• Landscape Painting Tips For Watercolor Artists

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    One of the biggest challenges beginners face with any type of art, is the ability to really connect with the creativity that is inside of them. It’s difficult in the beginning to just let go and paint from your heart and soul. Your mind is being filled with techniques and systems for approaching painting, which in my opinion, tends to drown out your inner creativity. Learning techniques is essential, but there should be a point where you begin to draw from your own creative imagination.

    When painting a subject, whether it is a person or a landscape, it is important to first observe your subject. You have to get close and personal to what you are painting. If you want to learn how to paint great landscapes, then you should spend time near the area that inspires you to paint in the first place. Only then can you really understand how to transfer what it is you see to canvas.

    Take a ride out to the area you wish to paint. Bring along some pencils and paper. The best way to become really intimate with the scene is to just spend time there doing some sketches. This will really force you to observe what you see and burn the image and the environment into your senses.

    Painting with watercolor on location is quite challenging, especially if you are a beginner. The scene is constantly changing. There are certain techniques in watercolor that require the paper to be at certain angles, or the paper needs to be saturated to a certain degree, etc. To get everything right within such a short time span is quite difficult, which is why you should bring a camera in the event you are not able to capture the scene. Once you find a composition that you like, take a bunch of shots at different distances and angles. When you get back to your studio, you will now have a few reference sketches as well as a bunch of great photos to work with. In the beginning, while painting on location, try to choose compositions that are not overly detailed or complex.

    One of the best ways to immerse your self in watercolor landscape painting is to find people with the same passion. Search online for any groups or websites for landscape painters in your area. Start chatting and get to know everyone. Many of the artists in these groups love to connect with other artists and plan painting trips. This is a really great way to gain experience.

    You do not need to bring your entire studio with you when painting on location. Many beginners will bring far too many supplies, which becomes more of a nuisance than help. Only bring the colors and supplies that you really need to work on a particular scene.

    Remember, things change very quickly outdoors. Lighting conditions and weather can change in a matter of minutes. You must be able to paint quickly without being too sloppy. Block in all of your large areas first then go back and start adding your details.

    Many landscape artists usually block in the sky area first. The sky is generally paler than the rest of the painting, which enables you to work from light to dark. The sky area also influences the way you paint the rest of the objects in your painting.

    When painting objects in the foreground that require great detail, do not try and paint every single leaf or blade of grass that you see. This will usually create too much detail that will draw focus away from the center of interest in your painting. It is also far too time consuming if you plan on painting on location. Besides, a painting is not meant to be an exact replica of what you see, rather your unique impression of the scene. If you want exact details, you are better off taking a photograph.

    Don’t be afraid to use your imagination. If you are painting a scene and feel that you should add a few trees here, or a bush there, or a bird on a branch, then by all means go for it.

    If you find one particular location appealing, and have already painted there once before, don’t hesitate to go back and paint it again, only this time go out on a cloudy day instead. You will be surprised how different a scene can look when the weather changes.

    I hope these watercolor painting tips have helped. If you ever find yourself getting discouraged or frustrated by your progress, don’t give up. Instead, welcome and learn from your mistakes. It will make you a much better painter.

  • Increasing your search engine position by higradeworld

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Since search engines are the first stop for people on the
    Internet looking for goods or services, the position your
    website appears in search results is an important factor.
    If your URL shows up far down the results list, the chances
    of the consumer never finding you increase incrementally.
    Once you achieve a high search engine position, it is
    essential that you make sure you maintain the high ranking
    you have worked so hard to achieve.

    This means you must come up with a strategy to monitor your
    search engines positions. This strategy is crucial to the
    success of any marketing campaign. Think of your search
    engine positions as your online portfolio. Would you let
    your stock portfolio be ruled by chance and market
    fluctuations, or would you keep close tabs on your stocks
    so you could buy and sell when the time is right? This is
    the way you must consider your search engines positions.

    Be aware that at first, after you have launched your search
    engine campaign and done all the right things to increase
    your rankings, you will most likely see a continual upward
    climb. What you need to be on the lookout for is the moment
    that upward climb reaches a plateau. When this happens,
    your search engine position campaign moves into stage two,
    the monitoring and protecting stage.

    In stage two, do not be concerned about the short-term
    fluctuations in your positions. These are similar to the
    subtle rising and falling of stocks in a portfolio.
    Short-term movement is an integral part of the whole
    process. It’s the long-term changes that you must watch for
    and prepare to act on immediately.

    Analyzing the long-term trends of search engines positions
    is imperative. The way in which search engines rank
    websites may change at the drop of hat. If you are unaware
    of these changes – many of which are subtle yet can be
    deadly to your ranking – your position may drop to the
    bottom of the list before you can get your bearings. To
    prevent this kind of precipitous drop, you must create a
    system to monitor your positions on a monthly basis. Devise
    a chart to keep tabs on your top ranking positions or your
    top pages, and make sure to watch “the market” closely.

    Each search engine uses a formula to compute website
    rankings. When a search engine changes this formula in any
    way, it may raise or lower your ranking. Some search
    engines use a number of different formulas, rotating them
    so that a formula doesn’t become overused or outdated.
    Depending on which formula is being applied, your search
    engine position may suddenly drop or rise in rank
    significantly. Therefore, you must check your positions
    frequently in order to catch when a search engine changes
    formulas and what effect it has on your positions.

    You must also deal with your competition – a crucial factor
    you must always be vigilant about. Your competitor’s
    position may suddenly rise, automatically lowering your
    position. Or their position may drop, pushing your position
    higher. Each month, expect position changes due to the
    continual changes that are occurring in your competitor’s
    position, and be prepared to adjust your marketing strategy
    to compensate for decreased rankings. Monitoring these
    fluctuations will also give you vital information about how
    to improve your website to increase your position in search
    results.

    Of course, you must discern what the most popular search
    engines are in order for your monitoring efforts to be
    effective. Right now, there are ten popular search engines
    that direct most of Internet traffic to your sites. The
    challenge you face is that these top ten may change from
    month to month.

    This means that your must not only monitor your search
    engine positions, but you must also keep track of the
    ranking popularity of the search engines you are
    monitoring. Find out which search engines people use most
    frequently every month and be sure to live in the present!
    People are fickle about their favorite search engines, and
    it takes constant vigilance to follow their dalliances. The
    search engines they loved when you first launched your
    campaign may be old news in the next few months. You must
    adjust your list of engines according to the whims of the
    Internet users. Check out

    http://www.searchenginewatch.com/reports/netratings.html

    for a current list of website favorites.

