For awhile it's been known that Google was about to consolidate its privacy policies into one large, all-encompassing policy.On 1st March 2012 these changes went into effect.In a nutshell, what do the changes mean? Basically it means that Google will now share the data it stores for you between all their services.They won't be sharing anything new with outside parties; just among Google's many services.Google has been adamant these changes are only being made to make their products better than ever and display even more relevant content and advertising to each personal user.Alma Whitten, Google's Director of Privacy, wrote in a blog post recently."As you use our products one thing will be clear. it's the same Google experience that you're used to, with the same controls," "And because we're making these changes, over time we'll be able to improve our products in ways that help our users get the most from the web.".Alma outlined out 3 important points to keep in mind regarding these changes.• Google's Privacy Policy is now much easier to understand.• Google's Privacy Policy will enable them to build a better, more intuitive user experience across Google for signed-in users.• Google's privacy controls aren't changing.Pablo Chavez, Google's Director of Public Policy also discussed in a January post five things that aren't changing.• Google will still keep your private information private -- they're not changing the visibility of any information you have stored with Google.• Google will still allow you to do searches, watch videos on YouTube, get driving directions on Google Maps, and perform other tasks without signing into a Google Account.• Google are still offering you choice and control through privacy tools like Google Dashboard and Ads Preferences Manager that help you understand and manage your data.• Google still won't sell your personal information to advertisers.• Google are still offering data liberation if you'd prefer to close your Google Account and take your data elsewhere.It must be said that Google did a fantastic job on trying to usher this in quietly.They hammered home that these changes are being made to simplify things.For most people this is good enough to satisfy them.The average person on the street might not know (or care) but there is no question that many people are concerned.The changes have drawn the attention of many privacy watchdogs.The Japanese and EU governments have also expressed concerns.A member the FairSearch Coalition (which made up of Google competitors), sent a letter to the National Association of Attorneys General expressing concerns with the changes.Privacy issues around Google's past are only fuelling the fire of controversy and adding strength to claims this is a huge deal.Stuff-ups like the recent story around Safari and the launch of Google Buzz a couple years ago have tended to stick in people's heads.But despite the warnings will the changes really affect you? Is it really as big an issue as some media are suggesting?What you need to know Google is not collecting more information, just using it in a different way.There is a huge misconception that Google will suddenly have access to information it didn't have before.That is incorrect.In reality Google have always collected your data for all of its services.They've been using that data to personalize your experience already, and isn't it a great service?All that changes now is that data collected from your activity across their services, say between YouTube and Google Search, will be used to provide a further personalized experience across all of their products.You will be tracked.No matter what you do.Up to today many tech experts have suggested you should clear your Google Web History to increase your privacy.But it's become clear now that this is not going to stop Google from collecting your personal data.You can clear and stop the tracking of your activity, but you'll only prevent Google using that collected data with your Google account, it won't stop Google from tracking your web activity.Your searches will still be followed and stored on their servers, even if you're not signed in.The information can still be used to build a profile about you will allow Google to sell ads that are specifically tailored to you.Is it really a big deal?Some privacy experts are outraged while others exclaim, "Who Cares?" Both are right.A lot think that this isn't a big deal, Google is collecting the same information that it always has and it's just being used now to improve the users' experience.Who cares if the data is used for advertisements? You will always see ads, but now the advertisements will be closer to your interests.Google need to make money from advertisements, so from my point of view they might as well be accurate.On the other hand, privacy experts and lawmakers are up in arms about the policy.It is a grey area as The United States has very few laws about the collection, use, and distribution of user's data.The US Government has proposed a consumers 'privacy bill of rights' that will protect people, allowing them to decide what information is collected about them, and how this information is used.But as it stands no current laws can stop Google's unified privacy policy.Can I do anything?Well you can just stop using Google services.Good luck, in today's world this would be almost impossible!You can however, follow some simple tips to minimize how much data is collected about you, such as performing searches on Google without signing in.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Google's Policy Changes - What Do They Mean for You?
