The Drifters: The Best "White Christmas"

When composer Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas" in 1941, he insisted that the superstar of the day, crooner Bing Crosby, be the first to record it. Crosby's version, recorded for Decca on May 29, 1942, became the best-selling record of all time. But is it the best version of the song of wishing to be home for the holidays?

Facts of how and where Berlin wrote the song are murky, with accounts that he may have written it at one of his homes in New York or Beverly Hills; one account has the song composed poolside at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona.

Though written in 1940, the song made its first appearance in the 1942 movie Holiday Inn. As troops left home in the shadow of World War II, the song's tale of longing to be home for Christmas became more poignant... and ensured its success.

More than a hundred cover versions of "White Christmas" have been recorded, from country (Chet Atkins) to gospel (Mahalia Jackson) to rock (Elvis Presley) to modern R&B (Babyface). Even Twisted Sister recorded the song. But for many, the Drifters' 1954 version remains the gold standard.

The Drifters of the early 1950s was a group that had scored hits on the rhythm & blues charts like "Money Honey" and "Honey Love." Built around high tenor Clyde McPhatter, who had just left Billy Ward and the Dominoes, the group included Bill Pinkney, brothers Andrew and Gerhart Thrasher and Willie Ferbie.

McPhatter was a revolutionary figure, fusing his gospel style with the R&B of the era to create the template for soul music. But McPhatter, singing falsetto, shared lead vocal duties on "White Christmas" with bass man Bill Pinkney, resulting in a unique and memorable sound. But it would be years before the song would even be heard by most of America... white America.

In the early 1950s, racism prevented black groups like the Drifters from getting airplay on radio stations with white audiences. When "White Christmas" was released, it reached number 2 on Billboard's R&B chart, but only made number 80 on the pop charts. The song was rarely heard until used in the 1990 film Home Alone, lip-synched by a young Macauley Culkin, who sings into a comb as he applies his father's after shave.

The song's appearance in that hit movie (and subsequently in The Santa Clause) made the Drifters' version a staple on rock, pop and country stations every Christmas season. It even became a popular Internet cartoon by animator Joshua Held. Ironically, the song's release signaled the end to the first chapter of the Drifters' story.

Clyde McPhatter was drafted into the Army soon after the song's release and thanks to its success, Atlantic Records decided to make McPhatter a solo act. McPhatter followed with two big hits, "A Lover's Question" and "Lover Please," but his success was soon eclipsed by the soul singers he had inspired. McPhatter died in 1972.

What happened to Bill Pinkney and the other Drifters is part of rock history. In 1958, Drifters' manager George Treadwell fired the entire group at the Apollo theater, replacing them overnight with the members of the Crowns. These "new" Drifters - Ben E. King, Charlie Thomas, Doc Green and Elsbeary Hobbs - and their successors went on to become one of the most popular singing groups in history, recording iconic hits like "There Goes my Baby," "Save the Last Dance for Me," "Under the Boardwalk," and "Up on the Roof."

The last of the original Drifters, Bill Pinkney, continued to record and perform with his group until his death in 2007.

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Top 50 Music Quotations

Discover the phenomenonal complexity of music and reflect on the way it can positively influence your life with this sound collection of riveting quotes...

"Music, the greatest good that mortals know, And all of heaven we have below."
-- Joseph Addison

"Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness."
--Maya Angelou

"Music is either good or bad, and it's got to be learned. You got to have balance."
-- Louis Armstrong

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
-- Berthold Auerbach

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul."
--Johann Sebastian Bach

"Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life."
-- Ludwig van Beethoven

"Music - The one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend."
-- Ludwig van Beethoven

"Music can change the world. "
-- Ludwig Van Beethoven

"Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable."
-- Leonard Bernstein

"Music has to breathe and sweat. You have to play it live. "
-- James Brown

"Music is well said to be the speech of angels."
-- Thomas Carlyle

"All music comes from God."
-- Johnny Cash

"If you learn music, you'll learn most all there is to know. "
-- Edgar Cayce

"Music is nothing separate from me. It is me... You'd have to remove the music surgically. "
-- Ray Charles

"Good music is good no matter what kind of music it is. "
-- Miles Davis

"There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music."
-- George Eliot

"You are the music while the music lasts."
--T. S. Eliot

"We need magic, and bliss, and power, myth, and celebration and religion in our lives, and music is a good way to encapsulate a lot of it. "
-- Jerry Garcia

"Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife."
-- Kahlil Gibran

"When people hear good music, it makes them homesick for something they never had and never will have."
-- Edgar Watson Howe

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossile to be silent."
-- Victor Hugo

"The history of a people is found in its songs."
-- George Jellinek

"Music is the vernacular of the human soul."
-- Geoffrey Latham

"It requires wisdom to understand wisdom; the music is nothing if the audience is deaf."
-- Walter J. Lippmann

