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10 Well Known Songs…About Floors!

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Who would have thought that floors were so popular in the realm of music? From pop songs to rock anthems, it’s natural that the dance floor would inspire some of the greatest hits of the last century and indeed the 21st century as well.

But in the case of British institutions like Magazine and American singer Chris Whitley, floors are used to pay homage to literature and even take on a more poetic meaning. If you’re unfamiliar with some of the best floor-inspired lyrics out there, here’s a quick rundown of the top ten.

Killing Floor – Howlin’ Wolf

The 60s original has been covered by the illustrious likes of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Led Zeppelin, but it was blues musician Howlin’ Wolf who first made it a classic.

Chester Arthur Burnett, as he was otherwise known, recorded the song and its now-iconic riff back in 1964 with guitarist Hubert Sumlin, who claimed the lyrics described the sometimes destructive relationships between men and women.

The Damned – Under The Floor Again

The Damned began recording together at the height of the British punk movement in 1976, but it was not until the early 80s and their fifth studio album that this low-key song came about.

Never released as a single, it remains a favourite if a little obscure – track with the legions of Damned fans for its lyrical meanderings and the slightly Eastern vibe of the music.

A Song From under the Floorboards – Magazine

Magazine are another UK band to have proved their longevity, albeit at the expense of a near-twenty-year split from 1981 to 2009.

The 1980 single ‘A Song from under the Floorboards’ didn’t make much of an impression in sales but has come to be one of the group’s most memorable, not least because of its re-telling of Notes from Underground by Russian writer Dostoyevsky.

Floorshow – The Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy may have a forgiving name but the 80s rock trio have been through their fair share of band members and break-ups. Formed in Leeds, they’d been going a full decade before releasing this Goth rock anthem in 1990.

Going beyond the dance floor into the murky world of the strip club, the album of the same name was the band’s last official release, though they’re still touring today.

Blood on the Dance Floor – Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s 1997 track was originally written six years earlier for the album ‘Dangerous’ but only released as part of the remix collection ‘Blood on the Dance Floor: History in the Mix’.

The dark story of a murderess called Susie who stalks the night clubs with a knife at the ready was put to a snappy beat and aggressive rhythm by producer Teddy Riley.

Though its release was delayed, the song ended up a no.1 hit in the UK and charted in the top ten in 15 countries worldwide.

I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor – The Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys stormed the charts back in 2005 with the stomping dance floor hit that both made their debut and quickly stamped their name all over the UK indie scene.

The album from which the song was taken ‘Whatever they say I am, that’s what I’m not’ made record history by outselling Oasis and taking the title of fastest selling musical debut in Britain.

The Golden Floor – Snow Patrol

SnoW Patrol have enjoyed enduring success throughout the past decade and the Irish/Scottish five-piece continued their popular brand of melodic indie-rock with this gentle offering from the album ‘A Hundred Million Suns’ in 2008.

More than a little different to the usual up-tempo dance floor tunes, the song instead enacts a private dance by the fireside.

Dirt Floor – Chris Whitley

For something still more alternative, ‘Dirt Floor’ was a late-90s song and album by Texas singer-songwriter Chris Whitley.

The album received critical acclaim and the track is a typical example of Whitley’s sincere, blues-influenced style. Here, the floor is simply a reference to how all lives end, without being overly maudlin in its lyrics or attitude.

Take Me on the Floor – The Veronicas

The Australian duo The Veronicas took on the dance floor anthem with this 2009 release and saw the song used for reality TV show ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Some controversy over its potentially bisexual lyrics was brushed aside by the twins Lisa and Jessica Origliasso, who wrote the tune along with Toby Gad.

Whether it’s just about the fun of a night out or something more, it was a commercial hit.

On the Floor – Jennifer Lopez

We come bang up-to-date with Jennifer Lopez’s 2011 dance hit ‘On the Floor’, recorded with rapper Pitbull and drawing from both the singer’s Latina roots and modern electro-pop music.

Sampling the ever-popular ‘Lambada’ by Kaoma, it was a commercial success worldwide and proved yet again, the ingenuity of the dance floor concept in song.

Whether it’s a party tune to get the toes tapping, or a more personal offering about romance, regret or even death, the floor has proved itself a worthy lyrical device. So next time you’re stuck for inspiration, it’s comforting to know that some of the best and most popular musical ideas have come from the most basic and humble of human needs.

Attached Images:

This guest post was contributed by COBA Europe; One of the UK’s leading suppliers of Anti-Fatigue Matting, Entrance Matting and Rubber Flooring.





The Gift of Giving – Ways to Give Back During the Holidays

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This is the time of year everyone begins wondering how they can give back, yet others are still wondering what the joy is in giving. Joy is that moment that you have given, when you see someone’s appreciation in his or her eye; a tear that falls down his or her face, knowing that you have done something to truly help someone. Sometimes just doing something good lifts a person’s spirits, even if they do not get to see a response. Below are a few ideas of how you can give back during the holidays.


