10-songs-personify-summer

Besides the summer season representing backyard barbecues, grilling burgers and steaks, making lemonade or margaritas, watching baseball on TV or at a nearby park, swimming and surfing at the beach amongst the many activities it also means music. Countless songs have been composed about this glorious season. Oftentimes they have the word summer in the song title. Instead of this type of approach here are ten great songs that represent summer in some other capacity. These songs speak of topics on travel, cars, food, urban lifestyle, going to the park, surfing on a surfboard, and dancing. Many of the musicians featured have made an extraordinary contribution to music. They are now part of the ten songs that personify the summer season. This will be a music list unlike any other.
10.) Vacation - Go Go's

They are one of the most successful all-girl pop/rock groups who composed their own songs. This late 70's/early 80's punk band from L.A. burst onto the charts with their infectious tunes. In this song it's about a summer romance, which happens to be a very popular time of falling in love. The cheesy music video features them as the old-fashioned water-skiers from Cypress Gardens in Florida. This was a tourist attraction before the days of Disney World back in the 50's or 60's. The song title also talks of taking a vacation. Summer is the most popular time of the year for travel.

9.) Summer Lady - Santana

From Carlos Santana's masterful guitar playing is this song track from the Marathon album released in 1979. It's about a fantasy lady. This is the only song title on the list that mentions summer. In the music video the flight attendant is waking the passengers up and getting everyone out of their seats to dance. Once again, the music video is about summer travel and dancing to the music as a favorite summertime activity.

8.) Pink Cadillac - Bruce Springsteen

Here is the B-Side to Dancing In The Dark by "The Boss." You must have a summer song list featuring a car in it. This is Springsteen's second song featuring the word Cadillac in one of his song titles. It's basically about loving his girlfriend's pink Cadillac. What a perfect song to have on while cruising in your car on a hot summer night.

7.) Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet

He is the king of tropical island music, which represents a carefree lifestyle in the Florida Keys or the Caribbean. This song truly personifies it to perfection. Buffest wrote Margaritaville in Key West while watching some gridlock on the road. Prior to his arrival in Key West, when he and his band were on tour, Buffet was in Texas drinking margaritas at a Mexican restaurant. Those two seminal events came together and that's the result of this famous song. Every time I hear it on the radio I want to have a margarita. What a delicious drink to sip on for the summer while at the pool or a beach bar watching the sunset.

6.) Up on the Roof- The Drifters

It's one of the biggest hits for this vocal group about city dwellers in the summer living in high-rises, not just in New York City, but in other major urban cities. What a superb song lyrically of wanting to escape the stresses of daily life in a big city to the "tar beaches" on the roof. You really get a sense of being right there when you hear the song.

5.) Saturday in the Park - Chicago

This song is based on the songwriter, Robert Lamm's, experience while in Central Park in New York City during the Fourth of July. He writes vividly of the jugglers, dancers, steel drummers, etc. that he encounters. This is an excellent song about any day of the week in a park, no matter where, in the summer season, especially when it mentions a summer national holiday like the 4th of July.

4.) Wipe Out- The Surfari's

What a crazy opening for a song with that crazy laugh and the only vocal heard is "wipe out". Then you hear the brilliant drum solo and guitar riffs throughout to a surfing rhythm. This is the ultimate garage band from the early 60's. It is still considered a surf classic and was a huge hit too. Not long after the song was released the Beach Boys came onto the music scene. They would eventually make surfing even more popular. Without a doubt Wipe Out makes you want to get on your surfboard, even if you don't have one.

3.) Centerfield - John Fogerty

Baseball is the king of sports for the summer season. Here is a perfect song and music video paying home to those boys of summer, the baseball players. John Fogerty was inspired to write this song when he attended a MLB All-Star game in San Francisco. His seat was in centerfield. This is considered the third most popular song about baseball besides Talkin' Baseball and of course the perennial Take Me Out To The Ballgame.

2.) Cheeseburger in Paradise - Jimmy Buffet

Every time I hear this song on the radio I crave for a cheeseburger. This is certainly the ultimate food to have on the grill for a summer BBQ gathering. According to Buffet he wrote the song when his boat went through some very rough weather. The ice had melted in their box, so they were forced to eat canned food and peanut butter for the time being. When they managed to dock at a marina in Tortola in the Caribbean there was a restaurant that offered American cheeseburgers. This was at a time when other countries did not serve American comfort food as common as they do now. It was like paradise tasting that cheeseburger after all they went through. Cheeseburgers are great all year round, but they are the tastiest grilled in the summer.