"Just as certain selections of music will nourish your physical body and your emotional layer, so other musical works will bring greater health to your mind."
-- Hal A. Lingerman

"Music is the harmonious voice of creation; an echo of the invisible world."
-- Giuseppe Mazzini

"Music is a beautiful opiate, if you don't take it too seriously."
-- Henry Miller

"I started making music because I could."
-- Alanis Morissette

"Music helps you find the truths you must bring into the rest of your life. "
-- Alanis Morissette

"Music is spiritual. The music business is not. "
-- Van Morrison

"Like everything else in nature, music is a becoming, and it becomes its full self, when its sounds and laws are used by intelligent man for the production of harmony, and so made the vehicle of emotion and thought."
-- Theodore Mungers

"Without music life would be a mistake."
-- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

"In music the passions enjoy themselves."
-- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

"Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art."
-- Charlie Parker

"Music should be something that makes you gotta move, inside or outside. "
-- Elvis Presley

"It's the music that kept us all intact, kept us from going crazy. "
-- Lou Reed

"The music business was not safe, but it was FUN. It was like falling in love with a woman you know is bad for you, but you love every minute with her, anyway."
-- Lionel Richie

"Music should never be harmless."
-- Robbie Robertson

"Give me a laundry list and I'll set it to music."
-- Gioacchino Antonio Rossini

"All music is important if it comes from the heart. "
-- Carlos Santana

"Music is the key to the female heart."
-- Johann G. Seume

"The best music... is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with. "
-- Bruce Springsteen

"All I try to do is write music that feels meaningful to me, that has commitment and passion behind it."
-- Bruce Springsteen

"In music one must think with the heart and feel with the brain."
--George Szell

"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest."
-- Henry David Thoreau

"For heights and depths no words can reach, music is the soul's own speech."
--Unknown

"Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us."
--Unknown

"I believe in the power of music. To me, it isn't just a fad. This is a positive thing."
-- Eddie Vedder

"Music at its essence is what gives us memories. "
-- Stevie Wonder

"There's a basic rule which runs through all kinds of music, kind of an unwritten rule. I don't know what it is. But I've got it."
-- Ron Wood

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10 Easy Christmas Songs For Guitar

Here are 10 of the most popular Christmas songs for guitar. They are pretty easy and playable by most beginners if you know your open chords and can strum a little. Play these at Christmas parties and you will be golden!

Jingle bells
Joy to the World
Frosty the Snowman
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
The First Noel
White Christmas
We Wish you a Merry Xmas
We Three Kings
O Come all ye Faithful
Deck the Halls

Here is the song Jingle Bells to get you started:

C F
Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh,
G7 C
O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way,
C F
Bells on bobtails ring, making spirits bright,
G7 C
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight, oh

Chorus:
C C7
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
F C D7 G7
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey,
C C7
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
F C G7 C
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

The chords are shown above the lyrics at the approximate time you should be playing them. You play them around the time the word shown is sung. But you strum the chord more than just one (where the chord is shown) - in other words play the chord in a strumming pattern until the next chord comes up.

For the other 9 easy Christmas guitar songs with chords and lyrics, check the blog post link below. And Merry Christmas!

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Music Ecards

In the past, the most special card we could send and receive was a music card. We savored the moment when we would open that distinctive card with the Happy Birthday song playing or that Christmas card playing Silent Night, Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland and so on.

Fast forward to the present with all the high technology and the Internet - now we have so many kinds of music Ecards available online. What's more, the music Ecards don't just play the usual birthday song and common Christmas jingles anymore. They also carry music like love songs, rock and roll, dance, pop, rap, the blues, country, jazz, reggae and folk.

The music birthday card plays the birthday song in different tempos, depending on the content of the card (slower rhythm for serious cards and faster for funny ones). A music E-card will truly add to the jubilation of the birthday celebrant. Music E-cards about love play sentimental songs couples will truly appreciate. Not just for the mushy ones, music E-cards also play rock and roll tunes. These are typically chosen by the young personalities to send to their friends.

Whether you are really into actual rock and roll music or not, the beat will definitely up your tempo and brighten up your day. The same goes for music E-cards playing dance tunes and rap songs. Music E-cards playing pop songs are selected by young individuals as well. The contemporary music, whether mellow or fast, will please the recipient especially if the song and artist/ band are his favorites at the moment. Songs made popular by boy bands, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, and other popular musicians are available. Interestingly, there are also music E-cards that play the blues, country songs and jazz. It is enjoyable to receive these especially if you are into that kind of music. Music E-cards that play reggae music are relaxing, reminiscent of the beach and its laid-back ambiance. Music E-cards that play folk music are ideal during celebrations of local events.

