Wonderful world from kaku

Modern Art and Artists - Andy Warhol

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:59:00 -0800

Andy Warhol is synonymous with modern art. When most people think modern art, they think of some or Warhol's most famous works. He was not only instrumental in the field of pop art, he was a fixture in the art community and New York City nightlife. His friends, all interesting characters themselves helped him create some of the most surreal pieces of film in American history.

Andy Warhola, born Andrew Warhola, was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania to Ondrej and Julia Warhola, emigrants from Slovakia. As a child, Warhol developed chorea, a complication of scarlet fever that causes skin pigmentation blotchiness. His childhood was rough, having been abandoned by his mother and becoming an outcast at school. He found solace in movie stars and radio.
Warhol's talent was recognized after studying commercial art at what is now Carnegie Mellon University. He started his career as a magazine illustrator and advertising artist. He was later hired by RCA to design album covers and promo materials.
Warhol eventually showcased his work in several galleries in the early 1960s, becoming widely known for his pop art based on icons like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elvis Presley, while also showcasing a variety of household objects such as his famous Campbell's Tomato Soup Cans, Brillo Boxes, and coke bottles. As his art began to grow in popularity, he began experimenting with silk-screening, films, and sculpture at "The Factory" (Warhol's studio on 47th Street in New York City).
Warhol was also known for coining the phrase "15 minutes of fame" stating that everyone gets their 15 minutes at some point in their life.
After passing away in the 1980s due to complications from routine gall bladder surgery, most of his estate was auctioned off by Sotheby's (which took 9 days to complete due to the number of items that Warhol owned), however his art continues to live on and inspire others.

Tips to Help Choose Your First Model Steam Trains

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:56:00 -0800

For the most passionate hobbyist, model steam trains are not just a hobby, instead they are works of art, and may take years to handcraft each part and make each piece in the scenery. On the other hand, for the beginning or intermediate modeler, model trains can be a source of pride, and a glimpse of these majestic thundering behemoths from the past, and will not consume years of their time. The tried and true advice "start small and work up" applies when selecting the very first model.
How to Choose Model Steam Trains for the Beginner Hobbyist
No one can say which model will appeal to any individual, because that is a matter of personal taste. On the other hand, there are varying skill levels and those can help determine where the beginner should "begin". Below are some tips that may help the beginner make a successful venture into a lifelong passion with model trains.

Assess not only the looks of the model trains but the required tools. If a model will require any type of metalworking, it is not usually good for the raw beginner (unless they have experience and all the tools at hand). Instead, choose one with premade parts. The most true to life replicas are made from brass, iron, or sometimes wood, and soldered or even in some cases bolted.
The level of experience with models can help determine which of these tiny steam replicas are for the individual. A modeler who has assembled many small cars or even replica airplanes will find making their own replica trains a much easier task than a hobbyist who is choosing their very first model ever.
Do not underestimate the size of the project. When most people visualize a steam replica, they also include in the vision, delightfully detailed scenery, and tracks along with realistic sounds. This is all possible, but for the very first project, it is usually wise to stick with building just a simple train then move gradually upward to complex assemblies. In most cases this is how even virtuoso steam replica modelers began, they took small steps working their way up to their masterpiece model trains.
If you are also making your own model scenery then you will require some simple woodworking tools if you are inclined to make your own houses or trestle bridges. Materials for the scenery can vary from balsa and cotton, tissue, and talcum powder to premade tiny trees. It all depends on the amount of time and effort you can spare to this entrancing hobby. The tiny touches you can add can create sparkling streams, banks of snow, grassy meadows or rock strewn mountaintops and impart depth and realism to your model steam trains environment.
Model steam trains can be a hobby that grows from childhood onward, or can be an interest picked up later in life. However, you can get the most from your first model by choosing one that fits the skill level and your ability to access tools, and working your way upward from there.

A History of Bronze Sculptures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:55:00 -0800

Few art forms have managed to capture, so completely, the very essence and spirit of the times in which they were created as have bronze sculptures. This in not surprising, fashioned in molten metal, they give the artist unlimited flexibility denied to sculptors in wood or stone. Bronze sculptures can easily assume any shape or form no matter how fanciful, elaborate or intricate. They are as well suited to portraying emperors, heroes, warriors, mythological gods, goddess and demons, as to depicting domestic, wild and unearthly animals and creatures.
It is an art form which dates well back into antiquity. As a matter of fact, one of the earliest bronze sculptures is a portrait bust believed to be of a Babylonian ruler Sargon. It was made during the 3rd Century B.C. and is now in the Iraq Museum in Baghdad. Animals were represented in bronze as early as 1500 B.C. Magnificent examples are the five feet ten inch horses of St. Mark, Circa 500 B.C., now in the Venice. One of the largest bronze sculpture ever created was the Colossus of Rhodes, a one hundred foot high figure of Helios, god of the sun. Erected in the early 3rd century B.C. and later considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 224 B.C.

Bronze Sculptures reached perfection in classical antiquity, languished during the Middle Ages, blossomed in the Renaissance and with development of newer and less costly casting techniques and mechanical duplication methods, were reborn in the 19th century.
The most common casting method used through the ages was the lost wax bronze method. Basically, a model for the bronze is sculpted in wax, usually over a fire clay core. It is then covered with a liquid mixture of clay and plaster which finds its way into every crevice of the wax model. After the mixture solidifies, the entire assembly is baked until the wax melts and runs out through the vent. Molten bronze is poured into the mold replacing the wax. The resultant bronze sculpture is then finished by the sculptor or his assistant who chisel, smooth, give details and color to the surface-operations known as "chasing" and "patinating". Lost wax casting has the advantage of reproducing the original model very accurately but suffers in the fact that the original model is destroyed in the process, and the entire operation is terribly time consuming and expensive. Consequently, bronze cast by the lost wax bronze method prior to the 19th century were indeed unique works of art; they were few in numbers, expensive and could only be collected by only those wealthy patrons who could afford them.