1.) The Twist - Chubby Checker

With all this talk of food and drinks its time to take those pounds off with one of the best dancing and workout songs ever recorded in my opinion. I absolutely love The Twist. It may be an oldie but goodie, but you can't deny its infectious beat, high energy, lively lyrics and washing machine-like rhythm. It absolutely has to be the best summer song to dance to, bar none.

Once you hear these songs you'll no doubt want them in your collection. You can download these excellent ten songs that personify the summer season from www.amazon.com or www.iTunes.com. They may be from the 60's, 70's and 80's, but many of the artists are still touring and recording to this day. This is a testament on how some songs are timeless, because they reflect on something that never grows old, like many summertime activities.

10-politcal-lessons-harry-potter-series

The "Harry Potter" series has captivated millions worldwide with a classic tale of good versus evil. J.K. Rowling's best-selling series is, of course, fictional, but in the stories there are several relevant lessons we could all learn. Here are 10 political lessons from the wizarding world for the real world:

Labor standards matter: House elves are treated poorly in several instances in the Harry Potter installments. Hermione Granger even goes so far as to start a group called the Society for the Protection of Elfin Welfare (S.P.E.W.). In the book, it is the slave treatment of Dobby that causes him to betray his masters, the Malfoys. The dementors of Azkaban also align with Voldemort after he more effectively bargains with them. Both instances could have been avoided with strong labor representation and contracts.

Often times, it is not those directly in government that affect politics: The Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters represent two groups not directly in the political arena that still have an effect on the political outcomes of their society. These two groups could be compared to groups like Americans For Prosperity or the AFL-CIO based on their influence in politics. These outside groups often dictate policy and agenda to their supporters, much like the Death Eaters or the Order of the Phoenix.

Cooperation among governments is crucial: Cornelius Fudge makes a point to visit and inform the sitting British Prime Minister of "muggles" while he is in office. Transparency between governments, especially in times of crisis, are crucial. The same holds true in the most joyful of circumstances, as well. Fudge also made a point to notify the British PM about the importation of Sphinxes for the Tri-Wizard Tournament, probably to avoid customs issues I suspect. Speaking of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Barty Crouch must have had to coexist with other foreign officials in putting together the event, much like our officials in real life and the Olympics.

No justice system is perfect: Sirius Black was convicted of aiding in the murder of James and Lily Potter, as well as the murders of Peter Pettigrew and several "muggles." Eyewitness accounts placed both Black and Pettigrew at the scene, but a finger of Pettigrew's was all investigators ever found of him. In the end, it is revealed that Black is innocent and it was actually Pettigrew who committed the murders and betrayal. This story translates all too well to the real world where, according to The Innocence Project, 297 wrongful convictions have been overturned on DNA alone since 1989.

Teachers help develop the next generation: Whether it is the guidance of Albus Dumbledore, or the firm hand of Minerva McGonagall it is clear throughout the Harry Potter series that teachers play an important role in the development of society. In "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", it is professor McGonagall that steers Harry towards quidditch and ignites a passion in him. It is with the guidance of Albus Dumbledore that Harry is aided with what is right and wrong in life. And it is Rubeus Hagrid who plays an uncle type role in Harry's life by giving him someone to rely on and bond with in a less professional manner. While the students are at Hogwarts, it is clear that the teachers take the place of traditional family members to aid in the rearing of the young witches and wizards.

Public transportation is a must: Could you imagine trying to get everywhere on a broom? If you think rush hour is bad now, try it at 4000 feet on a stick in a rainstorm. Proper regulation of the Floo Network, Portkeys, Apparition, and the Knight Bus allow witches and wizards to travel with ease and without congestion. Like subways and buses, the Ministry of Magic is obviously aware of the immense benefits public transportation networks provide.

Corruption in government cannot be rooted out by magic: Unfortunately, even in fantasy the government can be corrupted by the undue influences of money. Cornelius Fudge is famously seen cavorting with Lucius Malfoy, to which Mr. Weasley replies that it is probably about gold changing hands. This exchange allowed Malfoy to remain influential, a problem all too familiar to our current political environment.

