A Quick Look at Horror Movies

Submitted By: Adriana Notton
Movies are a huge part of our lives. You will find comedy movies for those times when you need a laugh, and romantic films for times when you need an inspirational love story. For those looking for some excitement, fear, and adrenaline, there are horror movies. Come explore some of the most popular movies from the most popular genres.
In the horror genre you will find many different sub-genres, each offering the audience a different and specific set of thrills and chills. Within these genres, you will find movies that defined exactly what that genre should be. Although personal taste will differ from person to person, there are many movies that are universally respected for their impact on the industry.
One type of horror movie that is very popular and abundant is the "slasher" films. Essentially, slasher films involve a group of innocent victims being terrorized by a stalker or killer of some sort. There are many movies that have contributed to this sub-genre. Some of the more popular ones include the "Halloween" series and the "Scream" series. Both series pit an innocent series of victims against a relentless, knife wielding murderer.
Horror films involving ghosts is also another huge area of the industry that focuses on spectral protagonists to drive the story to frightening places. Ghost have been a fascinating and frightening part of humanity for thousands of years, so it should come as no surprise that that subject has thrived in horror. As one of the most influential movies in the history of film, "The Shining, " is a highly recommended movie. Other popular ones include "Poltergeist" and "The Sixth Sense."
Zombie movies are one of the most popular types of movies available today. You will find many different styles and ideas regarding zombie films. They have a rich tradition of thrills which are often mingled with political and social commentary. A zombie, or the re-animated corpse of a once-living person, feeds upon the flesh of the living. Some of the most popular contributors to the genre are the "Living Dead" series, which revolutionized ideas on zombie films.
There is no shortage of monsters in the film industry. These monsters take on many different forms, all with their own method of delivering chills. For instance, the "Alien" series is a good example centered on frightening space aliens. Other classic, genre-defining films include "Frankenstein, " "The Mummy, " and "Creature from the black lagoon."
An increasingly-popular sub-genre of horror is known as "possession films." A possession film essentially follows the plight of an individual that has become possessed by some type of demonic force. As one of the best examples of this type of film, "The Exorcist" is the cornerstone of not only possession films, but of horror films in general. "The Amityville Horror" series is another popular set of movies, while "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" is an interesting, more modern take on the genre.
Horror movies are frightening, yet exciting. People love to be scared, in a controlled environment, and therefore often turn to movies to provide spine-chilling thrills. If you are in the mood for a good scare, take a look at some of the more prevalent sub-genres, and pick a movie that sounds interesting. Both modern and classic horror films can provide you with scary, yet enjoyable entertainment.

Published At: Isnare.com

Three Kings Of Blues Guitar

Submitted By: Ben Martin
When it comes to the blues, there may be dozens of styles, regions and players, but there are only three kings. Albert King, B.B. King, and Freddie King weren't related by blood, but sonically they became some of the most influential players of their time. Each had a unique playing style that has become a real inspiration for blues artists.
Standing at over 6'4," Albert King was nicknamed "The Velvet Bulldozer," for his large proportions. His career began in the early 1950's, and his guitar tone and playing shaped modern electric blues. For the majority of his work Albert played a Gibson Flying V , which was often tuned to non-standard tunings such as Open F tuning, or E Minor tuning. He also was a left handed guitarist, but chose to play a right handed guitar upside down, meaning that the low strings were at the bottom. This allowed Albert to do powerful string bending in a way that was never heard before. For players taking blues guitar lessons, teachers often cover his string bending techniques and non standard guitar tunings, as they in part defined his sound. This sound inspired the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn amongst many others.
Freddie King, or "The Texas Cannonball" as he was known, gave players a blues guitar lesson of another sort, in the Texas blues and Chicago blues style. Known for being the more creative and aggressive of the three kings, Freddie had a more intuitive style that interacted with his vocals heavily. This was the result of being an incredible singer and songwriter, as well as a guitarist. Using Gibson guitars with P-90 pickups, he introduced a new blues guitar technique with the way that he picked the strings. Freddie played with both a plastic thumb pick and a metal index finger pick, which struck the strings in more of an aggressive way and created a more unique blues guitar tone. Freddie's out of the box techniques have inspired guitarists all over the world.
Perhaps the most recognized of the three kings is B.B. King, who even in his mid eighties still performs. Ranked #3 on Rolling Stone's list of "100 greatest guitarists of all time," B.B. has a style that is instantly recognizable to anyone who listens to the blues. B.B.'s music features his low, raspy voice singing short soulful lines, spaced between the thick, rich guitar tone heard with his blues guitar soloing. His playing seems to always include fast yet smooth vibrato, and slow string bending. B.B.'s performances continue to give players a guitar lesson in how to distinguish one's sound with subtleties in the guitar playing.
The three kings came out of different areas and pioneered different guitar techniques, but were united in the enormity of their influence on musicians everywhere. Even guitarists from completely different styles of music learn guitar techniques of the three kings.