How Halloween Trivia Questions Can Spice Up a Pub Quiz

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:54:00 -0800

Halloween trivia questions can spice up any pub quiz, because by their very nature they tend to be different to the normal type of trivia you come across during the average pub quizzes. However, it is at Halloween and the days leading up to it that such questions tend to appear in a pub quiz, and many bars, pubs and even charities and other bodies tend to run themed quizzes at this time.
It is the same with other notable dates in the calendar, such as St. Valentine's Day, Christmas, New Year Day and, in the USA, Thanksgiving. There is something about a trivia quiz that attracts people at these times that would never otherwise be involved in a quiz.
Why is this? Why is it that many people will gladly participate in an activity on a special date that they would never dream of doing at any other time of the year? I am not referring here to those avid quizzers that attend a quiz every Thursday or Sunday evening, but to those for whom an annual pub quiz is an event.
One reason is generally that it is fun. A well compiled Halloween quiz can be a great deal of fun, as can any other themed quiz, and many people feel safe with such quizzes rather than just a general knowledge quiz with questions that they are afraid will show their ignorance to others competing. In fact, some will read up on Halloween trivia questions to improve their chances!

Another reason is that most people like their knowledge tested: hence the popularity of trivia quizzes on TV and why so many pubs in the USA, and particularly in the UK, run a quiz on a regular basis. They don't generally need an excuse for a quiz, but come Valentine's Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving or Halloween, they have the ideal excuse for a themed quiz - after all, it is only once a year.
So where do you find them? It depends on whether you mean find the quiz venues or the Halloween trivia questions with which to run the quiz. Pub quizzes are normally advertised in the pub itself, and many will have posters outside on the night. If it is a special occasion, then it may be advertised in the local press, but the news will certainly be passed around by word of mouth.
With respect to the Halloween trivia questions, you can make up your own, can get lots of free ones online or can purchase them. Why purchase quiz questions when they are free online? Simple - because you can be sure of the answers. Internet pub quiz questions are famous for wrong answers - on any topic. They share the same name for inaccuracy as those quiz machines that you find in pubs and bars.
I could give you many examples, but I don't have the time. I do remember once being informed that the square root of 4 is 16! They obviously meant the square of 4, but that's not what was asked. Others are well out of date, such as 'last year's... - - that's out of date after December 31st!
There are no doubts that at the appropriate time Halloween trivia questions can spice up a pub quiz, and that a Halloween quiz is very popular at that time of the year. Pubs use them to rake in money while also making cash for charity. They get the extra custom on the night, while they might charge an entry fee that goes to charity with prizes donated by local business.
It is a big thing in the UK, and growing around the world, particularly in the USA and Canada, and in countries such as Spain where the ex-pats run their own general knowledge quizzes.
However, of one thing there can be no doubts. Whether it is run by a church or school for funds, by local clubs to boost their income or by pubs to draw in customers, Halloween trivia questions can spice up a pub quiz, and a Halloween quiz is very popular due the fascination of most people with witches, wizards and things that go bump in the night!

Top Five Reasons Why You Should Buy Snazaroo Face Painting Kits

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:53:00 -0800

When it comes to face painting, Snazaroo is no doubt the leading brand in the market today. And this has come about due to the company's commitment to safe and quality products. This is the reason why it has become the primary preference of scores of avid face painters worldwide.

Here are top 5 reasons why you should choose Snazaroo face painting kits:
Reason 1. Snazaroo face paints are non-toxic and especially made to be mild on the skin. They are also made using only ingredients that are approved by the FDA and EU. So you will not have to worry about harming your kid's sensitive skin because Snazaroo has already taken this into consideration.
Reason 2. All face paints by Snazaroo are water based. So it is as easy to take off as it is to put on. All you need are soap and water - preferably warm - and the paint easily comes off. You do not even have to scrub!
Reason 3. Vibrant and fun colors are also a trademark of Snazaroo face paints. Those beautiful multicolored hues will be sure to stimulate your creativity! Not only that, it also dries rapidly. So there is no need to wait for long excruciating minutes just for the paint to dry.
Reason 4. When you buy a kit, you also get a free step-by-step instruction manual on face painting. So if you are a beginner, you will not have any trouble on where or how to start. Snazaroo will be with you every step of the way.
Reason 5. There are many fun and exciting face painting kits to choose from. Whatever the occasion may be, Snazaroo has a corresponding kit for you. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Snazaroo can surely cater to your needs.

Axel F - A Ringtone That Will Live in Infamy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:52:00 -0800

In December, 1984, Paramount Pictures released upon the unsuspecting and therefore unprotected masses, the film, "Beverly Hills Cop," a movie that to this day, portrays Eddie Murphy in one of his best roles. His character, Axel Foley, was a Detroit cop who, after his friend mysteriously died in Beverly Hills, came to the city in order to investigate the circumstances of the death. While there, he created a plethora of comedic situations that have not been rivaled, neither in sequels, nor in the dozens of cheap imitations of this film that have since been made.

It was also from this film that the famous theme song, Axel F, has become an mp3 download, and of late, a very popular ringtone for cell phones around the world. Both the ringtone and the composer of it won a Grammy award. The song was performed by Harold Faltmeyer, who played the song using multiple keyboards and three synthesizers.
There are many variations of the Axel F ringtone available. One is the Crazy Frog Axelf. A variation on this variation is the Axel F Crazy Frog Pop Corn Ringtone, which includes in it some extra pops and some added pings and dings. In this version, the bass section is almost mute but the entire theme is played with a staccato beat.
For those who appreciate the cops and robbers movie genre, the energetically-paced Axel F soundtrack or ringtone will fit right in by providing a subliminal fulfillment of the desire for the kind of action that type of film provides.
The Axel F. ringtones interestingly enough serve a dual purpose here. Not only does the song provide a smooth, upbeat rhythm for a jazzy sound that rocks the soul and soothes the spirit, but for those of us who actually heard the music back when it first came out, hearing the song anew gives us a landmark in time, a time about which to wonder. As some of us do about every December 7th, or November 22nd, or September 11th, we try and remember back when we first heard those rich, melodious bass and percussive vibrations singing out to us. We try to remember just where we were that day, what we were doing, who we were with, and perhaps even, why we aren't still with them.
The film, "Beverly Hills Cop" has grown somewhat dated since 1984, but Axel F's ringtones and the memories it engenders, will live forever.

Historical Importance of the Indian Head Cents

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:51:00 -0800

The Indian Head Cents, as coins, were considered as being one of the most popular 19th-century American series amongst collectors. Commonly referred to as the Indian Penny, the Indian Head Cents were officially introduced on the 1st of January, 1859. These coins were generated by the US Mint located at Philadelphia from 1859 to 1909 and then at the San Francisco Mint between 1908 and 1909.

