New generation of Arab singers

Nancy Ajram

Arab music has a long tradition of Oud — a local variety of lute — and soulful longing. It is the foundation of classical Arab music. Umm Kulthum of Egypt was phenomenally popular throughout the Arab world. Many regard Al-Atlal (The Ruins) as her best song. She died in 1975.
Nouhad Wadi Haddad a Lebanese female singer popularly known as Fairuz or Turquoise closely followed her in eminence. While classical songs were Umm Kulthum’s forte Fairuz excelled in modern Arabic songs also projecting the Lebanese heritage. Her all time popular song A’tini al-Nay is cherished by every Arab.
They are followed by new bunch of talented and popular young singers, both male and female. They are Amr Diab, Nancy Ajram, Tamer Hosny, Mohammed Hamaki, Elissar Zakaria Khouri, Sherine Ahmed Abdul Wahab, Kadim Al Sahir, Cairokee a band group and Wael Kfoury.
Among the lot, Amr Abdel Basset Abdel Azeez Diab (Amr Diab) of Egypt is a versatile performer; Diab is both a singer and composer. He has received many awards as the best-selling Arab recording artist. Music connoisseurs commend Diab for blending a Mediterranean Music style combining Arab sound and diction with Western cadence and instruments.
Amr Diab’s 1996 album “Nour El Ain” (Light of the Eye-Sight) became a sensation in the music world. “Habibi” from the album drew music lovers like infatuation worldwide in countries like Pakistan, India (performed by Nachiketa in Bengali with lyrics of his own), Afghanistan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The album sold 3 million copies! In 1998, he received the World Music Award from the Prince of Monaco. Diab became a living legend. His album “Amarain” (Two Moons) of 1999 is rated as his best. Amarain featured Diab in a duet “Qalbi” with Algeria’s “Didi” famed Khaled based in France.
Nancy Nabil Ajram (Nancy Ajram) of Lebanon is an immensely popular pop star in Arab music. Nancy came into the limelight in 2003 with the big success of her lead single “Akhasmak Ah”. With her fourth album “Ah w Noss” (Yes, and a half)) she became the pop icon of Arab world. Coca Cola made Nancy their official celebrity spokesperson. The commercial was a hit — “Oul Tany Kida?” (Say that again?). The success continued and her fifth album “Ya Tabtab Wa Dalla” is believed to be her best. Ajram’s crowning moment came when her best-selling album “Betfakkar Fi Eih” won the first World Music Award .as the best-selling Middle Eastern Artist.
Tamer Hosny Abbas Farghaly (Tamer Hosny) of Egypt is idolized as the Star of Generation. He is a highly endowed talent – singer, actor, composer, director and songwriter. In 2004 his second album “Hob” (Love) a romantic one featured a catchy solo “Arrab Habibi”. Its success earned him the nickname “King of Generation”. The solo song kept on running in music channels. The 8th album “Elly Gai Ahla” (2011) found great popularity and he found his bride in his fellow Moroccan singer Bassma Boussil.
Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed El-Hamaki (Mohammed Hamaki) of Egypt is known as the Master of Pop Music. He is in his thirties. His virtuosity extends to musical instruments; he can play both guitar and piano. He shot into fame with his album “Kheles El Kalam” (All The Words Have Finished!). The song “Wahda Wahda” (One by One) became very popular.
Elissar Zakaria Khouri (Elissa) is a Lebanese pop singer. Elissa became a phenomenon with her W’akherta Ma’ak. It included a popular duet “Betghib Betrouh”. The video clip of her equally successful album “Ayshalak” was done in France by French Director Fabrice Begotti.
The popularity of this new generation of singers shows that Arab world has great love for music and has a wealth of talents to keep it alive. The legacy of Umm Kulthum and Fairuz continues.

Apple iPhone 5S Rumors: Release Date Set For Mid-September? iPhone 6 To Launch Weeks Later?

It's been six years since Steve Jobs debuted the original iPhone in June 2007, but for the phone's first five years, Apple had chosen to release only one new iPhone model each year, as opposed to its competitors, which have sought to release as many smartphone models as possible each and every year.

