Let us say you want to put on a production. It could be a performance of a Greek tragedy in the park, with hobby actors on a shoestring culture grant or a multi-act extravaganza in the biggest venue in town. Regardless there are some factors to take into account. It may be so complicated you'll even consider going to event management school.
First of all, to plan your events you need a realistic look at your budget. The funds you can raise are the ultimate cap on how far your spectacle can go. For a concert with a commercial intent, you can acquire a bank loan. Festivals typically have sponsors that make heavy use of add space, as do culture based endeavours like community theatre, though the latter usually are content with black and white ads in the show's program, while the former may trade on things like the exclusive right to sell beverages. Certain very prestigious events get heavy competition from sponsorship, while things like tobacco companies that can't advertise otherwise will often use sponsorship to get noticed.
More amateur efforts may mean passing around the hat, bake sales or haggling for discounts and milking connections. For example students at a sound engineer school putting on a concert might convince their educational institution that for the merit of training they should be allowed to borrow audio equipment like microphones.
You can also stock your event with students, for example getting the DJ or audio person from the aforementioned local sound engineering school. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for and DJ training and experience is part of what makes someone good.
After securing your budget, plan down to the tiniest details. You will need fire code related permits, commercial licencing and maybe vendor and alcohol licencing. You will also need to make sure your event doesn't cause a public disturbance. Nobody wants to be shut down after they sold a lot of tickets!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Comedy and Charity
They often seem really cruel, even heartless. They make jokes about disasters and disability. Remember the Hurricane Katrina jokes? The comedians were telling them even as the poor victims were stranded in flood waters with their homes destroyed.
I’m just about old enough to remember jokes about Aberfan. Aberfan is a village in South Wales that lost about half of the children at the local junior school when it was hit by a collapsing coal waste heap. The very next day I was asked how "they" deliver coal in Aberfan and told that "they" deliver it through the wall. So, no sign of a kind heart there.
But, sometimes, these tough, cynical comedians can be amazingly kind hearted.
Gill Smith and I are organising a charity night for The Mary Hare School For The Deaf as part of The Newbury Comedy Festival (Newbury on July 10th at 8:00 p.m.). We were short of a couple of acts. So, Gill put a post on Chortle an internet site for comedians (http://www.chortle.co.uk) and loads of comics have responded offering to come and perform. Some of these acts live hundreds of miles away and they are coming to perform for free as we can’t even offer expenses.
So, just a thought - a comic may tell nasty jokes without being a nasty person.
I’m just about old enough to remember jokes about Aberfan. Aberfan is a village in South Wales that lost about half of the children at the local junior school when it was hit by a collapsing coal waste heap. The very next day I was asked how "they" deliver coal in Aberfan and told that "they" deliver it through the wall. So, no sign of a kind heart there.
But, sometimes, these tough, cynical comedians can be amazingly kind hearted.
Gill Smith and I are organising a charity night for The Mary Hare School For The Deaf as part of The Newbury Comedy Festival (Newbury on July 10th at 8:00 p.m.). We were short of a couple of acts. So, Gill put a post on Chortle an internet site for comedians (http://www.chortle.co.uk) and loads of comics have responded offering to come and perform. Some of these acts live hundreds of miles away and they are coming to perform for free as we can’t even offer expenses.
So, just a thought - a comic may tell nasty jokes without being a nasty person.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Everything You Need to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse
There's no question that zombies are all the rage these days. Zombies have been a part of entertainment for many years and there are few things within pop culture that are more intriguing and popular as zombies.
While their popularity has seemingly reached a fevered pitch, there have been some suggestions that zombies are actually more than interesting and entertaining tales of science fiction and horror. It seems that more people are taking zombies seriously and with zombie news reports being more in the spotlight, the question many people ask is whether there is credibility to the existence or the danger of zombies.
Perhaps part of the questioning over the scientific possibility of zombies is due in large part to its popularity in today's culture. From video games such as call of duty to popular television shows and recent movies that have zombie themes, zombies are the hot ticket right now. However, regardless of how popular zombies have become, does that somehow correlate into the plausibility of some sort of zombie apocalypse or a virus that would cause people to become soulless drones roaming the streets of the world craving human flesh?
People who are serious about the potential for zombie outbreak have been fueled even more by recent news events. Take for example the Miami zombie incident involving Rudy Eugene literally eating the face off of a homeless man before having to be shot four times by local police in order to get him to stop. Then of course, there was the story of a Baltimore college student who used a knife to slice a man into pieces and proceeded to eat portions of his brain and heart.
These events as well as others reported by online news agencies have caused zombie survival aficionados to begin storing provisions as well as guns in order to hold out during a possible zombie apocalypse.
If all this wasn't enough, the CDCs zombie apocalypse survival guide adds more fuel to the fire. To many, this lends credence to the plausibility of some sort of zombie infection. However, it's necessary to understand that the CDC has made these tongue-in-cheek approaches to a zombie apocalypse before.
At the heart of their zombie apocalypse plan in an initiative to help people to be more prepared in the event of some sort of emergency. These emergencies include natural disasters or pathogens that would negatively affect a large part of the Earth's population.
If the CDCs involvement was taken as a validation of the fact that some sort of bacteria or virus existed that could cause such a calamity, then it was done so by people more interested in science fiction and less interested in fact. The CDC has recently disavowed any position that they feel they a zombie apocalypse could potentially occur.
Whether you're a fan of a zombie survival guide or you take zombies for what they're worth, science fiction and horror entertainment, it's never a bad idea to be prepared. Even though a zombie apocalypse may not be around the corner, preparing emergency food and water as well as vital provisions is a good idea because even though zombies may not be knocking at your door, emergencies can arise that you need to be prepared for. Surprisingly enough, preparing for the zombie apocalypse is good way to be prepared for any emergency that might arise.
While their popularity has seemingly reached a fevered pitch, there have been some suggestions that zombies are actually more than interesting and entertaining tales of science fiction and horror. It seems that more people are taking zombies seriously and with zombie news reports being more in the spotlight, the question many people ask is whether there is credibility to the existence or the danger of zombies.
Perhaps part of the questioning over the scientific possibility of zombies is due in large part to its popularity in today's culture. From video games such as call of duty to popular television shows and recent movies that have zombie themes, zombies are the hot ticket right now. However, regardless of how popular zombies have become, does that somehow correlate into the plausibility of some sort of zombie apocalypse or a virus that would cause people to become soulless drones roaming the streets of the world craving human flesh?
People who are serious about the potential for zombie outbreak have been fueled even more by recent news events. Take for example the Miami zombie incident involving Rudy Eugene literally eating the face off of a homeless man before having to be shot four times by local police in order to get him to stop. Then of course, there was the story of a Baltimore college student who used a knife to slice a man into pieces and proceeded to eat portions of his brain and heart.
These events as well as others reported by online news agencies have caused zombie survival aficionados to begin storing provisions as well as guns in order to hold out during a possible zombie apocalypse.
If all this wasn't enough, the CDCs zombie apocalypse survival guide adds more fuel to the fire. To many, this lends credence to the plausibility of some sort of zombie infection. However, it's necessary to understand that the CDC has made these tongue-in-cheek approaches to a zombie apocalypse before.
At the heart of their zombie apocalypse plan in an initiative to help people to be more prepared in the event of some sort of emergency. These emergencies include natural disasters or pathogens that would negatively affect a large part of the Earth's population.