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Top Twenty Funeral Songs for Men and Women

A Funeral Directors List:

In days gone by, music at funerals was probably made up of the traditional funeral march and a couple of selected hymns. In most cases the service was held in a church. These days funeral music has modernized dramatically with more and more people ditching the church for a more casual chapel service. A celebration of the persons life is embraced rather than the old fashioned Bible readings.

Music at a funeral is an important part of the ceremony with most services containing 3 or 4 songs. The songs are usually reflective of what you have shared with a loved one. I have put this Top Twenty list together from my first hand experience as a Funeral Director. These songs were the most requested songs during my 15 years serving families in Australia during their time of loss.

It is interesting to note who the most popular artists are.

Top Ten Funeral Songs for Men

20. Looking Forward, Looking Back - Slim Dusty

19. Amazing Grace - Harry Secombe

18. Yesterday - The Beatles

17. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler

16. Bridge Over Troubled Waters - Simon and Garfunkel

15. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion

14. Green, Green Grass Of Home - Tom Jones

13. Danny Boy - Foster and Allen

12. Always On My Mind - Elvis Presley

11. Hero - Mariah Carey

10. On the Road Again - Willie Nelson

9. True Blue - John Williamson

8. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

7. You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban

6. We'll Meet Again - Vera Lyn

5. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies

4. What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

3. You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry and the Pacemakers

2. Time To Say Goodbye - Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

1. My Way - Frank Sinatra

Top Ten Funeral Songs for Women

20. Goodbye My Friend - Linda Ronstadt

19. Angels - Robbie Williams

18. Maggie - Foster and Allen

17. The Prayer - Anthony Callea

16. Ave Maria - Celine Dion

15. Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland

14. From A Distance - Bette Midler

13. In The Arms Of An Angel - Sara McLachlan

12. Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers

11. Time To Say Goodbye - Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

10. Goodbye's The Saddest Word - Celine Dion

9. Candle In The Wind - Elton John

8. Amazing Grace - Leann Rhimes

7. My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

6. The Rose - Bette Midler

5. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston

4. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion

3. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler

2. We'll Meet Again - Vera Lyn

1. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole

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List of Praise and Worship Songs

Hillsongs is one of the most popular Christian music groups that have travel all over the world to share their music. The group has released several albums and these are being sold in music stores in various countries. They have also done concerts that feature their praise and worship music and have toured several continents.

Hillsongs United has a combination of slow and fast-beat tracks that they have captured the hearts of Christians of all ages and of different denominations. However, the group is most popular to the younger generation because of their upbeat tracks that are better alternatives to the sometimes obscene pop dance music. Here are some of the most well-known songs that the group has sung.

Here I Am To Worship

Featuring the lyrics "Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down,Here I am to say that You're my God" this song acknowledges God's power over everyone. This slow praise song can make a person hum as he or she listens to the song. The coda portion also has a very deep message especially for people who are asking for forgiveness and conversion. It says "I never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross... Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved," repeatedly until the song ends.

King of Majesty

The song begins with the lines, "You know that I love You, You know that I want You." The refrain plays, "King of majesty, I have one desire, is to be with You, my Lord," and "Jesus, You are the Savior of my soul, and forever I give my praises to You." Those who would like to praise God through hip tunes are surely taken by the great lyrics and arrangement of this song.

Now That You're Near

This song has several arrangements, with the rock versions being one of the most popular. "Hold me in Your arms, never let me go, I want to spend my eternity with You," says the refrain.

One Way

The chorus of this song has the lyrics, "One way, Jesus, You're the only One that I could live for." This is, perhaps one of the most popular songs of the group. This has sent a huge number of Christians all over the world jumping and dancing as they sing along with the song.

Because Hillsongs was able to combine the praise and worship with some of the elements of popular music, their songs continue to spread to more and more Christians. In the end, it is not about the singer, the composer and the song. It is about lifting the hearts of more and more people to God.

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Live in Texas

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Bosavi: Rainforest Music From Papua New Guinea

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Ballet Training

I wanted to take the time to discuss a little with you about ballet training. Many people out there don't really understand what it takes to be great at this. A lot of parents see their daughters (or sons) and think they'll be marvelous, but in reality it takes a lot of work and a lot of dedication. Very few people will actually become extremely good at this and I think that shows you have to have a work ethic that beats out most other things. I like to think of ballet like an art. Something that takes skill, but your own personal touch. I'm going to show you the proper rules of ballet training, so you know how to do things correctly.

You have to be a physical specimen to be in ballet. You have to be strong and powerful, yet flexible and graceful. It's hard to get these two things in balance because they're so contrary. I think it is essential to have balance with all your training. You're going to have to spend time working on ballet, but the rest of your time working on becoming more flexible and working with weights to get much more strong.