In 2013, Apple will reportedly break from tradition and release two new iPhone models for the very first time -- the sixth-generation iPhone called the iPhone 5S, and a completely new "low-cost" iPhone model aimed at emerging markets, to be called either iPhone Light or iPhone 6. But while the degree of rumors surrounding the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 indeed point to two individual release dates this year, the key question is not a matter of what or why, but when. Apple will never release product details before they're officially unveiled, but given the timetable announced for Apple's redesigned mobile operating system iOS 7, we fully expect to see Apple's big iPhone launch coincide with the release date schedule of iOS 7 -- specifically in mid-September.
Apple iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 Release Date: How Did We Arrive At This Conclusion?
Before we talk iPhone, let's quickly talk about the release date of iOS 7. In 2012, iOS 6 was introduced June 11 and saw its release date on Sept. 19 -- exactly 100 days after its unveiling. We don't think Tim Cook wants to mess with the successful Apple formula left behind by Steve Jobs, so we believe Apple will again follow this iOS release timetable by launching iOS 7 exactly 100 days after its introduction, on Sept. 18.
That said, Apple would never release its newest iOS without some new hardware to go with it. This is why we fully expect Apple to release the iPhone 5S just two days after the release date for iOS 7, on Sept. 20; the iPhone 5S would likely be introduced an event one week prior to its release (as well as the release date of iOS 7) on Sept. 10. For the low-cost iPhone 6, Apple may wait a week or two to release its cheaper iPhone alternative, on either Sept. 27 or Oct. 4 -- the latter date would coincide with the two-year anniversary of the iPhone 4S, and nearly two years to the day when Apple lost its co-founder Jobs to cancer, but Apple would simply split the release dates of its two iPhones to prevent major crowds at its retail stores.
Once Apple has all its iPhone products out of the pipeline, we believe Apple will hold another event in October to release new iPads, including a redesigned full-size iPad and an iPad mini with Retina display, but possibly some surprises too -- potentially some major changes to Apple TV, but maybe, just maybe, Apple will finally unveil its highly rumored, highly anticipated smartwatch called iWatch.
Apple iPhone 5S Release Date Coming: What's New In This Year's Model?
By all accounts, the iPhone 5S will look identical its predecessor the iPhone 5, with the exception of a few cosmetic changes. Apple has reportedly adopted dual-LED flash for its rear-facing camera, which means that circular flash is now pill-shaped, and many believe the iPhone 5S camera has been improved from the 8-megapixels in the iPhone 5, likely to 12-megapixels. Photos leaked to Apple news site MacRumors in mid-June claiming to be the iPhone 5S, which show off some of these reported features as well as unique identifiers related to the iPhone 5S components, lead us to believe the iPhone 5S photos are indeed legitimate and the phone is preparing for its September release date.
The alleged prototype of the iPhone 5S on the left, and the iPhone 5 on the right. The iPhone 5S will feature improved specs in the processing and battery departments.  Courtesy / MacRumors.com
Inside, the iPhone 5S is expected to operate just like the iPhone 5, but the specs have been modified in a number of ways to make room for new features. According to another leaked image of the iPhone 5S from the same source, the phone's logic board has a slightly narrower profile to allow more space for new components and connectors, and Apple has improved its Apple-built CPU from an A6. But since the leaked image shows a nameless Apple-built chip (likely an intentional move by Apple to prevent leaks, since the new chip would make this phone a dead giveaway), we're predicting this CPU is a new A7 chip designed by Apple and introduced for the first time on this phone. The iPhone 5S has also reportedly received an upgrade in the battery department, from the iPhone 5's 5.45 Whr capacity to a higher capacity of 5.92 Whr.
The alleged interior of the iPhone 5S features a thinner logic board presumed to make room for more components, including the rumored fingerprint sensor.  Courtesy / MacRumors.com
But the biggest new feature inside the iPhone 5S, by all accounts, is said to be the integrated fingerprint sensor embedded directly in the "home" button, which will likely replace the need for entering usernames and passwords again and again on your phone. This fingerprint sensor -- courtesy of Florida-based AuthenTec, which was urgently acquired by Apple last July -- makes a great deal of sense on the iPhone 5S: The iPhone has always had one button, so the fingerprint's sensor makes sense, but Apple knew fingerprint sensing technology would be a hit with consumers a long time ago, so the company invested millions of dollars to start implementing this technology as soon as possible.
The iPhone 5S Sounds Great, But What About That Cheap iPhone 6?
When it comes to the iPhone 6, Apple is reportedly pursuing its same strategy used for the iPod Touch, which is to release a low-end version of the popular iDevice with all of the same important features, but without some of the bells and whistles, and at a much lower price point. Apple released its cheapest, thinnest, most basic iPod Touch in May, likely foreshadowing its strategy with the release of iPhone 6.
The iPhone 6, according to iLounge editor-in-chief Jeremy Horwitz, is a "cross between the iPhone 5, the fifth-generation iPod touch, and -- wait for it -- the iPod classic." With its 4-inch screen like the iPhone 5, a tapered bottom like the latest iPod touch and a rectangular shape like the iPod classic, the low-cost iPhone 6 is said to be substantially made from plastic, but feature a hybrid chassis made of both plastic and metal. The right side of the iPhone 6 features a flat, centered SIM card tray like the iPhone 5, with the locations of the camera, microphone and rear flash in similar locations to the latest-generation iPod touch.
This leaked photo shows off the alleged "low cost" iPhone 6, which features a plastic exterior that houses older-generation chipsets and specs.  Courtesy / blog.tactus.com
But Apple's choice to release the iPhone 6 isn't about bold design; it's about an iPhone that's inexpensive to make and cheaper to sell. Apple will release the iPhone 6 globally, marketing it differently from its main iPhone line by allegedly releasing the iPhone 6 in a variety of candy colors (again like the iPod), but the company will reportedly focus on driving this phone into emerging markets such as India and China. Of the two developing markets, China is Apple's largest after the U.S., and Apple has many times tried to strike a deal with China Mobile Ltd. (NYSE:CHL), the largest telecommunications carrier in the world, with 703 million subscribers. If Apple is successful in selling the iPhone 6 on China Mobile, the iPhone 6 will be the first iPhone to release with TD-LTE frequency capabilities. Apple clearly wanted to close the deal early in 2013: On Jan. 10, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited China Mobile headquarters to meet with Chairman Xi Guohua to discuss “matters of cooperation.”

