Acura: Way Ahead Of The Curve

With performance and class fused together to build a reliable brand that stands tall on its own, Acura has carved a major niche in the luxury segment of the automotive arena. An offspring of another reliable automotive authority that is Honda, it is without a doubt that Acura parts are assured of quality, performance, and that kind of dedication and service Acura has been known for all through the years.

Acura is the luxury arm of Japanese automotive giant Honda, shipping and marketing luxury sedans and SUV's in the United States, Canada and Hongkong since March of 1986. The first two models are the Integra and Legend and later by 1991, other models like the Vigor and NSX were introduced. The Integra, Legend and Vigor were not totally removed in the current line-up. Instead, the present generations of these cars were just named with another.

The brand was also introduced in Mexico in 2004 and much recently in China this year. Acura makers also plan to parade their vehicles to the Japanese domestic market by 2008. This success story has given credit to Honda as the first to penetrate the market for luxury Japanese automobiles outside Japan. Before, luxury vehicles coming out Japan were primarily economical in design and largely focused on budget-conscious buyers.

True enough, Acura's colorful timeline has given many industry insiders more than a nod of approval for its high-passing remarks, especially in a stringent industry that demands nothing but ultimate driving pleasure. New Acura models RL and the TSX have gotten rave reviews recently. The TSX has been on Car and Driver's Ten Best list in all three years of production (2004-2006).

From its luxury sedans (RL, TL, TSX, RSX) to its high-end sport utility vans (MDX, RDX), Acura believes that their vehicles won't belong to the "crème dela crème" of the luxury segment if not for its parts and accessories. These parts are not the typical, run-on-the-mill components. Each part has undergone numerous scientific testings and engineered for utmost performance, reliability and durability.

From engine parts and electrical parts to the various drivetrain and powertrain parts like A/C condensers, catalytic converters, exhausts, tanks, radiators, and among others, Acura parts are manufactured for driving perfection. Not only do these parts perform efficiently, they are manufactured with the finest, sturdiest materials to undergo the harshest conditions possible. Other Acura body parts like doors, mirrors, windshields, interior and exterior body arts are not only design for performance but are crafted to project an elegant personality inside and out. Volt these together and it will form a unique vehicle that packs not only a heavy punch on performance but more of a driving experience full of sophistication and elegance. Not only are these Acura parts are being made available at the nearest auto parts stores, online stores also mushroom to cater to Acura aficionados wanting nothing but quality Acura parts.

With style and performance, Acura parts are the building blocks that make the vehicles the perfect epitome of what luxury is.

By: Andrea Coles

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Andrea Coles, despite her feminine charm, is an avid do-it-yourselfer. She prefers to have her car done by herself.

CELEBRITY TATTOOS

From the early 1990's on, there has been a tremendous increase in the popularity of tattooing among the general public in North America and Europe, a trend that has since spread around the world. Anyone who has taken even the most cursory glance at the mainstream media during the past decade could quite easily come away with the impression that the current popular interest in tattoos and other forms of body modification, such as body piercing, has arisen out of a cultural void and that there is scant evidence to suggest where the roots of the resurgence might lie. In point of fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Tattoos have had a rich and colourful history in western popular culture for the better part of two centuries and nowhere is this better illustrated than by the rather extraordinary number of historical figures and modern day celebrities who, have sported or currently have body art.

http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/celebrity_tattoos.htm

Tattoo in Chinese Minorities

The Chinese Drung and Dai minorities have tattoo customs inherited from their ancestors.

Among the Drung ethnic minority, women have tattoos on their faces. In the past, girls were tattooed when they turned 12 or 13 as a symbol of maturity.

First, an old woman would dip a bamboo slip into sooty water and draw on the girl's face, then beat a thorn into the skin with a small stick in the designed area, and fill the pricked spots with soot. When scabs formed, a dark blue design was left on the face, The tattoo was drawn between the two eyebrows and around the mouth in diamond shape and on the cheek with dots, forming a flying butterfly design.

This form of tattooing is popular in the upper reaches of the Drung River. Along the lower reaches, the tattoos are simpler, with two or three lines on the lower jaw.