Having been the ingenuity of James Barton Longacre, the chief engraver of the Philadelphia Mint, one would observe the phrase "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", the head of Liberty capped with a feathered head gear typical of a Native American and the year of production gracing the obverse side of this coin. As mandated by the American law, the word "Liberty" is inscribed on the band of the feathered head gear.
Between 1859 and 1864, the Indian Head Cents which had been minted were composed of 88% copper and a mere 12% of nickel. Introduced two years after the production of the Flying Eagle Cents, which were difficult to mint, the initial production problems experienced heralded some changes in this particular coin series. After more than 60 years of production of the large copper cent, the new format favored a smaller size cent which was composed of copper and nickel. Chief engraver Longacre not only sharpened the details of the portrait but graced the back of Liberty's neck with his initial 'L' as well. This modified version of the Indian Head Cents series continued till the termination of the series in 1886.
There were two designs which were used for the reverse of the Indian Head Cents series. While the one manufactured in 1859 featured "One Cent" inscribed within a laurel wreath, this was modified to a wreath of oak and olive in 1860. This alteration was a consequence of striking difficulties and the new wreath consisted of a knot of ribbon at its base flanked by a Federal Shield towards the top. Apart from a few modifications affected by William Barber in 1870, it was this design which graced the coins of this series till 1909 when they were discontinued. Although the last lot had the lowest mintage in terms of number of coins, it is the 1877 series which is believed to have been the scarcest.
The Indian Head Cents series are not only a collector's delight but also have great historical value. At the time of its circulation, this series was one of the few that the Americans had with which to conduct their transactions.

Enjoy Summer Fun in Gaffney

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:50:00 -0800

Visitors to Gaffney, South Carolina will find several special events to enjoy during the final month of the summer. August events include several free concerts, a rodeo in nearby Blacksburg, activities at Cowpens National Battlefield, and a downtown farmers market. All of these events are family friendly and welcome visitors as well as residents.
"Shindig at the Gaffney Cabin" is a free concert series held in historic downtown Gaffney. The concert series, in its fourth year, presents talented area musicians showcasing various musical genres. Concerts are held at the Michael Gaffney Log Cabin, which is a replica of the cabin belonging to Gaffney's founding father. It is located at 214 North Limestone Street. "The Professors of Soul" will perform a mixture of soul, R&B, and funk at the August 6th concert. This group is led by Monty Craig, professor of jazz guitar at Clemson University. The August 20th concert will feature "Milgram's 27", a group from Spartanburg who perform rock, reggae, jazz, pop, and soul. Concerts run from 6:30PM to 9:00PM. Food will be available from local vendors, and patrons may bring lawn chairs and blankets.
The Cherokee County Public Library presents another concert on August 12th as part of its "Hot Fun in the Summertime" activities. The popular local group, "We Are the One", will perform from 6:30PM to 8:00PM in the parking lot of the main library at 300 East Rutledge Avenue. This group will present soul standards from the 60s and 70s. Refreshments will be served.

The nearby town of Blacksburg, South Carolina will host the Ed Brown Championship Rodeo August 6-7 at 8:00PM. Professional rodeo events will include calf roping, bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding, saddle bronco riding, and ladies barrel racing. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children.
Nearby Cowpens National Battlefield will hold two special events in August. On Sunday, August 22nd from 1:30PM-4:00PM staff or park volunteers will present fun family activities at the Scruggs House. On Saturday, August 28th South Carolina Independent Rangers will have an encampment and demonstrate musket and rifle firing. This event takes place behind the Visitor Center from 10:15AM-2:30PM.
The Gaffney Farmers Market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays in August on Granard Street, across from the old Post Office. Wednesday hours are from 4:00PM-7:00PM and Saturday hours are from 7:00AM to noon. A variety of seasonal produce will be available.
Gaffney is considered the Peach Capital of South Carolina. Its historic downtown boasts many interesting shops and restaurants. Additional shopping is available at the Prime Outlets off I-85. The city contains three nationally certified historic districts. Gaffney is also the home of Limestone College, founded in 1845 on the site of Limestone Springs, a natural mineral springs thought to have healing properties. The college will welcome students back on August 20.
Gaffney is located in the Upstate of South Carolina. A visit in August will provide many opportunities to enjoy all that Gaffney has to offer.

Hot Air Balloon History

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:49:00 -0800

I've written the following article to inform you of the history of Hot Air Balloons. I hope the following article is informative.
The first hot air balloon was lauched on the 19th September 1783 by a gentleman called Pilatre De Rozier. He called it a 'Aerostat Reveillon'. The first lucky eyes to see the ground from a great height from a hot air balloon where from a rooster, a duck and a sheep. They stayed in the air for 15 minutes before cashing back down to earth. Once this success was shown two months later a manned attempt happened on the 21st November 1783 by Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier who where French brothers. The balloon took off from the middle of Paris and stayed in the air for a similar time as before but with obviously a lot more weight in the basket.

Two years after this manned attempt a hot air balloon flew across the English Channel in 1785 by Jean Peirre Blanchard and John Jefferies; a French and American duo. Later that year Pilatre de Rozier attempted another flight across the English Channel with a combination of a hydrogen balloon and hot air balloon tied together. Unfortunately this resulted in his death as the balloon exploded.
In 1793 George Washington was present for the first balloon flight in North America. Jean Peirre Blanchard flew the balloon for plenty to see.
August of 1932 saw a Swiss scientist called Auguste Piccard be the first person to achieve a manned flight to the Stratosphere. He rose to an incredible height of 52,498 feet, setting an altitude record. Once this was achieved many people aimed and succeeded to break this record.
A record was help for twenty years from 1935 to 1955 of 72,395 feet which was achieved by a balloon explorer.

Get Cash For a New Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:48:00 -0800

Like many people I've seen some of the new phones out on the market and really want a new phone. Unfortunately I haven't got the funds and my contract doesn't end for another ten months. When sitting in front of the TV last night I tried to rack my brains in regards to what I could do to get extra funds. I've written the following article to help inform you in case you may benefit from this knowledge, I hope my article helps.
I've thought of the following ways in which I might be able to save up for a new phone-
• There are plenty of things in my house which I do not use so I decided to sell them to get money for my new phone. Not only do I get a new phone but I have a clear out at the same time. I would recommend selling your stuff in the following ways-
1. Car Boot Sale- It's easy and fun and you can meet new people
2. Jumble sale at home- you don't even need to leave the house, inform neighbours of your jumble sale and see them run in to get a bargain. You can catch up with the neighbours at the same time as well.
3. Online Auctions- although it can take time to get your objects online you can get more money for it as people often get into a bidding frenzy and pay more money
4. Classifieds- It's simple and easy, advertise in your local paper an often it's free.
• Recycle your old mobile phone. If you're getting a new one you don't need you old one. I've been looking on comparison sites which I'd definitely recommend to anyone else. You can search for the best possible price so you don't make do with the first price which is given to you.

