Austin Texas Book Festival

Subscribe in a Reader

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

by Dane Smith

If music festivals such as South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits festival are testament to the city's reputation as the Live Music Capitol of the World, the Texas Book Festival is proof positive that Austin is a hotbed of creativity in the literary world as well. Founded by Laura Bush in 1995, it has grown to become a nationally important event, featuring over two thousand authors, local, national and international, in twelve years of existence. Exciting, fun, musical and educational, this all-ages event is considered to be one of the premiere literary events in the country.

Located primarily in the State Capitol, the festival takes place every fall, drawing upwards of 40,000 spectators to delight in panels, concerts, demonstrations, and other activities in the House and Senate Chambers, as well as tents and stages erected on the sprawling green lawn of the Capitol grounds. Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and other high-profile politicos have given keynote addresses, and the late Governor Ann Richards was a regular as well. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Jim Lehrer, and Roy Blount Jr., and other such notables have made appearances as well.

A variety of themes are represented at the festival, with panels dedicated to mysteries, biographies, photography, retrospectives, periodicals, journalism, and many other topics. A "Lifestyle" tent hosts discussions and activities including parenting, wineries, birding, and yard art.

In keeping with the interests and expectations of Austinites, the festival emphasizes a high level of entertainment and music, dedicating one tent to musical performances throughout the festival, and hosting events at satellite locations including the legendary Continental Club. A concert featuring Austin's finest musicians is held on the Capitol steps. Musician authors such as Joe Ely read from their works, as do those who write books about musicians, including Kathleen Hudson and Joe Nick Patoski.

Other aspects of the entertainment world are well-represented also. Actors including Eli Wallach and Marlee Matlin have appeared there, and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi offered live cooking demos for exotic recipes. Food and cooking are also highlighted, with an entire tent equipped with cooking supplies and dedicated to cookbooks and examinations of food culture.

The Texas Book Festival has raised over two million dollars for Texas Public Libraries, and their commitment to children is clear. With one tent dedicated to children's authors, one to children's entertainment, and one to activities for the little ones, this festival is a perfect way to combine books and literacy with a fun and exciting event. Storytimes abound throughout the festival, and activities can include hula dance, puppet shows, drawing, and sing-alongs. When children's authors are in town for the festival, they often take part in "Reading Rock Stars," an affiliated program that brings them to public schools to read their works.

A truly Austin event in spirit, the Texas Book Festival is a lively, creative and exciting way to explore the literary world both on a local and national level.

Ki is a realtor and a blogger in Austin Texas. He runs his Austin real estate blog writing about market trends in Austin. His site features information about mortgage interest rates and general information about Austin real estate.

Don't forget to download Indocquent's free social bookmark utility at http://www.indocquent.com/social_bookmark/social_bookmark_landingpage.html.

Bob Hope: His Classic Television Performances

Subscribe in a Reader

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

by Ben Anton

Bob Hope is hands-down the most acclaimed, honored and versatile entertainer in show business history. During his seventy-plus years in the entertainment industry, Hope earned more than two thousand awards and recognitions for his various professional and humanitarian work, including an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, a Congressional Gold Medal from President Kennedy, the Medal of Freedom from President Johnson, and fifty-four honorary doctorates. Hope's Christmas specials, USO shows, radio and television programs, and regular appearances on numerous sitcoms and variety shows have some of the highest ratings of any primetime telecasts. Because of this well-deserved praise, it is difficult to choose only a few television appearances as the "Best Of" Hope's career. Instead, it is better to look at the huge variety of shows Hope appeared on and why this versatile performer became America's most beloved entertainer.

Born in England May 29, 1903, Hope and his family traveled to America in 1908 aboard the SS Philadelphia. Ironically, Hope was a relative latecomer to television; he dabbled in experimental broadcasts with NBC in the 1930s but held off almost twenty years before starting his illustrious career. He began his official television career on Easter Sunday, 1950, on NBC. His specials, most of which were sponsored by the Chrysler corporation, were often hysterically unscripted variety programs that featured such guest stars as Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Marilyn Monroe and Dina Shore.