For awhile it's been known that Google was about to consolidate its privacy policies into one large, all-encompassing policy.On 1st March 2012 these changes went into effect.In a nutshell, what do the changes mean? Basically it means that Google will now share the data it stores for you between all their services.They won't be sharing anything new with outside parties; just among Google's many services.Google has been adamant these changes are only being made to make their products better than ever and display even more relevant content and advertising to each personal user.Alma Whitten, Google's Director of Privacy, wrote in a blog post recently."As you use our products one thing will be clear. it's the same Google experience that you're used to, with the same controls," "And because we're making these changes, over time we'll be able to improve our products in ways that help our users get the most from the web.".Alma outlined out 3 important points to keep in mind regarding these changes.• Google's Privacy Policy is now much easier to understand.• Google's Privacy Policy will enable them to build a better, more intuitive user experience across Google for signed-in users.• Google's privacy controls aren't changing.Pablo Chavez, Google's Director of Public Policy also discussed in a January post five things that aren't changing.• Google will still keep your private information private -- they're not changing the visibility of any information you have stored with Google.• Google will still allow you to do searches, watch videos on YouTube, get driving directions on Google Maps, and perform other tasks without signing into a Google Account.• Google are still offering you choice and control through privacy tools like Google Dashboard and Ads Preferences Manager that help you understand and manage your data.• Google still won't sell your personal information to advertisers.• Google are still offering data liberation if you'd prefer to close your Google Account and take your data elsewhere.It must be said that Google did a fantastic job on trying to usher this in quietly.They hammered home that these changes are being made to simplify things.For most people this is good enough to satisfy them.The average person on the street might not know (or care) but there is no question that many people are concerned.The changes have drawn the attention of many privacy watchdogs.The Japanese and EU governments have also expressed concerns.A member the FairSearch Coalition (which made up of Google competitors), sent a letter to the National Association of Attorneys General expressing concerns with the changes.Privacy issues around Google's past are only fuelling the fire of controversy and adding strength to claims this is a huge deal.Stuff-ups like the recent story around Safari and the launch of Google Buzz a couple years ago have tended to stick in people's heads.But despite the warnings will the changes really affect you? Is it really as big an issue as some media are suggesting?What you need to know Google is not collecting more information, just using it in a different way.There is a huge misconception that Google will suddenly have access to information it didn't have before.That is incorrect.In reality Google have always collected your data for all of its services.They've been using that data to personalize your experience already, and isn't it a great service?All that changes now is that data collected from your activity across their services, say between YouTube and Google Search, will be used to provide a further personalized experience across all of their products.You will be tracked.No matter what you do.Up to today many tech experts have suggested you should clear your Google Web History to increase your privacy.But it's become clear now that this is not going to stop Google from collecting your personal data.You can clear and stop the tracking of your activity, but you'll only prevent Google using that collected data with your Google account, it won't stop Google from tracking your web activity.Your searches will still be followed and stored on their servers, even if you're not signed in.The information can still be used to build a profile about you will allow Google to sell ads that are specifically tailored to you.Is it really a big deal?Some privacy experts are outraged while others exclaim, "Who Cares?" Both are right.A lot think that this isn't a big deal, Google is collecting the same information that it always has and it's just being used now to improve the users' experience.Who cares if the data is used for advertisements? You will always see ads, but now the advertisements will be closer to your interests.Google need to make money from advertisements, so from my point of view they might as well be accurate.On the other hand, privacy experts and lawmakers are up in arms about the policy.It is a grey area as The United States has very few laws about the collection, use, and distribution of user's data.The US Government has proposed a consumers 'privacy bill of rights' that will protect people, allowing them to decide what information is collected about them, and how this information is used.But as it stands no current laws can stop Google's unified privacy policy.Can I do anything?Well you can just stop using Google services.Good luck, in today's world this would be almost impossible!You can however, follow some simple tips to minimize how much data is collected about you, such as performing searches on Google without signing in.
Percy The Train Best Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway- Down By The Docks Set
Percy The Train See Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway- Down By The Docks Set Details
List Price : $149.99 Price : $259.99
as of 2012-08-31 11:34 PM
Product Description
This Down By the Docks Wooden Thomas the Train Set is a 45 piece fun filled train set and is one of our most popular mid-priced train sets! Your child can deliver fish food to the aquarium, where the fish swim around! Exclusive items include: Bulstrode the Barge, Dock, Lighthouse and Sodor Bay Playmat. Down by the Docks Train Set also includes Sodor Bay Bridge, Cranky, Percy and more! Ages 3+ Availability: The Thomas and Friends Train Set takes approximately 1-2 business days to leave the warehouse plus transit time.
