Learning to Play the Violin in Easy Steps

By Aaron Piertzen

Learning to play the violin can be one of the most demanding ambitions that you embark on. Even though the violin is a stunning instrument with exquisite tone, it can be an unusually difficult instrument to learn. Here are some tips, though, that can get you started on the right track.

Despite the fact that the violin is usually used in classical music, all types of music are able to use it, giving it versatility as an instrument. It is generally the instrument used as the main melody when it is used as part of an orchestra.

When learning to play the violin, the first thing you should do is find a place where you can practice uninterrupted. It is good to have a straight back chair, in addition to a music stand that is able to hold your sheet music.

To hear the pitch of the instrument, use your one of your thumbs to pluck each string in order to hear its pitch and to test its tension. If you're a beginner, you might consider using a piano or a pitch pipe to tune the violin to G-D-A-E.

Next, at the place where the fingerboard and neck extend from the violin, wrap your left hand around the body. Situate the violin and the chin rest, the part of the instrument that is black, under your chin. You should also bring your left shoulder so that it is located under the chin rest. This will help give you some support.

Then, position your right thumb at the corner of the fingerboard. It should be nearest the bridge. Your index finger should be placed on top of the "G" string. Give just a little bit of pressure so that your finger then goes to rest on the "D" string. This is what is referred to as "plucking."

Remembering not to use your fingernails, pluck the "G" string 4 times. Practice creating a rhythm. Once you feel like you have it down, do same thing with the "D", A," and "E" strings. After you get used to plucking, try mixing the order of the strings up, using a slow pace.

The next thing you need to learn about is the bow. Situate your right thumb on the inside of the bow while letting your three middle fingers land on the outside. Your pinkie should be close to the adjustment screw.

Put the bow hair on top of the "G" string and draw a straight line using just a little bit of pressure. Then, go in the opposite direction. This should be done in a regular or slow speed at first.

These are the fundamental steps in learning to play the violin. Naturally, it does get more complex after this. Still, even though you might find it hard to master at first, don't forget to have patience and continuing to practice. The more you play, the more you will learn how much pressure to apply and how to make balanced rhythms. - 23806

About the Author:

If you are wanting to to learn violin and sound just like a pro, go to www.ToLearnViolin.net for some steps to get you started and assist you to learn to play the violin.

Dance India Dance - Dancing Styles

By Rajat Maini

With the many television shows that are on TV such as dancing with the stars and so you think you can dance, dancing today has become a passion for people. While in the past it was a hobby, now it has become a career for many. It is no wonder to see that today there are many youngsters that prefer joining such dance classes not simply to lose weight, but to effectively learn the proper ways for dancing. The joy that they get from dancing is unmatched and so they spend hours learning and perfecting their dance form. Some even use it as a means of physical and emotional therapy.

While the above dance forms were quite well known, television shows such as so you think you can dance has shown the world various other forms. One such form is contemporary. This form of dance has been created more as a manner of narrating a story. Not having any fast or sharp turns and moves, such a contemporary dance form helps one to go beyond their normal capabilities and use more facial expressions.

Salsa - Another form of Dancing that is extremely popular with younger generation. Be it its intimate form or the charm of doing a Salsa. It does present an elegant look and looks soothing to ones eye. The onlookers have their tongue rolled up and end up watching in excitement. Such is the charm of this dance style which originated from LA. Well, am sure this can be debated but youngsters care more about learning the dance than its origination.

While the above dance forms were quite well known, television shows such as so you think you can dance has shown the world various other forms. One such form is contemporary. This form of dance has been created more as a manner of narrating a story. Not having any fast or sharp turns and moves, such a contemporary dance form helps one to go beyond their normal capabilities and use more facial expressions.

Although ballet is thought to be a girl' dance with many students starting in their early ages, there are also many men that prefer this dance. Ballet has the ability of enhancing the stamina and balance center of the body. Ballet can ensure that the lines of the body are well developed and are useful for those that want to make dance a full time sport. - 23806

About the Author:

Lux Dance India Dance is a reality show aired on Zee Tv showcasing some of the brightest talent from India in Dancing. The top 18 contestant have been carefully selected after thousands of them were rejected at the audition level held across India. To know more about the Lux Dance India Dance show and about the judges and its contestant please visit Lux Dance India Dance Blog.

