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<title>Latest Poetry Articles</title>
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<description>Articles at BetterLifeAdvice</description>
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<title>And The Top 10, Too: From Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/and-the-top-10-too-from-chicken-soup-for-the-american-idol-soul.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/and-the-top-10-too-from-chicken-soup-for-the-american-idol-soul.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:08:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Excerpt from Mandisa
American Idol Top 10, Season 5

It was the evening of January 17, 2006, and I was on cloud nine. The premier of American Idol's fifth season was about to air, featuring Chicago, my audition city. My friends, Chance and Jennifer, were hosting an American Idol premier party for me. They had made a fabulous feast and lit candles throughout the house, and more than twenty of my closest friends had gathered to celebrate and watch my debut. As I chattered excitedly with my friends, I felt like royalty. Chance had "crowned" me with a plastic tiara, while other friends had printed almost a hundred brown T-shirts that said, "Mandisa is my American Idol — All Hail the Diva," beneath a shining star.

The amazing thing was that none of them had even known whether I was still in the running. I already knew I'd been selected for the Top 44, but I hadn't been able to break my silence and share the news with my friends until tonight. When I did, the room erupted in cheers. I told them I wasn't sure if tonight's show would include my performance, but I had a strong positive feeling about it because I had seen commercials featuring my triumphant exit from the audition room.

After dinner we moved into the family room, crowding onto the couch and filling every chair. When the American Idol theme song began, I almost pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Little Mandisa had finally found the courage to stand up, leave the house, and take a chance.

The minutes ticked by, and I kept wondering when my audition would come on. I barely noticed when the phone rang, but Chance pulled himself off the couch to answer it. A moment later I saw him signaling for my attention and felt a fleeting second of irritation. Whatever it was, couldn't it wait? Then I realized that something was up.

"That was Kevin on the phone," he said. "They're watching the show in real time. You just sang."

"So?"

"So, after you left the room, Simon said something rude about your weight."

I felt like I'd been slapped. Tears stung my eyes, and a sob stuck in my throat. My emotions, at a high pitch all day, now plummeted into despair. I thought about walking out the door and not coming back. Instead, I took a deep breath, thanked Chance for the warning, and rejoined the group. My friends barely noticed my return; they were so focused on the show. And then, there was my face filling the screen.

After just a few lines of my song, the judges stopped me. Paula, Randy, and Simon all said nice things and then announced they were sending me through to Hollywood. The camera zoomed in on my beaming face, and then showed me leaving the room in a joyous fit.

My friends exploded into cheers and applause as I tried to keep my chin from quivering. That day had been so good. Why had Simon gone and ruined it?

Only a few were still watching the screen when the camera zoomed back in on Simon, but those who saw my face quickly turned their attention back to the television. Before a national television audience, Simon looked at Paula and asked, "Are we going to get a bigger stage this year?"

Paula slapped him good-naturedly and said I reminded her of Frenchie Davis, a contestant from a previous season. Simon grinned and retorted, "She's more like France."

I tried to smile when the friends who'd heard Simon turned to look at me. "It's okay," I said, my voice shaking. "I'm okay."

Dead silence overtook the room. I looked down, not knowing how to react. I'd gone from my life's highest moment to one of its lowest.

One friend broke the silence. "Simon's a jerk," he said, and immediately others came to embrace me. I accepted the sympathy, but I really just wanted to disappear. We watched the rest of the show, but the gathering now felt more like a funeral wake than a party. Those "All Hail the Diva”" T-shirts, scattered throughout the room, seemed to mock me.

But little did I know that Simon's words would turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I now believe that if Simon had been uncharacteristically kind and never mentioned my obvious weight problem, I would never have been able to touch so many lives.