    Another factor to monitor carefully is a sudden drop of
    your positions in all search engines. This is not the same
    as monthly fluctuations – this is a neon red warning sign!
    It could mean a number of different things.

    It all your search engine positions have plummeted, it may
    indicate that search engines spiders – those sneaky
    programs that seek out your site and rank their positions -
    have found some type of problem with your website. If you
    have recently changed the code, for instance, the spider
    may become utterly confused and consequently drop your
    positions disastrously. If a spider creeps up on your
    website when it is down for adjustments or changes, you may
    actually disappear from a search engine index entirely. Or
    a search engine may drastically change its formula, and
    suddenly all of your website come up as irrelevant. If that
    search engine is a current favorite, it may create a domino
    effect, causing all of your position to drop in all search
    engines.

    Some search engines rely on the results from other search
    engines, and it is vital that you know which engines these
    are and keep track of all the engines they influence. The
    biggest problem here is that search engines will sometimes
    change affiliations, and this can create a major shift in
    the geography of the Internet. For example, recently Yahoo
    decided to display only results gleaned from Google. So you
    must not only monitor your own positions, but you must keep
    abreast of seismic shifts in the landscape of the Internet
    as a whole.

    Finally, pay attention to your keywords. Keywords are the
    foundation bricks of the entire search engine system, and
    they demand individual scrutiny in your monitoring efforts.
    If you have found that a number of your positions have
    plummeted, it may mean that a page of your website has
    become invisible or inaccessible to search engine spiders.
    Or the competition for that particular keyword or phrase
    has recently rocketed into outer space. In either case, you
    must act quickly and efficiently to regain lost ground.

    Your search engine marketing campaign is an investment. If
    costs you time and money on a continual basis. Protect this
    investment as diligently as you would your financial
    portfolio. In the same way, track your positions from an
    objective perspective, and monitor your positions on a
    regular basis. Make sure your time and effort reap rewards
    by keeping your eye on the big picture – your long-term
    marketing campaign.

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  • Hypnotize

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    If you are interested in learning how to hypnotize you have come to the right place. Learning how to hypnotize people can be fun. Many people enjoy doing this as a hobby were they have a talent that no one else has. If you become good enough you can hypnotize almost anyone.

    Hypnotizing people can be fun but should always be done in a nice way. The individual being hypnotized should never be upset by anything you have them do or say while they are in an hypnotic state. You can be the life of a party if you have willing people that will allow you to hypnotize them. People will always find out if you have done something with them that that would not approve of. Therefore stay out of trouble and keep it fun an simple. When you do it this way everyone will have fun and think you’re the life of the party.

    You can also take advantage of this unique skill by having some one quit smoking or loose weight. These are two of the biggest topics that have had a proven affect on people while being hypnotized. I feel that if you are going to learn how to hypnotize people you should put your new talents to work for the good of your friends and family.

    At parties you can have people who don’t mind having a little fun do funny things. If you master the art you can have them cluck like a chicken or crawl around like a mouse. They won’t know what they did after. There friends will tell them and they should laugh and not believe when they are told they did funny acts and can’t remember.

    Learning how to hypnotize people is easy if you have the correct instruction. I have found one very good book that offers more than just the basics when learning how to hypnotize people. Some how to books on hypnotizing are either old or out of date with very poor techniques. This book is written by one of the best. It is not often that you find a professional hypnotist willing to share his techniques. If you are serious about learning how to hypnotize I would strongly recommend you take a look at this book. I have placed a link at the top of this site where you can go and look at this book.Click here

    Some people might be seeking how to hypnotize just for fun or even make a career out of. When you have learned how to hypnotize you can help people to do things like quitting smoking and loosing weight. I will post more articles on how to learn how to hypnotize here soon.

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  • How to Make Great Tickets

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Creating tickets and raffle tickets is easier than you might expect. There are many Ticket Printing websites and services that can help you make great tickets it is just a matter of finding the one that best fits your specific needs.

    Things to consider before having your tickets Printed

    Before you start looking for the best way to produce your tickets it is best to spend a few minutes and collect the information about your event. This information can include:

    • Event Title Information
    • Event Time, Date, and Location
    • Ticket Price and Number of tickets needed
    • Artwork or logos to be included on the tickets

    This information will make it much easier as you proceed through the following steps of designing and printing your tickets and will give you a good idea of what exactly it is that you are looking for in your ticket printing endeavor.
    There are three ways to easily and quickly produce event, general admission or raffle tickets, they are:

    • Design and print tickets using an online form
    • Have custom tickets designed and printed by a professional for your event
    • Use ticket design and printing software to create your own tickets and then print them on pre-perforated ticket stock from your home or office printer.

    Design and Print Tickets using an Online Form
    Many online sites now offer pre-designed ticket templates that can be customized for your event. TicketPrinting.com, as an example, has over 100 designs for different types of events. Once you find a template that fits your event you can customize the tickets by placing the text that describes your event on your ticket, some templates will even allow you to upload an image or a logo to the ticket giving it even more of a custom look and feel.

    The advantages of these pre-designed tickets are that they are less expensive than custom tickets; they have a quick turnaround time if speed is a requirement, and you are able to see the proof of your ticket immediately.

    Have Custom Tickets Designed and Printed by a Professional for your Event
    Companies are more than willing to help you design tickets for your event. Most of them will even include the design as being free with your printing order. With a professional ticket designer, you will talk directly to a person who will ask you about your event and what you would like the tickets to look like. They will then create a ticket proof that you can approve before the tickets are printed.

    Custom Designed tickets take longer than pre-designed templates do to process because of the additional design time, averaging 3 days to 1 week for the tickets to be printed. They are also more expensive due to the fact that it you are also paying for more human interaction in the process. The cost is worth it many times when you want a great looking ticket that matches exactly the theme of your event.

    Ticket Design and Printing Software
    Printing tickets is possible with programs that are currently installed on your computer if you do not need any variable data, such as a ticket number or a seat number, but it is much easier and faster to use a program that is specifically designed to print tickets. Most ticket editors have an easy to use interface that will allow you to drag and drop text, images, numbers and other items onto your tickets. You can also buy pre-perforated ticket stock that is safe to use in any home or office printer providing a professional feel to your tickets.

    This option is great if you know what you want your ticket to look like and if you trust your artistic ability. The downside is that it often takes a fair amount of time to print the tickets and then separate them from the sheet that they are printed in.

    There is no right or wrong way to have your tickets printed, but you will find that one of these options probably will fit you and your organization more than the others. Once you decide how to have your tickets printed, you will be close to the end of your quest.

