Meaning Of Symbols And Designs On A Bodhran

By Benedict Perez

There is a musical instrument called "bodhran" which has a universal purpose. It is a skin tray which is very popular among the Celtics and countries like Ireland, Brittany, Cornwall, Scotland and Wales. This musical skin tray has been in use in many different ways for thousands of years. Bodhrans are suitable separating chaff from grain which is known as winnowing. Winnowing using the skin tray is still a practice in some third world countries such as Africa and India.

The frame drum or bodhran appears like a sieve for those who are not familiar with this instrument. To some who are unfamiliar with this will simply see it as a skin tray. At any rate, this musical thing can be used as a sieve by punching holes in the skin. It practically looks like a sifter like that one being used for construction materials. This musical instrument falls under the percussion type and this is the favorite drum of the Irish people.

There are various sizes and designs of bodhrans. For inconvenience, most players opt for the smaller size since it is easier it is to bring along anywhere. The bodhran size ranges from 14" to 26" to suit to the preference of the player. Its sound is created by the use of the hand or by the tipper or both. For very fast rhythm and complex beat, the double-headed stick called as the "tipper" is used which is held in one hand.

The bodhrans are not only musical instruments but functional working tools as well. The name of this instrument is derived from the Irish word "bodhar" which means deaf. The name can also mean as "tray", "thundered", "deafening", and "dull-sounding". It is likewise referred to as the "frame drum" because of the manner it is made with the use of soft wood that can be easily bent and the use of animal skin for its frame cover. It also popularly known as the Irish or Celtic drum.

Unlike most drums, it has a soft sound and often makes an impression of dullness. Drums are usually associated with beating and loud sound but not this type. It has a deep sound and may be played in various styles that is from the traditional Irish beat to the modern rhythm and even in your own personal style. The tapping on the skin or rim as well as the movement of the hands will give you variations in sounds.

In the Basque country and other countries like Ireland, Spain, France the bodhran has become an integral part of their musical entertainment. But it is only in Ireland that this musical instrument has gained its high degree of sophistication. In most instances, this drum is used for purely religious and cultural festivals.

A very popular cultural festival in Ireland that uses the frame drum is known as "The Wren Hunt". This is about some groups of people wearing costumes and straw hats with blackened faces who go hunting for a wren. The captured wren will be brought to a parade house to house while playing the bodhran and people singing the ceremonial song.

The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The knotwork is a very common design you can see for it signifies the human soul which is believed to a soul of divination and man's eternal spiritual growth. All these symbols bear significant meanings which are related to the rites or ceremonies involved using the bodhran. - 23812

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If you want to listen and feel the beat of ethnic musical instruments, you shuold try bodhran. It has a distinct sound that creates music to hear. Or you may want to try alexandria doumbek.

Introduction On Tabla Drums

By Benedict Perez

Tabla is a very popular percussion instrument in South Asia originating as far as 300 years ago. The name came from the Arabic word tabl meaning drum. There are various versions of the instrument's origin but it is generally believed to have evolved from previously existing drums such as the dholak, naqqara, and pakhawa. This instrument is most commonly found in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The modern version of the instrument is composed of a pair of drums. The dayan, which means right in India, is the smaller, wooden drum played with the right hand while the bayan, which is translated as left, is the larger drum with a metal body and played with the left hand.

One of the main differences of both drums is the size but their parts are mostly the same. The head of the drums, called the puri, is made up of goat hide. An extra ring of hide is laid over the head as well as on the bottom of the drums. These rings hold the lacings, or tasma, on the side of the drums, which in turn control the tension and pitch of the drums through a number of wooden cylindrical blocks called ghatta. These are placed between the body and the lacings. There is a black circle in the middle of the drum heads called syahi made up of gum, soot and iron fillings. The syahi is located in the center of the head, but in bayan, it is a little bit off to the side.

The characteristic bell-like timbre of the drums is made possible by the syahi. The tuning is different for each drum. The dayan is tuned to the tonic note of the vocalist or the instruments accompanying it. It has the higher pitch between the two. The bass tone of the instrument is produced by the larger bayan. The bayan's tune can be easily shifted with the position and pressure of the left wrist on the syahi. Thus it is not in monotone as in most percussion instruments and can cover a whole scale and also produce sliding notes.

Learning how to play the tabla can be challenging to some since the principles are a little different from the Western styles of music. The beats are conceptualized through mnemonic syllables called bol. To be able to play well, one has to understand how the basic Indian rhythm is conceptualized.

Table can provide not only the beat and rhythm but also some melody, and just as the Western style has the beat, measure and cycle, so does the Indian style. The only main difference is that the latter focuses more on the cycle unlike the former which focuses on the measure and the beat. Timekeeping when playing the tabla is based on claps and waves. These claps and waves basically describe the measure of Indian music. It is important in the conceptualization and execution of the whole song as the other instruments also follow this rhythm as a guide. The cycle is constant but the syllables played throughout the song may vary depending on the player.

