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Back in the 1980’s there was no one in the world that influenced the budding Generation ‘X’ like that of Michael Jackson. Yes, there was President Ronald Regan, Bo Jackson, MTV, Boy George, Madonna and those funky heavy metal hair bands. But no one topped the power of Michael Jackson.

He was not just a star; he was phenomenon.  He commanded your attention, weather you were a music fan or not. Where he went, legions of fans followed, screaming for a glimpse. The world had not seen that since the Beatles and Elvis.

Now deceased, Michael Jackson is more powerful than ever before. This story has made frontline news in all the world’s paper for 3 days straight now. No other news is seemingly is so captivating; not Jon and Kate, not US economic woes, not even the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Michaels’ death has suddenly revived his career. Yes, revived. In all likelihood, he may generate more money then he ever did alive. Already record stores, iTunes, and Amazon have experience enormous demands.   Elvis, John Lennon, Jim Morrison all experienced the same.

Michael’s legacy will most likely focus on the days he produced Off the Wall and Thriller. Those two albums alone produced more hits then most musicians have in their entire careers. His music videos ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, and ‘Thriller’ transformed music videos from a mere promotional tool to an art. It helped ignite MTV. His career in a nutshell: 2 time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a solo artist and member of the Jackson 5), 13 Grammy Awards, 13 Number one singles, over 750 million albums sold worldwide, and billions of dollars generated.

The Lost Childhood
As the world learned, however, was that Michael Jackson had a dark side that involved child abuse, neglect, and accusations of child molestation. You find can an entire populace of people with similar history in prison.

It wasn’t enough that Michael suffered a lost childhood. He was never allowed to be own person. His spirit was never free. Instead, his life became a tool for others to make profit of his enormous talent. His father, Joe Jackson, was not a successful man on his own by any means. He was a steel worker during the day, hardly carrying enough change in his pockets for lunch.

To his credit, however, Joe Jackson was a driven man. He played in a band and was a talented guitarist. Perhaps he had dreams playing for record label, but fell victim to the circumstances in his day: poverty, racism, and missed opportunities.

To some, growing old and not fulfilling your lifelong dream is intolerable. Joe Jackson may not have wanted any of that. So, his kids became the pawns for his success. According the Michael and his sister LaToya, Joe Jackson was a tyrant with an iron fist. He ran the household with fear, intimidation, and complete lack of concern about his children’s feelings. 

In addition, Michael had to endure the challenge of being in a one-income household with ten kids.  Normally with large families siblings would play and fight with each other. In the Jackson household, it seemed that band practice took precedence to growing up and living a normal childhood. 

Despite the hardship, Michael was born to be an entertainer. For years the Jackson 5 played in local venues and won numerous competitions. It was not till Michael joined the band did MoTown Records take notice.

The Baton is Passed
Smokey Robinson said, “Michael had the talent of someone years his age.” Which Michael at the realm, the Jackson 5 attracted television and record deals. Like many child stars, however, Michael was forced into world that God never meant for children.  Michael never experienced a childhood. He was busy making money for his family and for the record labels. He was a moneymaker. Despite the claims from those who say they loved him and showed genuine concern, he was a music moneymaking machine. The self-worth was solely based on that. If he stopped producing, they stopped caring.

In 1979, the record ‘Off the Wall’ was a solo act without Michael’s tyrant father or his brothers. Quincy Jones was the man behind the project. Together, Jones and the 20 year old Jackson produced the first ever album to generate US top 10 hits including blockbuster songs like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You”.

The man was only 20!

At 20 years old most people are in college, partying, studying for college exams, or thinking of their careers. Michael remained what he was since he was 10, a money making machine. Not a man with feelings, not a man with a spirit, and a human being. He was money making machine, the darling of the media, a man with billions of dollars, yet no life.

At 24, Thriller was released.  It’s the greatest album I have ever purchased. For Michael, the arrow had reached its peak and is now failing.

Energy Released – His deal with Children
It’s little wonder why Michael had that special relationship with children. He wanted to be around them, especially young male boys. Why? Because he was never allowed to experience having a ‘best friend’, or play outside with friends after school, like normal kids do. 

It’s just human nature to make up for lost experience. It not unusual for teenage moms, as soon as their children are grown, to dress up in sexy garbs, hang out at bars, and date younger men.

Michael’s inner demons were not demons. They were yearnings. Yearnings to have the God given right to a normal childhood.