If the CDCs involvement was taken as a validation of the fact that some sort of bacteria or virus existed that could cause such a calamity, then it was done so by people more interested in science fiction and less interested in fact. The CDC has recently disavowed any position that they feel they a zombie apocalypse could potentially occur.
Whether you're a fan of a zombie survival guide or you take zombies for what they're worth, science fiction and horror entertainment, it's never a bad idea to be prepared. Even though a zombie apocalypse may not be around the corner, preparing emergency food and water as well as vital provisions is a good idea because even though zombies may not be knocking at your door, emergencies can arise that you need to be prepared for. Surprisingly enough, preparing for the zombie apocalypse is good way to be prepared for any emergency that might arise.
Dolls - Harmless Toys or Channels of Terror?
I've never been a doll person. When I was a child my dolls were discarded in favour of our pet dogs, and my siblings and I carted them around in various toy trolleys and prams. Fortunately my parents were partial to a small breed of dog called a Welsh Corgi - imagine trying to fit a fully grown Rottweiler into a dolls' pram! My attitude towards dolls changed as I grew older, but instead of growing to appreciate them I became apprehensive. I blame this on my increasing awareness of the horror genre, and television shows like "Tales From The Darkside" that often featured malevolent dolls. I had a friend who had one of those dolls that blinked, and it absolutely terrified me. It always seemed to be watching us through pale, lifeless blue orbs in its head. Watching... and waiting. Blinking yet sightless. Or was it?
In Helen Morgan's "The Witch Doll" the title character's hair grows when brushed. Her name is Tilda, and she's a doll who trades souls with humans.
Dolls have been an integral part of the horror genre for many years, and Hollywood has been a major exploiter of this phenomenon. There have been countless films about the voodoo religion, particularly voodoo dolls. Although their origin can be traced to identifying pressure points for use in healing it is thought that slaves exploited the myth as a form of self defence against ruthless slave owners. Thus the belief that a specific individual can be cursed through a voodoo doll was born, and exploited. Such is the popularity of the voodoo doll myth today that tourists can buy voodoo dolls in Port au Prince, Haiti - the centre of the voodoo religion!
A more authentic use for dolls in voodoo is the practice of nailing the doll - together with a shoe - to a tree near a cemetery. They are supposed to act as messengers between the lands of the living and that of the dead. However the myth of the voodoo doll appears to owe its origins to ancient Europe...
The pagan cults used a poppet to symbolise the fertility of Nature during festivals and harvests. The person who produced the poppet was said to infuse the doll with life, and it was considered to be a little person. Poppets were also associated with witchcraft, and were often produced to cast a fertility, healing or binding spell upon an individual. These dolls were usually produced from natural products such as clay, a potato, a root or a tree branch, a corn shaft, an apple or a lemon. Paper and wax were also used, together with cloth that was usually filled with herbs. The poppet was then used for image magic, and whatever actions were performed upon the effigy would be effective to the human subject. Does this sound familiar? To counter the usually dreadful effects of the poppet a wax figure could turn the spell against the one who cast it, and counter the witchcraft... if the evil was discovered in time!
A family boating on a lake find a large doll floating in the water. They rescue it, and soon wish they'd never laid eyes on it. Donna Lee Wallock's "Troll Doll" is possessed by evil spirits, and it's not long before strange accidents and unexplained deaths surround the doll.
It seems that dolls are usually produced in the female form, but they have also replicated the male gender. Scarecrows, corn dollies and the druids' wicker man are all male! Scarecrows evolved because of the need for farmers to discourage birds from disturbing their crops. In 1592 they were described as: That which frightens or is intended to frighten without doing physical harm. Literally that which scares away crows, hence the name - scarecrow. Originally fashioned in human form from straw, scarecrows were dressed in clothes with hats, with faces made of fabric with stitches providing the facial features. Today scarecrows are still widely used by farmers all over the world. Corn dollies were hollow shapes manufactured from the last sheaf of the crop at the end of a harvest. Ancient cultures believed that once a crop had been harvested the corn spirit would be homeless, and would leave the field to search for a new home. The corn dolly would remain in the fields during winter, providing refuge for the corn spirit until the new harvest was planted in spring.
The Wicker Man is an icon that has featured in modern culture. A tall humanoid shape, a Wicker Man was traditionally woven from flexible branches - much like wicker furniture - and usually burned at neo-pagan festivals to mark spring. It sounds horrific, but fire was originally considered a form or purification, and the act of burning a human effigy was to create a messenger to liaise between the community and its deity.
Popular culture has made the Wicker Man a symbol of horror. There's a famous British horror film called The Wicker Man, which places live sacrifices to burn inside the Wicker Man during a pagan ritual. A remake of this film, starring Nicholas Cage, is being released at time of writing this article. In the book "The Vampire Lestat" one of Anne Rice's characters describes witnessing the burning of a Wicker Man containing human beings during Roman times. Heavy metal band Iron Maiden recorded a song title "The Wicker Man".
The title character of Jane Toombs' "Hugger Doll" is a killer, something the hero's grandmother warned him about year earlier. Once he laughed at her superstitions; now he wishes he'd paid more attention!
The most famous doll in the horror genre today must be Chucky, aka Charles Lee Ray. Chucky's creator derived his name using three notorious killers: Charles Manson, Lee Harvey Oswold and James Earl Ray. Created for the "Child's Play" series of horror films, Chucky is a doll that is possessed by the soul of a killer. The doll begins killing people, and all sorts of storylines have evolved around him/it. Eventually the doll's face and body is maimed, his human girlfriend becomes a killer doll called Tiffany and the dolls manage to produce a gender-confused doll child called Glen/Glenda... it's an extremely successful franchise, and to date there have been five Chucky films.
Dolls may look human, but their characteristics and emotions are a blank sheet, waiting for our imagination to bring them to life. Be they in films, books or music dolls are an intrinsic part of our culture. And from where I'm sitting their future looks bright.
In Helen Morgan's "The Witch Doll" the title character's hair grows when brushed. Her name is Tilda, and she's a doll who trades souls with humans.
Dolls have been an integral part of the horror genre for many years, and Hollywood has been a major exploiter of this phenomenon. There have been countless films about the voodoo religion, particularly voodoo dolls. Although their origin can be traced to identifying pressure points for use in healing it is thought that slaves exploited the myth as a form of self defence against ruthless slave owners. Thus the belief that a specific individual can be cursed through a voodoo doll was born, and exploited. Such is the popularity of the voodoo doll myth today that tourists can buy voodoo dolls in Port au Prince, Haiti - the centre of the voodoo religion!
A more authentic use for dolls in voodoo is the practice of nailing the doll - together with a shoe - to a tree near a cemetery. They are supposed to act as messengers between the lands of the living and that of the dead. However the myth of the voodoo doll appears to owe its origins to ancient Europe...
The pagan cults used a poppet to symbolise the fertility of Nature during festivals and harvests. The person who produced the poppet was said to infuse the doll with life, and it was considered to be a little person. Poppets were also associated with witchcraft, and were often produced to cast a fertility, healing or binding spell upon an individual. These dolls were usually produced from natural products such as clay, a potato, a root or a tree branch, a corn shaft, an apple or a lemon. Paper and wax were also used, together with cloth that was usually filled with herbs. The poppet was then used for image magic, and whatever actions were performed upon the effigy would be effective to the human subject. Does this sound familiar? To counter the usually dreadful effects of the poppet a wax figure could turn the spell against the one who cast it, and counter the witchcraft... if the evil was discovered in time!