Christmas Specials

Hope got significant recognition for his gut-busting Christmas specials. These specials ran for years and featured duet performances of "Silver Bells" by Hope and adorable young guest stars, such as Olivia Newton-John and Brooke Shields. The most memorable Bob Hope Christmas specials were, without a doubt, his 1970 and 1971 episodes. Filmed in front of military audiences at the height of the Vietnam War, these specials actually aired in January –after Hope was back in the United States— and were seen by more than sixty percent of television-viewing households in America. Like his other Christmas specials, the Vietnam shows were all about celebrating the traditional joy, peace and good cheer of the season. His use of humor, beautiful women and talented performers were a welcome respite from the horrors of the war itself.

USO Performances

Hope is probably best known for his performances for the United Service Organization (USO), beginning with his USO debut at March Field, California, on May 6, 1941. Hope performed USO shows throughout World War II, prompting acclaim from such contemporaries as John Steinbeck. "It is impossible to see how he can do so much," Steinbeck wrote in 1943, "can cover so much ground, can work so hard, and can be so effective." Hope continued his USO shows during the Korean War, Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War, heading roughly sixty tours in total. Because of his tireless dedication to the overseas troops, Hope was awarded the impressive Sylvanus Thayer Award by the U.S. Military Academy in 1968. He was named an Honorary Veteran by a 1997 act of Congress, signed by President Clinton, a recognition Hope referred to as "the greatest honor I have ever received."

Sitcom Appearances

Hope also appeared on a number of popular television programs during his career. Hope did a guest spot on America's favorite TV show of the 1950s, "I Love Lucy". Supposedly, Hope balked at the idea of using a script. He ad-libbed the entire episode, legend goes, giving one of his best performances in the process. He also appeared on the Danny Thomas Show, the Jack Benny Show, the Ed Sullivan Show, the Donny & Marie Show, and others.

Saying Good Bye

Hope bid a nostalgic farewell to his television audiences in 1996 with "Laughing with the Presidents," a special he co-hosted with Tony Danza. In this special, Hope gave a very personal tribute to the U.S. presidents he had known and worked with during his career; Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Kennedy, Johnson, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and others. The show was a fitting and entertaining good-bye to the hardest working entertainer in American history.

It's not surprising that Bob Hope was so heavily recognized for his work. Radio and television programs, USO shows, Christmas specials, books, movies; the man did it all. He helped the world smile during troubling times. He lent his celebrity status to good causes. He championed humor and fun as the best tool in achieving peace at home and abroad. Hope wasn't only a great entertainer; he was an amazing humanitarian.

~Ben Anton, 2008

If you enjoyed this article and appreciate great classic tv shows, we would like to extend an invitation to you to visit our site and read more about classic Bob Hope television on DVD.

Don't forget to download Indocquent's free social bookmark utility at http://www.indocquent.com/social_bookmark/social_bookmark_landingpage.html.

American Idol Is Bigger Than Ever

Subscribe in a Reader

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

by Sheezaym

It was just six years ago, when American Idol* was first televised and a show bigger and more popular than most people could have imagined was born. Today it would be hard to find a person in America who hasn't at least heard of American Idol*. Love it or hate it, it is an American icon of a show that doesn't show signs of slowing down. In fact, it only seems to be getting bigger.

What was the first season like? The first two shows were dedicated to the judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell going to auditions (held in Chicago, New York, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles) and finding contestants to send on to Hollywood week. One hundred twenty one contestants made it to Hollywood to try to earn one of the 30 spots to move on to the rounds where the public started voting.

During weeks three, four, and five of the show, 10 of the 30 contestants performed. America voted and only 3 out of each group of 10 moved on. Then, on week six, five wildcard contestants returned to the show with the judges picking one of those contestants to go on, for a total of 10 contestants in the final rounds.

The following week, two contestants were sent home. Then the show started eliminating contestants one by one until there were only two contestants left.

Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini were the season one finalists. Kelly took the crown on September 4, 2002 and has gone on to become a very successful pop artist with a couple of Grammy awards to her name, several hit songs, and several highly successful albums. She's become one of the top names in pop music.

After the first season ended, Kelly and Justin made a movie aptly titled "From Justin to Kelly," but their American Idol* popularity didn't transfer to the big movie screen. The movie was a flop, although the poor plot may have had a lot to do with its terrible performance.

Although the runners up in later seasons of American Idol have had as much, and sometimes more, success than the winner, that wasn't the case season 1's runner-up, Justin Guarini although the American Idol rules at that time probably contributed to his difficulties. At that time the Idol rules didn't allow Justin to release any albums or taking outside offers of any kind until Kelly's album was released. He was forced to turn down several offers to appear on television shows, to model for Tommy Hilfiger, and doing the soundtrack recording for at least one film.

By the time Justin was allowed to release his own album, he was competing with the releases of the Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, the season two winner and runner-up. His appearances on the newly syndicated show, American Idol Rewind, seem to be helping him gain more notice again.

Tamrya Gray, who finished fourth on the show, has been doing okay. She has released her first album to tepid sales, but has had some success with several acting projects she has done.

Nikki McKibbin, who finished third the first season, has struggled since American Idol ended but she is finally getting back to her musical roots. Her debut album is slated to be released May 1, 2007.

The most current season of American Idol*, season 7, will have several more episodes in it than the first season. Another notable difference is that during Hollywood week the judges (yes it's still Randy, Paula, and Simon) decide who the top 24 contestants are. Then for three weeks, the guys and girls sing on different nights and only compete among themselves. Each week, 2 guys and 2 girls are eliminated. Then when there are 6 guys and 6 girls left, those final 12 will start to compete head to head, regardless of gender.

Even if you aren't a fan of singing, you may want to watch the show just to see Simon Cowell, one of the judges, spew his very creative criticisms of the contestants each week. It's a fun show.

*For a chance to win a free trip to see American Idol 7 live visit:http://www.americanidolcontest.info

Don't forget to download Indocquent's free social bookmark utility at http://www.indocquent.com/social_bookmark/social_bookmark_landingpage.html.

Bollywood Songs that made History

Subscribe in a Reader

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

by Jennie Gandhi

We all know how important music is in Bollywood movies. All Hindi movies strive to have good soulful musical tracks. Moreover, if the music becomes popular, that results in good revenue for the movie. It won't be an exaggeration if we say; music is the life line of Indian movie. There are several movies which boast of outstanding music. In the long history of Indian movie songs, many songs have been chartbusters. These songs have stayed in the memory of the public even after all these years.

One of the first major hit song was "Main Ban Ke Pancchi" in the 1930s sung by Ashok Kumar. Thereafter several musicals came and each of them left a mark in the listeners' hearts. One of the other major hit was "Aayega, Aayega Aanewala" from movie "Mahal". It was on the top of the charts in the 1940s. Thereafter, it was one hit after another. Songs like, "Awara Hoon", "Bol Radha Bol", "Jaane kyaa tuune kahii" from Pyaasa etc had audiences on their feet. As Indian musicians started to experiment with various new music and instruments, more and more heartfelt songs started to make waves. The songs which lingered on in public memory were, "Ai mere pyaare vatan" from Kabuliwala,
"Ab ke baras bhej bhaiya ko babul" from Bandini,
"Phuulon ke rang se" from Prem Pujari,
"Chandan saa badan, chanchal chitavan" from Saraswati Chandra,
"Man re, tu kaahe na dheer dhare" from Chitralekha,
"Tere mere sapne ab ek rang hain" from Guide,
"Din dhal jaaye, hai raat na jaaye" from Guide,
"Kuch to log kahenge logon ka kaam hai kehna" from Amar Prem,
"Pay Kia Toh Drna Kya" from Mughal-e-Azam to name a few.

Other popular songs in last few decades that made history on the basis of sheer mass appeal and recall value are,
"Papa kahte hain" from qayamat se qayamat tak,
"Tujhe Dekha Toh ye Jana Sanam" from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,
"Chaiyya Chaiyya" from Dil Se and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" from the movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. These songs are just few drops in the vast ocean of popular Bollywood film songs.

