The Beauty Of Angel Headstones And Grave Markers

By Timothy Tree

She watches over the grave of someone that you have loved dearly. While the world sleeps the tombstone grave marker angel is always on duty. She seems to understand what you feel and is ever present in the cemetery. The stone angel is much more than a marker, she is an eternal statement of love, loss, hope, strength, and almost every emotion you can conjure in your mind.

Some people choose not to purchase headstones, and this may not be the best of choices. Without something marking a burial site it may soon be forgotten. It is very difficult for anyone to be remembered if there is no monument or marker. That is one reason why many people decide to have some type of headstone.

Cemeteries are special places and can stir all kinds of strong feelings and emotions. This is where many people go to get closer to those that have passed on. The time can be good for the soul and allow for reflection and healing. Yet, it can be very frustrating if you have to spend much time searching for a grave.

Headstones are nothing to take lightly because of the purpose they provide. For example, some people enjoy simplicity in life but life can sometimes be complicated. After all, an intricately designed and created angelic headstone says a great deal about the person that it represents. A plain and simple marker is almost like a blank piece of paper.

For thousands of years, angels have been symbolic of goodness and mankind's roots into another world. Even those that do not believe in angels must admit they have some kind of power that is not understood. If you think about the possibility of angels looking out for you it can be a calming and satisfying experience, and make the difference between happiness and despair.

The universal appeal of angels cannot be denied. They are some of the most popular and accepted symbols of eternity and hope in a hereafter. If you choose to have an angelic theme for a tombstone the possibilities are numerous and only the imagination is your limit.

Maybe you are not currently thinking about death or the loss of someone dear. No matter, death is a subject that everyone must face some day whether you want to or not. Choosing the right Tombstone Grave marker is very important to millions of people and an angelic theme can demonstrate the good things one has done.

About the Author:

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Best Documentaries On Netflix, On The Installment Plan

By Mickey Jhonny

The growth in popularity of Netflix has been a real boon to documentary fans. With some 1000 docs on offer, deciding what to watch can be a bit daunting. I want to suggest that you give a try to the 7 Up Series. I can't guarantee that every single person reading this will love it. But, honestly, if you don't at least give it a shot, you might rob yourself of one of the most unique film experiences possible.

The 7 Up series is both a moving bit of documentary entertainment and at the same time a study in sociological reflection. It wasn't included on our list of the top 5 of the best documentaries on Netflix only because it really is in a different category.

If you're a fan of the gangster story, you can appreciate the difficulty in attempting to compare a great, one off, film like The Godfather or Goodfellas, with an equally great long arch TV serial like the Sopranos or Boardwalk Empire. There is a completely different experience involved. The long story arch reveals itself more slowly, with more detail and nuance. This is the nature of the difference between this series and your standard documentary.

It was 1964, the very threshold of what has come to be called the 60s, when British TV producers brought together 14 children from a diverse range of backgrounds for purposes of making a documentary on them. At least, it was the relevant diversity from the perspective of the producers, at the time: primarily diversity in gender, race and economic background.

The explicitly stated premise of the original program was to get a glimpse into Britain of the year 2000. The assumption was that the life conditions under which they began, would determine the direction of their lives into the future. The first installment ended with a promise to catch up with them again in the new millennium.

However, there was a young researcher on that original installment who was to go on to have an extremely successful career as a film director, working on a range of material stretching from the Gorillas in the Mist to 007. Michael Apted had a different idea about the potential of that project begun in 1964. Instead of waiting for the 21st century, he took his cameras back to catch up with the kids seven years later, when they where 14. And he's gone back every seven years ever since. The result has been one of the most extraordinary cinematic documents of all time.

At the time of writing, the newest installment has recently been released; in the U.S. it was in January 2013. In this installment, the kids of 1964 have turned 56 years old. It is a strange and compelling journey for those with the patience and curiosity to see it through.

It's true that not everyone finds it engaging TV. The less than enthusiastic have criticized it for being too slow and also too mundane. The protest is often along the lines: these people are no more interesting than my friends and acquaintances. Why bother with a TV show about people I already know and whose lives I can watch without the telly, thanks?

For the fans of the series, however, such criticism seems to be entirely missing the whole point. What is remarkable about this series is the transformation of the mundane into the sublime by turning the spotlight upon it. The heroism and humor, the small personal triumphs and tragedies of all our lives, are somehow dignified and ennobled as we watch these 14 people struggle through their own lives.

When you think about it, what we have here is the original reality TV show. The difference is that in contrast to the circuses going by that name, today, this reality touches something that is deeply, and at times heartbreakingly, real. Those who have become hooked on the series inevitably come to feel personal attachment with some of the kids-adults as their struggle through their own personal life challenges.

Yet, through it all, there is an irony underlying the entire enterprise. The idea that the series is capturing real lives; the original assumption that socio-economic origins would be charted through the years as determining life choices, all seems to have overlooked the observer principle.