Make no mistake: Simon's words hurt me deeply. I cried myself to sleep that night. But as I wept, I realized what I had to do. The people on the receiving end of Simon's comments don't usually make it to Hollywood, so he never has to face them again. In my case, I made it to Hollywood, and once there, I knew that at the risk of not being put through to the Final 24, I had to be the voice of so many people who had been hurt by Simon and weren't able to tell him what his words had done to them. And I knew that I also had to be the voice for so many women who have been held back and told they weren't beautiful because of their weight.

I made it through every round during Hollywood Week, and when the day arrived that the Final 24 would be chosen, my childhood dream of becoming a world-class singer was within my grasp. But this was also my chance to share my truth with Simon. I knew the outcome could go either way, but I also knew that being true to myself was even more important to me than the possibility of becoming the next American Idol.

I heard my name called and, like a warrior marching to battle, I entered the elevator. And as the elevator doors opened, I started walking down the long stretch we called "The Green Mile" to the lone chair opposite the three judges. I sat down, looked Simon squarely in the eye, and began.

"Simon," I said, "a lot of people want me to say a lot of things to you right now, but this is what I want to say. I want you to know that you hurt me. I cried, and it was very emotional for me. But the good thing about forgiveness is that you don't need someone to apologize in order to forgive them. So, Simon, I want you to know that I have forgiven you, because if Jesus could forgive me for all the things I've done wrong, I can certainly extend that same grace to you."

As I delivered my message, Simon's grin disappeared. Although I didn't take my gaze off Simon, from the corner of my eye I could see Randy raise his brows and Paula break into a smile as bright as the lights overhead.

In the silence that followed, Simon uncrossed his arms and hung his head. "Well, I feel about this big," he said, holding two fingers about an inch apart. "Mandisa, I'm humbled. Come here and give me a kiss."

I can't tell you how many women have shared what it meant to them that I refused to swallow his comments and just go on as if his words had never been spoken — and then forgave him as well. I just felt that if I didn't speak my truth, then his truth would have been the final word — and once again another woman who struggles with her weight would retreat with her head hanging and her heart broken. But I've always been a fighter, and my purpose in life is to shine through my integrity as well as my voice. I knew that I had to stand up for all women who struggle with their image, period.

I needed to say those words to Simon for me, but by doing so, I also hoped to help change the image of true beauty for all the young girls in our society. The possibility of realizing that goal made it worth the risk. And it continues to be worth it over and over again.

Last December, I was invited to tobyMac's Winter Wonder Slam Concert in Nashville. I was sitting in the audience when a mom and her two little girls came up to me. The precious girls, who I guess were about ten, stared at me with big brown eyes and nearly blinding smiles. Moved by their awe, I gave them each big hugs and signed the tickets they held in trembling, outstretched hands. Then one of the girls got up the courage to speak. She looked at me and proclaimed in a high-pitched voice, "You are sooooo beautiful!"

As I looked deeply into that young girl's eyes, I knew that I had changed her perception of beauty, and I hoped I had made the rest of her life a little easier for it.

As they turned to go, the mom stopped and whispered in my ear, "You have no idea what it means to me to have a role model like you — a woman who is not only beautiful, confident, and honest, but who also loves the Lord. Thank you for giving my girls someone in this crazy world that they can really look up to."

As they walked back to their seats, a huge smile took over my face, and I thought to myself, That, and the Top 10, too.

(Reprinted with permission from Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul: Stories from the Idols and their Fans that Open Your Heart and Make Your Soul Sing).

(Note to iSnare Editor: Our client Debra Poneman is author of the book Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul. The book contains first person accounts of the hit TV show from contestants, fans and behind the scenes crew members. The piece above is from one of the contestants, Mandisa. We have Debra's permission to offer these excerpts from her book to iSnare. If you have any questions, please contact me at penny at amarketingexpert dot com.) ]]></description>
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<title>Angelina And Her Babies</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/angelina-and-her-babies.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/angelina-and-her-babies.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:00:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Adoption of babies by celebrities is the epicenter of controversies and brings special coverage in print media.

The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador and Hollywood actor Angelina Julie has been trying to adopt babies in several countries though she biologically owns one and is reported to be expecting another. Controversies are part and parcel of these initiatives that intend to help the underprivileged families finding sponsors for their kids.

