Philchai

The Ten Best Compositions to Listen to, to Get Interested in Classical Music

Philchai — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:07:54 GMT

The Ten Best Compositions to Listen to, to Get Interested in Classical Music

Classical music is a wonderful, passionate, and beautiful form of art. It is also hard to appreciate and hard to get interested in. Here are ten pieces that will help you learn to love classical music.

Beethoven's 5th Symphony Movement One

Perhaps the most famous theme in all of classical music, this sympohny opens with with the shocking Da-Da-Da-DAAA! Beethoven commented on this motif, and said it was, "Fate knocking on my door." This rythmic motif continues throughout the entire sympohny.

The first movement is passionate sonata form. After the theme discussed above is played and elaborated on, a second, gentler theme is introduced in the horns. After this the first theme is developed, expanded, and altered. The movement recapitulates with the entire orchestra behind the first theme and breathtaking coda (tail or end). When listening to this movement, think of the pain and anguish that Beethoven suffered. This is angry, heartbroken, and determined Beethoven at his best.

Pachelbel's Cannon

This piece is a Baroque composition written for a bass and three violins. It is remarkably structured, in that the second violin plays exactly what the first violin played two measures later, and the third violin plays exactly what the first violin played four measures later. This is a sweet piece, that is fun to listen to. See if you can hear how the music builds becoming faster and faster as the piece progresses.

Bach's First Invention

This two part invention (two melodies played against each other), is a charming view into Baroque music. The opening theme is played with the right, and the left hand repeats what the right had just played. This invention is like a dialogue between the right and left hands. They answer and modify themes played by the other. This piece was orginally written for harpsichord.

Schubert's 8th Symphony, "The Unifinished"

Listen to the first movement of this stunning piece. It was never finished, thus the name, and was written as a reaction to the news that Schubet had contracted syphillis. The piece is angry and brooding. The main theme is quietly introduced by the cellos and the basses. The movement features quiet themes with fierce outbursts of hopeless despair. At the end of this movement all the strings form a shimmering atmoshpere as the music comes to a close.

Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto First Movement

Considered one of the most difficult pieces ever written for piano, the concerto opens with light notes on the kettledrums and pulsating strings. The piano enters and plays the main theme, not elaborated and with no frills. After this the orchestra takes the theme while the piano plays fireworks to keep the audience interested. This is a wonderful piece, that after a loud and memorable eleven minutes, surprisingly ends quite quietly.

Grieg's Piano Concerto First Movement

This movment opens with a roll on the kettledrums that gives way for a set of cascading octaves played on the piano. After this the main theme is introduced by the orchestra, and is then repeated and elaborated on by the pianst. When listening to this piece, think of frozen lakes and snowy trees, (Grieg was from Norway), also notice how the movement is framed as the cascading octaves from the beginning reappear to conclude the movement.

Chopin's 14th Nocturne

The piece begins with a single low note on the keyboard followed by hard to place chords. The piece then springs into a heartrending melody for part a. Notice how the melody seems to be dragging, this effect is caused by the rythm Chopin used. Also notice the rolling feeling of the piece, caused by the circular left hand. Part b is supposed to resemble and opera recitative. Two chords sound, and then the "singer" interjects what she has to say. This lead back into part a where the melody is taken to a new place, and ultimately finds a blissfully happy ending.

Prokofiev's 2nd Violin Concerto Second Movement

Light Pizzicato (plucking the strings rather than using the bow) announces the beginning of this movement in 3/4 time. The melody is happy yet emotional, as the piece builds into full strings and orchestra playing the theme. The piece, after reaching its climax spiral back down to the Pizzicato it started with.

Smetna's The Moldau

This piece is part of a massive tone poem (A piece depicting something specific) by Bedrich Smetna called My Fatherland. The Moldau is supposed to represent a river flowing through Bohemia. The piece starts with the rive high in the mountains, yet the river slowly gains speed and momentum as the piece does. Finally about a minute in the main theme appears as a sweeping magnificient portrayal of a river. The river slowly dies down to a trickle again, and the piece ends.

Fun Fact: The melody from Israel's National Anthem, Hatikvah, comes from this piece

Mozart's Requiem Second Movement

The Requiem is a funeral piece. The second movement is a fugue (Piece for four independant melodies) involoving an orchestra, a chorus, and solo singers. Try and notice how themes are played by the different parts.