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6 Tips on How to Buy a Used Guitar

Submitted By: I Henman

Buying a used guitar has many perks besides costing less. Used guitars have had a chance to age, the wood has dried out and the instruments sound has matured.
In this article I'm going to be talking about buying a used acoustic guitar, but many of these points are the same for a used electric guitar. After reading this you should be able to go into any used instrument shop and pick out the gems from the racks.
1 – How's it Look?
While looks aren't everything it's important that you like it. Also you'll want to spot any serious nicks, dings or cracks (See #5 below).
2 – How's it Sound?
Keep in mind the strings on this used guitar are likely quite old, so they're not going to chime out like a brand new set will. It could be worth buying a set to put on the instrument if you're really keen on buying it but just aren't sure if it's the old strings causing the sound to be a bit below par for your liking.
3 – Check the Neck
A neck reset is the most frequent maintenance item done to newly purchased used guitars. Look to see the neck is straight and not warped. Check the action of the strings, is it too high? Too low? Check to see that the neck has a truss rod to keep it straight and true.
4 – Check the Bridge
You should look at the bridge to see if it's pulling away from the body at the back. Often times this can be repaired, but too much tension can cause a serious repair.
5 – Cracks?
As mentioned in #1 above, bad cracks should probably be avoided but small ones can usually be repaired for under $100. Use your own judgement here, but if a guitar looks really beat up, it probably was, so unless this is a diamond in the rough pass on it.
6 – Push Test
Push on the top, not too hard but hard enough that you can feel any soft spots. Some times reinforcements inside let go. These can be repaired, but it's always good to know what you're getting into before you for over any money.
Where should you look for used guitars? Most cities have at least one used music and/or guitar store. This is a great place to start, although you'll probably pay more at a store like this. Some of the classified sites that are becoming more and more popular are also a great place to find instruments in great condition for a steal of a deal, just be sure to check an instrument over before making a deal.
If you take your time when shopping you can find a great deal on a used acoustic guitar, just be logical about it and try not to let any one thing such as a the look of the guitar make your decision for you.
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The Virgo Zodiac Sign

