HarshMedia.com Creative Arts Discussion

we're moving......

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:55:00 +0000

we’ve changed the scenery up on our blog and invite you to check out the new crib! if you are a current subscriber to this blog, please visit our new home and click "Subscribe to this Blog" to continue receiving updates. the new blog can be found at www.harshmedia.com/blog.

looking forward to a happy future with you in our new home,

sara

Featured in Pollstar Magazine.....

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Thought I'd share a photo by Jake Harsh featured in Pollstar Magazine....

Has a "Harsh Media" photo of you been featured somewhere? Let us know!

-sara

Harsh Media Featured......

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:20:00 +0000

.....just saw the results from the photo shoot we did for the LoCash Cowboys bus wrap and had to share with you.......

-sara

Part II Delayed Due to Idiots

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:55:00 +0000

So, I've been meaning to post "Part II" for a while now, but there's been a slight delay of game. Our home was burglarized about three weeks ago (Jake, myself, and our cat are all fine, thank God). As if that wasn't enough, we were awoken to a horrific sound outside at 5:30 this morning....

What did we witness? Some drunk idiot taking out our neighbor's mailbox and trash cans, then our mailbox, then flying through our yard, putting a huge hole in our sixty year old hedges.

He (or she - you never know) then proceeded to back up and leave. If i find you, you are SCREWED.

(And I have your headlight if you need that back.)

behind the scenes: part 1

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:59:00 +0000

things have been crazy around here lately. we recently did a last minute shoot for the locash cowboys, a country duo that is getting a lot of positive attention in country music right now.....but more on that in my next blog.

i've been working diligently on getting the behind the scenes videos and photos together - we finally have a "Behind The Scenes" section at www.harshmedia.com, so check it out. I'll continue to post videos and photos, so keep checking back......

i mentioned in my last blog i would be posting video/photos from the ezrajane shoot. we shot in a civil war era location that is rumored to be haunted. while we were there we experienced a door opening on its own and an unexplainable shadow moving across a wall. you can make your own decisions on that one. it was an amazing shoot - check out a photo below, and the rest of the photos (and video!) at www.harshmedia.com.

stay tuned for part II - i'll have the behind the scenes story of the locash cowboys shoot. you won't want to miss this one......

-sara

twitter news feed.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:11:00 +0000

we are now on twitter.....check us out at www.twitter.com/harshmedia. follow our news feed to stay up to date on harsh media news and other tidbits from the photo industry.

happy new year!!

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:20:00 +0000

happy new year everyone! jake and i took some much needed time off for the holidays, but not before doing two incredible photo shoots in mid-December.

the most recent shoot was for an upcoming female country duo. they are two great girls with big hearts and we'll have photos up soon from the shoot.

we are going to be posting a behind the scenes section on the www.harshmedia.com website soon. it will have pictures and video from our shoots so you can see us in action. we'll be posting some behind the scenes footage from the latest shoot (and others) soon, so keep checking the site.

happy new year - make it a great 2009!

-sara

we need your help! vote!

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:54:00 +0000

hey everyone!

things are busy here and we hope things are busy in your world too! we are on the cusp of some major announcements, so stay tuned for more exciting information.

in the meantime, we'd love it if you'd vote for us in the Nashville Scene's "Best of '08" poll. just go to:

http://www.nashvillescene.com/polls/nvs/bestof08/

Page 8, #114 Best Visual Artist - jake harsh
Page 10, #147 Best Local Blog - www.harshmedia.com
Page 19, #266 Best Category We Forgot - best photographer, jake harsh

you must vote by September 10th, so hurry! and thank you!