Youtube

Beethoven Symphony No. 5, 1st mvt--Arturo Toscanini/NBC Symp	Johann Pachelbel - Canon in D, fantastic version
Bach Invention No.1 BWV 772	Schubert "Unfinished Symphony" Derek Gleeson conducting
Rach3 - Martha Argerich	Arthur Rubinstein - Grieg Piano Concerto 1st mov (1)
Nocturne #14 (Chopin)	Smetana Ma Vlast Moldau Kubelik Czech 1990

CDs

	Beethoven: Symphonies 5 & 7 (Music) Long regarded as the quintessential interpretation of the most popular and best-loved symphony ever written, this performance of the Fifth has everything: passion, precision, dr...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $11.98 Lowest Used Price: $5.45 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM) Lowest New Price: $7.91 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM)
	The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! (Music) You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World ... Ever! does...more Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $18.98 Lowest Used Price: $4.25 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM) Lowest New Price: $8.24 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM)
	Bach: Two part Inventions/Three Part Inventions (Music) Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $16.98 Lowest Used Price: $8.49 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM) Lowest New Price: $9.99 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM)
	Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 8 "Unfinished" & 9 "The Great" (Music) Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $11.98 Lowest Used Price: $6.61 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM) Lowest New Price: $7.07 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM)
	Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Music) Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $11.98 Lowest Used Price: $2.97 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM) Lowest New Price: $7.03 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM)
	Grieg, Chopin & Saint Saens Piano Concertos / Previn, Rubinstein, London Symphony Orchestra (DVD) Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $29.98 Lowest Used Price: $22.49 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM) Lowest New Price: $16.67 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM)
	Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes And Impromptus (Music) Claudio Arrau considered the Nocturnes among Chopin's deepest, most searching works, rather than mere descriptive mood paintings, and he plays them that way. The same can be said ...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $17.98 Lowest Used Price: $12.95 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM) Lowest New Price: $10.86 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM)
	Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72 (Music) Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $7.98 Lowest Used Price: $2.59 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM) Lowest New Price: $4.07 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM)
	Mozart - Requiem / Augér, Bartoli, Cole, Pape, Wiener Phil., Solti (Music) Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $16.98 Lowest Used Price: $9.00 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM) Lowest New Price: $10.05 (as of 10/6/2008@7:11 AM)

The Best Scrubs Quotes

Philchai — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:56:34 GMT

The Best Scrubs Quotes

Scrubs, starring Zach Braff, is one of the funniest shows on televison today. Here are some of the funniest lines. Enjoy!

J.D.: I'm, uh, I'm waiting for someone. Janitor: Door's broke. Fifth time or so it won't open. J.D.: Maybe there's a penny stuck in there. Janitor: Why a penny? J.D.: I don't know... Janitor: D'you stick a penny in there? J.D.: No, no, I was just making small talk. Janitor: If I find a penny in there... I'm takin' you down. J.D.: Your ex-wife. She's the answer. Dr. Cox: Uhhh... Things that ruined my life. Things that took half my money. Things with sharp edges! [J.D. and Turk have approached a strip club where there are angry protesters out front.] J.D.: Let's get outta here before we end up on the 6 o'clock news. [A reporter approaches them.] Reporter: Excuse me, are you gentleman visiting the club? Turk: (nervously) No! ...We're here protesting. J.D.: I'm worried about the kids. Reporter: So what's that in your pocket? [The camera zooms in on J.D.'s jacket pocket.] J.D.: Oh, this is just, um--it's thirty-eight dollars in singles...I-I bought a newspaper, and this is the change from my forty. [Janitor is digging through trash] J.D.: Did you lose something? Janitor: No, why? Did you take something? J.D.: No. Janitor: What'd you take? J.D.: Nothing. Janitor: What'd you take? Janitor: Here's what we're gonna do. I'm gonna leave the cart in the closet, I'm gonna leave the closet unlocked and if... by magic, it happens to reappear, I won't ask any questions. J.D.: I don't even know what "it" is. Janitor: Then why take it? Janitor: Well, well, well, look what magically found it's way back! J.D.: Window cleaner? Janitor: No, this is ammonia. The window cleaner is... [looks around, turns to J.D.] Why? J.D. [narration] That's just bad luck .

