Amalfi coast overview

Amalfi, in the province of Salerno, in Italy, lies surrounded by cliffs and coasts. It is quite close to Naples, and shares with that town some dramatic history, and beautiful scenery. Amalfi is the major town on that part of the coast, called ‘costiera Amalfitana, and as such has become an essential tourist destination (and is justly famous for its Limoncello liqueur). The Amalfi Coast is very rich in Caves, grottoes, and even a little fjord, created by water erosion, which is a testament to the Amalfi Coast's maritime history. The area all around Amalfi was once an independent state, and its economy was based upon shipping. Sadly, little of this remains, and only the fantastic Cathedral of Amalfi is testament to the immense importance of what is now only a small coastal community. Tourists to the area should definitely pay the Cathedral a visit, if only due to the fact that it is made up of two churches, linked by a specially widened nave. During repairs to the church, its Byzantine style front was re-discovered, and it was decided to preserve this instead of the 18th century front that had previously been there (A good choice, the original church front is a truly amazing sight). If you begin your holiday with Amalfi, then you can walk (or hike, to be truthful) to some of the other very attractive towns along the coast, such as Ravello. This is a very awe-inspiring walk, with an overview of the whole valley. It can be a bit of a walk for some though, and there are shorter paths to neighbouring towns. In the event that you should feel like cheating, there are buses and ferries that will be able to take you to all of the major tourist attractions along the Amalfi Coast. While Amalfi is an early medieval town, the mountainous town of Ravello is very definitely a Romanesque community. It is seen by some as a ‘garden' town, luscious and green. Its villas are certainly worth seeing, and the views from the top of the valley are breathtaking. One of the best towns to visit along the Amalfi Coast is the small town of Atrani. Like many of the towns in the area, Atrani was founded by Roman aristocracy, and still retains some of the appearance of a Roman town. It is a very quiet and untouristy place, possibly because if really only opens up to the beach, and is relatively inaccessible even now. It has a great beach and sea-front, and has begun to open itself up to tourists, via a few bars in the town square, making Atrani a welcoming and cosy little town. A tourist interested in history may also want to visit the fascinating town of Positano. It is mentioned in ancient Roman documents, but discoveries have been made in the town itself which link it to the Palaeolithic Era, making Positano one of the oldest towns along the Amalfi Coast. It is also one of the most well known to tourists, often coming to visit the medieval church and its collection of religious works from the Renaissance period. Positano boasts one of the best hotels in the Amalfi Coast, although there are a number of others that can also claim to be luxurious and within easy reach of transport. The hotels in the whole Amalfi Coast area can lay claim to being magnificent and full of Italian tradition, as you would expect from such a quiet and religious province. However, if you are looking for something a bit more economical, there are plenty of Bed-and-Breakfast accommodations, including the ‘Rooms with a View' B&B in Atrani, which is only a few minutes walk from Amalfi, and boasts (as the name implies) magnificent views of the surrounding hills. For those who are not interested in even this level of comfort, you can choose to arrange a hostel stay in Agerola. Staying here means that you have a head start on everyone attempting the ‘walk of the Gods', a hill-top hike that ends in Positano. Agerola also boasts magnificent local produce which is well worth trying. Even in this location, Amalfi and the rest of the Amalfi Coast towns are never more than a short walk away. As well as walks, sights and hotels, the Amalfi Coast area also boasts some great night-life. The area has just started springing into life as a tourist attraction, so many of the bars and clubs are untried. One thing that has been tried and tested (several times), is the Lo Spuntino Sandwich Bar in the main square of Amalfi. This bar means that you do not have to queue for a table in the middle of summer, and it also serves take-away sandwiches, ideal if you want to begin your walks without waiting for lunch. If you are a vegetarian, and this goes for most of the Mediterranean, don't expect a wide choice of menu; it doesn't exist.

By Orson Johnson [ 08/08/2006 ][ viewed 150 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Major attractions in Venice, Italy

There are many things to see and do in Venice Italy. This includes going to see churches, buildings and monuments, and museums. You will also want to check out their restaurants, shopping areas, and hotels. There are also events and La Dolce Vita that you might want to experience. There is plenty of entertainment in Venice, they include, casinos, cinemas and theatres, operas, clubs, horse racing, live music, and sport matches. One of the churches is the Basilica of San Marco. This lovely church was built in 829 to hold the remains of Saint Mark, the city’s patron saint and was devoted in 1024. It has been reconstructed and decorated numerous times over the centuries and the Basilica is definitely the most sensational church in the city. Its main facade is very unique. The church has five arched doorways, and a long terrace. The work of this church is in Byzantine style. The interior of the church is just as extravagant as the outside. It has a marble floor that has a striking geometric pattern and there are brilliant mosaics on the walls that tell stories from the New Testament. A bridge that you might want to see is The Rialto Bridge. The Rialto Bridge was the first only continuing association between the two banks of the Grand Canal. It has been said that in 1172, a bridge that was made from barges was designed, which later was then replaced with a bridge with wooden columns a few years later. This bridge was ruined in 1310. In 1444, another new wooden bridge was built and it was much bigger than the previous one and it even had shops on it. The final stone version of the Rialto Bridge, as we know today, was built in the period 1588-1591 by Antonio da Ponte. Building this bridge was very difficult due to the instability of the site and its height.The Academy is a museum you may want to visitas well while you are in Venice. The Academy of Fine Arts first opened on September 24th 1750, first by Piazzetta and then by Tiepolo. In 1807, a true art gallery was opened up and inside it, served two purposes. It offered meaningful models for the Academy’s students and also housed the artistic heritage left by the public buildings that were taken down after the Venice Marine Republic fell from power. By the end of the Second World War, the architect Carlo Scarpa redesigned the Academy. There is a full range of existent Venetian paintings inside. The original collection was added along with religious artifacts, private heirlooms, restored paintings and paintings that were bought somewhere else. When you come out of the main entrance of the Academy you will see the Dell’Accademia Bridge, which is one of the three bridges, together with the Rialto and the degli Scalzi bridges, they cross over the Grand Canal.Some more things you might want to visit would include the Piazza San Marco; it’s the only Piazza in Venice. The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most popular tourist sighs in Venice. This bridge connects Palazzo Ducale; this is where prisoners were tried. This bridge was made from stone. The bridge was inspired by sighs from the prisoners. Mercerie is the thing that cut the city center into two parts. The Jewish Ghetto was set in 1516. This is where the Venetian Jews had to live; they couldn’t leave this area from dusk till dawn. Zattere is one of the most romantic and prettiest places in Venice. You can see the whole San Marco bay and San Giorgio island as far as the Lido from here. The Rialto Market is a famous market that has to parts to it. It has the Erbaria which is the fruits and vegetable side, and the Pescaria which is the fish market.If your hungry then you might want to try some Venetian cuisine, especially some in the city, it is full of traditional dishes that are mainly made using all sorts of fish and vegetables, with only one downfall, the seasons. However, it might be hard to find dishes on the menus of the restaurants in Venice that have ingredients that are out of season. Venice has lots of events that attract visitors. One of these is The Venice Carnival, it’s a wild, and enjoyable festival. Another event is The Venice Biennale; the first one took place in 1895. There are a few more events including Festa del Redentore, The Venice Film Festival, Regata Storica, and the Festa della Madonna della Salute. Festa del Redentore first plague was in 1576. This attraction has a firework display. The Venice Film Festival was set up in 1932. This attraction attracts both famous and non famous people, some are autograph hunters. The Regata Storica is one of Venice’s most charming traditional festivals. This is a parade of historical boats from the sixteenth century, and the crew is dressed in period costumes. The Festa della Madonna della Salute happens on November 21st of each year in Venice. For this festival there are tables pointed opposite of the Basilica with all kinds of sweets on them. There are also kiosks that sell candles to light and pray for good health for your relatives and friends.

