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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

AnimSchool Classtime: Storyboard Critique with Moroni Taylor

During the Summer Term, our supplemental general Art Class is Story Class with Moroni Taylor, free for all AnimSchool students!
Moroni has storyboarded on 14 features including Iron Giant, Ice Age, Horton Hears a Who, Rio and recently Epic.
In this clip, he goes over a Critique of a Storyboarding Assignment to one of our students, Ayman Moadad. Watch it below:

Come join all the students learning online at AnimSchool:

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

AnimSchool Graduate Spotlight: Animator Mark Tan

We would like to welcome Mark Tan, one of our latest graduates from the 3D Animation Program.

Tell us a little about yourself, what's your background? How did you get into animation?
Mark's drawing at 5 years old.

Like many others, I grew up drawing what I saw.  I didn't just like drawing figures, but telling a story.  My very first creations I made as a kid (around 5 years old) had a scene drawn along with a story written.
Despite these early beginnings, animation never dawned on me as a profession until a counselor at college brought it up.  Once I started, animation totally took over my focus.  We experimented with 2D, paper cut out animation, as well as claymation my freshman year.  In my second year of college, we eventually were taught Maya and all the technical facets of the program.

Along with learning animation, my interest in filmmaking blossomed during college as well.  I watched thousands of films (live action and animated), read screenwriting books, and started to make shorts/music videos.
I chose animation as a profession because I believe at the core of every well told story is a strong believable performance.  Animation gives us the ability to explore the personality of any character without the hinderance of our outward appearance.

What's the best part of online education?

The best part of online education is having access to some of the most skilled in the industry today without having to travel at all.  I told myself before enrolling that if these guys can't help me improve drastically, then I'm not trying hard enough!

What do you like the most when animating?

I really enjoy shooting video reference prior to going on the computer.  There is something special about actually acting out your scene.  The possibilities seem endless.  There are also quirks and small details captured on video that can be helpful as well.  It is much easier to approach a shot when you have the majority of your movements and expressions locked down in a video edit.

What type of animation inspires you?

I can't really say I favor any type of animation, but I can mention a few scenes/shorts that inspire me.

1.  Seeing the work of Min Hong, Alaa Abu Hanish, James Kim, and many others before and during Animschool fueled my motivation to improve.

2. I will always remember the shot in Finding Nemo where Dory tells Marlin that when she looks at him, she's home.  It's amazing how much is achieved with a character that's basically a floating face with fins.

3. Another scene I always enjoy watching is Presto.  The staccatto movements and upright poses of the magician purely give way to his whole personality in one shot.  There is a lot of fun animation in the whole short, but the held poses are what seem to be the funniest to me.

4. I was really into the early works of Nick Park, Bill Plympton and Don Hertzfeldt when I started out college years ago.  I found shorts like "Creature Comforts", "How to Kiss" and "Rejected Cartoons" to be very entertaining.

You've done some great shots along the way at Animschool and some of them have been featured at the Student Showcase. Which one did you like the most? How was your workflow for this shot?

I think my most successful shot came out of class 6 with Melvin Tan.  He was the most picky and pushed me the hardest on my shot from start to finish.  I chose a very challenging audio clip after hours of searching, and that was just the beginning of the journey.

I approached the video reference like I always did, but I remember Melvin had very clear and distinct decisions on what didn't work for him.  The main notes of the first reference was to make the performance more confrontational by breaking less eye contact in the beginning of the scene.  After about 50 total takes, I finally reached something close to begin animating with.

In what ways do you think Animschool has helped you to be a better animator?

Animschool's animation program structure helped me sharpen my skills from the ground up.

In Animating Characters, two major things I picked up was the idea of lead/follow, as well as how to balance the weight of your character in space.

In Body Acting, texture was a big focus on how to break up the flow of the dancer in the subway to add more interest.  Also, the opening up of the face for eye direction, avoiding wall eyed positions of the irises, proper spacing/smear frames, and the importance of breaking down video reference better (and enhancing the appeal in your work).

The last three classes involved more complex characters and lip sync.  I learned a lot more about polish and all the little details that really make your shot shine.  The most important thing throughout this back end of the program was that I learned what it takes to finish a good shot.

Any advice or tip that you remember from an instructor that you've had along the way?

Lead and follow has helped me a lot.  Choosing what to lead the action to another pose always helps to break up the animation and add a more natural feel.  Though I have gone too far sometimes, this concept is always on my mind.

Are you currently working in the animation industry? Tell us about it.

I am currently trying to get work in feature films.  My last gig was animating Ninja Turtles for promotional and commercial spots for the movie.  Some of it was recently used in a music video for a song from the movie's soundtrack.

How do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Right now I'm hoping to be making a living working in the movie industry.  I don't know what 5 years in the future holds for me, but I'm going to put my effort in one day at a time and see where that takes me.

Any hobbies, sports or other activities that you would like to share with us?

I'm into weightlifting, play basketball regularly, and occasionally play tennis.  When not sitting at a computer, I try to stay as active as possible.

Any quote to get yourself motivated?

Save nothing for the swim back.

What are your plans now that you've graduated from Animschool?

As I stated earlier, I want to gain experience in the animated film industry.  I have worked on video game cinematics, video game animation, and television.  I have recently started the job hunt.  Wish me luck!

Mark, thank you very much for this interview and all the best for your future outside Animschool!

Watch Mark's demo reel:

Videography reel:

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Buster Keaton - Performance analysis

In AnimSchool's Body Acting, Disney Animator Tony Bonilla analyzes work of Buster Keaton, the legend of the Silent movies era.

This is a perfect example how overacting can lead to some great and funny scenes (which are perfect for animation)

According to Wiki: "Overacting is the exaggeration of gestures and speech when acting. It is often required for the role and is commonly used in comical situations or to stress the evil characteristics of a villain."

Come join all the students learning online at AnimSchool:

Friday, August 15, 2014

AnimSchool Instructor Interview: Animator Kevan Shorey

Today we are having a very nice conversation with Kevan Shorey, one of the instructors at our General Reviews. Kevan is an Annie-nominated Feature Film Animator at Dreamworks Animation (PDI).

Chris Bancroft made this caricature for his friend.
Tell us a little about yourself, what's your background? How did you get into animation?
It's not a particularly interesting story, I'm afraid. I grew up in Wales, and my love of movies and drawing led me to Animation. I tailored my school studies and subsequent university degrees towards learning both the craft and visual communication/film-making.

What animation style (cartoony, realistic) do you enjoy the most to create?
I enjoy the the hybrid approach. The opportunity to blend the two styles that allows for moments of sophisticated acting to contrast with the fun and energy of pushed, larger-than-life action.

What is the best experience you've had so far in a production environment?
I've only worked as an Animator as I started my career here. I really love being surrounded by talented people who push the medium forward.

In what project are you working on? What workflow are you using right now at it?
I am currently working on The Penguins movie, out later this year. It is a cartoony show using the style set by the Madagascar films. While I've recorded a few bits of reference here and there, my planning has been almost solely in 2D, using my Cintiq to draw and plan using our new software. I am finding it much quicker to plan directly in to the shot and be able to push poses with stylus strokes rather than trying to exaggerate live action reference.

Do you think that animators need to have a nomad spirit, kind of a ready to move mentality in order to get the best gigs?
Unfortunately it is the nature of the modern Animation industry to make big demands on those who make a living within it. Work/life balance and lots of moving around becomes much more impactful as you age and gain responsibilities such as older or younger dependants. I wish the industry would do a better job of catering to all types of personality, and not just the nomadic portion but this lift is forced on many.

What's been your inspiration throughout your career?
Those around me. 100%.

What is the most enjoyable thing about teaching animation online?
The sense that I am someone in their aim to improve and grow in the craft they wish to pursue. Even if my observations are merely a spring board to a new idea for an individual then it's a worthwhile endeavour.