    Raffle Tickets
    Printing Raffle Tickets is not any different than printing event tickets in most cases. While most raffle tickets have a detachable stub and space for the purchaser to enter their own contact information, the printing is the same as they require a serial number. You will find that some Ticket Printing Companies will either print raffle tickets or event tickets. These are generally smaller companies that print tickets on a pre-printed background that is set up to be raffle tickets or event tickets, but not both. If you find a site that does not have what you are looking for, keep looking as most needs can be met by the major ticket printing companies.

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  • How To Buy Art Online

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Just a few years ago it seemed people thought the idea of purchasing �clothing� through the internet was absurd. How would you know if it fits? What if it doesn�t fit? What if my credit card number gets stolen? Those were just a few of the many questions I personally had five or so years ago. Hopefully this article will help enlighten some of your inquiries.

    The internet has significantly changed the art market. Significantly, meaning people now have choices at their fingertips. The sometimes intimidating and cold art galleries, is now an option. With many art websites offering money back guarantees, secure shopping and customer support, people do not have to feel as though purchasing anything off the site is Russian roulette.

    Here are some hints and tips I feel might be useful:

    Search and Search Some More: Without the hassles of walking/driving from one gallery to another and limiting gallery hours you have more time at your disposal to do your research. You will have the ability to view hundreds of artworks within the average time someone will be able to see a dozen by actually going to a gallery. For me that means a greater chance to find a new painting I will fall in love with.

    Take your Time: Yes buying off the internet is far from perfect so follow your heart and take your time. Send the image to your friends, research the artist and take advantage of the many gallery website features available at your disposal, such as �view-to-scale, background colors, zoom, etc�. Ask questions if you want by emailing the website and also you can compare shop. Remember if you like one artwork and its too expensive for your taste or pocketbook there is surely another painting that is similar and can fit your budget.

    Protect Yourself: Read up on the website. Find out how long its been in business. See if the website provides secure shopping and secured online purchases. Read about what the customers and any articles have to say about the website and its artists. Check if the artwork will come with an authentication that you feel comfortable with and find out if they have a return policy that you find reasonable. When you have done your homework, buy the artwork and enjoy your new artwork purchased through the future of art shopping with confidence.

  • Home Entertainment bringing the cinema to you

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    As home entertainment equipment gets cheaper and the quality gets better each year, more and more people are starting to wonder about setting up their own home cinema system. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of a home cinema compared to just going to the real cinema?

    Well, lets start with price. Sure, going to the cinema can be expensive, especially if you buy popcorn and hotdogs every time, but its nothing compared to the cost of buying a home cinema system. For the price all the equipment you need, even though the price is going down, you could still go to the cinema every week for years and thats before you consider the cost of buying or renting the films!

    However, the fact that you can buy and rent films is a big upside of having a good home entertainment system. When you go to the cinema, your choices are limited to what they’ve got with a home cinema, combined with the unique power of the Internet to locate almost any DVD in existence; your choices are almost unlimited.

    Yes, you have to make your own film food, but at least its cheap, and you can have as much as you want. You also dont have to put up with other people eating and talking through the film but if you want to pause it and answer your phone then at home you can.

    Really, its a trade-off, even once you take price out of the equation: you’re never going to get a screen as big and a sound system as good as the one in the cinema, but what you lose in quality you make up for in control. Besides, many movie buffs say that although the picture may be smaller, they believe that the overall quality of the film is higher when they configure their own equipment, instead of leaving it to the underpaid teenagers who staff the projectors in modern cinemas.

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  • HDTV? You Ain’t Seen NOTHING yet

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Remember the Osborn? Or was it the Osborne? Actually, I knew it existed, but didn�t care. This thing was a personal computer. Like we�d ever need one of those? Those new electric typewriters with memory were the rage. THAT was something!

    Flash forward and we are upon the reverse engineered UFO goodies. Oh, wait, no, that�s not exactly right.

    It�s the dawning of the age of Aquarius, age of Aquarius, Ah QUAR EEEE USSS. Um, no, that was some time ago.

    It�s the age of $3 US Gas. Not a good milestone.

    The age of HDTV!!! Remember when �high definition� included the terms �stems and seeds?� You do? You rascal.

    No, this is about High Definition TELEVISION. Personally, I feel the word TELEVISON is so�. Fifties. We need a new one there. So did you jump for the Plasma? Or the LCD projector? The DLP? Have you got the home theater with all the tricked out electronics?

    Don�t put your ear directly on the high tech train tracks, then, because there�s another train coming, and you�ll hear it down the line.
    UHDV is in the pipeline. On the track. In the lab. In the electron wind. Want to guess? Time�s up. ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION.

    Remember the movie where they invent this skull cap that would capture your emotions and immediately the bad guy looped someone having how shall we say � some very intense happy times� and turned himself into peak experience broccoli? Is that where all this is headed? Not for a while, if ever. HOWEVER: UHDV is close to the detail of 35mm film. With 7680 x 4320 pixels, this isn�t far from the 4K (4,000 scan line) digital projection systems for big-screen movie theaters.

    Donald Trump will be able to see how bad his hair looks like never before.

    UHDV features 33 million pixels with a 60 frame-per-second (fps) progressive scan format.
    NHK, the Japanese broadcasting giant who had HDTV in the 1980s� is behind the UHDV format, but reassures us it may be a long time before home theater UHDV becomes reality. That�s corporate talk for, �Don�t let the competition know how close we really are!�

    With 32 times the bandwidth demands of HDTV, UHDV would be prohibitive for today�s broadcast, cable and satellite technology. NHK�s demo required a data rate of 24 Gbps. That was a few years back in Amsterdam where some people were close to hurling lunch because the moving car video hi-jinx was that real.

    How real?

    NHK cobbled together a custom camera of four CCD image sensors; then to show the output built a LCoS projector combining four eight-megapixel panels. Data storage, using 16 synchronized HDTV recorders, provided roughly 18 minutes of recording time, using 3.5 terabytes of total capacity and a screen about 12 feet high and 22 feet wide. NHK researchers called this �the sensation of reality saturation point,� in the hopes of providing a completely immersive experience: 100 degrees of visual field angle, viewing from a distance of three-quarters of the height of the screen (about nine feet) with at least 60 pixels required for each one degree of visual field angle.

    And speakers? UHDV offers 24-channel sound, or 22.2, containing vertically arrayed surround sound speakers: nine above ear level, 10 at ear level, three below ear level and two low-frequency subwoofer channels.

    The format, according to NHK, is not so much intended for home use as for museums, public spaces and theaters. You tell The Donald.