When the rhythm and melody of the tabla are executed perfectly, it produces a rich and exotic sound that can stand on its own as a song but will also do very well when combined with vocals and other instruments. Learning to play may take time and dedication and will require a good understanding of Indian musical concepts but the fruit of it is rewarding to one's artistic satisfaction. - 23812

About the Author:

If you want to listen and feel the beat of ethnic musical instruments, you shuold try tabla drums. It has a distinct sound that creates music to hear. Or you may want to try remo djembe.

8 Unusually Good Films For Your Entertainment Pleasure

By Lula Rivers

Outstanding information about some of the most outstanding films that you may have never heard of is right here. Get a kick out of this list of movies that are "oldies but goodies". Keep in mind that you can download any of them you select directly to your own computer in the convenience of your own house.

Internal Affairs, Young police officer Raymond Avila works in the Internal Affairs Department of the Los Angeles Police Department. He and his colleague see something fishy with Dennis Peck. His financial situation is much stronger than expected on a policeman's wage. When Peck is aware of the investigation, he turns his attention away from his dishonest dealings to concentrate on Avila.

Record-breaking motion picture from the year 1993 Bopha. Anxious, charming tirade with Glover and Woodard who played Nelson and Winnie Mandela in the Television motion picture MANDELA featuring as a wedded couple living in a tranquil South African township. He is a patrol officer who contains the status quo; their planet is sure to crumple while their child Ezia takes part in a upheaval divergent to the control and course of the regional off-white-run school. Cast includes Morgan Freeman, Danny Glover, Malcolm McDowell, Alfie Woodard, Marius Weyers, Maynard Eziashi, Malick Bowens, and Grace Mahlaba.

Sensational movie from the year 1986 "Good to Go". Forgettable fare in reference to journalist Garfunkel, who's framed on a rape-slaughter charge. Highlighted are the behaviors of such go-go groups as Redds & the Boys, Trouble Funk, Get rid of Brown & the Mind Scavengers, amid others. Cast includes Art Garfunkel, Robert Doqui, Harris Yulin, Reginald Daughtry, Richard Brooks, Hattie Winston, and Anjelica Huston.

The Leading Man, British backstage show romantic movie in regards to an American film superstar who seduces a playwright's lonely spouse and his leading-woman mistress. When it might not make up its mind whether it is a comedy tirade or a light thriller, it is still exceptionally funny stuff. Bon Jovi is excellent as the brash, unscrupulous Yankee, and Galiena and Newton are enticing as the females snared in his web. Cast includes Jon Bon Jovi, Anna Galiena, Lambert Wilson, Thandie Newton, Barry Humphries, and David Warner.

Your beloved film, Happy Gilmore. Hockey player Happy Gilmore finds his slap shot power translates into 400 yard plus drives in golf. Needing money to help his grandma save her home, he is going to attempt pro golf. His putting is as poor as his driving is good, so he has a lot to learn. Overcoming all odds, Happy wins the tour championship and now can save grandma's house.

Sin City, Sin City is a place not for the faint of heart. The streets are overflowing with vigilantes, crooked cops, and sexy women. Unique and brilliant cinematography and special effects produce a perfect tone for this world. Mickey Roarke and Bruce Willis star in this violent action thriller.

Christmas Vacation, The Griswalds have big plans for the Holidays this year. Clark has invited a group of the relatives over for the enormous festivity. Clark's efforts go ridiculously wrong, par for the course for a Griswald vacation.

Hootenanny Hoot, Unsurprising comedy about college hootenanny show carried to TV is made bearable only by presence of Money and other nation/people actors. This is one of Sam Katzman's "typical" low-budget motion pictures. Cast includes Gene Nelson, Peter Breck, Joby Baker, Rita Lee, Pam Austin, Johnny Money, Sheb Wooley, The Brothers 4, and Judy Henske. - 23812

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In our time we have it really great. We can online movies films. We can also watch full-length, high-quality motion pictures for free on the internet.

8 Uncommonly Popular Motion Pictures For Your Amusement Delight

By Damion Dominguez

On Guard is a memorable movie from the year 1997. A devoted swordsman saves a child princess from the evil grasp of her mean rival. The toddler's dad was also the swordsman's mentor. A appealingly old-styled popcorn movie that is full of action and set in the France of Louis XIV. Cast includes Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Vincent Perez, Marie Gillain, Yann Collette, Didier Pang, and Philippe Noiret.

Rich and Strange, Kendall and Barry, an miserably married couple, are given cash and voyage around the world; he has an event with a "princess," when she gets to be romantically emotionally involved to an explorer. Cast includes Henry Kendall, Joan Barry, Betty Amann, Percy Marmont, and Elsie Randolph.