Despite issues faced by the Oscar winning star of the action movie Tomb Raider and her boyfriend Brad Pitt, the glamorous couple on the earth is set to opt for more adoption across the world. They have already adopted two children – Maddox, a five-year old and Zahara, a 22-month old, and are looking at adopting one in India, though their plans are yet to take shape.

Do the adopted babies add value to their already swelling kitty? Future might have an answer for this though these kids will be brought under different geographies and culture. Their adorable baby Shiloh has already brought more fame for their family and attracted millions after the Hollywood couple sold the first public photographs to magazines and then donated the proceeds to charity. Besides Shiloh, the two adopted babies are also getting substantial media attention.

Following the adoption of Zahara from Ethiopia, a number of women had claimed Zahara’s motherhood giving a fresh phase to the adoption-related controversies. The controversy ended after an Ethiopian judge ruled that the woman who claimed to be her mother is not the biological mother.

Besides babies, Julie is keen to support humanitarian causes throughout the world visiting several countries, and is well known for her work with refugees through UNHCR. As the Goodwill Ambassador, Julie’s main focuss is on field missions. As part of the field missions, Julie visited refugees and internally displaced persons during her first three years as the Goodwill Ambassador.

Julie was subjected to criticism by the pop diva Madonna for using the former’s fame to assist the UN. According to the pop singer, she has done more good to the world by adopting the underprivileged.

In contrary to Madonna’s allegations, Julie was not just visiting refugee camps, but she also published Notes from My Travels, a collection of journal entries that chronicle her early field missions in 2001-2002 alongwith the release of one of her movies. The proceeds from the book sale was used to support the UNHCR initiatives. As part of her humanitarian work, Julie was already associated with several social issues by funding a number of projects and visited places like Thailand, Ecuador, Kosovo, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Russia, North Caucasus, etc.

Julie’s celebrity status is making headlines everyday. She used her celebrity power to highlight humanitarian issues globally and get support from others. For instance, she promoted World Refugee Day 2006 in a two-hour interview with Anderson Cooper in CNN, and this program attracted more than double the audience of his typical newscast. ]]></description>
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<title>Angel Tattoos - How To Find The Perfect Design</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/angel-tattoos-how-to-find-the-perfect-design.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/angel-tattoos-how-to-find-the-perfect-design.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:52:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Angel tattoos are one of the most popular designs for both men and women. Part of the reason is the wide range of styles and designs that can be used to represent these spiritual characters.

Symbolism also plays an important part, as these designs can represent many important values, such as peace, beauty, spirituality, good verus evil etc.

When women get an angel tattoo it's often an indication that she is calm, patient and places more emphasis on the health of her soul. She believes that confidence is a more attractive form of beuaty than any outward physical appearance. The angel tattoo is also a sign that she is a loyal friend who goes where needed to protects others.

On the other hand, men who get an angel tattoo often want to represent a different set of values and beliefs. Self styled bad boys often use sexy angel designs to show their masculinity and their sexuality. In fact many men claim that their angel tattoos have helped them to attract women. Alternatively, angel tattoos are used by men to pay tribute to a woman who has played a major part in their life or a woman they have strong feelings for.

However, angel tattoos can be designed to represent many different aspects of life and death. Some of the most common angel tattoo themes include;

Religious/Spiritual

Angels are seen as the link between Heaven and Earth. The word angel comes from the Greek word for messenger or "one who is sent" and as such are often shown as God's messengers who are sent to protect mankind from evil. 

The fact that the three biggest branches of religion (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) all make reference to angels is perhaps part of the reason for the popularity of these designs. Tattoos often depict angels as delicate, winged sprites hovering over something to provide protection. These guardian angels which many people believe are send to protect humanity are often shown watching over children.