    Once upon a time there was SHOWSCAN. Special effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull had his demo unit in a suburb of Dallas, behind a Chucky Cheese, if memory serves. I saw the demo.

    The equipment and the Showscan Film Process of producing and projecting Showscan films are justifiably proprietary and patented. At the time, Showscan�s discovery was hailed as the most significant advancement in film technology since the introduction of sound in the 1929 film �The Jazz Singer�. (Not the one with Neil Diamond.) However, it remained as little more than a technological curiosity until the company developed new camera, high speed projectors, and built special theaters to showcase the revolutionary Showscan images. There was a catch-22 at work. Theaters weren’t equipped for this state of the art projection so they couldn’t convince investors to make films in that format. Solution: do it all in house.

    I can�t remember the specs but it was scarily real, 3-D, multi channel and way ahead of multi channel� or HDTV. I do remember it ran film through the gate much faster than normal projection speeds.

    Today the company�s simulation and specialty theatres are open or under construction in 24 countries around the world, located in theme parks, motion picture multiplexes, expos, world�s fairs, resorts, shopping centers, casinos, museums, and other tourist destinations where somebody wants a rush.

    If NHK can even come close, well�

    Enjoy your puny HDTV now while you can, citizen.

  • Giclee Printing: Do it Yourself or Outsource?

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Photographers as well as painters have realized the revenue potential of printing on the variety of papers available for giclee. Giclee is the use of high quality inket machines to produce prints that will stand quality and time requirements.

    Depending on the number of expected output as well as financial, technical and time resources, a decision to buy a machine or outsource needs to be considered. The positive aspect of going in house is obvious: you can print whenever you wish. Also, aside from the time spent, the cost of producing a giclee is limited to the materials and a service contract after the warranty expires.

    On the other hand, there are drawbacks: the obvious investment of purchasing the hardware such as a digital camera, scanner, computer, printer etc. To produce large format giclees, this can translate into tens of thousands of dollars. What is more important is the learning curve, which is steep: I have been a professional printmaker for 15 years and I am still learning. Finally, giclee production is time consuming both with file preparation as well as the printing itself.. Do not believe the hype of salespeople and manufacturers who tell you that color matching software and profiling have made color work easy. It is not easy: exact color corrections require skill such as expert use of color layers and Photoshop masking techniques. If you are striving for precise color matching, expect to invest years learning how to. Of course someone can be hired in house. Skilled color technicians come at a price and are not easy to find. Another consideration is how often the machine will be run.

    These printers do not like to site unused for days. The nozzles will clog and it will cost money in inks to flush them.
    An extreme example is the Iris, which will clog severely even overnight and the nozzles will need to be manually flushed with water.
    If you are an artist or photographer with a lot of spare time, willing to invest money and long hours you may be a candidate. I believe that if I was a painter I would rather paint than play around with a mountain of digital equipment. Our clients are all busy professionals who wisely chose to invest their time creating art and going out to market and promote their work.

    If you decide to outsource, there are basically two avenues. You can go with a full service giclee printing company that will scan, color correct and proof your work. It is the most expensive road to take because you will pay not only for the printing but the time involved in the color correction and proofing. Set up fees and extras are common place with this option.

    If you have ready to print files because you are soft proofing and have good color management skills, express services that cater to skilled customers, will produce prints with the same equipment and materials available from the full service companies.

    Many websites offer a lot of information about the giclee printing process. Take the time to explore them and decide which avenue to take.

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  • Falling In And Out Of Other People’s Shoes

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    It’s always hard to fit in other people’s shoes. First and foremost, one must understand that you might tackle the issues or uncover the same secret but the truth of the matter is no one can repeat the same feat others have achieved. Second, everybody is created uniquely from one another. However, not everybody can understand this natural way of dealing with each person’s individuality especially with people who have to fill a place.
    In the season ender of of Charmed’s third TV installment, Prue and Piper faced the Source’s deadly assassin Shax. It was because of this that Prue, the eldest and the most powerful witch died. With this, the power of three was enfeebled. Aside from the the terrible fear and anxiety the remaining two, Piper and Phoebe have upon losing a sister, they also became very anxious with the destiny of the Charmed Ones. Without Prue, they couldn’t use their power to its maximum potential. However, Phoebe, which was known for being headstrong and very hopeful, still believed in their destined greatness.
    In the opening of the fourth season, a funeral service was given to Prue in homage to her. In this grievous moment, a unfamiliar office girl paid went to Phoebe she received a premonition concerning the fair complexioned lady. This female happened to be Paige Mathews, their half-sister who would help them reconstitute the power of three. Penelope, their motherhad a child with her whitelighter, Sam. With fear and anxiety, they were forced to give up Paige because witches are not allowed to have a relationship with their whitelighters.
    Eventually, after a series of convincing Paige to join their Wiccan cause, they managed to reconstitute the power of three. As prophesied, Paige will have the power of telekinesis, however, because because she’s part whitelighter, her magic became telekinetic orbing. A ability to move things however, they would first take the form of orbs or little lights.
    Everything, however, didn’t go easy with Paige’s inclusion as one of the Charmed Ones. Firstly, she had a very traumatic past, her parents’ grueling car accident, which hindered her in fulfill her duties as a good witch. But in the end, she managed to get over all the fear and anxiety she felt.
    Also, as Prue’s replacement, she knew that she has to fill in a great responsibility. Adding to that, Piper, which was Prue’s closest sister despised her at first because she believed that no one will ever replace Prue. This condition, as according to medical studies is called performance anxiety the overwhelming apprehension to perform. With these, her first attempts in fulfilling her Wiccan duties was disastrous. No matter how intensely she dish it out, everybody would just regard her as second great or a struggling copycat. Instead of being an asset to the group, she occasionally blow things up, thus, these frustrating scenarios further fuel her cynicism brought about her performance anxiety.
    At this juncture, she almost gave up on being a witch. Despite of her blunders, Phoebe, who was once the youngest supported her and encourage her to push through. This act of encouragement gave her enough spunk to get over her performance anxiety and eventually became a part of the Charmed Ones.
    She learned that she is never meant to double or relive Prue’s part in the Charmed greatness destiny, she just need to play her part which is a crucial parcel of the Charmed package.

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  • Elle Magazine, The History

    Date: 2010.03.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    One of the planet�s most famous womens� fashion magazines is, undoubtedly, Elle Magazine, which was created in France in the 1940�s (and is still owned by the Lagardere Group of France, but is being published by Hachette Filipacchi Media US to this day). Not only does Elle focus on women�s fashions, it also publishes articles on the beauty, health and entertainment inspired by today�s modern woman.