For any government to function properly, there must be reputable media: Rita Skeeter is analogous to the reporters at the National Enquirer. Indeed, it is Skeeter's thirst for that which is sensational versus that which is fact that complicates matters in the wizarding world. When the facts about Harry are distorted, the public quickly turns on him and sees Harry as unhinged. When the Daily Prophet covers up the return of Voldemort, the citizens are left ill-prepared and duped by their government. It is clear J.K. Rowling understands the need for an independent and reliable news media.

Class and racial discrimination tear society apart: "Mudbloods" is the term in Harry Potter for those with a mix of magical and non-magical blood. The Death Eaters and their supporters advocate for a pure blood rule and basically a genocide of the "mudbloods." It is this difference in ideology that eventually leads the wizarding community into a civil war. Also, the giants are cast into the mountains to live in solitude away from the rest of society. In the end, it is this discrimination that leads them to align with Voldemort.

Torture is unjust: Torture pops up quite a few times in the Harry Potter series. Notably, Neville Longbottoms parents were tortured into insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange. Not only do her actions leave a child to be raised by his grandmother, they instill in Neville a desire for revenge at all costs. It is also no coincidence that the Cruciatus Curse is one of the "unforgiveable curses", reserved for only the most egregious curses.

Too much government can be a bad thing: When the Ministry of Magic begins to interfere at Hogwarts, it quickly becomes evident that their actions are devious. Instead of focusing on a proper education, Cornelius Fudge via Delores Umbridge institutes his own agenda. When the government doesn't focus on it's main job, and instead is used to promote ones person agenda, then it has gone a bit too far.

"Harry Potter" has been more than a book for many, myself included. Looking past the entertaining story, the underlying lessons are evident. Life is often imitated in literature, and vice versa so we would be foolish not to take notice, no matter how fantastical the story. Now, if only I could learn to transfigure this stack of junk mail into $100 bills...



"Secretary-General to take part in London Olympics torch run" UN.org
"Innocence Project Case Files" The Innocence Project

10-movies-classics-1960s

Movies from the 1960s not only spark memories to those of us we watched it in the theater, but they impact and entertain young, "streaming and DVD" people today as they did the last generation of movie goers.
Here are some of my favorite movies of the 1960s.

1. The Apartment.(1960) ~ Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine in her first leading role. Jack Lemmon plays a poor schmuck who wants to rise up the ladder in the company. So he offers his apartment key to married executives at his office so they can carry on their "affairs" with secretaries and elevator girls. He inadvertently ends up with a young woman (elevator) girl who tries to commit suicide in his apartment after her lover (Fred MacMurray) dumps her. Directed by Billy Wilder, the movie has extraordinary acting, humor, drama and a bit of sadness.
2. Bonnie and Clyde (1967) ~ This sad tale of the real Bonnie and Clyde dominated an era where the underdog was rooted as hero. Watergate and Vietnam war was going on, and those who went against the establishment were heroes. So Bonnie and Clyde movie with Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty came at a time where audiences were more willing to embrace thieves who thumbed their noses at the government and police. The slow moving ambush of Bonnie and Clyde by the Feds, is still considered the most brutal depiction of death on film ever.
3. Easy Rider (1969)~ if there were ever a movie that represented the 1960s this would be the one. It also started a biker fad that is still alive today. The movie is about a couple of drug dealers, going from the West Coast to New Orleans as free loving hippees. They come across discrimination for wanting the very freedom everyone was talking about. Great music, with real people, and one of the first films to buck the Hollywood system and end up an Independent film.
4. The Graduate (1967) ~ shockingly naughty and sexy and still naughty today -- The Graduate with Dustin Hoffman, and Anne Bancroft is about an older married woman, seducing a younger man. And who hasn't ever met or known of someone who was seduced by an older woman? What's great about the movie is everything works, the acting, the script, and the music by Simon and Garfunkel.
5. The Sound of Music (1965) ~ the hills are alive with the sound of applause as I mention this delightful movie for all generations. The story of the Von Trapp family, the history of World War II, a romance, with Julie Andrews and her leading man Christopher Plummer all contribute to this wonderful tale of a musical family. This movie is pure perfection with wonderful cinematography, music and story. Once you sit to watch it, you won't move until it's over. Brilliant.
6. West Side Story (1961) ~ Who can resist a tale of Romeo and Juliet. Except this time it's about the gangs of New York, the White Jets and rival gang Puerto Rican Sharks and the love that blossoms between Maria (Natalie Woods) and Tony (Richard Beymer). The story of forbidden love is timeless and the music...well makes you "like being in America."
7. Psycho (1960)~ There may never be another slasher movie were you never see the victim actually murdered, but are just as creeped out by watching the blood drain down the shower. OR where you see the star of the show being killed off in the first half hour of the movie. Great horror and twists by the wonderful Alfred Hitchcock. Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins still RULE when it comes to keeping you at the edge of your seat.
8. To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)~ This movie with the all American Gregory Peck was a film that truly showed the hopelessness of blacks in the segregated south. A lawyer, has to defend a black man of raping a white woman, when it was clear her alcoholic father did it. Yet the jury points the finger at the handicapped black man. The story is not dated because it's an excellent adaptation of courage in the face of great prejudice and sticking with what is right, moral and sound.
9. Guess Who is Coming to Dinner~ (1967) Another great film of the time which embraced the changes going on between race in America. It also addressed interracial marriage. Katherine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy and the beautiful Sidney Poitier continue to entertain with wit, humor and thought provoking dialogue that addresses issues facing any married couple. Still funny, still great, it's worth the time to watch it again, and beats the remake hands down In every way.
10. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)~This brilliant adaptation of the true story of real poet T. E. Lawrence, never fails to entertain no matter what age. The story of adventure, grit, honor and morality triumphs over all every time. Peter O'Toole deserved the Oscar for this one, but was nominated that year for best actor. His performance, was genius and crazy, just like T.E. Lawrence was in real life. Worth a watch on a lazy Saturday afternoon with a cup of hot coco and a warm comforter.
Here are some honorable mentions, not my favorites, but I'd watch them again. A Hard Days Night (1964) with the Beatles. The Manchurian Candidate (1962) Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Harvey. 2001 Space Odyssey 1968 , The Wild Bunch (1969), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and Midnight Cowboy, 1967.