A family boating on a lake find a large doll floating in the water. They rescue it, and soon wish they'd never laid eyes on it. Donna Lee Wallock's "Troll Doll" is possessed by evil spirits, and it's not long before strange accidents and unexplained deaths surround the doll.
It seems that dolls are usually produced in the female form, but they have also replicated the male gender. Scarecrows, corn dollies and the druids' wicker man are all male! Scarecrows evolved because of the need for farmers to discourage birds from disturbing their crops. In 1592 they were described as: That which frightens or is intended to frighten without doing physical harm. Literally that which scares away crows, hence the name - scarecrow. Originally fashioned in human form from straw, scarecrows were dressed in clothes with hats, with faces made of fabric with stitches providing the facial features. Today scarecrows are still widely used by farmers all over the world. Corn dollies were hollow shapes manufactured from the last sheaf of the crop at the end of a harvest. Ancient cultures believed that once a crop had been harvested the corn spirit would be homeless, and would leave the field to search for a new home. The corn dolly would remain in the fields during winter, providing refuge for the corn spirit until the new harvest was planted in spring.
The Wicker Man is an icon that has featured in modern culture. A tall humanoid shape, a Wicker Man was traditionally woven from flexible branches - much like wicker furniture - and usually burned at neo-pagan festivals to mark spring. It sounds horrific, but fire was originally considered a form or purification, and the act of burning a human effigy was to create a messenger to liaise between the community and its deity.
Popular culture has made the Wicker Man a symbol of horror. There's a famous British horror film called The Wicker Man, which places live sacrifices to burn inside the Wicker Man during a pagan ritual. A remake of this film, starring Nicholas Cage, is being released at time of writing this article. In the book "The Vampire Lestat" one of Anne Rice's characters describes witnessing the burning of a Wicker Man containing human beings during Roman times. Heavy metal band Iron Maiden recorded a song title "The Wicker Man".
The title character of Jane Toombs' "Hugger Doll" is a killer, something the hero's grandmother warned him about year earlier. Once he laughed at her superstitions; now he wishes he'd paid more attention!
The most famous doll in the horror genre today must be Chucky, aka Charles Lee Ray. Chucky's creator derived his name using three notorious killers: Charles Manson, Lee Harvey Oswold and James Earl Ray. Created for the "Child's Play" series of horror films, Chucky is a doll that is possessed by the soul of a killer. The doll begins killing people, and all sorts of storylines have evolved around him/it. Eventually the doll's face and body is maimed, his human girlfriend becomes a killer doll called Tiffany and the dolls manage to produce a gender-confused doll child called Glen/Glenda... it's an extremely successful franchise, and to date there have been five Chucky films.
Dolls may look human, but their characteristics and emotions are a blank sheet, waiting for our imagination to bring them to life. Be they in films, books or music dolls are an intrinsic part of our culture. And from where I'm sitting their future looks bright.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
I Dislike Domainers and the Domaining Industry
I think the statement above is very clear but before I explain my thoughts I should clarify that I am using this in a 'general' sense as like everything in life there are good and bad domainers. However I think the domaining industry as a whole is mostly smoke and mirrors with very little substance. So my theme is that whilst there may be a few good domainer's the domaining industry is not on my list of favourite business sectors.
Firstly I am sure some of you reading this post will not be amused by the comments above and others will quite rightly point out that I have domain names for sale and therefore I am a domainer! Firstly I DO sell domain names and yes I was a domainer. I have domain names to sell that I purchased when I was a domainer and now selling them is just part of my business and I will also be building a network of blog's on any domains I do not sell.
The primary reason I do not consider myself a domainer any longer is that firstly I do not buy domain names to sell anymore and I have seen that domaining is simply a goldfish bowl of domainers selling to domainers. Let's look at that statement and the total lack of common sense or sustainability in that business model. As an example would a wholesaler of childrens shoes sell to another childrens shoes wholesaler then buy back from a third wholesaler to replenish the stock that had just been sold? NO! They have a chain of manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer and then to the customer (end user). Therefore the domain name industry should be Registrar (Manufacturer) to wholesaler (Domainer) to end user but only a select few seem to have worked that out or are able to sell to the end users on a regular basis. I also think that with all the Google updates that the domain itself is not that important and as long as the content is good the business can go with a more brandable name.
Now it is fair to say you also have the 'elite' domainers who continually throw the herd tips on how to buy domains and sell them on again but they never reveal the domains they have sold personally. I understand that this is because they need to protect their business and although I do understand that helping another will only ever go so far it also makes you question if they really are selling domains at all? I mean how often have you been in a forum and the guy slating your domain name has 'just sold a domain name for $x,xxx' yet your domains continue to be worth $0? It is simply a very small group at the top making money and ensuring the tips they provide keep the herd chasing their tails continuously and getting absolutely nowhere fast! I also appreciate having seen some of the domain names for sale that some really are awful and I doubt will ever be sold. I am sure many people will find fault with mine but I like to think they at least make sense!
So what is the point of this post and rant about domaining? Well it is simply to let out some frustration and to encourage anyone else who is thinking that domaining is a full time business to stop now and either develop the domains you have or just find something else to do. Please stop listening to the experts and take a step back at how the domaining industry works...
Firstly I am sure some of you reading this post will not be amused by the comments above and others will quite rightly point out that I have domain names for sale and therefore I am a domainer! Firstly I DO sell domain names and yes I was a domainer. I have domain names to sell that I purchased when I was a domainer and now selling them is just part of my business and I will also be building a network of blog's on any domains I do not sell.
The primary reason I do not consider myself a domainer any longer is that firstly I do not buy domain names to sell anymore and I have seen that domaining is simply a goldfish bowl of domainers selling to domainers. Let's look at that statement and the total lack of common sense or sustainability in that business model. As an example would a wholesaler of childrens shoes sell to another childrens shoes wholesaler then buy back from a third wholesaler to replenish the stock that had just been sold? NO! They have a chain of manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer and then to the customer (end user). Therefore the domain name industry should be Registrar (Manufacturer) to wholesaler (Domainer) to end user but only a select few seem to have worked that out or are able to sell to the end users on a regular basis. I also think that with all the Google updates that the domain itself is not that important and as long as the content is good the business can go with a more brandable name.
Now it is fair to say you also have the 'elite' domainers who continually throw the herd tips on how to buy domains and sell them on again but they never reveal the domains they have sold personally. I understand that this is because they need to protect their business and although I do understand that helping another will only ever go so far it also makes you question if they really are selling domains at all? I mean how often have you been in a forum and the guy slating your domain name has 'just sold a domain name for $x,xxx' yet your domains continue to be worth $0? It is simply a very small group at the top making money and ensuring the tips they provide keep the herd chasing their tails continuously and getting absolutely nowhere fast! I also appreciate having seen some of the domain names for sale that some really are awful and I doubt will ever be sold. I am sure many people will find fault with mine but I like to think they at least make sense!
So what is the point of this post and rant about domaining? Well it is simply to let out some frustration and to encourage anyone else who is thinking that domaining is a full time business to stop now and either develop the domains you have or just find something else to do. Please stop listening to the experts and take a step back at how the domaining industry works...