    Elle Magazine is most definitely the largest fashion magazine in the world with thirty-six editions on six continents throughout the world. The magazine also has offshoot companies such as Elle D�COR (with nineteen editions), Elle girl (nine editions), Elle Cuisine (five editions), elle.com (sixteen websites) and high quality products such as books, footwear, eyewear and other fashion related accessories. The U.S. edition alone reaches an audience of almost five million women who find in Elle Magazine a sharp style and substance with a more independent point of view than other magazines of its genre.

    The innovators behind Elle Magazine are now located in New York where its main focus is on �fashion, beauty and style � with a brain.� One of the best creations of the ELLE staff was the online version which has benefited with archival articles from the previous year along with sections on fashion (well, of course!); catwalk trends (�runway�); beauty; and style. Also included and quite popular with the readers is the discussion forum and the opportunity to subscribe to an e-mail newsletter. This site is an amazing insider�s style guide with a worldly outlook which provides both leisurely convenience and an addictive high-end inspiration to boot. Not bad, huh?

    Magazine showcases some of the most affordable designer clothing along with top quality articles that are quite informative (and actually quite interesting!). There are also updated CD, art and book reviews in each and every issue. Subscribers exclaim about the magazine layout and even the quality of both the cover and paper stock are raved about in the forums. Ell Magazine is wonderful for giving its large readership information on the latest pop culture trends both in the United States and abroad while roaming away from what is presented in our present day mainstream culture.

  • Basic Web Design Tips

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Don’t bother with splash pages.
    A splash page is normally a pointless page people put on their websites as an introduction. The page normally contains some sort of image on with a big click here to enter sign, or sometimes people don’t say anything and just hope you will click on the picture to enter their site. Splash pages are fairly pointless and it is just creating more work for your visitor as they have to click the mouse button an extra time just to see the content of your site. By removing the splash page the visitor can get to see the best parts of your site straight away, without having to wait for a pointless page to load.

    Keep your navigation simple.
    To put it simply if your navigation is too complicated and people don’t understand how to get around your site this is a huge web design fault. If a visitor doesn’t know how to navigate around your site they will get frustrated and end up leaving. Keep your navigation simple and try to avoid using scripts or complicated flash based menus, not all browsers support scripts, so some of your visitors might be missing out on important.

    Keep your paragraphs reasonable readable lengths.
    Although having lots of relative and informative content on your website is good, it is a bad idea to have the blocks of text to big. Not everyone likes reading and to much can deter a visitor. If you keep your paragraphs in reasonable lengths it is much easier for a visitor to read and absorb.

    Use CSS for style.
    Make sure your text is readable by using a standard font which is compatible with other systems. While some fonts may look good on your computer other people might not have that font installed. It is good web design practice to use CSS when building you site. CSS or Cascading Style Sheets are a perfect way to set and adjust your websites font and size settings. The great thing about using CSS is that you can change the look of your whole site simply by editing the one file.

    Test how your site looks in other web browsers
    When you are building your site and still in the web design stage it is important to check how it looks on other browsers, just because it looks fine in internet explorer doesn’t mean it looks good on Firefox or Opera. A lot of people use alternative browsers and if the website looks like a complete mess then you will loose that visitor for ever. You can check your sites web design to make sure it complies with the web standards at the w3.org website. Validating your page will help to ensure it works properly on other browsers.

  • Artists Biographies on Film: Top Movies about Visual Artists

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Visual artists biographies is a popular theme in the movie world. Moviemakers have always been fascinated by visual artists biographies, especially if it includes struggle with insanity, drug addiction or social conventions. In addition, it gives them an opportunity to depict original or resurrected artworks on the big screen.
    Here you can read about some of the most interesting movies about visual artists biographies.
    Lust for Life directed by Vincente Minnelli in 1952

    Vincent Van Gogh biography had gained several cinematic adaptations. Lust for Life with Kirk Douglas as the struggling artist is one of the most notable. The movie is based on a best selling book by Irving Stone, who also authored The Agony and the Ecstasy about Michelangelo, which also had appeared on the silver screen.

    If you are a fan of Van Gogh artwork, you would enjoy watching Last for Life, which features almost 200 of Van Goghs original paintings. However, if you are familiar with Kirk Douglas previous filmographic, seeing him as a tortured Dutch painter might take a little adjustment. Another recommended film about Van Gogh is Robert Altmans Vincent and Theo from 1990.

    Surviving Picasso directed by James Ivory in 1996

    Like Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso image made him an iconic figure outside the artistic circles. While Van Gogh symbolizes the self destructive, manic depressive artist who achieves success only after his death, Picasso represents the misanthropic and womanizer artist. Picasso infamous relationship with women is the focus of this Merchant and Ivory film. The story is told from the eyes of Picasso mistress Francoise Gilot and features only reproductions of Picasso works. With Anthony Hopkins talent and his physical resemblance to Picasso, Surviving Picasso manages to create an unflattering portrait of an artist as a cruel, self centered genius.

    Girl with Pearl Earring directed by Peter Webber in 2003

    Comparing to Van Gogh and Picasso, Vermeers biography is less known and less controversial. Therefore Girl with Pearl Earring is much more restrained and delicate. The movie focuses on a short period in Vermeers life in which he was painting the portrait of his young low class maid. Although Girl with Pearl Earring does not avoid filmic conventions by over dramatizing Vermeers painting process, the movie is worth watching if only for its artistic design, which success in evoking Vermeers perception of light and color.

    Basquiat directed by Julian Schnabel in 1996

    The most common critique against movies that deals with visual arts is the way they depict the creation process. Therefore, there were big expectations from Basquiat, which was directed by the celebrated painter Julian Schnabel. Schnabel did well in depicting Jean Michelle Basquiat rise and fall story in less the predictable manner we have seen millions time before. However, the only reason to watch Basquiat is David Bowie plays the role of Andy Warhol.

    Frida directed by Julie Taymor in 2002

    Like most of the visual artists who had their life story appear on the silver screen, Frida Kahlo carried an unusual biography, which includes bus accident, problematic marriage, and an affair with Leon Trotsky. Like Van Gogh, Picasso and Jackson Pollock, who was the subject of a biopic from 2000, Frida Kahlo was an icon long before Frida was released, but the 123 minutes film did help to strength her position as a feminist idol and probably the most famous woman painter of the 20 century. Frida tries its best to integrate Frida Kahlo life story with her painting and the result is very colorful and pleasant, but still does not stay far enough from the conventions of depicting artists on film.