3 Reasons to Hire a Professional DJ For Your Party

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:47:00 -0800

The main reason that most people choose to hire a DJ for a party or wedding reception is peace of mind: it is one less thing to worry about and stress over at a big event, because if you hire a good disc jockey, you do not have to worry about choosing the perfect music and creating the mood yourself.
Great party entertainment is the key to any successful event and deciding whom to hire for your party is thus an important task. Some disc jockeys have enticing personalities and can engage your guests. Even if they do not say a word and stay in the background, their ability to determine what exactly the audience "wants" is a great benefit. A party DJ will examine the room and see how many people of different age groups are present and will then come up with the right music mix. An experienced DJ will catch the "rhythm" of the listeners and if he sees that people are fading or losing energy, he will know what kind of music to put on and what beat to choose. If he senses a mellow mood, he will put the romantic mood on.

Your decision to hire a band or a DJ will also rely on your musical predilections. A professional DJ should be able to play pretty much any kind of music. They will possess classics, Broadway songs, hip-hop, jazz or rock. Based on your preferences, he will arrive at the reception hall with suitcases full of the music you love. Whilst you can hire a band for almost any genre of music these days, they are always limited to a few specific styles, and cannot offer variety. A professional DJ should be able to take requests from your guests and keep them happy throughout the night. A good DJ for hire will have a music library of thousands of songs to choose from and it should be easy for them to buy a song that they might not already have in their collection.
It goes without saying that hiring a DJ will cost you less money than hiring a live band. A good DJ will generally be more cost effective than a band and will also be able to play throughout the night without taking any breaks. They also act as the MC for the event, making announcements throughout the night. The size of the reception hall is another factor that you must take into consideration: you do not want to stuff a band into a small space and will need room for several people as well as their instruments and amplifiers. A band will generally require a lot more floor space to set up all of their bulky equipment. A DJ will only need room for a table, PA speakers and lighting set-up.
When choosing to hire a band or disc jockey as party entertainment, always do the appropriate research and do not compromise your wants and desires. Your party should be the best for you and for your guests. DJ hire has become very common due to the wonderful addition to parties they can be and due to the peace of mind they can ultimately provide.

Theosophy And The Theosophical Society

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:46:00 -0800

Analyzing the definition of Theosophy we conclude that Theo mean GOD and Sophia means Wisdom. These two words combine and define Theosophy as God's wisdom. Is this philosophy?not total! Is it science? Not total! Is it religion! Not total! It is the essence of all the streams embedded within and prove the definition when turns to it's practicality in a positive way.
Theosophy is the wisdom underlying all religions when they are stripped of accretions and superstitions. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible and demonstrates that Justice and love guide the cosmos. Its teachings aid the unfoldment of the latent spiritual nature in the human being, without dependence or fear.
The Theosophical society, founded in 1875,is a worldwide body whose primary object is Universal Brotherhood based on the realization that life, in on its members, who are united by a common search for Truth and the aspiration to learn the meaning all its diverse forms, human and non-human is indivisibly one. The society imposes no belief and purpose existence by engaging themselves in study, reflection, purity of life and loving service.
The work of Theosophical Society consists of two parts as esoteric and exoteric. It involves a way of life which leads to self-knowledge and knowledge of the laws of being. Only when man begins to act, think feel, and "be" in accordance with the unchanging and unchangeable laws of nature which pervade and regulate all things in visible and invisible worlds, does his psyche permit spiritual energy to flow through from hidden depths. Both individual regeneration and reordering of human society in such a way that harmony, freedom and creativity flourish.

Making Your Own Downloadable Ringtone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:45:00 -0800

Downloadable ringtones are extremely popular amongst cell phone users because it adds another layer of personalization to their phones. While most people pay for their ringtones through their service providers or some other company that offers downloadable ringtones, it is possible for a person to create their own. Luckily, creating downloadable ringtones is not as difficult as it sounds. A person that desires to do this themselves only needs a audio editing program, a music file, and - of course - a cellular phone. Once all of these are ready, a person can create their own downloadable ringtones in a matter of minutes.
First, a person must move the music file into the editing program, which usually involves a simple drag and drop process. The music file needs to be cut down into a small enough size so that it can be sent to the phone and played as a ringtone. An individual can conveniently choose which snippet of the song that they would like to have as their downloadable ringtone, unlike with most downloadable ringtones from other companies. After this has been done, the snippet of the song must be either downloaded to the phone or sent to it by the editing program. It should be noted that only some of the programs will actually send the files to the phone in the form of a multimedia message.

Once this has been done, however, a person merely needs to open the file or download it from the message and then set it as their ringtone. The process is extremely simple and takes only a few minutes to accomplish. Creating ringtones can be done as many times as a person would like to do it, so they can always make new tones for their cell phones. Unlike ringtones from other companies, these ones are almost completely free, and a person has a higher ability to choose exactly what they want to do. Also, an individual could create their own ringtones that are not offered by cell phone and ringtone companies.
When a person creates their own downloadable ringtone, they have much more freedom to customize their phone with the tones they want. Most people will find this process simple and enjoy it as they make their own ringtones. Without a huge hassle or a bunch of money, a person can continually supply themselves with their own downloadable cell phone ringtones.

Two Articles - Obama's Secret & Poetry Establishments

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:42:00 -0800

How long will it take before people catch on to this guy Obama, I've been writing about him long before he was president-and he has proven to be much worse of a president than I could have even imagined, but no one pays attention-although I see a few people wising up to his gimmicks. Maybe people in America are like South Americans lately, tired of fighting injustice, so they just look the other way (not even protesting over wars like they did in Vietnam, and we got two wars going on pert near as long as Vietnam, we are really controlled ducks): as the saying goes: you get the government you deserve (and pick).
The newest shenanigans the president is trying to pull off hoping no one spots him is Case No: 8: 10-cv 00031 JVS MLG (I hope I got the case number right). Dealing with 3.78 Trillion dollar lawsuit; putting into law that the FCC is no longer subject to the freedom of information act; thus, no longer does the FCC (and let's also add the SEC into this), no longer have to protect investors. Little by little Obama is selling our country, just like someone slicing up a large salami, piece by piece, until everyone else has the whole salami in his hands-and it's not the good guys that are winning this time.