- Exclusive Bulstrode the Barge, dock, lighthouse, and Sodor bay playmat
- Includes Sodor Bay Bridge, Cranky, Percy and more
- 45-piece set
- Playmat measures 27 x 39
- Thomas Wooden Railway products are not compatible with Take Along Thomas vehicles and destinations
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway- Down By The Docks Set Reviews
Percy The Train : Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway- Down By The Docks Set Reviews
| 72 of 74 people found the following review helpful  Great for 18 months and up! But expensive..., By = Durability: = Fun: = Educational: This review is from: Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway- Down By The Docks Set (Toy) The Thomas train and train collections are durable toys. Their real value, though, is that playing with the toys allows children to act out the great Thomas and Friends children's stories they read and watch.This is a nice layout that provides far more track than the usual figure 8 layout that gets purchased first. But it is very expensive. There is generic track available that costs far less. Our kids haven't noticed the difference. IT IS EASY TO CREATE ELEVATED TRACK AND BRIDGES USING LEGO OR DUPLO PIECES AS SUPPORTS. GENERIC CRANES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MUCH LESS. Kids' imaginations can remarkably supply buildings and water towers and cranes, etc., so that they won't even miss what might be lacking from less expensive sets. And families can build some of these items themselves out of old boxes, etc. Purchasing recommendation: 8 of 8 people found the following review helpful Holds up to daily playtime!, By Laurel Love "M.M.Riley" (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews = Durability: = Fun: = Educational: This review is from: Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway- Down By The Docks Set (Toy) Santa brought this set for my 3 year old son last Christmas and he has played with it everyday since. With daily use, this wooden set is holding up to his rough play. His favorite piece is Cranky the Crane. It's easy to add onto as we have added the hospital and another bridge. We purchased a Nilo table to put the train on so it will stay together. Well worth the money! 6 of 6 people found the following review helpful  Let the playtime start, Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway- Down By The Docks Set (Toy) This product was perfect and the price was a minimum $30 - $40 cheaper than in local stores (Yes, even after shipping!!). I do want to note that if your child already has a set then trying to intermix them will test your engineering degree or patience. The only thing stopping all five stars is that the elevated track corners routinely pop apart with 3-4 year old play. I also recommend that a play table be purchased and used. My child's table and set was a hit with the party guest (even the adults). I found it really was a positive builder for sharing / interactive playtime. |
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Thomas Train Costume - Yes, You Can Be a Happy Little Train
A Thomas train costume can be found for any size child.There are costumes for children as young as 3 months old.There are 2 different sizes that include the 3 to 12 month old baby and the 12 to 18 month child.The costume includes a printed foam apron with a little engineers cap.The sizes fit a child up to 32" tall and a weight of 26 pounds.The next size up for a Thomas costume is for the 2 to 6 year olds.This is advertised as the ultimate costume.This comes with a foam 3-D Thomas engine in the front with his big smiling face that is worn as a tunic.This is a machine washable tunic and an engineer's cap is included.If there is more than one child in your family of this age that desires to be a train but not Thomas, there is a small selection of his friends that have costumes, too.This list includes Percy and James.If there is an engineer that wishes to be dressed as one there is a cool looking engineer's outfit that has the stripping of a true Thomas the Train engineer.For those not wanting to buy a readymade costume, there are a variety of ideas out on the internet to help you make one.One of these includes using a Thomas the train pillow cover for the front panel.There are others that actually build a small engine out of cardboard for your little engineer to wear.It might be only good for one wearing but being original has its advantages when making your own Thomas train costume.
Norfolk and Classical Literature
Children's Writers.Captain Marryat, who wrote the children's classic "The Children of the New Forest", was born in London but lived at and is buried at Langham, Norfolk.Anna Sewell is one of the few well-known writers who was born in Norfolk.She was born in Yarmouth but wrote "Black Beauty" whilst living in Old Catton; the horse that inspired her famous book was said to have been stabled in Sewell Barn, Norwich.Sir Henry Rider Haggard, who was born in Bradenham, wrote "King Solomon's Mines", which inspired a "lost world" genre of fiction.Arthur Ransome was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, but set "Coot Club" and "The Big Six" on Norfolk's Broads."Biggles" creator, W.E.Johns, was a sanitary inspector in Swaffham.Novelists.In "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe, Crusoe anchored in Yarmouth Roads and was then shipwrecked in the sea outside Winterton.Defoe is thought to have named his hero after seeing the grave of a Robinson Cruso in King's Lynn.P.G.Wodehouse wrote "Money For Nothing" whilst relaxing at Hunstanton Hall.Hunstanton Hall was the inspiration for Rudge Hall in "Very Good, Jeeves".In "Emma", Jane Austen writes that "Percy was a week at Cromer once".Charles Dickens visited Yarmouth in 1949 and used it as a setting for "David Copperfield".Poets.William Wordsworth is associated with his beloved Lake District but his sister, Dorothy, moved to live with her uncle at Forncett St Peter rectory in 1788.Wordsworth visited her in Norfolk and his uncle was going to find him a local parish; his uncle then discovered that Wordsworth had fathered an illegitimate child in France and Wordsworth's chances of religious life in Norfolk ended although his career as a romantic poet took off.Lord Byron's famous poem, "Don Juan", was influenced by the experiments with Italian ottava rima narrative form by John Hookham Frere, whose family home was Roydon, Norfolk.A very early writer, Geoffrey Chaucer, mentions the "Holy Cross of Bromholm" in "The Canterbury Tales".Two poet laureates have Norfolk connections.John Skelton, who is thought to have been born in Diss in the 15th century, styled himself as a poet laureate; in the 20th century, John Betjeman visited Diss in 1963, became fond of the town, and later wrote "Dear Mary, Yes, it will be bliss, To go with you by train to Diss" to Mary Wilson, wife of the former prime minister.