[J.D is drying his crotch by rubbing it against the hand dryer in the men's room. Dr Kelso walks in]

Dr Kelso: [Looking sideways at J.D]: Y'know, son, you really ought to buy that thing dinner first. J.D: [Looks up] Wha? Uh? Aooooooh! [Falls off stool he was standing on to reach dryer] J.D: Ow. J.D.: A patient's blaming me for losing his sense of smell. Ted: Oh my God, you cut off someone's nose?! Where is it? Do you have it on you? You're disgusting. J.D.: Ted, I don't have the nose. Maybe you should calm down- Ted: MAYBE YOU SHOULD CALM DOWN!! Dr. Cox: [referring to a broken computer] Why have we never fixed or replaced this monstrosity? Laverne : You know the deal around here; if it barely works, it's not gonna get replaced. Dr. Cox : Well, I guess that explains why your ass is still on the payroll, huh? Ohhhhhhhhhhhh! Somebody stop me!

[The night before J.D. catches a glimpse of the Janitor's penis, as he was peeing accidentally ouside the Janitor's bathroom window]

J.D.: Look... Janitor, I'm gonna be straight with you. I saw your penis and I noticed a possible melanoma that you should really have checked out. Janitor: When did you see my penis? J.D.: Last night when you were showering. Janitor.: Where were you? J.D.: Oh, I was outside in the bushes. Janitor: [dumbfounded] J.D.: Look it was just a coincidence man. If you had looked out of the window you would've seen MY penis you know. Janitor: What?? Why?? J.D.: Because I had it out while I was looking at yours! J.D.: Look, I'm sorry I was such a jerk yesterday, okay? I mean, come on, look at this floor! You could practically eat off of it! Janitor: Would you? J.D.: Would I what? Janitor: Would you eat off the floor? [Janitor drops a piece of turkey on the floor] [J.D. leans down to eat it.] J.D.'s Narration: As I bent down to eat that peppered floor turkey, unaware that the cleanser the Janitor uses is an extremely potent diuretic, I realized something... the reason we're doctors is because we have an innate desire to help people. [J.D. walks off] Janitor: That was disgusting

DVDs

	Scrubs - The Complete Sixth Season (DVD) The preliminary diagnosis on Scrubs's penultimate season was stable, but critical. On closer examination, however, a second opinion is warranted. Season 6 cuts deep with developme...more Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $39.99 Lowest Used Price: $18.89 (as of 10/7/2008@10:36 AM) Lowest New Price: $21.99 (as of 10/7/2008@10:36 AM)
	Scrubs - The Complete First Season (DVD) Now relive all 24 episodes of the groundbreaking show's highly acclaimed first season. With a host of great bonus features, including never-before-seen dream sequences and a fasci...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $49.99 Lowest Used Price: $15.35 (as of 10/7/2008@10:36 AM) Lowest New Price: $26.98 (as of 10/7/2008@10:36 AM)
	Scrubs - The Complete Second Season (DVD) The interns of Sacred Heart hospital move up to residents in the second season of Scrubs, the dorky little brother to ER with more than a passing resemblance to Ally McBeal. But i...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $39.99 Lowest Used Price: $20.99 (as of 10/7/2008@10:36 AM) Lowest New Price: $24.98 (as of 10/7/2008@10:36 AM)

Scrubs Clips

Scrubs Best Friends	Favorite Scrubs moments (season 5)	scrubs - guy love
Best Scrubs Joke

Buying a Macbook

Philchai — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:19:50 GMT

Buying a Macbook

Having recently completed the daunting process of buying a laptop for college, I though I'd share what Iearned.

Knowing that I would need a computer for college, the first big decision I had to make was whether I wanted a Mac or a PC. Despite the misleading Dell sitting in the kitchen, my family is firmly a Mac family. After talking to family, it seemed that Mac was the way to go.

Now, I had to chose between the four models of laptops at the apple store. Here is the good news and bad news about each type.

Macbook (White): The regular macbook is white with the standard amount of memory, RAM, etc. This is the standard Mac laptop, and it is available in a version with slightly more memory. Some people think that it does not have enough memory, but that problem can be easily remedied by buying an external hard-drive to back up your data. It is fairly light.

Macbook (Black): The black macbook is the same as the white macbook except it contains more memory, RAM, etc. then even the upgraded version of the Macbook (White). In my opinion, the extra memory and RAM aren't necessary. The black macbook, however, does sport a sleeker design. It is about the same weight as the white macbook.