Did he molest young boys? I’m not sure, but then I wonder why an innocent man would pay the family of one of his so-called victims $20 million to keep their mouth shut. I don’t know the details, nor will I speculate.

His Career Revived in Death
In years to come there will be speculations if Michael did actually die?  The same theories floated around about Elvis and Jim Morrison. Elvis and Jim Morrison made more money in death then they did alive.

Will that happen to Michael? Most likely yes.

The greatest gifts Michael left us his music. He is the ‘King of Pop’ and the greatest entertainer since Elvis and the Beatles. More important, for those who wish to live their successful through their children, look at Michael’s life and where it went.

He became a lost soul with billions of dollars. As it was mentioned in the Bible,

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? – Matthew 16:26

Rest in Peace Michael and thanks for the music and the lessons learned.

Jim Hague is an author, lecturer, owner of Crystal Digital Images LLC, has no party affiliation and is a moderate. He is the author of ‘Abandoned Son: Roe vs. Wade is overturned.’

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/men’s-issues-articles/michael-jackson-the-lost-childhood-1289240.html

Domestic violence against men is an all too real issue that doesn’t get as much attention as it should. There are an overwhelming number of domestic violence statistical data illustrating domestic violence against women. But, there is also plenty of evidence of men being subjected to domestic violence, as well. Some statistics suggest that out of every 100 reported domestic violence cases, about 40 of them are against men.

One of the biggest supporters against domestic violence against both men and women is Patti Austin, the 2007 Grammy award winning singer / songwriter. She was so moved by this “epidemic” that she started the Blue Movement in support of the victims of domestic violence. In fact, she was so moved by the story she saw on Oprah that she wrote a song called “By the Grace of God” as a way to speak out against domestic violence.

The month of October is designated as domestic violence month. As such, it is important for lawmakers and the general population to consider elevating the issue of domestic violence in support of a gender neutral movement. According to one report, there were an estimated 800,000 reported cases of domestic violence against men last year.

Domestic violence whether against men or women should not be tolerated. It’s somewhat understandable how women might get a wider audience of support, considering society views them as more vulnerable. And, of course, cases like the Annie Le murder at Yale or the Jaycee Dugard abduction capture the minds of the American populace. The perpetrators for the most part are men, but in the case of Dugard, the perpetrator was also his wife.

What many people fail to consider is that domestic violence against men, like women, happen in many different ways. Let’s look at the very visible case of Christopher Savoie. At face value, this may not appear to be domestic violence, but the man is now in jail because his wife abducted their children and took them to Japan. She was U.S. court had issued an arrest warrant for the mother!

According to a report by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, they studied 11,000 men and women involved in domestic violence cases. What they found was that in 50% of the cases, the domestic violence involved both parties. And, an interesting fact, the woman was the first to strike. One other interesting revelation was that when the violence was one-sided, 70% of the time the perpetrator was the woman.

Another interesting statistic shows that domestic violence against men has more than doubled in the last 10 years. The actual numbers are probably even higher, because like in many domestic violence cases, they often are not reported. And, even when reported the victims and perpetrators often change their stories.

No matter how you look at the information, domestic violence against men or women is a bad thing. It’s bad for the parties involved, hurts communities and destroys families. Let’s all just hope that we find a way to educate everyone of this terrible travesty.

David Chan wrote an article about how a leader should position himself or herself to end domestic violence, you can find it on his blog at http://davidkchan.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/men’s-issues-articles/domestic-violence-against-men-1294791.html

Cigar is a cylindrical roll of tobacco. It is used in smoking with a wrapper leaf. Always, most expansive leaves are used in cigars. In terms of characteristics, it is stronger in odor and smoke. It bears pleasant flavor and good burning properties. As per historical evidences, cigar was introduced by Maya Indians in 10th century. Christopher Columbus and other explorers have revealed this fact in their notes.
?    Gustave Bock was a Dutch immigrant. He owned a cigar factory in Cuba in the 1830s. It is believed that it was the first to place a paper band around his cigars. It was just a paper ring with his signature.
?    Very soon, it prominently flourished and became very profitable business. However, now cigar rolling has become mechanized but still few prestigious companies adhere with traditional stuffs. They do mention phrase on the boxes such as ‘totalmente a mano (totally by hand) or hecho a mano (made by hand)’.