Donate to charity – During the holiday season you will surely see the “Marine Toys for Tots Foundation” with the big boxes in front of stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, etc. This would be a great way to donate, go into the store and purchase a small toy and drop it off before leaving. Donate $1 to $5 to a charity in someone’s name. There are other charities such as the Make-a-Wish foundation and UNICEF. Always make sure to check with the Better Business Bureau before donating money to ensure they are legit.

Adopt a child for the holidays – You know those Christmas trees in the store that have a star or a child’s name on them. The backs always have one wish of what the kid would like, sometimes it is something simple like a jacket, shoes or socks and others they are requesting a Barbie, etc.

Leave a treat – Leave a goodie or a gift for someone not expecting it. An example might be an elderly neighbor that never seems to get visitors. Pop in a card in their mailbox or a plate of cookies for them or a fruit tray.

Donate items – This time of year you will see many places calling for donations. You can donate old or new jackets, clothes, gently used toys, canned goods, pet food, etc.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen – Find a soup kitchen in your area and volunteer for a few hours, a weekend, etc. You will be amazed with how many people really need a meal, but it will feel amazing seeing the gratitude on their face and you give them a spoonful of soup or another dish they are waiting on. The truth is you will not only be helping yourself by volunteering to do something good, but you are helping the person that needs that meal and your community. Soup kitchens are by donations only, this is not a profit organization, they only stay running with volunteers and donations of food items and/or monetary donations. Do not worry if you are not a cook, you can help serve, wash dishes, greet guests, etc. There is always a job if you want to volunteer.

Apart from being a licensed veterinarian, Susan Wright is also a freelance writer. Susan enjoys sharing gift giving ideas for friends, family and pets.

How Much Can Your Old Movie Posters Worth?

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Many collectors of movie posters are wondering what the posters are worth. Movie posters can provide some extra money for those who want to liquidate. Vintage photographs can actually be worth a lot if they are kept in good condition. Obtaining pricing for posters can be difficult, but there are a few criteria that every vintage photo must meet. Here are a few tips:

1. Keep the Poster in Good Condition

For the highest value, the poster should be in incredible condition. There should be no scratches, wrinkles, fading and scrapes. Every old movie poster should be placed in a poster frame. The poster frames should not allow UV-rays to permeate the glass. The frame should also not break if the picture falls on the ground.

2. Know the Demand

The value of your poster will depend on the demand. If the poster is in high demand, good condition and is one of a few on the market, the poster’s value will rise. If no demand exists, the poster’s value will be low. The value will also be low if there is demand and plenty of supply. You must have a poster that other people do not have and everyone wants. All of your posters should be kept in good condition. You never know when the demand will increase.

3. Volume

Unfortunately for collectors, the value of vintage movie posters rises and falls like the ebb and flow of the ocean. If there are only five to 10 copies of a movie poster, the demand for the poster will be greater than if there were 10,000 copies of a poster. When you purchase a poster, know the volume of the poster to determine the approximate value. For instance, a low volume poster may be worth $500, and a high volume poster may be worth $100. The value is highly dependent upon the total volume in circulation.

4. Era

Typically, the value of an older poster will be worth more than a newer poster. Many posters can be worth more if the posters are kept in dimly lit rooms. Some well-preserved older posters are worth more than some antiques. Posters that come from the first runs are likely to be worth more than a poster that was created at a later time period. Cult movie posters are often worth more also.

Find Out How Much Your Old Posters are Worth

Find out how much your old movie posters are worth. When you are ready to sell, you will know what the posters are worth. Talking to vintage sellers will help you determine how much your old posters are worth. It is best to be prepared before you are ready to sell. This will help you get the best price for your movie posters. If you follow these tips, you will be better prepared to sell for a more substantial sum.

Written by Kerstin K.

Kerstin has a strong passion in graphic design. She works in a printing service company in Sydney. Kerstin knows back to front of her clients’ needs, she is an expert in producing large format printing and designing personalised gift for any occasions.

Practical Feng Shui for the Home

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Feng Shui for many people is something mysterious and somehow magical. But if you analyze the basic principles of this ancient Chinese art, they are in fact rational whether you believe it or otherwise. This system of beliefs lies on the theory that energy flows through everything. It is the practice of placing objects in such a manner that they allow and not hinder the proper flow of energy. Arranging the home the Chinese way brings luck even to the non-believer. Here’s how:

Doors

Make the flow of chi (positive energy) from the front entrance to the back door continuous and unhindered. Doorways should be cleared – no big furniture or seats should block the way. This makes sense – who wants to hit her shins against a carelessly-positioned chair, anyway? Hang wind chimes outside huge doors to deflect sha, or negative energy. Aesthetic-wise, they make nice accents as well, to break the monotony and massiveness of the wood.

