So you want to learn how to program in PHP? Well maybe not, but for those of you that do, you're in the right place. PHP adds a whole new dimension to traditional website design. Some common uses are multi-part page compilation (header + content + footer), dynamic content, and database interaction. This article is best suited for someone who already knows HTML, and wants to learn how to write dynamic and interactive websites. If this sounds like you, then read on, and enjoy!

To make the most of this quick lesson, you should get access to a PHP installation so that you can test out the code for yourself. PHP is available to download for all major operating systems at PHP. A text editor with syntax highlighting is also highly beneficial. For Windows, I prefer phpDesigner 2007. It has a great feature where it will allow you to instantly refresh PHP output if you have PHP locally installed. For Mac, I would recommend my new favorite, Coda - although this isn't free. (Have a free Mac favorite? Let me know in the comments!) And, if you are cool enough to be using Linux, then you probably already have a favorite. But if you don't, then try Gnome's gedit. Now that you have all of this taken care of, you are ready to start programming!

The majority of the music we listen to today is driven by the lyrical content of the song. The music behind many of these songs, however, is simple and uninspiring, merely accenting what is being said. Every so often, an artist will break away from the usual formula for making a song to explore the challenge of creating a compelling piece driven entirely by music. What follows are my favorite 5 instrumental songs out of the artists I have in my iTunes.

5. Spanish Fly - Van Halen

I chose this song as #5 because of the beautiful sound of the acoustic guitar and the simplicity of having only one instrument. Van Halen plays swiftly with incredible precision. The variety of playing techniques he fits into a one minute song is remarkable. Check out an inspiring rendition of "Spanish Fly" in this YouTube video.

4. This Book is a Movie - Spoon

"This Book is a Movie" is solid song from the indie-rock group Spoon. In this song, Spoon brings out a unique timbre in each of their instruments such as the guitar that sounds like steeple bells. The piece starts with a couple hits of 'the bell' that seem to place us in the twilight, a couple of hours before sunrise. From here, the listener is hooked and the song takes off into the night.

As a long time Windows and Linux user, I have always heard other's thoughts on switching to a Mac. A phrase like 'once you go Mac, you never go back' was common occurrence when talking to others about computer manufactures and operating systems. And although I had never regarded such phrases as worthless Apple propaganda, I had suspicions about whether or not a Mac could be really be that much better.

During a recent errand at the USC Bookstore, I discovered an extraordinary deal: a black Macbook for only $899. The bookstore was selling old Apple products at reduced prices to make room for the current line of products. The Macbook that caught my eye was originally $1399 - $500 in savings and a rare find for a Mac! I couldn't pass it up, and after about a day of deliberation, purchased the new Macbook.

Basic Specifications

• Black Macbook MB063LL/A
• 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB shared L2 Cache
• 1 GB (two SO-DIMM) 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300); 160 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA hard drive; 8x Super Drive
• One FireWire 400, two USB 2.0 ports, Mini-DVI port with support for DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video output (requires adapters, sold separately)
• Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit); built-in 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme (based on 802.11n draft specifications); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• 13.3-inch (diagonal) glossy TFT widescreen display, 1280 x 800 resolution

Hi, and welcome to JAV Concepts.com! This is the homepage of Josh Villbrandt. This website is continuously growing with whatever I feel like adding to it, so check back often! If you want to know about me and this website, check out the About page. Feel free to look around, and let me know what you think about the site by sending me an email, or commenting on this blog post. Thanks for visiting!