Percy The Train Percy Pulls The Seaside Train (Thomas The Tank Engine Board Books) Under $50
Percy The Train See Percy Pulls the Seaside Train (Thomas the Tank Engine Board Books) Details
List Price : Price :
as of 2012-08-31 11:34 AM
Percy Pulls the Seaside Train (Thomas the Tank Engine Board Books) Reviews
Percy The Train : Percy Pulls the Seaside Train (Thomas the Tank Engine Board Books) Reviews
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› Be the first to review this item on Amazon.com A Good Culinary Arts School Can Get You Cooking As a Professional Chef
Who doesn't love food?There is basically no other subject that connects individuals from all avenues of life more than food.Food is one thing that you can appreciate of another culture without even understanding the culture in question at all.Generally there are three sorts of food lovers -- eaters, cookers and real foodies (those who love to eat, really like to cook, and love to think, talk and read about eating and cooking).If you are on the team who enjoys cooking great food and then sharing it with others, then maybe a career in the culinary profession is for you.In that case you will probably want to get going down the right path by enrolling in one of the excellent culinary schools that are available to help you on your way.Cooking is the Delicious Science.While many people are pretty sound cooks and some are even terrific cooks, the truth is that not many people have the expertise needed to be outstanding in a professional cooking career without additional training.This is exactly where a course of study at a culinary arts school can be of great help.Even if you already know how to cook pretty darn well, you can always improve.A series of classes will further prepare you to work in a commercial kitchen because cooking for yourself in a home kitchen is very different from cooking in a commercial environment for customers who pay you to perform at your best.Not only will you master the essentials, but you will also find yourself subjected to a whole world of culinary pleasures that you may not have even known existed.Even the best natural cooks have a limited amount of understanding of the food universe outside of their own area.Culinary schools allow you to break out of your comfort zone as a chef and take chances that you may normally not take in the kitchen, perhaps with good results.From Boiling Water to Baked Alaska and Even Further.From a "water burner" to individuals who have been touched by culinary greatness, there is a place in cooking academies for every level of expertise.Culinary arts schools are places where the standard skills may be mastered, but also a place where the more sophisticated techniques and tips can be learned from those who are professional in their chosen field.For those who don't need the foundational skills, a school has the potential to open doors for you in terms of learning trade secrets of top culinary chefs, exposing you to brand new cultures, ideas and ingredients that take menus from great to spectacular, and giving you the opportunity to network and connect with those in the industry that you should know, even if you don't realize it now.The Fundamentals Will Be Just Your Appetizer.Beyond the common programs offered at culinary arts training classes are much more sophisticated courses.Often these are recommendation based or even one-on-one programs made available to particularly talented students.Many times a school may have programs which allows them to cooperate with other advanced schools to enable students to move directly to a position in their programs without having to qualify for and wait for a position.Sophisticated learning programs can train you specific skills in a wide variety of areas.You could learn the particulars of a particular type of cultural cuisine, come to be an expert in a certain cooking style or genre, or work your way up to being a master chef in a food field of your picking such as cakes or seafood.If you're crazy about food and would like to have a rewarding, enjoyable, fulfilling career, then a culinary arts degree may be the perfect menu choice.Culinary schools are easier to get accepted to, more cost friendly and more widely offered than ever before.So what are you waiting for? Place an order for the perfect career, serve yourself up the opportunity to earn a culinary arts degree and get cooking!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Rap Music - The New Frontier? HipHopology 101
ROLL CALL.During the early to mid '70s, visionaries like Kool DJ Herc introduced new ideas to the way music was played.Like some other music-loving 'bredren and sistren' along with myself, Kool DJ Herc was born in Kingston, Jamaica.Following the footsteps of Jamaicans that came before him, he relocated to the Bronx, NYC and took root.With a sound system like no other, there was always a party when Herc spun records.Folks from all city boroughs showed up, and brought their friends.Most of them had never experienced anything like Herc's thunder in the clubs or at 'block parties,' where he was a hometown favorite.There'll be more on these unique, social gatherings a little later.Kool DJ Herc was one of those cats that was thinking outside the box for a long time, and inspired other DJs to follow suit.Everywhere Herc touched down, he left a distinctive mark imprinted in the minds, bodies, and souls of music lovers in and around the vicinity.Afrika Bambaataa was homegrown in the Bronx.He is best-known for taking the radical, independent factions of the Hip-Hop lifestyle and organizing it all into an urban music society.And for being the first rapper, ever.In 1984, he worked on the song "Unity" with the recently departed Godfather of Soul, James Brown.