How Online Photo Printing Services Work
Online photo printing service is a feasible option for people, who are intending to generate high-quality prints of their images without the expense of buying their own equipment for printing. Also, the hassle associated with bricks-and-mortar stores for printing can be kept away. Furthermore, the online option costs less as compared to getting the job done from a local store since operating costs involved in running a brick store is greatly minimized. Now, let us get into how these service providers work:
Uploading: The first step to be taken by the individual to acquire the service of such a firm is to register with the website of such a company. Once registration is made, he can get their service without any hassle. Even though some of these service providers just offer photo prints, some of them are offering the service of creating customized gifts by replicating the images on magnets, mugs, clothes, posters, canvas and calendar as well. Once the product on which the image should be replicated is selected by the individual, he will be taken to a page, where he can upload the image. The photos will start their journey by traveling to the online server of the company offering this service. Most of these companies delete the images after completion of the work; however, it would be safe to inquire about the same from the service provider.
Printing: Next comes the actual printing work. The image loaded by the individual will be sent to the print shop or printer of the company.
Shipping: Once the work is done, the company will be directly shipping the material to the address of the individual. Most of them clearly specify their turn around time and the carrier through which they will be sending the consignment at the time of placing order. Even though, some companies do not provide these details, they will be sending the details regarding the shipment along with the name of the carrier and tracking number to the email address or mobile phone number of their customers. This will enable their customers to visit the portal of the carrier and they can get details regarding the expected time and date of delivery by entering the tracking number of the consignment provided by the online photo printing company.
Even some of these companies offer free shipment service so that their customers can get the consignment delivered to their doorstep without paying any consignment cost, which will be borne by the service provider.
Uploading: The first step to be taken by the individual to acquire the service of such a firm is to register with the website of such a company. Once registration is made, he can get their service without any hassle. Even though some of these service providers just offer photo prints, some of them are offering the service of creating customized gifts by replicating the images on magnets, mugs, clothes, posters, canvas and calendar as well. Once the product on which the image should be replicated is selected by the individual, he will be taken to a page, where he can upload the image. The photos will start their journey by traveling to the online server of the company offering this service. Most of these companies delete the images after completion of the work; however, it would be safe to inquire about the same from the service provider.
Printing: Next comes the actual printing work. The image loaded by the individual will be sent to the print shop or printer of the company.
Shipping: Once the work is done, the company will be directly shipping the material to the address of the individual. Most of them clearly specify their turn around time and the carrier through which they will be sending the consignment at the time of placing order. Even though, some companies do not provide these details, they will be sending the details regarding the shipment along with the name of the carrier and tracking number to the email address or mobile phone number of their customers. This will enable their customers to visit the portal of the carrier and they can get details regarding the expected time and date of delivery by entering the tracking number of the consignment provided by the online photo printing company.
Even some of these companies offer free shipment service so that their customers can get the consignment delivered to their doorstep without paying any consignment cost, which will be borne by the service provider.
Family Things to Do While on Vacation
There are so many family things to do while on vacation that can guarantee that the members of the group would enjoy themselves. The key is to know what each member of the family likes or prefers and to check out if there are places or sites that apply to these likes and preferences. There are certain things to remember when seeking these, though. One important factor to remember is the safety of the person who might spend time in this area. Some places may be tourist attractions but there are times when not only tourists are attracted to them. Unscrupulous people who prey on tourists may also frequent these places in hopes of thievery or swindling someone. Another factor to consider is the time that might be spent in the place. If the place can be toured in under an hour, the other members of the group may like to kill the time doing the same thing. On the other hand, those who do not wish to see it may skip places that require longer times. When these things happen, it is best to coordinate with each other or to make a compromise.
Activities
Some family things to do when on vacation are to visit and learn about historical places from which children and other members of the group can learn something. Visiting specific places, which are steeped in history and culture, are great in enriching the minds and hearts of both adults and children. Examples of these places are museums, forts, lighthouses and many more. Other places are where specific historical things have happened such as where articles of historical value were drafted or signed as well as where battles occurred. Another thing that can be done when on a trip is to go for popular activities that are specific in that region or area. Some of the family things to do may be centered on what the area has to offer. In the first place, some vacations are spent in specific areas because they offer very specific activities. These may be white water rafting, ocean water sports, spelunking, mounting biking and trekking. A group consisting of adults and children can do these activities. Of course, some courses may be too difficult for younger children and older adults so they might want to choose a course that is convenient for everybody. Most cities or states that offer adventurous activities have gear and equipment for rent that are centered on the type of sports or adventure that the visitors like. Some cities have bikes for rent while others offer kayaks. Other family things to do may be centered on food and drinks. Visits to areas that abound with vineyards may have winetasting events that cater to adults while at the same time may offer cheese tasting to children with some juice.
It is a good idea to consult a travel agency or to research the area before committing to go there. Research can lead one to learn more about the place and the different activities there.
Activities
Some family things to do when on vacation are to visit and learn about historical places from which children and other members of the group can learn something. Visiting specific places, which are steeped in history and culture, are great in enriching the minds and hearts of both adults and children. Examples of these places are museums, forts, lighthouses and many more. Other places are where specific historical things have happened such as where articles of historical value were drafted or signed as well as where battles occurred. Another thing that can be done when on a trip is to go for popular activities that are specific in that region or area. Some of the family things to do may be centered on what the area has to offer. In the first place, some vacations are spent in specific areas because they offer very specific activities. These may be white water rafting, ocean water sports, spelunking, mounting biking and trekking. A group consisting of adults and children can do these activities. Of course, some courses may be too difficult for younger children and older adults so they might want to choose a course that is convenient for everybody. Most cities or states that offer adventurous activities have gear and equipment for rent that are centered on the type of sports or adventure that the visitors like. Some cities have bikes for rent while others offer kayaks. Other family things to do may be centered on food and drinks. Visits to areas that abound with vineyards may have winetasting events that cater to adults while at the same time may offer cheese tasting to children with some juice.
It is a good idea to consult a travel agency or to research the area before committing to go there. Research can lead one to learn more about the place and the different activities there.
Dylan McDermott - A Hollywood Icon
Born in 1962 in Connecticut, Dylan McDermott is a very well-known actor. He portrays the exact image of the tall, dark, handsome Hollywood star and is best known for his role in the hit TV drama 'The Practice'. He has been in many other shows and movies, however, and is one of the many classically-trained professionals working in the entertainment industry today. Unlike many of the more recent Hollywood celebrities, McDermott attended film and acting school programs to get his training before making his film debut in 1987's 'Hamburger Hill', which gave him an advantage over those who were simply trying to 'make it' at the time.
Dylan McDermott also played husband to Julia Roberts' character in 'Steel Magnolias', and found his success in the late 1990s as a full-time star of the show that he is now famous for. Since the show ended, however, Dylan has taken on many different roles in movies and television series throughout his career and still proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. He might not be producing tons of movies every year like some celebrities, but he still offers his talents to the world on a regular basis.
Dylan McDermott was encouraged towards his dreams of acting by his stepmother, the known playwright Eve Ensler. She helped him get started in his late teens and encouraged him to pursue his dreams, despite what others said about the risks of the entertainment industry. Dylan has won Emmy nominations and Golden Globes for his career performances, and has also recently picked up a starring role in the newest FX drama 'American Horror Story'. He did fare quite well on 'Dark Blue', a police drama on TNT, but it was cancelled after two seasons due to low ratings and viewership.