Macbook Pro: The Macbook Pro is a significantly more powerful machine. It is a large step up from the black macbook. If you are just becoming an undergraduate, this type of machine is not necessary. Being significantly more powerful, it is also significantly heavier, and truthfully, a pain to lug around the campus. I do not recommend this model in the least bit.

Macbook Air: The Macbook Air is a new model and is extraordinarily light and thin. The ad features it being placed in the standard 9x11 envelope and fitting comfertably. In addition to being very light, it is also very new, and there has not been enough time to work out all the bugs and kinks from it.

I went with the Macbook (White) with slightly more memory. It was a good comprimise for me because it gives me slightly more power, but it is not too heavy. I still believe the black macbook is over the top for a college student.

In a deal that lasts through septemeber, I recieved a free iPod Touch with the purchase of my macbook. A nice surprise. It is a must to buy games for this, see the itunes site for details.

I also received a free printer/faxer/scanner with my macbook. I was not even aware of this deal before I set foot in the apple store and was pleasantly surprised.

The Way To Shop:

Go to your local apple site, (for example, apple.com/cheerycreek), and find the personal shopper link. Using this, I reserved an employee at the apple store for a full hour and had his complete attention. He walked me through how the macbook works and showed me all of the different options. One of the hi-lights of this experience was how pleasant and helpful all the employees were. The manager of the store even came over and thanked us for shopping apple.

Some Things To Know:

None of the macbooks come with a good word processor. You either have to buy Microsoft Office, or the Apple equivilant. The Apple equivilant is about half as expensive, but I still recommend going Office. Office is the standard, and will be used by nearly everyone on campus.

Make sure to buy your macbook far before classes start. You want to have a chance to get used to working on it and trying out all of the features.

Good Luck!

The macbook air ad

Apple MacBook Air TV Commercial

Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto

Philchai — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:44:59 GMT

Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto

Possibly the most difficult work every composed for piano, Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto radiates virtuosic splendor and heartbreak.

The Concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement, (Allegro ma non tanto) begins with light timpani and pulsing strings. The piano simply lays out the melody with winds occasionally interjecting. After the piano finishes playing the melody, the orchestra plays the melody while the piano keeps the audience entertained with fast and beutiful elaborations on the d minor triad. There are many high points of the first movement - especially in the powerful cadenza that leads to a short coda and brings the first movement of the concerto to a close.

The Second Movement, (Intermezzo: Adagio), is a doleful lament. It is nearly four full minutes before the piano enters as the orchestral introduction drowns the listener in a nostalgic melencholy. This movement climaxes at the end and leads brilliantly directly into the third movement.

The Third Movement, (Finale: Alla Breva) is a vivacious romp that incorporates modified themes from the first movement that effectively frames the concerto. This movement especially exudes a Russian folk music theme.

The Concerto takes about forty minutes to perform.

How About Some History!?

This Concerto was written at his family estate. It was premiered with Walter Damrosch. The Second performance was more memorable with Gustav Mahler conducting.

Notable perfomances include those by Vladmir Horowitz, Vladimir Feltsman, and Vladimir Ashkenazy

Great Recordings

	Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Music) Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $11.98 Lowest Used Price: $2.97 (as of 10/7/2008@2:54 AM) Lowest New Price: $7.01 (as of 10/7/2008@2:54 AM)
	Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 - 4 (Music) Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $17.98 Lowest Used Price: $9.48 (as of 10/7/2008@2:54 AM) Lowest New Price: $12.08 (as of 10/7/2008@2:54 AM)
	Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No 3 (Music) Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $10.98 Lowest Used Price: $5.47 (as of 10/7/2008@2:54 AM) Lowest New Price: $5.42 (as of 10/7/2008@2:54 AM)

Videos

Rach3 - Martha Argerich	horowitz rachmaninoff 3rd concerto - ann arbor, 1978, pt1
Rachmaninoff: Concerto no.3 - 3rd mvt (Lisa Tahara)	Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto no.3 (Cadenza - Ossia)

12 Tone Music Made Simple

Philchai — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:58:38 GMT

12 Tone Music Made Simple

12 Tone Music has dominated 20th century classical music. While it may seem enigmatic, this article will make it simple. Before you know it, you'll be spinning out tone rows like it's nobody's business!

In traditional music, everything is composed in a certain key - and the key limits what can be done. For example, if you play a C Major scale from middle C up the next octave, you will find that you use none of the black notes on the piano. In fact, if you are playing in the key of C Major, chances are you won't use a single black note. So it is with every key, about half of the twelve tones are used often while the other half is completly ignored.