By Orson Johnson [ 01/08/2006 ][ viewed 162 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Florida, Miami vacations

Miami has lots of fantastic tourist attractions. Bal Harbour Village has shops, hotels, and more. It is also right at the beach and filled with some of the most amazing feats of design. Coral Castle is a monument that shows a single man’s determination and the Everglades Alligator Farm has more then 3,000 alligators. Then there is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden that has tons of rare tropical plants and the Miami Metro zoo with over 2,000 animals, and almost 400 species. Miami’s zoo is much larger than an average U.S. zoo. For anyone who likes aquariums they have a nice one to visit, the Miami Seaquarium. They have a Superstar there that you might know, Flipper. Monkey Jungle has all types of monkeys for the monkey lovers and Parrot Jungle Island has a huge crocodile, and over 500 species of plants, and over a whopping 3,000 animals. A few cruises and tours you might want to check out include the Dragonfly Expeditions. They have lots of tours, including some for the day and also some that last overnight. They have them for individuals, or groups. EcoAdventures have a lot of adventure activities; they include kayaking, snorkeling, and canoe trips along with others. Everglades Safari Park has airboat tours, wildlife nature shows, and much more. Island Queen Cruises Sightseeing Tours takes you to lots of nice places to sightsee on their tour boats. They also take you by some homes that belong to the rich and famous people. Miami also has the Miami Performing Arts Center. They open in 2006, and they will have three state of the art theaters. They will also have an education center, a plaza, the landmark for the 1929 Art Deco Tower, and more. They offer theater, music and even dance. They are dedicated to entertain, challenge and educate their guests. For the fishers out there they have some good fishing places. One of these is the Action Charters of Miami. Here you can experience deep sea fishing on a 46 foot boat. This is open for all ages. You can fish almost all day on this. Masita Fishing and Cruising Charters is also one you might like. They offer the most complete fishing and boating charter system. They have the cleanest fleet. There are some museums you may want to visit as well. One of these is the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. They have lots of educational programs. You can discover the past and present here. Jewish Museum of Florida is in a nice old Art Deco building. Lowe Art Museum opened in 1952. They have western and non western art. The Miami Art Museum has international art. Miami Children’s Museum is for the children to learn. There are lots more museums and historic sites to visit as well.For the golfers they have some nice places to play golf. The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Club is one of these. If you want to play here in season it costs 150-175, and if you want to play when it is out of season, it will cost 95-120. The Biltmore Hotel is another place to play golf. To play here in season it will cost 95 to 121, and 35 to 71 out of season. Doral Golf Resort and Spa, which is a Marriott Resort is a place to play golf, but it will cost you more. Their in season rate is 250, and their out of season rate is 175 to 195. For those shoppers out there are plenty of places to go shopping. One of these is Aventura Mall, it South Florida’s number one shopping place. The Village of Merrick Park has plenty of fashion and style for you. Prime Outlets has nice architecture, landscaping food court, and even a playground. This place is one of a kind. Bayside Marketplace is very nice and popular. They offer many things, they even offer you savings. If you like to sip tea or you like live music then Cauley Square Historic Village might be a place for you. They have many more stores for you to visit, too many to list.Do you like to camp? If so, maybe you would like to come to Miami and spend some time camping. They have some nice places to go camping. One of these is Goldcoaster, they have 547 sites. Miami Everglades Campground is another, and they have 258 sites. Gator Park has 34 sites. Embassy RV Park has 67 lots. There are other camp sites as well for the campers. They are a nice place to relax and visit, or even have a cookout.If you like to go to a park, then they have some parks for you. The Barnacle Historic State Park is one of these. Everglades National Park offers cabins, boat ramps, hiking trails, and fishing. Homestead offers a place to set up a tent, concessions, boat ramps, hiking trails, and fishing areas. Key Biscayne offers concessions, hiking trails, and fishing. Majory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center only offers hiking trails for any of you hikers. Oleta River State Park offers cabins, concessions, boat ramps, hiking trails, and fishing.A couple events you might be looking to attend include John Rosenquist. He brings some of his unique imagery. Another is Miami Beach’s America’s Tropical Resort. Here you can see photographs, hotel brochures, postcards, restaurant menus, souvenirs, and even bathing suits. There are other events to that you can look out for. Just check with your travel agent to see what is going on when you travel.

By Orson Johnson [ 01/08/2006 ][ viewed 156 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