Love

Angel tattoos often show angelic cherubs who are the messenger of love. The most well known example of this is Cupid who uses his bow to shoot through the hearts of people, making them fall in love with each other. These tattoos generally consist of a decorative heart with an arrow through it, often with the name of a loved one in the center and Cupid the cherub floating above the heart holding his bow.

The Struggle Between Good And Evil

Angels designs are often used to show the constant fight between good and evil. These are depicted in a number of different ways.

1) The Archangels: These seven angels are the closest to God, the devine messengers that form the link between Heaven and Earth, humans and God.

The design of Michael (one of the most well known archangels) is shown wearing body armor and holding a sword with his wings open ready to lead the Archangels against Lucifer (also an archangel who has gone over to the dark side).

2) Fallen Angels: These represent the battle between God and Lucifer. These designs often show angels with torn wings or horns or both. Alternatively, they depict a brooding looking angel with a broken or bloddy sword in their hand. The feeling of darkness is often achieved by the use of darker colors and heavier inks.

3) Angel/Devil: Designs that incorporate both an angel and the devil are one of the clearest representations of the fight between light and dark. This contrast between good and evil gives the tattoo artist a wide scope for creativity. They can have the tone of the design leaning towards the dark side, the light side or equally balanced between them.

If your tattoo artist is good enough, it may be possible to achieve a design that can resemble both good and bad depending upon your own personal interpretation or mood at any particular time.

Ultimately, only the owner of an angel tattoo truly knows what it represents to him or her, so make sure that you take time to choose a design that you're happy with. ]]></description>
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<title>Animal Dolls: Own A Virtual One That Comes To Life!!</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/animal-dolls-own-a-virtual-one-that-comes-to-life.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/animal-dolls-own-a-virtual-one-that-comes-to-life.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:44:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There are so many example of children who really love animal dolls. I would say that animal dolls is the best and most favourite type for children. As being a mom of a daughter who loves dolls so I would like to tell you a bit more about a girl’s story, which is very good example for parents who may consider to buy toys for kids but still not sure what to do, which may be due to budget limitation or any other reasons.

An only child, my six-year daughter was pestering me to get her a pet, preferably a golden retriever or lab, as her cousins have one. It was quite painful trying to explain to her that owning a pet, though wonderful, was a bit difficult, since we lived on the fourth floor of an apartment building in a congested city. My work schedule also did not permit me the luxury of taking care of a pet, as I often had to stay late at work. Imagine not being able to walk the dog, or feed it in time, which wouldn’t be fair to the poor animal.

I got my little girl a number of toys and animal dolls to play with, including a few teddy bears, a jumping dog, a stuffed tiger and even a cute little kitten doll. I then heard from a friend of owning a pet in the virtual world, which I found at first quite amusing. To know more, I decided to visit and took a tour of the site. I found it really amazing that one could just buy an animal doll, and obtain a secret code printed on the tag of the doll. This secret code then allowed one to own an animal doll as a virtual pet on the website.

There are a number of games, which a child can play with the virtual pet, and they had games for kids as per their age groups, starting from 5 years and above to almost any age!! to 13 years of age. It is also educational for the child, and gives the child enormous emotional support and company. It also helps the child gain responsibility, and gives cash, which is used to buy things, or feed the pet, using virtual money, teaching the child how to use money wisely without any actual risk. My daughter is now thrilled to be a proud owner of a pet, and she is having great fun. I even play with her pet on weekends, and enjoy every moment of it.

Even though there are many type of toys that have been invented to impress children. But it is fairly to say that dolls or animal dolls have its own legend and still be the most favorite type for children. In some case you may find other type of animal doll like pet dolls or virtual pets to let them try the new technological innovation of children toys. There is no harm for them to have it and sometimes you may find that your child will have rapid learning form playing this type of toy. ]]></description>
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<title>Anime For Girls And Shojo</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/anime-for-girls-and-shojo.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/anime-for-girls-and-shojo.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:36:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Shojo: Anime For Girls

One of the biggest successes on television and DVD over the last few years has been the rise of anime, or Japanese animation. From the genre-defining classic Akira to the latest Sailor Moon tales, this form of television originated from comic books, yet has found its latest and arguably biggest success on the small screen in the West. Yet despite a penchance for robot gunsuits and psychotic megalomaniacs giving off the idea that anime is a decidedly male genre, there are a host of more female-friendly anime that proves otherwise.

