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Steps in Time: The History of Irish Dance in Chicago

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“Franz Ferdinand” are a four-piece Scottish indie rock band hailed from Glasgow, Scotland. They are frontman Alex Kapranos (Vocals and Guitar), Nick McCarthy (Guitar, Keyboards and Backing Vocals), Bob Hardy (Bass) and Paul Thomson (Drums). Their music genres include indie rock, post-punk revival and dance rock. Franz Ferdinand derived their name from historical figure Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Franz Ferdinand are back after a four-year wait. With their third full-length Tonight, i would say this album is worth the wait! They’re back with broader musical scope, they’re experimenting music and they’re having fun! Franz Ferdinand is back to rock us!

Delicious Tonight kicks off with the ever sexy “Ulysses”. Alex’s voice is sexy in a steady pace. The opening drum beats is very catchy, you would fall in love with this track once the music starts. Franz Ferdinand started off taking little steps with Alex’s improved vocals. I have never heard Alex singing in such way, Ulysses is sexy and sweaty. The music itself has shown Franz Ferdinand’s desire to add in some new aspects into their sound. “Come on let’s get high, come on let’s get high…” Franz Ferdinand has got to be the sexiest band on the dance floor!

“Turn It On” is another track that continues to make the ladies on the dance floor asking for more. The bass and guitar on this track are too irresistible. In the chorus, the backing vocals really complement Alex’s singing. Alex will go, “Although I know you turn it on yeah…” The rest of Franz Ferdinand will go “Turn it on…” Just amazing to hear Franz Ferdinand do that! Turn It On is like a dance club anthem where it never fails to get the crowd moving their body in a sense of appreciation of the music by Franz Ferdinand. Turn it on now with Franz Ferdinand!

“No You Girls” has some repetitive catchy guitar and bass hooks. The music throughout No You Girls is just simply awesome. The lyrics are smartly crafted as well, “Kiss me where your eye won’t meet me, meet me where your mind won’t kiss me…” The chorus also brings us another mesmerizing moment. It’s anthemic, sexy and catchy. The handclaps, guitar, organ and team-vocals are the climax here. “You girls never know, oh no, you girls’ll never know, no you girls never know, how you make a boy feel…” It’s loud and danceable! Dancing to a rock tune really requires lot of energy!

“Send Him Away” is soft danceable rock track where you would see Alex takes on a softer vocals approach. On every album of Franz Ferdinand, there would be songs that slow the tempo down, in other words, let our ears take a short rest from all the hype going on throughout the album. Send Him Away managed to do just that. I find it sweet and cute with the guitar that has a slight country element in it. In the last 1:12 minutes, Alex just sings, “Oh, can’t you let me stay tonight…” until it fades while the guitar just does the opposite as it gets louder near the end.

“Twilight Omens” starts off with scary-like string instrument that sounds like a banjo. It sort of brings back the atmosphere of those classical horror movies. Overall Twilight Omens brings you back to the 60s/70s. The way Franz Ferdinand sing throughout this track reflect the old days as well. A journey back to the past perhaps. Only this time, they do it with the influence of electronic music. Rocking old times!

“Bite Hard” begins slowly with the piano-playing and Alex’s breathy vocals. Once it reaches the right pace, the guitar, bass and drums just come in and it would surely wake you up instantly! In between, i like the organ that plays along, it just happens to be at the right place at the right time to make Bite Hard sounds more complete. The music also has a very heavy bass line that is so suitable on the dance floor. Nearing the end, Franz Ferdinand just keep getting louder, “Well I never, well I never, well I never know… I just had to taste their honey…” I think i’m getting up and dance!

“What She Came For” is also another track that contains heavy bass line, but this time is on mid-tempo pace. There are also some electronic elements in this track which Franz Ferdinand use throughout Tonight. At times, without the vocals of Alex, i find What She Came For cute and cheeky. The chorus hits a high with the group vocals of “Wow, look out, know what she came for. Know what she came for. No question, no doubt. Wow, look out, know what she came for…” And the background music, if you listen carefully, there’s a faint organ-playing. What She Came For also features Rosie Wilson on the vocals contribution part. Towards the end, Franz Ferdinand just go for the maximum volume and rock it hard with the guitars. I absolutely fancy this crazily cheeky yet rockable track.

“Live Alone” sort of reminds me of “You’re The Reason I’m Leaving” from “You Could Have It So Much Better”. At times, Gwen Stefani’s “What You’re Waiting For” just crosses my mind. Franz Ferdinand’s usage of synthesizers is very significant in this track as well. The guitar just comes in on and off as to follow the beat and rhythm of this track. And again, Live Alone is being sung in a way that’ll bring you back to the 60s/70s. The good old days are just getting popular nowadays. “You know that i’ll be here, i’ll be here wishing i could be there…” Nice paradox.