A glimpse upon manufacturing of premium Cigars
?    At first tobacco leaves pass through curing process and it takes approximately 25 to 45 days which depends upon climatic condition and construction of sheds or barns used to store harvested tobacco as well.
?    After curing, second process is fermentation. Under this process, major characteristics like flavor, burning, and aroma are primarily brought out in the leaf.
?    Once after properly being aged, leaves are used as filler. Under this process, these are continuously moistened and ensured proper utilization each leaf as per the quality.
?    Few premium brands cigars (viz. Acid Cigars, Padron Cigars, Ashton Cigars, Dominican Cigars) use special varieties of tobacco. For instance, long leaves are thoroughly used in long filler cigars which are supposed as higher quality of cigar.
?    For long term storage of cigar, lower storage temperature viz. 40C/400F is recommended. There are special storage boxes available in the market like wooden box or humidor. Such containers carefully control ideal conditions for longer period.

Packaging of cigars
?    The outermost portion or wrapper comes from the widest part of the plant and its color in itself speaks a lot about character and flavor of cigar. There is also a myth prevailing in the cigar market that the darker the wrapper, the fuller the flavor. One must keep in the mind that darkness refers to sweetness on the other hand light one means dryness to the taste.
?    Fillers are available in two forms either short or long. Recently an addition has been made of medium filler cigars. There is a special category of filler known as ‘sandwich or Cuban sandwich’. It is made by rolling short leaf inside long outer leaf.
?    Cigars are prominently categorized on the basis of shape and size and all together known as ‘vitola’. Few names under this category are Parejo, Figurado and little cigars.

After the development of printing industry, cigar got more vibrant looks and cigar companies prominently focused on branding of their products. During World War I, there was fall down in its popularity. But, it was remained for the very short span.

Have you ever wondered where cigars were first produced?  It is widely believed that cigars were first produced in Spain.  But before cigars became all the rage in Europe, tobacco was needed to make them.  Tobacco is indigenous to the Americas, where native peoples have produced it for hundreds of years.  It is believed that the Maya of Yucatan peninsula in Mexico and parts of Central America cultivated tobacco, and even smoked it!  Tobacco use spread to other tribes, both north and south.  It is believed that its first use in the United States was probably among the tribe along the Mississippi.  It wasn’t until Christopher Columbus sailed his famous voyage to the Americas in 1492 that the rest of the world came to know tobacco.

It is said that Columbus was not impressed by tobacco or its use among native peoples, but many sailors grew found of the strange plant.  Soon it quickly caught on in Spain and Portugal.  From there, it spread to France, where the French ambassador Jean Nicot lent his name to the scientific name for tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).  The origins of the word tobacco itself are still suspect, although many believe it is simply a corruption of the word Tobago, which is the name of a Caribbean island.  Still others believe it comes from the word Tabasco, a region (and now state) in Mexico.  

The first tobacco plantation in the United States was established in Virginia in 1612.  More tobacco plantations followed in Maryland soon after.  Although tobacco became a popular crop, it was only smoked in pipes.  The cigar was not introduced to the United States until the late 18th century.  Israel Putnam, an army general who had served in the Revolutionary War, is credited with introducing the cigar to the United States.  He had traveled to Cuba after the Revolutionary War and returned with a box of Cuban cigars.  Their popularity quickly spread, and soon enough cigar factories were established in the area of Harford, Connecticut, where General Putnam resided.  

In Europe, cigar production and consumption did not achieve widespread popularity until after the Peninsula War in the early 19th century.  British and French veterans returned to their homelands after years of serving in Spain with their tobacco pipes in tow.  Among the rich and fashionable, the favored method of taking tobacco was the cigar.  Cigar smoking remains a habit associated with the rich and discriminating of upper society.

Put This in Your Pipe and Smoke It – Top 5 Nicaraguan Cigars

Arnold Schwarzenegger. Tom Cruise. Mel Gibson. Harrison Ford. Sylvester Stallone.

What in the world do all of these high-octane megastars have in common? No, they’re not all starring in Mission: Testosterone, this summer’s most muscled blockbuster. But, they do share a unique bond. In fact, they share the same connection with such historically notable folks as Fidel Castro, W.C. Fields, and even King Edward VII.

How could kings, comedians, and revolutionary leaders have anything in common with the Terminator, Rambo, and Braveheart?

It’s simple: They all love a good cigar! No, actually, they all love a great cigar!

And, when it comes to great cigars, arguably there are none better today than those coming from rich soils and humid mountain hillsides of Nicaragua. Long having taken a backseat to the Cuban cigar-making dynasty, Nicaragua is making its mark on the international scene with the finest cigars found anywhere on the planet.

