Vincent Van Gogh has three of the Top 10 most expensive painting ever sold — Irises (which sold for $49 Million and ranked #8), a self portrait ($65 Million and #4) and the Most Expensive Painting of All Time: a portrait of Doctor Gachet, which sold for a record smashing $82.5 Million in 1990!

Pablo Picasso has four painting on the Top 10 list — which sold for an average of $49 Million.

John James Audubon, famous painter of birds and namesake of the Audubon Society was a bit less than the nature lover that today’s environmentalists would have you believe. To paint his birds he first shot them and then wired up the dead bodies and put them on branches.

The most faked and forged artist of all time (next to Elvis) is the little-known-today, Camille Corot. Unusual for most artists, he was very popular in his lifetime and thus spawned 100 of imitators — many of which “imitated” his signature also. Not only this, but he was also known to sign the paintings done by his numerous pupils. Over 10,000 fakes have been recorded.

There once was a painter who earned the nickname “Putter on of Pants.” Daniele da Volterra was employed by the Pope Paul IV to cover up the naughty bits of nudes in renaissance paintings — including Michelangelo’s nudes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (since removed.)

Speaking of Michelangelo and naughty nudes, his painting, The Last Judgment, which he painted late in life when he was older and crankier, includes an ugly donkey-eared figure in the pits of hell (lower right corner if you are keeping score at home.) This is a likeness of Vatican official Biagio di Cesena, who earlier had criticized the painting’s “indecent” nudes. Michelangelo retaliated by painting Biagio’s face on the donkey-faced dude. Biagio begged Pope Paul to have Michelangelo remove it, but the pontiff replied that he “could intercede for those in purgatory but I have no power over those in hell.” I think I will write and article soon on funny things Popes say. Watch for it.

Michelangelo also painted his own face in The Last Judgment. It is in the wrinkled human skin in the hand of St. Bartholomew.

By the way – Yes, that was a joke in the title.

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5. Picasso

Picasso has more paintings in the top 10 (four) than any of the others. But he is also the most modern so his painting sold for a bit less. Though the prices are still staggering.

A 1905 work called The Marriage of Pierette sold in Paris at the height of the Art Boom (1989 – 1990) to a Japanese businessman for $51 Million.

The other 3 paintings also averaged a very healthy $47 Million.

4. Cezanne

The French Father of Modern Art has only one painting in the top 10 — but it was sold at just the right time to just the right collector to fetch a cool $55 Million in New York in 1990.

The still-life, Curtain, Pitcher and Bowl, is a paint of… well, a curtain, pitcher and bowl. And there are some apples, too.

Unbelievable.

3. Rubens

The Flemish master weighs in at #3 with his Massacre of the Innocents. This picture portrays the moment that Herod ordered the killing of Jewish male children and is as different from the Cezanne as you could possible get. I won’t try to describe it — Look it up and prepare to be amazed. It is breathtaking.

Oh, Sotherby’s experts estimated in the auction listings that it would sell for $6 to 8 Million.

They were close.

It sold for $68.4 Million.

2. Renior

Here is a painting you have probably seen. Moulin de la Galette is one of the most famous of the impressionist works — a busy, open air Paris cafe scene.

The painting sold in Sotheby’s in New York in 1990 for $78.1 Million.

Remarkably it sold just 4 days after the #1 most expensive painting — and to the same person, Japanese businessman, Ryoei Saito.

1. Van Gogh

You knew Vincent would be #1, didn’t you?

Certainly there are more valuable paintings — the Mona Lisa, the Sistine Chapel, The Last Supper — but these will never be sold. Of the “circulating” painting, no other artist even comes close to Van Gogh.

Van Gogh has 3 painting in the top 10 — Irises ($49 Million and ranked #8), Self Portrait ($65 Million and #4) and, of course the #1 Most Expensive Painting of All Time: Portrait of Doctor Gachet, which sold for an astonishing $82.5 Million in 1990!

Two last interesting notes about the #1 painting — It was once owned by Nazi Supremo, Hermann Goring and, due to the Japan economic crash of the mid-19′s is now owned by a bank.

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The James Cook University has be acknowledged for the cutting edge research for many of their areas of study. While at James Cook University you can study a variety of topics, among them are marine biology, ecological and environmental studies. James Cook University especially takes pride in the students research in areas of medicine, tourism, global warming and public health.

With a strong focus on research and case studies, JCU is a well rounded institution that offers it students the unique opportunity to study in many popular fields such as Law, Medicine, Information Technology, Social Science and the Arts. James Cook University offers several strategically located campuses throughout Australia including campuses in Brisbane , on Thursday Island, Mackay and in Singapore as well as its two largest campuses located in Cairns and Townsville.

James Cook University offers programs for both under graduate and post graduate courses. James Cook is attended by a diverse group of students from all around the globe. Those that attend school at James Cook, and even those that come for a visit find it one of the most enriching programs found anywhere.