The Drung minority tattoo originated from the late Ming Dynasty about 350 years ago. At that time, the Drung people were usually attacked by other ethnic groups, and women were captured as slaves. To avoid being raped, the Drung women tattooed their faces to make themselves less attractive and, thus, protect themselves. It was a tragedy. Though the Drung women are not threatened by other minorities now, they retain their tattoo custom, and it has become a symbol of maturity for Drung women

Tattooing is also an ancient custom of the Dai people, and can still be found in some remote villages in the Dai inhabited area or among some old Dai people.

Both men and women were tattooed according to the Dai custom, men on the strong muscles and women on the back of hand, arm or between the eyebrows.

In old times, the Dai Children had designs pricked into their skin when they were 5 or 6, for it was said to be the best age. Later, they were tattooed at 14 or 15 as a symbol of reaching maturity.

There are no fixed designs in Dai tattoo, most preferring tiger or dragon designs drawn in black with black plant juice.

The Dai people have a long tattoo history. In ancient times, they lived by the river and were often hit by strange monsters. Later they discovered that a black skin could keep the monster away, and they began to tattoo themselves in this way to prevent attacks.

As time went on, tattooing lost its original function and has become a symbol of the boldness and bravery of men and the beauty of women. Now, tattoos are drawn on the back of the hands in octagonal flower design, and a dot is tattooed between the eyebrows of girls, symbolizing their beauty. With these tattoos, the Dai people can easily recognize their ethnic friends even when they are not wearing their minority costums

http://www.chinavista.com/experience/tattoo/tattoo.html

The Beginning Of Cubist Art

Since mankind first learned to make pictures, individual styles of art have existed. Each one has its own distinguishing features. Cubism, or Cubist Art is no exception. Originating in the early 1900’s, this form of art is considered to be an extension of the work of Paul Cézanne. He is credited with being the first artist to use shapes to represent nature.

The two key artists who gave life to Cubism were Pablo Picasso from Spain and Georges Braque of France. Their work is thought to have been strongly influenced by Paul Cézanne. The original concept behind Cubism is to break the subject into pieces, analyze the pieces, and reassemble them in an abstract manner. The idea is to depict the object from various points of view instead of the more traditional two or three dimensions. The result is a more complex and visually stimulating work of art.

The inspiring feature of Cubist art is that several artists have used the technique in a way that was very different than Picasso and Braque. Artists like Robert Delaunay and Jacques Villon are credited with a unique twist of Cubism.

Like other art techniques, Cubism splintered again and resulted in what is known as Synthetic Cubism. Instead of taking one object and breaking it into distinct pieces and reforming the object into an abstract form of itself, synthetic cubism takes several different objects and reforms them to be a single picture while retaining the physical characters of the individual objects. Collages and papier colle were used by both Picasso and Braque in some of their work. Pablo Picasso’s famous painting “Still Life with Chair Caning” is an example of his use of collage. Georges Braque modified the technique when he used papier colle in his work “Fruitdish and Glass.” Before this time, pasting other types of materials onto a canvas to create a new look was completely unheard of. This method allows the artist to add visual interest and appealing texture to their art.

Art in any form, whether performed, read, or seen, often reflects the era in which it was created. Cubist art was a direct result of the political unrest in the years before World War I. Some Cubism artists were die-hard nationalists and very dedicated to the governments of their respective countries. Others were attempting to display their leftist leanings or even anarchist attitude. The abstract composition of Cubism was easily manipulated by the individual artist to express their feelings and thoughts toward that time of serious disillusionment. Examples of Cubism can be seen in literature and music from this time period as well.

Some art experts believe that Cubism art was influenced by traditional African tribal art and even Italian Futurism art. The strong use of shapes depicting nature in both of these art styles seems to indicate that the experts are right.

Picasso and Braque, with the assistance of Cézanne, began an art revolution whose effects can still be seen today in modern art. African Cubism was the beginning of a new way to see world events and to express them in a very creative way.

Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in Painting from The Hoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.

