The dance diva is back with her newest electronic jam.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Lou Costello - A Tough Act To Follow
Author: Sebastian Marders
Funny is as funny does - and Lou Costello did funny. He was part clown, part comedian and a pure professional. His desire to entertain audiences led him to hone his skills, perfecting comedic timing, character development and pacing. He left a legacy of laughter as well as an example for other comedians to follow.
When Lou was on stage, his whole mind and body was engaged in entertaining. His portly frame and his face with a thousand expressions provided the physical elements to his clever words and deadpan delivery. Costello understood the psychology of laughter and tickled the funny bones of his audience with consummate skill.
He began his career in vaudeville, and as was the custom, he worked with a straight man. Costello was the perfect foil for a straight man whose role was to set up the jokes and "rein" in the comedian. His fortune took a sharp upward turn in 1931 when his regular straight man became ill and Lou asked the theater manager to take his place. The manager's name was Bud Abbott and this was the start of one of the greatest comedy partnerships in the business.
Abbot and Costello got their first real break in 1938 when they appeared on Kate Smith's weekly radio show. This got them noticed by the right people in the industry and in the following year, they signed a contract with Universal Pictures. Their first movie roles, in "One Night in the Tropics" were small, but were enlarged during production because of the genuine laughter of the rest of the cast and crew. It was in this movie that they introduced their classic routines: "Who's on First?" and "A Dollar a Day". After this, the movie roles kept coming and in 1941, the duo started their weekly radio program, "The Abbot and Costello Show" which ran until 1946.
The years of their initial stardom were also the time of war for this country. The team used their popularity to raise money for the war effort, traveling across the country on behalf of the War Bond Drive. They raised a record-breaking 89 million dollars in only three days.
Personal tragedies struck Costello, yet he always maintained a professional attitude. After suffering the effects of rheumatic fever for a year, his infant son drowned in a tragic accident. Lou remained a performer in the face of sorrow and returned to his live radio show that very day.
Lou Costello understood the power and the pleasure of laughter. For him, comedy wasn't just a way of life; it was a way to overcome the pitfalls life offers. He understood timing and perhaps his skits and sketches are so well loved because they came at a time when the country needed a laugh. His personal life reveals his strong commitment to comedy and his jokes and his joy will always be remembered and revered. Lou Costello is a tough act to follow.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/lou-costello-a-tough-act-to-follow-441707.htmlAbout the Author:
Sebastian Marders loves writing about a variety of things and sharing the website that inspires each piece with his readers. If you are in the mood for some priceless funny junk, including really funny videos, and all kinds of funny pics then please visit.
Funny is as funny does - and Lou Costello did funny. He was part clown, part comedian and a pure professional. His desire to entertain audiences led him to hone his skills, perfecting comedic timing, character development and pacing. He left a legacy of laughter as well as an example for other comedians to follow.
When Lou was on stage, his whole mind and body was engaged in entertaining. His portly frame and his face with a thousand expressions provided the physical elements to his clever words and deadpan delivery. Costello understood the psychology of laughter and tickled the funny bones of his audience with consummate skill.
He began his career in vaudeville, and as was the custom, he worked with a straight man. Costello was the perfect foil for a straight man whose role was to set up the jokes and "rein" in the comedian. His fortune took a sharp upward turn in 1931 when his regular straight man became ill and Lou asked the theater manager to take his place. The manager's name was Bud Abbott and this was the start of one of the greatest comedy partnerships in the business.
Abbot and Costello got their first real break in 1938 when they appeared on Kate Smith's weekly radio show. This got them noticed by the right people in the industry and in the following year, they signed a contract with Universal Pictures. Their first movie roles, in "One Night in the Tropics" were small, but were enlarged during production because of the genuine laughter of the rest of the cast and crew. It was in this movie that they introduced their classic routines: "Who's on First?" and "A Dollar a Day". After this, the movie roles kept coming and in 1941, the duo started their weekly radio program, "The Abbot and Costello Show" which ran until 1946.
The years of their initial stardom were also the time of war for this country. The team used their popularity to raise money for the war effort, traveling across the country on behalf of the War Bond Drive. They raised a record-breaking 89 million dollars in only three days.
Personal tragedies struck Costello, yet he always maintained a professional attitude. After suffering the effects of rheumatic fever for a year, his infant son drowned in a tragic accident. Lou remained a performer in the face of sorrow and returned to his live radio show that very day.