A little overview of Rome

As Italians would say, all roads end in Rome. We would say that all the roads start in Rome as well, and one would better put comfortable shoes on if visiting. Rome is all about everything wonderful, from delicious cuisine, history and tradition, a great nightlife to stunning art and fashion. All by yourself in Rome? If so then you will notice that Italians are nothing like the characters in Godfather movie, but rather they are friendly, fun and, let’s admit it, beautiful. A family trip to Rome or a solo trip can be both educational and entertaining. Romance is all around and if you’re with the loved one, be prepared for extra butterflies in your stomach. The history of Rome began three thousand years ago, but archeologists discovered 13,000 year old traces of civilization. Rome’s tumultuous and legendary history gave birth to some of the most beautiful monuments and pieces of art. The Pantheon, or the temple of all gods, is the oldest best preserved building in the world. Its architecture has been a source of inspiration for monuments all around the world. And speaking of large buildings, you wouldn’t want to miss the Colosseum. This was the largest amphitheatre in ancient Rome, with a capacity of 50, 000 people. Here is where the legendary gladiator fights took place. Romans are also known for their amazing public baths and systems of canalization. Visiting a public bath, such as The Bath of Diocletian, was a social “must do” as one could bath, have a massage, eat, relax in hot water or have a cold bath, not to mention enjoy the ancient equivalent of a jacuzzi. The baths were divided by social status; this is the place where great historical decisions were taken and where the latest rumors around town were being spread. Circus Maximus (Latin for large arena) is where celebrations took place and games were played. Although some of the ancient monuments are not perfectly conserved, they could make one feel like they’re living in another era. The death of Roman Empire seems to be a legend. From this perspective, it’s interesting to take a look at The Catacombs of Rome. Since the Romans believed in life after death, cremating was out of the question. The Catacombs were underground burial places, an ingenuous solution to celebrate eternity. When traveling anywhere in Italy you cannot miss, simply cannot miss the Vatican: the smallest independent state in the world, the capital of Catholic Church and the Pope’s residence. A collection of beautiful museums, basilicas, monuments and paintings by Boticelli, Michelangelo or Benini will delight all your senses.Since sightseeing is exhausting, make sure you eat well, and there is no way not to eat well in Rome. Italian food is fabulous, and good food can only come along with good wine. A typical roman meal begins with bruschetta (full of garlic), followed by the eternal Italian pasta. Be sure not to miss spaghetti alla carbonara, bucatini all'amatriciana, bucatini cacio e pepe or gnocchi alla romana. Rome is the home of the pizza as well, so it would be a pity not to try it since you are already there. You can also freshen up with "grattachecca," the typical Roman crushed-ice drink. Wine cellars are widespread and so are the market places, such as Campo Dei Fiori. Historical café shops are combining traditional drinks with modern technology; famous café’s to be seen are Caffè Greco, Babington’s Tearooms, Caffè Rosati and Caffè Canova.Rome is full of seasonal events; it’s most prestigious arts festival, RomaEuropa, runs from September to November and features music, dance and theatre with an ethnic edge.At Christmas and Easter, pilgrims flood into the Vatican to attend Papal masses in St Peter’s square. Yet there are other various religious events around the town. On 9 March, for example, devout drivers head to the church of Santa Francesca Roma in the Foro Romano to have their cars blessed on behalf of this saint, who was said to have the gift of bilocation (being in two places at once). Spring arrives early in Rome, bringing masses of blooms. Azaleas are praised; when they bloom (end of march), 3, 000 vases of them are arranged in Spanish Steps. Shopping is a “must have” in Italy, the capital of fashion. And naturally there are fashion boulevards: Via Condotti, Via Borgognona, Piazza di Spagna and Via Frattina.Last, but not least, the nightlife! Young Italians meet in Campo Dei Fiori, then gather in numerous bars around the square. Rome is also an endless recourse of nightclubs, some of which are extremely popular: Gilda, Goa, Ex Magazinni. We recommend Black Out Rock Club for live music fans. Of course, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And, at the end of any day, there’s still something new to be discovered. There’s just something about Rome.

By Orson Johnson [ 01/08/2006 ][ viewed 179 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

A Quick overview of Mexico

A country of great diversity, Mexico is the traveller’ s paradise. A unique mix of cultures means that Mexico can cater for all tastes. From deserts to volcanoes, ancient ruins to modern resorts, Mexico has something for every tourist.Mexico is full of history, as befits a country that was once ruled by the passionate and warlike Aztecs, one of the most advanced civilizations in the western hemisphere. their capital, in Modern-day Mexico City, was full of massive stone pyramids and temples, the remnants of which lay under the modern city. The colonization of Mexico by the Spaniards provided a great deal of colonial architecture, and the violent centuries that followed provided the continent with one of it’s strongest independence movements, which can be found by visiting the Centro Historico and Coyoacan..Although the Aztecs were wiped out as a political group, their descendents still live in Mexico City, and the ancient culture exists in events such as the Day of the Dead, feast-day of dead souls which falls at the beginning of November. Many people are fascinated by this festival, and anyone with an interest in the native culture should certainly visit Mexico in time for this celebration.As well as ancient history, Mexico also provides some of the most interesting modern resorts. Mexico City itself provides many modern entertainments, which considering its size (it is the third largest city in the world, with a population of 22 million), including art galleries and restaurants.Baja California can offer some of the most exciting holidays in Mexico, with kayaking, diving, and whale watching in the Sea of Cortez, as well as the possibility of guided RV tours of the area, aerial tours of the Copper Canyon (a canyon four times larger than the Grand Canyon), which can also be accessed by the famous & lsquo; train ride in the sky’, a mysterious and inspiring place. Even if you wish to do nothing besides go sailing or fishing Baja California can cater for your desires.Cancun, as well as offering kayaking and diving, also has facilities for golfing. It is here that you can see the famous bullfights once a week, and cockfighting and dancing can also be found at the Plaza de Toros Cancun. Anyone interested in adventure holidays will like to know that Actun Chen, the famous cave system full of stalactites and stalagmites and natural stone formations. Beyond the caves is jungle, 988 acres of wildlife trails and tropical vegetation. Not too far from Cancun is the Tres Rios, which boasts snorkelling in its section of the Great Mayan Reef.For those who want a more relaxed experience, Guadalajara is noted for its cultural arts, such as the Degallado Theater, and the mural by Jose Clemente Orozco (part of the 1920’s Mexican mural movement) which is at the Cabanas Cultural Institute. The city has many interesting museums, as well as a fantastic selection of resorts, all part of a city which has become more business orientatedIf you are looking for beaches, Mexico boasts some world-class white sands, with surfing, fishing and clear waters, plus parts of the Great Mayan Reef just a few feet from the shore. Some of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are only accessible via boat trips, and the Isla Contoy (reached by boat from Isla Mujeres) has a fantastic, almost uninhabited beach, and Los Cabos’ rocky beaches are great for laying back and catching the sun. If you want beaches with exclusivity, there are some private beaches at the Costa Alegre, which also boasts exclusive resorts; while Punta Allen’s low-cost hotels are some of the best getaway locations in the country. Of course, Mexico is not just about history and beaches. Mexico City has a fantastic nightlife, as you might imagine from the mix of Latin, Cuban and alternative music clubs in the city. It also boasts trendy nightclubs and an area nicknamed the ‘ Soho of Mexico City’. Other places, such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, also have sophisticated nightlife. Son Cristobal has a music scene that is fun and exciting, while not taking too much out of your budget. It is the ideal place for people who want to spend their nights barhopping, and everything is in walking – or staggering – distance). It would not be fair to talk about Mexico’s nightlife without mentioning Cabo San Lucas; the capital of Baja California for an after-dark scene, casual bars line the main streets, as well as the beach front. A rowdy, lawless feel makes this the nightlife for the adventurous.Mexico is so full of different aspects that at times it can seem surreal; you can walk the paths of the ancient Americans in the morning, surf or laze on the beach in the afternoons, and go out clubbing at night, and usually all these things are within the same city. Lively and fascinating, this country is a must-see for both the adventurer and the sun worshipper alike.