Dylan McDermott might not be a household name like some celebrities, but he is certainly well known for his rugged good looks, acting talent, and his role on the show that originally made him famous. He's a popular member of the law and culture society because of his unique roles in law shows throughout his career, and someone worth getting to know a little better for anyone who likes the types of shows that McDermott is known for. His personal life is hardly worth mentioning, because he's not one of the many celebrities that is stalked regularly and spied on by the media, but his acting career is definitely noteworthy.
Dylan McDermott also played husband to Julia Roberts' character in 'Steel Magnolias', and found his success in the late 1990s as a full-time star of the show that he is now famous for. Since the show ended, however, Dylan has taken on many different roles in movies and television series throughout his career and still proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. He might not be producing tons of movies every year like some celebrities, but he still offers his talents to the world on a regular basis.
Dylan McDermott was encouraged towards his dreams of acting by his stepmother, the known playwright Eve Ensler. She helped him get started in his late teens and encouraged him to pursue his dreams, despite what others said about the risks of the entertainment industry. Dylan has won Emmy nominations and Golden Globes for his career performances, and has also recently picked up a starring role in the newest FX drama 'American Horror Story'. He did fare quite well on 'Dark Blue', a police drama on TNT, but it was cancelled after two seasons due to low ratings and viewership.
Dylan McDermott might not be a household name like some celebrities, but he is certainly well known for his rugged good looks, acting talent, and his role on the show that originally made him famous. He's a popular member of the law and culture society because of his unique roles in law shows throughout his career, and someone worth getting to know a little better for anyone who likes the types of shows that McDermott is known for. His personal life is hardly worth mentioning, because he's not one of the many celebrities that is stalked regularly and spied on by the media, but his acting career is definitely noteworthy.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Easy Art Promotion Tips for Anyone!
Once you've created a beautiful piece of artwork, you want to get it noticed and possibly make a profit from selling your creation. However, it's difficult to stand out amongst the huge volume of art pieces created every day. Luckily, art promotion opportunities are available in most large cities around the globe to help you become a household name.
Art festivals are the easiest place to get your work known. They're so appealing because the artist usually just has to pay a small investment fee to set up a table within the grounds of the festival, and then will retain 100% of the profits made. For instance, take Arizona's Scottsdale Arts Festival. Any artist can apply to exhibit and sell their crafts in the festival. If selected, the artist is required to pay a fee of $450 before being able to showcase their work in front of thousands of people. Another way to promote your art is simply to visit the art galleries in a city near you. Lots of galleries post a "Call for Artists" advertisement in the local newspaper or even just in their shop windows. If you have what a gallery is looking for, it's more than likely that you could be featured in their establishment, without having to make a serious time commitment.
While there are many traditional art promotion methods to choose from, the internet is increasing in popularity with artists everywhere. We live in the "Digital Age," where, for example, an artist living in Seattle could easily get in touch with a potential buyer in Beijing. There is an endless possibility of social media sites that an artist could use to publicize their work. Creating a Facebook fan page for an artist is common, as is keeping fans posted through a blog on the a artist's progress or upcoming events (such as festivals or online articles). However, these websites only generate interest about an artist's work. If you're looking to make a profit by selling your work, there are a vast range of websites that are easy to utilize. Etsy, for instance, is an online marketplace where artists can sell handcrafted items. Products for purchase on Etsy include hundreds of decorative and functional art pieces. Getting featured on an online shop like Etsy can be a big break for a previously unknown artist.
Overall, there is a wide variety of things that an artist or craftsperson can do to get their work recognized. Get started today with some of the art promotion tips above!
Art festivals are the easiest place to get your work known. They're so appealing because the artist usually just has to pay a small investment fee to set up a table within the grounds of the festival, and then will retain 100% of the profits made. For instance, take Arizona's Scottsdale Arts Festival. Any artist can apply to exhibit and sell their crafts in the festival. If selected, the artist is required to pay a fee of $450 before being able to showcase their work in front of thousands of people. Another way to promote your art is simply to visit the art galleries in a city near you. Lots of galleries post a "Call for Artists" advertisement in the local newspaper or even just in their shop windows. If you have what a gallery is looking for, it's more than likely that you could be featured in their establishment, without having to make a serious time commitment.
While there are many traditional art promotion methods to choose from, the internet is increasing in popularity with artists everywhere. We live in the "Digital Age," where, for example, an artist living in Seattle could easily get in touch with a potential buyer in Beijing. There is an endless possibility of social media sites that an artist could use to publicize their work. Creating a Facebook fan page for an artist is common, as is keeping fans posted through a blog on the a artist's progress or upcoming events (such as festivals or online articles). However, these websites only generate interest about an artist's work. If you're looking to make a profit by selling your work, there are a vast range of websites that are easy to utilize. Etsy, for instance, is an online marketplace where artists can sell handcrafted items. Products for purchase on Etsy include hundreds of decorative and functional art pieces. Getting featured on an online shop like Etsy can be a big break for a previously unknown artist.
Overall, there is a wide variety of things that an artist or craftsperson can do to get their work recognized. Get started today with some of the art promotion tips above!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Enjoyable Things to Do In the Most Unique City In the South
No matter what time of the year you vacation, there's always some fun and educational things to do during your trip. You'll probably be able to catch one of the many festivals held throughout the year:
Mardi Gras - Colorful floats with masked participants line the streets of the city forming as many as 70 parades throughout the 12-day period which leads up to the holiday. Each parade features a unique theme designed and presented by as many as 3,000 participants tossing baubles to the crowds.
St. Patrick's Day - From Irish dancers to green beer, St. Patrick's Day is taken very seriously by participants of the St. Patrick's Day festivities. So seriously, in fact, that you may just get pinched if you don't incorporate green into some part of your attire! While you're enjoying the delicious food and fun booths, be sure to catch the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Greek Fest - If your vacation falls over Memorial Day weekend, be sure to stop by the Greek Fest for all things Greek. You'll enjoy Greek fare along with lively music displaying the distinctive sounds of Greek instruments. Dancers in colorful costume perform the dances known to their native land.
The Running of the Bulls - If you like to run, make like a bull and run through the French Quarter with the other participants as you celebrate a tame version of this historic Spanish tradition. As one of the many things to do in the area, the race begins at 7am and participants are required to wear a white shirt or pants along with a red scarf on their neck or waist. "Matadors" urge the slower "bulls" on with playful swats and pokes from foam whiffle bats!
Oktoberfest - Each year the German cultural center, Deutsches Haus, sponsors Oktoberfest. This festival celebrates German heritage with live traditional music, folk dancing, and plenty of authentic German cuisine. You'll enjoy Sauerbraten, Krautwickel, Sauerdraut, Bratwurst Sausage, and other delicious German fare. After your food has time to settle, work up a sweat performing some native German dances which include knee-slapping and twisting!
Swamp Fest - Celebrate the swamp wild life found in nearby swamps and bayous during this annual event. You'll see lots of swamp life, including alligators which have grown to 10-12 feet in length! You'll also enjoy plenty of music, dancing, and Cajun cuisine. Celebrate the swamp culture with the locals.
Voodoo Music Experience - For some fun over Halloween, visit City Park and participate in the Voodoo Music Experience. With a large state and many mini-stages stationed about the park, you'll be able to enjoy the music while enjoying food, crafts, and other cultural activities. You'll find local vendors selling jewelry, clothing, art, and a wide variety of other cultural items in addition to food and beverages.
