http://buzzingniches.com/ Articles at Buzzing Niches Article Directory en-us http://buzzingniches.com/arts-and-entertainment/poetry/the-lure-of-the-ukulele.html http://buzzingniches.com/arts-and-entertainment/poetry/the-lure-of-the-ukulele.html Tue, 25 May 2010 13:13:38 -0600
Bill has said that it is "about the size of a human infant". "And when you hold it up to play, you hold it up close and cradle it to your heart, to be corny about it. The ukulele is this small object you are protecting, and it gives you a sense of protective purpose in the world."

However, most of all, it has just one resonant sound. It sounds gentle, pure and incredibly jubilant. This is even true when it boils down to the player's blunt distinction, i.e. Taylor Mac, the man who performed at the Undermain Theatre in Dallas toward the beginning of this month. Mac says, "We're reminded of a time when we were so young that nothing is our fault." "And that makes us happy."

Robertson, whom I consider to be the foremost expert when it comes to expositions about the ukulele, also points out that, because there is a high end but no low end on the ukulele's four strings, that gives it what is known as the "'pink' quality." "You're strumming it, all the strings are in the upper range, and it doesn't have that bass sort of support that a guitar has, that robust sound. Just the high sound, which gives it a very childlike quality that conveys a certain innocence."

It's affordability, transportability and accessibility are three more factors behind its appeal. A beginner's soprano ukulele is priced at anywhere from $30-$40. However, just as with all music instruments, the more complex inlays and wood could make a ukulele cost thousands of dollars.

If you are just a beginner, never fear, this is an easy instrument to learn how to play, as any die hard uke player will tell you. Master Uke player Levine of the Dallas Ukulele Headquarters insists that he can "teach anyone to play the ukulele in about 15 minutes". In fact, each class begins with a 15-minute session on how to play.

Taylor Mac believes that these distinctive characteristics give the ukulele that certain air that you don't find with any other musical instruments.

Mac feels that the connection is there "because of the humanity of the instrument". This is an instrument that almost anyone can pick up and "learn how to play three chords in about an hour, and play a song". As Mac explains, the ukulele has the unique ability to "bring joy, because people see the possibility that 'if you can do it, I can do it, too". ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/arts-and-entertainment/poetry/teaching-children-to-write-poetry-is-fun.html http://buzzingniches.com/arts-and-entertainment/poetry/teaching-children-to-write-poetry-is-fun.html Sun, 09 May 2010 13:08:40 -0600
1. Word list. At home or at school you can make a list of words that rhyme. Make the words fun for kids like: clown, frown, smile, mile, snail, sail, grand, stand etc. Next have the kids try to make sentences out of a couple of the words.

2. Recitation. While the students are writing their sentences you can write some of your own and then read them out loud. Hearing words rhyme is different than saying them in your head. Have each of the children do this. There may be giggles which is normal.

3. Bible reading. The Bible is written is prose and is quite beautiful when read in silence or a loud. The children should already be familiar with it as it is the most widely read book in the world. Read different parts out loud and then have the kids try to imitate some of the verses.

4. Poems about grandparents. Try having the children write poems about things and people they are very familiar with like grandparents. Other topics could be pets and toys. The idea is to help them identify with the subject matter for their poems.

5. Rhyming games. An effective method for teaching kids poetry is to use games. Nursery rhymes are some of the first poetry we hear. You can read some of these to the kids and have them stomp their feet and clap to the rhythmic pattern they hear. Be prepared for some noise but this is very effective.

6. Music. Play different musical selection and point out how the lyrics blend like the words in poems. There are often rhymes used. This will help the older kids become more interested in poetry when they realize that their favorite musical groups adhere to many forms of prose in their music.

Writing poetry is a fun activity and the kids will enjoy it. You need to start with simple rhyming schemes so the students can build confidence. You can use the Bible, games and music to further their understanding. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/arts-and-entertainment/poetry/lj-talks-about-his-friends-sorez-the-scribe-and-q-ball.html http://buzzingniches.com/arts-and-entertainment/poetry/lj-talks-about-his-friends-sorez-the-scribe-and-q-ball.html Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:40:48 -0600
Not Long after an interview I did with Sorez, I received an e-mail from him. In the email was a poem Sorez had written about me. I have to say I was more then Honored that one of if not the worlds greatest Biker Poet had been inspired enough to write a poem about me!

I want to share that poem with you now !

LJ James ~By Sorez The Scribe

A righteous Brother of the wind, Proud of his Patch and where he's been, Stands tall and proud amongst his Bro's, He's there and ready whenever called, LJ's wise beyond his years, His call for peace don't make him weak, He sees the future and what could be Without Brotherhood and Unity, His glass is half empty also half full, His dear ol' Pappy taught him well, Concerned about what the future holds For the lifestyle we live for one and for all

if you like this poem and would like to read more Biker Poetry by Sorez you need to check out the book "Living The Life"

The Book is a joint effort between Sorez and his good Friend Q-Ball ! Q-Ball is a Photographer of the Motorcycle world and He has been taking picture's of the real behind the scene's Biker world for close to 40 years. When you look at the pictures in "Living the Life" they really take you back to a time in the Motorcycle World when both bikers and the Motorcycles they rode just seemed to have had so much more character.

When you take the Photos and the Poetry and put them together like they have here in "Living the Life" you have a book that will be on the Coffee table of every True Biker for many years to come!

Living The Life is not just another Biker Picture book with a few words thrown in, This book is a true work of art from two of the Biker Worlds best, I recommended "Living The Life" to everyone! Get your copy now at vtwinbiker.com

Long May We Ride Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/arts-and-entertainment/poetry/how-to-write-poetry.html http://buzzingniches.com/arts-and-entertainment/poetry/how-to-write-poetry.html Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:05:55 -0700
Formal poetry generally follows a set pattern, in rhyme and meter. We commonly place a letter at the end of the last word in each line. Analyzing these patterns is called scansion.

Using letter to signify the rhymes is a great way to determine the pattern. If line one and two rhyme, an A would be placed beside them. If line three and four rhyme with each other but not one and two, we would place B's beside them. The pattern would be AABB. If line 5 rhymes with either, an A or B would be used. If it does not rhyme, we would use a C.

The number of beats in each line is called the meter. "Iambic pentameter" is the most commonly used. Words with this type of beat consist of a short pulse followed by a strong pulse. Examples would be arrest, domain, forsooth, etc. The accent is on the second syllable.

Time for the fun stuff! When you tell stories or write letters, how do you start? Is it maybe something you overheard, or read about? Or maybe something you witnessed? Start with something that is comfortable to you.

Think of what type of poem you had in mind. Will it be a story, a comment, a character study? It is best to skim through some examples to get you started off. It is also important to take breaks like going for a walk or to bed. When you come back, jot things down. It does not have to be orderly.

Work on your poem for many weeks and take the last line of one of your poem and carry on from there, ignoring entirely what you drafted before. You will be surprised at what you are able to accomplish. Get writing! ]]>