Have you even heard Shadow play? If you have, are you wondering what exactly it is and how it is performed? If not, do you want to join us in this discovery of shadow play which is centuries-old and deeply-rooted in the folk life in China? Let’s talk about it now. What is shadow play? It is perhaps as hard to define as it is easy to enjoy. Shadow Play is one of the most popular folk opera with stage props in China. It is a kind of performing art with manifold arias and genres. As an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment, it uses opaque, often articulated figures in front of an illuminated backdrop to create the illusion of moving images. And you can find some common ground between it with puppet play for they are both performed by means of props.
And then, how did this unordinary art formed in China? It is quite indefinite. Legend has it that Emperor Wudi of the Western Han Dynasty became depressed after the death of his favorite concubine. To help him cope with his loss, an occultist sculpted a wooden figure in her likeness and projected the sculpture's shadow on a curtain for the emperor. Seeing the shadow was a source of comfort to the emperor, who believed the shadow was her spirit. That is the story of how Chinese shadow plays began. The folk art became flourished in the Song Dynasty. Its popularity culminated in the Yuan Dynasty, when it was a common form of recreation in the barracks of Mongolian troops. The conquering Mongols spread it to distant countries - Persia, Arabia and Turkey. Later, it was introduced to Southeastern Asian countries. It gained popularity in Europe in the mid-18th century, after French missionaries to China took the shadow figures back to France. Fascinated by the figures, they began performing shadow plays. In 1767, such performances were put on in Paris and Marseilles. Famous German poet Goethe in 1774 introduced a Chinese shadow play to a German audience at an exhibition. He was extremely fond of this oriental art form. On August 28, 1781 he celebrated his 32nd birthday with a Chinese shadow play performance.
Today, shadow puppets are made of leather instead of wood because leather is lighter, easier to manipulate and less difficult to carry. The puppets are painted with colors representing different human qualities - kindness, wickedness, beauty or ugliness. During performances, the "actors", controlled by guiding sticks, are held close to a white curtain, and their colored shadows are cast on the cloth by a powerful light. Behind the curtain the performers manipulate the silhouettes to act, accompanied by songs, music or dialogues. The plays can be quite dramatic and, when it comes to fairy tales or kungfu stories, the "actors" may be made to ride on clouds or perform unusual feats, to audiences' enjoyment, like the one entitled "Monkey King's fights against Ox-King" recently staged at the shadow play hall in the National Museum of China in Beijing. I like traditional arts, so I really hope this classic folk art could be spread all over the world. And now more or less you acquaint yourself with shadow play, I hope you can enjoy it once you have a chance!
True friendship is one of the greatest gifts that a person can ever ask for. However, many-a-times, you feel like giving material gifts to your friends, just for expressing how much they mean to you and how much your care for them. Selecting a gift for your friend is not at all a difficult task. This is because, being so close to him/her, you are well aware of his/her likes, dislikes, tastes and preferences. Apart from the usual market-bought gifts, you can also try to make homemade presents for your friends, making them feel all the more special. In the following lines, we have listed some of the best gift ideas for friends, just to help you out. Gift Ideas For Friends •One of the best gift items for your friend will comprise of a photo frame, containing an old photograph of the two of you. If it is possible, you can also make the frame at home only.
•If your friend has tea as one of his/her favorite beverages, gift him/her a set of teacups. If it is coffee that he/she likes, then giving a personalized coffee mug is the perfect option.
•When it comes to gifts for friends, personalized items rule the roost. Special pictures printed on a t-shirt with the words 'My Best Friend' written underneath it.
•These days, fashion accessories have become popular as gift items, be it for a boy or a girl. You can go for bracelets, earrings, neck chains, and so on, depending on the taste of your friend. If you looking for a present for your friend's birthday, then choosing a best accessories for him/her, the traditonal Chinese is the best choice
•For a friend who loves reading and writing, then gifting him/her a collection of his/her favorite author and the special designed notebook is a very good idea.
•Perfumes and deodorants can also be a very good choice as far as friend's gifts are concerned. In this regard, Chinese special incense is the best, depending upon the taste of your friend. •If your friend is fond of sports, then gifting accessories related to his/her favorite sport will be a good idea. At the same time, introducing your friend some more interesting sports is the best, for example, the sports from China and Asia Parents are the pivotal figure all our life. They are the starting point of life, the sustainer of well-being, and the school of love. Parent-child relation is the most powerful of human bonds. Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of every July, Parents Day is a way of expressing our gratitude for our parents. An all-acknowledged truth, parenting is the hardest job of all. Parents bring up their children with strength, courage, and dedication. Their only reward is the successful upbringing of their children. And, of course, the rewards are exquisite. There is nothing more delightful for children to see their children reaping fruits of success in life. Love is the ultimate answer of love. And it is your duty to reciprocate the love of your parents. They would feel good for getting a little recognition for a job well done. It is your duty to take out time to enjoy your day with your parents in the way that pleases them the best. On Parents Day, show that you care for them. Gifts for Father You know what your father likes to do in his spare time. Gift him anything based on his interests and liking. If he is an avid book lover, you could opt for books on various topics like fiction and nonfiction. If he is interested in traveling, nature, computers, science, literature or classics, you could choose anything on these topics. If he is a music lover, you could choose from a wide variety of music ranging from pop, jazz, instrumental, movie songs and classics. In fact, now Chinese style is fashionalbe in the world. So choosing for your Daddy one Chinese Clothese, for example, jacket or shirt is really well.