How do you explain to a new acquaintance (not related to the industry) what is your work about?
I explain it as creating performance for digital characters. I've found it's the simplest shorthand for the layman.

Have you ever had the "I can't believe where I am working/ who I am working with" feeling?
Oh yes. It took me years to not have that feeling everything single day, but it still intimidates me from time to time.

Having worked in so many cool feature films, what goals do you have?

Just to keep doing what I'm doing, growing as an artist in the process. There's always something to be learned, and I have a long way to go, particularly in broad, comic shots and realistic physical ones.

What does it feel like when you go the the movies and see the people laugh or get emotional with one of your shots?
I don't know that I've had that for my shots specifically - more for a sequence that I worked on. It feels pretty satisfying, actually.

You wrote a great post on your blog about your experience relocating in the US coming from the UK. Being Animschool a school with a lot of international students, what's your advice for international students that want to get their foot in the animation industry?
AnimSchool is definitely a good place to start! Getting noticed is all about the reel, and the contacts made with industry professionals to get that reel in the right hands.

What's your perspective about animation made in the US vs made in Europe?
I don't know that I make any such distinction since there is so much migration of talent. There are amazing people to be found everywhere in Feature, Games, TV and lots of other places.

How important do you think it is networking in this industry?
Very much. It's a small industry and with so much movement between studios many people will know each other, or know of each other, at least.

Let's say we are in 20 years time and your kid would like to study animation, what advice would you give her/him?
While I don't know where the craft will be in 20 years, let's assume it is mostly similar to today. I would suggest a course emphasizing traditional skills then moving on to computer-based stuff to give a well rounded perspective of the craft. Oh, and drawing. Lots of drawing.

Thank you very much Kevan for sharing your time with us!
Thank you. Cheers!

Twitter: @kevanshorey

Monday, August 11, 2014

AnimSchool Classtime: Overlap & Follow Through with Thom Roberts

In this clip, Blue Sky Animator and AnimSchool Instructor Thom Roberts explains in a simple way fundamental animation principles like Overlap, Follow Through and Drag. Watch it below:

This is a clip from AnimSchool's class Introduction to 3D Animation, the 1st term of the 3D Animation Program. To find out more, go to and apply now!

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

AnimSchool Instructor Interview: Lighting TD Brandon May

Today we are talking with Brandon May, who works as a Lighting TD at Blue Sky Studios and teaches Introduction to 3D Lighting at Animschool.

Tell us a little about yourself, what's your background? How did you get into Lighting?

I grew up on a farm in a small town in Idaho. I have always been artistic and loved creating art and drawing.   When I got married, my wife convinced me to take an art class.  Reluctantly,  I took one and loved every second of it.  I switched my major and found a bunch of friends who were all in animation.  I naturally gravitated there and ended up being recruited into the BYU animation program.   I chose lighting because it was involved with the final touches and the final look of all the elements in the production.   I loved it and I was the only one who was doing it in my group in the program.   I ended up at Blue Sky Studios as a lighter and I could not be happier.  I love it here.

What is the best experience you've had so far in a production environment?

I think the best experience would be the feeling I get when I get positive feedback from personal success in my lighting.  It is fantastic to hear someone who is an amazing lighter compliment your work.

In what project are you working on? What is your job?

I am currently working on Peanuts.  My job right now is pretty – extremely laid back.   This project does not release for another year and a couple months, so we are not doing much. Ha ha.  For a lighter, the work comes in waves.  When we have work, we have a lot to do, and then we get a break.  When we break, we have nothing to do.  It is a schedule I enjoy, but it is not for everyone.  Definitely not a steady work flow.

What's been your inspiration throughout your career? Any mentors along the way?

My inspiration throughout would be my wife.  I love her and she is my support and motivation. My mentors along the way would be Youngwoong Jang and Angel Camacho.   Two uber crazy talented people and I hope to become as good as they are someday.

One nice thing about working where I do, I don't have to have mentors from anywhere else.  I work with some of the most talented artists in the world.  Especially when it comes to feature animation art.

The lighting style in Blue Sky productions like Epic and Rio 2 is really captivating, can you tell our blog readers how you go about applying lighting to the scenes? Is there any particular process that you guys found effective?

The lighting on Epic was handled differently than Rio.  With every show, we have art directors who have a visual goal that will separate the look of this film from that film.  At the beginning, we work at finding what that style is and match it.  Much time is spent getting that look before the production begins.  The process is trial and error.  We light and push back the frames and problems we see to the appropriate departments to make changes so that those issues are resolved to make the process as streamlined as possible.
"Rio". Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved
"Rio". Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved

Picture from the Book: "The Art of Rio" by Tara Bennett

Picture from the Book: "The Art of Rio" by Tara Bennett
"Epic". Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved

"Epic". Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved

What goals do you have in your class Introduction to 3D Lighting? Who should attend the course?

Goals for the lighting class are simple.  Teach the students basic principals of lighting and color, and help them feel more comfortable when plusing their demo reels.  I think that every little bit helps when making a demo reel.  If your animation, or rig looks great, but so does the guy that is your direct competition, what gives you the higher ground? I think it is making an overall visually impressive reel.  It shows problem solving, and that you are competent in many artistic ways.  This class will help push you in that direction.

What is the most enjoyable thing about teaching online for you?

I actually like to see the growth.  It is fun watching students grow artistically but in confidence as well.  Both are important.  I also like to see different styles from so many different cultures that are in the class room.   An online class makes the world come together in a single room, and we get to experience a small piece of their culture through their art.  It is actually, fantastic.

We thank Brandon very much for taking the time in doing this piece.


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Argonne National Laboratory

Technology transfer

Innovators drawn to Illinois by Argonne National Laboratory’s first embedded entrepreneurship programDecember 19, 2016

In an event with U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and Senator Dick Durbin (D-III) at the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Chain Reaction Innovations, the Midwest’s first entrepreneurship program to embed innovators in a national laboratory, announced the selection of its first members and mentor partners.

Dept. of Energy and Argonne offer technical assistance to small businessesOctober 24, 2016

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Small Business Vouchers Program is once again offering U.S. small businesses unparalleled access to the expertise and facilities of DOE’s national laboratories, including Argonne National Laboratory. Small businesses in the clean energy sector have an opportunity to submit requests for technical assistance as part of Round 3 of the Small Business Vouchers Program.

Argonne and Kyma Technologies win spot in second cohort of Technologist In Residence ProgramOctober 6, 2016

A collaboration between Argonne National Laboratory and Kyma Technologies focusing on advanced semiconductor devices has earned a spot in the second cohort of DOE’s Technologist In Residence (TIR) Program.

Lead-acid battery companies join forces with Argonne National Laboratory to enhance battery performanceSeptember 1, 2016

Exploring the unrealized potential of lead batteries is the goal of a new collaboration between Argonne National Laboratory and two leading lead recycling and lead battery manufacturing companies, RSR Technologies and East Penn Manufacturing.

Energy Department awards five new Argonne-business collaborations under Small Business Vouchers pilotAugust 23, 2016

The U.S. Department of Energy announced that 43 small businesses will participate in the second round of the Small Business Vouchers pilot. With vouchers in hand, these businesses can better leverage the world-class capabilities of the DOE national laboratories.

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Search the Site Navigation

My hope is to inspire you to be fearless in the kitchen, to try new things, to take the time to make things the homemade way and most importantly, to have fun doing it!

Grilled Chicken with Garlicky Green Sauce Cooking View

It’s been chilly and gray here the past few days, which has really helped my mind transition to fall. Though I may be willing to part ways with the produce that is no longer in season and evenings too hot to actually enjoy a walk to the park with the kids, one thing I’m not ready to let go of just yet is grilling. That I will probably do until the first snow falls. (Please let that still be months away.) Hopefully you aren’t quite over grilling yet because this meal was incredible and I couldn’t wait a moment longer to share it with you.