Submitted By: Frederick Gimino
In Astrology the sun sign Virgo is a zodiac sign that corresponds to people born between August 23 and September 22. The planet Mercury rules Virgos. Virgo is also one of the four mutable signs. Mutable signs tend to be very giving and very intelligent. Since Virgos are highly docile, they tend to be indecisive, frequently changing their minds at the drop of a hat. Virgos are also very transformable, quickly adapting to new surroundings. New environments are so exciting to Virgos that they immediately familiarize themselves with the present, and too often forget the past.
Virgo has the zodiac number five. The number five represents bravery, courage, spirit, creativity, and a desire to make the most out of life. When a Virgo's Numerological destiny number matches their zodiac number, it can signify a carefree journey through life. In order to find out if your journey will be comfortable you must first determine your Numerological destiny number.
To find your Numerological destiny number start with your month, day, and year of birth. Add all of these numbers together. If this answer is a double or triple digit number, simplify it by reducing it to a single digit number. To reduce two or three digit numbers just add each digit in the number together until you achieve a single digit number. This single digit number forms your life destiny number.
Virgo also corresponds to the element of Earth. Considered an Earth sign, Virgos are straight shooters, believing everything and everybody have a specific niche in life. Always questioning different facets of a situation, Virgos look for the most pragmatic solution to any problem. Philosophical and driven by conviction, Virgos will use all resources available to them when researching a resolution to any problem. As logical as they are intuitive, Virgos often over analyze problems. Obsessing over every minute detail of a problem but never getting to the solution.
Rather self-conscious, most Virgos are untrusting of others. Virgos also tend to hold their emotions inside and are afraid to show their feelings. Virgos tend to focus on their outward appearance and are highly critical of any noticed flaws. Rather judgmental in nature, Virgos are also highly analytical of any potential mates. Because they tend to be so severe upon themselves and others, many Virgos can come across as stoic and callous, and often they lead rather singular lives.
Virgos are also chronic worriers. When Virgos are in self-analytical overdrive, the constant focus on their flaws makes it seem as if they are in another universe. Virgos often self consumed tend to find fault in others. Often times they feel negative energy surrounding them because of this fact. Virgos in their self-deprecating mode often exist in states of panic. The anxiety and stress Virgos feel because of their constant personal nitpicking will negatively affect their health. Deterioration in health will then negatively affect a Virgo's self-perception.
It will seem at times, that a Virgo is caught in a downward spiral, created by their refusal to come out of their shell and really see what's before them when looking in a mirror. Despite some of these negative traits, Virgos make trustworthy, dependable, and faithful lovers. However, in order for this to happen the caterpillar-like Virgo needs to undergo a metamorphosis into a beautiful, radiant butterfly exuding confidence.

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Friends With Benefits Film Review; Starring Justin Timberlake

Submitted By: Todd A. Smith

I know what you are saying Regal Magazine readers. Not another chick flick movie review in what is supposed to be a men’s magazine. However, the new Friends with Benefits film is the perfect date film to take your special lady to, because it combines the romance that women love to see, and it is absolutely hilarious no matter what gender you represent.

Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis) are so unlucky with love and relationships that they vow to distance themselves as far as possible from commitment and love. They endure hurtful break ups, which include the “it’s me, not you” quote and long for the days of their youth when casual intimacy was accepted without involving feelings and emotions.

Dylan is a talented blogger who is recruited by Jamie to join the staff of GQ Magazine. Jamie takes Dylan to all of the hot spots in New York to persuade him to take the job at GQ, even taking him to a flash mob in Times Square. Coming off of break ups, the two immediately hit it off on the friendship level and come up with an arrangement for casual, awkward sex, with no strings attached.

Nevertheless, the strings from past relationships linger as the two attempt to develop nothing more than a strong, but physical friendship. Dylan has intimacy issues and makes love and showers with his socks on because of it. And Mila has trust issues, running background checks on the guys she dates. She even discovers that Dylan once maxed out an Old Navy card buying cargo pants.

However, the two quickly realize that there are always complications, when you add intimacy to any relationship.

Dylan decides to take Jamie to California to meet his family even though the two are not officially an item. She is the only girl that he has ever brought home to meet his family, despite being in other relationships.

However, the chemistry that two characters share in the Friends with Benefits film is undeniable and his family can see that there is something more between them other than just friendship.

While trying to explain to his sister Annie (Jenna Elfman) that Jamie is not his type, he inadvertently pushes Jamie away after she begins having feelings for him. It takes his father, who is suffering from dementia and refuses to wear pants in public, to explain to his son how the love of one’s life can be lost forever if a man is not willing to express his true feelings.

The Friends with Benefits film is hilarious; especially Jamie’s sexually-liberated mother Lorna, played Patricia Clarkson, who cannot remember if Jamie’s father is Puerto Rican, Greek, Russian or Eurasian. After catching her daughter in bed with Dylan, she is even bold enough to program her phone number into Dylan’s cell phone under the name “MILF.”