“Can’t Stop Feeling” is funnily good! The music in this track is really catchy, especially the instrument that sounds like a bass or maybe a synthesizers, and the beats that sound like a djembe’s which creates an atmosphere of African music. The music is funnily catchy and the moment you hear it, you can’t help but smile faintly. The singing of Can’t Stop Feeling is similarly catchy too. I like the part where Alex goes, “And you leave me here on my own, yeah you leave me here on the floor, you can’t feel it, and you can’t feel it… Anymore…” Just can’t stop listening to Can’t Stop Feeling.

“Lucid Dreams” sounds like a pure electronic track, which differs greatly from the non-album version. Franz Ferdinand are creating a new sound for themselves with Lucid Dreams here and it clocks in at over seven minutes long. From what i listen here, it’s clearly a remixed version of the non-album version. It goes directly to the chorus and climax without the normal build-up. The second half is pure music with heavy electronic elements and some guitar-playing. Franz Ferdinand are reborn again here.

In “Dream Again”, is a ballad that sees Franz Ferdinand have it soft and slow. At times, Alex can be heard singing in a robotic and echoic voice, “I live to dream again…” If you listen carefully, there’s no guitar in this track, just some beats created by synthesizers. Dream Again will take some time for you to grow into it, even if you’re not into it, you’d still appreciate Dream Again. Sweet and lovely track here.

Franz Ferdinand end Tonight with the acoustic “Katherine Kiss Me”. Alex sings with his heart here. He can be heard singing and strumming his guitar away. During the break, the piano comes in at the perfect time to complement Katherine Kiss Me. This track has the story-telling quality where you can clearly hear the voice of Alex as he sings and then you can figure out the meaning of this song. Franz Ferdinand present it with style and manage to close the chapter of Tonight on a soft note.

Rating: Tonight proved that Franz Ferdinand are exploring new musical elements rather than sticking back to their normal indie rock and post-punk revival. This time, Franz Ferdinand added electronic and slight african influences into their third full-length album. It’s always good to know that one of your favourite indie artists/bands are trying or creating something new and fresh. Franz Ferdinand have this ability to make new sound and at the same time, sounding the same. When it comes to creating catchy and danceable melody, Franz Ferdinand are always a force to be reckoned with. They are evolving with every album, and yet still manage to maintain their catchy trademark. If you’re a fan of Franz Ferdinand, you’ll be glad that you have included the right band into your all time favourite bands list. If not, you better be one now! Another achievement by Franz Ferdinand, 7.8 out of 10.

Stand-Out Tracks (My Picks): Ulysses, Turn It On, No You Girls, Send Him Away, Bite Hard, What She Came For, Can’t Stop Feeling and Katherine Kiss Me.

Cheers!
Darren Tan
Indiesurf.com

Darren Tan
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/music-review-of-tonight-by-franz-ferdinand-748041.html

We are all well aware of how quality baby sleep is an essential basis for his health and development. This is just one of the main reasons getting baby to sleep at night is a MUST in the parenting books. The pleasure in seeing a baby sleep is hardly measurable but having to see and hear him cry all night is torture for a parent.

Here is some professional and personal guidance that I used as aids on my journey to having an independently sleeping baby from 1 year old.

1.  Wind your baby down.
A fuss-free routine will assist in establishing your baby’s sleep pattern and in turn will provide a more content child at night.

• Choose the same time every night to put baby to bed.  If you want your baby to be in bed sleeping by 8pm then begin the routine 20 minutes before eight.
• Dim the lights and set the mood for winding down.  This will let your baby know it is almost time for sleep.
• A quiet atmosphere with little noise
• Rock you baby or cuddle for a while. Do not feed your baby at this time.  Dinner should be finished before bedtime.  Ensure he has been fed before winding down time.
• Take baby to his cot/crib, keeping lights in his room dim. Sing a lullaby, then say goodnight.  If you need to stay in the room with the baby for a while do not talk to him and do not have any eye contact.  Eye contact and vocal sounds from mom and dad arouses your child’s attention.
• For a toddler you can give a bath and or a baby massage, then a story (with cuddles), then off to bed. Sing a lullaby. Then say goodnight.

The above routine, which ever you choose, MUST be adhered to every night, by any person that puts your child to bed.  When you accomplish this, hassle free, parents and baby are halfway to a heavenly sleep every night.

2. Lil’ light, lavender and Music
Lavender essential oil and music are a fabulous combination to relax and sooth the senses.  Your baby is no different.  Simply do the following:

• sprinkle a FEW drops of lavender essential oil on his pillow. Take care to close the bottle tightly and put in away where baby can’t reach it.
• Play Soft, soothing music for him, preferably orchestra music.  Do this before you read the story or sing a lullaby so your baby can begin to relax.
• Put a nightlight in the baby’s room so he doesn’t feel afraid as much when you are not there.  Using an aquarium as a night light is an idea worth looking into.  Your baby can watch the fish as he falls asleep.