I found this sauce in the back of a cookbook I’ve been loving on lately, in that oft forgotten but truly fabulous section many cookbooks have devoted to sauces. I couldn’t quite decide what to do with it, but eventually I settled on pairing it with marinated grilled chicken and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. The whole thing is so very simple but was one of those meals that had me “oooh”ing and “aaahh”ing with every bite. I paired it with assorted grilled veggies and grilled garlic flatbread which just happened to be perfect for scooping up the left over sauce.  Thankfully this could also be made in a skillet so I think we’ll continue to enjoy it throughout the coming cold months.

Grilled Chicken with Garlicky Green Sauce
Yield: 4 servings

For the chicken:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Juice of ½ a lemon
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp. roasted red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
  • 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the sauce:

  • ¾-1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, rinsed and patted dry
  • 4 scallions, green parts only, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2½ tbsp. low fat mayonnaise*
  • 2½ tbsp. low fat greek yogurt
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Cooking View

  • In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Place the chicken breasts in the dish with the marinade, turn once to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.

  • Heat a grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, make the sauce. Combine the cilantro, scallions, lime juice, garlic, mayonnaise, and greek yogurt in a blender or a food processor. Blend until smooth. (Alternatively, combine in a bowl and blend with an immersion blender.)  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  • Add the chicken to the grill and cook, turning once, until nicely browned and the internal temperature registers 160˚ F on an instant read thermometer. Remove to a plate and let rest a few minutes before serving with the green sauce. Sprinkle with cotija and garnish with cilantro, if desired.

  • *If you wish, you can try using all Greek yogurt instead of mayo. However, I have noticed that when I do this in sauces or dressings, the flavor is always a bit off somehow. Try if you like but a 50/50 mix is usually my preference.

  • Kerry Cooks

    So unbelievably delicious looking, yet healthy too!

  • Mary

    You had me at “garlicky green sauce” !! Who wouldn’t fall for that? Sounds delish!

  • Christina @ but i’m hungry

    Mmmm… that sauce looks so good! Sounds like it would be good on pretty much anything!

  • Liz N.

    Yummy! The green sauce reminds me of my favorite Peruvian sauce, aji sauce. We call it “crack sauce” because it’s terribly addictive and we put it on almost everything (veggies, all types of proteins, over rice, even dipped our chips in it). This recipe is right up my alley!

  • Liz @ FloatingKitchen

    Absolutely love the presentation on this. The sauce looks gorgeous!

  • Andrea

    May I ask why you have an asterisk after the mayonnaise? I don’t see any explanation for it, but I could be missing it.

  • annieseats

    Sorry, fixed that!

  • Andrea

    Thank you! This is similar to a sauce I’ve made before that I love. Can’t wait to try it!

  • We keep grilling until the snow comes!! We are dedicated to the “Barbee” . The sauce sounds amazing and we do have the necessary ingredients. I’m anxious to make it. Thank you.

  • Charlene

    We made this for dinner and it was absolutely A -maz-ing! Hubby said he could eat the sauce with a spoon and it looks just divine on the plate. Used Feta cheese because that’s what I had. Just the right amount of salty goodness. Thanks!

  • I keep finding so many great things in Feast also, but seem to have missed this sauce! Now to find a veg meal to make with it. I bet it would make a great salad dressing.

  • Shari barnes

    This was so so good, my niece licked the bowl clean!

  • That sauce sounds amazing! Still need to get my hands on that cookbook!

  • this looks really delicious. I bet that sauce would be good with asparagus too.

  • pamela

    Made this tonight – it’s *crazy good*!! Tonight we had it with brown rice and broccoli, tomorrow night will be adding black beans and homemade pita bread to the mix – can’t wait!

  • annieseats

    So glad you enjoyed it!

  • Lindsay

    We made this tonight and LOVED it! Our neighbors probably thought we were crazy for grilling in December, but it was a crazy 65 degrees so we figured, why not?! A side of grilled veggies was perfect. The only thing we changed was switching out cilantro for basil (and a small bit of parsley) in the green sauce, which I’m sure altered the flavor a lot, but we both despise cilantro and wanted to keep this as similar as possible to the original. It was fantastic! Thank you for such a great (and easy!) recipe!

  • Shari

    Do you use the immersion blender for this sauce?

  • Melissa Brooker

    We just had this for dinner, soooo good! My stomach doesn’t tolerate raw garlic too well, (even though my taste buds do) so next time I think I’ll either reduce the garlic or cook it first, but omg we couldn’t stop eating it, we had flat bread and just kept scooping up that deliciousness!

  • annieseats

    Yes I do!


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One of my dearest friends in the world, Esther Morales, turned 40 this week.  She requested a red velvet cake with vanilla icing.  And, so, with the help of some friends, I set to.  We baked the cakes the Thursday before the party.  We made three 12 inch rounds and three 9 inch rounds.

We made the cakes in two batches, and you can see we had a hard time matching the color perfectly.  Since the red velvet would be the inside of the cake, it was really unlikely that anyone would notice.

I triple wrapped the cakes in plastic wrap and froze them so they'd keep fresh for the party.  On Saturday morning, I woke up early and took the cakes out of the freezer to defrost.  That afternoon, I made the buttercream, and frosted the cakes.  For sprinkles I used non pareils; the pink ribbon was something I found at the bottom of my gift wrapping bin.  The ribbon was silk, and I had an issue with grease from the buttercream staining the ribbon.  After a bit of searching, I found that folks on the internet recommend lining the ribbon with wax paper by ironing it onto the back.  I was already running late, so I just scotch taped the cake side of the ribbon.  The scotch tape acted as a barrier and prevented the grease from bleeding through.

Transporting the cake to the party took at least 4 years off my life expectancy.  I called an Uber, and although the poor driver was trying his best to keep the car steady, the non pareils on the bottom layer acted like tiny ball bearings, and the top layer was slipping and sliding all over the place the entire two miles to the party.  I ended up using my fingers to hold the cake in place as we drove.  When I got to the party, I slid the ribbon over the finger marks so you couldn't see where I'd blemished the icing.  I'm going to have to figure out more effective cake transportation in the future.

Red Velvet Cake

Swiss Buttercream


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Beth Orton Rolling Stone Premiere
Tuesday, August 14th, 2012

Beth Orton Rolling Stone Premiere

Rolling Stone is exclusively premiering "Magpie" today from Beth Orton's new album, Sugaring Season (Anti-). Haunting and insistent, the track builds from spare acoustic guitar to an intricately orchestrated crescendo of strings, drums, and layered vocals: href="">Rolling Stone

"I am obsessed by the birds outside of my window," she told Rolling Stone about the song's inspiration. "Wherever I live I am followed by two blue jays. These birds have many stories attached to them. There is a lot of superstition and conjecture around their stories. These birds hold wisdom for me. They are also oblivious to the fear they raise in others. All the time people are inventing stories to justify actions that often have no bearing on reality. I have experienced being silenced and this song came out of that. It was my way of keeping my voice and a sense of freedom alive."

And in case you missed it, watch Beth premiere three new songs live via NPR's Tiny Desk:>NPR>. She'll kick off her fall tour 9/20 in Nashville (full dates here:>>).

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2014 Barry Dedication

We are fast approaching yet one more pivotal event in the long and glorious history of The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. I refer to the Dedication of the Commodore John Barry Memorial to take place on May 10, 2014, at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

The inspiration, impetus, and persistence to see this important undertaking to fruition must be attributed to two of our AOH Brothers, John McInerney and Jack O’Brien, both members in Washington, D.C. Early on, it was their interest, research, enthusiasm, and fundraising that became contagious in the D.C. area, which then spread throughout our organization, and has now brought us to this final stage in the realization of their dream.

What spurred Brothers McInerney and O’Brien on in their efforts was their perception of the need to recognize Commodore John Barry, native of County Wexford, for his idealism, commitment, bravery, and leadership. Indeed, all of these qualities must have also been quite apparent to President George Washington, who conferred on Barry the rank of Captain, along with Commission Number One in the U.S. Navy. As First Commanding Officer, Barry was gloriously successful both in battle and in the building our nation’s fledgling navy.