However, the Friends with Benefits film is also extremely predictable, even though the final flash mob might have audiences across the country jumping in their seats. The Friends with Benefits film is quite enjoyable and extremely funny, but you will know where it is headed even if you’re not a fan of chick flicks.

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Cowboys and Aliens Film Review; Starring Harrison Ford

Submitted By: Todd A. Smith

Austin, Texas residents have a saying, “Keep Austin weird.” To many people, being weird is an insult, but to residents of the “ATX” it is the ultimate compliment.

In the same vein, the Cowboys and Aliens film is very weird, but it works for the movie, which is a compliment considering the negative reviews the film has received.

I have never been a fan of westerns or science fiction films, but in the Cowboys and Aliens film, producers Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard combine the two genres and still manage to make the film entertaining and the storyline easy to follow.

Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) is discovered by local residents, lost and disheveled. Not knowing his name or anything about his past, he discovers that he has a checkered past and is wanted by local law enforcement, which is led by the great Harrison Ford (Woodrow Dolarhyde).

In a “previous life,” Jake was formerly the leader of a group of thugs and was kidnapped by aliens for stealing their gold.

The captivity causes him to have amnesia, but he ultimately escapes from extra-terrestrial bondage.

The mysterious aliens have come to earth specifically to kidnap humans in an effort to study their ways, with the ultimate goal of destroying mankind and taking over planet Earth.

They begin attacking the town at night, because their vision is poor in the sunlight, kidnapping local residents indiscriminately.

Jake, who appears in the town wearing a mysterious bracelet, soon realizes he is the only one that can defend the town’s residents. The bracelet warns him when the aliens are near and it is also a dangerous weapon capable of taking down the aliens’ unidentified flying object.

Beautiful Ella Swenson (Olivia Wilde) befriends Jake and helps him remember his past and also assists in an attempt to rescue the captured civilians.

The Cowboys and Aliens film does a fairly good job of showing different demographics working together to fight a common enemy, in a time when anything but unity was the norm.

Jake is able to unite law enforcement officials with criminals, as well as Whites with Native Americans in an attempt to save their loved ones, their town and themselves.

The Native Americans and Whites become more like brothers in the Cowboys and Aliens film after blaming each other for their negative predicaments in life. The Native Americans discover that despite the stereotypes, many Whites like Woodrow have actually accepted many Native Americans into their lives as if they were family.

The Whites learn that, despite being perceived as primitive, the military rituals of Native Americans can actually be genius if combined with the technology of the times.

Consequently, both groups realize that people should not be the enemy of other people, but they should unite to fight the evil forces that can potentially bring down all mankind.

Although the Cowboys and Aliens film is quite enjoyable, the plot is very farfetched and unrealistic, despite being a science fiction film.

Furthermore, for produces known for brilliance and creativity, the title of the Cowboys and Aliens film is a bit lazy.

For a weird, but good film, the producers should have embraced their weirdness, like the residents of Austin, Texas and created a more energetic name that would probably result in bigger box office numbers.

