Anyone who has spent anytime in the last year on the web has seen a dramatic rise in Internet video. So much so that it is now a central element of many websites across the net. Web video is no doubt here to stay. 'Television, as we know it, will be unrecognizable in five years', that according to the opinion of Bill Gates. Tim Berners-Lee, who is credited by many with inventing the world wide web, claims that the future of television is 'absolutely on the Internet'. Every major entertainment company from NBC, to Viacom, and ESPN and many more have made a major move to distribute their content via the web. These companies will continue to leverage the vast reach of the Internet, but the question is what about the independent producer and independent filmmaker? The low cost of producing high quality digital video, combined with higher speeds of broadband connected to video friendly computers, and the international open distribution network that is the Internet has created a time of opportunity for the independent producer.
The advent of low cost digital video cameras was the quantum leap for the independent filmmaker. With broadcast quality equipment within reach, the small producer no longer has to spend most of their time trying to find money, and can execute a professional project with only a modest budget. Films are shot on cameras that are than used to transfer the footage to a desktop computer where it can be edited using software that has much the same capability as a professional editing suite. A film can then be submitted, directly from a computer to the marketplace that is the web. Edit a film, and then distribute a film all from the same chair, this is the future of the television industry.
The increase in broadband and high speed Internet connections is the next piece of the puzzle. This works in conjunction with 'media center' type computers that allow for DVD quality playback of video on the web. As the number of worldwide households that have a high speed Internet connection increases, so does the potential marketplace for Internet video producers. We are now at level of high speed connectivity that has created a vast market for video, and that is only going to increase. Likewise any new computer purchased anywhere in the world is going to have the ability to playback that video, and make it look as good as it does on your television.
The last element that makes this a promising time for the independent filmmaker, is the nature, and the reach of the Internet itself. The web is ideal in many ways for the independent film and television producer. There are already methods to distribute on the web, already ways of syndicating your content across the Internet that allow people who are interested in the type of work that you are doing to find you. And we are only in early days yet, these methods will continue to evolve and along with it the ability for a filmmaker to find an audience.
Everybody knows about Youtube, and the 100 million video plays a day. That's more then the US audience for the Super Bowl every single day. People are watching, and they may not always be satisfied with exploding coke bottles or celebrities doing embarrassing things. There will be a place for the independent filmmaker and television producer that create high quality film and video projects. Your audience awaits.
Showing posts with label Arts and Entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arts and Entertainment. Show all posts
Painting your way forward!
'Painting is just a leisure activity , so it's a waste of time!' That's what most people tend to think. But is it really?
When I started meddling with water colors, I was only five or so, but I still remember the joy of discovering new hues and ways to brighten my plain white paper. It was a magic touch of light that carried me away into a new realm of amazement and joy. My parents bought me some colors and a small brush hoping to keep me busy indoors for some time and out of mischief! But this device has been keeping me busy till now! I can't imagine my life without it. It just would be so very dull!
It's a pity some people have not tried to discover yet the joy of drawing and painting , or any other form of art. If you belong to those who believe that it is a waste of time, just think of so many things are a real waste of time, but not this one.
Being creative releases a part of your soul , you feel free ,you feel you can do everything , because imagination can do everything. You are a different person and if you have problems to solve, then this is the best way to do it. Let yourself be creative, release your energy on art and you will feel calm and confident to go on.
There is no wonder why some people use Art Therapy. They've found out the terrific advantages of this method on people's feelings and behavior.
And beware. You don't need to be an artist!
"I can't draw a straight line,' most people would say. 'So, what?' Practice makes perfect! That old saying applies so well in this case. You can discover your hidden talent and become an excellent artist , or you can simply enjoy yourself in a creative way! However, it doesn't really matter how good or bad your creation might be, it is yourself you are displaying in it, not your professional abilities.
So, take the first step. Get a piece of paper and start now. Here are some tips to get you started.
And don't forget to enjoy it!
--------------------------------------
watercolor: tips
First you need either a single sheet of paper or a watercolor block.