As for ballet training, you can't just stop with your teacher. You don't go to the studio and work for an hour, go home and that's it. You have to go home and put some more hours of work into learning everything. Get the mirror out and practice in front of it. Watch yourself and make sure you're making the right steps and moves.

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Christmas Song - Jingle Bells History and Fun Facts!

'Jingle Bells' is one of the best known Christmas songs in the world yet its history tells us that is not specifically a Christmas song. Known today as a fun and laughter filled Christmas song and it is popular as the subject of parody. James Lord Pierpont originally wrote the song in 1857 and it was copyrighted at the time as 'One Horse Open Sleigh'. The song was reprinted in 1859 with the revised title of 'Jingle Bells'. Pierpont wrote the song for a Thanksgiving program at a church in Savannah, Georgia in the USA where he was the resident organist.

The tune of 'Jingle Bells' has been used in German and French songs to celebrate winter fun. Lyrics are completely unrelated to the ones we all know and love. For example, Francis Blanche wrote the French song 'Vive Le Vent' meaning 'Long Live the Wind' with references to new year's day.
In 1898 'Jingle Bells' was first recorded by the Edison Male Quartette in the USA. It has since been recorded by many great artists including Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters. In 2006 when Kimberley Locke sang it, it became a number one hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Here is a fun fact. In 1965, December 16th 'Jingle Bells' was the first song broadcast from outer space. Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford, the astronauts aboard Gemini 6 played a prank. They relayed to mission control that they saw a UFO with eight smaller UFO's in front. Their reports followed that the pilot in the larger command module UFO was wearing a red suit. The prank concluded with the astronaut duo playing 'Jingle Bells' on a harmonica accompanied by sleigh bells that they had smuggled on board. Today at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum both instruments are on display. Interestingly, they are considered the first musical instruments to be played in space!

'Jingle Bells' has also been the subject of parody. The best known homage to the original song is 'Jingle Bell Rock' by Bobby Helms. In the 1960's children in the USA commonly sang the verse 'Jingle bells, Santa smells, Easter's on its way. Oh what fun it is to ride in a beat up Chevrolet.' Here is another parody of 'Jingle Bells', a verse which adults and children alike loved and continue to love to sing while enjoying a few laughs along the way 'Dashing through the snow, on a pair of broken skis, crashing into trees, and a piece of moldy cheese Ha Ha Ha, the snow is turning red, I think I'm almost dead, please rush me to the hospital before I lose my head. Ha Ha Ha.'

'Jingle Bells' continues to be a Christmas favorite song whether sung in its original form or whether by parody, it is still popular throughout the world today. A song that brings families and communities together sharing good cheer and holiday fun at Christmas time each year!

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Why This Kolaveri Di Song

The track entitled "Why this Kolaveri Di" is from the movie "Three" or 3 which is posed to be released in 2012. The music video was leaked out just a few days ago and has become a major hit in the internet word. On video sharing sites, number of hits are nearly approaching 2 million which is very large indeed considered that the video is only a few days old. In addition, many on Facebook and other social networking sites are sharing the video. Even the lyrics have become very popular as some are even tweeting and sending SMS messages to their friends taken the music track.

"Why this Kolaveri Di" means, "why this murderous rage, girl", is a song sung by the actor Dhanush who also happens to be the son-in-law of the Tamil legend Rajnikant. The video shows that he is recording this song and other personalities such as the director of the movie Aishwarya Dhanush and producer Shruti Haasan giving tips. According to the music directors, the tune was composed within 20 minutes and within minutes they were recoding. Interestingly, Dhanush is an actor and not known for this singing abilities but have written the lyrics of this song and sung it at the same time.

This track is sung in the Tamil language with lots of English words. Many are describing this phenomenon as "Tanglish" meaning fusion of Tamil and English. Even though the words and are in Tamil and the English words comes with strong Tamil accent; the song has become very popular not only in the Tamil Nadu state of India but has crossed all barriers and state boundaries. Many radio stations other than Tamil have broadcasted this regional song for the first time. This song was even played in the Hindi speaking states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The question to ask is why has this song become a national hit? In almost most cases, Tamil movies are rarely watched outside Tamil Nadu but Indians are witnessing a musical bonanza surpassing language barriers. If the track is heard properly, anyone is able to understand the music irrespective if they understand Tamil or not.

A crude survey reveals that youngsters like this song because it represents those individuals who at once in their life time has suffered from a broken heart. Secondly, the music track is very catchy; it almost seems as if the music was composed for the people to sing in the bathroom. Thirdly, the lyrics are a work of art as if setting a new trend in language where Tamil and English has been fused in such a way that the tune represents the ordinary people and the way they speak in real life.

Industry experts are saying that this is groovy song and people are able to connect with this song and relate to the words. However critics at the same are commenting that this is a distortion of the Tamil language. Whatever the case maybe, the track has become a hit and people are enjoying it.