Arnold Schoenberg, the man behind the music, thought this was unfair. In fact, he thought each note should be used the same number of times. To do this - he invented twelve tone music. He said, If I use a C, I will not use another C anywhere on the piano until I have used an E-flat, and a G, and a C-Sharp, and all eleven other tones of the chromatic scale. One cycle of using all twelve notes is called a tone row.

Try it Yourself:

Here is a sample tone row, see if you can play it on the piano:

C E G D F A C-Sharp B-flat F-sharp B A-flat E-flat

Now see if you can write your own!

Now that you can write tone rows, here's what you can do with them:

Once you have a tone row there are two processes you can put it through to generate more music. The first is called Inversion. When you invert a tone row you are reversing the intervals. For example, if you went up a fourth in the original, you go down a fourth on the inverted.

The second tool is called Retrograde. To Retrograde, play the whole tone row backwords, starting from note twelve and proceeding through to note one.

Finally, After you have done these two techniques, you can retrograde AND invert a tone row.

Good luck with your twelve tone aspirations

So You Want to Own Twelve Tone Music

Check out these great twelve tone CDs and DVDs. Wozzeck was Berg's only opera, and Moses und Aron was Schoenberg's only opera. Fun Fact: Schoenberg was extraordinarily superstitous. Her originally named his opera Moses und Aaron, but when he saw it had thirteen letters, he dropped one of the "A"s in Aaron's name.

	Schoenberg: Piano Concerto (Music) Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $16.98 Lowest Used Price: $9.00 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM) Lowest New Price: $9.78 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM)
	Webern: Symphony; Six Pieces; Concerto for 9 Instruments (Music) Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $8.99 Lowest Used Price: $4.03 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM) Lowest New Price: $4.54 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM)
	Berg - Wozzeck (DVD) Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $32.98 Lowest Used Price: $20.34 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM) Lowest New Price: $22.32 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM)
	Arnold Schoenberg: Serenade/Five Pieces For Orchestra (Music) Schoenberg's Serenade is comparable to Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale. Both works are effective modernist parodies of classical genres. But unlike Stravinsky, Schoenberg's treatm...more Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $9.98 Lowest Used Price: $4.87 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM) Lowest New Price: $5.97 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM)
	Schoenberg: The String Quartets (Music) Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $17.98 Lowest Used Price: $10.43 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM) Lowest New Price: $10.45 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM)
	Arnold Schoenberg - Moses und Aron (DVD) Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $32.98 Lowest Used Price: $23.04 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM) Lowest New Price: $17.40 (as of 10/6/2008@7:10 AM)

Videos

Check out these great examples of twelve tone music, and fascinating interview with the man himself!

Wager Sylvester - Twelve-tone Nocturne for piano	Twelve-tone Serial Jazz - Barbara
Alban Berg violin concerto performed by Nicolas Koeckert 1	6 pieces for piano Op. 19 by Schoenberg (Beroff)
Interview with Arnold Schoenberg

A Short History of the Beginning of Today's Problems

Philchai — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:13:17 GMT

A Short History of the Beginning of Today's Problems

Nearly all of the problems of the mordern world can be traced back to World War One, and World War One can be traced back to the Balkans.

The Balkans, known as the "powder keg of Europe," are the Southeastern region of Europe. This area has changed hands many times. It became Christian under the Roman Empire, and Greek Orthodox under the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine Empire crumbled, and the area became Muslim under the Ottomon Empire. Eventually idnividual Balkan states began to declare their independance in the 1830s (beginning with Serbia).

In 1914, the son of the King of Austria Hungary visited the capital of Bosnia, called Sarjevo. A group called, "The Black Hand" was planning to assinate them. The assination failed. However, the son of the King's driver made a wrong turn, and one of the original asassigns killed him. This sparked World War One.

Germany's defeat in World War One made many Germans unhappy. Because of World War One, the *** were able to gain power, and start World War Two

After World War Two, Germany was divided into East Germany, and West Germany. This became a focal point of the Cold War, and in 1948, the Soviet Union and the United States almost went to war over Germany.

The ethnic tensions of the area caused the break up of Yugoslavia.