10-interesting-facts-left-handed-people

Stat: 10 to 12% of people are left-handed. This group has unique traits, ones not held by their right-handed peers. "Lefties" are definitely a rare breed making their presence a curiosity in humanity.
Ten interesting facts about left-handed people:

Some scholars think left-handers are an unorganized minority. Why? Their status often leads to discrimination in social, education and religious arenas. History also shows that negative attributes have been associated with them such as neurosis, rebellion and criminality.
Good news: lefties are disproportionately smarter than the average Joe. St. Lawrence University tests revealed that more left-handed people had IQ's over 140 than their right-handed peers. Famous lefties for their brains are Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein.
Older mothers - over the age 40 - have an increased chance of giving birth to a left handed baby. The rate is 128% higher than females half their age.
Amongst Eskimos, left-handed individuals are viewed as sorcerers - magical beings. Incas held this perception too believing that left-handed people had healing powers.
Being left-handed is uncommon amongst humans - not so with other species. Cats, rats and mice are equally right-handed and left-handed.
Lefties are prone to certain adverse physical conditions. They are more likely to be dyslexic, stutter, autistic. On top of these three, they are more likely to have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or mental disabilities. Despite these maladies, left-handers are survivors and successful in nontraditional situations such as combat.
In 1992, a holiday was created called "Left-Hander's Day". It occurs on August 13. The purpose is to bring awareness to the challenges left-handers experience daily in a world designed for right-handers.
Left-handedness is passed down through families. Example: the British royal family is full of lefties including the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince William.
Left-handers should always have life insurance. Research indicates they die earlier - almost 9 years sooner than right-handers.
Evil works or the devil is linked to left-handed people via folklore. Modern day examples are in the behavior of these lefties: The Boston Strangler, Jack The Ripper, and Osama Bin Laden.
In conclusion, the above ten interesting facts about left-handed people indicate the pros and cons to this characteristic. Are they an anomaly in nature? Possibly. Scientists still appear to be trying to figure out the why's and how's.

10-interesting-facts-human-attraction

Do blonds have more fun? Are attractive more likely to succeed at work? What about school, which children get all of the breaks? The laws of human attraction are complicated; depending on the situation, your looks can work for or against you.