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What Sells Best on eBay? Using eBay Pulse to Find Out the Top Ten Most Popular Items on eBay

eBay Pulse. This is a list of the top 10 most searched for items in each category, and then sub-category. This should be your list of dream items to encounter while shopping. These items are the ones you should buy with little hesitation when seeing.

In fact, it is a good idea to keep a notebook and write these things down to take with you on your product buying adventures. Though, it is a good idea to note the reason most of these things are so sought after is because they are expensive, so it might be hard to find them in your daily searches. But it is possible.

For example, I sell a lot of used clothing on Ebay when I can not find anything else. Clothing is a reliable source of income for me, and something which is fairly easy to fall back on. Now when I look at the current Ebay Pulse list, it shows the top ten items that are selling best on eBay under Clothing, Shoes and Accessories:

1. coach

2. nike shoes

3. louis vuitton

4. gucci

5. chanel

6. prada

7. abercrombie

8. juicy couture

9. shoes

10. hollister

Now I know I am not going to run across Coach, or Louis Vuitton products very often, but things like Juicy Couture, Hollister, and Abercrombie are fairly common. The top 10 lists get narrowed down even further. Most of the clothes I find are women's, so it makes sense for me to know what the most popular selling women's clothing is:

1. abercrombie

2. rock & republic

3. diesel

4. lucky

5. hollister

6. juicy couture

7. bebe

8. banana republic

9. american eagle

10. bcbg

This list is far more accessible than the previous one. The least common thing to find here is rock & republic, and the others are fairly common. I have a list of these brands memorized now, but I used to print them out and take them with me on my clothes shopping adventures.

Another good idea to find out what brand names are selling well on eBay is to watch TV. For example, there are always Gap and Old Navy commercials on. Every time there is a commercial on TV it is advertising partially for you. Even though Gap and Old Navy are not on the list, they are more common than anything found above, and sell through very well. Sometimes surprisingly well! I am always pleasantly surprised whenever I buy a used pair of Old Navy Jeans and sell them for $10-$20.

Other places to look for popular brands are at some of the trendiest stores. Look to the mall, Macy's, Bloomingdales, Pacsun, Urban Outfitters etc... It is their job to find the best selling brands and stock the store with them. It is a good idea to search through their stores and note the brands which they are selling. And don't feel like you have to go to the mall, check out their websites!

These sorts of strategies should work when looking for any item. Look to eBay Pulse in the category you like to sell in, and also think about what kinds of stores sell similar products you are looking to sell.

It is all so easy, and well worth the time spent. Keep a notebook!

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How To Download Music To Iphone - It's Easy When You Know How

You will need to learn how to download music to iPhone if you've taken the plunge with Apple's latest. The Apple iPhone is carrying on Apple's great success with the iPod. Now, consumers are able to carry around their music collection on the same machine that they use for texting and telephone calls. I'm sure you will want to avail yourself of this wonderful opportunity to build a portable music collection, so where do you start?

The first consideration is the hardware you need to be able to do the downloading in the first place. As well as your new trusty iPhone, you will need access to a personal computer with an internet connection, and a connecting lead to connect you iPhone to your computer. The final need is for a site from which you can download the music files, and it is here where you need to exercise the most care.

Your computer can be pretty much anything. As long as it wasn't built over a decade ago, it is more than likely to be sufficient for the needs of downloading music. The internet connection is more significant, and if you are lucky enough to have one of the new super fast broadband connections, take full advantage of it. If you are stuck on a slow dial up connection, you can still download music, it will just take longer. At least you only have to download the file once to have it on your hard drive for good.

Finding how to download music to iPhone is not difficult, and hopefully this article will give you the basics to get you started. You first need to download the music files from the internet to your computer, before you transfer them. The hardest part is finding a reliable, trustworthy source for the downloads. In the past, many people would use P2P sites. These sites are now illegal, and you could find yourself with a criminal record just for trying to download a piece of music. These sites are fraught with danger anyway, as the downloads can often contain viruses, which can stop your computer running properly, or create serious data security risks.

A much better choice is to use one of the legal download sites, where you can pay a small one off fee to join, and then have access to unlimited downloads. The fees are just to maintain the servers and keep the listings up to date. Finding a good download site of this type will be the final piece in the puzzle of how to download music to iPhone.

That's pretty much all you need to know. Check out the links below for the most reliable download sites.

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Funny Freestyle Rap Lyrics - Best to Improve Your Freestyle Raps

Funny freestyle rap lyrics are the bread and butter of pretty much every successful rap MC. Take a second to think about your favorite freestyles you have heard over the last few years. Almost certainly most of them will be freestyles that have made you laugh. Every successful MC places a large amount of effort on integrating humorous lyrics into their raps. Perhaps one of the best examples of rapper that has succeeded with the help of humor is Eminem.

