in the breeze.
There are many ways a person can enjoy wind chimes. You may prefer to hang your wind chimes outdoors where you relax and catch a nap in a hammock, work in your garden, or prepare a romantic dinner on the patio to the soothing peaceful sound of your wind chimes. On the other hand you may prefer to enjoy your wind chimes indoors. One common indoor idea is to hang your chimes in a bedroom window and let sweet sounds in the breeze sway you to sleep on a cool spring or hot summer night. Placing wind chimes in your office helps to relieve stress from a busy day.
Selection
When choosing wind chimes only the highest quality, best sounding chimes will do. Quality and craftsmanship walk hand in hand; where wind chimes are concerned one cannot be without the other. Wind chimes must be clear of tone and resonance to produce a pure sound. The material used will determine the tone and durability. Tempered aluminum chimes and top rings are resistant to cracking or drying, while they produce top quality sound. Redwood and cedar strikers are not likely to rot and they will eliminate harsh overtones in the wind chimes. The strings should be made of a weather resistant material such as Dacron. The wind chimes tubes should be precisely placed so that the striker hits each tube in the musical "sweet spot" or exact middle for the most elegant tones. When having your wind chimes personalized you should make sure your engraving is preserved on a material such as brushed aluminum that will endure any climate and withstand the test of time.
Whatever the occasion, whoever the person to receive them, wind chimes are the perfect gift. When you give personalized wind chimes you know it will provide a lifetime of pleasure and be a constant reminder of how important they are to you.

If you've watched American Idol in the past, you may be wondering what has happened to the singers from American Idol Season One. Here is a brief look at how some of the more popular contestants have faired:
Top Ten Finalist - Ejay Day
Ejay performed along with the other finalists on the 2002 U.S. American Idol tour. He's sang at several events for boxing champ Muhammad Ali and assisted in writing Raven-Symone's song "Pure Love" for her Undeniable album. Currently, Ejay is performing on the cruise ship Explorer of the Seas.
Top Ten Finalist - Jim Verraros
Jim has been active in both music and acting since American Idol ended. Jim recently released his album Rollercoaster, featuring the dance hits "I Want You" and "You're Getting Crazy." He starred in the 2004 film Eating Out and is set to reprise his role in Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds.
7th Place - Ryan Starr
Despite finishing 7th, Ryan has been one of the busier contestants from Season One. Her single "My Religion" peaked at #7 on the American iTunes Top 100 and she plans to tour in 2006-2007. She made guest appearances on several shows and also appeared in the VH1 show The Surreal Life in 2004. She also starred in the movie Ring of Darkness.
6th Place - Christina Christian
After American Idol, Christina guest starred on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and is now a correspondent for the TV Guide Channel.
5th Place - RJ Helton
RJ Helton made the top 10 as a wildcard choice. RJ signed with Gospo-Centric Records and released an album, Real Life, in 2004, which made the Billboard Christian Top 20.
4th Place - Tamyra Gray
Tamyra had a reoccurring role in Boston Public that allowed her to sing as well. She also guest starred on Half and Half, Las Vegas, Tru Calling, What I Like About You, and All of Us.
She co-wrote and sang duet with winner Kelly Clarkson on "You Thought Wrong." She appeared on Season Three of American Idol and co-wrote the song "I Believe" which was a number one hit for Fantasia Barrino. She received writing credit for "If You Were Mine" and "The Lover in Me" on Jessica Simpson's A Public Affair album.
In 2004, she took to the stage with the Broadway show "Bombay Dreams." She had a supporting role in 2005's The Gospel and one song on the movie's soundtrack.
3rd Place - Nikki McKibbin
Nikki signed with 19 Management and RCA Records after her American Idol success, although she is currently under contract with Astral Records. Her single "The Lie" reached #1 on the Idol Waves online radio station.
She has appeared on several reality shows, including Fear Factor and Kill Reality and appeared in the made for television movie The Scorned.
Runner-Up - Justin Guarini
After coming in second, Justin starred in the unsuccessful movie From Justin to Kelly with winner Kelly Clarkson. He secured a deal with 19 Management and RCA, but he had to wait until Kelly's album was released before he could work on any solo projects. Because of this contractual obligation, he had to refuse a guest role on Friends, a role in The Fast and Furious, and a modeling contract for Tommy Hilfiger.