(We're gonna miss ya, 'Soul Brother #1.') By mixing block parties with DJs and break-dancers, he synergized all the varying entities of Hip-Hop through his Zulu Nation.The Zulus educated inner-city youth about their history and empowered them to be productive citizens.His ears were open to all types of music as he became a catalyst for blending rhythmic styles from Africa with Funk, Go-Go, Jazz, Reggae, Rock, Salsa and Soca for the first time in music history.Bambaataa's affiliations included the Rock Steady Crew and Double Dutch Girls.There was also a spray-painting graffiti artist who parlayed his love for 'visual art' into being the host of a popular show that engaged the minds of America's Black and White youth.It ended up changing Rap music history all over the world.Now with a 'retired' can of spray paint, Yo MTV Raps' Fab 5 Freddy was also a key player in the classic film, "New Jack City." There'll be more on that captured moment in time a little later, after we finish up with Afrika Bambaataa (& friends), and dig further into the chapter. there's some real meat in thar! That's what's up.Afrika Bambaataa became a major music producer in his own right.He spent a lot of time logged in at Tommy Boy Records between 1982 and 2005.While there, he produced a huge hit for the New York club and radio scene, 1982's "Funky Sensation." To me, that song defined a new era of music for both myself and the City of New York."Funky Sensation" helped to establish a path that many dance music producers followed, well into the new millennium.Another historical Rap label that Bambaataa put some time in with was Profile Records.Profile was the home of a trio that made music history. Run-DMC and the late Jam Master Jay.Their chronicles defined the next wave of Hip-Hop and fashion by way of brimmed Fedoras, leather pants, blues jeans, and unlaced, Adidas sneakers.During the winter, they sported snorkels with fur around the hood.In New York winters of the 70s, we sported hats like Kangols (still popular) and 'Robin Hoods'(with side feathers) on the dome.Some folks liked toboggins and ski caps for their 'masking' feature.Brooklyn later picked up a pseudonym--Crooklyn.Our 70s fashion also consisted of colorful silk shirts (Versace predecessors), polyester pants with stitched pleats running down the sides called Swedish Knits, and bell-bottom blue jeans with zippers at the foot.Squares (L-7's) wore no name 'rejects,' but our popular footwear included Converse All-Stars, red, black and green Pro Keds, Pumas (my favorite were rust-colored), PONY's, and shell-toe Adidas.We had interesting acronyms for the latter two brands."I could tell you, but." you know the story.Looking back now, I notice that Adidas kept the same body style longer than the Ford Explorer did! My New York winter-wear included snorkels, sheepskins, leathers, 'Maxie' and 'Cortefiel' coats with soft fur on the collar; they were the rage.People got stuck up (ganked) for them, too.I once witnessed someone grab a friend's hat right off his head - as the train doors closed (this guy was quick!).Some of my 'classic' garments are still intact. a black Robin Hood hat with a now-wilted side feather, a colorful, winged (big collar) polyester shirt with a Disco theme on the front, my sky-blue high school graduation three-piece suit, 'Mack' full-length Maxie coat (it looked good; mom made it), and black Cortefiel coat are all stashed somewhere around Area 51.Don't ask me what I'm going to do with them, but my coats still have fur around the collar.Does "E.T.W." (Extra Terrestrial Wear) sound catchy to you? Let's check in with 'Rush' (Phat Farms), 'P-D' (Sean John), 'J to the Z' and 'Double D' (RocaWear), 'Fiddy' (G-Unit), and WTC (Wu Wear) for the final answer.I'm being told to nix the trip down memory lane and stick to the script, so it's back to the original 'bad boys' of 80s Rap.Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay opened up Pandora's box with their classic hit "Rock Box." I got a premonition of what was around the corner for Rock and Rap early on. sampled 'guitar crunches' fused with 'dem phat Hip-Hop beats, boyee!' Then the crystal ball revealed something else to me - up jumped Def Jam Recordings, LL Cool J, Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys, all using overdriven guitar sounds riding along with the big, deep 808 beat that caused car trunks (and the inside of your body) to vibrate.Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay un-laced their Adidas and went on to re-make Rock group Aerosmith's classic "Walk This Way," then invited the original rockers to get in on it.Along the way, Run-DMC sold a 'few million' records.In the background was one Russell Simmons, pushing buttons on his remote control.Then he got a cellphone.But before groups like Run-DMC made it to the game, there was one of the first major league rappers--Afrika Bambaataa.Oh yeah; along with his group The Soulsonic Force, Bambaataa fired off a ground-breaking shot remembered as being 'most strategically launched' from the annals of New York's urban jungle.When the classic "Planet Rock" hit Billboard's charts (it hit the year 1982 in a BIG way too), the song considerably changed music history.It used a similar robotic, vocoder-like sound as the one found in Kraftwerk's smash "Trans-Europe Express." "Planet Rock" was a smorgasbord of cool electronic sounds and Hip-Hop beats.Meshed together with samples from other records, it captured the attention of music lovers caught dancing to the non-stop, funky sensation of this incredible new beat.Afrika Bambaataa's Electro-Funk style went on to influence the sound of music styles like Dance, Electronic, House, and Techno.If a sound system exists anywhere in the galaxy, I predict that "Planet Rock" will rock it.In the meantime, you can listen out for this classic hit on Internet radio, satellite radio, broadcast radio, clubs and dance parties everywhere.'Nuff said--next!Creative minds of legendary pioneers such as Russell "Rush" Simmons, Eddie Cheeba, Spoonie G, Lovebug Starski, The Juice Crew, Marley Marl, MC Shan and D.J.Hollywood are also among those credited as being key leaders in the surge that brought Rap music and Hip-Hop culture to mainstream society.Many people may think the Sugar Hill Gang was one of a few initiating forces in Rap, but there were actually many other hot acts out there grinding to earn their dues --like those affiliated with Rush Productions.Rush was building a name for itself as a music promotion company to be noticed.I'll expound upon the meteoric rise of the dynamic institution which followed this event shortly thereafter.With affiliations everywhere and credits that include the timely debut of Hip-Hop players