One of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned contemporary Yoruba artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe and the USA. His paintings have been described as hypnotic, colorful and densely patterned.

In 1996, Moyo was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited to become a member of Africobra, an organization founded in the 1960s and whose membership comprises of distinguished African-American artists.

http://www.articleteller.com/Article/The-Beginning-Of-Cubist-Art/45729

Characteristics Of Nigerian Art

Art is an amazing way to get to know a previously unknown culture. It often reflects cultural diversity as well as religious and ethnic origin. There are many unique societies throughout the globe and art is a way to bring them all a little closer to home. Nigerian art is certainly an excellent method to learn more about that ancient and fascinating region. Like many forms of traditional African art, Nigerian art reflects that society’s need for beautiful as well functional pieces. Many of the art forms created today in Nigeria have their roots firmly planted in the traditions and methods of their forbearers. The Nigerian people are proud of their art and artists and it shows in their dedication to the visual, audio, and performed art forms.

Traditional Nigerian art has been dated as far back as 2000 years. There are examples of this work in sculpture, paintings, and the most well known masks. Some classic examples of materials used in these ancient artifacts are wood, bronze, and coppers. Fortunately for the modern world pieces can be seen in countless museums around the world. Traditional music and dance can be heard and seen in religious and cultural events throughout the year.

As previously noted, African art is often functional as well as beautiful. The Kano dye pits are an example of the ancient world meeting the modern one. The same techniques that have been used for thousands of years are still used to create these fabric works of art. Indigo and vegetable dyes are used to make intricate patterns on the cloth. When the material is beaten for a shiny appearance, the artists are implementing the same methods their ancestors did. This fabric is still very much in demand by locals and foreigners alike. The Kano style of textile is one of the most popular form of modern Nigerian art.

Much of contemporary Nigerian art could be described as some of the finest craftsmanship in the world. For generations artisans have created majestic pieces that reflect the African heritage and are a direct link of the many natural resources found in the region. Some of these sculptures and other forms of art have been made for use in ceremonial rituals and celebrations. It seems that everything that comes from this region is art in one form or another. The elaborate costumes and stunning jewelry are all crafted with excellent workmanship, talent, and patience. Nigerian artists were some of the first in the world to perfect the craft of metal casting. Other forms of Nigerian art are leatherwork and intricate wood carvings.

Like most of the other regions in Africa, Nigeria has made its mark and created a name for itself in the art world with its rich tradition of finely made art. The usefulness and beauty of this region’s offerings is awe inspiring. Nigerian art is a wonderful blend of tradition and modern elements that result in a stunning visual display in so many different mediums. The beautiful culture shines through in each and every piece.

Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in Painting from The Hoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.

One of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned Nigerian artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe and the USA. His paintings have been described as hypnotic, colorful and densely patterned.

In 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited to become a member of Africobra, an organization founded in the 1960s and whose membership comprises of distinguished African-American artists.

http://www.articleteller.com/Article/Characteristics-Of-Nigerian-Art/45357

Applying the tattoo

Your artist may like a picture of your tattoo for their portfolio. They'll clean it up real good, and sometimes even apply a hot towel to it first. Then they'll take a picture, and this is a good time for you to get a shot, too, if you brought a camera along. Taking a photo after the protective ointment is applied causes a glare, so it is best to do it now. If for any reason you do not want the artist to take a photo, just say so. You are not under obligation to let them.

http://tattoo.about.com/od/tattoo101/ss/tattoo_process_8.htm

Making and Applying the Stencil Transfer

Most studios today use a wonderful machine called a thermal-fax to make their stencils. This saves on literally hours of tracing time by simply inserting your tattoo design into the machine, and it transfers it onto a special thermal paper in seconds. Once your stencil is ready, it's time to create the transfer onto your skin. Some artists will use soap or water to moisten the skin, and some will use stick deodorant. These aid in making the design transfer better and darker onto your skin. When the paper is pulled away from your skin, it will leave you with a purple-ish blue likeness of your future tattoo

http://tattoo.about.com/od/tattoo101/ss/tattoo_process_4.htm