Published At: Isnare.com

How Free Download Music Sites Can Offer a P2P File Sharing Program

Submitted By: Peter Nisbet
If you are looking online for a P2P file sharing program you can find one on any number of free download music sites. Many would claim P2P music downloads to be illegal, and most of the time they would be right, but peer to peer file sharing is not intrinsically illegal, and it would be wrong to claim it to be so.
Certainly, the large music conglomerates will claim them to be so and some would tend to support them in that accusation, particularly the producers and artists, but it is not, in fact, illegal for two people to share their files. If it is not illegal for two to share computer files, then it should not be illegal for three to share, and so on and on and on.. .
It is understandable that artists and music studios get annoyed when their products are being shared online, but there are two points to be discussed here: the legal situation and the moral situation. Let's look at each of these in order given:
The Legal Aspects of a P2P File Sharing Program
A P2P file sharing program is not illegal. What all of this hullabaloo is about is copyright, and the fact that peer to peer downloads of material that is still protected by copyright is illegal. That is not in dispute! Nobody could agree that it is correct for one person to steal another's work, and present it as their own. That is either plagiarism or breach of copyright, and nobody could realistically argue that it is not.
It is therefore illegal to copy another artist's work by using P2P file sharing software to connect one hard disk to another and copy the files on the one to the other - even if the music files on the first had been paid for. However, not all free download music sites do that, because many young musicians and singers will offer their work free online in order to get themselves better known.
One favorite of the free download music sites available is Jamendo, where you will find legitimate legal music downloads from independent artists that want their work to be published and better known. You can download tracks or even entire albums legally using your own P2P file sharing program, and another is Legal Torrents, where you can find a large number of legal media files to download with your P2P file sharing program.
This is a typical legal P2P site that offers legal online downloads of music, movies, games and audio-books plus a lot more. This is just one example of the type of free download music sites you are liable to come across when you are looking for a P2P file sharing program online.
It is therefore illogical to infer that all free download music sites are illegal, and that a P2P file sharing program must be breaking the law. There are many legal uses to which peer to peer software can be put.
The Moral Aspects of a P2P File Sharing Program
When it comes to the morality of using peer to peer software, here too there are no issues if it is being used legally. However, there are both legal and moral issues if the software is used to download copyright protected work and not all of these side with music and movie companies, particularly with respect to downloading music.
Where is it immoral for somebody wanting to check out the quality of new artists before buying their work? Many people use P2P file sharing program to check out a track or two before purchasing an album. Some also use free download music sites to test an artist's work before buying tickets for a live gig. There is nothing wrong with that even though it might be illegal.
Where it is both illegal and morally wrong is for people to get a free download of a movie or music tracks in order to avoid paying for it. The way for the music industry to prevent that is to offer free tracks from albums that can be used as testers by potential customers. By doing that, anybody who then uses P2P file sharing software to download copyright protected material will then be fair game.
It is not the software that is illegal but the people that use it illegally, and the music companies should use some initiative in getting the moral high ground by offering their own free download music sites and making it less necessary for people to test albums and artists by breaking the law.