The reason that funny lyrics dominate in rapping is a simple one - everyone likes to laugh. Take a look at the cinema and you will see that all the top films are either action or comedy. Successful rap songs are no different. The bravado and story telling contained in most tracks provides the action and the lyrical deftness of the likes of Jay Z, Eminem or Biggie Smalls provides the humor.

How can you improve your free-styling?

One of the easiest ways to improve your free-styling is to increase the size of your dictionary. The more words you have tucked away in your long term memory the easier it is to find a rhyme when you might otherwise choke on the mic. Several famous rappers (including the king of freestyle, Supernatural) freely admit to reading a dictionary in their spare time to increase their lyrical scope. In addition there are also specific programs available that can help you develop the areas of you vocabulary that are most used while rapping.

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The 5 Best Cell Phones on the Market

There are literally hundreds of cell phones out there made by dozens of manufacturers. It is hard to determine which are the best of the group - or at least, which is best for you. The decision is a difficult one, and we hope the information below will help you make a wise choice. The five cell phones listed below are truely the best of the best in terms of quality design, dependability, and overall user satisfaction. Although there are a lot of great cell phones out there, we are sure that these are some of the very best.

Motorola i860 Video and Camera Mobile Phone

Manufacturers Description: The sleek Motorola i860 is packed with more than a dozen top-of-the-line features including 10-second video capture and playback and a 0.3-megapixel camera with 4X digital zoom. In addition, it allows users to easily exchange digital photos and contact information with others.

”The Motorola i860 handset is another example of how Motorola strives to meet our customers’ needs by offering one mobile device to streamline communications," said Rey More, senior vice president and general manager, Motorola’s iDEN® Subscriber Group. “Its multimedia services enable users to easily capture the moment when it happens and share it with others, wherever they may be.”

The phone’s 10-second video capture capability includes a short-range LED spotlight to provide additional light for close-up pictures. The camera allows users to take pictures in a variety of sizes suitable for sharing, in-camera viewing, wallpaper designs, and picture caller ID. Users can get themselves in the picture using the self-timer.

With the Motorola i860, users can share their pictures and audio recordings by sending and receiving multimedia messages.1 The phone’s integrated Media Center allows users to conveniently manage all pictures, voice recordings, ring tones, videos, and wallpaper designs from a single area.

Other features of the Motorola i860 that are new to iDEN handsets include:

Picture Caller ID - allows a previously-assigned picture of a caller to appear in the external display when a phone call is incoming from that contact

Larger external color screen - displays up to 3 lines of text and pictures

Larger internal color screen - displays up to 11 lines of text in vibrant color

Push-to-Send My Info2 - allows users to send their contact information via the “push-to-talk” (PTT) button. Users can limit the amount of information sent or send a virtual business card to network more efficiently.

Push-to-Send Contacts2 - allows users to easily share another user’s contact information via the PTT button

Media Downloader application – available for download from the Internet, this free application allows users to transfer photos and videos from their phone to their PC via a USB cable (not included)

25 MB of memory available to end users - for ring tones, voice recordings, videos, pictures, messages, wallpaper designs, and Java™ applications

MP3 ring tones - including music and voice

Openwave 7.0 Internet microbrowser - lets users browse graphic-rich xHTML sites

Push-to-open button - offers convenient, one-handed operation of the flip-style phone by mechanically opening the flip when pressed

The phone also has many of the features associated with Motorola’s iDEN technology, including location-based services, integrated speakerphone, voice recorder3, voice dialing, downloadable applications, and a two-way radio for instant communication at the touch of a button.

The Motorola i860 handset weighs 4.77 ounces and measures 3.45 x 1.96 x 1.01 inches with the included high performance battery.

Overall Value Rating: 9.7 / 10 - Excellent

Price: $250 - $400

Nokia 6230 Cell Phone (Cingular)

Manufacturers Description: Offering the best and latest technology and features, the Nokia 6230 meets the requirements of the most demanding mobile phone users. The tri-band (GSM, GPRS, EDGE 900/1800/1900, GSM, GPRS, EDGE 850/1800/1900) mobile phone offers multiple connectivity options via EDGE and Bluetooth wireless technology, a removable multimedia memory card as well as an integrated VGA camera to capture pictures and videos. Sleek and compact, the Nokia 6230 is expected to start shipping in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and Americas in the first quarter of 2004.

"Traditionally, mobile professional are early adopters of mobile technology, demanding advanced functionality and higher data speeds to keep them informed, entertained and connected while on the move," said Kai Öistämö," Senior Vice President, Nokia Mobile Phones. "With EDGE, Bluetooth technology, an integrated camera, MMS functionality and even an integrated MP3 player, the Nokia 6230 addresses these needs with an impressive range of features to help balance a busy work schedule with after-work responsibilities."