Gifts for Mother As the gift for father, your mother’s gift also can choose chinese style clothes. It is the best for show. 
Being the 'cheeky idiot' that I can be, I started a Facebook Group 2 weeks ago called Not-So-Concerned-Citizens Of SW Florida http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1162873874&ref=name#/group.php?gid=163771369729&ref=ts . Born out of boredom and unconcern, I was shocked that this group now boasts 39 members, 38 more than I thought it would. So now I almost feel obligated to post some sort of silly update. Here's my feeble attempt of some things not to be concerned about.
From my favorite local news source: Battle Over Off Shore Drilling... http://www.mysuncoast.com/Global/story.asp?S=11474158&nav=menu577_2 . Why no concern? Arn't they already drilling in the Gulf of Mexico already? No one wants to see an oil spill, but no one I know likes paying $3 a gallon for gas either Anyways, according to the Mayan callender, we're all doomed in 2012, which is way before any drilling would start if passed by law!
From my favorite local newspaper: Sarasota's Public Drinking Ban Is Back http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091110/BREAKING/911109978/2416?Title=Sarasota-County-s-public-drinking-ban-is-back . Being as out of the loop as I am, I never new it left! If one looks hard enough, they'll see people of prominence drinking outdoors. But that's not who this laws for, we all know that. Just check out the Sheriff Office Arrest web site. Once again, nothing to get worked up about!
And finally, in the world of music, Steven Tyler is quitting Aerosmith. Now, being a life long Aerosmith fan from their origins, I almost got concerned! Hey, I became a 'Man' with my highschool sweetheart listening to Aerosmith's Rocks ( I still believe their first 5 albums were there best). So when I first heard the news, anyway I came to my senses and remembered that it's AEROSMITH! Through the drugs, booze, and women, this band's broken up and gotten back together more times than I can remember. Whew....
I don't know if I can be anymore unconcerned, so I'll leave the rest of the unbattle to the fellow members of the Not-So-Concerned-Citizens Of SW Florida. Maybe now you'd like to join????? 11/10/09
This post provides you with 56 hours of webcasts on C-Sharp. These videos are divded into three video collections. One of the collections is presented by Dr. Joe Hummel. This video series subsists of 15 videos. The videos in this collection are entitled Modern Software Development: Architecting Solutions in C#. Another collection consists of 10 videos on Microsoft's Chief Architect for C-Sharp, Anders Hejlsberg. There is also a collection of 26 hours of videos by Bob Tabor on C-Sharp.
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History: C# is a simple, modern, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language. Anders Hejlsberg is the chief architect for C#. C-Sharp has an object-oriented syntax that was derived from C++. The most recent version of the language is 3.0, and it was published in conjunction with the .NET Framework 3.5 In 2007. The next proposed variation, 4.0, is in development.
According to Anders Hejslberg, it was the problems in other major programming languages, like Java, Delphi, and Smalltalk that guided the design of the Common Language Runtime (CLR), and the design of the CLR, in turn guided the design of C-Sharp.
In 1999, when Anders Hejlsberg formed a team to create the language, they originally planned to call it COOL, which stood for C-like Object Oriented Language. However, there were copyright problems with that name, and it was renamed C#. In music, C-Sharp means a half of a pitch higher, and, in programming, C-Sharp indicates that it eveolved out of C++.
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Distingushing Features of C#
Our house is ready, complete with scarry decorations, spooky music, and 2 big bags of my wife's favorite candy. All this for the four or maybe five kids who dare knock on our door. And in a way, that makes me alittle sad. Halloween's just not what it used to be. Hundereds of kids knocking, and really having the chance to have your house 'egged' if you gave them something crappy.
As a kid growing up in New England, I recall my big brother dragging and screaming at me to common, so we could get to as many houses as we could. The winding dark roads, the chill in the air, the costumes, all neighborhood kids in groups. The different bands of kids meeting up at the end of a block to discuss which houses they went to gave great candy, and which houses to toiletpaper. Now I sound alittle like Ralphie in the movie 'A Christmas Story'. But those really WERE more innocent times. Just what do kids do now???