By Orson Johnson [ 01/08/2006 ][ viewed 115 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Getting Rid of Spyware

GETTING RID OF SPYWARETo do away with spy-ware, you need to be aware of what spy-ware is. Spy-ware is a program that is set up in your PC and it trails whatever you do, at any time you are online surfing the Internet. It then transmits info back to the starting place and displays to you banner advertisements, which are derived from what websites you surf. The majority of spy-ware is packaged in software that is free of charge, which you download from the Internet. You will be able to tell whether the software which you have has got spy-ware or not, since you will observe a banner ad in the web browser, which is not usually there, or else you will come across pop-ups presenting you services or products at any time you surf.Spy-ware can fill up the computer’s memory and then force your computer to operate slower, and at last, will make the computer freeze. Hence to do away with spy-ware you need to locate it in your PC. A software that can assist you with this difficulty is Ad-ware. Perform a search for this software on www.Google.com and you ought to come across a website from where you can download it.Run this software and observe what it comes across. Then start the computer once again and run the software once more and observe if it locates any extra spy-ware. If it finds a spy-ware yet again, then perform a search online on www.Google.com for “Spybot Search and Destroy”. Perform the identical steps and observe if you again have spy-ware. If you have it, then restart your PC in safe mode then start both the software once more. This time the PC will go through all the files and ought to locate other spy-wares, which could not be located previously.After the software finishes running, reboot your PC, run them all over again, and then go online and look for up to date versions for the software. If up to date versions are obtainable, download them and re-run the software to find out and delete any latest spy-ware.If you would like to do away with spy-ware and prevent it from coming back to your PC, you ought to purchase a spy-ware program CD from a computer store. After you have this you will be allowed to enroll to the facility that will give you up to date information. If the program deduces that a spy-ware is in the PC, it will make you aware and will delete the impostor.You ought to make use of any of these techniques to locate and delete spy-ware since it will make your PC operate in an incorrect manner. In case you would not prefer to make use of one of these software and would not want to download programs from the Internet, then you ought to inform anybody else who utilizes your PC not to do the same thing also.

By Leigh Winslow [ 09/08/2006 ][ viewed 91 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

How To Use Wall Art To Beautify Your Home Decor

Whether you are redecorating your home or furnishing a brand new home, you realize that this is a chance for you to really do something different with your decor. You should capitalize on this opportunity to recreate your interior design plan, because it is much easier to do all at once than piecemeal. You may think that paint and furniture are what matter the most when it comes to decoration. However, the most important aspect of affordable home decor is the decoration you apply to your walls. When a person enters a room, the first thing they look at are the walls. So, why not make a statement with woven wall art?One of the best parts of using tapestries as your wall decor is the sheer variety of designs available to you. Grand art wall tapestries come in many sizes and styles, so matching one to your existing decor is not difficult. There are many tapestries that come in series for a new and exciting look. Instead of hanging one large wall hanging, you can find sets of three or four tapestries. For example, designs by Mucha were created in the woven medium as sets, like the Art Nouveau Four Seasons wall tapestries. They look just as beautiful by themselves, but the entire series brings a certain continuity to your decor.If you are not sure how to lay out and arrange tall and narrow tapestries, do not worry. There are several ways to hang your wall art decor, using only one rod. Perhaps you purchased two smaller tapestries, but only have one rod—do not run screaming to your interior designer--you can make this work. You can place two small narrow vertical tapestries, next to each other on a single tapestry rod, just remember to leave at least 3 to 6 inches in between them for the illusion of separation. Please note that this will only work for tall, narrow wall tapestries. Larger pieces hung in this style will look cramped and amateurish, so try your best to measure everything out correctly. With some know-how, you can make your home decor unique and artistic.Perhaps you are just looking to bring some classic art works into your decor, but are looking for something more refined than paper prints. Woven wall decor, such as tapestries, make an enormous difference in your overall design plan. Tapestries bring texture to the party and you may be surprised by the difference some texture can make. Imagine if you had very smooth surfaces, say in your living room. Smooth floor, clean furniture lines, minimalist curtains--you need something with substance to make your room pop. If you can find an art tapestry that matches your decor, you can add an element of dimension that you just cannot achieve with paper prints. For example, you can find delightfully accurate reproductions of Claude Monet wall hangings in tapestry form that look so good they almost look alive. There are also many famous Van Gogh paintings recreated in tapestry form, such as Van Gogh self portrait wall tapestry. Not only will they look great in your home, but friends and family will wonder where you managed to find something so gorgeous.Even if you are not looking for grand wall hangings, you can find innumerable styles to choose from. Depending on your decor, you might find that medieval wall tapestries work the best in your home design plan.

By Leigh Winslow [ 09/08/2006 ][ viewed 146 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Buy Fine Art