 We expect Apple to unveil the iPhone 6 simultaneously with the iPhone 5S in September to coincide with the release date of iOS 7, but release the two new iPhone models on two separate dates to avoid heavy lines at its physical retail stores. What do you think? Does this release timetable for iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 seem reasonable to you? Strike back in the comments section below.

MP3 Song - MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer 3

MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III^, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented encoding format for digital audio which uses a form of lossy data compression. It is a common audio format for consumer audio storage, as well as a de facto standard of digital audio compression for the transfer and playback of music on most digital audio players.

MP3 is an audio-specific format that was designed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) as part of its MPEG-1 standard and later extended in MPEG-2 standard. The first MPEG subgroup – Audio group was formed by several teams of engineers at Fraunhofer IIS, University of Hannover, AT&T-Bell Labs, Thomson-Brandt, CCETT, and others^. MPEG-1 Audio (MPEG-1 Part 3), which included MPEG-1 Audio Layer I, II and III was approved as a committee draft of ISO/IEC standard in 1991^, finalised in 199⁹ and published in 1993 (ISO/IEC 11172-3:1993. Backwards compatible MPEG-2 Audio (MPEG-2 Part 3) with additional bit rates and sample rates was published in 1995 (ISO/IEC 13818-3:1995)

The use in MP3 of a lossy compression algorithm is designed to greatly reduce the amount of data required to represent the audio recording and still sound like a faithful reproduction of the original uncompressed audio for most listeners. An MP3 file that is created using the setting of 128 kbit/s will result in a file that is about 1/11 the size^{[note 1]} of the CD file created from the original audio source. An MP3 file can also be constructed at higher or lower bit rates, with higher or lower resulting quality.

The compression works by reducing accuracy of certain parts of sound that are considered to be beyond the auditory resolution ability of most people. This method is commonly referred to as perceptual coding^. It uses psychoacoustic models to discard or reduce precision of components less audible to human hearing, and then records the remaining information in an efficient manner.

New Year Songs 2013

With the New Year right around the corner, the mood for festivities is in full swing, parties, get together, celebrations etc. really set up the mood to welcome the advent of the New Year and nothing spells celebrations like music.

One of the most important ingredients to a perfect celebration is New Year Songs, as nothing sets the ambience right like it, and when on a lookout for the best celebratory things for the New Year, you must pay special attention to the musical aspect.

Hence for your convenience we have compiled for you a list of songs for new year that are sure to get you in the mood for some New Year celebrations.

Happy New Year Songs 2013

• "Auld Lang Syne" by Relient K

The famous Scottish folk song that tells off beautiful times gone by and the importance of new beginnings is ones that you will surely want to add to your playlist, also the version by Relient K which has featured in it perfect harmonies is perhaps the most solemn start you can get to the New Year.

• "New Year's Day" by U2

U2 is one of the most famous bands of our time and their song New Year's Day is perhaps one of the most different takes on the New Year however it makes a great song to listen to, so plug it in and enjoy

• "Let’s Start the New Year Right" by Bing Crosby

Released in1943, the song is all time favourite, belonging to the album White Christmas; the song is one of the most popular songs of all time, and an inherent part of the vintage American New Year celebrations.