You can now listen to the latest hindi songs or korean songs and even download free songs from our website.

Don't forget to download Indocquent's free social bookmark utility at http://www.indocquent.com/social_bookmark/social_bookmark_landingpage.html.

Free Movie Download To Make Your Movie Watching Easy

Subscribe in a Reader

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

There were times when somebody wanted to see a movie then the only choice was to visit the local close by movie theatre. After that came the epoch of videos, when you could without difficulty record your most desired movie from the television and view them over and over again, till the time the tape completely wore out. Buying movie videos connotes that you can see your much-loved movies before they arrive on television, usually after a short gap when they comes in cinemas.

In last few years, the technology has improved at a tremendous pace. You are no more restricted to see movies at televisions or at theaters only, as now one has more options than conventional ones. Now, you can watch movies online. A vast range of free movie download sites has steadily sprung up in the main fame of this novel technology. The basic tools that are required to watch a movie online are computer and a good Internet connection. Along with watching movie you can download the movie as well. Nevertheless, the way the free movie download websites work can vary from site to site as well as download speed too.

Downloading free movies from various websites
In various free movie download websites, the movie downloading is pretty fast and a complete version of a full-length movie can easily be downloaded with just several clicks of the mouse within a short span of time. There are no bandwidth limits, content limit and time limit while downloading from the free movie download websites.

Using Internet for free movie downloads can really prove to be a great boon for you as well as your family and friends as the benefits and the perks offered by free movie download websites are pretty satisfying. Though, there are few websites, which you must stay away from, hence there are few points, which you should take care of prior to selecting a free movie download site.

On a good quality movie downloads website, you required to give your few general details for the very first time to become a permanent member of the site, so that you could enjoy your much-loved movie at any point of time in the comfort of your own home. Ensure that there is no certain limit to download movie plus check the range available as well on the site.

Check before downloading
The users must also try to stay away from a free bootleg free movie download website as trustworthy sellers of the downloadable movies generally has a consent from the authorities for enabling their users to download their favorite movies.

Look for some famous downloading websites, evaluate their popularity, the convenience while using and most importantly the collection of movies and accordingly select the website, which suits you the best. The picture and the sound quality must be of good quality and must be free from adware and spyware.

At present, there are several websites, which are supported by few major film distributors and the only requirement they ask their users to fulfill is to have a PC with windows media player installed in it in to play the movie. The same can also be done with the mp3 players and the ipods. You can easily see the movie of your choice at your ease.

The article written by Weera Kunti, please visit the website for more information as it provides information about free downloadable movies and download free dvd movies.

Don't forget to download Indocquent's free social bookmark utility at http://www.indocquent.com/social_bookmark/social_bookmark_landingpage.html.

The Terrible Tale Of The Linton Worme

Subscribe in a Reader

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

by Fred Watson

I count myself lucky to live in Northeast England one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the UK. A region rich in history, a place of castles, countryside and coast, that is awash with the myths and legends of days gone by.

Having in another article, told you the tale of the famous Lambton Worm. The monstrous beast that wrapped its tail ten times around Penshaw Hill and of how Penshaw Monument came about. Now I want you to get in your car leave Penshaw behind and drive north through countryside of Northumberland until you reach the Scottish borders. It will take you little over two hours to reach the small settlement of Linton. You will find it on the B6436 six miles south of Kelso.

Near to the village you will find Linton Hill with the waters of the Kale flowing nearby. In this quiet spot in a cave beneath the Northeast side of the hill there once lived a worm or worme, (worme is ancient Norse for serpent). The area is still known as 'Worm's Den'. From here at dawn and at dusk the dragon would leave it's lair killing and eating the local livestock and anything else it came across.

Despite being terrified of the fearsome beast some of the local men tried to kill it, but their weapons proved ineffective against its armoured hide. Unhindered by the men's puny efforts the beast laid waste to the countryside and none could stop its rampaging ways.