Published At: Isnare.com

T.I. Talks Takers Movie, Upcoming Projects

Submitted By: Todd A. Smith

Anyone who meets superstar rapper-actor T.I. will probably walk away with two conclusions. This young brother is dedicated to his craft and dedicated to not forgetting where he comes from.
His star is destined to shine even brighter with the Aug. 27 release of the Takers movie, in which he shines on-camera as the character Ghost and behind the scenes as well as a producer with his newly-christened company Grand Hustle Films.
“The opportunity was presented to me to be involved as an actor,” explained T.I. “My agent got me the script…Upon reading the script; I was instantly intrigued, just by the layering of the story line. I’ve read so many stories with just one story and the fact that it’s an ensemble cast, but each of the members of this cast has their own conflicts, has their own uphill battles, their own conflicts [is what drew me to the film].”
Although initially just offered an opportunity to act in the Takers movie, the creativity and constructive criticism that has made him hip-hop royalty and the self-proclaimed “King of the South” forced its way into the script, ultimately landing him his role as producer.
He began adding depth to his character Ghost, providing background details on the character and his experiences to explain some of his actions and why his criminal comrades have the respect that they have for him. The soon-to- be classic scenes in the Takers movie about the sheep dog and the bowling ball were T.I. improvisations, because as he says when you work with stars like Idris Elba and Hayden Christensen you have to stay on your toes to pull your weight on screen.
Although hip-hop allows the utmost creativity, many rappers say that they are put into a box by their fan base and are not allowed the creative freedom that film allows. However, T.I. sees the creative process between movies and music as complete opposite expressions that require a different mind frame when approaching each medium.
“In film, it’s all about the story,” T.I. told Regal Magazine. “It’s not about me personally or my personal views, thoughts, opinions or beliefs. It’s about this character, this story and me doing an accurate portrayal of what’s in these pages and getting it to translate on this screen. Music is a lot more personal. Music is your thoughts, your ideas, (and) your beliefs coming out of your mouth. It’s more of an individual effort.”
And his individual effort on camera is paying off with a three film production deal, which includes the Takers movie, for Grand Hustle Films. He has been blessed to work with Hollywood legends like Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Ruby Dee and Will Smith who produced ATL and has soaked up game from all of them.
The emerging thespian is now exploring scripts, one of which is a romantic comedy set in the music industry, which he describes as a hip-hop version of the Eddie Murphy classic Boomerang.
Despite his success on screen, he has no plans of straying too far from his hip-hop roots. His new album “King Uncaged” will hit stores soon and his clothing line A.K.O.O., which he describes as attire for the “upscale, urban gentleman of leisure” is projected to earn $20 million in profits in 2010.
Not bad for a brother from the notorious Bankhead neighborhood of Atlanta. From the hip-hop hotbed of the ATL to Hollywood success in films, T.I.’s life has been inspirational to many. The obstacles he overcame during his childhood on the streets to becoming a success in the music industry to losing his best friend Philant Johnson in a drive by shooting, T.I. keeps pushing forward despite the hardships. His life is a true example that dreams come true no matter how many nightmares one experiences.
When Regal Magazine asked if fans can expect a T.I. biopic through Grand Hustle Films, his response gave a glimmer of hope for those who want to see the “King” forever immortalized on the big screen.
“Wow, that’s tough,” he told Regal. “Outside of 8 Mile, I haven’t seen it done in a way that accurately closes the story out. How do you end the story? I think that…I don’t know it’s up for discussion. If it’s something that’s compelling; it would have to be…just an outstanding writer that wrote something that I respect and admire his work and presents a script to me that changes my mind…then it’s open for discussion. But I’m not just out to seek someone to do a biopic for myself.”
Nevertheless, his fans (hip-hop heads and new fans of the Takers movie) will continue to seek out his life story for inspiration. And who knows, for a man that says he works too hard to sit back and enjoy his meteoric rise to the top, maybe seeing his accomplishments on the big screen will allow him marvel at how bright his star is actually shining.

Published At: Isnare.com

Is Robin Hood Fact Or Fiction

Submitted By: Michael Birbeck

Robin Hood has been portrayed in several TV shows and Hollywood movies throughout the years. The romantic notion of taking from the rich and giving to the poor still resonates to this day. However, historians are split on who this man was and whether or not he actually existed.
The very legend of Robin Hood is taken from tales and ballads, all written before the year 1550. Several published works written in the 1400s all gave accounts of the actions of a brave and noble Englishman, fighting for the rights and freedoms of the oppressed. While many believe these works to be pure fiction, there are many who believe these stories are accounts of real events.
England's most famous outlaw lived in and around the English city of Nottingham. Evidence uncovered in the area paints a compelling picture and suggests that such a high profile outlaw did exist after all. The evidence also supports that legend's claim of a band of 'merry men' including the infamous names of Little John, Maid Marion and Friar Tuck.
During medieval times, only the rich and educated could read or write. This is why so little is known about the man. Much has been passed down the generations in the form of stories told to children and gossip. However, it is believed that much of the legend may be accurate. This includes the man's desire to live as an outlaw in Sherwood Forest and poach deer from the King's land. The references to a Sheriff of Nottingham are also thought to originate from the truth.
The earliest reference to the legend appears in a poem written by William Langland in 1377, some 200 years before the time of William Shakespeare. Although historians cannot be completely certain, they place Robin between the years of 1190 and 1307.
While many historians believe Robin came from elsewhere in England, they agree that he made his home in Sherwood Forest at some point in his life. The forest covered an area of several thousand acres and was the location of the famous Major Oak, or 'council tree' used by Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. Incredibly, this tree still exists and visitors can still visit this ancient meeting place.
Historians believe Robin traveled to a Priory in England and was killed by Sir Roger of Doncaster after being double-crossed by his cousin, the prioress. There is a grave at Kirklees Priory to this day. The medieval gravestone at the grave bears the chilling words, "Here Lies Robard Hude".
At the time, the man would most probably have been a wanted man across all of England. His acts of defiant theft from the King's land would have been punishable by death. The fact that the man continued to provide for the poor suggests the man was compassionate and brave, a far cry from the man described by the Royal Court. The legend is much more than a man however. The legend represents the fight for freedom and equality. It represents the fight against tyranny and dictatorship which many people around the world will identify with, 800 years later.