Clearly, there are plenty of things to do during your vacation! Be sure to take a bunch of pictures to create an album that you can share with family and friends. Happy Vacationing!
Mardi Gras - Colorful floats with masked participants line the streets of the city forming as many as 70 parades throughout the 12-day period which leads up to the holiday. Each parade features a unique theme designed and presented by as many as 3,000 participants tossing baubles to the crowds.
St. Patrick's Day - From Irish dancers to green beer, St. Patrick's Day is taken very seriously by participants of the St. Patrick's Day festivities. So seriously, in fact, that you may just get pinched if you don't incorporate green into some part of your attire! While you're enjoying the delicious food and fun booths, be sure to catch the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Greek Fest - If your vacation falls over Memorial Day weekend, be sure to stop by the Greek Fest for all things Greek. You'll enjoy Greek fare along with lively music displaying the distinctive sounds of Greek instruments. Dancers in colorful costume perform the dances known to their native land.
The Running of the Bulls - If you like to run, make like a bull and run through the French Quarter with the other participants as you celebrate a tame version of this historic Spanish tradition. As one of the many things to do in the area, the race begins at 7am and participants are required to wear a white shirt or pants along with a red scarf on their neck or waist. "Matadors" urge the slower "bulls" on with playful swats and pokes from foam whiffle bats!
Oktoberfest - Each year the German cultural center, Deutsches Haus, sponsors Oktoberfest. This festival celebrates German heritage with live traditional music, folk dancing, and plenty of authentic German cuisine. You'll enjoy Sauerbraten, Krautwickel, Sauerdraut, Bratwurst Sausage, and other delicious German fare. After your food has time to settle, work up a sweat performing some native German dances which include knee-slapping and twisting!
Swamp Fest - Celebrate the swamp wild life found in nearby swamps and bayous during this annual event. You'll see lots of swamp life, including alligators which have grown to 10-12 feet in length! You'll also enjoy plenty of music, dancing, and Cajun cuisine. Celebrate the swamp culture with the locals.
Voodoo Music Experience - For some fun over Halloween, visit City Park and participate in the Voodoo Music Experience. With a large state and many mini-stages stationed about the park, you'll be able to enjoy the music while enjoying food, crafts, and other cultural activities. You'll find local vendors selling jewelry, clothing, art, and a wide variety of other cultural items in addition to food and beverages.
Clearly, there are plenty of things to do during your vacation! Be sure to take a bunch of pictures to create an album that you can share with family and friends. Happy Vacationing!
Friday, August 2, 2013
House Music and Its History
Entering into a pub is also entering into a world of music. If you have ever been inside a pub, then you will be greeted by a variety of music. You just have to keep your ears aware of whatever music is playing inside the pub. If you like to listen to music, then you will have definitely understood by now that there are several genres involved in music. House music is one of them. It has become popular by now but had a slow start that makes you want to trace its historical background. Creating an ideal atmosphere for music lovers, this music has a story behind it.
House music trends took over in the 1980s in Chicago because people were growing tired of having to dance to the same old tunes. Even the DJs did not find having to play the same music all the time any fascinating. This is why they decided to personalize some of the songs. They added a touch of their own expertise to the songs that were played in the bars. Within no time, the music became popular. Everyone started enjoying and the DJs even began to release their own albums which incorporated this kind of music with the regular songs of artists.
When house music started playing on every lip, it travelled from Chicago to Detroit. Eventually, this musical trend crossed the oceans and spread itself in the United Kingdom. Different DJs from different cultures accepted the house music trends in their own distinctive way. They added new beat and started mixing different versions of the music. Moreover, they even went as far as introducing different sounds and people become fond of this music, experiencing a huge change from the ordinary hearing. All this happened within the 1980s and house music became a global phenomenon. Singers started releasing albums that favored this kind of music.
It is highly true of house music that it is similar to the current style of music. In the 1990s, rap became a more popular music than the regular house music. DJs then used it as an opportunity to extend the architecture of this music by adding rap and hip-hop beats to it. The interesting part is that it worked out really well for the most part. People actually started paying attention to the musical beats, letting their ears enjoy the different kind of mix.
Eventually, the 21st century turned the DJs into proper musicians who went to several bars and started getting paid quite a bit for their extraordinary skills. This is when house music became liked by everyone and the popularity took its toll. Currently, hip hop has taken its place but this music trends are still present in every nook and corner. The future is hard to predict but there is no doubt in the fact that this kind of music is going to persist for long. Therefore, if you are a music lover, then house music should be one of your preferences among good quality listening at all times.
House music trends took over in the 1980s in Chicago because people were growing tired of having to dance to the same old tunes. Even the DJs did not find having to play the same music all the time any fascinating. This is why they decided to personalize some of the songs. They added a touch of their own expertise to the songs that were played in the bars. Within no time, the music became popular. Everyone started enjoying and the DJs even began to release their own albums which incorporated this kind of music with the regular songs of artists.
When house music started playing on every lip, it travelled from Chicago to Detroit. Eventually, this musical trend crossed the oceans and spread itself in the United Kingdom. Different DJs from different cultures accepted the house music trends in their own distinctive way. They added new beat and started mixing different versions of the music. Moreover, they even went as far as introducing different sounds and people become fond of this music, experiencing a huge change from the ordinary hearing. All this happened within the 1980s and house music became a global phenomenon. Singers started releasing albums that favored this kind of music.
It is highly true of house music that it is similar to the current style of music. In the 1990s, rap became a more popular music than the regular house music. DJs then used it as an opportunity to extend the architecture of this music by adding rap and hip-hop beats to it. The interesting part is that it worked out really well for the most part. People actually started paying attention to the musical beats, letting their ears enjoy the different kind of mix.
Eventually, the 21st century turned the DJs into proper musicians who went to several bars and started getting paid quite a bit for their extraordinary skills. This is when house music became liked by everyone and the popularity took its toll. Currently, hip hop has taken its place but this music trends are still present in every nook and corner. The future is hard to predict but there is no doubt in the fact that this kind of music is going to persist for long. Therefore, if you are a music lover, then house music should be one of your preferences among good quality listening at all times.
Entertainment in Detroit
Detroit is famous all over the globe as the city of motor cars. It is widely known as the motor city. The city got that nickname owing to the existence of a large number of car factories in the region. Detroit is a major city in United States and it is the largest city in the State of Michigan. The bustling metropolis teeming with motor vehicles is situated on the banks of Detroit River. It holds eleventh place in population among US cities. But there is more entertainment in Detroit than driving the latest fancy car of any brand. Detroit is where some great music bands and musicians in United States were born.
Celebrity musicians like Eminem, Diana Ross, Kid Rock, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Seger are some of the most famous sons of Detroit and its high-class musical culture. Live music is an indispensable thing in the nightlife of Detroit. In DTE Energy Music Theatre and The Palace of Auburn Hills, the city has two very famous music venues. Detroit hosts world-class musical institutions such as Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Opera House. The major music festivals in Detroit are the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival, the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, the Urban Organic Music Conference, the Motor City Music Conference, the Concert of Colors, and the Hip-Hop Summer Jazz Festival. For popular music, the bars and clubs are famous for providing non-stop music of all varieties during nights. Detroit has hosted and has been hosting some of the very famous music bands in United States such as MC5, The Stooges, Amboy Dukes, The Detroit Wheels, Rare Earth, Alice Cooper, Sponge, and Uncle Kracker. There is famous song known as Detroit Rock City by the band Kiss, which embodies the musical spirit of the city. There are a number of drama troupes and drama theatres in Detroit. Detroit Institute of Arts, Fisher Theatre, and Fox Theatre are highly respected institutions in the world of art and artists. Other famous drama theatres in Detroit are the Gem Theatre, the Palace of Auburn Hills, and the Nederlander Organization.