Clearly, all of this places Irish Americans in a particular context in terms of their early defense of the principles on which this great nation was founded, in terms their willingness to act and assume leadership based on those ideals, and in terms of the obvious sacrifices required of them.

Brothers, from the support and participation obvious at all levels of the AOH, it is quite clear to me that the Barry Memorial at Annapolis has not merely been “just one more Hibernian project.” It has, instead, become a quest on the part of our entire Order. So please plan to join us at the Naval Academy as we dedicate and celebrate on May 10th.

Brendan Moore

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Reviews of AOMUSIC’s CD, “…and Love Rages On!”

During the time AOMUSIC’s CD, …and Love Rages On is being aired and promoted, we will continue to post published reviews as they become available:

In any album review, the music is the obvious focal point. However in the case of AOMUSIC, while the sound is clearly the focus, there is so much to share about the unique creative process and the intention behind it, that a review would be incomplete without shining a light on those aspects as well. Serving as a brief introduction or gateway, the word “AO” [e’i-o] comes from the ancient Polynesian language and means “pure light” or “all colors.” This second meaning is particularly descriptive as the music is a virtual rainbow of sound and soul.

To delve a bit deeper into what a rainbow sounds like coming out of your speakers, AOMUSIC has been described as “a pan-cultural acoustic fusion of musical texture from around the globe… a commonwealth of spirit and celebration.” The first comparative reference point that came to mind as I began listening is the music of Peter Gabriel – although not surprising since they site him as a major influence, along with the likes of Deep Forest, Afro Celt Sound System, and Adiemus.

AOMUSIC is comprised of three primary collaborators, Richard Gannaway (stringed instruments and vocals), Jay Oliver (keyboards and synth samples), and Miram Stockley (vocals) who is also the voice of the aforementioned group Adiemus. Their collective recording industry credits are impressive to say the least, and include having worked with Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, Celine Dion, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Mike Oldfield, Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen, and many others. Miram’s creatively layered vocals, which have sometimes been compared to Enya – although distinctly different and exquisitely enchanting in their own expression, can also be heard on the “Lord Of The Rings” film soundtrack. The group had the honor of being asked to compose music for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. There are also a number of other associate producers and musicians who add their hues to the rainbow.

One of the most distinctive and integral facets in the sound of AOMUSIC is the inclusion of a variety of children’s choirs from around the globe. On this CD there are five different choirs representing South Africa, China, and The Republic Of Georgia, as well as the US. Lyrics are often a variety of ancient languages or carefully crafted phonetics, chosen for their “shape.” While there are diverse musical elements and cultures represented, there is one overriding message of the album and of the group: “AOMUSIC is the spirit, color and timbre of global oneness.“

In addition to highlighting the children’s musical contribution on the album, AOMUSIC is committed to this goal: “ to establish a non-profit foundation to benefit all the choirs” and to promote the value of music in their curriculums to give them skills and a focus towards a better future, especially in countries where children have been displaced by war, natural disaster, or political unrest.

With regard to their creative process, in an increasingly familiar hallmark of the digital age, the three principle artists are rarely together in the same place at the same time. In their words, “ we compose as three musicians in three different cities, in three studios. Ricky (Richard) creates the base of the song form, sometimes mocking it up with one of the children’s choruses, other times leaving it blank for Miriam to write her own chorus.  Then Richard brings it to Jay, whom he refers to as “the maestro”, who augments harmonies and joins in producing a template for Miriam to design her vocals.”

What all this adds up to is a sound that, while it has its influences, is unique and speaks its own creative language. This album, “…and Love Rages On!” is less ambient than their previous two releases, and features powerful driving percussion and rhythmic tracks that uplift the spirit and get your head nodding and foot tapping as well. Beautifully crafted electronic textures and earthy stringed instruments blend with the groove and the vocal tracks to create a sound that “is derived from the purity of primitive world culture… and at the same time, is presented within a palette of modern timbre and production.” One thing I particularly enjoy is the way vocals and choirs are sometimes processed with digital effects to add a whole different dimension to their sonic signature.

AOMUSIC is a magical merging of accomplished professional musicians and blossoming young talent, and according to the group, “the goal is to never stray from a sense of purity and innocence. The childlike spirit must remain within every piece, isolated or together.  It’s about a collective spirit.” This album is majestic in its vision and magnificent in its presence, promoting a message of urgent relevance for our times.

(24 April 2011) Lately, it’s been sad to see the pulse of the music business becoming faster and faster all the time, inevitably leading to the fact that many record labels tend to release everything in a hurry, so that the music is meaningless single-use-only music, without putting the music itself and its quality first. But, luckily, if one has some courage and a bit patience to wander a bit further than just the beginning of the vast “forest of music”, one can find hidden gems that have only been waiting for someone willing to discover them.

One of these hidden gems is definitely a group called AO Music. With their debut album Grow Wild (2000), this highly talented and innovative group of musicians from across the world planted a “seed” that has been flourishing ever since, literally growing wild and free, and creating good mood worldwidely. And, since 2008 when AO Music’s song “On Jai Ya” was selected as one of the “anthems” of the Beijing Summer Olympic Games, the musical “tree” that used to be only a small seed, has been growing and spreading its “branches” even further afield, thanks to not only the “chief music forestry officers” Jay Oliver and Richard Gannaway, but also to singer-songwriter Miriam Stockley as well as all the other “assisting music forest caretakers” who have been successfully nurturing this special musical “tree” with fresh, new ideas. Their second album Twirl (2009) is the first featuring Miriam Stockley’s vocal work.

And, with the release of AO Music’s third album …And Love Rages On (2011), it seems obvious that the aforementioned musical “tree” keeps just growing and growing, as the musical “forestry team” has once again been able to find all the correct ingredients that have enabled the development of the “tree”. Each “branch” of the musical “tree” has grown unique and different of course, with a bit of Celtic breeze in one “branch” and a bit African in another for example, but still everything is in perfect balance so that none of the “branches” suffer from overgrowth due to too much of a certain type of “musical fertilizers”!

This exceptional versatility of the musical “tree” really enables the listener to choose the “branch” on which to sit and listen: One moment it can be the festive, almost celebratory “Gai Ya Lo Mane branch”, whereas another time it can be something more gentle and perhaps a bit more melancholic such as the “Sheyu branch”. Or, if one really wants to dance around the “forest”, then there are the wild, hypnotic almost ever-ceasing “branches” such as “In Lake ‘Ch” and “One Kaleo” from which to choose!

It is not easy to keep this kind of a rarity “alive and well”, but if one has such skillful people as Jay, Richard and Miriam around to do it, one can be sure that the “musical tree” will keep growing and doing just what it is meant to do: To spread joy, to provide cool, calm shade for reflection, and to bring together people from across the world in order to celebrate the power of music–the power that keeps this world turning!