With a younger and female-oriented demographic in mind, shojo (or shojou as it's occasionally called) anime is finding a large audience for whom romance and love stand head and shoulders above robotic destruction. Such is the popularity of this newer anime that the DVD's can make a perfect gift for those female relatives or friends of yours that wouldn't normally spare anime a single minute of their time. Some of the most popular are:

Fruits Basket

Telling the story of Tohru Honda, this series has been a runaway success in America and is the tale of the orphaned heroine's adventures with a family that's been cursed. Depicting the rather unfortunate ways that the members of this family change into animals of the Chinese zodiac whenever they're hugged by a member of the opposing sex, it has strong story lines and extremely funny situations for its extremely likeable characters.

Fushigi Yuugi

Often known by its English name "The Mysterious Play", this is the story of a girl called Miaka who finds herself in ancient China due to a special portal in a book that she is reading. The inhabitants of this ancient world she finds herself in declare her a mighty Priestess, and tell her that her destiny is to invoke a god, by collecting the Celestial Warriors of the time, thus saving the world. However, she keeps getting transported back to her own time, and has to combat that predicament as well as the ancient one.

Angel Sanctuary

A more mature anime, this depicts the tale of an angel who is more rebel than innocent, who is reincarnated into the body of a young boy, Setsuna Modo. A tale of the fight between good and evil for the boy's soul, it's a dark and foreboding story.

Princess Tutu

A mixture of fable and surrealistic fantasy, this much-loved anime tells the story of Ahiru, a young ballet dancer who is smitten by the school's lead male dancer, Mytho. However, there's a slight problem - Ahiru is a magical duck with superhero powers! With a touching storyline and a warm feel, this is a definite favourite of shojo anime.

Here Is Greenwood

Set in a more realistic world of a boarding school, Here Is Greenwood is the story of a doomed love affair, as the hero Kazuya Hasukawa falls in love, only to see the unrequited object of his desire marry Kazuya's brother. What follows is the story of Kazuya's adventures at the school, which include some crazy characters, as well as his scheming brother being the head of the infirmary, and it makes for an enjoyably madcap story. ]]></description>
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<title>Annie Tickets - A True Broadway Classic Returns</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/annie-tickets-a-true-broadway-classic-returns.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/annie-tickets-a-true-broadway-classic-returns.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:28:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Annie tickets have moved beyond the simple aspect of seeing a Broadway show. This famous musical has become a rite of passage for families everywhere, and Annie has inspired little girls all over the world to sing, dance and dream big. Annie is a hero, and the show is returning to Broadway for what is sure to be another successful run.

About the Story

Annie is a downtrodden little orphan girl whose life has been nothing but a run of hard luck. She is poor, hungry and appears to have no hope for the future as the play opens. However, she has a vibrant personality and a general spark that sets her apart from the typical orphan.

Annie is unhappy at this Depression Era orphanage, as Miss Hannigan, the owner of the orphanage, is extremely cruel. However, Annie’s luck changes when local billionaire Oliver Warbucks decides to host a local orphan for Christmas. Annie is chosen as the guest, and she moves into the mansion for her stay.

At first, Warbucks is rather cold towards Annie, but the two strengthen their bond through several experiences. Eventually, Warbucks discovers Annie’s broken locket, which she keeps as a promise from her parents to come for her someday. When Warbucks attempts to replace the locket, he is confused when Annie refuses to remove her keepsake, and she tells him why she keeps it.