Poetry Establishments?
(An opinion) One of the most biased and fixed poetry establishments is the Poetry Foundation-so I feel, found out (in my opinion), sad to say, but like many if not most established literature channels, they are there for reasons of self-interest, and like such establishments as the Pulitzer Prize, and the Bram Stoker awards (as we'll as these poetry awards and establishments sponsoring poetry, like the Mark Twain Awards), they are there to make book dealers happy: much like the Nobel Prize, they are not given to those who have proven skills, or talent or imagination, or style, or good stuff, and in many cases the person has never produced a book of any kind to prove his or her worth, but it gets established by who knows who, and what school you went to and if you don't hurt their feelings (and if they like you, they'll give you a ghost writer to help you, like they did with Harper Lee, and pay the price; I never had one, I was never so lucky, I did all my own editing and proofing). I write and read ten-hours a day, and go through many stories and poems, magazines, books, reviewing them, and reviewing these so called clubs, or establishments (and have written 45-books, and won several awards, so I'm not talking from envy-there is nobody out there I envy, or to be quite honest, there are only a few good poets I recognize as having something worthwhile reading, and less than a few good novelists living today; I don't sell many books of my novels but I do with one of three of my books on short stories of suspense, in particular: Death on Demand, and with three of my Self-help books-on alcoholism, and some from the 14-books I've written on poetry, in particular: "The Macabre Poems") but this is how it is-they work on your ego, and I find in most cases those who get the award, was not surprised nor half as good as others competing for the same award (somebody whispered in their ear "It's on its way"), nor those who gave it. It is much like promotion at a job, or in the Army-the more you bend the more you are libel to get what you seek: like William Faulkner, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature, in 1951 (and the gal he was wooing when he was married, had a little influence in this-let me correct that, she had a lot), before that he didn't (or couldn't) sell enough books to hire a grass cutter, after he got the award, everyone in town thought he was God sent, then he bought a plantation, and had lots of grass to cut. I like his writings but Erskine Caldwell was also good, and was up for the prize (he just didn't know the person who had an in like Faulkner did), and sold a lot more books than Faulkner. It is better one does not support such groups and simple read what they sense is good and rewarding (if by trial and error, and stick with the good few, than the clumsy many), instead of following the pack, hoping they will read your writings and do you a favor for nothing-and when someone points their finger because this got an award, it doesn't mean it is good, it means someone knew someone else in most cases-perhaps even paid someone. I always get a kick out of someone saying "It's got to be good if it got this award?" To the contrary, it doesn't mean that at all. Stephen King, is the worse short story writer I've yet to read of his statue, in his genre-but he's established, so whatever he writes, sells, not that it is good, most folks are afraid to say it isn't-that's all.

The Folklore Around Some Imaginary Creatures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:41:00 -0800

With the mention of dragons and griffins no one will have their eyebrows raised. These are creatures never seen by humans in reality, yet they have become a part of our lives. You might have seen their pictures on many literature displays due to the fact that they have been mentioned quite frequently in writings and prose. Kids develop a special liking for these imaginary creatures so they stick the posters of these creatures on their literature holders and other parts of the room.
The making of these creatures is not coincidental, but a blend of mythologies and legends of ancient and modern cultures. Many of these creatures are basically the composites of various existing animals, or in some cases, of humans and animals.
Talking about the animal composite beasts, the first one that comes to mind is unique and originated from different cultures. These include Babylonian winged bulls and leopards; the Greek three headed dog known as Cerberus; dragon having a winged reptilian body and a fiery breath; and of course, the western European griffin that has a lion's body and eagle's wings.

Interestingly, there are also some human-animal composites as well. These include the famous triton that has a man's head and torso and a serpent's tail. This creature came from the Greek mythology. Other famous ones include siren having a woman's head and a bird's body, and not to forget the famous centaur with a man's head and torso and a horse's body.
You may have noticed that many of these creatures are associated with evil or some mischievous forces. It is no surprise as they are represented ugly to portray notorious characters. Another such ubiquitous legend is that of vampires that are represented as restless souls. Although vampires look much like humans, the fact that they are living and dead at the same time, makes them really threatening. When there is a mention of vampires, how can we forget the equally grisly, werewolves? They also appear like normal man but transforms into a hideous werewolf by night. The werewolf is capable of devouring human beings.
Apart from these monsters and beasts, it is not necessary that the imaginary creatures are always ugly and notorious. There are some who are benign and friendly. For instance, the gorgeous and gentle unicorn was a symbol of chastity and power of love during the medieval European times.
It is seen that the native North Americans have a great contribution in creating a huge panorama of monsters, ogres and other semi-human beasts. In their folklore, they have developed some of the most impossibly fearsome, yet fascinating critters. The Zuni and Pueblo people who are the natives, respect many beasts that are considered curers of illness, guardians, and intercessors. Most of these spirits are associated with actual animals.
Interesting as these legendary creatures appear, the more interesting is their folklore. Every creature has his own story. It would not be wrong to say that these imaginary creatures happen to be a common aspect to all cultures.

The Benefits of Using a Talent Agency

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:38:00 -0800

Struggling actors need all the help they can get and the easiest way to break into the acting scene is by working with a talent agency. These companies will make the connection between a soon to be actor and major studios. An agency can help you in more ways than you might think.
The main job of talent agency is to find casting auditions for its clients. Top agencies from around the country are always in touch with Hollywood studios and since movies are being made all year round, a role might be heading your way before you know it. The agency will give you a call and you will have to go and try out for the audition. If you get the role, the agency will take a small part of our paycheck. However, the benefits won't stop here.

Besides being called for auditions on a weakly basis, you will also receive legal support from your agent. Any problems that you might have with your employer can be settled through the legal department of these companies. Studios often have a tendency to take advantage of struggling actors, but you can be sure that a talent agency will always be on your side.
The whole idea of having an agent works so well because agents have connections with many actors and casting directors. They simply have to find the right actors and place in them in auditions. It is only a matter of time until every good actor will receive a spot on an acting job and if the actor knows what he's doing, he will certainly get noticed for other jobs.
In essence, the only thing that a soon to be actor has to do is find the right agency. After that, they will find auditions for commercials, movies and plays and you will simply have to figure out which job you want to accept. The process might be tiresome, but acting jobs will eventually appear.
Becoming an actor is one of the most challenging tasks you will have to do. Luckily, all you need is one big break and you will no longer have to struggle for getting an acting job because people will start looking for you. A talent agency will help you find the roles you want and they will take care of legal problems afterwards. Collaborating with an agency will bring many benefits, so don't hesitate about doing it.