Lou Costello understood the power and the pleasure of laughter. For him, comedy wasn't just a way of life; it was a way to overcome the pitfalls life offers. He understood timing and perhaps his skits and sketches are so well loved because they came at a time when the country needed a laugh. His personal life reveals his strong commitment to comedy and his jokes and his joy will always be remembered and revered. Lou Costello is a tough act to follow.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/lou-costello-a-tough-act-to-follow-441707.htmlAbout the Author:
Sebastian Marders loves writing about a variety of things and sharing the website that inspires each piece with his readers. If you are in the mood for some priceless funny junk, including really funny videos, and all kinds of funny pics then please visit.
X Japan Suspends Global Tour Due to Yoshiki's Health
Tickets sales halted as Yoshiki recuperates from slipped disc, tendinitis.
SAG set to initiate anti-AFTRA campaign
The Screen Actors Guild of America is preparing a campaign to boycott a new deal by the American Federation of Television & Radio Artist.
6th Annual "TV Land Awards" - Arrivals
Actress Kat Kramer arrives at the 6th annual "TV Land Awards" held at Barker Hanger on June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, California.
A Time For Heroes Celebrity Carnival - Inside
Actor Sean Faris at the A Time for Heroes Celebrity Carnival Sponsored by Disney benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation at the Wadsworth Theater on June 8, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
West Hollywood Hosts Gay Pride Parade
An anti-gay Christian protester holds a large wooden cross, while a man reads the Bible, and others pray near parade goers outside the East West Bar during the 38th annual LA Pride Parade June 8, 2008 in West Hollywood, California.
Joaquin Cortes Cocktail Party
Spanish flamenco dancer Joaquin Cortes talks with actress Martina Colombari during the cocktail party at Spazio Revel to promote his latest show "Mi Soledad" on June 8, 2008 in Milan, Italy.
Queens of Heart World Series of Poker
Actress Kathy Najimy of the Queens of Heart poker team participates in the Ladies No-Limit Hold 'em poker tournament at the World Series of Poker at the Rio Hotel & Casino on June 8, 2008.
Indian stars vie for glory at 'Bollywood Oscars'
India's hottest stars, draped in sultry satin and dazzling sequins, paraded down a distinctive green carpet in Bangkok on Sunday as they arrived at the "Bollywood Oscars," their industry's top honours. Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, who last year married into the Bachchan acting dynasty, arrived in a full-length, strapless red satin fishtail gown, eliciting screams from fans who stormed past security to snap photos. Images and soundbites.
European Delights; My Music Festival Flirtations
Author: Patrick Omari
Gentle panning ariel shots of small brown people splattering about in front of a huge stage, flashing lights beside iconic figures on giant screens and illuminated, joyous faces bobbing amidst flailing elastic arms: this is how I recall televised coverage of our summer music festivals. I've been to a few festivals but have lost enthusiasm for them lately. The main events always seem to sell out before the idea even pops into my head, the tickets are always frightfully expensive and the line-up often triggers deja-vu of a rather uninspiring list of bands from a couple of years prior.
Perhaps I'm not investigating these festivals properly I thought. There must be a few others featuring a more diverse lineup of talent. But the rain! And the mud! Ptcha! Who'd live in this country? It's not like I require a four star hotel within walking distance of the venue, but dry clothes and a bit of warmth would definitely be preferable to being mud-caked and wind-ravaged.
The Eurovision Song Contest always inspires me to listen to something else. Anything else! I can't help but watch it though because I enjoy Terry Wogan ridiculing bits and pieces and because I am stupidly optimistic that there may be a song, one year, worthy of being recognised as a winner. This year I thought the French entry bucked their trend for the woefully painful and was actually quite enjoyable; surely a contender I thought. But no, apparently it wasn't as fine an example of song writing as the rest of 'europe' produced.
Credit to Russia though for presenting the genius stage combination of singer, violinist and spaghetti-limbed ice-dancer! It makes me wonder, every year, just how seriously these countries view the contest and how much listenable music is actually generated throughout Europe. There must be some classy bands hidden away somewhere beneath a beret or a fez.
This all lead me to contemplate music festivals staged throughout Europe. There are, of course, loads of them! Festival venues from Lake Geneva, the Danube River and Costa Azahar to Mediterranean beaches and nordic capitals! An 8 day extravaganza at Roskilde, Denmark, known as mainland Europe's Glastonbury? Featuring the amazing 'Mogwai' and awesome 'The Notwist' this year! Oh yes! !
I'd never even considered more local venues such as T in the Park in Scotland and the Oxegen Festival in Dublin before. I'm not sure why I limited my festival activities so severely when it's so easy to hop on a plane at Manchester airport or Heathrow airport and 2 hours later arrive in Barcelona, ready for some ear-shrivelling Death Metal! or whatever takes your fancy. So I've been hopping from country to country on the internet looking for the perfect music festival. There's a wealth of choice and plenty within sensible travel distance for a long weekend away.