Some of the important museums in United States are situated Detroit. Detroit Institution of Arts and Detroit Historical Museum are very popular places among the visitors to Detroit. Other tourist and entertainment attractions in Detroit include Motown Historical Museum, Tuskegee Airmen Museum, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Fort Wayne, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. But the unique show in Detroit, which symbolizes the motor city image of Detroit, is the North American International Auto Show. River Days, a festival held on the riverfront of Detroit River that lasts for five days, is a hugely popular tourist attraction of Detroit.
Celebrity musicians like Eminem, Diana Ross, Kid Rock, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Seger are some of the most famous sons of Detroit and its high-class musical culture. Live music is an indispensable thing in the nightlife of Detroit. In DTE Energy Music Theatre and The Palace of Auburn Hills, the city has two very famous music venues. Detroit hosts world-class musical institutions such as Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Opera House. The major music festivals in Detroit are the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival, the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, the Urban Organic Music Conference, the Motor City Music Conference, the Concert of Colors, and the Hip-Hop Summer Jazz Festival. For popular music, the bars and clubs are famous for providing non-stop music of all varieties during nights. Detroit has hosted and has been hosting some of the very famous music bands in United States such as MC5, The Stooges, Amboy Dukes, The Detroit Wheels, Rare Earth, Alice Cooper, Sponge, and Uncle Kracker. There is famous song known as Detroit Rock City by the band Kiss, which embodies the musical spirit of the city. There are a number of drama troupes and drama theatres in Detroit. Detroit Institute of Arts, Fisher Theatre, and Fox Theatre are highly respected institutions in the world of art and artists. Other famous drama theatres in Detroit are the Gem Theatre, the Palace of Auburn Hills, and the Nederlander Organization.
Some of the important museums in United States are situated Detroit. Detroit Institution of Arts and Detroit Historical Museum are very popular places among the visitors to Detroit. Other tourist and entertainment attractions in Detroit include Motown Historical Museum, Tuskegee Airmen Museum, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Fort Wayne, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. But the unique show in Detroit, which symbolizes the motor city image of Detroit, is the North American International Auto Show. River Days, a festival held on the riverfront of Detroit River that lasts for five days, is a hugely popular tourist attraction of Detroit.
Event Management Concerns for Putting on a Production
Let us say you want to put on a production. It could be a performance of a Greek tragedy in the park, with hobby actors on a shoestring culture grant or a multi-act extravaganza in the biggest venue in town. Regardless there are some factors to take into account. It may be so complicated you'll even consider going to event management school.
First of all, to plan your events you need a realistic look at your budget. The funds you can raise are the ultimate cap on how far your spectacle can go. For a concert with a commercial intent, you can acquire a bank loan. Festivals typically have sponsors that make heavy use of add space, as do culture based endeavours like community theatre, though the latter usually are content with black and white ads in the show's program, while the former may trade on things like the exclusive right to sell beverages. Certain very prestigious events get heavy competition from sponsorship, while things like tobacco companies that can't advertise otherwise will often use sponsorship to get noticed.
More amateur efforts may mean passing around the hat, bake sales or haggling for discounts and milking connections. For example students at a sound engineer school putting on a concert might convince their educational institution that for the merit of training they should be allowed to borrow audio equipment like microphones.
You can also stock your event with students, for example getting the DJ or audio person from the aforementioned local sound engineering school. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for and DJ training and experience is part of what makes someone good.
After securing your budget, plan down to the tiniest details. You will need fire code related permits, commercial licencing and maybe vendor and alcohol licencing. You will also need to make sure your event doesn't cause a public disturbance. Nobody wants to be shut down after they sold a lot of tickets!
You will be planning the audio, the visuals, the décor, the crowd control and have several disaster plans in place. If you want to do this professionally, you may seriously consider event management school. That is, but the way, on top of having to be an expert people manager, with all the crew and talent you need to co-ordinate. However a fantastic event getting off the ground is one of the best feelings.
Once things are on the go though, expect to be running around for hours. From long before opening to the last moments of the after party (you are having an after party, right?) you will be on the go, trouble shooting and keeping everyone on schedule.
First of all, to plan your events you need a realistic look at your budget. The funds you can raise are the ultimate cap on how far your spectacle can go. For a concert with a commercial intent, you can acquire a bank loan. Festivals typically have sponsors that make heavy use of add space, as do culture based endeavours like community theatre, though the latter usually are content with black and white ads in the show's program, while the former may trade on things like the exclusive right to sell beverages. Certain very prestigious events get heavy competition from sponsorship, while things like tobacco companies that can't advertise otherwise will often use sponsorship to get noticed.
More amateur efforts may mean passing around the hat, bake sales or haggling for discounts and milking connections. For example students at a sound engineer school putting on a concert might convince their educational institution that for the merit of training they should be allowed to borrow audio equipment like microphones.
You can also stock your event with students, for example getting the DJ or audio person from the aforementioned local sound engineering school. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for and DJ training and experience is part of what makes someone good.
After securing your budget, plan down to the tiniest details. You will need fire code related permits, commercial licencing and maybe vendor and alcohol licencing. You will also need to make sure your event doesn't cause a public disturbance. Nobody wants to be shut down after they sold a lot of tickets!
You will be planning the audio, the visuals, the décor, the crowd control and have several disaster plans in place. If you want to do this professionally, you may seriously consider event management school. That is, but the way, on top of having to be an expert people manager, with all the crew and talent you need to co-ordinate. However a fantastic event getting off the ground is one of the best feelings.
Once things are on the go though, expect to be running around for hours. From long before opening to the last moments of the after party (you are having an after party, right?) you will be on the go, trouble shooting and keeping everyone on schedule.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
How Rene Lalique Became Famous
Just like any passionate collector of antique glass you will have surely come across the name Rene Lalique. Antique Lalique glass is a much sought after collectible in today's culture. Rene Lalique initially began as a jeweller, but it was his designs in glass that were to make a lasting impression on the world and his pieces are tremendously valuable throughout the world.
Upon opening his first glassworks in 1902 in Clairfontaine he manufactured designs of decorative panels and glass plaques. Lalique soon applied some of his jewellery making skills to the glass making process and used a technique called "cire purdue" or "lost wax" to create some of his first pieces.
Lalique created perfume bottles for Francois Coty who was one of his first patrons and in total created 16 different perfume bottles in the famous Lalique glass designs. Lalique also created many glass panel windows and other glass objects for Coty in his offices in New York. On the strength of the commissions from Coty, Lalique had to open up a larger glass works in Combs-la-Ville.
After opening the new glassworks in Combs-la-Ville Lalique created perfume bottles for other top perfumers and also started a Lalique line of perfume bottles. Production came to standstill during the First World War, when the war ended Lalique reviewed his glassmaking business and decided to continue with some new and different designs and started to create pairs of love birds and parakeets. This design theme continued throughout the height of his career.