Just like its booming real estate market that has rebounded after natural disasters and political unrest to become one of the best places in the world to invest, the Nicaraguan cigar industry is benefiting and experiencing a renaissance as well. From the center of it cigar revolution in Esteli to Condega and all the way out to the Jalapa Valley, Nicaragua is home to the world’s best cigar makers, tobacco, and established and up-and-coming brands.

With so many great cigars to choose from, the problem for the cigar aficionado and the newbie alike becomes not “How can I find a good Nicaraguan cigar,” but where should I even start? To help you make your way through the jungle landscape of choice, let’s take a look at five all-time favorites.

5. Plasencia Organica Nesticos

Profile: small cigar, mild, but rich taste

Big things come in little packages! The world’s first 100% Certified Organic cigar, the Plasencia Organica Nesticos are pure handmade tobacco magic. These little cigars take advantage of Plansencia’s renowned three-year-aged, organically-grown Nicaraguan tobaccos and serve it up in a smoke-able size that allows you to enjoy big cigar flavor even when you don’t have a lot of time.

4. Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970, Robusto Grande.

Profile: strong, robust, earthy, woody, big, heavy-bodied…you get the idea, this cigar ain’t messing around!

This hefty all-Nicaraguan tobacco cigar was crafted to appeal to an American clientele who could no longer puff their favorite Havanas after the Cuban revolution. Let’s just call it like it is: The Robusto Grande is a big daddy of a cigar – both in size and flavor. There’s no getting around the fact that it packs a seriously rich blow with that characteristic Nicaraguan metallic twang. If you like your cigars to knock you out with a power-packed punch, this is your choice.

3. Felipe II Fat Boy

Profile: medium-bodied, earthy, spicy coffee bean aromas, roasted butter finish

Rated 90 by Cigar Aficionado, this ridiculously rich tasting cigar by Felipe Gregorio is definitely round and robust, but has a seamlessly smooth quality that makes it a definite contender. The Fat Boy’s small, but stocky size (3.5 x 55) gives it a definite “Don’t Mess with Me” attitude. When you’re feeling like a fine fatty at a reasonable rate, find yourself a Felipe II and get ready for a taste explosion.

2. Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series

Profile: medium to full-bodied, long finish, perfectly balanced.

If you want to feel like a celebrity, then you’ll want to take a pull on any cigar from the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series. Made to celebrate their 30th anniversary, this line is crafted from only their best tobaccos and is often quite difficult to find. However, when you do get your hands on one, you’ll experience a masterful cigar from first spark to final ash tap. Despite the price, this is a must-have in your collection.

1. Perdomo Edición de Silvio

Profile: robust, delicate tones, perfection

This exquisite cigar is considered by many to be one of the best in the world bar none. With a secret blend of the finest tobaccos, this is the holy grail of cigars. And, although it is by far the most exclusive (read: expensive) cigar on my list, it’s not to be missed. So, when you start making huge profits with your Nicaraguan real estate investments, you can experience a little decadence with a Perdomo Edicion de Silvio.

As you can quickly see, the Nicaraguan cigar revolution is in full swing – a rich variety of flavors that is unmatched anywhere in the world. With its fascinating history, the Nicaraguan cigar story is one that can’t be missed. When you light up any of the above cigars, you’ll know that you’ve found a new favorite in Nicaragua.

In the year 1847, in the small town of Hawick which is located in the Scottish borders, Walker Scot and William Lyle first started Lyle and Scott. Before 1954, they had made collaborations with Christian Dior for manufacturing clothes. Things were going pretty well until 1926, when they achieved another milestone and started producing knitwear which became the signature collection of the brand.

Style Factor Of Lyle And Scot: It is difficult to miss the famous Eagle emblem. This brand has been extremely popular in UK. Celebrities have seen to endorse the brand. Lyle and Scott has made its own fashion statement. The metrosexual male have always loved and will continue to love the brand. The traditional jumper from the brand has been an all-time favorite among both men and women.

You will love the V-necks and the knits of the jumpers. No one can match them in quality and style. Adding to the fashion quotient of the jumpers is the buttons on the V-necklines. Some buttons are even sewn on collars. The knitwear which was produced was a favorite among the golfers. The golf sweaters still carry the characteristic mark of the golden eagle of Lyle and Scot. This is roughly the story of Lyle and Scot.