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  • Above Ground Pools

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Spending a day in the pool can be a great way to spend the day . A refreshing swim and time with family and friends is the perfect combination to a splendid holiday. Finding a pool to spend your day in the cool waters is not a problem anymore with ready to install pools.

    The above the ground pools have made the luxury of having your own pool truly POSSIBLE. The demand for above the ground pools have increased manifold over the years due to the various advantages that it has over the traditional in-ground pools. Above ground pools are way above the in-ground pools which not only cost a whole lot more but also require a lot of time to built and commission before you can actually spend sometime in your lovely pool. Now ordering your own pool and enjoying it is possible within a matter of days. A pool all for yourself , without a huge price tag attached to it is now a reality. An above the ground pool provides great flexibility as it can be transported wherever you go , so now you can continue to enjoy a day in the pool even if you are away from home. You can now set up your own pool wherever you want and have a refreshing swim.

    The above the ground pools have continuously evolved over the years and kept with the times in terms of designs and materials used and are in a position to provide you with hundred percent entertainment and enjoyment while you are in the pool. They use the latest in technology, materials and also have corrosion proof coatings. Not only are they practical but make a great style statement.

    The pools themselves speak volumes about their quality and also the credibility of the producer . The product is backed by expertise and years of experience in the field. The company takes pride in offering top quality products and service. The above the ground pools have wonderful features that make it truly a great pool to own :
    � Fitted with the best of equipments like Hayward cartridge filters and pumps that are user-friendly , simple and durable.
    � Pool wall
    � Pool liner and frame
    � State of the art pumpset
    � Acqua bug automatic cleaner
    � Pool available in various sized and shapes to suit the individual tastes and budgets.
    � SP7410 fun fountain
    � Pool liners of various sizes and varied prints are available.
    Do-it Yourself pool kits of various shapes are available that are very simple and user-friendly and can be installed without any problems. The Above ground pool dealer provides state-of �the art technology and lovely above the ground pools that are shipped to the buyer in a matter of a few days.

  • A Sudoku A Day Exercises The Brain

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Negative issues are usually associated with addiction. Drug abuse, excessive drinking, and even too much gambling are all negative activities that are highly addictive. But if there is one kind of addiction that is actually beneficial for adults and kids alike, it would be an addiction to sudoku puzzles. Researchers rank solving sudoku puzzles daily among the top ten non-traditional and alternative ways to boosts brain power. Other brain boosting moves include high-protein diets, listening to classical music, and lots of rest. These are simple but are rather difficult to follow because of budget limitations, personal preferences, and lifestyle. This is the advantage sudoku games holds over other brain boosters. They are accessible from newspapers, books, and even the Internet. They are also workable between breaks or at any spare time. So every time someone chastises you for doing sudoku again, kindly explain and hope that they pick up the habit too.

    Though sudoku puzzles are not mathematical problems, solving the puzzles requires the most basic tool of mathematics and science: logic. Since the puzzles entail the use of logic, common sense, and concentration, the brain is put out of the stupor of doing routine, mundane tasks. In other words, your brain actually gets a break and a good work-out. Studies reveal that the more the brain uses its skills, the better it works. Brains that get more exercise are determined to be more active, and its cells are healthier. Researchers even associate sudoku brain exercises to physical exercise. They stress that just as physical exercise keeps muscle loss at bay, sudoku exercise keeps brain cells from dying and also encourages better brain function. Education is important, but studies actually show that students who do mental workouts like sudoku have higher IQs than students who do not. This only shows that doses of sudoku are more than just ways to pass time. They actually help in improving your ability to comprehend more complex ideas.

    Ian Robertson, a neuroscientist, facilitated a research among the elderly with the premise that decreased mental ability is not inevitable with the right stimulation. The research included two groups of elderly people: the first group solved sudoku puzzles as part of their routine, while the second did not. After some time, their IQ levels were tested and compared to their test results before the experiment. The sudoku-solving group was found to have increased their mental abilities by a significant percentage while the other group showed no change. Dr. Robertson cited a similar research wherein 3,000 people, aged 65-94, were found to have increased their mental capabilities and age by as much as 14 years, just by ten sessions of brain boosting exercise like sudoku.

    Other experts agree with these findings, saying that solving challenging mind games like sudoku puzzles inhibit or prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Health trends also show that adults with demanding, and intellectually challenging jobs benefit from better mental function when they age. Sudoku functions just like these jobs because it requires brain exertions.

    As it is, experts advise adults to encourage children to solve puzzles like sudoku to start mental improvement earlier in life. Sudoku exercises are actually adopted by some schools to stimulate thinking and foster better academic performance of their students. So instead of letting kids watch TV, or read comics, hand them sudoku puzzles. Then, both you and your kids can defend your love of sudoku to those poor souls who do not understand the beauty, joy, and benefits of solving it.

  • A Picture of Perfection

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Never work with children or animals… easier said than done when you’re a parent. Over the last few years I have tried many times to get the perfect photograph. With one child, trial and error often results in an image you are happy with. And with the advent of the digital camera, dud photos are a thing of the past. However, with three children, I’ve finally realised it’s not possible to get the perfect picture, even with the help of a professional photographer!

    I recently enlisted the help of such a man for the all-important christening photos. All dressed up and looking the picture of perfection, my husband and I set off with our adorable little troop to the studio!

    Upon arrival our eldest took off upstairs with his eldest, our middle one trailing behind.

    The baby then decided he absolutely had to be fed! As a breastfeeding mum it was no mean feat undoing my not very practical top to quite literally feed his demand! Eyes averted and a hastily placed teacloth spared some blushes, as we all waited until baby had his fill.

    Finally, everyone gathered together, we were ushered into the studio, only for our eldest daughter to put on a display worthy of a two year old – and she is six! Tempers fraying we waited, coaxed and encouraged her to act her age!

    Needless to say the session ran into overtime, the photos were hastily shot and as we left we vowed never to put ourselves or any photographer through such an ordeal again!

    They say every picture tells a story. We received our pictures with trepidation. Amazingly the photographer had captured some wonderful angelic moments – although we still have some trouble believing the children in the pictures are ours. Maybe some new photographic wizardry replaced sullen angry little people with little shiny happy people.

    However it happened, neither of us can look at the pictures without being transported right back to the stress of the day itself.

    And so the beautiful photographs languish at the back of the wardrobe until such a time as we can laugh about the situation and our own naivety as parents. We thought it would be easy…

  • 5 Desktop Computer Hardware Myths Exposed

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    The big boys in the computer industry want you to continue thinking the way you are. The major desktop computer manufacturers thrive on consumers lack of knowledge and old ideas about desktop computers and computer hardware to drive sales of new desktop computers.