-SUVI KAIKKONEN in Oulu, Finland and RUSS ELLIOT in New York

Spiritually powerful and jubilant enough to scour your soul clean, …And Love Rages On! from worldmusic trio AOMUSIC caught me entirely by surprise. It’s a robust, joyful disc driven by thundering drums and the heavenly heights of singer Miriam Stockley’s voice. (Stockley is the voice behind the act Adiemus.)  Backed by Richard Gannaway on strings and vocals and Jay Oliver on keys and synths, Stockley varies between actual lyrics and sound-chants that neatly transcend the need for words. When Stockley sings, feeling takes over and you purely understand the intent. Of course, the pieces with actual lyrics work, too. “In Lake’ch” takes its title from a Mayan greeting and explains, by translation and a smoothly serpentine tune, that it means “I am another you.” “Ena Na Lena,” if I’m reading correctly, pulls together Gaelic, Swedish and Polynesian to chant “Little flame, my flower of light.” “Sheyu” carries a call for peace and beauty, and does so peacefully and beautifully. Stockley is not alone here, vocally. Gannaway’s voice comes in as a nice lower counter to Stockley’s hawk-circle registers on “Sheyu,” “Tio Da Ye” and “Ena Na Lena.”  Sounds drift in from all over the globe in the nine tracks here. Pennywhistles vie with didgeridoos; harp sounds trade licks with guitars; drums of all kinds kick through to lay down the base and set listeners grooving. (You will be excused if you leap up to dance during “One Kaleo,” where the Children’s Choir of Beijing sings–about Little Red Riding Hood, believe or not–over a fast, funky riff.) Celtic songs nudge against African rhythms and Middle Eastern structures. Children’s choirs from around the world fill out the sound–and it all comes together in a sort of musically utopian stew. …And Love Rages On! keeps its upbeat tone going strong through an all-too-brief 45 minutes. It passes quickly, and you’ll likely be inclined to give it another go-round. But first take a moment as the disc ends to feel the way it’s worked its way inside you, the way it feels like it’s left a little extra power in your spirit, a little more hope in your soul. This is vibrant, feel-good New Age music that has grown on me and affected me more with every fresh listen.

Reviews of AOMUSIC’s CD, “Twirl”
This music is like a variegated carpet which is unfolding before your eyes. You never imagined how many different bright colors and unexpected nuances may be contained in what seems at first sight very simple compositions. And they are filled with positive energy. The new AOMUSIC release is a look at this world with wide open eyes and understanding that our world will change soon. This is awareness of fact that we all are children of a sole planet which is our common home. The music of the album “Twirl” carries the listener to a future society which will be free of violence and oppression by people against another.

Two founders of AOMUSIC, artists, composers and producers – Richard Gannaway (stringed instruments, vocals) and Jay Oliver (keyboards, synths, samples) joined Miriam Stockley (vocals) who was the voice of Karl Jenkins’ bestselling Adiemus project, composer and producer Sandeep Chowta and a cast of supporting artists and children’s choirs from India and China in order to create the unique musical palette of “Twirl”. They all form a special healing aura which uplifts the spirit and brings a desired joy to the listeners.

The abum “Twirl” is full of numerous exciting findings and interesting sound effects. One can feel a flight of creative fantasy in each track of this unusual project. The music of “Twirl” goes beyond limits and boundaries. It isn’t related to any particular genre. This is the music of free people for a future free world. AOMUSUC’s new release speaks all-human language and touches every heart regardless of nationality and musical preferences. It will undoubtedly illuminate your life.

I recently purchased ‘Twirl’ an album by Aomusic with the beautiful and sublime voice of Miriam Stockley. I found out about this album on Miriam’s official website and im so glad i did! ‘Twirl’ is one of the finest albums i have ever had the pleasure of listening to. I would completely recommend this album to anyone who can appreciate powerful, emotional music that transcends music barriers

The most beautiful music I’ve ever experienced!
This is simply the best music I have ever heard. I know that sounds overly dramatic, but it actually caused me to become elated & filled with hope. Other music has only approached that feeling & it has been rare indeed. I believe these people are a part of something extraordinary that the world has yet to know & I’m amazed that no one seems to know about this group yet. I’ve been frantically trying to find out how to order their newer releases. It is my hope that everyone has a chance to be exposed to what these wonderful musicians are producing. They describe their songs as a universal message of “unity”. It’s deeply mysterious & joyful at once & if you go to their website or myspace page, you’ll find their newest songs, some of which are produced for the 2008 Olympics in The peoples Republic of China. AO, please keep this music alive. We desperately need it. or

HUAN YING – ARTIST DIRECT – Beijing, People’s Republic of China

During the time AOMUSIC’s CD, Twirl is being aired and promoted, we will continue to post published reviews as they become available:

AOMUSIC – TWIRL: Highly impressive world/electronic with some fantastic percussion undercurrents that will suck you in to it’s vortex and spin you out as a newly “awakened” being (unless you’re already caught up in the miasma of “mindless” music that’s so prevalent on today’s .mp3 players)… If you’re already seeking music that’s a cut above the pap served up on today’s AM (& even FM) channels, though, you’ll find this sonic adventure to your liking! We reviewed their “Grow Wild” CD many years ago in issue #41… They were impressive then & are even more-so on “TWIRL”. The album is slated for an October 2008 release, so you’ll want to go to their site, at (right now) & get yours… or download only the .mp3’s that you enjoy most. One of the more energetic pieces is “Obayo”, with a crisp vocal opener followed by excellent percussion that segues nicely into a very danceable piece of music. Rather than “world” (if I had to categorize their playing), I would term this as “universal” – but with the universe viewed from human minds open to possibility and hope… As I listen to this, hope is the feeling that courses through each and every composition (maybe Obama should be using this as his campaign theme. No matter what word you use, though, this CD will be well-received by your aural/mental channels… I give it our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as “PICK” of this issue for “most inspiring musical experience”. Get more information at their site (above). Rotcod Zzaj

You may indeed want to ‘twirl’ to the boisterous and joyous opening number of this intriguing album. Children’s choirs from Beijing P.R.C. and Bangalore, India join primary artists Richard Gannaway (stringed instruments, vocals), Jay Oliver (keyboards, synths) and Miriam Stockley (vocals) for an offering that is truly “world music.” Additional artists include Sowmya Raoh (vocals), Andy Georges (stringed instruments), and Kimba Arem (didgeridoo). In searching the liner notes for the translation of the first number, I found the following note: “Lyrics on this CD that do not appear in the booklet are made up phonetics, carefully chosen for their ‘shape.'” Interesting. And the second encounter I’ve had with made up words. Perhaps this is a trend. Other words are fused together from Ancient Polynesian, West African, Central African, Zulu, Arabic, Swahili, North Sotho, Xhora, Nguni, and Hindi languages, most often accompanying playful English lyric passages (We came here to play & we’ll not go away until every blue heart has been tumbled & rolled into opals of joy down this big ragin’ river of love . . .). The overriding energy of this offering is of joy and uplift. The sounds are unique in their assembly, and I think most will find this a joy to listen to. Well done!

by Mark Maxwell Abushady • New York City

(09 August 2009) The world music project “AO Music” which was started by recording artists Richard Gannaway, Jay Oliver and Sandeep Chowta in 1996, may not be among the most well-known world music acts today. Few of our visitors have probably heard of this group’s debut album Grow Wild which was released in 2000, so this is a big pity in my opinion, especially now that AO Music has just released their second album, Twirl (AO Music (USA), 2009) which is certain to draw attention from Miriam Stockley and Adiemus fans.

Luckily, when the group had started preparing this follow-up album some years ago, they were asked to compose music for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, which was a great pinnacle for them to get their music more widely known and heard. Another factor in this global breakthrough has been the arrival of AO’s newest member, singer Miriam Stockley, who is very well-known as a backing vocalist for big stars such as Tina Turner, as well as from her wide contribution to the world-renowned Adiemus albums composed by Karl Jenkins and of course, not to forget Miriam’s brilliant solo career that is still ongoing. Miriam joined forces with AO Music in 2006, and soon after her arrival the Beijing 2008 Olympics song “On Jai Ya” was born and recorded.

However, the collaboration didn’t just stop there, as later on the group had enough material for a sequel album to Grow Wild, this time entitled as Twirl, released in early 2009. AO’s new album is not “just a normal world music album”. Actually, it is much more than that; a really global feast providing the richest cornucopia of unique and highly innovative music, made with extreme care and with outstanding spontaneity. The approach here is a bit more electric than usually on world music albums, and some of the ethnic instrument sounds have been sampled, but that only gives the music a more modern, up-to-date touch rather than spoiling it by mainstreaming it too much.

