3 Easy Tips for Buying Studio Monitors

Whether you are upgrading a current pair of studio monitors or are preparing to purchase your first set, determining which monitors are best for you can be a confusing and cumbersome task. Often times, people search for the best value for their money, but are unsure what monitors they should choose. The following will provide you with some practical advice to use when choosing your pair.
1. Know Your Music
The first thing you need to establish is what you will be using your monitors for. Will you be producing hip hop beats, pop beats, or R&b beats on the monitors? Will you be using your monitors for songwriting or recording demos? What genre(s) of music will you be working with primarily? Knowing this information is critical when choosing a set of monitors. There are a multitude of monitors to choose from each with their own unique equalization. Some monitors are more pleasing to the ear than others depending on what type of music or sounds will come through them. People who work with a lot of hip hop beats have different monitor needs than people who work with classical music. Knowing what you will use your studio equipment for will be beneficial to you in the long run.
2. Listen
This is probably one of the most obvious pieces of advice but it is often overlooked. Take the time to go to a music store and listen to monitors you are potentially looking to purchase. Great places to do this are Guitar Center and Sam Ash.
Create a mix CD of some music that you know well. Make sure it is professionally mixed and mastered. Take this CD to the store and play it over the monitors you are interested in. Do things sound too bassy or boomy? Do the vocals hurt your ears when you listen? How do the drums hit? Ask yourself these and others questions about how the mix of the music translates through the monitors. Look for detail in the low to mid range frequencies on the songs on your CD. Listen for definition in the fingering of various live instruments (if applicable) such as electric bass or cellos. Also, pay attention to definition in the high frequencies of the monitors. You don't want monitors that "color" the frequency spectrum and give you an inaccurate picture of what you're hearing. A "good" sounding monitor is not always the best monitor, but a "bad" sounding monitor can help make you competitive with the industry professionals. A prime example of a "bad" sounding set of monitors are the Yamaha NS10s. In the music industry, it is widely believed that if your music sounded good on these, then your mixes would translate well on just about any stereo system. Your CD may sound great at the first listen but don't be fooled! Listen Critically.
3. Work with Your Budget
Make sure you establish a budget for your purchase. No matter whether you're a seasoned engineer or just an amateur producer of pop beats, setting a budget for yourself will be extremely helpful. Establish how much you want to spend on your monitors as well as how much you are willing to invest in the acoustic treatment of your room. Having your room acoustically treated will ensure you are getting the most accurate sound out of your studio monitors. Be prepared to invest as much in your acoustic treatment as you do in your monitors. Many people fail to acoustically treat their rooms and consequently, end up getting used to inaccurate representations of sound. This can result in mixes that do not translate well to other speaker systems.

Great Moments In Opera, "Mia Gelosa!" From Puccini's "Tosca"