To the uninitiated the prospect of buying fine art for investment can be as daunting as being asked to paint the Sistine Chapel or construct St Paul’s Cathedral out of match sticks. A glimpse of the plush interiors of the major auction houses or trip to one of central London's sometimes intimidating galleries can give the casual visitor second thoughts about purchasing a piece of art. Alternatively the individual might be unsure about the value or authenticity of the painting or drawing they are proposing to buy, but press ahead with the transaction anyway on the principle that they may not know much about art, but they know what they like. And the gallery assistant has gone to all this trouble and seems to know what they’re talking about, so it would be churlish to pull out now.The best way to make the subjective practice of buying a piece of fine art is to be as objective as possible. In other words, to ensure that you get what you pay for, it is worthwhile learning a bit more about how the art market works and gathering as much information about the particular artist or style or period that you are interested in as you can. There are two principle ways of doing this. You can research the artist’s output and historical significance in art books and exhibition catalogues or read reviews by local and national art critics, and you can look through the sales records available in most major public libraries and art galleries to determine how much their work goes for.A natural place to start researching price would be with the seller of the piece you are interested in. Judge whether the artist has a track record of selling works of art similar to the piece you like for amounts comparable to what you’re being asked to pay. A reputable dealer should have this information on file and be willing to discuss it with you; any reluctance to do so suggests that they have something to hide either about the piece or the amount they are asking for it. As an additional measure, it is worth reviewing the artist’s general sales history over the past five years to determine that their price has remained consistent, paying particular attention to the average price fetched.Once you have established the price that the artist sells for, the research you have done about their life and output should give you an indication of the significance, and relative value, of the piece you are interested in. Is the piece a typical or atypical example of the artist’s output? Is it from the artist’s mature period or an early work which indicates how the artist’s mature style evolved (bear in mind that the majority of an artist’s earliest pieces are usually in museums or private hands, so invariably sell for a higher than usual price when they come onto the market)? Does it have any special significance in the artist’s life or interesting stories associated with it? Has it ever been discussed in print by experts or the artist themselves?This investigation should also include uncovering its provenance, exhibition history and ownership history. As human beings require a passport to move from country to country, so do works of art, and the gallery should be able to provide you with the necessary certificates of authenticity. There are a number of areas to be mindful of, though, including the extent to which the individuals who authenticate or attribute the art to a particular artist are qualified to do so. Unless their authority is backed by some professional association with the artist, such as publishing papers in respected journals, curating museum or major gallery shows or having an extensive experience of trading in them, then their opinion is not worth a great deal. Alternatively they could be relatives, employees or descendants of the artist or have some form of legal or estate-granted entitlement to pass judgment on the work of art. And if the artist is alive, don’t hesitate to ask the gallery to get in touch with them in person to confirm that the art is authentic.A further issue to consider is whether the art is original or reproduced by mechanical means, because one of the principle ways art dealers make money is by trading in limited edition prints, where the artists only input in the creative process has been signing a digital or photographic copy of the original. A thorough investigation of the piece, combined with asking questions about it, should uncover this, with the added benefit of revealing how much the seller knows about what they are selling. When you are happy with the asking price and ready to buy, ensure you get a detailed receipt describing the art and its condition and including a money back guarantee to protect you if, at any point in the future, you find out that the art was not properly represented. This receipt should be in addition to the other documentation that the seller provides relating to the art's history, provenance and authenticity.But before getting to this point, there’s the issue of which places you should look to source the art. The first piece of advice here is to have a clear idea of the type of art work you want and set a fixed price above which you will not go. Having done that, it makes sense to throw your net as wide as possible and explore all avenues, with particular focus on the following three options:• Auction Houses. This can include anything from the local auction house in your area to the big auction houses in London. Naturally, the more prestigious the auctioneer is, the greater confidence you can have in the authenticity of the piece of art, and the higher the price can go. Bear in mind also that auction houses use presale estimates, reserves, and opening bid amounts which should give you a rough idea of the amount the piece might go for, though when it comes to auction time, pretty much anything goes, so you should have your wits about you as you bid against experts in the field. • Art Galleries. As has been previously mentioned, walking into an art gallery can be a daunting experience. But just remember one thing: all the gallery’s show of respectability and wealth, from the good address to the soft furnishings and discreet light fittings, has been built from selling fine art to its customers. In other words, when you buy a painting from a gallery, you’re paying not only for the painting but the well appointed environment which gave you the confidence to buy it in the first place. Also, as much as a good gallery may have the necessary expertise to tell you all about the painting you are proposing to buy, they also know how to spot an amateur collector and persuade them to buy a piece they are not a hundred percent sure about. • Internet. While sites like eBay carry obvious risks about the provenance and condition of the piece of fine art you are thinking of buying, established, authenticated sellers have several obvious advantages to more conventional ways of buying art. Above all, of course, because there is no actual gallery space, you are not subsidising their rent when you buy from them. And once you have found a piece of art that catches your eye you can do all the necessary research about it in your own time without anybody standing over you attempting to influence your decision, in addition to getting a second opinion about it from anyone with access to a computer and the internet. Of these options, buying art online is becoming the most popular due to the advantages outlined above. But which site to visit first to look into the kind of art that is available? Well, you could do a lot worse than to have a look through Artbank.com, the UK’s premier fine art trading website, which has a tremendous variety of pieces on sale at all prices. These can be reviewed in the comfort of your own home to scale against a virtual wall and with reference to a colour chart to determine how they might look against various backgrounds. And if you particularly like the piece, you can also check out the other pieces the seller has for sale, all without the pressure of having anyone look over your shoulder. Paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures and ceramics are all categorised into styles and national schools for easy searching, or you can simply key in your favourite painter to see if any of their work is up for sale on the site. But don’t despair if they’re not, because Artbank will send you an email to notify you whenever a piece by them comes up.The beauty of Artbank is that if there is a particular piece you like, you will be able to contact the seller directly to negotiate the price and arrange shipping and handling, because Artbank only charges a fee for using the site. There is no middle man like there is with auction houses and no part of the sale price is being used to pay the rent. In other words, Artbank is the best of both worlds, whilst also offering you the kind of choice and variety that no bricks and mortar gallery can compete with.Whatever way you choose to buy fine art, though, always ensure that the art has the necessary documentation to authenticate it and is being sold in line with the current market value. Who knows, maybe you have the makings of being the next Peggy Guggenheim, but whatever your aspirations, have fun and the best of luck in getting the piece of art you really love!

By Tara McGovern [ 16/08/2006 ][ viewed 132 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

How To Use Wall Art To Beautify Your Home Decor

Whether you are redecorating your home or furnishing a brand new home, you realize that this is a chance for you to really do something different with your decor. You should capitalize on this opportunity to recreate your interior design plan, because it is much easier to do all at once than piecemeal. You may think that paint and furniture are what matter the most when it comes to decoration. However, the most important aspect of affordable home decor is the decoration you apply to your walls. When a person enters a room, the first thing they look at are the walls. So, why not make a statement with woven wall art?One of the best parts of using tapestries as your wall decor is the sheer variety of designs available to you. Grand art wall tapestries come in many sizes and styles, so matching one to your existing decor is not difficult. There are many tapestries that come in series for a new and exciting look. Instead of hanging one large wall hanging, you can find sets of three or four tapestries. For example, designs by Mucha were created in the woven medium as sets, like the Art Nouveau Four Seasons wall tapestries. They look just as beautiful by themselves, but the entire series brings a certain continuity to your decor.If you are not sure how to lay out and arrange tall and narrow tapestries, do not worry. There are several ways to hang your wall art decor, using only one rod. Perhaps you purchased two smaller tapestries, but only have one rod—do not run screaming to your interior designer--you can make this work. You can place two small narrow vertical tapestries, next to each other on a single tapestry rod, just remember to leave at least 3 to 6 inches in between them for the illusion of separation. Please note that this will only work for tall, narrow wall tapestries. Larger pieces hung in this style will look cramped and amateurish, so try your best to measure everything out correctly. With some know-how, you can make your home decor unique and artistic.Perhaps you are just looking to bring some classic art works into your decor, but are looking for something more refined than paper prints. Woven wall decor, such as tapestries, make an enormous difference in your overall design plan. Tapestries bring texture to the party and you may be surprised by the difference some texture can make. Imagine if you had very smooth surfaces, say in your living room. Smooth floor, clean furniture lines, minimalist curtains--you need something with substance to make your room pop. If you can find an art tapestry that matches your decor, you can add an element of dimension that you just cannot achieve with paper prints. For example, you can find delightfully accurate reproductions of Claude Monet wall hangings in tapestry form that look so good they almost look alive. There are also many famous Van Gogh paintings recreated in tapestry form, such as Van Gogh self portrait wall tapestry. Not only will they look great in your home, but friends and family will wonder where you managed to find something so gorgeous.Even if you are not looking for grand wall hangings, you can find innumerable styles to choose from. Depending on your decor, you might find that medieval wall tapestries work the best in your home design plan.