Of course there's more danger in today's society. A parent can't let any kid out of sight, which really leads to the tragedy of what we call now Halloween. A shopping mall, or other planned event just isn't the same as the old door to door. I say that is TOO BAD! Not just for the kids, but for folks like me and my wife who get nostalgic over it. Although my wife's taking it better than me, for she'll have almost 2 big bags of her favorite candy to eat! 10/30/09
Elegance is in the Italian blood, and Italy has always been at the forefront of world fashion. Widely known for its extremely high quality and timeless classic look, Gucci handbag became synonymous with high-end fashion and supremely sought-after Italian made luxury. Not surprisingly, Gucci handbag ranks highest popularity at its early era. Gucci is also frequently mentioned in popular culture, such as hip-hop music, movies and TV series. Typically, it was mentioned in one of the most popular sitcom Friends, of its last season in the episode The One with Princess Consuela. As always, Gucci bags manages to offer exquisitely crafted handbags with a classy, functional, and timeless flair.At Eurohandbag, you are sure to find abundant varieties of alluring Gucci handbags. Wouldn’t you be enamored with these gorgeous Gucci bags? Well, Eurohandbag offers an extensive and covetable new selection at very affordable prices. Shopping at Eurohandbag means you can sport the newest style handbag for all four seasons, just like a supermodel on the runway, strut down the block and never burden the stress of spending exorbitant amounts of money. Be ready to purchase multiple Gucci handbags at Eurohandbag, and these chic and eye-capturing bags utterly make you the sparkle darling of world top fashion with luxurious Italian breath.
1965's Fashion Creation Is Still A Wardrobe Mainstay
Okay – we as transgendered women are known for our Great Legs! Whether you’re a crossdresser, transsexual or drag queen, you don’t inherently have a cellulite problem that most genetic women have. So whether you go au natural, or slip on a pair of pantyhose, nylons, or tights, our legs can make a Miniskirt shine!
Nowadays the miniskirt can be constructed in a multitude of fabrics and a wide variety of styles. Cotton, Spandex, Leather, Lace, Suede, Vinyl, Latex… you name it! Shimmery soft to rigid in form; from almost knee length to micro in size.
But where, to wear, a miniskirt? I asked TG LIFE’s self proclaimed Fashionista, Vivian Blaine, to add her thoughts on the subject.
“The Miniskirt is truly a fashion staple, but also a possible faux pas for many a TG maiden. Yes, this simple short garment will make your legs look fabulous, but only if you accessorize correctly! No skimpy tube tops to go with it unless you have a washboard stomach! And I mean “Do Your Sit-ups Girls!” Even Britney is having problems with that these days! And carefully observe how you sit (legs crossed, of course) on a chair or stool, let alone departing from an automobile. Lest we mention Britney again! Also dress appropriately for the location, and the situation. Malls… no. Clubs… yes! Formal gatherings… forget it!”
Thanks Vivian, I think we all get the picture now.
So how did miniskirts come about? Way back in the 1960’s (almost when dinosaurs ruled the earth), the modestly short, common fabric dress called the miniskirt was scandalous! It had never been seen before.
Before the British Music invasion of the 1960’s, Mary Quant, ran a popular clothes shop in Kings Road, Chelsea, London, called Bazaar, from which she sold her own designs. In the late 1950s she began experimenting with shorter skirts. As England’s Carnaby Street clothing became all the rage, her designs resulted in the miniskirt in 1965—one of the defining fashions of the decade.
With Mary Quant located in the heart of fashionable "Swinging London", the miniskirt was able to spread beyond a simple street fashion into a major international trend at an incredible speed. It was first sensationalized when model Jean Shrimpton wore a short white shift dress, made by Colin Rolfe, on October 30th, 1965 at Derby Day, the first day of the annual Melbourne Cup Carnival in Australia. Heads turned and cameras focused!
The miniskirt was further popularized by André Courrèges, who developed it separately, incorporating it into his Mod look, for spring/summer 1965. His miniskirts were less body hugging, and worn with white boots that became a trademark. By introducing the miniskirt into the haute couture of the fashion industry, Courrèges gave it a greater degree of respectability.
Tights and pantyhose became highly fashionable, in place of stockings, specifically because the rise in hemlines meant that stocking tops would be visible.
During the mid-1970s, the fashion industry largely returned to longer skirts such as the midi and the maxi, and the miniskirt seemed to almost disappear. According to journalist Christopher Booker, “there was almost nowhere else to go... the miniskirts could go no higher".
Even though miniskirts remained a minimal staple, especially with the New Wave crowd of the 1970’s, they began to re-emerge in the 1980’s. Many women began to incorporate the miniskirt into their business attire, a trend that grew during the remainder of the century. Films and television series made in the mid-1990s (Friends, Sex and the City, Ally McBeal, for example) show how important the mini had become again.
Today, the miniskirt holds a place in many wardrobes – especially for TG’s like us! So if your legs are shapely enough to show off, pull on a miniskirt! Styles and lengths come and go, but the miniskirt will never go out of style!