Our finest movie, Addicted to Love, This movie is a gloomy comedy where we observe an ex-boyfriend, and an ex-girlfriend spying on their previous partners. They find themselves teamed together, with the young lady planning acts of revenge for her ex- significant other. Meg Ryan, Matthew Broderick, Kelly Preston, and Tcheky Karyo star. (1997 dark comedy directed by Griffin Dunne)

Hanky Panky, Blameless designer Wilder is chased by snoops, cops, etc. Predictable, hardly ridiculous comedy-thriller, with Radner miscast as the love interest. The film was meant to be a follow-up to Stir Crazy, although Richard Pryor's part was changed for Gilda. You've seen it all before, and better. Cast includes Gene Wilder, Gilda Radner, Kathleen Quinlan, Richard Widmark, Robert Prosky, Josef Sommer, and Johnny Sekka.

The Interpreter, U.N. translator Silvia Broome overhears a death threat made against an African leader. She knows that she was seen and worries for her life. Upon reporting the event to law enforcement, she finds that support will not come easy.

10,000 B.C., Warlords have attacked a small mountain tribe in prehistoric times. They have captured the beautiful Evolet. D'Leh, who loves Evolet, leads a small party of men ready to go the ends of the Earth to save Evolet.

The Geisha Boy, Jerry, an clumsy warlock, voyages to Japan with calamitous repercussions. Original graphic gags; there is a cute pattern characterizing the Los Angeles Dodgers and, in particular, Gil Hodges. Cast includes Jerry Lewis, Marie McDonald, Sessue Hayakawa, Nobu McCarthy, Suzanne Pleshette, Barton MacLane, and Robert Hirano.

Bolt, This is an animated family adventure motion picture about Bolt, a dog actor. On his TV series Bolt is an action super hero. When he is by accident shipped to New York, he thinks his super powers will take him home. He teams up with, Mittens the cat, and Rhino the hamster, and attempts to get back to Hollywood. - 23812

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The Morals Of Michael Jackson's Last Moon Walk

By Zig Diez

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has been widely known for his popular moon walk. It is a dance step wherein he has been associated with. Wikipedia defines the moon walk as "a dance technique that presents the illusion of the dancer being pulled backwards while attempting to walk forward."

I thought about this meaning and came to realize that there is a stark similarity between Michael Jackson's life and his popular moon walk. This post will attempt to bring about the morals we can learn from the similarity. In no way am I attempting to degrade Michael Jackson and his achievements but will only focus on the moral side.

Being one of the most successful entertainers of his generation, Michael Jackson was able to sell over 750 million records, win 13 Grammy Awards and hit the no. 1 spot with his singles 13 times. Articles around the world agree that his lifetime earnings were more than $500 million and that his music itself is a billion dollars worth.

However, despite the popularity and wealth, the final part of his life was filled with struggles of debts and depression. Rumors say that his health drastically declined when he isolated himself from his family, friends and financial turmoil. People from all over the world loved him, yet he died lonely, depressed and broken hearted.

I refer to the King of Pop's final years on this world as his last moon walk. Like his moon walk, Michael Jackson's life failed to move forward because he was being drawn backward by the circumstances of his life. But unlike the moon walk, all the drawbacks in his life were not mere illusions. Below are three lessons in life which I have taken from the King of Pop's final moon walk.

1.) Don't spend more than what you have - Even though the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, earned more than a million dollars each year, it was said that he spent more than $20 to $30 million more than what he earns only to support his luxuriant lifestyle. This type of lifestyle brought about financial problems during the latter part of his life. Many wealthy people, such as a Bahrain sheik, charged the King of Pop of neglecting to pay debts he owed. The King of Pop also lost Neverland Ranch, a place beloved to him. Even though his assets weigh more than his debt, the King of Pop died leaving more than $400 million of debt. Yes, he may the right to live luxuriantly and as a "star" he seemed to deserved it, but the King of Pop could have learned to live within what he earns and had his other assets wisely taken care. His failure to employ such strategy not only added problems but also heightened his depression.

2.) Life is tough, so learn to handle problems - The King of Pop may have accomplished so much success in his musical career, however, he could not handle a problem well. When problems came, he became so depressed that he turned to weird plastic surgeries, isolation and drug misuse. An example of this was when he was accused of child molestation. The King of Pop was never the same after the that ordeal. According to J Randy Taraborrelli in an article he wrote for the daily mail, "He (King of Pop) surrounded himself with children, animals and a false reality - so much so that he never learned how to cope in the real world. He never wanted to grow up, and his managers encouraged these eccentricities when they should have encouraged therapy."

3.) True happiness and joy never came from fame and fortune - Despite what the records and others say about Michael Jackson's successes as an entertainer, it cannot hide the fact that his last days in earth was not filled with satisfaction and peace. Yes he may have broken records, evolved the music industry, pierced through racial barrier or gained the love of millions of fans around the globe but he died with so much depression, the feeling of unloved and unhappy. His is isolation from his family and friends did not even help him at all but in fact worsened his problems.

Let me stop here and allow you to do your evaluation of Michael Jackson's last moon walk. There might be more lessons to be digested out his final years of his life and I pray that whatever you will learn from it, it would help achieved a better moon walk in your final years on earth. - 23812

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For other interesting articles on Michael Jackson and where to get Michael Jackson posters visit the blog of Zigfred Diaz. Learn more about Michael Jackson molestation