Tickets for many of these festivals are also much cheaper than you might pay for the pleasure here and there are lots of money-saving deals on flights and airport parking to keep your costs downs. Definitely worth investigating in my books!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/european-delights-my-music-festival-flirtations-442005.htmlAbout the Author:
Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Manchester Airport Parking, Manchester Airport Hotels, spare some time and read my blog here airport parking
Gentle panning ariel shots of small brown people splattering about in front of a huge stage, flashing lights beside iconic figures on giant screens and illuminated, joyous faces bobbing amidst flailing elastic arms: this is how I recall televised coverage of our summer music festivals. I've been to a few festivals but have lost enthusiasm for them lately. The main events always seem to sell out before the idea even pops into my head, the tickets are always frightfully expensive and the line-up often triggers deja-vu of a rather uninspiring list of bands from a couple of years prior.
Perhaps I'm not investigating these festivals properly I thought. There must be a few others featuring a more diverse lineup of talent. But the rain! And the mud! Ptcha! Who'd live in this country? It's not like I require a four star hotel within walking distance of the venue, but dry clothes and a bit of warmth would definitely be preferable to being mud-caked and wind-ravaged.
The Eurovision Song Contest always inspires me to listen to something else. Anything else! I can't help but watch it though because I enjoy Terry Wogan ridiculing bits and pieces and because I am stupidly optimistic that there may be a song, one year, worthy of being recognised as a winner. This year I thought the French entry bucked their trend for the woefully painful and was actually quite enjoyable; surely a contender I thought. But no, apparently it wasn't as fine an example of song writing as the rest of 'europe' produced.
Credit to Russia though for presenting the genius stage combination of singer, violinist and spaghetti-limbed ice-dancer! It makes me wonder, every year, just how seriously these countries view the contest and how much listenable music is actually generated throughout Europe. There must be some classy bands hidden away somewhere beneath a beret or a fez.
This all lead me to contemplate music festivals staged throughout Europe. There are, of course, loads of them! Festival venues from Lake Geneva, the Danube River and Costa Azahar to Mediterranean beaches and nordic capitals! An 8 day extravaganza at Roskilde, Denmark, known as mainland Europe's Glastonbury? Featuring the amazing 'Mogwai' and awesome 'The Notwist' this year! Oh yes! !
I'd never even considered more local venues such as T in the Park in Scotland and the Oxegen Festival in Dublin before. I'm not sure why I limited my festival activities so severely when it's so easy to hop on a plane at Manchester airport or Heathrow airport and 2 hours later arrive in Barcelona, ready for some ear-shrivelling Death Metal! or whatever takes your fancy. So I've been hopping from country to country on the internet looking for the perfect music festival. There's a wealth of choice and plenty within sensible travel distance for a long weekend away.
Tickets for many of these festivals are also much cheaper than you might pay for the pleasure here and there are lots of money-saving deals on flights and airport parking to keep your costs downs. Definitely worth investigating in my books!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/european-delights-my-music-festival-flirtations-442005.htmlAbout the Author:
Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Manchester Airport Parking, Manchester Airport Hotels, spare some time and read my blog here airport parking
Carry On Stamps - Photocall
Barbara Windsor, star of the Carry On films, poses for a photograph with one of the new Royal Mail stamps featuring Carry On characters at the Horse Guards Parade on June 8, 2008 in London, England. The stamps honour British film industry classics by featuring original cinema posters.
Three Blind Mice - Australian Premiere
Actors Toby Schmitz, Ewen Leslie and Matthew Newton attend the Australian premiere of `Three Blind Mice' at the State Theatre on June 8, 2008 in Sydney, Australia.
"The Roots Picnic" Music Festival
The audience is seen at "The Roots Picnic" music festival at Penn's Landing on June 7, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
35th Annual Student Academy Awards Presentation Ceremony
Reto Caffi and Evan Mayfield pose at the 35th Annual Student Academy Awards at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on June 7, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.
First Star's 5th Annual Celebration For Children's Rights - Arrivals
Actress Dakota Fanning attends the First Star's Fifth Annual Celebration for Children's Rights event at the Wilshire Ebell on June 7, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Nickelodeon's Slime Across America Visits Chicago
Menudo performs at Nickelodeon's Slime Across America event on June 7, 2008 in Chicago.
Opening Of Sigvard Bernadotte Exhibition
Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine attend The Sigvard Bernadotte Exhibition at Sofiero on June 7, 2008 in Helsingborg, Sweden.
Japanese Anime TV Ranking, May 26-June 1
Yatterman, Conan take week off; Sgt. Frog, Naruto enter top-10 chart.
Bollywood awards mix glitz, glamour and global marketing
In this year's Bollywood film "Bombay to Bangkok," an Indian man tries to woo a Thai woman even though they speak different languages.
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