Many might also think that combining African, Asian, Indian, Chinese, Australian, Celtic and even oriental influences together means automatically a catastrophical and chaotic result, but Twirl avoids all that and proves such prejudices wrong already from the start. Everything falls into the right place like a big jigsaw puzzle, creating sense of harmony and unity which both remain amazingly intact throughout the entire album. It is very easy for the listener to become part of this harmony, and this is one of the signs of cohesion that only a very few albums like this can obtain.

Furthermore, this outstanding cohesion and the musicians’ natural, down-to-earth, innovative attitude makes it impossible to pick any particular piece that could be better than any other of the album’s tracks. Obviously some world music “purists” may sneer at the usage of “pop” elements while some else might blame AO of “copycatting” the idea of Adiemus because of Miriam Stockley’s strong input, but these things do not disturb me at all as this music is distinctive enough from what has been made in the past.

Although the new AO album Twirl is worth for enjoying right from the beginning to the very last note –especially through good headphones!–it would even be more thrilling to hear it live on stage! Obviously, as the musicians come from different countries such as China, India and Indonesia, it would certainly be quite a logistic challenge to put the concert together, but this kind of vibrant, joyous and uplifting music really deserves a much wider audience than what it has had until the release of Twirl. And, even if the live performances could never become reality, it is great to know that the hopes are already high for another stunning

AO Music armchair journey, tentatively to be released in 2010. Let’s hope that there would be at least some more exciting albums to listen to!

AO Music is “a multi-cultural experience.” It is from combined efforts of four extraordinary performers – Richard Gannaway on stringed instruments and vocals; Jay Oliver on keyboards, synths and samples; Sandeep Chowta on co-production and Miriam Stockley on lead vocals. They are supported by The CRC Children’s Choir of Beijing, The William Joseph International Academy for Performing Arts Children’s Choir of Bangalore, India, Sowmya Raoh (of Mumbai, India) on vocals, Andy Georges (of Los Angeles) on additional strings and Kimba Arem (of Boulder, CO) on didgeridoo.
This is a very cool experience. Miriam is one of the top new age vocalists in the world. She has the ability to use her voice as an additional instrument in the ensemble. The sound design is flawless and seamless. The rhythms come from Jay’s synths. Richard’s strings are sweet and sublime.

This is just an amazing CD! I find myself sitting here with goose bumps as I try to describe it. It has something for everyone and more! The whole experience is completely overwhelming! It is joyful to the 10th power. It has depth. It has meaning. It is “in your face.” It says, “Get up and move! Share the good vibes. Be part of the journey. BE THE JOURNEY!”
The music permeates every fibre of my being. I had to get up and dance despite my severe arthritis. I felt no pain. I felt joy. I was one with me. I was within myself looking at myself from the outside as I looked at myself from the inside. I was a mirror in a mirror in a mirrorŠ. I was the ultimate conundrum.

The music ended. The spell was broken. The soul was rejuvenated. I was tired. I was energized. I felt no pain. I had new perspectives. Over the years I have experienced several profound responses to music. There had not been one like this before. The other experiences were internal stimuli responding to the external. This is the external from the internal back to the external and back to the internal once more.

This is a great CD and an immediate entry to my all time top 25!

Jim Brenholts resides in N. Versailles, PA and can be reached at

Reviews of AOMUSIC’s CD, “Grow Wild”

During the time the Grow Wild CD was being aired on National Public Radio in early 2000, AOMUSIC & their management hired “The Creative Service Co”. out of Boulder CO to submit the CD for music reviews in select publications throughout North American cities. Here are some of those printed reviews:

AOMUSIC, Grow Wild: “It is infrequently that I come across (musical) energy this exciting! This CD features a duo, Richard Gannaway and Jay Oliver. There are some reviewers/listeners who might lump this in with some broad category like “world beat” or “new age,” I suppose. What an absolute disservice they would be doing to the public. This is, quite simply, some of the most astonishing and beautiful music I have heard in years! If you came across the package in store racks, you might miss it, as it’s a fairly nondescript insert. Once you open it, though, and begin reading their liners and history, you’d quickly realize that this IS the music of “light” with the potential to illuminate (and energize) millions who are living the life of the lost. Each piece is superbly crafted from various cultures around the world to raise your awareness of the connectivity we all share (whether we’re prepared to deal with that or not). Lyrical mastery contributes, of course, but the composition is the key here, and AOMUSIC have that down PAT, people! It’s not just an aimless swirl of rhythmic pabulum, either, this music ROCKS (no matter what the pace of the tune is). I’m impressed enough (and that takes something these days) to declare it the PICK of this issue for “best all around music”! No matter what your musical background/preference, I’m confident you’ll agree. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Let yourself GO… get wild… natural…free!”

AOMUSIC- AO MUSIC Grow Wild CD album shows the need for the world to be forever on the search for new music. You will hear the sounds of Africa, North & South America, Polynesia, Ireland and many other nations. But, as you listen, you begin to feel like a child again and create your own worlds to blend in with each new sound.”

“Whatever these guys are smoking, I want some, ’cause this is some pretty groovy music from a place very much outside the world of mundane reality, “a place where music, color, form and movement blend into one expression”

AOMUSIC Grow Wild released 2000 AO Music -” Eclectic World beat Pop **** (four stars) Flawless blend of pop and world beat sprinkled with catchy haunting melodies. Don’t be surprised if the tracks “Chameleon Makebelieve” and “Haumea” cross over into mainstream radio. Given their melodic pulsating groove, AOMUSIC also could conceivably strike a chord with the Dave Matthews audience.”
BEST TRACK: “Chameleon Make Believe”
WORST TRACK: there are no bad tracks on this album

-H.K. HILNER Issue # 41, May 2000

AO – Grow Wild (AO Music). Richard Gannaway & Jay Oliver, a pair of highly talented musicians, paint a portrait of world sounds with various languages and ethereal melodies. It’s a mélange of vocals and rhythms. What sets this apart is a sort of playfulness that invites listeners to wrap themselves in the rhythmic tapestries and turn on the imagination.”

“Recently a couple of guys named Richard Gannaway and Jay Oliver decided to let their music grow wild on their first album. Their mission is nothing less than heroic. Using a healthy attitude for having fun with sound, they’ve created a unifying sound that can reach out to almost anyone.”
“The fist step is to get people to engage their hearts again,” Jay Oliver points out. “Art needs to promote positive thinking and energy. We’re at a state in history when the world is changing more rapidly than ever before. We’re becoming one people, one culture, tied together financially, with instantaneous Internet communications, sharing news and art, and questioning the old ways. We want our music to help people prepare for the changes, to let them know it’s okay to embrace the changes.”
Richard Gannaway says the group’s mission is even simpler:
“We want each listener to walk away from this music with a deeper sense of dimensional freedom,” “Children invent their own worlds around them everyday and, AOMUSIC will always present a very colorful palette that encourages that sort of playful imagination…” Through it all, AOMUSIC’s spirit grows wild and infuses the lyrics with laughing dare, a challenge to use your imagination and find other worlds to explore. At other times, the songs of Grow Wild come to us almost as prayers.. The translation of the single verse does more to sum up the spirit of the album than any reviewer ever could.

“The sounds are soothing, yet they crackle with life. An intriguing blend – world music, from a different world. Each song is a brick in the big picture, the languages change but their meaning is clear.”

“According to the musical duo AOMUSIC, the evolution of the world requires new music that pulls sounds and words from many places, cultures and peoples. On their debut album, Grow Wild, AOMUSIC creates global music that resonates with a natural musical geometry, giving their sound a primal, timeless instinctive universality. “We’d like the listener to be loosened from any imposed restrictions of what is possible and feel invited to entertain a new story, says AOMUSIC’s Richard Gannaway.”

AOMUSIC, Grow Wild – “They are called AOMUSIC, a musical duo that have worked with Sheryl Crow, The Eagles and Jimmy Buffett. AO is the ancient Polynesian word for light, and light is what AOMUSIC brings into their music. On Grow Wild they are sending out a very positive message not only in their music but in their words. They are telling us that it is time to go back to the heart and spread out our wings, for we all come from one. Truly an inspiring and positive CD for all of us.”