Commentary on Clayton Moore and Rest Stop

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:37:00 -0800

Commentary
Tribute to Clayton Moore
Clapton Moore, 1914, 1999. I watched him on television when I was a kid, "The Lone Ranger". I don't think he ever had another roll after that, if he did, I never knew of it. There are no actors out there today like Mr. Moore. I met him once in the 1990s, in St. Paul, Minnesota, at a Mall off Maryland and Rice Street if I recall the spot, I think it was there, and he was still living the legend he created, the mask man of justice, at that time someone else had put out a National Film, of the Lone Ranger, I recall and it got some controversy; anyhow he was still living the roll he so inspired with a personal manner. No smugness, just candour and sincerity. There isn't an actor or actress, today can touch his humility I do believe, too bad we have such bad mannered, ill-tempered, greedy arrogant actors, anti American actors and actresses, displaying, modelling such behaviour to our youth, no wonder America is going down to the sewer level to find its new identity. "Hi-yo Silver, away!"

Rest Stop: bad Grammar, low vocabulary, uses abbreviations too much, the first half of the story is non-descriptive, too much jargon, cussing on every page, not as bad as Mario Vargas LLosa, but too much to allow it to be of any quality. He builds the plot and theme up carefully, better than "Harvey's Dream," and "The New York Times..." he describes anger saying it is better than no emotion, that is a good insight for once. About halfway through the seventeen page story, he gets into description and explaining, it's about time. His adjectives lack, and it seems the narrator-or third person is doing all the work, you never get to know the main characters, that's a shame, he needs to be quiet once and a while, the dialogue is lacking, even the inner dialogue. He needs to read a little of H.P. Lovecraft, or Clark A. Smith, put some style in this story, rhythm, why he puts an alligator in the story is silly, a lack of humour, trying to be light-hearted and funny in a serious situation. The best I can say is the ending being not very climatic was realistic. Dlsiluk

The Bulls of Bashan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:36:00 -0800

In the Old Testament, Psalm 22 mentions the Bulls of Bashan. Perhaps one can see it as a reference to the Crucifixion of Christ, potent enemies surrounding one, mocking (among other translations); it is a location in the Golan Heights. I've been there, a place in Israel, in the Golan Heights, Northeast of the Sea of Galilee, and at one time part of South-eastern Syria, until Israel's victory over Syria, in 1967. Should you have walked through these fields 2000-years ago, you would have seen a herd of bulls grazing; and you may have been surrounded by them, and perhaps could have attested to the wild behaviour of some of the animals, a dangerous place to be-especially along; should you have walked those same fields, 4000-years ago, you would have discovered the Circle of the Giants, also known as Stone Heap of the Wildcat, 42,000-tons of stone in nearly five complete circles, representing a shrine and cemetery for the Rephaim (the giants of those far-off days; warriors). Here lived a tribe (s) of giants, where Joshua and King David at one time, tired to exterminate the genetic line of these hybrid beings, consequently, not completing the task within the Golan Heights, and Gaza, but throughout Israel they had. Should you walk those fields today, not to include Friday and Saturday, you will encounter the Israeli Army practicing manoeuvres, military exercises.

The Bulls of Bashan have many connotations, one must use the phrase wisely, lest someone get hurt because of it; on the other hand, those looking at it, should not overreact, unless they feel guilt or shame, or perhaps, mocking of the scripture, where the Bulls of Bashan are referred to. We see in Psalms 22 (12, 13) and Psalms 68 (28 through 30), "They opened their mouths against me as a ravening and a roaring Lion....Scatter thou the people that delight in war." Now why would anyone take offence to what the Almighty God is saying? Why would they fear my poem "The Bulls of Bashan," perhaps it reminds them of the above passages. You see those who love war, will be scattered. Those who rave and roar like a lion against Him, will not be forgotten. So yes, those who are warring in Gaza just to make war (in and outside of Gaza, this is a warning from the Lord). "Many Bulls have compassed me: strong Bulls of Bashan have beset me round" says the speaker (s) of Psalms. Need I say anymore; if you are one of those bulls, move back, don't corner anyone, give enough room for peace, and don't hurt the children. On the other hand, America may want to look and see if they are one of the bulls, or perhaps the caretaker of one of the bulls. And Hamas and Israel need to ponder this wisely.

Even Twain Was Broke

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:35:00 -0800

You would think a man who was one of the bestselling authors of his time would not have financial difficulties. Just finished biography The Singular Mark Twain and I was amazed that apart from marrying well and making very good money from his books and lecturing--he had to file bankruptcy and died with very little money that was squandered by his daughters. When reading Twain's biography you are struck at how much money he made and how much he lost. He had a penchant for making terrible investments, getting caught up in get rich quick schemes and basically being bad with his money. Sounds like a writer to me.
We assume that as writers there are those out there with the mythical pot of gold. Well, there are. People do make millions from their books but they also lose millions. Mark Twain even had his own publishing company, his wife was wealthy, he made a bundle from lecturing around the country, his books sold well, yet he spent the latter years of his life in debt. He did what most people do when they get money, he increased his lifestyle and traveled.
He also really believed he had the key to riches with several inventions. What is interesting about the Twain character is that he knew a lot of times what he was doing was not in his best interests. But he could not help himself. He ended up having to lecture for years to pay his debts from a bankruptcy and basically living abroad because he could not afford to live in the United States. Amazing that one of our premiere authors could not afford to stay in his own house. He couldn't sell it either and ended up practically giving it away. The crash of 1890 pretty much wiped him out. I guess there is nothing new under the son. Hard times are hard times. Even for those at the top of the literary mountain.