    It works in their favor to keep these myths alive, because their business depends on it. So what are they?

    Myth 1: You need top of the line computer hardware

    Maybe some years ago this might have been true with older computer hardware, but times have changed. When computers were much slower than they are now, the latest version of any computer hardware increased speeds noticeably and allowed new possibilities from your desktop computer.

    Those increases from computer hardware no longer yield such a huge increase in performance. With the basic uses of the desktop computer set and been in place for a while now, speed increases no longer result in real world benefits for most desktop computer users.

    What was great computer hardware last year is still good enough now.

    Myth 2: Computer hardware is the domain of Geeks

    When personal computing was coming into its own, you really did need to be a Geek to know what was happening. For those old enough to remember, imagine life without Windows and hacking away at the command line, as used to be the case. Some still do, but I wouldn’t want to do that again.

    Desktop computers are such commonplace that the basics of computer hardware can be understood and researched with the minimum of hassle. The ball is on the consumers side of the court. You no longer need to be a geek, just a little knowledge that is now readily available.

    Myth 3: A faster desktop computer will speed up the Internet

    Possibly. If you are running 5-year-old computer hardware this might be the case. But the real reason for the increase in speed is usually not the computer.

    Internet speed is related to your connection speed. If you have a dial up connection, it’s going to be quite slow. When you upgrade your desktop computer and they throw in a cable internet, or DSL package the improved speed is from the faster connection, not the computer. Both cable and DSL can offer more than 10 times the speed of a dial-up connection. The computer has little to do with it.

    Myth 4: To speed your computer up, upgrade!

    New computer hardware is a very obvious way to speed things up. Even I have gone for new parts purely for this reason.

    But it’s definitely not the only way.

    Various factors play into overall speed. On a purely physical level, upgrading memory is still a fantastic way to get things to move along a little faster. But apart from this the main things that slows things down on the programs and other stuff you have on the computer.

    Over time, as more programs are put on and taken off and changed, things get left behind, and things get forgotten. When your computer starts, many things get loaded into memory and each one of those takes that little bit more of the computers resources. When you switch to a new program and don’t remove the old one, the older one will still use resources.

    Myth 5: Big brands are the best

    Big brands essentially piece together a computer. They pick and choose the pieces to make a computer package. They also choose some software, give a warranty and then sell it to you.

    Dell computer company has become well known for its customer service. This is the best part about Dell computers. The downside is there are limited choices. They pick what goes into the computer, which are often quite expensive parts. They are motivated by the suppliers to put more recent parts into their computers, keeping the prices at the same level and maintaining the “to get more, pay more,” mentality.

    You don’t have the power of these big guys, but you have something more. Choice.

    Your pick of parts for your desktop computer will allow you to put together something completely tailored to your needs. Put the money where you need it most, into the computer hardware that makes the biggest difference to you, and in the end getting a desktop computer you will fall in love with, rather than despise.

  • 3 Steps to Picking out Your Dream Paint.

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Moving into a new house can be quite an experience. You are totally in a new zone, surrounded by new ceilings and floors near stairs in an entire new layout. You want your home to look the best, so it’s important to pick out the right kind of paint. Of course, in a single article, we can’t show you absolutely everything that you need to know about moving into your new house, but we are going to try to give you some good tips on picking out a new house quality house paint.

    1. Match it. By new house paint is arty difficult as it is in, and you definitely don’t want to paint your house a second time. Make sure whatever kind of house paint that you buy matches up with your existing paint. Maybe take a picture or find out exactly what kind of paint you have in your house right now so that when you go to the hardware store, you can show them exactly what you need.

    2. Buy high-quality paint. Take a look around at the different types of paint that are available for you to buy in the store. You will quickly notice that paint varies in quality drastically and you generally get way you pay for. Granted, you have to make sure that you’re not getting ripped off and you really are getting a good deal, but if you are serious about making money on your house, try to buy the best type of paint that you can afford.

    3. Ask a professional. It’s okay if you don’t know everything about home remodeling. Some people do it for a living. Builders, contractors, subcontractors and other home decorators might be able to give you some words of wisdom and help that you might not be able to get otherwise. Don’t be afraid to ask. Just ask them for a little help and you might be able to save yourself some time and headaches.

    Of course, there’s a lot more to say about house paint. We can’t have put everything in one article. Visit our site to learn all about house paint today.

  • 3 Secrets Of Magicians

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Magicians have their secrets but they won�t tell. It�s a sworn oath for magicians not to tell the audience how a trick is done. There are 3 secrets though that they�ve shared all throughout the years. Here are their 3 secrets.

    The first secret is that some tricks are done through sleight of hand. These are ways with which they skillfully hide an object and make it reappear on another hand. New magicians hide things up their sleeves. Those are old tricks and very few used them now.

    Sleights of hand require a lot of practice to master. Beginners of magic use specially created gimmicks to create the illusion. Professional magicians make use of their impressive sleight of hand. It requires a lot of time, patience and hand coordination to fully understand and do.

    Another secret is the art of misdirection. See this blank paper? And as audience looks at the blank paper, he is carefully getting another piece with his other hand. This is misdirection. Another type of misdirection is the kind that doesn�t let the audience see what�s really causing the tricks. You might have seen that a magician has a lot of assistants who also do incredible stuff, but what you didn�t know is that they are helping the magician perform the magic just with their presence.

    Another kind of misdirection is the appropriate use of words. For example, a magician will tell you to look at the �empty� box. We tend to look at the box as empty just because he said it. This causes our mind to wonder when the magician gets a rabbit out of it.

    Misdirection takes a lot of practice and lots of time in planning. It requires body coordination (one body doing something while the other is doing another thing) and quick thinking. Misdirection is an art and magicians are proud of it.

    Another secret is their patter or a magician�s constant talk. Misdirection is achieved mostly because of patter. The magician will ask you to look at his right hand and as you are looking, you won�t notice what his left hand is doing. This is a really clever way to achieve the illusion that what happens next becomes so magical with the wink of an eye.

    Patter usually takes the form of a story, where a magician will tell you of something that happened to him someday. Sometimes it�s so funny that we actually forget to look at what their hands are doing or what their assistants are giving them.