“The AOMUSIC disc is a good work indeed! My wife & I are keeping it on constant rotation here in Galway.”

-BILL WHELAN – Award Winning Irish Composer and Creator of the RIVERDANCE show – from Galway, Ireland

“Thank you for giving me your AOMUSIC CD! It’s been a long time since music has impressed me with so much enthusiasm! Please contact me the next time you’re in Ireland.”

-EAMONN STINSON (owner of the famous “CROSS KEYS PUB” Belfast, Ireland)

“…Your music is wonderful! If there is more, please tell me where I can buy it, I want to share it with everyone…

-ELEANOR HELLIO (Professor at The School of Visual Arts in Paris, France)

“…My brother, Ariel & I listen to your AOMUSIC CD constantly! …Are there more AO CDs? Please let me know…”

-ELISA FERMONT (attorney in Jerusalem, Israel)

“…Thank you for your most inspired and stimulating music. Pythagoras said geometry was music made visible. You are definitely tuned to the celestial harmonies.”

-JONATHAN QUINTIN (artist, New Zealand)

“…I am very proud to be one of the first German fans of AOMUSIC!”

-JORG FISCHER (musician in Wuerzburg, Germany)

“AO’s debut album is a powerful musical message that seduces our senses and destroys any notion of separation between cultures. The diverse strands of AOMUSIC’s Grow Wild reflect the world musical web like a perfect unity.”

-MARIUS-CHRISTiAN BURCE (Radio DJ in Bucharest, Romania)

“Thank you for sending me your CD, it makes me remember how beautiful is all of life & I wish you always success!”

-NI PUTU ARI HARDIANI (college student in Bali, Indonesia)

“I listen to the AOMUSIC song impress me to feel very excited. Because it’s so moving. I’m afraid I use the mistake phrase cause I’m not good at English. I did not hear like this moving melody in a long time! I can feels the great universe’s breathing inside; I can feel you want the expression’s meaning in the music: that’s Peace, Freedom, and Love. I very like this disc and very expect a next CD from AOMUSIC.

-HUFEIFEI (Chi-Kung med student in Shanghai, China)

“Thank you for sending me disc samplings of AOMUSIC. Please let me know how we can acquire more of this very special songs.”

-SERGE KOZLOVSKY (music publisher in Minsk, Republic of Belarus)

“I want to thank you for the excellent music you sent. Your music is very important to us! I airplay your wonderful CD & my listeners are happy to be your new fans!”

-SERGIU RUSU (Radio DJ in Arad, Romania)

“I am a journalist, author of Visionary Voyager from the capital of Belarus in city Minsk. I want to share AO with all of Russia!”

-ALEXEI KRUPSKIY (journalist/author in Minsk, Republic of Belarus)

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CRDA Bill guidelines on land acquisition for A.P capital - Tv9

Sat, Nov 22, 2014, 10:14 PM
The CRDA draft bill mentioned that the land pooling is being considered for the land of AP capital and it explained the requirement of land for all the purposes in the bill. The Government clearly mentioned in the draft bill that the farmers should be profited due to land pooling. In the bill it is mentioned that 30% of land is needed for roads and 10 % for parks and grounds and 5 % to the education, medicine and other social needs. Watch the video for more details of this news . . . .
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Design Q&A with Rafael and Josh of FormLA

Design Q&A with Rafael and Josh of FormLA

Abby Stone
May 14, 2013

You've come a long way, baby! I have a special place in my heart for Rafael Kalichstein and Joshua Rose of FormLA; one of their early projects, their own home, was one of my first house tours on Apartment Therapy. Joshua, a former visual effects designer for film and television, and Rafael, trained in the practice of Eastern Medicine, combine their unique skill sets for work that is quintessentially Los Angeles mixing the glamor of Hollywood with the balance and grounding of Feng Shui. Their love of salvaged furniture remains unchanged; its vintage aesthetic informs much of their work.

What is your favorite design moment (house, restaurant, building, public space) in Los Angeles?

Josh: Tony Duquette’s “Dawnridge.”

Rafi: Urban Light by Chris Burden.

Let’s pretend you have $400 to update a 250 square foot space, how do you spend it?

Invest in a focal point: a chandelier, a large piece of art … something conspicuous and beautiful.

Tell us a little bit about your window for LCDQ's (La Cienega Design Quarter) Legends of La Cienega event?  (Their work will be seen in the window of Antonio's Bella Casa.)

We are approaching the window as an installation and hoping to stretch the concept of “time capsule” beyond design.

What 5 things would you put in a time capsule?(NOTE: The theme of this year's LCDQ event is Time Capsule: The Past, Present and Future of Design).

Rafi’s grandmother’s brisket recipe; an iPhone 5 loaded with music, photos, videos, and contacts; Werner Herzog’s letter to his cleaning lady; a bottle of Il Colle Brunello di Montalcino; a map and a key to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

What period of history would you most like to have lived in?

Berlin in the roaring 20’s.

What would you bring with you if you were time traveling?

A camera, a diary, a first-aid kit... and a sensible pair of shoes.

What do you recommend keeping on hand for unexpected guests?

That bottle of Poire William we could never bring ourselves to drink.

What’s your biggest design or home-related indulgence?

Beacon Hill silk draperies and our rare mineral collection.

What’s your favorite home from a movie or tv show?

The original Addams Family TV Series home.

What do you love most about LA?

The weather and, subsequently, access to local, organic foods.

What’s your favorite cheap design trick or tip?
When all else fails, a fresh coat of paint and some throw pillows.

To learn more about Rafael and Josh and see more of their work, click here. To learn more about the La Cienega Design Quarter Legends of La Cienega event, which begins May 7th in Los Angeles, click here

(Image: Rafael Kalichstein and Joshua Rose)

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Why 83 Percent of Millennials Sleep with their Phones

Why 83 Percent of Millennials Sleep with their Phones

Taryn Williford
Sep 24, 2010

A recent study by the Pew Research Center aimed to capture a snapshot of the millennial generation—the young men and women born after 1980. Among the findings? Around 83 percent of those 18- to 29-year-olds sleep with their cell phones within reach. Some out-of-touch folks are claiming millennials are obsessed with communication, but we've got some other ideas why sleeping with a cell is so common.

83 percent.

Sounds like it would be a pretty shocking statistic for anyone who wants to claim that we (yes, your dear blogger is a millennial herself) are too connected. But we also think that those party poopers don't realize what a multi-faceted tool a cell phone can be.

We're not sleeping with the phone on the nightstand because we're waiting for the next Facebook alert. Chances are, the millennials in the study are using their phones one of these ways:

As an alarm clock.
Why buy an alarm clock when you can use the one built in to your cell phone? Plus, a lot of tech-savvy people prefer their cell over any other alarm.

As their only (emergency) phone.
We'd bet money that most of those 83 percent of millennials' cell phones are their only phones. While mom and pop might have rest easy knowing they could hear the kitchen's land line if a 3 a.m. emergency happened, us millennials have to keep a cell phone nearby.

As a sleep aid.
There's bagillions of apps on the market (that's a proven statistic, by the way), including plenty to help you sleep. Whether you need a noise machine, a sleep cycle aid or something to help with insomniasay it with us... there's an app for that!

(Images: Sonos, iPhone Flip Clock is Our New Bedside Clock)

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How To Create a Slighty Self Cleaning iPad Sleeve

How To Create a Slighty Self Cleaning iPad Sleeve

Joelle Alcaidinho
Apr 12, 2010

We love our new iPad, and while the device is fun to use it sure does get smudged easily. While looking at an old pillowcase made of super soft material (like our eyeglass cleaning cloth) and part of a sweater we had leftover from when we made a laptop sleeve, we came upon a simple solution. We would use the pillowcase and sweater to make an iPad sleeve. By combining the material from the sweater with that of the pillowcase we would have a sleeve that would not only protect our iPad, but it would also provide an easy way to remove smudges due to the super soft lining made from the pillowcase. Here is our step by step guide showing how we used our basic sewing skills and created our vision of the perfect iPad sleeve out of a sweater and pillowcase.