Puccini's opera "Tosca" is basically a political love story between a celebrated singer by the name of Floria Tosca and the painter; Mario Cavaradossi. It being in act one of Tosca that Floria Tosca pays her lover, Mario Cavaradossi a visit at the church where he has been commissioned to paint a portrait of Mary Magdalene. Mario Cavaradossi portraying Mary Magdalene in such a way that depicts beauty which Floria Tosca can not help but wonder if he is really being inspired by the vision of Mary Magdalene or perhaps another one of his lovers.
For my part, I always imagine it being Angela Gheorghiu and her dark mysterious beauty of black hair and brown eyes in the role of Floria Tosca. As Angela Gheorghiu seems to have been made by nature to take the part of this woman who encompasses all the qualities she herself possesses. Floria Tosca's strengths being all too apparent in her ways which include charm, cunning, sensuality, playfulness of the coquette and above all perhaps the ability in her to adore Mario Cavaradossi with jealousy and perhaps suspicion yet is willing to sacrifice for his sake.
As for the aria, it starts out with the typical exchange between lovers in which Tosca and Cavaradossi exchange expressions of affection yet after a kiss of passion; Mario makes it clear that he is rushed and asks Floria to leave him to his toil. This to Tosca's reaction who accepts Mario's request with reluctance yet does agree that it perhaps would be best if he were to be left to his duties. Tosca's words "vado, vado" (I am going) reminding me of a lady who is getting out of her lover's bed after having made love with the jealousy of one who knows that his time will no longer be hers. Tosca's eyes or those of Angela Gheorghiu, also taking on the playful charm in this scene of a child, who is being told by her father that he does not have time to play with her yet accepts his decision not in anger but with the understanding of those who are disappointed. It being a smile to decorate Angela Gheorghiu's lips as she is ever endearing in this brief moment of exquisiteness in which her face gathers even further beauty.
It is however as Tosca is about to leave that she notices the woman Cavaradossi is painting and asks with all of her suspicion "Who is that blond woman up there?". Cavaradossi seeing that Tosca's is but the ways of one who adores, answers with calm as he claims "It is Magdalena, do you like her?". Tosca at this point becomes slightly jealous as she questions Mario even further by declaring "She is too beautiful!" in what is turning out to be a perfect exchange between a tenor and a soprano in what is definitely a most dramatic role.
Mario however not wanting to quarrel simply tries to sooth Tosca's fears as he says "such a lovely compliment" with a smile of warmth. Tosca however wonders as she says "Those blue eyes I have seen them before" as if reminding her of somebody Mario knows. Mario however showing serenity claims with calm as the music suits his part and his words "there are so many like them in the world" as he tries to go back to his work of art.
It being at this point that the music centers around their dialog as Tosca stops Cavaradossi and says "aspecta" (wait) almost with the caprice of a child. Tosca suddenly violently asks if the woman in the photo is one which she knows was a former lady friend of Mario's. Mario declaring that such is not the case yet Tosca with despair insists upon certainty that he was not painting another woman. This as the melody increase in its dramatic effects with Tosca, who to me is really Angela Gheorhiu; reacting with dread that in fact all of Mario's effort might have been inspired by another woman. It almost seeming as if Tosca had discovered Mario in the act of sexuality with another woman or had seen this very act in the painting which in her imagination is taunting not only her fears but what might be reality.
Cavaradossi however seeing that Tosca is merely showing concern that she might not be the sole woman in his life, guarantees her that he has not seen the woman she is reoffering to in a long time; save when she turns up at church merely to pray and even swears to it as he claims "juro". This promise easing Tosca's fears whose worries are but of those who perhaps adore with too much passion and need to be reassured even of what they know to be true.
Tosca referring to the eyes as if they gazed upon her and with a certain jealousy or perhaps even envy mentions their beauty. Mario however is captivated by the insecurity in Tosca as he wishes to reassure her there is no other love in his life but her with words that praise not so much the beauty which is so apparent but the significance it has on to his emotions. It being Mario's voice which shows the force of a tenor with strength which does not shriek yet rises as he expresses the most tender feelings for a sentiment; he holds for a woman and how he would never wish to jeopardize it.
Tosca is moved as she hears Mario's praises with the innocence of a child who is receiving the loveliest of presents to consul and comfort her. Tosca however also realizing that Mario is well acquainted with the maneuvers of being able to find points of weakness in women that they might succumb to his affections. Tosca's words "como sai bene il arte di farte amar" (you know the art of making yourself be loved) in a way praising Mario yet also wondering if his is but a well rehearsed act which he is capable of applying with any woman he chooses. Mario however with the patience of one who adores simply humors his Tosca further in claiming "mia gelosa". This being the moment in which both cuddle with tenderness while coquette smiles put an end to all the worries which Tosca might have had concerning their romance.
This as Cavaradossi's voice soars above the harmony and though many from Alagna to Pavarotti have taken this role, I would say that it is Placido Domingo whose character and above all style of singing are ideal not only for this aria but the opera Tosca. Domingo having the power yet tenderness which does not require him to have to struggle with his voice but deliver it just right. As for myself, the opera Tosca, in fact was the first I ever saw at New York's Metropolitan Opera House yet it was with Pavarotti back in the winter of 86. I however would go on to hear Tosca performed by Placido Domingo in Central Park that very year which did allow me to see the differences between these two great tenors which included not only their vocal styles along with their personalities.
Cavaradossi repeats "mia geloso" yet wishes to be left to his work as he and Tosca express desires with their eyes though she is all too aware that he must get back to his work. Tosca however before leaving does exert a promise from Mario that he get home on time regardless of weather the woman he is painting be blond or brunette; to which Mario repeats that this he swears to as both leave the stage.
In conclusion, I would say that the aria "Mia Gelosa" is one of the most tender emotions in opera. As it is undoubtedly one of love yet there is that element which is so typical for the rest of the opera Tosca. Tosca being one of political as well as romantic intrigues that reach higher levels of intensity in acts two in three yet "Mia Gelosa" does allow us to see the sort of relationship which Tosca has with the painter; Mario Cavaradossi.