One of the key benefits of the Nokia 6230 is a compelling multimedia experience. With an integrated VGA camera and a display with 65,000 colors, pictures and videos taken with the Nokia 6230 appear sharp and bright. The video player adds the ability to record, send and receive video clips with audio, as well as receive streaming video content in 3GPP video streaming format. High quality video and images, voice, presentations, files and music can be stored on a removable multimedia memory card. Users can also create, send and receive multpicture, multimedia messages with Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL) technology. SMIL technology allows users to compose multi-image messages that display text, sound and images in a pre-determined order.

For flexible and efficient wireless connectivity, the Nokia 6230 phone offers Bluetooth wireless technology and infrared connectivity as well as HSCSD and GPRS support. Bluetooth enables a wide range of new exciting enhancements for seamless connections and comfortable wearability, like the Nokia 610 car kit phone and the stylish Wireless Boom Headset also announced today. The complete list of Bluetooth enhancements compatible with the Nokia 6230 can be viewed at [http://www.nokia.com/products/Nokia6230].

Using the high-speed packet-based EDGE connectivity of the Nokia 6230, business professionals can enjoy faster browsing, messaging and downloading. With a downlink data speed of up to 236.6 kbps, downloading with the Nokia 6230 via EDGE enables downloads more than 4 times faster than with GPRS.

In addition, the Nokia 6230 has a mobile email client that lets users manage their email quickly over EDGE, GPRS and HSCSD networks. The advanced xHTML browser gives fast access to mobile services and information, and the integrated TCP/IP technology** enhances both the ease and speed of over-the-air file downloads. Data synchronization capability allows users of the Nokia 6230 to update personal data remotely over the network. Local synchronization of personal data can also be done via Bluetooth, IrDa, USB and the Nokia PC Suite.

With the presence-enhanced contacts service, users of the Nokia 6230 can share their availability, intentions and whereabouts with colleagues, family, friends and other contacts. For example, a business professional can change his phone profile to 'Meeting' and advise his colleagues to reach him by SMS or MMS. Exchanging instant text messages is another interesting possibility with the presence-enhanced Chat function, where users of the Nokia 6230 can create their own private chats and invite others to participate, or even join public chats of their interest.

The Nokia 6230 also includes a digital music player for AAC/MP3 music formats. In addition to enjoying high quality stereo music, music enthusiasts can set their favourite music as wake-up tones as well as alert and ring tones.

Key features include:

Active TFT color display - with up to 65.536 colours

Integrated digital VGA camera

High speed packet-based EDGE and GPRS connectivity

Bluetooth

Digital camcorder and video player

Video streaming including AMR audio

MMC Multimedia card support

Java MIDP 2.0

Presence-enhanced contacts and chat

MP3/AAC music player and built-in FM stereo radio

xHTML browser for enhanced mobile browsing experience

Advanced PIM functionality (calendar, phonebook, to-do list, notes)

OMA Digital Rights Management version 1.0

Mobile Wallet

Integrated hands-free speaker

Polyphonic ring tones (supporting up to 24 instruments)

Infrared, USB, PC Suite

76 cc, weighs 97 grams

Talk time of up to 5 hours and a standby time of up to 300 hours.

Overall Value Rating: 9.6 / 10 - Excellent

Price: $150 - $300

Motorola A630 Cell Phone (T-Mobile)

Manufacturers Description: Following in the footsteps of the game-changing Motorola StarTAC and the company’s revolutionary two-way pagers, the model A630 is yet another innovative new product from Motorola. Packaged in a unique, multi- functional design featuring a QWERTY keyboard hidden inside a sleek candy bar form, the Motorola A630 lets you call, text or email with style and ease.

From the outside, you see a fashionable, compact mobile handset. Once opened, the device reveals a full QWERTY keyboard that makes texting, email exchanges and Instant Messaging easy. The A630 does not stop there. For multi-media fun, the handset comes with an integrated camera with 4 x zoom, multi-media messaging for sending and sharing images, dedicated gaming keys and a vivid color display that offers portrait as well as landscape views. When its time to be productive, the A630 offers integrated Bluetooth® wireless technology, an office quality speakerphone and email support including POP3, SMTP and Imap4. The Motorola A630’s fusion of the mobile and messaging worlds without sacrificing weight, size or style makes it the ideal device for today's text-savvy trendsetting consumer.

With the debut of the model A630, Motorola delivers a uniquely designed handset that stands apart from the pack, promising simplified voice and messaging communications supported by the latest technology,” said James Burke, Sr. Director of Product Operations for Motorola, Inc. “With its clever combination of fun and function, the model A630 is sure to please style-conscious movers and shakers."