Studying in this ecologically rich rainforest environment not only makes for astounding research opportunities but it is a welcome low key pace that offers a wide variety of recreational activities for students as well. The laid back Aussie lifestyle and wonderful year round climate make JCU a serious consideration for students from around the globe. Forging ahead in the areas of health and science and fun in the sun, students at the JCU campus know how to work hard and play harder.

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The art of calligraphic writing is unique in its own special way and demands a position of honor for the people of China. Hence we will often see such calligraphic scrolls hanging in the doorway of houses and it is displayed to increase the beauty of any sort of dcor. These scrolls have Chinese inscriptions written on it.

The calligraphic scrolls found at the entrances of houses have very distinct calligraphy symbols that represent certain concepts. One of the most common Chinese calligraphy symbols seen outside homes is the one wishing a good year ahead. Others use Chinese scrolls as name plates denoting the name of the owner or dweller of the house.

When it’s the question of the artistic excellence of Chinese calligraphy, it stands on the top undeniably. The Chinese were known to be masters with the brush and the volumes of Chinese calligraphic symbols are a proof of their craftsmanship.

The absolute collection of Chinese calligraphic symbols are observed in works of art that involve hand painting. There is so much of variety in this collection of calligraphic symbols that almost unbelievably no two symbols look same in appearance.

In modern age, the whole world has developed a special taste for these marvelous Chinese calligraphic symbols. Many people have begun utilizing Chinese calligraphic symbols in interior decorations and as fashion accessories like pendants and necklaces.

The fact that Chinese calligraphy symbols are gaining popularity today undoubtedly indicates the ageless value of their artistry. The symbols that were developed ages ago were so aesthetically sound that they continue to have an appeal on people who are alien to the language itself. This is one of the most phenomenal aspects of Chinese calligraphy symbols.

Chinese calligraphy requires concentration for better comprehension of its meaning and to appreciate it further. Its beauty lies in the fact that it balances both form and function with precision. On one hand, these calligraphic symbols have great artistic skill which makes it look beautiful and on the other hand they also serve as modes of communication.

On top of these two awesome aspects of Chinese calligraphy you have the skill and craftsmanship of the people who practice the art of calligraphy with their brushes. All these factors combined make Chinese calligraphy symbols a collection of highly revered art work.

Chinese calligraphy symbols can be a wonderful choice for tattoos. If you want to see some ancient Chinese symbols click on the links herein.

Many of you out there probably do not know that I L.J. James am the Son of Pappy (Freelance writer on the Biker Lifestyle) ! Hell I didn’t know till 1986,Well I knew I just didn’t know him! Pappy an my Mother got separated when I was young and I didn’t see Pappy from around 76 till 86. When I met him he wasn’t even known as Pappy yet! That came later.

I had lived with my Mother an step-Father on Long Island in NY till the Summer of 86. I had always been into Bikes and the life style. Many times after getting into some kind of trouble I would hear the saying “He is just like his Father”. Little did I know at the time just how true it really was! After getting into some more teenage trouble (you know the deal Drinking,Staying out late, getting brought home by the cops 2 or 3 times). My Mother figured it was time for me to meet my Father. So in the Summer of 86 at the age of 15, I found myself flying up to Rochester NY to meet my Father!

When I first met Pappy He owned a large House and He rented out rooms in the house to College kids and other Bikers. Almost as soon as I got there Pappy started teaching me to Ride a Motorcycle and probably just as important if not more, what the words Respect, Honesty , Loyalty and Brotherhood mean in the Biker World. I still remember clearly one time at a John Fogarty Concert. Me, Pappy and a few other Bikers where in the parking lot looking at Motorcycles. I saw this really cool bike with this paint job that was just unbelievable, I went to touch it and Pappy grabbed my hand looked at me in the eyes and told me “Never touch another mans Bike without his permission” and till this day I never have.

The House Pappy owend was well known by many of the Bikers in the area and was the place many large party’s where held, It was not uncommon to find a bunch of Bikers sleeping in the living room any given morning. These Bikers where family to me and when they said “He is just like his Father” it gave me a feeling of over whelming pride! I have always loved hearing the stories these true Brothers of the biker world would tell me. I feel the old Biker stories need to be saved and told over and over again.

New Motorcycle Riders are learning about Biker history from old 1960′s Biker Gang movies that have no historic truth to them. Just like with any culture if you lose your true history you lose what you really are! I feel the only way to return the Biker world to its true origin is to keep the old stories alive ! Too many “Bikers” complain that the younger Motorcycle Riders of today have no idea what it means to be a Biker! Well I think maybe the problem is that some of the older Bikers never really knew what it meant to be a Biker, Because if they did they would know its their job to teach the next generation! A new Motorcycle Rider must know what the Spirit of Biker Brotherhood is before he can truly feel it and become a part of it. (Maybe that’s part of why I became a writer?)