Warbucks decides that he is going to use his influence to help Annie find her parents, and he takes many steps towards doing so, including appearing on a radio program with Annie. Meantime, the plot’s conflict is revealed. It seems that Miss Hannigan and her conman brother have decided to try to fool Warbucks into thinking that they are Annie’s parents.

If you’d like to see how this intricate plot concludes, you need to secure Annie tickets to see for yourself, as the story and the production has achieved legendary status for several reasons.

Adaptations

Annie has been such a success on stage that it has inspired several productions in other formats. A movie version of the story was produced and released in 1982, and it was such a success that a sequel was produced for television in 1995. Another made-for-television film was put together and aired in 1999, and as a result of this recent exposure, girls everywhere are clamoring for Annie much like past generations.

If you want to see a true classic of theater and see a show that the entire family can enjoy, Annie tickets are the perfect way to enrich your cultural memories. ]]></description>
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<title>Anniversary Gift Baskets</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/anniversary-gift-baskets.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/anniversary-gift-baskets.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:20:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Anniversary gift baskets are the perfect way to celebrate a wedding and send your best wishes to the happy couple! However, you don’t need to settle for taking a wedding anniversary gift basket to a party or event; consider sending an anniversary gift basket to the workplace or the couple’s home where they can enjoy their special day with a sweet celebration! From gourmet treats to baked goods, there are plenty of ways to find a completely new combination of treats that will leave a lasting impression.

Many people send flowers or gourmet chocolates to celebrate a wedding anniversary or other wedding-related occasion, but these don’t necessarily stand out from other gifts received on the special day. A wedding anniversary gift basket can add a unique touch to the celebration with creative combinations of hand-decorated cookies, chocolates, and engraved wine glasses. Imagine their surprise when they receive a Pink Rose Anniversary gift assortment designed with flower-shaped cookies, or an anniversary basket filled with a bouquet of delicious treats and baked goods! Gourmet chocolates and specialty confections can also be presented in a unique way for a wedding anniversary gift basket; just add a handwritten note or card to the presentation for a gift they’ll cherish forever. From simple to elaborate creations, a wedding anniversary gift basket is the perfect accompaniment to any couple’s special day.

Anniversary gift baskets sent between the couple may include champagne and chocolate to make a special toast for the night, or commemorative gifts such as photo albums and scrapbooks to showcase their memories. Gourmet chocolates, exotic truffles, and premium baked treats can also be added to elegantly decorated baskets, and are most suitable for the occasion. Whatever the final selection may be, each basket can be decorated with attractive ribbons and elegant touches for a show-stopping centerpiece. Consider sending a large wedding anniversary gift basket as a centerpiece for a party, or a special surprise delivery; the wedding couple is sure to appreciate the unique gesture!

Toasting an anniversary or wedding event can be much more special with a meaningful gift basket; from spa products to commemorative wine glasses, you’ll find a variety of unique treats and gifts to include for any upcoming occasion. Anniversary gift baskets are the perfect way to celebrate the memories of a wedding, celebrate, a personal milestone, or simply sent between the couple as a unique way to express their sentiments for each other. Each one can be filled with exotic gourmet treats, special wine glasses, and quality champagne. Mothers of the brides and other family members can also enjoy a luxury gift; anniversary gift baskets for all members of the wedding party are available, and can be custom made

Sending anniversary gift baskets for a wedding anniversary celebration or other event is a great way to show you care, and each one is designed to include a variety of specialty items, treats, and gifts. If you’re looking for a unique gift to commemorate an event, consider sending a beautifully decorated wedding anniversary gift basket instead of simple flowers and cards! ]]></description>
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<title>Antique Picture Frames:  Insuring Quality</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/antique-picture-frames-insuring-quality.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/antique-picture-frames-insuring-quality.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:12:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Antique picture frames are one of the most amazing ways to add character to the photos you have. Many people search for these frames and keep the original photos in them, adding a bit of history to their home or to their collection of greats. But, you can also purchase antique picture frames to use in the mounting of your own photos. Although these are expensive and hard to find products, they will insure a quality and beauty for your home.