The Pump Room: Star Studded Chicago Dining Landmark

By Ross Everett

Long a hangout of A-list celebrities, the Pump Room Restaurant in Chicago is still 'hopping' in the 21st century. The restaurant, memorialized in Frank Sinatra's classic "Chicago", was one of the first high level restaurants to open in Chicago after the Prohibition era. The eatery has seen countless celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Ronald Reagan, John Barrymore and countless others. For a while, it's luster faded somewhat as the dining scene in Chicago led by Charlie Trotter passed it by.

The Pump Room opened in'38 under the ownership and management of Ernie Blyfield. He took the name from an'th century London pub favored by celebrities and nobility, including Queen Anne. The original pub got its name from the hot drinks pumped into the cocktails of its stylish clientele.

The Chicago Pump Room was a smashing success from the time it opened. It's most desired table reserved for 'A list' celebrities was Booth #1, which for a time may have been the most sought after table at any dining establishment in the country. Booth #1 at various times hosted Frank Sinatra and his associates, Bogart and Bacall, Judy Garland and daughter Liza Minnelli, John Barrymore and countless others.

After Blyfield's death in'50, the Pump Room lived on as a Chicago hot spot and welcomed a new era of big names including Mel Brooks, Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Eddie Murphy. One of the most famous stories surrounding the club involves former Genesis drummer Phil Collins, who was refused entry for not wearing a jacket. This inspired the title of his next album 'No Jacket Required' which has sold over-- million copies worldwide and established Collins as a solo superstar. Following its release, the Pump Room sent Collins an apology--and an appropriate jacket for him to wear on his next visit.

The Pump Room experienced a revitalization in the late'90's when it was purchased by a large restaurant management group. They spent a lot of money to renovate the facility, overhaul the menu and hire a top flight staff. While the Pump Room's golden era trade mark flaming food served on a sword was a tragedy of city fire codes, the menu is now on par with any in the city serving a sophisticated interpretation of classic American cuisine. In addition to the revamped cuisine, the Pump Room upgraded its wine offering and expanded the bar area.

Today, current Executive Chef Nick Sutton continues the restaurant's tradition of culinary excellence. The most amazing thing about the restaurant, however, remains the almost palpable sense of history that the dining room affords. Sitting in the same room where icons of American culture from Sinatra to Bogart held court is an intoxicating experience in itself. Chef Sutton has maintained the quality of the Pump Room's food and service to the high level worthy of the legends that have dined there. - 23806

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

The Huntington Beach Bad Boy Returns To The UFC

By Ross Everett

According to the old saying time heals all wounds. In the fight game, money"or the potential of it"has the same curative effect. The latest evidence of this is the announcement that Tito Ortiz has patched things up with Dana White and agreed to a new contract to fight in the UFC. Tito left the promotion over a year ago after an acrimonious split with White, though never found a new promotional home that would give him the money and the high profile status that he craved.

After losing to current light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida in his last UFC appearance, Ortiz left the company and bounced around doing personal appearances and commentary for a variety of promotions. He had surgery on his back in the process, and now claims that hes back to 100%.

Whether or not Ortiz is near his top form as a competitor is of secondary importance to the UFC since his true value has never been questioned"people will pay to see him fight. Ortiz is a fighter that offers no middle ground of public opinion, as people either love him or hate him. That dynamic is box office and PPV gold, a fact not lost on the savvy UFC brass. Dana White evoked the same theme in his comments on Ortiz at a Friday press conference in Las Vegas:

"Tito and I have a history that everyone knows. He's still a guy that everyone wants to see fight. He said his back has healed perfectly and he's ready to take a shot at the title. He's one of those guys that people love and people love to hate. We've put all our differences aside, have squashed everything and will move forward, and Tito will retire in the UFC."