The observer principle is often, and I might add mistakenly, attributed to the physicist Heisenberg. There's no need though of a confused idea about sub-atomic physics to recognize that knowing their being watched will have an effect on how people act.

Though it's less famous and trendy, the appropriate reference here is actually the Hawthorne experiments, conducted at a Western Electric plant in the 1920-30s. The sociologists studying the behaviors of the plant workers finally came to recognize that the very experience of being studied was changing the workers' behaviors.

It turns out - and is this really a surprise - that when people are conscious of being observed they mold their behavior in ways suited to make a desired impression upon the observer. Without access to some kind of parallel universe, we can obviously never really know how the lives of these 14 people might have gone in other directions, led by the making of different choices, if they weren't (and didn't expect to be) visited every 7 years by television crews. It doesn't though strike me as especially far fetched to conceive there might have been some significant differences.

In some ways, even more that the genuinely moving story of the 14, coming of age, it is that conundrum which most intrigues me as I watch the series. It is a remarkable document that reveals almost as much about the hubris of the filmmakers as the lives of their subjects.

About the Author:

If you're a big time documentary fan, you'll want to follow Mickey Jhonny's work at the Best Documentaries on Netflix blog. Also, for a good time, give a read to his Top 5 List for all time Best Zombie Movies .

Getting To Know Kathy Durst Artist

By Marcia Marks

Kathy Durst artist is an American art teacher from Redwing, Minnesota. Growing up in Rockford, Illinois, she earned a teaching certificate in Visual Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Austin campus of the University of Texas. Retired from teaching, it was not long before she was invited to participate in her first solo showing of her ark-full of paper painted collage animals in 2014 at the Ross Gallery.

With 25 years of experience adding beauty to the world, the artist has used almost every medium and technique imaginable. The work that is available online is mostly produced using paper painting collage. "Roseate Spoonbill" is an example of the level of detail and range of colors and textures that can be achieved using this technique.

"Lammie" and "Yulka" illustrate what can be achieved by creatively employing paint and carefully selected scraps of paper. In "Yulka, " we see an empty soft drink bottle showing through a floral patterned swimsuit for flotation. This is a very deft application of the collage painting technique.

The materials are readily available and inexpensive and the techniques can be taught to preschoolers. With her 25 years' experience and maturity, Ms Durst produces some complex and ingeniously patterned results. It is easy to find tutorials of collage methods on the Internet. If you really want to understand the artist, it is worth spending some time getting to know the medium.

Most of the subjects of Durst's work that you will find involve animals; this is the theme of her Ross Gallery exposition. In the whimsical, "Take Me Along, " you see two scuba divers working their way through a sea of atlas cuttings and musical notes. They look really happy. Try THAT with a set of watercolors and paper.

View this artist's work at your own peril and be prepared to spend time and money experimenting with your own painted paper collage artistry. It is positively inspiring. Seriously, just watching someone do it on YouTube is entrancing.

Her "Rose, " is a different kettle of fish. Apart from being a departure from animals, it may or may not be another example of the painted paper collage technique. It could be. She is that good. The blossom is in shades of flamingo and coral, with little splashes of the main hues dotted around in the surrounding foliage.

Kathy Durst artist uses textured papers and stencils in her work to give it character and depth. As beginners, the best we can hope for is a lovingly-produced Sunday School project. Find the date of her next showing and track down her work. You will be hooked.

About the Author:

You can visit the website www.durstudio.com for more helpful information about Getting To Know Kathy Durst Artist

History in New Orleans: Monuments to Visit

By Herald Moores

New Orleans is a city rich in history, culture and personality. Walking through the town, representations of this abound. There are at least 145 monuments scattered across the city. The following are the 5 most notable monuments in New Orleans city.

Robert E. Lee Monument

This monument is a 76-foot monument with a 16-foot bronze statue of General Robert E. Lee.The National Register of Historic Places added the Robert E. Lee Monument in 1991 to its records.. General Robert E. Lee was the most prominent general for the South during the Civil War. This monument is probably the most well known and largest New Orleans monument.

Jefferson Davis Monument

Edward Virginius Valentine, a great artists from the 1900s, was responsible for creating the Jefferson Davis Monument. This monument is a life-size bronze statue of Jefferson Davis sitting on top of a 10 foot granite base. Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederacy from 1861-1865 and a martyr to the Confederate cause. It is great monument to visit and spend some time learning about its incredible history.

Franklin Place Monument

In 1926, the monument of Benjamin Franklin was given to the city of New Orleans by Henry Wadsworth Gustine. It's a statue of Benjamin Franklin on top of a small base with some of Franklin's well known saying inscribed on it. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founders of the United States of America and contributed much during his lifetime.