like Kurtis Blow, Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Scott La Rock, DJ Red Alert, and countless other faces hidden in the trenches, Rush was on a mission to conquer the world.The first-generation of Rap and Hip-Hop spawned a godfather, Russell Simmons, in addition to all these other creative talents.Collectively and in unison, they helped to centralize the cultural origins and sound of this music for an evolving world.The second-generation leaders of this new movement would include Russell's little brother Joseph, who along with Darryl McDaniels and the late Jason Mizell, made up Run-DMC. the first artists of their kind to go platinum by selling a million Rap records on Profile Records.This was just the beginning; Def Jam Recordings was on the way.Now let's connect the dots with Sugar Hill. Back in 1957, a group called Mickey & Sylvia recorded a Bo Diddley song, "Love Is Strange." Guitarist Mickey Baker and a vocalist named Sylvia Vanderpool established themselves in the music market as a potential hit-making duo.In 1964, Sylvia married a man named Joe Robinson.Their union led to the formation of a legacy that wouldn't play itself fully out until the Rap craze hit.In 1973, Sylvia rolled the dice and released a huge hit, "Pillow Talk." This song established a format that would be followed straight into the Disco heydays.Originally written for Al Green, his pass became Sylvia's score when it tallied up a #1 R&B and #3 Pop hit."Pillow Talk" was a sexy song that featured lots of heavy breathing, whispers, sighs and moans.It's reminiscent of Donna Summer's classic hit, "Love to Love You Baby.".Sylvia Robinson synergized her abilities as a singer, musician, producer, and record executive to take her whole game to another level.As a key player at All Platinum Records, she had a hand in Shirley & Company's 1975 hit "Shame Shame Shame." This became a top dance song, and hit #12 on the Pop charts.By 1979, Englewood, New Jersey's Sugar Hill Gang busted a big move by releasing a classic, "Rapper's Delight." In the background were Sylvia, Joe, and their Sugar Hill Record label.Passing their genes on to son Joey, Sugar Hill's West Street Mob went on to release hits like "Ooh Baby" and "Sing A Simple Song/Another Muther For Ya." Other aces in the deck included groups called The Sequence and The Funky 4+1.They scored a few hits with "Funk You Up," "Simon Says," and "That's the Joint," which used a nice sample from my girl Cheryl Lynn's song "Got To Be Real." We'll be taking her song apart and putting it back together again in another chapter of this book series, "What Is A Song.".Using finance money from Roulette Records chief Morris Levy (you can find out more about this guy in the book "Hit Men"--a highly-recommended favorite of mine."I could tell you more, but." You know the drill.As Sugar Hill grew, so did its artist roster, with the addition of Grandmaster Flash and his collective unit, The Furious Five.Although the Sugar Hill owners paid up a big balance and purchased the remaining interest in their company by the early 80's, things began to sour for them. a deal with MCA Records died and a fire toasted their legendary studio.The label eventually shut it doors by 1986.Almost 10 years later, retail-friendly Rhino Records picked up the Sugar Hill catalog and resuscitated the masters in the same way that they've done with many other lost or obscure masters.Through creative re-packaging, Rhino went on to revitalize the music (and some careers) of artists that were probably still waiting on royalties from the previous owners of their master recordings.The Sugar Hill Gang, West Street Mob and Sequence all have been released on various Sugar Hill compilations.An interesting occurrence after the Sugar Hill assault was the massive availability of the sequencer, drum machine, synthesizer, sampler and MIDI around the early 80s.'Creatives' and 'infamists' among the likes of Russell Simmons, Rick Rubin, The Bomb Squad and producer Marley Marl locked themselves up in 'Big Apple laboratories' coming up with the next lethal mix of sound.When released, Def Jam and the 'Sound of Marl' quickly put music listeners into a 'yoke' as concoctions they whipped up became highly potent chemicals on the proverbial 'periodic music table of elements' upon hitting the airwaves; through radio station, mobile and club DJs.I cannot over-emphasize it enough. 'BIG UPS' to these guys! After the creative synergy of vocalists, musicians and producers, DJs are credited as being one of the most direct pipelines to exciting new music.You should take note that "DJ" makes up the initials of Def Jam.Now let's keep the record playing; teacher's not through with today's lesson yet.Independent labels like Profile, Sugar Hill, Priority, 4th.& Broadway and Tommy Boy scooped up young, talented Hip-Hop artists.Major labels like Columbia, Epic, MCA, Mercury and Warner Brothers got an early jump on the game as they formed alliances with Rap labels and artists.Moves like these were executed through street-savvy labels like Def Jam.It grew into the premier, multi-faceted music conglomerate of the century.Started in a college dorm room, Def Jam is now managed from a corporate boardroom, and worth hundreds of millions.Founder Russell Simmons parted from his share of the company in 1999, after the Universal Music Group made him a $100 million offer that he couldn't refuse.We're not talking pesos here, folks! Let's breeze through a few landmark events regarding Def Jam Recordings. In 1983, the company was founded by Russell, who was called "Rush" when he was business partners with one Rick Rubin.Before this form of osmosis occurred, Simmons 'did the business' behind pioneers like Kurtis Blow, the first Rap artist with a major record deal.He signed on with Mercury Records; it was a part of the PolyGram distribution machine.The label went on to forge a long-lasting relationship with Kurtis Blow, Russell 'Rush' Simmons, and his growing company.In spring of 1984, I began a two season internship with Def Jam's distributor.By fall quarter, I was a college rep.During Def Jam's first decade, I marketed and promoted every record released through the pipeline.This included music by the distributor's affiliated Epic