The 5 Best Mannheim Steamroller Songs From Fresh Aire I

Mannheim Steamroller is a pioneer of the new age music genre, and has continuously been producing albums for the last several decades. I am a huge fan and have picked out, in my opinion, the 5 best Mannheim Steamroller songs from their Fresh Aire I album released in 1975. This album was actually used to demo hi-fi equipment, and customers would say "I like this stereo system, but I really love the record you're playing. Who is that?" So, that's how the Fresh Aire series got its start. Each of the first four Fresh Aire albums are based on a season, and Spring is the theme for Fresh Aire I. Chip Davis said the following about it: "Vivaldi did a nice piece called the "Seasons", and this sounded like a good idea for an overall concept (since Fresh Aire I seemed very "Springish") for any albums that would come later in the series. Of course, at the onset there were no plans for a whole series. We felt we'd be doing well to get one album off the ground. In fact it was the listening public's request for "Fresh Aire II" that spurred the idea to start a series." Several of the song names on this album are word plays of musical terms, like "Fresh Aire" is an air, "Ron Doe" is a rondo and "Pass the Keg, Lia" is a passacaglia.
Here are my top 5 picks in track listing order...
1. Chocolate Fudge
What's most amazing to me about this song is that it was released in 1975 on vinyl! Synthetic music was in its infancy, and this song still measures up to anything created synthetically today. It's probably my most favorite song on the album.
2. Interlude I
I love the use of the simple piano track set to the sounds of a thunderstorm in the background. It's very relaxing. I especially love the pause in the music to allow the loud clap of thunder to sound. Very ingenious.
3. Ron Doe
This song is written in the odd time signature of 5/8. The beginning piano interlude helps to build the power of this song, then it kicks into full gear using the uniqueness of this odd beat. Very fun to listen to.
4. Interlude III
Again, I love the use of the simple piano track set to the sounds of a forest with birds chirping in the background. This is the Interlude I love to play on the piano the most. This song was later used on the album "Yellowstone: The Music of Nature", and it was very fitting.
5. Pass the Keg, Lia
Using the Harpsichord in a rock 'n roll style makes this song very unique. It's no wonder that Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller describes their signature sound as "18th Century Classical Rock". Very original and nice to hear.
I also recommend listening to Interlude II with headphones on, very cool. Honestly, every song on this album is good, and I highly recommend getting the whole thing.
Whether you agree with my picks or not, there is no disputing that Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller is the best contemporary composer of our time.