Spanish American War Monument

The Spanish American War Monument was dedicated in 1939. It is a 14-foot granite base with an emblem relief of a kneeling girl before an infantryman and sailor with an 8-foot bronze sculpture of a male military figure on top of it. This war gave the United States control over the Philippines and Cuba and is a very important part of our history. The Spanish American War Monument deserves to be included in the monuments of New Orleans.

About the Author:

Herald Moores has been fascinated by New Orleands landmarks for a number of years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more info about New Orleans monuments please visit his site.

Fine Arts and Art Scene in Sin City

By Helen Gerogette

The fine arts scene in Las Vegas is unique and fascinating. When travellers think about Sin City, they often presume it is simply for hoofing and gambling. The Las Vegas arts scene is one of the best for viewing a good spread of fine art. Similarly, most studios are simply accessed by bus or taxi, while many are found without delay on The Strip. When you are planning your holiday you should use a the best app for travel.

Fine Arts Gallery at The Bellagio

One of the more well-liked galleries is the Fine Arts Gallery at The Bellagio. This gallery is arranged by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and emphasizes the art of 19th century French painters. Jaw-dropping lighting and impeccable set-up, this is one gallery that you shouldn't miss. Complicated paintings and internationally famous pieces dot the gallery walls. There's a small entry charge of $15 to view this gallery.

Vladimir Kush Galleries

The Vladimir Kush galleries are free to visit. There are two locations of his displayed fine arts in Las Vegas, one at Caesar's Palace, and the other at Planet Hollywood. Both locations boast over 100 pieces of unique and stunning art to appreciate. Expect to be carried to a whole world of fantasy and wonder, as Vladimir Kush is focused on the surreal fine arts.

Smith Center Las Vegas

The Smith Center in Vegas is the newest fine humanities attraction in the city of entertainment. It will be opening in March 2012 for its grand debut. This center will feature ballet, Broadway acts, opera and other fine arts. The building itself gets inspiration from many styles of architecture, including art deco. It's one of the most inspiring new centres for fine art in the city. Expect first class performances to be held here. Ensure this center makes the apex of your list for must-do things in Vegas.

Arts Factory

The Arts Factory is one of the hot spots for Las Vegas arts. The Arts Factory is a center that involves creativity, classes and fine art displays. It was made to strengthen the art community in Vegas, and support local artists of all styles. If you love art, then this center is not to be missed. It is often certain to galvanize visitors from all over the world.

About the Author:

Helen Gerogette has been interested in art scene in Las Vegas for a few years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more info about Vegas arts, please click here and visit her site.

DC's Best Art Galleries

By Helen Gerogette

As the capital city of the United States of America, it should come as no surprise that Washington DC is home to a big variety of museums and art studios. To get close up with some of the world's most renowned paintings, be absolutely sure to stop by one of the top ranked art studios in the capital. From EU classics to ancient tribal African art, the city boasts it all. Wonderful, lots of the art galleries are free for visitors, like the many museums in the area. Here are the top ranked art galleries in Washington DC.

National Gallery of Art

This is undoubtedly the most famed and well known of the Washington DC art galleries. Its location on the National Mall marks it as major for both the culture and history of the United States of America. The studio can fundamentally be separated into three section. The 1st is the west wing of the gallery, home to modern art and abstract designs. The east wing is the seriously more favored section of the gallery, where Western european classics are displayed by the likes of Turner and Vermeer. Outside in the garden in a huge pool as well as a magnificent collection of sculptures, which is the third section of the studio.

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Also found in the National Mall is the Freer Gallery of Art, one of the lesser known Washington DC art galleries. It homes the Smithsonian's collection of Asian art, spanning from Turkey to Japan. Though art by the European pros is sometimes better known by the public, the Freer Studio does display some of the world's top Asian art, although in a much less crowded and often pleasanter environment for visitors.

National Portrait Gallery

This studio is amongst the most visited art galleries in Washington DC. The subject matter is, as the name suggests, portraits of people and often groups. Though the topic of the paintings could be from all over the world, the emphasis is certainly on those who have formed the U. S. A in some form through culture, history or politics. Varying exhibits showcase different leaders and icons as well as everyday American citizens. The mediums vary dependent on the piece of art in question, with some portraits being photographs, oil paintings or perhaps sculptures. It is a smashing way to appreciate art as well as a unique way to put a face to a name when it comes down to historical figures in America's past.

American Art Museum

The majority of the studios and art museums in the state's capital include works by artists around the world, but the American Art Museum highlights those artists who were either American subjects or who were living in American while painting. The works stretch from the earliest paintings by First Americans all of the way to modernist art in the form of unique lighting fixtures which hang from the ceiling.

About the Author:

Helen Gerogette has been interested in Washington DC art scene for a number of years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more info about Washington DC art galleries please click here and visit her site.