label.Epic was born to CBS Records (a division of CBS, Inc.) during the early 50s.It was a cute little Classical/Jazz label and grew to be a strong, healthy major label with many active body parts (Rock, R&B, Country).Epic picked up other siblings.One of them was T-Neck Records.An influential Soul/R&B/Funk collective of the 50s, 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond the new millennium terrain, The Isley Brothers ran a music empire tucked inside this fully-functional sibling unit's clothes.And bank account--let's call it a budget.Another sibling was Portrait Records.By the 80's, Portrait had sold millions of records by major stars like Cyndi Lauper, Sade and Stanley Clarke.Since Epic was the oldest kid, it acquired a firm place in history as the foundation that supported the throne of none other than the King of Pop music, Michael Jackson.As a matter of fact, the former lead singer of Motown's Jackson Five actively participated (along with wildly colorful CBS Records group president Walter Yetnikoff) in the disbursement of CBS' unwanted offspring (CBS Records, Inc.) to the Sony Corporation in 1988.By 2004, Sony Music Entertainment had consolidated its monster Columbia and Epic labels, then merged with another major record label. BMG.On the Internet, iTunes was selling millions of digital downloads.But that's a story for later.Stay tuned.Def Jam product began flowing through shortly after I jumped in the big game to see if I could swim.I witnessed the music of many groundbreaking artists 'rushed' through the system.Notable executives like Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles entered the fold, as promoters like Wes Johnson and Johnnie Walker locked down efforts to turn the airwaves into 'Def Jam radio.' Def Jam became one of the hottest commodities in distribution by the other major label within a major label.This record company made its mark by using a red trademark on the product it manufactured.Columbia Records was the big brother of Def Jam. the hottest Rap label in the Hip-Hop market.Def Jam had million-selling acts like LL Cool J, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, and later arrivals like DMX, then Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records.Columbia, also known as "Big Red," was owned by music giant CBS Records.By 1991, CBS Records was purchased by the Sony Corporation for some $2 billion that I'll say came out of the 'petty cash fund' (they had OLD money, and plenty of it).CBS Records later became Sony Music Entertainment.If you haven't guessed already (where've you been?), here's a prediction. you'll read about more adventures with 'the firm' as we move along.Between all of this 'promoting' (as a college rep), I managed getting an introduction to Russell Simmons at a Jack The Rapper convention in Atlanta by Columbia's national director of Black music promotion, Miss Mike Bernardo, who is such a sweet lady.At this time, she was next in line to the vice-president of Columbia's national promotion department. Vernon Slaughter and Mike Bernardo were responsible for the overall performance of Columbia's Black radio and club promotion department.Vernon later became one of Atlanta's top power brokers.He was LaFace Record's first general manager, personally signing artists like Toni Braxton to the label.He later became a key player at a law firm headed up by powerhouse entertainment lawyer Joel Katz, and was the legal muscle behind many artist deals, movie soundtracks and no telling what else!As vice-president and national director respectively, Vernon and Mike implemented the national strategies set forth by Columbia.The staff consisted of dozens of regional promotion people strategically placed in key American cities.Throughout my career at the label Vernon, Mike, and the promotion people I knew showed me plenty of love, and were first-class players in the game, too.Not long after Def Jam's arrival, I became an account service rep, then a Black music marketing rep for Sony's southeast regional branch in Atlanta.I doubt if there was any connection.Anyway, Def Jam left Sony for PolyGram in 1994 (also the year that I parted company with Sony and launched a recording studio); that same year, PolyGram purchased 50% of Sony's holdings in Def Jam.By 1996, PolyGram bought another 10%, and in 1998 the Universal Music Group (UMG) acquired PolyGram Group Distribution (PGD) to become the world's biggest record label.After a series of major operational changes, longtime staffers Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles severed ties with Def Jam, which by now had grown to include other hot labels like Atlanta-based Def Jam South (headed up by The Geto Boys' Mr.Scarface), Disturbing Tha Peace (Ludacris), Def Soul, Jay-Z, Damon Dash and Roc-A-Fella.Though DMX's product was released through Def Jam, his Ruff Ryders crew got a label deal with Interscope.In the post Cohen/Liles era, former LaFace/Arista big-wig L.A.Reid re-appeared at the helm of the big ship.Then, multi-platinum rapper Jay-Z became the new chief of Def Jam (now part of Island Def Jam Music Group), proving that he too, could do what Rap music guru Russell Simmons' legendary rapper Kurtis Blow said he wanted to do. 'Rule The World.'.The future of Def Jam included plans for more affiliations with labels like Atlanta's Slip-N-Slide Records (Ying Yang Twins).Atlanta was now a city on the move, and Simmons made it a frequent stop on his international itinerary.From Rush Productions and Kurtis Blow to Def Jam, OBR and Rush Associated Labels, to Rush Communications and Phat Farms, the Visa 'Rush Card,' a beautiful model-wife and kids, to astronomic amounts of future cash flow, Russell Simmons demonstrated his ability to serve as the Rap game's foremost guiding hand.And 'head of the household,' too.He was the proverbial captain of a ship, navigating through those often-bumpy waters of the constantly shifting Rap/Hip-Hop industry.Def Jam Recordings became an extraordinary multimedia company because of a determined visionary's ability to reach out and touch people-- through the power of Rap music and the Hip-Hop culture.Simply put, none of these entities could be spoken of without mention of the great and powerful, "Mr.Rush.".