(you only have to fill out 25 categories for the ballot to be valid - there are over 250 categories to choose from, but don't get overwhelmed, you don't have to choose all of them!)

new projects for harsh media

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:18:00 +0000

we've been out of town lately soaking up some sun at the beach, but don't think we are being lazy. well, we were for a few days there, but sun and sand will do that to you, ya know?

there's a lot going on at harsh media......jake is currently producing a band and we can't wait for you to hear it. i got the chance to hear some of the un-mixed stuff and it is killer. i can't imagine what it will sound like once it is done! he's currently mixing and i'll get you a sneak peak as soon as i can.

we've also done two photo shoots this week and should have those pics up soon. we did the shoot for kill hannah (on roadrunner records - nickelback's label) last night and were really pleased with the outcome. they are great guys to work with.........check them out at www.killhannah.com. they shot some video while we were shooting and it should be up on their website sometime next week if you want to see us in action.

keep checking www.harshmedia.com in the coming weeks to see our new work.

peace-

sara

the ballad of the back seat bandit.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:54:00 +0000

he stood six feet three inches tall. but he was no giant. he greeted us at the door with his crooked smile and matching demeanor, and i braced myself for its inevitable unpleasant impact.

a wasteland surrounded him, filled with shiny metal objects glistening from the flourescent lighting that hung above. metallic facades that masked unknown history, hidden universes of knowledge, uncovered only by those brave enough to journey down that road of previously charted, yet unknown, territory.

not knowing quite how i got there, i found myself in one of my least favorite places in the world, about to go on a ride with the back seat bandit.

"what can i do for you today? what car are you looking at today? what can we interest you in? what brought you in today?" starting to rethink our decision to even be there, we reluctantly pointed at the one that caught our eye. "what a great choice. great choice. built like a tank. fine choice in a used vehicle."

oh. there it is. the key word. USED.

"go ahead young lady, sit on in that thing. go on. open up that glove box - you could fit a miata in there!" his excitement was unecessarily overwhelming and overbearingly anti-climatic. i am most certainly basing a large decision involving lots of money on the suggestion that i can fit a car in the glove box.

we took a test drive. i have no idea why.

"the car is running really rough, do you know what that is?" the bandit replies from the back seat. "oh, that's nothing, it will go away in a few minutes." it never went away. we all just ignored it and sat in awkard, knowing silence. acknowledging it would be a losing battle anyway when you're up against the bandit.

we hadn't even pulled the car back into the lot when it happened. "so, what can i do to earn your business and sell you this car tonight?" there it was. no candy coat, no hidden messages. he just laid it out there for all to see, like an overweight woman flopping down on her pool chair at a nudist resort.

the bandit quoted us a price that was two thousand dollars more than we had been quoted previously. i was so excited to whip my checkbook out and buy that astronomically priced car that ran like a overused horse. i could hardly contain myself.

as if i had to tell you, we ran out of that place so fast, in hopes that the swiftness would leave behind all the grease and scarring memories.

the ballad of the backseat bandit. coming soon to a used car dealership near you.

little cake-y goodness.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:39:00 +0000

i was on my way to the office this morning, driving down interstate 65 in nashville, when i saw it. HOSTESS. it was plastered on the back of that delivery truck, and in an instant my body reacted and it was my mecca.

i imagined all the little hostess cakes inside, in all their cake-y goodness with creme fillings to tantalize my senses. all their little plastic wrappings that make my tastebuds tingle when i hear the sound. unwrapping that little cake and taking that first bite and not quite reaching the center creme. then taking another and being rewarded for my efforts.

i longed for the spongey artificial texture of a twinkie on my tongue.

then an idea flashed through my mind. i could hold up that truck. i could do it like jesse james, pull a bandana over my face, get up beside him and force him over with pure intimidation. or i could sword fight on top of my car while steering with my foot. i imagined myself straddling the road, one foot on my car and one foot on his truck, like in indiana jones. in the middle of the fight i'd stab my sword into a cake in the back and savor my forthcoming bounty of goodness.

once i was crowned victor, i would launch myself into that soft mountain of cakes i imagined were piled in the back of that truck. it would feel like falling into a soft mound of leaves on a breezy fall day. a reward to jump into them after toiling to rake them up in that cumbersome yard. i'd lay back and bask in the enjoyment of those wrappers crinkling all around me.

