Dan

Top Five Comedians of the Moment

Everybody loves to have a laugh, and that is what makes comedians some of the most adored people on the planet. Correction: That is what makes GOOD comedians some of the most adored people on the planet. It seems that the actors that Incredible Hulk most remembered are the ones that played affable or comical roles-those that are typecast as bad guys only get a slither of the fame the good guys get in the long run. No wonder that every year there is renewed speculation over who's the funniest person in America; somehow, action heroes and other acting niches appear to have a far lower turnover rate. Let's face it, nobody wants to miss the chance to rub elbows with the funny guy or gal of the moment. This list of today's best comics goes out in honor of the truly life-changing The Joker action figure of laughter; may it be employed for the most noble of ends.

1) Jon Stewart: it is enough simply to recount a few statistics to understand why this man is a serious comedy success story: He took the Daily Show from a non-entity status in the late 90s to top-of-the-ratings status in just a few years, hosted the Oscars twice in three years, penned one of the highest-grossing books of the decade, and launched his own comedy production house. Stewart has the subtle style of a well-educated man, though he lacks the pretentiousness that often besets the witty-humor category.

2) Dave Chappelle: this guy is just about the most creative and clever sketch-comedy artist in the world. His mix of potty humor and sophisticated irony have been unlike any other's, and though his prime viewers are college aged, HD TV-owning, heavy-drinking men, he has struck a chord in the larger society. The DVD of his show's first season was the best-selling DVD for a good long stretch after it was released: that says a lot. Though he has been keeping a low profile as of late, this comedian will only be getting better and better as time goes by.

3) Steven Colbert: in perfect harmony with Jon Stewart's humor, Steven Colbert has set himself up as Comedy Central's new star. With his always-in-character style (or is that really the way he is?), Colbert has tricked more than a few wise-yet unsuspecting-guests into being the victims of his satire. Always witty, and always with the best interests of the country at heart, Colbert is incorrigible and untiring, two key ingredients to be a great comic (or a sports star, which, with his physique, could also be possible).

4) Dane Cook: off-the-wall and with apparently unending reserves of energy, Dane Cook is sure to be at the top of this list in a few years' time. Though he does somewhat more adolescent humor than some would like, he has an undeniably unique mixture of quirkiness, flamboyance, gesticulation, and absurdness that no other comedian can match (much less even attempt to reproduce).

5) Sacha Baron Cohen: nobody will ever be able to forget Borat, no matter how hard they try. The way in which Cohen managed to seemingly effortlessly get his unwitting guinea pigs to dig their own graves speaks of a truly brilliant, perhaps even twisted mind. Though people may disagree over whether they find the man himself funny, he has the ability to create the funniest situations, and that is an accomplishment worth noting in the field of comedy.

These laugh-mongers all have movies and shows available on cable or satellite TV, so don't hesitate to switch on the tube and get a healthy dose of laughter to make your day. And no worries, you don't have to have a high definition set to watch comedy...it makes no difference.

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posted by datdk @ 7:39 AM 0 comments

How to Make Soy Candles in 9 Easy Steps

Here are the nine basic steps to making soy candles. Following each step will allow you to create quality soy candles.

First Step - Measuring Your Wax

The first step in making soy candles is deciding what type Weird Fantasy candle to create. The reason for this is because the soy wax has to be carefully measured out according to the type of candle and the number of candles that are being made. For demonstration purposes we will be making votive candles. These candles require around two ounces of soy wax per candle. Work with even measurements whenever possible. If we were to make eight votive candles we would need about one pound of soy wax.

Second Step - Melt Your Wax

The next step in making soy candles is to melt the soy wax. You can purchase a wax melter for around $20 from your local department store or use a double boiler to melt your wax. Using a double boiler works well but it is a little slower for melting your wax. You must never melt wax directly on the stove as there is a risk Micro Machines the wax will burst into flames.

Third Step - Adding Color

The third step in how to make soy candles is to add color to your candles. You can purchase and use candle dye and stir it into your melted wax. You may also use crayons to add color to your soy candles. You do not want to use food coloring as this will damage your soy candle.

Fourth Step - Adding A Fragrance

When adding fragrance to your candle wax you want to add about one and a half ounces of your fragrance for every pound of candle wax that you use. The temperature of the wax needs to be around 170 degrees so that the fragrance will bind with the wax properly. Stir the mixture for about two minutes or so before moving on to the next step.

Fifth Step - Reduce The Heat

The fifth step in how to make soy candles is to reduce the heat from 170 degrees to close to 150 degrees. You should also warm your candle molds so that they are slightly above room temperature. By doing this will allow the candles to release from their molds much easier.

Sixth Step - Pour Your Candle Wax Into Your Molds

When the wax is cooled to around 150 degrees you can then pour your wax into the molds. You can use a Pyrex measuring cup if you don't have a pour pot. Make sure you fill each mold to the top.

Seventh Step - Add Your Wicks

Once you notice a thin layer of skin on the top of the mold it is time to add your wicks. Make sure your wicks are straight and push it all the way to the bottom of the mold. Take care to make sure that you keep it straight and centered.

Eighth Step - Smoothing Out The Imperfections

No matter how careful you were when you pressed the wick into the candle you probably created a slight depression in the skin. The only way you can smooth out this imperfection is to re-melt the wax. Be very careful that you don't scorch the candle or wick.

Ninth Step: You Have Your Candles

You need to wait about 5 hours for the candles to set properly. Once the candles are set just give a little pull on the wick and the candle should pop right out of the mold.

These are very simple steps in how to make soy candles. Take your time and have some fun with your candle making hobby.

Cindy is a freelance writer who spends a lot of time on her hobbies. Candle Making is just one of the ways I spend my time. Visit my website for more Candle Making Tips.

posted by datdk @ 7:00 AM 0 comments