When his self-titled album did come out nine months after his American Idol success in June 2003, it flopped and he was eventually released from his contracts. His second album Stranger Things Have Happened was released in late 2005.
He appeared on stage in the musical Good Vibrations at Vassar College but declined to accept continue the role. He's been in several independent films and is involved in many charities such as Support Music Education, Habitat for Humanity, and Children's World Organization.
Winner - Kelly Clarkson
The most successful of all the American Idol contestants, Kelly signed with RCA and released two singles. "A Moment Like This" shot to #1 on the Billboard charts. In 2003, she released her debut album, Thankful, that certified double platinum, selling over 2 million copies. Her single "Miss Independent" reached the Billboard Top 10 and earned her a Grammy nomination in 2004.
Her second album, Breakaway, produced four top 10 singles and she won the Grammy award for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" and "Best Pop Vocal Album."
She's appeared on Saturday Night Live, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and The View and she is scheduled to headline an HBO concert featuring her greatest hits in February of 2007.

Yes, it was only a little less than five years ago, June 11, 2002, when American Idol was first televised and a show bigger and more popular than most people could have imagined was born. Today it would be hard to find a person in America who hasn't at least heard of American Idol. Love it or hate it, it is an American icon of a show that doesn't show signs of slowing down. In fact, it only seems to be getting bigger.
What was the first season like? The first two shows were dedicated to the judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell going to auditions (held in Chicago, New York, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles) and finding contestants to send on to Hollywood week. One hundred twenty one contestants made it to Hollywood to try to earn one of the 30 spots to move on to the rounds where the public started voting.
During weeks three, four, and five of the show, 10 of the 30 contestants performed. America voted and only 3 out of each group of 10 moved on. Then, on week six, five wildcard contestants returned to the show with the judges picking one of those contestants to go on, for a total of 10 contestants in the final rounds.
The following week, two contestants were sent home. Then the show started eliminating contestants one by one until there were only two contestants left.
Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini were the season one finalists. Kelly took the crown on September 4, 2002 and has gone on to become a very successful pop artist with a couple of Grammy awards to her name, several hit songs, and several highly successful albums. She's become one of the top names in pop music.
After the first season ended, Kelly and Justin made a movie aptly titled "From Justin to Kelly," but their American Idol popularity didn't transfer to the big movie screen. The movie was a flop, although the poor plot may have had a lot to do with its terrible performance.
Although the runners up in later seasons of American Idol have had as much, and sometimes more, success than the winner, that wasn't the case season 1's runner-up, Justin Guarini although the American Idol rules at that time probably contributed to his difficulties. At that time the Idol rules didn't allow Justin to release any albums or taking outside offers of any kind until Kelly's album was released. He was forced to turn down several offers to appear on television shows, to model for Tommy Hilfiger, and doing the soundtrack recording for at least one film.
By the time Justin was allowed to release his own album, he was competing with the releases of the Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, the season two winner and runner-up. His appearances on the newly syndicated show, American Idol Rewind, seem to be helping him gain more notice again.
Tamrya Gray, who finished fourth on the show, has been doing okay. She has released her first album to tepid sales, but has had some success with several acting projects she has done.
Nikki McKibbin, who finished third the first season, has struggled since American Idol ended but she is finally getting back to her musical roots. Her debut album is slated to be released May 1, 2007.
The most current season of American Idol, season 6, will have several more episodes in it than the first season. Another notable difference is that during Hollywood week the judges (yes it's still Randy, Paula, and Simon) decide who the top 24 contestants are. Then for three weeks, the guys and girls sing on different nights and only compete among themselves. Each week, 2 guys and 2 girls are eliminated. Then when there are 6 guys and 6 girls left, those final 12 will start to compete head to head, regardless of gender.
Even if you aren't a fan of singing, you may want to watch the show just to see Simon Cowell, one of the judges, spew his very creative criticisms of the contestants each week. It's a fun show.