Picture Framing and Fine Art Or Memorabilia - Archival and Preservation Methods For Value Retention

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:34:00 -0800

Anyone who owns or has purchased fine art as an investment knows the importance of value retention. Most collectors not only enjoy the art for its own sake, but hope it increases in value over time. Any fine art or object will quickly begin to lose its existing value if it has been improperly mounted, treated or framed. The same goes for items of sentimental or historical value. The family Christening gown that is 100 years old may not be of much worth to a stranger, but to the new mother who inherits it, beautifully framed to hang in her baby's nursery, it is priceless.
Archival and preservation framing methods are necessary to keep the art or item pristine (or at least in its current condition). Acid-free backing and matting materials, UV or museum glass and proper mounting and hinging methods and seals are a must. At one time, the use of cardboard, adhesives (like glues or most tapes) and items such as construction paper, and wood backers was common practice. Today, things have come a long way. Even if your art is currently in a framed showcase similar to the above mentioned, it can and should be removed and re-framed properly, thereby extending its life.

Years ago, matting materials were made from wood pulp just as most paper products were and framers commonly used a piece of cardboard or wood as a backing for the art. Today, these mats and backings are available in cotton or "rag" material which removes or greatly reduces the acidity level in the product. The acid is harmful and part of the reason art can become faded, yellowed or brittle over time.
Glass used to be just glass, also not as advanced as it now is. UV glass is available and should be used to keep out ultra violet light which is another source of great damage to art. It can cause yellowing and/or fading depending on the type of paper or material the art is on. Dyes, inks and paints can be irretrievably lost without a quality glass to protect them. (Think about that signature from your favorite pro athlete you so proudly show your friends. Without UV or museum glass it will be invisible, not to mention worthless, in a very short time.)
The art should never be glued or adhered to the mat or backing, rather hinged or suspended with acid-free corners or archival tapes. Ideally, your art should be almost "floating" within the frame with as little material as possible actually touching it.
In essence, your art should be sealed in an acid-free environment, meaning the only thing in direct contact with it should be as free of acid as possible. When you consult a custom picture framer, keep this in mind. Do not be afraid to ask about cotton/rag matting, UV or museum glass, acid-free backing materials (either heavy ply mat board or foam core), and hinging methods (should be linen or Japanese rice paper tape or photo corners in most cases). Any professional should be happy to discuss these methods with you and be comfortable explaining the differences between them.

Instant Play Poker Sites

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:32:00 -0800

Do you want to start playing online poker instantly? Do you feel irritated to download poker software on your computer? Well, now you can play poker instantly whenever you want! This article brings you a list of the best instant play poker sites that need no downloading!

Ultimate Bet: This site launched its instant play poker room in the year 2009. This makes you able to play poker whenever you want, whether at work or at home. You won't have to spend precious bandwidth downloading any poker software. It is perfect for people who are not playing on a personal computer. Just clicking on the "Play Now" button on the site is enough to start the game!
Absolute Poker: Another great online poker site for players looking for a no - download option. All you need to do on this site is create an account. Once that's done, you will be able to start playing instantly! What's more, this no - download version of poker is the exact replica of their software version. Just click on the "Quick Play - no download" on the site and that's it.
Full Tilt: This site is a great online poker site as it offers easy play options for people not playing on their personal computers. On the site, click on the button that says "Play Lite Version" and you will be taken straight to the game. You will have to approve their flash content though. The graphics and layout is the same as the downloadable version of the site and that's what's so great about it!
Pokerr Stars: This site also has an instant play poker client. Just click on the "Instant Play" button and you are read to go! Also, you can bet on sports, online casinos here - all from the same account!

Five Easy Steps on How to Learn to Face Paint

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:31:00 -0800

Whether it is a charity event, a school gathering, or a community fair, if a booth in face painting is present, it is always the one to beat in terms of crowd attraction. And, take note, children are not the only ones who flock to this area. Adults also love to participate in this activity. But how does one start? There are 5 easy steps that you can follow in learning this craft.
Step 1. Start today. The sooner you start painting, the faster you will improve. That is - if you practice. People often say they want to do this, they want to do that. But all they do is sit back and wait for things to happen. If you do this, you will never learn. In life, we learn by doing. So if you truly want to learn how to face paint, do not delay. Start today.

Step 2. Gather the materials that you need. You will find all that you need in an arts and crafts store. The most basic items you will be using are face paint, brushes of different sizes, and sponges. Make sure your paint is water-based and non-toxic. When it comes to face painting, it is better not to compromise quality. You can also add items such as glitter and stick-on stones to further enhance your designs.
Step 3. Read about this craft or ask fellow face painters that you know for advice, and tips on how to do this correctly. If you do your research well, you are sure to get off to a smooth start.
Step 4. Choose a willing model. Your model should be someone who is prepared to sit for hours at a time. Since you will be using him or her as your guinea pig, make sure to work out an agreeable deal that will suit both of you.
Step 5. Practice, practice, practice. There is nothing quite like practice. The more you do it, the better you become.

Winnie the Pooh and His History

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:31:00 -0800

Winnie-the-Pooh is a popular children's book character created by author A.A Milne. The image of Pooh bear has been used for cuddly soft toys, clothes and even animated feature films. Many people do not know Winnie-the-Pooh was actually based on a real bear called "Winnipeg" who his son Christopher Milne liked very much. It's a touching story which caught the hearts and minds of many people after the First World War.
Christopher Robin Milne often went to see a Canadian Black Bear called Winnie at London Zoo. The bear was originally given to the Zoo on a long loan basis by Harry Colebourn. Lieutenant Colebourn was on his way to England at the time to take part in World War I when he bought the bear cub for $20 from a hunter in White River, Ontario, who had just trapped and killed its mother.
He named the bear "Winnie" after his hometown of Winnipeg, Canada. Winnipeg the bear became very popular with soldiers of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade and travelled with them as their mascot. When they arrived in England it was clear that Winnipeg would not be able to accompany the Infantry Brigade any further as they had to move on to France. Harry Colebourn took the bear to the Zoological Gardens in London so they could look after it while he was away. In 1919 he returned to collect the bear and realised that it had become very popular with staff and visitors, so he decided to donate the bear to the zoo. Winnie the bear was a popular attraction at London Zoo until it died in 1934.