but then it hit me. why in the world would i go to all that effort for a bounty of twinkies? if i'm going to go to the trouble of holding up a truck, it should at least be for something more long-lasting, more worth the exhausting effort.

like an ikea truck.

now, if you'll excuse me, i'm pretty sure there's a cupcake around here somewhere with my name on it.

the boys are back in town.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:30:00 +0000

yesterday i took a time machine back to 1991. it was a bumpy ride.

when i arrived, i was 11 and starting to fully realize the full potential of my relationship with boys. i was awkward with my shoulder length bob haircut that i insisted had to be curled under in a u-shape at all times. my bangs were cut way too perfectly across my forehead and matched the curl of my bob. my vocabulary didn't yet include the term "style" and i had braces with colored rubber bands to complement all my outfits. i was a true work of art.

you are probably pretty jealous at this point - both because you've just found out about my secret time machine and because you wish you were nearly as cool-looking as i was at age 11.

in yesterday's case, i was walking around walmart when i was abruptly teleported back to '91 due to "step by step" by the (in)famous new kids on the block being played over the loud speaker. i knew it must be 1991 since i hadn't heard that song since then and no one would dare play it by choice these days. immediately i looked down and saw myself - an 11 year old girl in my new kids on the block sweater, with my matching new kids on the block shoelaces, earrings, and purse.

oh, gosh, its happening again.

hello, 1991. i thought i had left you far behind. there are many years that i wouldn't mind revisiting. 1991 isn't one of them.

i thought i had it all figured out then. my birthday parties were themed "nkotb". i had the trading cards, the stencils, the card game, the giant buttons that no one could actually fit on their clothing because they were the size of your head. why did they make those giant buttons anyway? did a sharp needle the size of a writing pen tacked to the back of them really make that much sense for teenagers?

i had blankets, shoelaces, socks, the sweater with all their faces knitted together in a colorful array of fibers. i even had a pillowcase with joe's face plastered on it to catch my teenage drool at night.

best (i.e. lamest) of all, i had the dolls. or action figures. whatever they chose to call them to protect their masculinity. joe dated barbie almost every night, and most certainly on the weekends.

i was a megafan.

i had all the tapes, knew all the words, knew all the dances. i had the sway together in perfect timing during the "oh oh oh oh oh" part of "hangin' tough". like the song says, i could "get on the floor and do the new kids dance".

when i arrived back in 2008, i found myself singing along, humming the parts that have grown fuzzy from the years of denial. i realized i no longer know the dances, the buttons have been put away for fear of stabbing someone in the eye, the card game is most likely missing important pieces. the tapes are packed away in some box in the attic at my childhood home and the mice have probably chewed the heads off my dolls. its like a time capsule waiting to be opened by some (un)lucky stranger in the future.

all this is a round about way to warn you the new kids are back in town. which makes them not new at all - but that is besides the point. they are coming to an arena near you in 2008. i guarantee an ambulance will be standing by.

this time around, i'll leave my dancing shoes at home. but maybe i'll practice the "hangin' tough" sway just in case i'm put on the spot.

the pickup artist strikes again - today's casting notices.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:06:00 +0000

my box is flooded with casting notices. i'm in a giving mood, so i'm passing the best ones on to you within the next week or so, so check back daily.

you'll notice i included vh1's "the pickup artist" in today's casting notice. i do this mostly because i think its hilariously lame. and probably to prove some strange point of today's crappy tv and start a pondering on how in the world this show got a second season.

forgive me, all you "pickup" fans, but i just find him and the concept extremely "tool"ish, to bring back a word from 1998.

i mean seriously girls, the guy's name is "mystery". he's the type of guy that i conscientiously avoid when i go out. the kind of guy i give the reject line to when he asks for my phone number - just so he thinks i'm being nice but i'll never really have to see or talk to him again. (if you've never heard of the reject line, google it, very handy).

why? first, his attire is ridiculous. its beyond confidence, its just plain lack of reality. i might stare at him in a bar, but not because he's got a great pickup line or is smooth with the ladies - but because i'm trying to figure out which costume shop he got that flamboyantly tall hat from. seriously? you've got to be joking.