3. Baby reverse psychology.
This is for a baby who is old enough to understand a bit of what you are saying to him. It’s a little but it can go a long way.

4.  Afternoon Snooze.
Babies and naptime go hand in hand.  A baby that has a nap in the afternoon is better rested for the remainder of his busy day.  He will eat better, listen better and learn better.  He will have more positive energy and be a lot less cranky. But this tip also enables your child to sleep better at night because his body and brain are not on overload, yet tired enough to fall asleep at the routine time mom and dad put him to bed.

With the above professional advice and personal tips, getting baby to sleep through the night is one step closer.  Remember, consistency is the key to making this task successful.  All participants must adhere to the same above practices and be diligent but gentle and patient.

Michel Jayne
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/toddler-sleep-problems-professional-advice-and-personal-tips-745476.html

Dancing and drumming play an essential role in Native American culture and planetary healing. Join Brooke Medicine Eagle – a spectacular Earth Medicine teacher – as she shares her wisdom and prayers of hope while guiding you in both a Sacred Circle and the unique healing ritual of the Women’s Moon Circle. Dance awake the dream of a radiant new time, and celebrate wholeness as you step into a global circle of harmony set to the heartbeat of Brooke’s gentle drum. 60 minutes.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dancing and drumming play an essential role in Native American culture and planetary healing. Join Brooke Medicine Eagle – a spectacular Earth Medicine teacher – as she shares her wisdom and prayers of hope while guiding you in both a Sacred Circle and the unique healing ritual of the Women’s Moon Circle. Dance awake the dream of a radiant new time, and celebrate wholeness as you step into a global circle of harmony set to the heartbeat of Brooke’s gentle drum. 60 minutes.

Read the rest of this entry »

URUGUAY’S NATIONAL DANCE!
I’m trying to learn it for a school performance and i cant find the steps anywhere!

can you also put the link you found the steps on?

i have to do the same and i can’t find them.

i looked on youtube and found these videos

hope that helps

Dancing to the music is a great idea in shape and staying healthy. Done regularly, it may be a great form of exercise, it burn calories, improves coordination, builds endurance and most important, it is fun. Beyond that, dancing to the music is also less likely to be dull in comparison with other activities, because there are always new steps to learn and the music is motivation.

Most health clubs offer some types of dance exercise program or class. Sample a few types of classes to your positive style, and music teacher. Classes with a start and end dates are best if you want to be on equal level with other student. Do not expect as a pro in the first session. Part of the fun is learning new steps and be challenged to your body in new, unknown and possible ways.

Approach each class with with a positive image of the spirit and know that you improve your health and pleasure, not with each other to win a dance contest or as the best in the room. Some lessons are focused around the couples’ dances, as the ballroom. These lessons are a perfect opportunity with your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse. If you do not have someone to the class with you, do not worry. Many classes will surprise you with a different partner every week. And that is an excellent way to meet new people.

You will probably have a favorite style of dancing to the music but do not forget to mix it up. A ballet class is to work your body other than hip-hop, Irish or jazz dance class, and disable the classes is the best way to the health benefits, while reducing the risk of damage from overuse same muscle groups.

Some dancing to the music lesson will focus on building the music stamina and strength, but dancing is usually heart. So extra strength in your week, so your muscles get stronger and healthy body.

If you are unable to join the classes, then you buy a volume of video CDs to learn a number of major steps. With steps to move guide, who can quickly learn the joy of dancing to the music tune. It will be fun and health until the next dance music. An online on the internet, you may find useful volume guide CDs.

With dancing to the music, you guide your body movement to the rhythmic tune of music. It is a joy of happiness run up your body in such a fun way. Help to build your body and mind to stay in good shape.

Check this out on the website and may of good help to you.

charles chan
http://www.articlesbase.com/aerobics-articles/dancing-to-the-music-a-great-fun-way-to-keep-fit-and-healthy-477599.html

Well you took my advice and decided to go “green” and bought one of those new fandangled Toto toilets. You went all the way, you bought the Ultra Max that uses the least amount of water per flush, you paid a little extra and got the “sana gloss” coating to make it easier to clean, you got the soft self closing lid feature to satisfy the wife and now your feeling very proud of yourself. So now the big decision… do you increase your pride by installing it yourself? Or do you buckle under and call “Joe the Plumber” and see if he has given up politics and is back to doing plumbing?

Well if you’re like me you’ll give it the old college try and install it yourself so the following are some simple step by step simple instructions on how to install a toilet. Frankly I went to college to be an accountant not a plumber so my college knowledge may not get us far.