Top Indian Actress

The caption looks really interesting! To start with, there are quite several top Indian Bollywood actresses, who have created hot-waves among the young bloods. Generally, Bollywood glam dolls are known for their ravishing chic look and their adoring beauty. Moreover, the Bollywood beauty queens give their stunning and breathe-taking performance in all the roles they work with. Thus they become the darling of every heart and also pull the nerves of young bloods.
To say first, the hottest sweet heart of Bollywood will be none other than the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai. This ravishing sexy babe is known for her smart chic and adoring outlook and moreover she has created hot waves in the Bollywood industry. Her starring performance and breathe-taking acting potential has always made her to stand out of the crowd.
Next to Aishu, the sweetest darling of Bollywood will obviously be Priyanka Chopra! This gorgeous beauty is one among the busiest girl in Bollywood. Moreover, she has proved her excellent acting potentials by teaming with Bollywood top stars like Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan and many more. Priyanka is really breathe-taking!!!
The next ravishing glam doll of Bollywood will obviously be Kareena Kapoor! The cute charming actress is an ardent lover of the Bollywood top star Shah Rukh. Kareena has worked with all the top stars of Bollywood and she has also paired with her favorite star Shah Rukh in "Om Shanti Om", which was a terrific blockbuster movie.
Sushmita Sen - the girl of charm and beauty is another Bollywood top actress. She was crowned with grand titles because of her elegant and chic outlook. This gorgeous beauty has proved her acting potentials and has also given quite several successful big hits.
The next sensating beauty of Bollywood industry will be Rani Mukherjee! This sumptuous beauty is proudly known as a promising actress in Bollywood and moreover she has sizzled along with almost all the top hero's in Bollywood.
The next top Bollywood actress, who has been bagged with good number of offers, will obviously be Vidya Balan. This ravishing beauty has won quite number of awards for her brilliant acting in several different movies. The girl looks with a pleasing look and she has become the darling of every heart with her excellent acting.
The other top Bollywood actress, who is really known for her charm and attractiveness, will be Preity Zinta. This sensation beauty started her career as a modeling girl and she excelled in the Bollywood industry with her mesmerizing acting. The ravishing hot babe holds good number of offers in her pockets and she is set ready to rock in the future workouts.
The sensating and sizzling Bollywood actress will be Deepika Padulkone! This glamorous hot babe is the young growing actress in the Bollywood. The ravishing beauty has been bagged with good number of offers and she is really set to create hot waves in the Bollywood film industry.
Bips - the hot girl of Bollywood is the leading top actress, who is really busy with good number of offers at her desk. Bipasha Basu is known for her ravishing sexy look and he girl has rocked and sizzled in quite several Bollywood movies.

Indian Actresses - 'The Young Guns'

Like with any other industry, the Indian movie industry has seen rise and fall of many stars. As time has elapsed, a lot of new faces have emerged and sunk on the oblivion. A few lucky ones, backed by talent and their stars, stay tuned, and are able to carve a name for themselves. Such has been the scenario in the everyday affairs of Indian movies too. Stars came and went, but their essence is what stays still. Lo and behold, we talk about several of these who made and impact and others too that actually tried their luck but in vain.
Deepika Padukone - Cementing herself firmly in the industry, the sexy lass comes from a sporty background. After trying a hand at badminton she chose to move to life of stardom and fantasies. It seems her decision has been proved right with each passing day. Shooting to stardom and famous for her affair with Ranbir Kapoor, the girl is a perfect combination of beauty with brains. Backed by killer looks and a chisel shaped figure, the lady with ultra sexy legs, has indeed carved a niche for herself.
Ayesha Takia - The heart throb and one of the most wanted of Bollywood heroines is definitely here to stay. Such has been the aura of this star that he has delivered hit after hit and the magic never seems to subside by. Coming from a humble family, she stepped into Bollywood with a lot of expectations. As of now there is hardly anyone in the industry who thinks that she has not been able to hold true to these. Backed by good looks and nice smile, he has set a high standard for herself. Even after being married, it seems that the girl has something more than just looks that keep her in the industry.
Asin Thottumkal - The lanky heart throb of Kerala has made her foray into Bollywood with a bang. As the name suggests 'Asin', the sexy lady is known for not ravishing flesh in order to garner attention. In fact her looks take care of that. Born to an entrepreneur the lady with killer looks is sure to make most of her opportunity in Bollywood. We can really look forward to good stuff from this girl in near future.
Shruti Hassan - Born to actors, the awesome babe has sent ripples in whole of Indian Film Industry. Touted as the next big thing, the lady has what it takes to hold on to this precarious industry. Backed by raw acting talent and looks to kill for, it will be worthwhile to place your bets on the girl that has it all. It is rumored that she has her profile explicitly managed by PR professionals. The same have actually charted out a plan to actually portray the sexy sirens image in public. Life won't be easy for the lady but one can surely count on her to do the needful in the future.