What You Need

a sweater (100% wool works best)
straight pins
sewing machine
measuring tape
iPad for sizing (or measurements of iPad)
button for closure (optional)
cord/shoelace for closure (optional)
straight pin (optional)

1. Begin by laying your iPad on top of the pillowcase to ascertain which portion you want to take from the pillowcase to make the sleeve. Repeat this step for the sweater.

2. Using your iPad as a template, leaving about 7/8 in of space from the device to the edge, cut the remaining two sides of the pillowcase. We decided to use one of the existing seams in the pillowcase as one of the longer sides of our rectangular sleeve, and to use the closed side of the pillowcase as the bottom (image 2), saving time and cutting down on our sewing. Cut the sweater into a rectangle that is the same size as the one cut from the pillowcase.

3. Turn the pillowcase inside out, right side to right side, and sew the remaining long side (since two of the sides are already closed). Turn the sweater inside out, right side to side (image 4), and sew three sides (if there are no existing seams). You may need to adjust the tension and foot on your sewing machine to accommodate the sweater. Depending on how bulky your sweater is, or if it contains cables, you might need to use a larger needle and a different foot. With your newly sewn sweater sleeve still inside out, sew a zig zag or serge each layer separately at the ends where it was cut. This is to prevent the sweater from unraveling and does not need to be exact.

4. There is now a sleeve made out of a pillowcase and another sleeve made out of a sweater. Keep the pillowcase sleeve inside out, but turn the sweater sleeve right side out. Insert the right side out sweater sleeve into the inside out pillowcase sleeve (image 5), the sweater sleeve should be just barely concealed by the pillowcase sleeve since they are about the same size.

5. Pull back the pillowcase sleeve slightly and place and sew the button on the sweater sleeve with the top of the button facing the pillowcase sleeve (image 6). On the opposite side, use the cord/shoelace and make a loop, pull back the pillowcase sleeve and pin the loop facing downward (towards the bottom of the sleeve) in the desired location in order to make the button clasp (image 7).

6. With the sweater sleeve inside the pillowcase sleeve, sew around the circumference of the open top (image 8), leaving about 5 inches un-sewn (this is to enable you to pull the sweater through the pillowcase). When you get to the button clasp, remove the pin, and hold the clasp in place as you sew your way around the top of the sleeve.

7. The sweater and pillowcase sleeve are now sewn together. Pull the sweater through the 5 inch opening between that pillowcase and sweater sleeve that was left un-sewn (image 9). The sleeve will now look like two right side out sleeves connected at the center (image 10).

8. Tuck the pillowcase sleeve into the sweater sleeve so that it forms the lining (image 11).

9. Hand sew the 5 inch opening at the top closed (image 13). Slide your iPad into the sleeve and button the clasp, your new sleeve is ready to go!

Additional Notes: We went with a 100% wool sweater because of the great blocking potential of wool. Blocking is when you use water or steam to reshape. Because of the blocking potential, wool is a very forgiving fiber which is great when your sewing skills are very basic. Wool also has natural water resistant properties making it better than cotton for keeping your iPad safe. We decided on the pillowcase material to line with due to its soft and silky feel and how great it was for removing smudges.

(Images: Joelle Alcaidinho)

Posted originally from: Unplggd

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PlantTherapy: Cotton and the Flower Girl on Orchard Street

PlantTherapy: Cotton and the Flower Girl on Orchard Street

Feb 16, 2008

Last Tuesday, as the snow came down, I found myself way over on the east side on Orchard Street. In the window at the denim shop Earnest Sewn, which has taken over the corner retail space of the old Tenement Museum Shop, there was a large container of cotton branches. It was a great prop for a denim shop- but it was more than that. Tucked away in the back of the store they have a florist...

The two pictures, below, are of Orchard and Broome from inside 88 Orchard as the snow came falling down. On a quiet winter day this may be one of my most favorite intersections in the city.

With my luck, of course, the proprietor of the shop was stuck out making a delivery in the sudden snowfall; pictures (permission to take them, anyways) would have to wait for another day. The shop is tucked into a cozy corner of the store. It feels like a step back in time with its brick walls and antiques. They have flowers drying overhead, and pans of beautiful rose petals collecting underneath their simple cutting station. If you are walking past Earnest Sewn
or getting a bite at 88 Orchard, you should stop in and enjoy their pretty retail space. Flower Girl has a website coming soon. And we hope to be back soon and get to snap some pics.

Last week greceodeco mentioned seeing cotton branches somewhere i the city. Could this have been the place?

matt at apartment therapy dot com

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Small Doses of Layered Pattern

Small Doses of Layered Pattern

Sarah Coffey
Jun 18, 2009

Layered one on top of another, multiple patterns can sometimes be overwhelming, but if you set some limits for them, they can bring style and character to a space...

Small doses of layered pattern allow you to mix and match without investing too much time or money. A few places to consider layering patterns include the kitchen (experiment with patterned dishes and tea towels), the dining room (try out some patterned place settings), a hallway corner or nook (try wallpapering a small section), and your living room (throw pillows, stacking cushions, and blankets can have a big impact). The photos above show examples of ways to play with pattern in each of these spaces.

1 Kitchen Wares from Tas-ka
2 DwellStudio Placemats
3 UK House Tour from Cookie Magazine
4 Lindsay's Bold West Loop Style
5 How To: Make Fold, Stitch, and Stuff Floor Cushions

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+44 191 567 5898
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BOSS Orange
Patchman2 Polo Shirt - White

Availability: Out of stock

Special Price £37.50

Sorry, this product is now SOLD OUT. Take a look at our other items in New Arrivals or just browse the rest of our site.

Hugo Boss Orange Patchman2 Polo Shirt in White. A simple casual polo that will become a go to piece in any mans collection. Boasting the metal boss orange tab to the lower hem, chest pocket, 3 button place finished with contrasting light blue trimming.

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Sleeve type: Short sleeve

  • Official Hugo Boss Orange Branding
  • Metal Branded Tab
  • 3 Button Placket
  • Contrasting Red Stitch Detail
  • Light Blue Trimming
  • Style: 50270642

70% Cotton 30% Lyocel 30 Degrees Machine Wash

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2012 (S) Silver Eagle MS-69 NGC (ER, Golden Gate Bridge)

2012 (S) Silver Eagle MS-69 NGC (ER, Golden Gate Bridge)

Graded a near-perfect MS-69 by NGC, this 2012 Silver Eagle was produced at the historic San Francisco Mint.

Though produced without mintmarks, sealed Monster Boxes of 2012 Silver Eagles were labeled as to their mint of origin. Because this coin was delivered to NGC in a sealed box, it has been certified as coming from the historic San Francisco mint.

Coin Highlights:

  • Contains 1 oz of .999 fine Silver.
  • NGC encapsulation protects and guarantees the near perfect MS-69 condition of the coin, and provides a universally-recognized authentication.
  • The Early Releases label guarantees this coin was shipped within the first 30 days of the coin's release.
  • Obverse: Adolph A. Weinman’s design showing Lady Liberty draped in an American flag, walking gracefully as the sun rises over a ridge.
  • Reverse: A heraldic eagle is shown below 13 small stars, representing the original colonies.
  • Sovereign coin backed by the U.S. government.

Protect and display your Silver Eagle in style by adding an attractive display or gift box to your order.

One of the most popular designs in American coinage, the Silver Eagle combines beauty with Silver bullion appeal. Add the 2012 Silver Eagle to your cart today.

The U.S. Mint does not sell its bullion coins directly to the public. Instead, they distribute their coins to only a handful of authorized purchasers who then sell the coins to the public. As one of these authorized purchasers, APMEX is able to get coins directly from the U.S. Mint and pass them along to you.

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