The Motorola A630 features include:

Full QWERTY keyboard with 5-way navigation for easy messaging, fun gaming and more

Integrated VGA camera with dedicated photo button for quick shoot and send power

220 x 176 pixel color landscape display capable of supporting up to 65,000 colors

Built-in Bluetooth wireless technology

Advanced messaging including Multi-Media Messaging Service (MMS), SMS, e-mail support (POP3, SMTP, Imap4) and multibranded IM (Instant Messaging)

GSM tri-band capabilities

J2ME™ downloading functionality

Integrated hands-free speakerphone

Polyphonic speaker for the ultimate sound and cool MP3 ringtones

Overall Value Rating: 9.3 / 10 - Very Good

Price: $150 - $350

Samsung p735 Cell Phone (T-Mobile)

Manufacturers Description: Featuring a package of design and multimedia features, the imaginative p735 is Samsung's first GSM megapixel camera phone in the U.S. With options that entertain, enrich and enhance a consumer's wireless experience, the p735 boasts an eye-catching twist and flip display and advanced multimedia technology, including a megapixel camera phone, video recorder, MP3 player and expandable memory.

The phone's distinct feature is a swivel form factor that allows the consumer to twist the display so that the vibrant 262,000-color screen rotates to a horizontal position, giving the phone a more camcorder-like feel and making picture taking and video recording easier. And with a megapixel camera, film-quality pictures can be stored and printed at sizes up to 4x6.

For moments such as upcoming holiday gatherings that require more than a quick snapshot, the video recorder is practical and convenient, and video and pictures can be shared wirelessly via T-Mobile's messaging services. While the phone's 64MB of internal memory provides space for pictures and video, the p735 comes with an RS MMC media slot and additional 32MB multimedia card so no moment is ever missed. In addition, the expandable memory slot offers space for easy and quick access to supplementary applications and games.

For those that still have the gamer in them but are too busy to play at home, the p735 acts as a gaming device with access to 3D games, including Metalion and Zio Golf. For music download addicts, the p735 comes equipped with a personal MP3 player, so downloading, playing and sorting music wirelessly becomes a convenience, not a hassle. Sounds come in clear with T-Mobile's HiFi Ringers and the device's pre-packaged headset provides a heightened auditory experience.

The p735 will change the way consumers view their wireless phone” said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president of Samsung's wireless division. Whether using the phone to download and listen to music, or snapping pictures and video clips to send back to the office while on a business trip, the p735 will enhance consumers' digital lifestyle.

This is a truly fun phone” said Todd Achilles, director of handset product management for T-Mobile USA. “From the bright screen, to cool swivel design, and MP3 player to the megapixel camera, there's a lot to keep you entertained”

Features:

Integrated MegaPixel Digital Camera - Take pictures on the go. Enjoy one megapixel pictures plus digital zoom, multishot, and more.
RS MMC Media Slot - Add memory, applications, and store photos with a memory card.

MP3 Player - Download, play and sort your favorite tunes to listen to on your phone.

262 TFT Main Color Display - Makes everything come to life on your phone including photos, picture caller ID, and more.
Video Messaging - Record up to 15 second clips with sound and send them to other compatible phones.

Overall Value Rating: 9.0 / 10 - Very Cool

Price: $400 - $550

LG VX4600 Cell Phone (Verizon Wireless)

Manufacturers Description: The attractive VX4600 is the perfect mobile phone for consumers who are looking to express themselves with high-end quality, style and essential functionality. Its ultra-cool clamshell design, high-resolution internal color display, and innovative external OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescent) screen make an undeniable statement of style.

Basic Information:

Talk time: 200 minutes Standby time: 165 hours Size: 3.43H x 1.81W x 0.98D inches Weight: 3.38 oz

Basic Features:

1.9 Ghz PCS, 800 MHz CDMA (All Digital)

Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) to send and receive text messages with graphics and sound

E911 Emergency Location-capable

2.5mm headset jack to accept universal hands-free headsets

65K TFD Main Color Display (120 x 160) 8 lines of Text

OEL Sub Display (96 x 38) 3 lines of Text

Blue Backlit Keypad

5-Way Navigation Key

CMX MIDI (musical instrument and games digital interface) for sounds and ringers

Large Phone Book: 499 contacts (each stores 5 numbers and 3 email addresses)

36 Embedded Ring Tones and download more

Vibrate and Silent Modes

Voice-Activated Dialing

Speed Dialing (99 Entries)

Bilingual (English and Spanish) capabilities

Personal Organizer: Calendar with Scheduler, Alarm Clock, Voice Memo, Notepad, EZ Tip Calculator, Calculator and World Clock

External USB Capable

1-Year limited warranty

Meets FCC SAR limit. Manufacturer's highest FCC reported SAR 1.22 at ear, .74 on body. Actual SAR may vary.

Overall Value Rating: 8.8 / 10

Price: $100 - $200

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