The premise of a show like American Idol is to find the best singers in the country and let them go toe to toe in a karaoke style contest in which viewers of the show vote and have a say in the outcome every week. The show has been popular since the first season, and former idols winners and losers for that matter have gone on to achieve great success. Former loser Jennifer Hudson recently won an Academy Award, and season one winner Kelly Clarkson is a best selling artist and Grammy Award winner.
Recently their has been a call to arms to vote for the worst, which at this point happens to be Sanjaya Malakar, a moppet haired guy with no discernable singing talent. This is of course a fine mess and there are a few problems with voting for the worst:
Motivation
The self proclaimed king of all media, Howard Stern, is requesting that his listeners vote for the worst contestant, the aforementioned Malakar. There should be someone questioning the motivation of Stern. Is her completely bored, after earning a truck load of money after switching to satellite radio? Rumor has it that that the company may be going out of business and perhaps Stern wanted some listeners to trickle over after the controversy.
Another company, website Vote for the Worst is trying to make a name by piggybacking on the success of American Idol. There is of course tons of information on what they perceive to be the problem of American Idol, the unfair practices of the judging process on how contestants are picked and moved on throughout the contest.
The fact that there are t shirts with the logo of the company being sold begs the question of whether or not their reasons are altruistic. They make the argument that they care about the great contestants being passed over for a myriad of reasons. I wonder if they are donating their profits to this undiscovered talent.
Ruining American Idol
While voting for the worst contestant may seem like fun at first, it can have long term effects on American Idol. Maybe Stern wants to see how much muscle he actually has to see if he can actually get his legions of fans to follow his edict and determine the outcome of the American Idol race. If it holds perhaps Stern can put his evil genius to good use and help elect the next president in 2008. Yet Idol will be ruined in the process.
Viewers like to look at A.I. in the beginning of the season to see the misfits and delusional people who think they may actually have some form of singing talent. However, we all know that we could not look at a series of terrible singers all season long. Viewers will begin to tune out in droves if the only option is to tune in week after week to see only the most mediocre of contestants. Not to mention the unfairness of booting legitimate singers such as Stephanie Edwards. They deserve their time to shine as well and are being robbed of the chance by a cruel grassroots campaign.
Singers like Sanjaya Malakar and Antonella Barber belong between the pages of Star Magazine and the National Enquirer in their Where are They Now section. In the meantime, tune out Stern and the opportunists from the website Vote for the Worst. Let them hawk their merchandise elsewhere or by piggybacking on hard work of someone else.

Ok, there is no doubt Sanjaya Malakar was not the most talented idol contestant, but I really do believe, he was one of the most entertaining. I personally would tune in just to see what his hairstyle would be the current week, and hoping his performances would get better. Millions of viewers will concur with me on his entertainment value, as he survived all the way to the top 7. My question is, could he have gone farther? Did American Idol boot him before his time?
After the top 12 results show , Sanjaya was gaining momentum each and every week. He was not even in the bottom three until he was voted off. Contestants such as Chris Richardson and Phil Stacy were consistently in the bottom three. However, when Sanjaya was voted off, these two were in the top bracket!
Sanjaya had the support of Howard Stern, and his millions of fans. Sure, Stern does not have the audience he used to when he was on terrestrial radio, but he does have approximately five to six million. He urged his fans to vote early and often for the San-Man, and many did. They used any method available to register as many votes as possible for the loveable underdog. This is what may have lead to Sanjaya's demise.
At the end of each American Idol broadcast, read the fine print. It says something to the affect that the producers have the final decision and the rights to disqualify any votes that appear to have been automated or unfair to give one contestant an advantage. Now, some Stern fans have admitted they used fiendish software to cast hundreds if not thousands of votes in one shot for Sanjaya. Were thousands of votes eliminated or disqualified?
Look, sure American Idol lets us, the viewers, vote for the next superstar. However, do you really think they would let the least talented become the next idol? Sanjaya had fans, but he was not the best singer, not by a longshot. In the end, American Idol will do what's best for American Idol.
Farewell Sanjaya. You will not be forgotten for at least another week or so, when your done with the talk show circuit.