Percy The Train Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway Diesel Works Set With Percy Sale
Percy The Train See Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway Diesel Works Set With Percy Details
List Price : $139.99 Price : $96.79
as of 2012-08-30 11:34 PM
Product Description
Inspired by the DVD "Day of the Diesels", little engineers can take Percy on an adventure through the Diesel Works. This set features multiple areas to lift and load cargo along with the red glowing diesel shed. Take the engines for a ride through the red glowing diesel shed with Diesel 10 resting inside. The engines can chug onto the turntable that raises and lowers where they can choose the gantry cran to lift and lower cargo, or the zip line that lifts the red hot cargo. Little engineers will have hours of fun recreating the adventure at the Diesel Works. Age grade 3 years and above.
Features include:
•Inspired by the DVD Day of the Diesels
•Includes Percy, Diesel 10, and a cargo car with cargo
•Shed glows red
•Light and load the ccargo with crane or zip line
•Ages 3 and up
- Inspired by the DVD Day of the Diesels
- Includes Percy, Diesel 10, and a cargo car with cargo
- Shed glows red
- Light and load the ccargo with crane or zip line
- Ages 3 and up
Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway Diesel Works Set With Percy Reviews
Percy The Train : Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway Diesel Works Set With Percy Reviews
| 6 of 6 people found the following review helpful  Poorly designed ..., = Durability: = Fun: = Educational: This review is from: Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway Diesel Works Set With Percy (Toy) My 3 y/o is a huge Thomas fan and, between Christmas and his birthday, he received 7 or 8 wooden railway sets. We put together the Diesel Works last night, and I was not impressed. Every Learning Curve set has been sturdy/durable enough to justify the cost, except this one. In fact, I was prompted to write this review by a child crying in the throes of frustration. I agree with the previous review on most if not all points. The Good: Diesel 10's shed with lights and sound is fun, I like the configuration and turntable. The Bad: The "zip line" is 4 interlocking pieces that come apart very easily. It does not help that one of the 2 buildings (smelter house) connected by the zip line is not attached to the track, and therefore, does not stay in place (contributing to the zip line falling apart). The smelter house also has a plastic chute attachment that does not stay in place during play. The Diesel Wall simply rests against the Diesel shed and is prone to falling over. The... Read more 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful Fun, yes, but I expected more for my $, = Durability: = Fun: = Educational: Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway Diesel Works Set With Percy (Toy) My child is a huge fan of Thomas and Friends. He likes the recent movie, Day of the Diesels, quite a bit so I thought I would get him the set for Christmas.What is good about the set is that it is compatible with wooden track pieces from other manufacturers eg. Ikea. The actual Diesel Shed is pretty fun (it glows, makes noise and talks like Diesel 10). However, here is what is not so good: - the zip line that connects the Smelters and blue Cargo Loading Station does not stay in place - the large Welcome-to-the-Diesel Works sign and piece that make up the back of the Diesel Works are not attached to the Diesel Shed (as one is led to believe from the Amazon picture). They are separate pieces that keep tipping over - my child has two different types of Thomas and Friends wooden trains. The "chunkier" wooden trains are too tall to fit the openings of the Diesel Works back piece or to travel under the blue Cargo Loading Station -the crane is made from... Read more A great addition for creating memories, By = Durability: = Fun: = Educational: Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: Thomas And Friends Wooden Railway Diesel Works Set With Percy (Toy) Santa brought Diesel Works to our 4 year old son. He loves it. He has watched Day of the Diesels many times and has memorized many of the scenes and acts them out using the new Diesel Works. He is so happy and we love watching his little imagination while he plays. I think the only disappointment is in Day of the Diesels, Diesel Works is 2 stories and and this is only 1 level. To get around it, he has built this on blocks sometimes. |
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