• "Seasons of Love" from Rent (the Movie)

With harmonies that are pitch perfect and really beautifully rendered and lyrics that warm your heart Seasons of Love makes a wonderful listen, as you get lost in the beautiful melody of the song, making your New Year's even more wonderful and magical.

• "What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve" by The Orioles

One of the most popular pop songs written about the New Year, the song tells of the young lover who decides to venture out on the 32st of December to take chances and grab life by the leases. This number is an all-time favourite and is a pleasant tune to listen to.

• "Same Old Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelburg

One of Danny Fogelburg’s greatest hits Same Old Lang Syne is perhaps one of those bittersweet melodies that with a twinge of nostalgia get to you. Telling the tale of a cab driver who meets his old girlfriend and they get discussing about the bygone days, their hopes, dreams and all their aspirations. It is a tale of love and life and all the things that are encompassed by them, be it regrets or happy memories. Same Old Lang Syne is a re-telling of our experiential existence and the trials and tribulations that we go through. This track is a must listen.

• "A Long December" by Counting Crows

Once in a while a song comes along that you can relate to so well; written by Adam Duritz the frontman of Counting Crows in the year 1995, after a friend faced a grave accident, the song is replete with nostalgia as well as hope for a better tomorrow. Countless people will tell you how this song helped them cope with their grief as well as the troubles that they were going through, so it is no wonder that the song is featured in our list of the best songs for the New Year’s.

• "It’s Another New Year’s Eve" by Barry Manilow

One of the early songs written by Manilow, the song is a sombre sweet melody that talks about enjoying the moment one is in, and counting your blessings as you cut back your losses and try to look at the positive things in life. The singer tells his loved one in the song of all the beauty that might have come out of troubled times and to look upon everything in a positive light and keep living life to the fullest. All in all the song most assuredly makes a good listen.

• "Happy New Year" by Nat King Cole

The immortal voice of Nat King Cole filled with the richness that can send you into a musical swoon, poured his heart in this song, when talking about past loves and looking back at the past with a hint of nostalgia and yet a smile. The silky smoothness of this sombre tune is enough to set the ambience right, with the beauty of the melodious voice that serenades the senses.

• "New Year’s Resolution" by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas

A sweet love-song by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas as the title of the song goes New Year’s Resolution is all about being in love and taking care of your loved ones, no matter how difficult times may be. The couple in the song acknowledges their flaws and make resolutions to get by the difficult times and overlook each other’s flaws and focus on loving and taking care of each other. The sweetness of the melody surely makes you feel tender towards your loved one, so pop in this song and enjoy the sweet nothings that the song makes you remember.

• "The Millennium Prayer" by Sir Cliff Richard

Composed in the tune of the all-time favourite Auld Lang Syne, The Millennium Prayer by Sir Cliff Richard is basically the Lord’s Prayer with a few odd verses; probably one of the few songs in free verse, the song was acclaimed worldwide, for the familiar lyrics and tune, which one could feel associated to. The song has a very sombre yet cheerful air about is and is one that definitely brings that all pervading sense of calm.

• "Another Year Has Gone By" by Celine Dion

Celine Dion has long held the title of being one of the most popular singers of our time, with famous love songs to her name Another Year has gone by, makes for a wonderful love number that you would want to share with your loved ones, talking about cherishing and treasuring love the song is sure to set your mod.

• "New Year" by Beautiful Republic

There are many numbers that may figure on top of the beautiful melody list, New Year is one of them, the song is beautifully harmonised and makes for a lovely musical New Year's.

• "My! My! Time Flies" by Enya

The haunting voice of this beautiful singer has been applauded by people worldwide, couple it with the New Year's and what you have is a wonderful evening, where music pervades all.

• "Brand New Year (My Revolution)" by SHeDaisy

If there was ever a song that can be used as an anthem for looking forward to the days that are to come then Brand New Year would be it, full of vigour the song is about taking control of your life and making the most out of what you have.

• "New Year by Charlie Hall

When looking for a song that infuses your spirit with hope and joy, this song by Charlie Hall is one that should be your best bet, so plug in this number and let it fill your heart with hope and joy.

• "Funky New Year" by the Eagles

The Eagles and their country rock sound definitely makes for a Funky New Year listening, so pop in this track and groove to the Eagles' music.

• "Nothing New for the New Year" by Harry Connick Jr. & George Jones

The silky smoothness of this song by Harry Connick Jr. George Jones, definitely pleasing to ear, so as you relax and unwind, let the music take over and make you New Year's truly wonderful.

 

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