Stairways

Poorly positioned stairways deflect chi that enters from the front door. Stairways that are opposite front doors direct good vibes into the second floor, thus starving the ground floor. In a practical sense, such accessibility also poses danger should anyone break into your house.

Winding staircases – not spiral staircases that seem to bore a hole into the earth – are ideal for the flow of chi.  They are good for small units because they don’t take up so much space.

Dining room

Round tables signify stability and the Earth (and money), so get one for your dining area. Round tables also encourage participation of everyone during dinner conversations.

Kitchen

Your sinks represents water and your stove signifies fire, which are two clashing elements, so these two shouldn’t be placed side by side. Besides, imagine the damage if you accidentally splash water on your electric stove! Remedy with a wooden plank or counter in between (the wood represents earth, which balances the two out).

While you’re at it, paint your kitchen white, a “reflection of purity” – and a color that makes it easy to spot stains.

Toilets in the kitchen are a definite no-no because they produce negative vibes (the flushing action of the toilet represents the flushing down of wealth, which is symbolized by the food in the kitchen). They produce diseases, too.

Bedroom

The Chinese carry their deceased feet first out the door, so never sleep with your feet directly towards the doorway. Besides, you wouldn’t want anyone to look up your nightgown, would you? It is not advisable to hang picture frames on the wall behind your bed as doing so may bring you nightmares and unhealthy results. Do not place your bed too close to the window as well to prevent bad dreams. Your bedroom must not be situated very near to the kitchen as the latter is related to fire which is a symbol that could be very fatal to anyone’s bedroom.

Lastly, placing a mirror right in front of your bed is also a no-no because they are said to be the hiding place of ghosts and other earthly creatures that you don’t want to see.

Keeping these Feng Shui tips in mind can be advantageous especially if you intend to sell the property sooner or later. You might not expect it but there are actually quite a number of people who value this oriental concept in home building. It will be easier to sell your unit as even believers will be drawn in by how your unit’s design agree with the dynamics of Feng Shui. On the other hand, potential clients who don’t really buy this superstition will most likely just shrug it off and not care whether or not the unit’s design adheres to such principle.

Meanwhile, if you are not too sure about the authenticity of this concept, perhaps you just have to decide based on the premise that following the principles of Feng Shui poses no direct harm on your home, the inhabitants, and your budget. It does not necessarily entail a lot of bizarre addition to the home fixtures, nor does it require bigger funds for home building, so you might as well give it a try. While it may or may not directly bring in “luck” and prosperity to the home, it could heighten your earning potential especially if you are building for real estate business.

Cedric Loiselle is an experienced writer who enjoys imparting useful information to many readers. The topics he usually writes about include finance, home improvement, relationships, and health. Looking for a good property manager? He can give sound referrals be it for Louisiana, Baton Rouge, or New Orleans property management.

My favorite birthday meal

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Yum. There’s nothing like a delicious birthday meal. It was my birthday on Thursday and while my husband and I didn’t do anything major to celebrate it we didn’t have a very nice steak dinner that night. A lovely barbecued mesquite steak, with steamed asparagus and sweet potato fries.

Then, last night, my mother-in-law, came in to town. We were all supposed to go away this weekend but in the end I decided to stay home. However, since my mother-in-law was staying over last night before she and my husband took a long drive to the Ottawa area she offered to buy me a birthday dinner. She suggested Chinese food.

I’m a little leery of Asian food because I’m allergic to Shrimp and Shellfish but there is a very nice Thai restaurant near us that we’ve had take out from a few times since I discovered my Shrimp allergy and they totally start fresh for my order. They clean their pots and make sure that there’s no seafood or shellfish based sauces in any of the foods items we order and of course no shrimp either. So I feel very safe eating food from their restaurant.

So we ordered quite a bit of food from the Red Chilli Thai Restaurant on the Danforth in Toronto. I think it was forth or fifth time we’ve order food from that restaurant and as usual the food was delicious. I particularly love their Mango Chicken dish. It’s delicious.

There were three of us eating on Friday night and we ordered several tasty dishes. Let’s see, we ordered the Vegetarian Appetizer Plate, steamed rice, Green Curry Beef, Cashew Nut Chicken, mango chicken, and Satay Chicken, and chicken Phad Thai with three spring rolls. Now, because our order was over $50 we got the Pad Thai and spring rolls free. We also got a 10% discount for picking it up and paying cash. Pretty cool.

Needless to say we didn’t come close to finishing the food that we ordered since there were so many dishes. My husband and mother in law left early this morning on their trip and I’m here with a fridge literally full of tasty leftovers! Yum. Yep. That’s what I had for dinner tonight. Thai food. I love it. I could eat this birthday dinner every day.

What’s your favorite birthday dinner?

Red Chilli Thai Restaurant on Urbanspoon

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