Jumpers From Lyle And Scot: It is difficult to miss the signature Eagle logo on jumpers which probably makes it all the more elegant. Even some customers insist on the logo which they feel has become an integral part of the brand. It is difficult to imagine Lyle and Scot without the eagle. The jumpers remain unmatched in several departments beginning with style.And it has almost become a luxury to wear a designer jumper from Lyle and Scot. The best thing about the brand is that there is nothing flashy about the products. All you have is an understated elegance. Simplicity is what makes it different from other brands. Lyle and Scott has proved that even simplicity can make a lot of impression.

Diesel Jeans For All: But there is another cloth giant which has also made its mark in the fashion world. Diesel, the company was started by Renzo Rosso in the year 1978. Some of the best quality jeans have the characteristic mark of Diesel Jeans on them. It is easy to distinguish the lot among a bundle. The cut is right, stitches are perfect and they fit in perfectly. You will be glad to find that some of the online shops now sell Diesel jeans.

There are various types to choose from beginning with skinny fit of Thanaz, Safado and Darron. You will be getting the loose fit of Gualbon, Pheyo and Bonsky. The best thing about online shops is that you get the most unusual collection there. Think of the Lyle and Scott jumpers. They have almost become iconic and one cannot miss the sumptuous knits and the simple logos which make a statement of their own.

If you are looking for an online shop where you can buy the products of Lyle and Scott and Diesel Jeans, you cannot afford to miss atticclothing.com. This premier online store for clothes offers a wide range of collection beginning with the vintage range. This is meant for the handful few who choose to have something stylish and simple in their wardrobe.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/the-story-of-lyle-and-scott-and-diesel-jeans-1769829.html

Lyle and Scott had a rather humble beginning. Walker Scott and William Lye, the founding fathers of the organization started a company in Scotland in the year 1874. It was Pringle, the hosiery and underwear manufacturer of those times who inspired them to start a business of their own. But it was only in 1926 that they could venture into the knitwear market.

They collaborated with the leading French designer of those times Christian Dior in the 1950′s. Unfortunately the liaison was short-lived and ended in the swinging sixties. But it was a good time for the brand. They launched their golfing range and business really took off for nudie jeans. The year 1967 saw the reputed golden eagle motif which later became the trademark of the brand. It was then that Scott and Lyle have also decided to start a new golf range which was inspired by the famous golfer Doug Sanders. Golf pros like Tony Jacklin, Greg Norman and Gary Player were full of praise of this range and they even wore it.

Celebrities began wearing the knitwear products manufactured by this company. After the golfers, it was the turn of the football players. During the 1970′s, the football players began wearing plain sweaters with v necks and eagle motif on the chest. In North West England, it became more famous. Initially the motif of Lyle and Scott was a yellow eagle embroidered on the chest. The golden-colored eagle started appearing much later. The diamond jumpers which are common products of the brand are available in different colors and variations. Small and large diamond patterns were seen on plain-colored sweaters. This was commonly seen in the leisure or the sports range.

There have been quite a few changes in the design of the motif. An embroidered logo used to appear with name written under it on the sweaters and jumpers. Later the motifs were shifted to arms instead of chest. The brand lost popularity for a few years in between. But with the revival of retro fashion in the world the brand soon became a part of men’s wardrobe. In the year 2000, a special vintage range was launched with the special yellow eagle sewn over the badge. With the increasing popularity of the vintage range, the range was expanded and a store was opened on the King Street. Previously it was the selected few who wore the brand and there was a kind of exclusivity about it. But with so many wearing it, the brand lost its charm among its ardent fans.

Sadly enough there were some fashion fiascos in between including the introduction of the limited edition green and silver eagle sweaters. Now the brand is careful about its range. The primary focus is still on the golf range. The green label golf rage with the characteristic yellow badges is no longer produced in bulks. Instead they are used exclusively for the vintage tight fit collection. The contrast golf embroidered eagle motifs are available in contrasting colors. In today’s world where brand endorsement counts for a lot of business, Lyle and Scott still remains a popular name. But the popularity is mostly among the golfers and less among the footballers.

If you want to look at some of the products of Lyle and Scott, you can simply visit one of the Cambridge shops of Dogfish. Dogfish is the partner of Catfish and you can get a glimpse of the latest fashion in the stores. You can simply look at the latest collection of Lyle and Scott or Nudie Jeans in one of the shops.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/the-story-of-lyle-and-scott-1726808.html