Photos

Killed the Archduke: Princip

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

How to Write a Sonnet

Philchai — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:12:32 GMT

How to Write a Sonnet

The sonnet first originated in the form of the Italian Sonnet. An English Sonnet soon developed from the Italian variety. The famous Sonnet writer was, of course, Shakespeare.

The Sonnet has three four line stanzas and one two line stanza. The rhyme scheme is a-b-a-b, c-d-c-d. e-f-e-f, g-g. It is in Iambic Pentameter, which means there are ten syllables or feet per line, and everyother word has a stress. For example, I swear it was a lovely day. The last stanza of two lines usually holds large thematic difference called a volta.

Here is an example of a sonnet:

Oh my I've been working so long it seems

I can't recall if I've indeed been out

Even in sleep I dare not go to dream

For fear that I might in my dream big shout

I sit unhappily thinking my thoughts

The daily dream that was my summer day

Is now strung from the nine to five and taut

Ready to snap at touch or type or stay

My messages go out to those who need

A lift or gift or something inbetween

So type all day and long the day I'm freed

Though nothing comes from hope and light unseen

Yet labor has brought large of happiness

And it all's been worth it for some small bliss

By Philippe von Treblonqui, Bavarian poet and typist, (1869-1915).

Sonnets!

Read them today!

	World of Shakespeare: The Complete Plays and Sonnets of William Shakespeare (38 Volume Library) (Book) The World of Shakespeare: The Complete Plays and Sonnets of William Shakespeare (38 Volume Library) By William Shakespeare Stephen Orgel and A. R. Braunmiller, General Editors ...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: N/A Lowest Used Price: $103.99 (as of 10/7/2008@7:12 AM) Lowest New Price: $119.60 (as of 10/7/2008@7:12 AM)
	Tender Triumph (Sonnet Books) (Book) This is a particular favorite. Distrustful of men, Kate Connelly has buried herself in her career, shutting out all chance of romance. Then a handsome Spaniard, Ramon Galverra, ...more Average Customer Rating: 2.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $7.99 Lowest Used Price: $0.01 (as of 10/7/2008@7:12 AM) Lowest New Price: $2.00 (as of 10/7/2008@7:12 AM)
	100 Love Sonnets: Cien sonetos de amor (Texas Pan American Series) (Book) If you've ever wished for a fresh and imaginative way of saying ''I love you'' to your beloved, peruse Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's 100 Love Sonnets. This intimate bilingual co...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $16.95 Lowest Used Price: $2.57 (as of 10/7/2008@7:12 AM) Lowest New Price: $7.96 (as of 10/7/2008@7:12 AM)
	Shakespeare's Sonnets (Yale Nota Bene) (Book) This prize-winning work provides a facsimile of the 1609 Quarto printed in parallel with a conservatively edited, modernized text, as well as commentary that ranges from brief...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $19.95 Lowest Used Price: $4.36 (as of 10/7/2008@7:12 AM) Lowest New Price: $12.13 (as of 10/7/2008@7:12 AM)

Buy Sonnets Here!

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A Brief History of the iPod

Philchai — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:12:19 GMT

A Brief History of the iPod

No product quite dominates the market as Apple's iPod. Apple decided to develop the iPod when they looked at the digital music players of the time. They found the music players were either too big to be convient or too small to be useful, and user interfaces that were, "unbelievably awful." The iPod was not developed solely by Apple, but also by a number of other companies.

A bastion to the iPod's success is iTunes. this is a digital legal music store where users can buy individual songs for 99 cents, and the only digital music player the play on is the iPod. Another key to the iPod's success is the frequent relase of updated products. Since 2001, there have been five generations of the iPod, the last two enabling users to put photos, then videos, on their iPod. There are other products that have two generations each which are, the iPod mini, the iPod nano, and the iPod shuffle. On top of all this, on June 29th, Apple is putting out the iPod phone - following the trend of other cell-phone music players before them.

The iPod is also compatible with a number of accessories. Every iPod comes with earbuds, (these however, are fragile and are poor quality). Accessories that users can buy include soft and hard cases, iPod speakers, camera conecter, and many others. Nike and Apple even teamed up to create a pedometer!

The Store

Apple Store
For the most recent technology in computers go to Apple.com. At the Apple Store you can find the best in Mac computers and software at great prices. The Apple Store has all your iPod and iPhone products. At Apple.com you can download your favorite iTunes. If you need any assistance with your Apple products, the Apple Store will give you answers. Find the best deals on Apple products through ShopAtHome.com. ShopAt Home.com will pass on great savings to you and even give you cash back rebates....