second, the long hair. no, not sexy tousled bed hair, but long, vampire, silky smooth girly hair. no, no, no.

third, the voice. now i know he can't help it and i have no problem with his voice in a normal world. just not as "the pickup artist".

fourth (as if i need a fourth). i don't want to hear the same words out of your mouth that you've said to the last ten girls you tried to get to go home with you. you might fool us in the bar, but once that fades and you run out of script.........its like a trainwreck. we might stick around for a bit in awe of the mess, but when its all done, we'll just keep on down the road.

anyway, i'm sure he's a great guy, and i don't mean to rip on him (just in case he's reading), but seriously..............is he the best you could get, VH1?

girls, watch out. a "mystery" pick up artist clone is coming to a city near you. you never know when they will strike. but you can most certainly spot them by their giant furry hats.

__________________________________

VH1’s “THE PICK UP ARTIST” is back... and so is Mystery

We are now casting guys to be on season 2

*ARE YOU A QUIRKY BUT LIKEABLE GUY WHO HAS TROUBLE PICKING UP WOMEN?
* WOULD YOU BE CLASSIFIED MORE AS A “GEEK” THAN A “STUD” when it comes to dating women?
*WOULD YOU RATHER PLAY VIDEO GAMES (GUITAR HERO) THAN GO OUT ON A DATE???

We're looking for likeable and quirky guys who are intellectual, but a bit socially stunted when it comes to women. You can be confident in other areas of your life, just not when it comes to figuring out women!

Seeking guys, 21+ who fit the following:
1) You are more geek than stud
2) You are shy or akward when interacting with beautiful women
3) You manage to say all the wrong things to women
4) You are intellectually gifted, but socially stuntded
5) You have no clue what women want (don't worry, no guy does!)

This is the reality show of a lifetime to help you gain self-confidence with the opposite sex.

ADDITIONAL OPEN AUDITION:

Saturday, April 12th
1pm - 4pm
7038 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028

This is a great opportunity for members in the Los Angeles area to meet the Casting Director’s and some of last season’s cast members from the show!

writer's strike OVER! auditions galore! NASHVILLE STAR CASTING!

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:57:00 +0000

hey all you peeps itchin to get to some auditions! the writer's strike is over and there are auditions galore! i just received a email full of opportunities and i'll be sharing those over the course of the next few blogs. here's the first.....

NASHVILLE STAR is looking for the country stars of tomorrow!
Open Casting Call in the following cities:
Los Angeles, CA
March 8th - Open Call
10am - 6pm

Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
2500 Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505

Washington D.C.
March 14th Open Call
10am - 6pm

The Westin Grand
2350 M Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20037

Austin, TX
March 18th Open Call 10am - 6pm
March 19th Call Backs
(Venue TBD)

Nashville, TN
March 21st Open Call 10am - 6pm
March 22nd Call Backs
(Venue TBD)

How To Apply:

Song list and details can be found at www.NashvilleStarCasting.com

stay tuned for more........

sara

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:11:00 +0000

we've issued a press release....see the full details by clicking below.

Press Release - Music Industry News Network

Press Release - Newswire Today

we're please to offer 10% all services in january to celebrate the re-launch. just mention this blog!

-sara

on top of the spandex, all covered with cheese.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:28:00 +0000

it's back. the lights, the obstacles, the spandex, the cheese..........the hulk. that's right ladies and gentlemen, american gladiators is making a comeback. i guess nbc thought that this decade needed its fair share. seriously, are the 2000's really THAT jealous of the 90's?

my husband is most partial to "wolf", a wild-haired gladiator that looks like he needs a good soap scrubbin'. personally, i don't have a favorite, but that tribal guy freaks the crap out of me.

with that said, the show could learn quite a bit from ninja warrior (shown on G4). a lot more action and a lot less talking. i don't need to know how it felt to just take a 20 foot plunge in the water, nor do i need to know how you are feeling about an upcoming challenge. we watch because we want to see action. we want to see somebody get slammed to the ground. we want to see the gladiators in all their cheesy glory. we don't want to see someone get hurt, but we don't mind if they come close. and if they do, we want to see it again.

do racing fans watch Nascar for 300 boring laps of smooth driving? don't kid yourself, they watch for the crashes.

spandex and cheese. mmm mmmm good.

and i'm off.......