I said at the Beginning of this story Pappy was not yet known as Pappy and I would tell you how that came to be. Well if you remember the Summer of 86 you will remember the Karate Kid Movie was a Big Hit and was on HBO like 10 times a day,Well as far as I could remember I had never called anyone Dad or Father or anything like that. In the Karate Kid they called each other miyagi san and Daniel san! Well thinking I was clever I started calling my Father “Pappy san”, He in turn started calling me Son of Pappy and soon after everyone started calling Him Pappy!

Now many of You maybe wondering why the Hell am I telling you all this. Well like I have said there are many Motorcycle riders these days that have no clue what Biker Brotherhood really is. I think it is important that they know this is not something you buy into, But something you grow into. Too many buy a Motorcycle and then do nothing but talk, They are only there for you if you have something to offer them. There are very few true Bikers left, Bikers are being replaced by Motorcycle enthusiasts and part of it is our own fault! I write this story in hopes it will help spread the word that only the true old School bikers can teach the younger generation the true meaning of Biker Brotherhood.

true Biker who feels the Brotherhood Spirit always has some older Biker to thank for passing that Spirit onto him! I thank my Father Pappy, My Uncle Trey and all the other Bikers Who helped to raise me to be the Biker I am, I am very glad to have been raised by them and I am very Proud to have grown up to be one of them !

I am Your Bro, Son of Pappy L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Radio show at BikerLowdown.com

Why speak to the MCs in your area before starting a new MC?

I want to address a question I have gotten a lot recently. (I am sure it has a lot to do with the hit show Sons of Anarchy) It is from people who want to start new Motorcycle Clubs. They want to know if they should go to the predominate MCs in their area to talk about starting a new MC first. Many have said to me they do not understand the reason why they should go talk to them! Some have even gone as far as to say that if they have to go to the predominate MC in their area and ask permission that just proves that MC is a Criminal Gang! Not sure how they came to that conclusion but they are some very strong words sent over the computer.

I want everyone to remember I am writing this info as a guideline to those who are looking to get into the MC world and individual results may vary. This maybe some new fad to you but to true Motorcycle Club Members this world is everything!

For my answer to this Question I am going to put aside any statements of having to ask permission of the MCs in your area. I am going to instead ask why would you not speak to the MCs in your area and get their Blessing first before starting a new Motorcycle Club. Many say its because they are going to start a different type of Motorcycle Club. They may even be calling themselves something different like a Riding Club or a Motorcycle Association. Are your Members going to ride Motorcycles and have Club patches on their vests? If the answer is yes, Then again why not go speak to those who have come before you and paved the roads you now wish to ride down!

For many I know the reason they don’t want to ask is simple fear! Fear of what they do not know or what they think they do know. If it is fear, then it is because you do not know the real Motorcycle Club world! Now every Motorcycle Club in the world is different. But most Motorcycle Clubs don’t mind helping to get a new MC started and teach them what it really means to be in a Motorcycle Club, I can guarantee you it is something you will not learn on TV no matter how many episodes you may watch!

Now if you have decided that what you really want is to start up a new Motorcycle Club, One thing I want to make sure you know is something every Father should have taught his Son as a Child and that is “Do not lie and Always do what you say you are going to do” One fact I will also give you is the MC world is all about Respect! If you just start up a new MC without talking to the other clubs in your area that will most likely be seen as disrespectful!

Lets think about some other reasons you would want to talk to the MCs in your area first. You are going to want to make sure your new Patch or MC name is not similar to another Motorcycle Club. Many MCs have worked hard over the years to create a name and image for themselves. They will not like the idea of you either using a name close to theirs or wearing a patch that looks like theirs. The reason being is a simple one, They do not want you being mistaken for them doing anything that would make them look bad. You also could be seen as trying to ride on their coat tails by using the reputation they have worked hard for. You may not understand it now but the MC world is a Brotherhood and if you are fortunate enough to be welcomed into it, You will understand after years of working hard creating a name for your MC. The bottom line is meeting with the MCs in your area and talking with them before starting a new MC is the right thing to do!

Another fear many have is they wrongly believe they will be forced to do things for these other MC’s. The only thing most Clubs may ask of you is to come to a few of their events each year have fun and again to show Respect!!!

Now I have heard complaints from many that there are areas where the MCs have decided they do not want any more new MCs! Well all I can do is guess why that might be! The reason I would think that Motorcycle Clubs would say no more Clubs in an area is that there are already a lot of different MCs in that area and they all get along real well. These MCs would not want anything new coming in and messing up the harmony they have created.

Now like I said before the reason most say they want to start a new MC is because they want to start something different then what is in that area. Well often that is not the truth. The real reason People often want to start a new MC is because they do not want to have to Prospect! If the only reason you want to start a new MC is because you are not willing to prospect, My best advice to you is to stay an independent rider because you will not last long in the Motorcycle Club world anyway! I am Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com Listen to my Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com