South Indian Actresses - The Hottest Ones

South Indian cinema comprises of the movies of many languages and many genres. South movies can be in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada or Mallu languages. South Indian actresses are considered some of the hottest ones and in some ways; they compete directly with their Bollywood counterparts both for their oomph and their acting skills. Here is a lowdown on the top 5 actresses who have ruled the cinema.
Shriya - She was one the reigning queen of Tamil and Telugu cinema. She started her career with Ishtam and went on to act in dozens of movies. Her prominent movies include Sivaji The Boss, Nuvve Nuvve and Mazhai. After a successful career she tried her luck in Bollywood but she could not get much successful there. Later she returned to her home turf, south Indian cinema and is currently doing a couple of movies there.
Nayantara - This south Indian actress is credited with starting the trend of bikini-acts in Telugu and Tamil cinema with her movie Billa. In fact she shot to fame after this movie. Her super hit flicks include Boss, Vallavan and Ghajini. She was caught in controversy when some photographs of Nayantara kissing her costar Simbu were made public.
Sneha - She is known as homely beauty of Tamil screen because of her girl-next-door looks and roles in most of the films. This south Indian actress has done in all of the languages and every possible genre. In an upcoming movie she has gone for an image makeover as she is playing a tough cop. Her hits include Inba and Pandi.
Namitha - She is the voluptuous siren who has caught the fantasy of million both in India and other countries. According to Google, Namitha was the most searched term on mobiles in 2008. Namitha Kapoor is known more for her skin show than her acting skills. Despite being endowed with an over-sized figure she has mesmerized her fans in every movie. Her craze can be assessed by the fact that her fans are keen on building a temple in her name and worship as her goddess!
Anushka - She is another buxom actress of Tamil and Telugu movies. Anushka is known for her ethnic sex appeal. She has mostly done glamorous roles but in a recent movie Arundhati she played a very challenging role. Arundhati was super hit and made Anushka one of the most sought after actresses.
Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Mallu actresses are very beautiful.

How to Host a Girls Sleepover Party

There comes a time where almost every girl asks her parents to let her have a sleepover party. The thought of 10 odd slightly preteen girls all in the one space can be extremely daunting for most sane people. It can be arranged though and be very successful with just a little bit of planning.

The first step to a great night for the girls is to come up with a theme. Here are a few ideas. A craft party, a fashion party, a book club party or a makeover party, are popular parties. You could also choose to host a cooking party or perhaps a holiday theme like Christmas or Easter. So you see there are many different ways you can go to create a special night.

The invitations for this evening should be handmade and a bit of fun to help create some anticipation for the party. It's very easy to scribble down a time and date but don't be tempted to do that. If you've decided to host a book club party you might choose to make the invite look like a book. If you're choosing to host a craft party perhaps you might make some crafty cards. Be sure to send out the invites 4-6 weeks ahead of the party date to give the girls enough time to prepare anything they need for the night.

Prepare the room where the girls will be sleeping. Honestly this is pretty easy. Pick a large bedroom and empty it of pretty much all furniture except a heap of pillows and doonas or blankets, and as many mattresses as you can spare. Make sure the girls know they are to bring their own sleeping bags and pillows and you're good to go.

The evening should be timetabled a little; I'd suggest a few nibbles and drinks as the girls arrive. Perhaps a punch or iced berry lemonade would be nice and refreshing. Sushi, small spring rolls, some fruit and cheese and crackers would make a great starting platter.

After everyone has arrived and caught up then it's time for an activity or two too go with the evening theme. I'll have to leave that up to you to decide. The classic sleep over though is really a movie night. Here are a couple of movies that would be suitable. Breakfast at Tiffany's, 13 going 30, Mean Girls, The Princess Diaries, The Devil Wears Prada or my old favorite, The Princess Bride.

Party bags are generally not given out at sleepovers, but I do recommend having them as with a little thought they can add to the fun of the night. Fill them with a few lollies, and game cards, some hair and bathroom accessories, whatever you think might be a bit girly and fun and pop them in some cute little bags. You might choose to hand them out at the beginning of the night to be used during the party.

The next most important thing to consider is the breakfast the next day. Have plenty of different cereals and milk, but I think after a night on the floor a good cooked breakfast will be necessary. I'm sure you'll have plenty of help cooking up bacon and eggs, an even more help eating them. A sleepover can be a lot of fun if you just put a little thought to it.