To which Ortiz responded:

"Time really cures everything. Dana was a man of his word. Dana apologized to me. We're like boyfriend and girlfriend."

Ortiz indicated that White and UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta came to his home in Huntington Beach, California and made him the proverbial offer he couldnt refuse:

"I'm happy, I'm satisfied, You'll never hear anything about money again.

Sources suggest that Ortiz could debut on the UFCs New Years card against Mark Coleman. Coleman is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Stephan Bonnar at UFC 100 in mid July.

Though he may be past his prime as a fighter, Tito Ortiz is a star. Some love him, some hate him but people pay to watch him fight. That dynamic is money in the bank to a fight promoter. - 23806

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

The Story Of'77 Triple Crown Winner Seattle Slew

By Ross Everett

Seattle Slew--the last living Triple Crown winner--died on May 7, 2002 at the age of 28. As one of only 11 Triple Crown winners in history, he is by default one of the greatest horses in the history of thoroughbred racing. Of those 11 legendary animals, Seattle Slew was the only one to complete the Triple Crown with an undefeated record, as well as the only one to have been purchased at a public auction. After retiring in'78, Slew became one of the most important and successful stud horses in the history of the sport. He sired 1,066 foals including 102 stakes race winners. Among this impressive group of offspring was the'84 Kentucky Derby winner, Swale. All told, Slew's offspring have won an amazing $76 million dollars at the race track. Slew's stud fee of $300,000 made him a very profitable horse even after his racing career was over. Slew wasn't a particularly attractive horse, but he had the toughness of a championship boxer and the sort of intestinal fortitude and desire that can only be given by The Creator.

The Seattle Slew story began very modestly at a public auction in Lexington, Kentucky. The Keeneland Summer Yearling sale wasn't supposed to be the marketplace of champions, and the idea that this particular horse would ever amount to anything other than a farmhand was downright laughable. Slew looked clumsy, due primarily to a right forefoot that splayed outward and resulting in a shuffling gait at a trot. He also wasn't a majestic beast like his predecessor by a few years, Secretariat. Slew was borderline ugly. So ungainly a creature was he that he was given the less than inspiring nickname "Baby Huey" by the Keeneland staff. He was purchased by two couples (Karen and Mickey Taylor and Jim and Sally Hill) for $17,500. What wasn't apparent at the yearling sale was the intangibles that make up a championship thoroughbred--poise under pressure, love of competition, toughness, heart and desire. The Taylor's and Hill's had stumbled onto an equine Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan who's competitive fire quickly became apparent to the trainers that worked with him and the jockeys that rode him. His first race came at Belmont in'76, and the three races he entered--and won--as a 2 year old gave a hint of what was to come.

Slew became the Kentucky Derby favorite by winning his three prep races as a three year old, including prestigious Wood Memorial. In the Derby, Slew got off to a terrible start as he stumbled from the gate much like War Emblem did in the 2002 Belmont. Unlike 2002's Triple Crown contender, however, Slew was able to recover from that miscue and basically force his way through a pack of other horses to position himself at the front of the field at the quarter mile pole. Slew would win the Derby by a length and 3 quarters. He took another tough victory at the Preakness before clinching the Triple Crown with a 4 length victory in the Belmont Stakes.

Slew ran in a few races as a 4 year old but in the pre-Breeders' Cup days there wasn't as many opportunities for an older horse. He retired to stud in'78, where he sired champions such as the aforementioned Swale and'92 Belmont Champ AP Indy.

Slew was in someways overshadowed during his prime by his predecessor--and arguably the greatest thoroughbred race horse in history--1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. In hindsight, however, it has finally been noted what an exceptional horse he really was. Jockey Angel Cordero, who rode Slew during the twilight of his career noted "If I had a chance to take any horse in the world, if someone said your life is depending on riding one horse to win, I would take (Slew). I rode 44,000 horses, but he was special, he was different. He was muscled, like a wrestler. He ran different than any other horse. It was like he came from another planet."

Following his death in 2002, Slew was laid to rest at Hill 'n' Dale Farm in Kentucky under a statue memorializing his legacy. - 23806

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.