By Leigh Winslow [ 09/08/2006 ][ viewed 145 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Amalfi coast overview

Amalfi, in the province of Salerno, in Italy, lies surrounded by cliffs and coasts. It is quite close to Naples, and shares with that town some dramatic history, and beautiful scenery. Amalfi is the major town on that part of the coast, called ‘costiera Amalfitana, and as such has become an essential tourist destination (and is justly famous for its Limoncello liqueur). The Amalfi Coast is very rich in Caves, grottoes, and even a little fjord, created by water erosion, which is a testament to the Amalfi Coast's maritime history. The area all around Amalfi was once an independent state, and its economy was based upon shipping. Sadly, little of this remains, and only the fantastic Cathedral of Amalfi is testament to the immense importance of what is now only a small coastal community. Tourists to the area should definitely pay the Cathedral a visit, if only due to the fact that it is made up of two churches, linked by a specially widened nave. During repairs to the church, its Byzantine style front was re-discovered, and it was decided to preserve this instead of the 18th century front that had previously been there (A good choice, the original church front is a truly amazing sight). If you begin your holiday with Amalfi, then you can walk (or hike, to be truthful) to some of the other very attractive towns along the coast, such as Ravello. This is a very awe-inspiring walk, with an overview of the whole valley. It can be a bit of a walk for some though, and there are shorter paths to neighbouring towns. In the event that you should feel like cheating, there are buses and ferries that will be able to take you to all of the major tourist attractions along the Amalfi Coast. While Amalfi is an early medieval town, the mountainous town of Ravello is very definitely a Romanesque community. It is seen by some as a ‘garden' town, luscious and green. Its villas are certainly worth seeing, and the views from the top of the valley are breathtaking. One of the best towns to visit along the Amalfi Coast is the small town of Atrani. Like many of the towns in the area, Atrani was founded by Roman aristocracy, and still retains some of the appearance of a Roman town. It is a very quiet and untouristy place, possibly because if really only opens up to the beach, and is relatively inaccessible even now. It has a great beach and sea-front, and has begun to open itself up to tourists, via a few bars in the town square, making Atrani a welcoming and cosy little town. A tourist interested in history may also want to visit the fascinating town of Positano. It is mentioned in ancient Roman documents, but discoveries have been made in the town itself which link it to the Palaeolithic Era, making Positano one of the oldest towns along the Amalfi Coast. It is also one of the most well known to tourists, often coming to visit the medieval church and its collection of religious works from the Renaissance period. Positano boasts one of the best hotels in the Amalfi Coast, although there are a number of others that can also claim to be luxurious and within easy reach of transport. The hotels in the whole Amalfi Coast area can lay claim to being magnificent and full of Italian tradition, as you would expect from such a quiet and religious province. However, if you are looking for something a bit more economical, there are plenty of Bed-and-Breakfast accommodations, including the ‘Rooms with a View' B&B in Atrani, which is only a few minutes walk from Amalfi, and boasts (as the name implies) magnificent views of the surrounding hills. For those who are not interested in even this level of comfort, you can choose to arrange a hostel stay in Agerola. Staying here means that you have a head start on everyone attempting the ‘walk of the Gods', a hill-top hike that ends in Positano. Agerola also boasts magnificent local produce which is well worth trying. Even in this location, Amalfi and the rest of the Amalfi Coast towns are never more than a short walk away. As well as walks, sights and hotels, the Amalfi Coast area also boasts some great night-life. The area has just started springing into life as a tourist attraction, so many of the bars and clubs are untried. One thing that has been tried and tested (several times), is the Lo Spuntino Sandwich Bar in the main square of Amalfi. This bar means that you do not have to queue for a table in the middle of summer, and it also serves take-away sandwiches, ideal if you want to begin your walks without waiting for lunch. If you are a vegetarian, and this goes for most of the Mediterranean, don't expect a wide choice of menu; it doesn't exist.

By Orson Johnson [ 08/08/2006 ][ viewed 149 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Home-Improvement how to get it right?

Few people who have gone through a major home improvement project will tell you that the whole thing went smoothly and was finished on time and with no problems. There are just too many people involved and too many things that can go wrong. With a little advance preparation, though, hopefully you can avoid the worst home improvement nightmares.The first thing to do is to put someone in charge, otherwise you’ll end up doing it yourself – architects tend to be good at this, as once they’ve designed the improvement, they will have an idea of who is needed to make it happen.The next thing you need to do is absolutely vital: budget, budget, budget. It’s so easy to spend far more than you wanted to if you don’t work everything out in advance and set a limit that you won’t go over – a few extras here and there, and before you know it you can’t afford it any more. If possible, negotiate fixed prices with the builders, so that however long the project takes they will get paid the same amount. This will encourage them to finish quickly, and remove the risk of you getting stuck with a large bill. You might need to phone around for a while before you can find someone who will accept the deal on these terms, but as long as you’re offering a reasonable price, they are out there.Avoid hiring too many specialists, as you don’t need that many people working on a home project. Stick to more general professionals, who can call in people they know to do the parts that must be done by someone trained or registered in that area. Avoid hiring plumbers and electricians directly, for example, as they will just stretch out the work – leave it to the builder to bring in his own plumber or electrician instead.

By John Gibb [ 31/07/2006 ][ viewed 171 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

House move or home improvement?