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:46:00 +0000

just a short note to wish all of you a merry christmas! i'm off to spend six days with the in-laws. if i survive, i'll post when i get back. ;-) au revoir!

sara

p.s. check out the brand spankin' new website at HarshMedia.com.

what you've been missing.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:03:00 +0000

after an extended vacation, i'm back and ready to blog again. i thought i'd start out by giving you what you've missed over the past few weeks.

i've always questioned those classifieds ads that read "looking for women to pose for artistic photos" for like $50. wow. why not just say "looking for women to get naked for free and lay on my basement floor at my mom's house (because i still live there) so i can take pictures for personal use." just say no, ladies.

these listings do NOT contain the above.

1. PCM Media Group, Inc is searching for a motived, self starter to court businesses and potential advertisers with spot advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
Advertiser will sell spot time within "Source One TV" a national Christian Music News Program. (website - www.SourceOneTV.com)
Shows will utilize news, music, and interviews to communicate the Message of Christ.
For more info, please contact Paul at 314.754.8825.

2. I need an assistant a few days a week $10 an hour let me know if your interested! You must have your own car. Your job would mostly be returning clothes to stores but would also including shopping and on set styling assist. No experience needed just a love of fashion and a good grasp on Nashville shops. Please email me with your myspace profile so I can learn a little about you!job-488854156@craigslist.org

3. Active Rock 102.9 The Buzz/Nashville is looking for its next Program Director. Applicants should have experience in Rock and/or Alternative as a Program Director or as a Music Director with a good track record, be able to lead a hungry staff, pull an airshift, be a street demon, know how to integrate a syndicated morning show, have experience with MusicMaster, be promotionally savvy, have some (or a lot) of web experience, and have a killer instinct. The Buzz is independently owned with no corporate layers -- it's radio the way it used to be. Nashville is quickly becoming the music capital of the U.S. and the Buzz is the only station in Nashville playing New Rock. This is a great opportunity for the right individual ready for the next challenge. Email aircheck and resume to dwarfield@cromwellradio.com

more to follow......

-sara

the tryptophan has stolen my soul.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:48:00 +0000

what's my excuse for not blogging in 2 weeks?

it's the tryptophan. all the turkey overload is causing a buildup of tryptophan in my body, resulting in a constant state of lazy, tired behavior.

for you smarties, what i mean is:
Tryptophan (abbreviated as Trp or W)[1] is one of the 20 standard amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and an essential amino acid in the human diet. It is encoded by the genetic code (as codon UGG). Only the L-stereoisomer of tryptophan is used in structural or enzyme proteins, but the D-stereoisomer is occasionally found in naturally produced peptides (for example, the marine venom peptide contryphan).[2] A distinguishing structural characteristic of tryptophan is that it contains an indole functional group.

i'll give 15% off one of our services at HarshMedia to the first person who emails me with the name of the person who first reported tryptophan isolation.

-sara

p.s. i just found out the whole tryptophan thing is a lie. all my life i've thought that it was the tryptophan making me tired - instead of the 5 pounds of stuffing, beans, corn, rolls, cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, and whatever else i can fit on my plate.

who knew?

nashvillehype

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:38:00 +0000

hey everyone!

there's a great blog i've run across that's got killer entertainment news. its totally worth checking out. visit NashvilleHype.com and be sure to tell paul that sara sent ya!

also, thought i'd give you a heads up that Harsh Media is teaming up with NashvilleHype.com to bring you a discount on services like photography, graphic design, videography, etc. Go to the NashvilleHype website, check out the banner, and then just mention that ad to get 10% off on Harsh Media services.

consider it an early christmas present!