Christopher Robin Milne first saw Winnie on an excursion to the zoo in 1924 and actually spent time with it in the bear cage. This experience obviously had a great affect on Christopher and he went back to visit Winnie on many occasions, which led to A.A Milne keeping a journal about visiting the bear with his son. The journal entries also included other popular characters from the books such as Eyeore, Tigger, Kanga and Roo, which were his son's cuddly soft toys. Other characters in the books such as Owl and Rabbit were based on animals on Milne's country estate.
A young artist by the name of Ernest Shepard created the illustrations for the books which were inspired by A.A Milne's journal entries. The first was called "Winnie-the-Pooh" which went into print on October 14th 1926. A second book was released in 1928 called "The House at Pooh Corner". However poems and verses about the bear can also be found in other children's books called "When We Were Very Young" in 1924 and "Now We are Six" in 1927, which were also written by A.A Milne and illustrated by Ernest Shepard. All of the stories take place in Ashdown Forest which was on and around Milne's estate in Sussex.
A big fan of Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh books was Walt Disney who made the first animated theatrical featurette of the famous bear and his exploits in 1966 called the "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree". It was at this time the hyphens were dropped from the name. Other films have been made which include "Pooh's Grand Adventure" in 1997 and "The Tigger Movie" in 2000. In 2003 "Piglet's Big Movie" was also released followed by "Pooh's Heffalump Movie"in 2005. In fact an all new full length animated Winnie the Pooh movie is in production and is slated for release in 2011.
Winnie the Pooh or Edward bear as it is sometimes known as picked up the Pooh part of its name from a swan that Milne's son once met on holiday. However, in the first chapter of "Winnie-the-Pooh" Milne does offer an explanation of his own as to why the bear is sometimes simply called "Pooh".
"But his arms were so stiff... they stayed up straight in the air for more than a week, and whenever a fly came and settled on his nose he had to blow it off. And I think - but I am not sure - that that is why he is always called Pooh."

Just Like Humans, Animals Have Personalities Too

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:29:00 -0800

Would you believe a dog psychologist who once prescribed a box turtle to fulfill a poodle's maternal instincts. This is one serious psychologist and he even resorted to writing a book about understanding your dog. Animals are individuals too and this is according to the book of this doctor who is both an associate professor of psychology at local university and associate director for research at the local zoo. Honestly is how he expresses himself despite the fact that people can assume too much.
He told on a recent visit here, of a case where a young couple owned a dog and the dog wouldn't let the husband into the bedroom. When they fought, the couple's dachshund had a catatonic fit and this was mentioned in his book. According to him, dogs develop like young children and their body language is similar to that of humans. According to him, dogs like human possess different abilities in tolerating closeness.
Getting a puppy is best done when it is between six and eight weeks old as the doctor points out considering how it is that dogs develop through several stages. Getting a puppy older than 10 weeks should be avoided unless it has been raised with a lot of people around. Interaction with other puppies is something you should take notice of whenever buying a dog. Actually, a dog that is very outgoing can be the most aggressive out of the bunch.

What he will do is investigate it should you have an old scarf or a glove but see if he will agree to a game of tug of war. He says there is no point in discipline training for a puppy at five or six weeks, because he won't remember it, but he says that's a good time for tender, loving care and seeing that the puppy has a lot of different experiences so his environment will be enriched.
A visit to the vet can cause undue trauma for a puppy at eight weeks for there is a sensitive fear period owners should be aware of, according to him. It is at 12 weeks when the dog is already emotionally bonded to his owner and at this time discipline training will not break his spirit or attachment. In terms of considering breeds of dog, this doctor who holds a veterinary degree and a doctorate in psychology from a London university has differing recommendations depending on the given situations.
For a family with children, a golden retriever is what he advises, terriers are options for young couples, for apartment couples a schnauzer, a Yorkshire terrier, or a poodle is advised, and then for older couples there is a Yorkshire terrier, pekingese, or pug. According to him, the breed used to say a lot of things about the temperament of a dog but now it does not. What he attributes this to is less quality in breeding.
What he calls dog breeders are cranks if they engage in a joint effort to change the standards of breeds. He mentioned how people have the responsibility not to change standards without knowledge of the results. Mandatory testing for prize dogs is being emphasized today and this is before any of them are named the best in the breed. In this case, you would know that the winner was no frankenstein.

What the Bleep Do 'They' Know!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:28:00 -0800

One of the reasons that Jodie Bentley and I started The Savvy Actor was to empower actors to make their own decisions based on their own individual goals. Over the last year and a half we've given seminars on marketing, branding, social networking, etc. At each of these seminars, the proverbial "They" enters the conversation. Someone will raise their hand and say: "Well, "They" say you should or shouldn't (Fill in the blank)." The "They", from our experience, is often the source holding our clients back and actually preventing them from taking action that will move their careers forward. Thinking about what "They" want makes actors feel powerless.
Let's look at this closer. First of all, who are "They"? And are "They" always 100% right? There are no absolutes in our business because it is subjective; and because of that, the information "They" give often times conflicts! How can we as actors run our own business doing what "They" want, when what it is "They" want is typically not inconsistent? Especially when you, the business owner, need to make decisions based on what's best for your individual and unique business. We need to realize that each casting office and agency has their own ways of doing business because it is what works for them.
So, that being the case, where should you look for guidance in how you run your business? Well let's start with you. How do you want to conduct your business? What is your comfort level in asking for help? What types of things are you willing to do? What are you not willing to do? What are your hours? How do you handle social networking? These are all things you have to decipher for yourself and your business.
What opportunities can you create for yourself? (Here's a hint... they're everywhere.)

One of my clients produced his New York college showcase. He sent out invitations to casting directors and agents. The following week he did what "They" say you shouldn't do, and called the agents and casting directors personally to make sure they received the packet and to see if they would be able to attend. Some said yes, some said maybe, and some said no. One agent said no, but asked him to come in for an interview the following week. He did and ended up booking his first commercial through that agent...a BIG agency AND a national spot! He didn't listen to the advice of "They". He listened to his instincts for guidance and created a great business opportunity for himself.
Remember you're really in the sales business, ie. promoting a unique product. Your potential clients are casting directors, producers, directors and agents and you need to convince and persuade them that you are the best solution to their casting problem. You may not be exactly what they need at a given time, but after several auditions they'll trust in you and what you bring to the table. That's why we talk A LOT about brand and the "brand promise." There are no rules on how to get an audition. As a matter of fact the only "They" rule you really need to follow is to respect other people and their time. Do what is right for you and your business, but be professional and respect others. This means not texting, emailing, or calling cell phones out of business hours. It doesn't mean don't stop by, it means be respectful if you do. Really, it's because of some actors lack of respect that all these "They" rules (like no phone calls or drop bys, etc.) were created.
So it boils down to - When guiding your career, make your own decisions. Now I'm not saying to ignore the "They" completely (that's part of our market research) nor that you're going to know exactly what to do every time (that's where we can help you fine tune your strategy.) But it is important that you conduct your business in a way that resonates naturally from you and is respectful to others.