First, finding them can be your first difficult step. To do this, spend a few minutes looking at antique stores, but really that may be difficult to locate. Instead, look to the web’s numerous antique auction websites or even to standard auction sites (there are many other than the big one you know about!) This is a great way to find unique pieces from virtually every part of the globe and every style.

You next need to select antique picture frames that allow you to fit them within your home. Or, you’ll want to design your home around the beautiful frames that you find. Depending on the age of the frame, you may want to consider having it professionally mounted and definitely get it insured. These are important considerations for those that are looking for an elegant look that will last a long time.

Finding antique picture frames can be your largest challenge. But, the search is well worth it. Just imagine the look and feel of adding these to your home. The age that they have and the years of history that they’ve seen definitely means that they have a unique story to tell. Can you give a good home to a beautiful antique frame? If you can, your home will forever have a beautiful character and quality to it. ]]></description>
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<title>Antonella Barba: American Idol Sensation</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/antonella-barba-american-idol-sensation.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/antonella-barba-american-idol-sensation.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:04:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Antonella Barba is currently a contestant on the sixth season of American Idol. At the time of the writing of this article, she is in the top 16.

Barba is 20 years old, was born on November 26, 1986 and is from Point Pleasant, New Jersey. She is a 2004 graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, New Jersey where she was a member of the school concert choir and a member of the school's doo-wop group.

In addition to singing, her other musical talents include playing the piano and the violin.

Before appearing on American Idol she was a junior at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C studying architecture, but has had to temporarily withdraw from school to be in California for the show.

Like Clay Aiken's fans during season 2 of American Idol who called themselves the Claymates, Antonella's fans have dubbed themselves the "Fantonellas."

As she performs each week, she can count on support and votes from her fellow students at college who gather in the college's University Center to watch the live episodes that feature her. Antonella also has the unwavering support of her parents, two younger sisters, and younger brother.

She hasn't been without controversy though. First, during Hollywood week tempers flared between Barba and friend Amanda Coluccio (they tried out together.) It started to look a little like the movie "Mean Girls" as Amanda got sick of working on their group performance and instead started hanging out with the male contestants which resulted in Barba getting angry and saying a few "less than complimentary" remarks that the cameras caught and, of course, showed on national television.

Then, several unflattering photos of Barba surfaced on the Internet and were quickly the topic of conversation on websites, in newspapers, on the radio, and on television. The photos that were of Antonella were private photos taken when she was with friends and at parties. The x-rated ones were later found out to be fakes. There has been speculation that an ex-boyfriend first posted the picture.
The American Idol producers officially stated they wouldn't disqualify Antonella from the competition and the judges came out in her defense, most notably Simon Cowell who said the photos were her private business and that people should leave her alone.

Although Antonella has been singing since she was in 6th grade and did well during her auditions for American Idol, her two performances on the show so far have been weak. She has admitted to being very nervous and will need to get those nerves under control if she wants to continue on the show.

She may be avoiding elimination by a popular website that encourages voters to cast their votes for the contestant they think is the worst one in an effort to sabotage the outcome of the show. Currently, Antonella is their choice.

Her life has certainly changed since she became an American Idol contestant. Last summer she was like any other college student on summer break – working a summer job and hanging out with friends and family. Now she says things are "totally surreal…..I was home for a couple of days (a few weeks ago) and I took my sisters out to lunch….and there were people asking for my autograph." ]]></description>
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<title>An Ideal Gift: Personalized Wind Chimes</title>
<link>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/an-ideal-gift-personalized-wind-chimes.html</link>
<guid>http://www.betterlifeadvice.com/arts-entertainment/poetry/an-ideal-gift-personalized-wind-chimes.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:56:39 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Personalized Wind Chimes: Ideal Gift for Any Occasion

Ancient giant bamboo chimes had practical uses such as protecting rice fields from birds and animals. Musical and artistic qualities of wind chimes were refined by ancient Asian civilizations. The Chinese in particular were skilled metal workers and excellent iron refiners. Wind chimes designed by the Chinese were used for religious and ceremonial purposes. The wind chimes were believed to drive off evil spirits while inviting kind spirits.