None that is, until, while on a visit to nearby Jedburgh, the Laird, John de Somerville heard tell of this fearsome worm. Making his way to Linton he observed the creature from a distance. He noticed that when anyone came near, the vile creature would stand watching with its mouth open wide. This gave him an idea and he ordered the local blacksmith to produce a special lance. The weapon was much longer than the normal lance and had a spiked wheel fitted at the business end. Unto this wheel the laird fixed a tar soaked bale of peat and setting fire to the bale, he charge back and forth to get his horse used to the smoke and flames.

Finally when he was satisfied he rode out to confront the worm. As he came near the worm opened its mouth and he rammed the flaming lance down its throat. The creature in its death throes twisted this way and that, writhing in agony and it is said that this caused of the undulations in the hillsides outside the den. Eventually the mortally wounded creature returned to its lair and the roof collapsed burying it (conveniently) without trace beneath the hill.

Did the worm (or dragon) exist? Or is it just one of the many myths that abound in the British Isles? Whether it did or not, it is said that in recognition of his bravery John de Somerville was knighted, made a Royal Falconer and became the first Baron of Lintoune.

Dragon or not, Linton and Linton Hill still exist and if you want to make your way there. Here are the directions from Penshaw. Follow the A19 north through the Tyne Tunnel and carry on until the A19 meets the A1 junction. Take the A1 north. Just past Morpeth turn left onto A697 heading for Wooler and Coldstream. Not long after Wooler, at Akeld turn left onto the B6531. Follow this until it joins the B6352 and follow the B6352 to Town Yetholm. From here take the B6401 and then just before Morebattle, turn right onto the B5436 for Linton.

You might not see a dragon when you get there, but you will have enjoyed a trip through some of the Northeast's most beautiful countryside. Take a look at Linton Kirk (Church) while you are there and you will see above the porch doorway, The Somervail Stone. It is a carving depicting a knight fighting two beasts, a link to the Linton Worm.

Fred Watson published his first book, a fantasy adventure novel aimed at the 8-12 age group, in November 2006. A grandfather of four, he loves to write for all age groups, has an abiding interest in history and continues on a regular basis to add new stories etc to his website. Footprint Publishing

Don't forget to download Indocquent's free social bookmark utility at http://www.indocquent.com/social_bookmark/social_bookmark_landingpage.html.

Hannah Montana - Disney series

Subscribe in a Reader

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

by bestpricesarticles

"Hannah Montana" is a Disney live-action comedy series about a teenage pop star leading a double life.

The series focuses on Miley Stewart (played by Miley Cyrus), who lives a double life as an teenage girl at school during the day and a famous pop-star singer, Hannah Montana, at night. Only her close family, best friends and bodyguard know that she is living a double life. Miley is just a normal teenage girl at high school in California during the day, but at night, Hannah Montana is the famous version of herself.


Characters:

Miley/Hannah Montana: Hannah Montana, a pop star always getting chased by photographers and fans, but when she step off the stage she is Miley a normal teenager that do a "normal" life whit his family and friends. Only his family and best frind know about her secret live.

Jackson: He is crazy!!. Always trying to impressing girls and learn how to surf. He is Miley's brother.

Lilly: The Miley's best friend. She is energetic and funny. Though she still needs to adapt to being backstage, Hannah is there to keep her in line. Lilly is Miley's friend.

Oliver: He is cool, crazy and a cassanova . Is in love with Hannah Montana. Oliver is Miley's friend.

Robbie: Miley's dad has to be the dad and the mom of the family which includes cleaning, and discipline. But along with that, Robbie also tries to spend some time with the kids and be the cool parent. Robbie is also Hannah's manager.

Rico: The one and the only Rico! He enjoy show his muscles to all the ladies on the beach.

For Hannah Montana lyrics or Hannah Montana shop visit www.hannahmontanalyrics.net

Don't forget to download Indocquent's free social bookmark utility at http://www.indocquent.com/social_bookmark/social_bookmark_landingpage.html.