(oh, and the new photo shoot pics are finally up! check em out at HarshMedia.com.)

-sara

top jobs of the week.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:29:00 +0000

i hope everyone had a fun and safe halloween. what's the age limit to trick or treat around here anyway? i swear a saw a group of 20 year olds strolling down the sidewalk with sacks full of candy....

anyway, it was a slow week for gigs. here are the top 5.

1. Third Coast Broadcast Company in Nashville: is seeking an executive producer partner for several television productions including: The American Red Cross "Concert Series" in Nashville and a new Television show currently called "Nashville Nights" taped from the BB King's Clubs. see opening here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y0K_WrOIhI
This project will include an HD production from several BB King locations including a taping in Florida at the end of November and with BB King in December. Third Coast Broadcast Company is looking for an executive Producer (media partner) for productions now and in 2008. We have the authorization to present the productions, so the opportunity is right for an interested party.
Rich Armentrout
Third Coast Broadcast Company
www.thirdcoastmusic.net
thirdcoastlive@yahoo.com
Nashville, Tennessee
615-593-614

2. Our magazine is seeking male and/or female models to appear on the cover, be interviewed, and be featured on its January 2008 Local & International Issue.
Our magazine will be having a regular test shoot starting November 7. All chosen talents to appear on the test shoot will receive a copy of the images on CD.
ALL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL!
Please submit photos with your resume to fashionmag86@yahoo.com

3. Do you believe in luck, chance, or fate? What would it feel like to win
1,000,000 dollars? Everyone at one time or another wonders what it would be
like. Well, now’s the time to test your luck and reach for your dreams.
The producers of "Deal or No Deal" are currently searching for contestants
that are between the ages of 18-35. We're searching for contestants who are
fun, energetic and charismatic. If you think you have what it takes, we
want to meet you!!!
If interested, please reply with the following:
(1.) A Brief Description
(2.) A Recent Photo
(3.) Tell us how 1 million dollars would change your life.
job-465378476@craigslist.org

4. TV Guide Network's style show "The Fashion Team" is doing a special Thanksgiving Makeover episode and we are looking for people deserving of a makeover. Hollywood stylists will give you FREE designer clothes, a new hairstyle and makeup, and a new overall look. If you are interested please email your info, why you deserve a Thanksgiving Makeover, and a picture ASAP. Must be available for 2 days the week of November 12th for shooting the show.
job-465370758@craigslist.org

5. Brandon Schantz Productions is seeking a hair and make-up artist for an upcoming music video. Artist will make $50/per day. Shooting is set to take place on 11/4 and 11/5. Attributes include: working with a highly skilled, award winning director while obtaining professional experience. job-465239354@craigslist.org

that's all folks!

-sara

Halloween Treats from Harsh Media

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:47:00 +0000

happy halloween everyone!

we all deserve some treats (hopefully no tricks....) on a day like today! so here's my treat to you.

because no one can turn down free candy!!

but get it quick, it's only good for today......and then, like a ghost, it disappears!!

-sara

watch where you park.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:10:00 +0000

if you can't read, or don't want to read, do not park on the streets of downtown nashville. i repeat, don't park there.

we had a great photo shoot this weekend, the shots turned out great and i can't wait for you all to see them. (they will be up at HarshMedia soon - and i'm sure i'll post them here as well.)

things were going great, until we parked in downtown nashville.

around 3:15 pm, i put my change in the meter on 4th avenue and sauntered off to the shoot location. around 3:45 pm i strolled back to my car to head to the next location, but found an empty parking spot instead.

i checked the meter. time still on the clock.

then i saw the sign.

"no parking 3:30pm to 8 am."

as i was trying to figure out if someone stole my car, or it really got towed, it hit me. was the tow truck guy sitting within sight when i parked, greedily rubbing his hands together and laughing viciously? like a lion ready to take down his kill. i'm imagining him with evil green eyes, just cackling as i parked and either couldn't or just didn't, READ.

you must know me to know how strange this is. i read every sign. i obsess over where i park. this never happens to me.

so we traveled way across town (what, you have to drive 20 minutes to pick up your car that got towed from downtown - is this part of the punishment?!) to the metro impound lot.

a sea of glistening metal.