Lalique wanted more, he wanted to be able to create pieces that were affordable for the masses and not just designer pieces, and with this in mind he opened another glassworks with a much bigger production facility in Wingen-sur-Moder. Press moulding techniques were mastered and a line of vases were created including the Naiades, Palestre, Ronces and Archer vases. During the 1920's and 1930's Lalique created some of the most collectible items of today such as car mascots. He created a total of 20 and they were created in the shape of peacocks, horses and roosters.
Also during the 1930's Lalique created tableware, glassware, ashtrays, boxes and clocks. During the great depression of the 1930's the production plant in Combs-la-Ville was forced to close down and with the onset of the Second World War Lalique also had to close another of his production plants. Two days after the end of the Second World War Lalique passed away and production was never continued.
Some of the most expensive and collectible Lalique glass today are the car mascots that are shaped like animals and much of his first creations using the lost wax technique are also highly collectible. Many of the mass produced items that were created during the great depression are not as valuable or collectible as some of the earlier commissioned pieces of glass. Although many of these pieces are less expensive to collect they were all produced to the highest quality and still make a wonderful addition to many Lalique collectors' collection.
Upon opening his first glassworks in 1902 in Clairfontaine he manufactured designs of decorative panels and glass plaques. Lalique soon applied some of his jewellery making skills to the glass making process and used a technique called "cire purdue" or "lost wax" to create some of his first pieces.
Lalique created perfume bottles for Francois Coty who was one of his first patrons and in total created 16 different perfume bottles in the famous Lalique glass designs. Lalique also created many glass panel windows and other glass objects for Coty in his offices in New York. On the strength of the commissions from Coty, Lalique had to open up a larger glass works in Combs-la-Ville.
After opening the new glassworks in Combs-la-Ville Lalique created perfume bottles for other top perfumers and also started a Lalique line of perfume bottles. Production came to standstill during the First World War, when the war ended Lalique reviewed his glassmaking business and decided to continue with some new and different designs and started to create pairs of love birds and parakeets. This design theme continued throughout the height of his career.
Lalique wanted more, he wanted to be able to create pieces that were affordable for the masses and not just designer pieces, and with this in mind he opened another glassworks with a much bigger production facility in Wingen-sur-Moder. Press moulding techniques were mastered and a line of vases were created including the Naiades, Palestre, Ronces and Archer vases. During the 1920's and 1930's Lalique created some of the most collectible items of today such as car mascots. He created a total of 20 and they were created in the shape of peacocks, horses and roosters.
Also during the 1930's Lalique created tableware, glassware, ashtrays, boxes and clocks. During the great depression of the 1930's the production plant in Combs-la-Ville was forced to close down and with the onset of the Second World War Lalique also had to close another of his production plants. Two days after the end of the Second World War Lalique passed away and production was never continued.
Some of the most expensive and collectible Lalique glass today are the car mascots that are shaped like animals and much of his first creations using the lost wax technique are also highly collectible. Many of the mass produced items that were created during the great depression are not as valuable or collectible as some of the earlier commissioned pieces of glass. Although many of these pieces are less expensive to collect they were all produced to the highest quality and still make a wonderful addition to many Lalique collectors' collection.
Face Painting Ideas For Boys
Face painting is a creative and colourful activity. From toddlers to teens, all the children love to have a painted face for the parties. Their preparations are incomplete without the face painting. Children love their faces to be painted with the sketch of their favourite cartoon characters. They feel very special to roam about in the party with their painted faces. Due to its popularity, it has become an essential part of a party for the kid's party.
All the festive occasions and celebrations including birthday parties, festivals, fairs, camps, and clubs essentially have a face painting session. If you bear a creative knack, you can get your face painted by yourself. For this purpose, you should understand that it is probably one of the most difficult, but rewarding task around. Moreover, if you are not good at painting, or do not have sufficient time, it is not a big issue. You can always hire the professionals for this job.
The professional artists work beautifully on the living canvas. They paint the face according to your choice. They bring the colours and kit of their own. The colours used by them are surely of good quality. Most of the paints cause allergy. So before using the paints on the sensitive area like face, they test its reaction on any other part of the body. They also use glitters to highlight the design.
When it comes to the boys parties, they are always very particular about the designs. They usually prefer to have a full face painting over the partial paint. They always idealise the cartoon characters., So when it comes to face painting, they always wish to look like their ideal cartoon characters.
There are many designs praised by the children. Spider man is one of the most favourite cartoon characters of boys. They wish to have a red spider's web on their face. Face painting enables them to live as Spiderman. Among the designs, there is a variation of the spider man theme. Children also love to have a black or grey spider web painted on their face.
The other popular design is the bat. It is one of the difficult, but most wanted designs among the children. Along with the design, boys mostly wear the bat costume to give for a complete look. The other animal designs include tiger, and the snow leopard. Boys are very much excited about these designs.
As it is the age of science., So, children love to look like robots. Moreover, the Alien designs are very common among the science, and fiction loving children. They find a lot of fascination in such face painting designs. Boys always love commando games., So on during the festive occasion, they wear commando suits, and wish to have commando face paint.
Many boys like to have a devil design on their face. To give a scary look, they wish to have a skull painted on their face. Sometimes children like to give a funny look. For this purpose, they mostly go for the clown face painting. Clown is the character meant for giving some enjoyment through its tricks. Thus, clown face paint is very famous among boys. So having your face painted from a professional painter adds fascination, and colour to the party.
All the festive occasions and celebrations including birthday parties, festivals, fairs, camps, and clubs essentially have a face painting session. If you bear a creative knack, you can get your face painted by yourself. For this purpose, you should understand that it is probably one of the most difficult, but rewarding task around. Moreover, if you are not good at painting, or do not have sufficient time, it is not a big issue. You can always hire the professionals for this job.
The professional artists work beautifully on the living canvas. They paint the face according to your choice. They bring the colours and kit of their own. The colours used by them are surely of good quality. Most of the paints cause allergy. So before using the paints on the sensitive area like face, they test its reaction on any other part of the body. They also use glitters to highlight the design.
When it comes to the boys parties, they are always very particular about the designs. They usually prefer to have a full face painting over the partial paint. They always idealise the cartoon characters., So when it comes to face painting, they always wish to look like their ideal cartoon characters.
There are many designs praised by the children. Spider man is one of the most favourite cartoon characters of boys. They wish to have a red spider's web on their face. Face painting enables them to live as Spiderman. Among the designs, there is a variation of the spider man theme. Children also love to have a black or grey spider web painted on their face.
The other popular design is the bat. It is one of the difficult, but most wanted designs among the children. Along with the design, boys mostly wear the bat costume to give for a complete look. The other animal designs include tiger, and the snow leopard. Boys are very much excited about these designs.
As it is the age of science., So, children love to look like robots. Moreover, the Alien designs are very common among the science, and fiction loving children. They find a lot of fascination in such face painting designs. Boys always love commando games., So on during the festive occasion, they wear commando suits, and wish to have commando face paint.
Many boys like to have a devil design on their face. To give a scary look, they wish to have a skull painted on their face. Sometimes children like to give a funny look. For this purpose, they mostly go for the clown face painting. Clown is the character meant for giving some enjoyment through its tricks. Thus, clown face paint is very famous among boys. So having your face painted from a professional painter adds fascination, and colour to the party.
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