There are lots of problems with home improvements: they’re a lot of trouble to arrange, they can be expensive, they often decrease the value of your home or at least don’t make back what they cost, and you have to put up with weeks or even months of noisy, dirty building work being done on your home.Also, houses were usually planned the way they were because of space restrictions, especially in larger towns: if you just go around building extensions in unusual places, the look and layout of your home can both be compromised. Is it really worth converting a garage into a bedroom? No, it isn’t – the garage is much more valuable, often adding as much as 10% to the value of a property.Another thing you might not have considered is that if you improve your house too much, no-one who wants to live in your area will be able to consider it. In general, expensive houses are in expensive areas for a reason – there are plenty of people who want to buy a cheap house in an expensive area, but very few who want to buy an expensive house in a cheap one.Given all this, there is an alternative that you might not have considered: why not just move? Many people extend their homes to avoid the costs and troubles of moving, but when you compare them to the costs of extending, moving actually often comes out ahead – especially if you move to a larger house that is just down the road.While you won’t get your extension designed exactly to your specifications, moving works out much cheaper in the long run, as other people’s ‘used’ extensions will be cheaper than your new one, and rooms that were built with the house will be cheaper still. Who knows, you might even find something you like even better than your own plans.

By John Gibb [ 31/07/2006 ][ viewed 683 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Home-Design - when to call in the professionals

When you’re redesigning your home, the first question you need to ask yourself is whether you’re going to hire a professional or do it yourself. The answer depends on what you’re planning on doing.There are plenty of things that you can do yourself quickly and easily: painting, putting up shelves and cupboards, all that kind of thing. Anything you can find in the DIY shop will come with instructions that should let anyone who is reasonably experienced in DIY put it up.However, if you want to do something more complicated – converting a room into a bathroom or a kitchen, or building an extension, for example – then you’re going to need a professional.When it comes to home design, however, it can be tough to know exactly who to hire. For basic things, you need a handyman, but for more complex projects you might need a builder. To do anything in the bathroom, you probably need a plumber. If you’re giving your whole house a makeover, you might even want to hire a professional designer, who will look at the overall picture and come up with ideas to make your house a better place to live in.While pro designers can be expensive, they are usually worth the money – you wouldn’t think it from the amateur jobs you see on some TV makeover shows, but they really do know what they’re doing. There are some cowboys out there, though, so make sure the person you’re used has all the relevant qualifications: it’s best to ask for references, as that means you can go and see for yourself houses that they have worked on previously, and see if you like them. Be careful on judging them simply because they’re not your taste, however – remember that a good designer will reflect what the people asked for, not just force their own tastes on people.

By John Gibb [ 30/07/2006 ][ viewed 159 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Inspiring home designs

So when you redesign your home, what exactly should you do to it? If you’re short on inspiration, here are a few ideas to get you started.The place where many people like to really go to town with their design ideas is in babies’ and children’s rooms – you can paint them bright colours, do imaginative pictures of fantasy environments, draw pictures of the child’s favourite characters from books and TV, and so much more besides. If you do this, why not let the child join in with the painting and show you what they want, with you just being there to help make their decoration dreams come true. However, one thing to be careful of is to keep redecorating their room as they get older – you don’t want them to be embarrassed to bring around friends when they’re a teenager because of their babyishly coloured room.Another idea could be to make an ‘outdoors’ house, taking inspiration from your garden in how to design your home. This means lots of greens and blues, lots of plants, outdoor fragrances, lots of windows – a real outdoor feel indoors.Indeed, the best way to design a home yourself is often to just pick a theme and take it as far as it will go. I know a couple with a ‘space house’, complete with portraits of rockets and black ceilings with painted stars – it sounds silly, but it’s really interesting to look at. Whatever you’re passionate about, make your house show it.Don’t forget, though, that redecorating doesn’t have to be all about tearing things down and buying new stuff. You can get a long way with a few posters, ornaments, or just reorganising or repainting your furniture. You really don’t need to break the bank and hire a handyman to get your ideal home, as a little work can go a long way.

By John Gibb

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Address Stamp Collecting - A Sticky Hobby?

Do you ever notice the picture on the address stamp? It is astounding to see just how many different kinds of address stamp pictures are seen on envelopes throughout the world. From famous presidents to regular members of the Disney World crew, there are many different pictures and icons that are featured on an address stamp.If we now reflect on some of the images we see on these stamps, we'll see that these small little sticky pieces of paper mean more than the cents we pay for them. Therefore it can be concluded that there is a certain amount of memory value or meaning behind an address stamp for some consumers.Many people collect stamps because of this - the meaning behind some of them. The age-old hobby of collecting stamps can be a passion, or something that started when someone found one that had some kind of momentous value to it. After all, this type of value will certainly give enough rationale for anyone to hold on to it.Collecting stamps can serve as a means to relax, to reflect, to play or more simply a time of redemption. It is amazing to think about the ways a simple address stamp can exert a positive impact on someones life, and not just because he or she gets an all important letter in the mail either. The bottom line is that collecting address stamps may not be for everyone, but it sure should not be ruled out as a great hobby to take part in when it comes to embracing part of our American culture, or our Worlds culture for that matter.Equivalent to paintings or portraits, address stamps attempt to preserve past lives or highlight current trends within a tiny piece of art, and what better way to keep and share the art than by collecting as many pieces as you can and putting them in a book of some kind. Many people who really could not care less about what is printed on an address stamp might think collecting them is simply a waste of their precious time, and for some people it just might be.It can serve as a relaxation time, a time to reflect, and plain and simply a time of redemption. It is amazing to think about the ways a simple address stamp can impact someone in their lives, and not just because they get an all important letter in the mail either. The bottom line is that collecting address stamps may not be for everyone, but it sure should not be ruled out as a great hobby to take part in when it comes to embracing part of our American culture, or our Worlds culture for that matter.

By John Wellington

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

What in the world do I do at a Baby Shower?

Here are some of our favorites. But before you get started with the games, be sure to get some prizes first. Prizes to consider are full size (not bite size), candy bars, blue or pink pens for the sex of the baby. Additionally, blue or pink balloons with a face drawn on the front, or the words “winner” written across in permanent marker make for really fun prizes as well. After you have some up with some prizes, here our some of our favorite games to play.1. Fastest Diaper Changer in the West. Have smaller size balloons blown up and hand them out to everyone who will be playing. Next give them two diapers. Have the guest carefully put the diapers on the balloon before the game starts. After they have already placed on diaper on the balloon, give them the instructions that junior has just had an accident and being the careful and delicate parent that they are , there objective is to change the diaper without pooping the balloon. Anyone who pops a balloon will be disqualified and whoever changes the diaper first, will win a prize.2. How does Mommy Measure Up? Begin by passing out some yarn to everyone who will be playing. Next pass around some scissors and have each guest cut the amount of yarn that will fit Mommy perfectly at her widest point without being over or under. The person who is the closest is the winner.3. Guess the Number of Kisses. This is used everywhere and everyone already know how to play. Fill a jar with Kisses (jelly beans are too typical) and have each one guess at the number of Kisses, the closest one will win the jar of kisses.4. The Price is Right. For this one, it is played much like the game shows you see on television. Visit some online merchants who have both pictures and descriptions of Baby items and print them up. Pass around some paper and pens. Have the host narrate the online product description and pass it around with the price blacked out. The person who is closest to the item without going over will win a point. After all of the items have been passed around, the person with the most point wins.As your can see, there are a plethora of baby shower games that can be played for your shower. What is important to remember is to know who your audience is going to be. This means, are the games that you are thinking about playing fit both the audience and the theme you are trying to create?

