2008年1月2日 星期三

How To Begin To Collect Art Collectibles That Will Make Your Home Unique

Many people have become enamored with the hobby of collecting different items and one of the most rewarding is that of collecting art collectibles. There are so many different items that can be collected in this genre that it truly boggles the mind. In the art collectibles category one can collect anything from rice grains that have tiny paintings on them to giant paintings or posters or even wall tapestries. There are also rare items that are numbered and limited that can be collected such as the plates or certain sculptures that you may see advertised on TV or in magazine.

Many people follow particular artists and collect mainly that artist's work. One of my favorites is an artist by the name of Wyland who specializes in paintings about marine life. His paintings are very colorful and the creatures he paints almost seem to be alive. This particular artist is also known for his enormous murals that are painted on buildings and called "whaling walls". These murals depict many different species of whales. We have one near me in Destin Florida.

Collecting art need not be a hobby only for the wealthy and affluent. You don't have to be a collector of Rembrandt to be able to enjoy this fun hobby. There are many other pieces if art one can collect that can be just as rewarding to the average person. I have a friend who collects movie posters and he has one of the largest I have seen. Some of these posters make really cool art when framed and hung on the wall.

As a professional internet marketer I am a big user of eBay for finding all sorts of items and art collectibles are no different. As a matter of fact you will be completely blown away by the enormous selection available just from this one source. You can even sell items of your own that you may want to get rid of when starting a new collection. You may also be very surprised at the valuable collectibles you can find at garage sales and flea markets. I know when I have taken the time to get out early on a Friday or Saturday morning and hit the garage sales I have often found some bargains that were worth many times what I paid for them.

It doesn't matter where in the world you are there are artists available whose work you may want to collect. I have a friend on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas whose teenage son creates beautiful pieces of art depicting different types of fish which he fashions from driftwood and then paints them with bright colors. This is something that can be fun if you travel. Collect art from local artists wherever you go that will also give you fond memories of the places you have been.

2008年1月1日 星期二

Singing with a Purpose

With the aim of using music to send political messages against social injustice, System of a Down is a four-piece hard rock band composed of grandsons of Armenian genocide survivors. A range of rather outspoken views dominates their music, which is highly prominent throughout their songs. After the release of five albums, the group has enjoyed commercial success with an array of popular singles, including "Chop Suey." The band is also part of the Axis of Justice, a non-profit organization that fights for social and political change.

Background Information

Originating from Los Angeles, California, System of a Down has produced numerous alternative metal, heavy metal, hard rock, experimental rock, alternative rock, and nu metal singles and albums under labels such as American Recordings and Columbia Records. A variety of musical influences have helped shape the style and sound of the band, including punk rock, jazz, fusion, blues, and Armenian folk music. During performances, the band uses an array of instruments, such as electric mandolins and sitars, to deliver a unique sound. As for the writing of their music, various band members state they gain inspiration from the likes of the Beatles and KISS.

Current Members

The current members of System of a Down have been with the group since its start. Serj Tankian is responsible for lead vocals and also plays keyboard and rhythm guitar. Daron Malakian contributes to the vocals and plays lead guitar. The bass guitar and backing vocals are attached to Shavo Odadjian, while John Dolmayan plays the drums and also adds to backing vocals. Former System of the Down drummer, Andy Khachaturian played with the group from 1995 to 1997 until he was forced to leave the band after a hand injury followed the group's third demo.

Brief Career History

Some of the original members of System of a Down belonged to a band called Soil. From 1993 to 1995, the group only held one live show and one jam session recording before splitting up. Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian went on to form a new band called System of a Down, a name that originated from a poem Malakian wrote entitled "Victims of a Down."

The two members then called upon Shavo Odadjian for assistance, as he originally held the position of band manager and promoter. Soon after, he was given the opportunity to become the permanent bassist. It was at this time that Velvet Hammer Music took over the managerial responsibilities. Their first release was titled "Sugar." Soon after, drummer Andy Khachaturian joined the band but was replaced in 1997 by John Dolmayan.

After catching the eye of Rick Rubin, System of a Down signed with American Columbia records and released their self-titled debut album during the summer of 1998. Mainstream success soon followed, which dominated the early 21st century. Currently, the band is on hiatus, as group members take on outside projects.

Discography & Musical Achievements

The System of a Down released three single albums ("System of a Down," "Toxicity," and "Steal This Album") and a double album entitled "Mesmerize and Hypnotize." When "System of a Down" was released in 1998, the album later reached platinum status. In 2001, "Toxicity" was released, achieving the number-one position in the United States and Canadian music charts. The album reached three-time platinum in sales and was also well-liked in the United Kingdom and Australia.

"Steal This Album" reached platinum status and was released in 2002. In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, their double album ("Mesmerize and Hypnotize") reached number on the music charts, once again selling more than a million copies each. A host of singles also ranked on the U.S. modern rock and other mainstream charts, such as "Chop Suey" (2001); "Aerials" (2002); "Toxicity" (2002); "B.Y.O.B." (2005); and "Hypnotize" (2005).