1.       Make sure everyone in the family uses the bathroom before you get started. A lot of pressure can be exerted on you by your wife and family asking every 5 minutes “can they use it yet?” and the kids doing that cute little dance they do when you know they need to go NOW!

2.       We discussed in another blog here that you should have a shut off valve on each plumbing fixture. The one for your existing toilet should be under the bowl somewhere in the water line that comes out of the bottom of the toilet and then travels through the wall or down through the floor. SHUT THIS VALVE OFF.

3.       Now with no water possibly coming into the tank and to make sure you turned the valve in the proper direction, FLUSH THE TOILET, allowing the tank to empty and notice that it does not refill. If it refills then either you haven’t turned the water off properly or you have created a miracle toilet which produces its own water.

4.       With all the water out of the tank, use a sponge, rags, old towels or paper towels to completely dry out the tank and the bowl. Probably best not to use your wife’s best guest towels for this part of the job. You want this to be dry otherwise you will potentially have water everywhere as you remove and move the old toilet around and out to the curb or into the front yard for that unique planter you always wanted by the front door.

5.       With a wrench, disconnect the water line under the tank.

6.       You probably have a 2 piece toilet so disconnect the tank from the bowl and remove the tank.

7.       The toilet is held down usually by 4 bolts that are under the decorative caps around the base of the toilet. Remove the nuts that connect the toilet to the bolts.

8.       The toilet has been sealed to the floor with a wax ring and possibly some caulking so you will need to rock the toilet bowl back and forth and exert some gentle leveraging to break this seal and to free the toilet. Remove the bowl.

9.       As I have discussed in a previous blog there is a danger as well as some real uncomfortable sewer smells that will seep out of the drain hole that is now exposed so save yourself the problem and immediately stuff some old rags into the hole to block this seepage. Be careful to not stuff the rags too far down the pipe to prevent a very difficult clog when you are through.

10.   Clean the floor of any old caulking and clean the drain hole of any residual wax from the old ring. Remove the old hold down bolts and install the new ones that came with the new toilet.

11.   Turn the bowl upside down and install the new wax ring. Please note for the best seal this ring should be at room temperature. If you have decided to put down a new floor while you had the toilet out you may have to use 2 wax rings to bring the level of the toilet to the level of the new floor.

12.   REMOVE THE RAGS FROM THE DRAIN AND place the toilet onto the mounting screws and on top of the flange around the drain hole. Check for level with a level. If you install the toilet unlevel you may prevent it from working properly. You can correct the level by using non-rusting washers around the flange bolts.

13.   Before screwing the toilet bowl down with the flange bolts refer to your manufacturers directions for any special instructions that may be peculiar to your specific toilet.

14.   To recap, you have the new wax ring installed, new flange bolts in place, you have removed the rags from the drain hole, and you have the toilet level. Now gently rock the toilet from side to side to make the best seal. You may even want to sit down on it to exert pressure to make sure the wax ring makes good contact and a good tight seal.

15.   VERY IMPORTANT! Its time to screw the toilet down to the flange by placing washers and nuts onto the bolts and tightening them down. You should only screw them down hand tight at first then adjust the tightness of each bolt one at a time a little at a time on each bolt until they are all snug. Do not over tighten and make sure that each are tighten evenly. If you over tighten or tighten them unevenly you risk a real chance of cracking the bowl.

16.   Using the parts that came with the toilet mount the tank to the bowl. If you purchased a 1 piece toilet this step will not be necessary. Reattach the water lines, turn the shut off valve back on to check for leaks. At this time the tank should automatically fill and once filled test flush to make sure it works properly and that there are no leaks from around the toilet base that would indicate an improper seal. If there is no leak caulk around the base and the floor to make a clean installation.

17.   Install your toilet seat and put the lid on the tank and you are DONE!

18.   Remove the old toilet parts and start on that fancy new front yard planter or how about maybe on the patio?

Richard Warren
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/how-to-replace-a-toilet-710818.html

Dancing and drumming play an essential role in Native American culture and planetary healing. Join Brooke Medicine Eagle – a spectacular Earth Medicine teacher – as she shares her wisdom and prayers of hope while guiding you in both a Sacred Circle and the unique healing ritual of the Women’s Moon Circle. Dance awake the dream of a radiant new time, and celebrate wholeness as you step into a global circle of harmony set to the heartbeat of Brooke’s gentle drum. 60 minutes.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dancing and drumming play an essential role in Native American culture and planetary healing. Join Brooke Medicine Eagle – a spectacular Earth Medicine teacher – as she shares her wisdom and prayers of hope while guiding you in both a Sacred Circle and the unique healing ritual of the Women’s Moon Circle. Dance awake the dream of a radiant new time, and celebrate wholeness as you step into a global circle of harmony set to the heartbeat of Brooke’s gentle drum. 60 minutes.

Read the rest of this entry »