  • Darth Vader: The Making of a Monster

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    Ever since his first appearance in �Star Wars: A New Hope,� Darth Vader has slowly attained the status of a cultural icon, a near-universal symbol of villainy and oppression. The all-black attire, the distinct sound of his mechanically-aided breathing, and the imposing nature of his presence earned him a spot as one of the most intimidating fictional characters in history. His mere presence was enough to instill fear and anxiety in his lesser officers and his targets, effectively crippling most resistance forces by merely arriving. Not only was he known for causing fear and anxiety among enemies by reputation, he also caused fear and anxiety by his willingness to strike down his foes from the front lines, something his fellow commanders refused to do.

    However, beneath the mask of near-mechanical dominance lay the mind of Anakin Skywalker, a young man confused by his emotions and fearful of his losses. Anakin Skywalker was a man of many traits, some of which led to his eventual transformation into one of the most memorable and sympathetic characters in popular culture. He was extremely loyal to those he cared about, willing to risk anything and everything to help them, and asking only that they be loyal to him in turn. He was a talented Jedi, skilled in mechanics, but somehow wary of why his exceptional talents didn’t seem to be enough to earn him the rank of �master.� Finally, perhaps on some level, he seemed to buckle under the pressure of what his peers believed him to be. He had a destiny, he was occasionally told, and he often felt the weight of that destiny squarely on his shoulders. These qualities, while generally positive, were eventually exploited by the Dark Side and used to fight the very things he was supposed to protect as a Jedi.

    The weight of his destiny pressed upon him a form of performance anxiety, pressuring him and goading him to take more risks. His assumed destiny as �The Chosen One� placed a great burden on his shoulders, one that made him think that he should be able to easily achieve the feats Jedi far older and more experienced than he could achieve only with great difficulty. His performance anxiety eventually was turned into a desire for greater power, and a sense of inadequacy whenever events proved beyond his ability to control. With the right prompting, his performance anxiety became a full obsession with power, one that would drive him to become the second most powerful figure in an oppressive regime.

    His increasing ability to use The Force, combined with his perceived lack of recognition from his Jedi Masters, became a twisted form of status anxiety. Indeed, within the films and the novels, he often expressed worry over how he seemed to be ignored by his superiors. His status anxiety led him to believe that his abilities alone should have earned him the rank of Jedi Knight and, later, Jedi Master. The young Jedi’s status anxiety was aggravated to near-breaking point when he was appointed a seat within the Jedi Council � the ruling body of the Jedi priesthood � but was denied the rank of �Master,� which was something all other members had. This apparent lack of recognition from his peers, combined with the ample praises given to him by those outside the Jedi, slowly built up into arrogance and overconfidence, as well as a resentment over his perceived �persecution.�

    However, the final nail in the coffin was his loyalty and devotion. He experienced separation anxiety when he was taken away from his mother as a boy. While he eventually learned to suppress it, along with all other negative emotions, it resurfaced and when he learned of his mother’s death. His grief turned him into a killer, lashing out against his mother’s killers and slaughtering them as if they were animals. His separation anxiety was even worse when he received visions of his wife, Padme Amidala, dying. His unwillingness to accept the inevitability of her death turned into an obsessive form of separation anxiety, making him willing to do whatever was needed to prevent her death. This separation anxiety and readiness to do what he thought must be done was exploited into convincing him to slaughter young and defenseless Jedi, as well as his more talented peers. Indeed, it was the separation anxiety turned into obsession that ultimately led to his downfall and transformation. Although, in some ways, it also led to his eventual redemption.

  • Classic Villainy

    Date: 2010.03.25 | Category: Uncategorized | Response: 0

    There is an old adag� that says a hero is only as good as his villain is evil, which best describes the literary role that these mongers of fear, hatred, and curiosity play. In many ways, a villain represents the impulses and desires that most people ignore, the darker traits of human psychology and mental health that need to be suppressed. Some have backgrounds that are laughable, others have tragic pasts that could induce depression and anxiety, but all villains, in the end, serve as the twisted reflection of everything the hero should not become. With that in mind, here are a few examples of great villains that have graced the world in one format or another.

    Count Dracula

    Whether the reader believes that the character was based on Vlad III Tepes or not is irrelevant. What is relevant is that the Count is among the most enduring, most powerful villains to have ever appeared in any format. Yes, he was a monstrous fiend in the end, but his charming and elegant demeanor were a contrast to the portrayal of villains during his time. Like real serial killers, Dracula did not look particularly out of place among normal people. In the novel, most people found him odd only because he was not native to England and many things about him were foreign to others. He is among the best examples of literature that shows that the villain can be just as human as the hero, and need not always be a fierce dragon or ancient, overwhelmingly vile demon.

    Darth Vader

    Even when considering the disappointing nature of the prequel trilogy, it is difficult to deny that Darth Vader served as not only the villain, but the core of the �Star Wars� mythology. His actions shattered a generations-old order and, later, helped shape the galaxy for generations to come. His imposing presence, in his black armor and the distinct sound of his breathing, was enough to instill fear in those that stood before him. The fact that he was more than willing to do the dirty work, something most modern villains hardly ever do anymore, made him that much more convincing as an instrument of oppressive, dominating power. It is true that Luke Skywalker and the other heroes of the �Star Wars� saga had the spotlight on them, but most critics would agree that the sheer presence of a character like Darth Vader was what made the movies such successes.

    The Joker

    It takes a very special mix of evil and insanity to make the image of a jester into one that instills fear even in other villains. In the universe of DC Comics, this was a feat achieved only by the notorious Joker. The Joker lacks the tragic background elements that made Vader and Dracula such sympathetic villains, but then, his is a character that wasn’t designed to instill sympathy. The Joker’s primary goal is to kill as many people as he could, preferably in the most comedic (in his mind) manner possible. Some argue that his near single-minded obsession with that goal is a dark mirror to Superman’s own single-minded pursuit of good. However, in some ways, The Joker is still best served as a foil for The Batman, with the former using objects meant to spread joy in murderous ways, while the latter uses criminal tactics to enforce the law.

    Hannibal Lecter

    Villains, by some unknown token, tend to be portrayed as brutish and rough. Most people would expect the villain to look hideous or monstrous, the better to inspire the fear he uses so effectively as a tool. However, Hannibal �The Cannibal� Lecter deviates from that tradition, and he does with such class and grace that he makes his own villainous activities look appealing. To make a man with activities as monstrous as Lecter’s look appealing, noble, and even admirable takes a special kind of personalty. Hannibal Lecter is arguably among the greatest villains of all time, with very few having any credible right to compete against him.

    Indeed, villainy is more than just being the �bad guy.� Behind the fiendish laughter and the menacing costumes lurk a deeper, and not always sinister, personality and motive.