(if you've never been there, and just happen to be in the area (why, i don't know), its worth a drive through. a culture experience.)

there must have been thousands and thousands of unclaimed cars surrounded by razor wire. the lot attendant told us that these were cars that had been involved in a crime. this many cars have been involved in a crime?! i must live a sheltered life.

since our car wasn't involved in a crime (although it should be a crime to tow my car without my knowledge or knowing where it went), we were then directed to a small wrecker service down the road on the edge of nowhere-ville. a fenced in lot with cars strewn in no particular order.

"wallet robbers", the sign said.

just kidding, it didn't say that. but maybe it should have. (no offense to the tow truck drivers out there, you guys are great when i need you. just not so great when i don't.)

there she sat, locked in prison amidst the chaos.

we entered the "office", which had no windows and reminded me of a bathroom stall at the county fair. the guy at the "desk" (i imagine him to be a Bubba or Jim Bob) was all too pleasant when he swiped the credit card and charged us $65 to post my car's bail.

she was free, once and for all.

hopefully this story of heartache and suffering will keep you from the same mishap. but if you ever do get lucky enough to land yourself (and your car) down at that wrecker service again, tell Bubba/Jim Bob that i said hello. and i really hope not to see him ever again.

no offense, of course.

this week's top entertainment jobs.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:27:00 +0000

as promised, i'm delivering. top entertainment jobs of the week.

1. I am looking for someone to help us audio record professional speakers at a conference in Nashville on Saturday, October 13th a the Gaylord Opreyland Convention Center. Must be dependable, have digital audio recording experience with Archos or Morantz equipment and be professional in appearance as we interact with the speakers. No equipment needed. Hours are 8:30 to 5:30. sparker@digitellinc.com

2. Ghostwater Films (Nashville, TN) is seeking the following crew members: Make-Up Artist
Special EFX/Make-Up
Stunt/Rigging Expert
If interested, please send a current resume and/or contact info to d4production@gmail.com.

3. Are you a REAL ESTATE AGENT looking for something a little new and different?
Apply to be on HGTV’s newest real estate series today!
Good Buy? is the new television series that gives an in depth look at the process of buying a home. In each episode, a real estate expert (and a contractor, inspector or architect) evaluates two homes that a homebuyer is deciding between. Their advice and professional assessments help that house hunter determine which house is the better buy for them.
We are looking for agents to feature on our show as REAL ESTATE EXPERTS. If this sounds like something fun, fill out the application; we'd love to hear from you!!
karen_happel@pietown.tv

4. TLC needs home BUYERS and SELLERS!
TLC's hit show MOVING UP is looking for great families to appear on the show.
TLC, the network that brought you Trading Spaces and While You Were Out, is now producing 13 fresh new episodes of their breakout home design hit, Moving UP. We are looking for people who are moving between September and October of 2007.
Each episode follows three families as they move into their new houses, while struggling to leave their old homes behind. We will watch as they each spend the next few months remodeling, decorating and transforming their new spaces into their own. Moving UP is ultimately about the choices we make to turn a house into a home. After a few months, we will bring the former owners back to see what they make of the new changes.
Trading Spaces designer Doug Wilson hosts Moving UP, guiding our homeowners through the moving and remodeling process. He will meet the families before they move, and visit over the next few months to observe how the renovations are coming along.
sbove@bbcnyproduction.com

5. CMT's newest show wants you and your friends to be apart of our grand finale!!!! We are shooting in Victorville, ca on SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2007 from 9AM-9PM. Show up, bring some friends and family, and we'll show you a good time!!!
15180 Palmdale Rd.
Victorville, CA 92392
**We are in the warehouse next to the Thrift Car Sales. Street parking available.**