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60 Top David Bowie Facts

Submitted By: Terry Davies
Back in January, singer David Bowie turned 60. In order to celebrate his 60th birthday, tBBC News found 60 little know facts about the singer. Straight from UK's daily paper, here are those facts.
1. David Bowie was born David Robert Jones in Brixton, London, on 8 Jan 1947. He shares the same birthday as Elvis.
2. Bowie's family moved to Bromley when he was six years old.
3. He went to Bromley Technical High School, now called Ravenswood School.
4. Rock guitarist Peter Frampton was Bowie's friend at school - his dad was head of the art department. He's gone on to play guitar with Bowie many times during his career.
5. His right pupil is permanently dilated - due to his friend George Underwood punching him in the eye while the pair were still at school. The fight was over a girl.
6. Underwood and Bowie remained good friends with Underwood doing artwork for some of Bowie's earlier albums.
7. He started playing the saxophone when he was 12 years old.
PRE-FAME
8. His first ever release was Liza Jane / Louie Louie Go Home in June 1964, under the name of Davie Jones with The King-Bees.
9. He later changed his name to Bowie to avoid confusion with Monkee Davy Jones.
10. Bowie is pronounced to rhyme with Joey.
11. At the age of 17, he was interviewed on a BBC programme as the founder of The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-haired Men. He complained: "It's not nice when people call you darling and that".
12. Around 1967, he wrote songs for actor Paul Nicholas of Just Good Friends fame, who was then recording under the name Oscar.
13. He released his debut album, the self-titled David Bowie, in 1967 after playing in a host of pub and club bands.
14. 1967 also saw the release of a single, The Laughing Gnome, which many fans argue is the worst song he has ever recorded.
15. When Bowie suggested that his fans should vote via phone which tracks he should play for his 1990 world tour, The Laughing Gnome was the most requested. He didn't play it.
STARMAN
16. Bowie's first hit in the UK - 1969's Space Oddity - was used by the BBC in its coverage of the moon landing.
17. The fictional character of Major Tom has appeared in three Bowie hits - Space Oddity (1969), Ashes To Ashes (1980) and Hallo Spaceboy (1996).
18. Bowie's first US Number One was his single Fame in 1975. It was co-written by John Lennon and features the late former Beatle on backing vocals.
19. Model Twiggy features on the cover with him for his 1973 album Pin Ups.
20. Around the time of Bowie's 1975 Young Americans album, Chic founder Nile Rodgers auditioned to play guitar in Bowie's band. He didn't get the part.
21. But Rodgers later produced the biggest-selling album of Bowie's career, 1983's Let's Dance.
22. Bowie is believed to have sold in the region of 140 million albums over his career.
23. He was voted Number Four in the recent BBC Culture Show public vote to discover Britain's Greatest Living Icons. Above him were Sir David Attenborough at Number One, Morrissey (2) and Sir Paul McCartney (3).
THE PERFORMER
24. Bowie was hit in the eye by a lollipop while on stage in Oslo, Norway in 2004.
25. Toni Basil of Oh Mickey fame worked as Bowie's choreographer on his Diamond Dogs tour in 1974. She later worked on his Glass Spider tour of 1987.
26. In 1970, when Bowie briefly formed The Hype, everyone in the band dressed up as super heroes. They were booed off everywhere they played.
27. Director Nicolas Roeg cast Bowie in his first leading role, as a stranded alien in The Man Who Fell to Earth, in 1976.
28. He is to be the voice of a character in an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants this year.
29. In the 1986 Jim Henson movie Labyrinth, Bowie plays Jareth The Goblin King.