San Jose Magnificent Theaters

By Jonas Fredrickson

San Jose has a reputation for being a cutting edge community on the forefront of technology. Equalling their appreciation for the high tech is San Jose's residents appreciation for music and theatre. San Jose is home to a symphony, many playhouses and more, all performing at pretty and acoustically shocking locations around the city, particularly in San Jose's South First Area District where several cultural activities and centers are found.

San Jose Repertory Theatre

Set up in 1980 as the first of the professional theaters in San Jose, the Rep has endured and grown into a longtime theatre known for its excellence across the country. The Rep has a rep for all types of theatre, from the classics to edgy recent works. The Rep has received several accolades in its 30+ year history, including designations and awards for performances of The Kite Runner, As You Lie It, Groundswell, and the 25th Yearly Putnam County Spelling Bee. The Rep is a pretty location in the heart of downtown San Jose and encircled by fine and casual eateries, premiere shopping and the city's best nightclubs, wine bars and music scene. There's not a need to leave the Rep but with the Curtain Call Patron Lounge and free live music after performances on selected nights. The Rep is amongst the premiere theaters in San Jose for a very sublime experience.

City Lights Theatre Company

Though the City Lights Theater Company only performs six plays per season, each offering is deliberately selected to embody the Theater's reputation as modern, cutting edge, unconventional and thought provoking. Each play runs for about a month, with the season running from Jan to Aug. Plays are performed in an intimate 100 seat venue and are commonly modern and edgy, even when interpreting classics like Hamlet and Chicago. Other offerings are often Pulitzer Prize winning plays hinged on tragedy and victory, like Tracy Letts ' August: Osage County, which chronicles a family's journey through dysfunction and reconnection to the background of rustic Americana. The Town Lights Theater Company strives to offer the finest in modern theater and modern adaptions, as well as maintaining themselves as a theater space for promising and up-and-coming designers, technicians, actors, directors and all aspiring theater lovers.

The Stage

Billed as the very best in Off-Broadway San Jose theaters, The Stage has a clear mission to present original works with a focus on recent programming, American literature and historic classics that explore the numerous angles of the condition of being human. The Stage is already in its 29th season, receiving accolades for its past performances of The Diary of Anne Frank, Glengary Glen Ross, Blade to the Heat, Inherit the Wind and particularly Tenders in the Mist, for which The Stage received 6 Dean Goodman Choice Awards. The Stage offers dramas, musicals, comedies and more, with attention on promoting theatre and art with a 5-play season that runs from Sep to June, compromised of 120 performances and 10 scheduled ?talkbacks? In its 200 seat, mid-sized theatre facility.

The Tabard Theatre Company

With a goal of providing entertainment for all audiences with an abiding interest in San Jose theaters, the Tabard Theatre Company also has a strong focus upon community involvement. The theatre regularly gives a part of profits to charity, organizes food and clothing drives, and outreach programs aimed at making theatre affordable for those that may not usually experience theatre. The Tabard Theatre produces four to six main productions per season, in addition to offering workshops for adults and kids. Past season productions have included Antigone, The Small Prince, Neil Simon's "Fools", Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and A Yuletide Carol, amongst others. The Tabarad Theatre also hosts some of San Jose's best live Jazz and plenty of other performing humanities events seating over 120 guests in its locale.

Symphony Silicon Valley, at the California Theatre

When the San Jose Symphony dissolved in 2001 after a 30 year run, it was reincarnated as the Symphony Silicon Valley that performs at the one of the greatest concert halls in San Jose at the California Theatre. The Symphony Silicon Valley performs classic works as well as more recent arrangements, while also showcasing smaller group arrangements and soloists. The symphony Silicon Valley is the premiere ensemble in San Jose and performs with first class talent and direction.

California Theatre

First open in 1927 as among the first concert halls in San Jose, the theatre was closed for decades before a $75 million refurbishment in 2004. The theatre is at present a modern facility seating 1100 guests,. Redesigned to capture its original 1920?s style. Found in San Jose's South First Area District (Sofa), the California Theatre is in the center of San Jose's arts and culture scene, adjacent to The Stage, Institute of Contemporary Art, many diners, bars, jazz clubs, and smaller music places.

Children's Musical Theatre San Jose

The CMT was launched in 1968 and is among the country's largest youth performances and training programmes. The CMT casts all that audition to promote a friendly and nurturing atmosphere that fosters children's interest and evolution in theatre. Tickets are available online over the phone and the Convention Center and the Montogomery Theatrebox offices. Current performances such as Seussical, Doctor Dolittle, Xanadu and Bye, Bye Birdie. The CMT has commitment to promoting variety inside its players and cultivating the love of theatre inside all interested youngsters.

About the Author:

Jonas Fredrickson has been fascinated by hot spots in San Jose for many years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces about attractions in San Jose for many online publications. For more info about San Jose theaters come and visit his site.