6. The Game Show Network, and BBC Worldwide the Producers of “Dancing With the Stars”, and “Grease: You’re The One That I Want” bring the new game show NERVE CENTER.
Nerve Centre is the new game show that tests a contestant’s ability to determine how much is enough, and when do you keep pushing for more? 4 contestants are placed against one another in a high stakes game if chicken. There is no trivia or skill involved at all!
The winner will go home with the cold hard cash!
Do you have what it takes to psych out the competition and walk away victorious? Do you know just the right time to push for more and when to play it safe?
bbcnervecentercasting@gmail.com

7. [HOST] Male or female (mid 20s to mid 30s-ish, all ethnicities) with bonafide, credible "green living" expertise (i.e. builder, green consultant, activist etc). Looking for a vibrant, big personality, naturally funny, outgoing and engaging with genuine passion, interest and expertise in all aspects of Green Living. On-camera experience or some performing background a big plus.
SUBMIT HARDCOPY
BARBARA BARNA CASTING
249 SMITH STREET, #122
BROOKLYN, NY 11231

8. [MALE HOSTS] 25-40 years old, for two automotive related documentary series. Hosts should be a reconizable celebrity with extensive knowledge of automobiles and an expert driver. Could be a car collector, racing driver, automotive journalist, etc. 1-hour multi episode documentary series.
SUBMIT HARDCOPY
WATV PRODUCTIONS
12530 BEATRICE STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90066

9. [GREEK HOST/INTERIOR DESIGNER] Male or Female. 21-35 years old. Searching for an INTERIOR DESIGNER of GREEK DESCENT.
MAIL SUBMISSIONS ASAP TO:
BIZZY BLONDES
730 N. HIGHLAND AVE.
HOLLYWOOD, CA 90038
ATTN: GREEK HOST

10. Casting "Perfect 10" Female Models for the 2007 American Music Awards.
The 35th annual American Music Awards will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, and will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 18 at 8pm ET/PT.
Please be in height of at least 5'8", and in good physical shape. Experience of high-profile events, and/or Runway Modeling experience is required for this Event. If you are shorter that 5'8", we will consider it also, k! Just send it into 'attention Maggie', if you are shorter than 5'8", but be sure to have a strong Resume, k!
Please tell us in your submission your measurements:
--Your Height
--Your Bust
--Your Waist
--Your Hips measurement
Also, please include your weight, and your ethnicity, and a contact phone number to reach you. ZEDs and Resumes highly preferred for this Casting, but if you do not have ZEDs, it is ok - we'll work with it, so send over your myspace page, or whatever it is that you have going on for your Hot self, k! ;-)
Please submit into: Models777@yahoo.com

there it is folks. now go enjoy the weekend!

-sara

there's always time for coffee.

noreply@blogger.com (HarshMedia) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:21:00 +0000

i've been a huge slacker, but i promise this friday you'll get your weekly "top jobs" blog. if you have any jobs you'd like to post, or if you are looking for jobs, let me know and i'll post them and do my best to match you up with others that may have or need your services.

my husband and i visited a cool new coffee shop last weekend and i thought it would be worth blogging about. its in spring hill, a bustling city just south of nashville. the place is called utopia coffee and its right in the historic part of spring hill on main street.

its got a quaint, eclectic feeling in a historical shell. its home is a 100 year old house, which boasts high ceilings and the tallest windows i may have ever seen. light floods into the rooms from those windows and the couches, complimentary board games, and a nice cup of loose leaf tea make you feel at home.

the selection includes some of the best italian gelato i've ever had (you must try the pumpkin cheesecake flavor), freshly made coffees, loose leaf teas, dozens of pastries, and a great selection of sandwiches.

if you live in or travel to the area, or want a little place to get away on the weekends, you must check it out. they also offer takeout orders if you'd rather enjoy it at home. but with the amazing ambiance, you'd be crazy to not want to hang around the place for a while.

5302 Main Street, Spring Hill
937-486-2242
6am-3pm Mon-Sat (i think they were adding later hours, so call for those)

tell them jake and sara sent ya!

-sara