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How to Grab Those Current Broadway Shows and Tickets

Do not think about what the critics say or write. Ignore for one moment, the costs of watching them. The whole point here is to catch any of the current Broadway shows any which way you can. There are an entire multitude of world reknown plays and musicals such as Neil Simons version of John Waters HAIRSPRAY, or classics like PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; LITTLE WOMEN; WHOS AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?; SHOW BOAT; LES MISERABLES. Take in the more playful MAMMA MIA. Re-visit your passions in your favorite operas by attending the LA BOHEME re-make, RENT. But make sure you get to see those current Broadway shows, by hook or by crook!What of you are not in New York or are not planning to visit new York, and cant get to the current Broadway shows? Dont despair. First of all, these shows run for years (the better and best ones, anyway). Second of all, the best are so successful and their so generous and respectful of the theatre arts world that the current Broadway shows get taken on the roadto Boston, Philly, San Francisco, and further.What if you cannot afford current Broadway shows, whether they stay in the Big Apple or travel to Timbuktu? Ah, theres still no excuse: there are a number of ways you, too, can be saved. Or, er, you can save money and still be blessed with the most alluring, engaging, and cathartic of the arts:If you are a studentcall (or contact via the net) the box office, and ask about student discounts. Many if not most current Broadway shows theatres, opera houses, and symphonic and other auditoria have a student price and/or a student group price.If you are a senior citizenseniors get discounted for most events, as they do for buses, restaurants, etc., and as they should. Be sure when ordering tickets, you ask about and for a senior disount.If you can, go ahead and try for same-day or last-minute tickets. A ticket that is not called for at the reservation window by a certain time (often within a few minutes of the curtain call) is usually made available, AND at a greatly discounted rate. Show up on the day of the performance for any of the current Broadway shows you want to attend. Go to the reserved tickets window and ask if there are any no-shows. Also, tell the teller you will check back (at his/her designated time), or ask when you can return to check for no-shows.

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Modern Art a Conspiracy Part 1

I have been turned down several times by some ignorant gallery owners on both sides of the fence for their lack of interest in African Art. In their words African Art is primitive. The sad thing is that our so-called elites gallery owners do not get it too. In most cases they are worst and very ignorant and naïve about African art. How long are we going to allow these false monsters of the past run wild in our present time?I have realized that truth is usually a hard pill to swallow but we must confront our past for a better tomorrow. We have been forced to look down on ourselves. They held our minds captive with the television, print media, history books or documentaries of their explorers that were written supposedly for them, but ended up in our nation’s schools bookshelves for mind alteration and economic exploitation. Maybe I am missing something; please tell me the expectation of an educator who thought the grand children of Amina in Nigeria, that River Niger was discovered by Mongo Park. The same River Niger, where their grand ma, Anina bath, swam, fetched water, they have known and played in the river all their lives and in fact the legend had it that their grandpa Obi was among the men that guided and guarded the strange White man from the wild beast of the jungle. Instead of a letter of appreciation, their great grand children are forced and feed lies of the incident in the name of education. They constantly used whatever they can to accomplish their vision. The invention of television became an effective tool for manipulation of generations with ease using Jacob’s vision power of increase, Genesis 30: 31 – 43, for their negative agenda. There is power in what we hear and see. That is more reason they will never show you good side of Africa. During the era of European avant-garde artists, there were prolific African Artists such as ‘Aina Onabolu’ and many others whose works were never considered modern. Obviously including them in their modern era will mean making them equal with their counterparts in Europe. You know what that means to a black man who was supposed to be picking cottons. “European modern art” was the biggest scam on African Art. They took the best of our forefathers and kicked us to the trash. They knew what they were doing and the effect of these centuries of bad seeds is what we see today in Africa and beyond. It is very common to see African professionals, highly educated but with no knowledge of self and very much whiter than the white, if you know what I mean. I have walked into a financial firm in Atlanta, owned and managed by some Nigerians and the issue of African Art came up, One of the owners was asked what type of art do have hanging on your wall. You need see him go off with pride and talked eloquently on modern art at the end he declared that he doesn’t want to be associated with African Art. You can imagine how that made me feel, having studied art and taught art professionally to hear a Nigerian elite in the position of power and influence, to promote our arts and culture, out rightly rejected his inheritance. I didn’t wait to ask why? He went off again to talk about crime and the world image of Nigeria. At this point I struggled to hold myself from exploding before other nationalities in the company. I am by no means in support of any crime but if man should disown his nation because of crime and western media propaganda, the problem is way deeper than it appears. I asked him again respectfully if any of these nationalities working in Nigeria have pulled out their oil drilling machines and abandoned their mansions in Nigeria since the 419 propaganda started? I didn’t see him jump up with an answer this time. Tell me where there is no fraud and crime.This nice brother is one of the millions of African souls lost to this false and mean world of conspiracy and selfish vision of racism and imperialism. You might be wondering what is this got to do with modern art. But the truth is that, there was nothing modern about the works of the European avant-garde artists other than punch of copycats, imitators and plagiarists in conspiracy with their racist writers, art critics and art historians to make wrong right. Once again they gave themselves names, cubism, modern art and shoved it down our throat like always. They covered the truth of plagiarizing African Art and started their usual evil naming ceremonies for their selfish goals. Who named the Primitive Art and Modern Art? Take a close look at their so-called primitive art and look at the modern art and decide for yourself. Who named the Tribal Art? These are the same people whose lists of names consist of Negro, Aborigines, Nigger, and Black, Gypsy, White, Red, Yellow, and People of Color to mention a few. What good has these names done to mankind other than division and control. Let us face the truth, because truth is the heart of freedom. There is more to names than we can imagine hence God had to change people’s given names to accomplish his mission in their lives. It has been and will always be demonic and its time to reject such names for our true purpose and relationship with one another.

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