A Photo

iPod Commercials

How to Write a Song

Philchai — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:10:52 GMT

How to Write a Song

Songwriting is among the best arts. People write in all different kinds of ways, this is just a way to start, if you are more comfertable writing a different way, go for it! (I only write for piano)

There are two aspects of any song, the lyrics, and the music. There is much debate as to which should be written first, however, I usually write the music first, so I'll start with that.

1. Come up with a good chord progression

I usually do this by messing around on the piano and improvising. It is good to knwo some basic theory for this. There are certain chords that always sound good together. Here are some chord progressions to start with:

aminor>Fmajor>Cmajor>Gmajor

Cmajor>Gmajor>Fmajor>Fmajor

Cmajor>Fmajor>Gmajor

2. Come up with a melody

I do this one of two ways. Either I'll play the chord progression and sing over it until I find a melody that I like, or I'll play the chord progression in my left hand and improvise over it with my right hand until a melody develops.

3. Figure out the style

Do you want a swing base, light sound, full sound, fast paced slow paced, whatever you want, but you gotta think about it!

(You need a different chord progression, melody, and style for the verse and the chorus)

Lyrics:

1. Figure out what you want the song to be about

A good way to do this is write a paragraph about what you're thinking for the song. You should know where you are going with it.

2. Come up with a lyrical hook

This is the phrase in the song that everyone remembers. Hooks are usually the chorus, and they've got to be catchy. Here are some famous hooks: "Let it Be," "Light my Fire," "Dance, Dance," "Hard Day's Night"

3. Write the chorus

The chorus should be catchy, and it should be built around the hook.

4. Write the verses

Consider taking from the paragraph you wrote about the song. THIS IS A FIRST DRAFT! don't be afraid to write because you think it has to be perfect, you'll go back and revise.

5. Write second draft

6. Revise again

7. Revise as many times as you need to

Now fit the music to the lyrics. I always craft my lyrics with the music in mind. For example, based on the melody, I know approxiametly how many syllables per line I am aiming for.

ENJOY!

Videos

Eliot Smith: songwriting lesson

Videos

Bob Dylan

Philchai — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:09:52 GMT

Bob Dylan

Aside from Mozart, Bob Dylan may be the most prolific artist of all time. He has been an active musician from 1959 until today. He is one of the most influential musicians of all time. He was the figurehead of the anti-war movement - listen to the song "Masters of War." He was also the figurehead of the civil rights movment - listen to "Blowin' in the Wind."

His style transcends the bounds that most people apply to music. His style changed so much, and because of it he alienated diehard fans. His early style might first be described as folk. He played many folk covers, and most of his songs featured his guitar, his voice, and his harmonica. Listen to "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall," and "Don't Think Twice It's Allright," for his masterpieces of folk.

It all changed, however, in 1965. One concert changed music history forever - The Newport Folk Festival. Instead of sticking to his past years' style, Dylan went electric. Dylan played 3 songs with an band similar to many rock groups, and then left. He was booed and cheered off the stage.

His next couple of alblums are some of the greatest of all times, "Highway 61 Revisted" "Blonde on Blonde" and "Bringin' it all back home"

His style continues to change, though I blieve his best work was of the 60s and 70s.

Interesting tidbits:

Bob Dylan was ranked second in the Rolling Stones Top 100 Artists (Second to the Beatles)
Bob Dylan's son Jakob Dylan is the lead singer of The Wallflowers

The Legend

	Modern Times (Music) First new album in 5 years featuring great new songs Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $18.97 Lowest Used Price: $1.90 (as of 10/5/2008@3:44 PM) Lowest New Price: $2.24 (as of 10/5/2008@3:44 PM)
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	The Bob Dylan Scrapbook, 1956-1966 (Book) Created as a companion piece to Martin Scorsese's PBS documentary No Direction Home: Bob Dylan, The Bob Dylan Scrapbook, 1956-1966 is a visual and educational treat for old and ne...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $45.00 Lowest Used Price: $4.90 (as of 10/5/2008@3:44 PM) Lowest New Price: $10.74 (as of 10/5/2008@3:44 PM)

The Music

Bob Dylan (Time Magazine Interview)

Bob Dylan World Tours 1966-1974 Clip

Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone 1966