Ten interesting facts about human attraction:
Some behavior is instinctual. Infants (ages 2 to 6 months) prefer attractive faces versus unattractive ones. They stare longer at the former.
Single women: don't be afraid to wear the color red! Males prefer this shade; they are more apt to ask you out and spend higher amounts of money on the date.
You were right - teachers do favor more attractive children. These professionals give them more attention, less punishment and better grades.
Sad news: defendants who rape "ugly" victims are less likely to be found guilty. The opposite is true for "attractive" victims.
Despite what your mother said, beauty is NOT in the eye of the beholder. Research indicates that humans agree who is and isn't attractive. This fact is true regardless of ethnicity and culture.
When you have your children matters. Offspring of parents in their thirties find older faces more attractive. The opposite is true of kids with parents in their twenties.
Attractive females don't always win on the job. Ladies who fit this bill lose out when competing for employment in male-dominated fields such as tow truck driver. They are automatically perceived as being less capable of meeting job requirements.
"Beauty bias" is a term describing how more attractive people tend to obtain higher paying jobs in higher level positions versus their less attractive peers.
There is a reason politicians are so shallow. Research indicates more attractive ones receive more news coverage than unattractive politicians.
In the middle ages, noblewomen ingested arsenic in order to improve their complexions. Sound crazy? It's no crazier than injecting botox, which is also a form of poison.
In conclusion, the above ten facts about human attraction indicate that what's on the outside is important. Attractiveness can lay the path towards a great childhood, great job and pocket lined with money. Go figure!

10-interesting-facts-human-attraction

Do blonds have more fun? Are attractive more likely to succeed at work? What about school, which children get all of the breaks? The laws of human attraction are complicated; depending on the situation, your looks can work for or against you.

Ten interesting facts about human attraction:
Some behavior is instinctual. Infants (ages 2 to 6 months) prefer attractive faces versus unattractive ones. They stare longer at the former.
Single women: don't be afraid to wear the color red! Males prefer this shade; they are more apt to ask you out and spend higher amounts of money on the date.
You were right - teachers do favor more attractive children. These professionals give them more attention, less punishment and better grades.
Sad news: defendants who rape "ugly" victims are less likely to be found guilty. The opposite is true for "attractive" victims.
Despite what your mother said, beauty is NOT in the eye of the beholder. Research indicates that humans agree who is and isn't attractive. This fact is true regardless of ethnicity and culture.
When you have your children matters. Offspring of parents in their thirties find older faces more attractive. The opposite is true of kids with parents in their twenties.
Attractive females don't always win on the job. Ladies who fit this bill lose out when competing for employment in male-dominated fields such as tow truck driver. They are automatically perceived as being less capable of meeting job requirements.
"Beauty bias" is a term describing how more attractive people tend to obtain higher paying jobs in higher level positions versus their less attractive peers.
There is a reason politicians are so shallow. Research indicates more attractive ones receive more news coverage than unattractive politicians.
In the middle ages, noblewomen ingested arsenic in order to improve their complexions. Sound crazy? It's no crazier than injecting botox, which is also a form of poison.
In conclusion, the above ten facts about human attraction indicate that what's on the outside is important. Attractiveness can lay the path towards a great childhood, great job and pocket lined with money. Go figure!

10-interesting-facts-human-attraction

Do blonds have more fun? Are attractive more likely to succeed at work? What about school, which children get all of the breaks? The laws of human attraction are complicated; depending on the situation, your looks can work for or against you.

Ten interesting facts about human attraction:
Some behavior is instinctual. Infants (ages 2 to 6 months) prefer attractive faces versus unattractive ones. They stare longer at the former.
Single women: don't be afraid to wear the color red! Males prefer this shade; they are more apt to ask you out and spend higher amounts of money on the date.
You were right - teachers do favor more attractive children. These professionals give them more attention, less punishment and better grades.
Sad news: defendants who rape "ugly" victims are less likely to be found guilty. The opposite is true for "attractive" victims.
Despite what your mother said, beauty is NOT in the eye of the beholder. Research indicates that humans agree who is and isn't attractive. This fact is true regardless of ethnicity and culture.
When you have your children matters. Offspring of parents in their thirties find older faces more attractive. The opposite is true of kids with parents in their twenties.
Attractive females don't always win on the job. Ladies who fit this bill lose out when competing for employment in male-dominated fields such as tow truck driver. They are automatically perceived as being less capable of meeting job requirements.
"Beauty bias" is a term describing how more attractive people tend to obtain higher paying jobs in higher level positions versus their less attractive peers.
There is a reason politicians are so shallow. Research indicates more attractive ones receive more news coverage than unattractive politicians.
In the middle ages, noblewomen ingested arsenic in order to improve their complexions. Sound crazy? It's no crazier than injecting botox, which is also a form of poison.
In conclusion, the above ten facts about human attraction indicate that what's on the outside is important. Attractiveness can lay the path towards a great childhood, great job and pocket lined with money. Go figure!