In the nineteenth century tubular bells were used in orchestras. This instrument sparked the perfection and the development of precisely tuned high-quality wind chimes. Modern technology allowed for wind chimes to be precisely cut and tuned so that they can resound ancient or modern musical scales. Multitudes of people have been captivated by the melodic sounds of wind chimes throughout history. Today a garden or patio just isn't complete without the harmonious tone of a properly tuned wind chime.

Wind chimes are the ideal gift for any occasion. Give that special person a memorable gift that will withstand the weathers of life (literally). Wind chimes made with high quality craftsmanship will enhance any surrounding and leave an impression that will last a lifetime. You can make giving wind chimes more memorable by having them personalized. Personalized wind chimes are perfect for expressing your care in a way that will continuously warm the heart of the recipient.

The wind chimes' graceful, soothing tones will resonate glorious sound while striking a memory of your love through your personalized gift.

Special Occasions

Tell your mother or wife how much you appreciate all they do with a set of wind chimes that have a personalized message on Mother's Day. Some message ideas are: "Thank you for all you do. With love, your name,"

"Eternally grateful. Your loving son/daughter/husband, your name," or "A mother's love is ever-lasting. Thank you, your name." She will always treasure your thoughtfulness when she hears the wind softly blow the chimes with a gentle breeze.

On Valentine's Day give wind chimes with a personalized note of your undying love and affection to your one and only. A few message ideas are: "Forever yours," "To my one and only," "My Soul Mate," "Be Mine," or "Happy Valentine's Day." Whatever message you decide on, when the chimes harness the wind as player and composer it will continue to remind him/her of your happy times together and resound the sweet confession of your love.

Personalized wind chimes make a thoughtful wedding gift. Help the bride and groom commemorate their special day with a blessing to them from you. Some message ideas include: "Bride and Groom's name, wedding date, your name," "Wishing you love and happiness," or "Congratulations on your blessed union." Throughout their years together they will forever be delighted by the melodic sound of the wind chimes and reminded of your heartfelt wishes for them.

What better way to help someone add ambiance to their new home than with a personalized set of wind chimes? Wind chimes add character to an atmosphere and make the ideal housewarming gift. They will set off any decor and leave a warm memory of your friendship through the gentle tones adrift in the breeze.

There are many ways a person can enjoy wind chimes. You may prefer to hang your wind chimes outdoors where you relax and catch a nap in a hammock, work in your garden, or prepare a romantic dinner on the patio to the soothing peaceful sound of your wind chimes. On the other hand you may prefer to enjoy your wind chimes indoors. One common indoor idea is to hang your chimes in a bedroom window and let sweet sounds in the breeze sway you to sleep on a cool spring or hot summer night. Placing wind chimes in your office helps to relieve stress from a busy day.

Selection

When choosing wind chimes only the highest quality, best sounding chimes will do. Quality and craftsmanship walk hand in hand; where wind chimes are concerned one cannot be without the other. Wind chimes must be clear of tone and resonance to produce a pure sound. The material used will determine the tone and durability. Tempered aluminum chimes and top rings are resistant to cracking or drying, while they produce top quality sound. Redwood and cedar strikers are not likely to rot and they will eliminate harsh overtones in the wind chimes. The strings should be made of a weather resistant material such as Dacron. The wind chimes tubes should be precisely placed so that the striker hits each tube in the musical "sweet spot" or exact middle for the most elegant tones. When having your wind chimes personalized you should make sure your engraving is preserved on a material such as brushed aluminum that will endure any climate and withstand the test of time.

Whatever the occasion, whoever the person to receive them, wind chimes are the perfect gift. When you give personalized wind chimes you know it will provide a lifetime of pleasure and be a constant reminder of how important they are to you. ]]></description>
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