30. He has most recently appeared in The Prestige, alongside Hugh Jackman and Scarlet Johansson.
31. In 1969, Bowie formed his own mime troupe, Feathers, as well as an experimental art ensemble.
32. Bowie appeared as Pontius Pilate in Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ.
33. Among his oddest film roles are: The Shark in Yellowbeard and a sinister FBI agent called Philip Jeffries in David Lynch's Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.
PERSONAL LIFE
34. David is 5 feet and 10 inches (178cm) tall, according to most sources.
35. Bowie declined the CBE in 2000 and a knighthood in 2003.
36. Bowie married Somalian supermodel Iman in 1992. They have a daughter Alexandria Zahra Jones, born in 2000.
37. Iman has a Bowie knife tattooed on her ankle in tribute to her husband.
38. Bowie's schizophrenic half-brother Terry killed himself in 1985.
39. Nine years older than David, Terry was the inspiration for songs including Aladdin Sane, All The Madmen, The Bewlay Brothers and Jump They Say.
40. In 2004, Bowie underwent emergency heart surgery in Germany to treat a blocked artery.
THE MUSICIAN
41. Bowie co-produced some of the best tracks on Lou Reed's legendary album Transformer.
42. His hit Ziggy Stardust is about Vince Taylor, who wrote Brand New Cadillac - later covered by The Clash.
43. David recorded a version of Space Oddity in Italian titled Ragazzo Solo, Ragazza Solo - which literally means Lonely Boy, Lonely Girl.
44. The Lodger album's Move On track is a backwards rewrite of his All The Young Dudes.
45. He has been in 10 bands - The Konrads, The Hooker Brothers, The King Bees, The Manish Boys, The Lower Third, The Buzz, The Riot Squad, The Hype, Tin Machine and Tao Jones Index. (Some of these have performed under other names).
46. Bowie's song The Man Who Sold The World has been covered by Lulu and Nirvana.
47. Bing Crosby recorded his last ever single with David Bowie. Their duet version of The Little Drummer Boy was recorded for Christmas 1977. It was a hit five years later.
48. Bowie wrote the soundtrack for the 1993 dramatisation of Hanish Kureishi's novel Buddha Of Suburbia.
49. Bowie plays sax on To Know Him Is To Love Him from Steeleye Span's Now We Are Six album.
50. He plays just about every instrument on Diamond Dogs - including the famous guitar riff on Rebel Rebel.
MISCELLANEOUS
51. He was the final guest on Marc Bolan's ITV music show, Marc, in 1977. Bolan was killed in a car crash in south west London shortly afterwards.
52. Steve Strange, recently of BBC's Celebrity Scissorhands, was in the video for Bowie's 1980 Number One hit Ashes To Ashes.
53. Bowie's favourite current bands include Arcade Fire and TV On The Radio.
54. Mary Hopkin of Those Were The Days fame sings the "doo doo doo" backing vocals on Sound And Vision.
55. Almost a decade before The Cocteau Twins popularised the approach, Bowie sang in a completely self-invented language on the 1976 Low album track, Subterraneans.
56. His image appears on every single one of his album covers - except the UK release of The Buddha Of Suburbia.
57. He is mentioned in Kraftwerk's song Trans Europe Express ("Meet Iggy Pop and David Bowie - TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS!") and Backside by the Strawbs ("The boy stood on the burning deck, his back against the mast. He did not dare to turn around till David Bowie passed").
58. In 1997 David Bowie broke new ground, yet again, with the internet-only release of his single Telling Lies. A year later, he launched his own internet service provider, Bowienet.
59. Bowie draws, paints, sculpts and writes in his spare time. His favourite artists are Tintoretto, John Bellany, Erich Heckel, Picasso and Michael Ray Charles.
60. David got just one O Level, in art.

Published At: Isnare.com