Directly before starting work, the paper is well dampened and stuck , or pinned down.
A single wetting is not enough. It takes a while for dry paper to soak up enough water.
While the paper is relatively dry before another wetting, you can lay in a few pencil outlines of your intended picture. The lead should not be too soft, H is about right.
After the drawing, dampen the page again and leave it to dry while you get the paints ready.
Always keep 2 jars of water at hand: one for washing out the brushes and the other, filled with clear water for the pipette or for clean brushes.
Brushes: No 6 is OK.
Paints: Keep them in a tin box. Pans are more economical, but it takes longer to soften. Tubes are simpler.
Sponge cloths or rags are needed to wipe palettes clean.
Colors:
BLUE –prussian blue
YELLOW- Ochre golden ochre
RED- Mars red
GREEN - Viridian
IVORY BLACK and ZINC WHITE
When I started meddling with water colors, I was only five or so, but I still remember the joy of discovering new hues and ways to brighten my plain white paper. It was a magic touch of light that carried me away into a new realm of amazement and joy. My parents bought me some colors and a small brush hoping to keep me busy indoors for some time and out of mischief! But this device has been keeping me busy till now! I can't imagine my life without it. It just would be so very dull!
It's a pity some people have not tried to discover yet the joy of drawing and painting , or any other form of art. If you belong to those who believe that it is a waste of time, just think of so many things are a real waste of time, but not this one.
Being creative releases a part of your soul , you feel free ,you feel you can do everything , because imagination can do everything. You are a different person and if you have problems to solve, then this is the best way to do it. Let yourself be creative, release your energy on art and you will feel calm and confident to go on.
There is no wonder why some people use Art Therapy. They've found out the terrific advantages of this method on people's feelings and behavior.
And beware. You don't need to be an artist!
"I can't draw a straight line,' most people would say. 'So, what?' Practice makes perfect! That old saying applies so well in this case. You can discover your hidden talent and become an excellent artist , or you can simply enjoy yourself in a creative way! However, it doesn't really matter how good or bad your creation might be, it is yourself you are displaying in it, not your professional abilities.
So, take the first step. Get a piece of paper and start now. Here are some tips to get you started.
And don't forget to enjoy it!
--------------------------------------
watercolor: tips
First you need either a single sheet of paper or a watercolor block.
Directly before starting work, the paper is well dampened and stuck , or pinned down.
A single wetting is not enough. It takes a while for dry paper to soak up enough water.
While the paper is relatively dry before another wetting, you can lay in a few pencil outlines of your intended picture. The lead should not be too soft, H is about right.
After the drawing, dampen the page again and leave it to dry while you get the paints ready.
Always keep 2 jars of water at hand: one for washing out the brushes and the other, filled with clear water for the pipette or for clean brushes.
Brushes: No 6 is OK.
Paints: Keep them in a tin box. Pans are more economical, but it takes longer to soften. Tubes are simpler.
Sponge cloths or rags are needed to wipe palettes clean.
Colors:
BLUE –prussian blue
YELLOW- Ochre golden ochre
RED- Mars red
GREEN - Viridian
IVORY BLACK and ZINC WHITE
The Law of Averages
At First I Didn't Believe It
I heard about the law of averages only a few weeks after I started Internet Marketing.
I was told that after I had used a certain marketing method for a few weeks, I would notice a trend. For instance, if I was making phone calls, I would notice that for every 40 people I called, 5 would ask for more info, and for every 10 who asked for more info, 1 would join. Or, for every 100 people who visited my webpage, one would take action that resulted in my making a profit.
My personal statistics would differ, they said, depending on the quality of my page, the attractiveness of my offer, my skill in talking on the phone etc. I would have to keep track of my efforts and responses to know how much I would need to work to get the results I wanted.
This is what they told me, but I didn't believe them. I was told that for my webpage, 400 visits a day would make me a solid profit. Well then, I thought, if I get 50 visits a day, I should make a profit after 8 days. Day after day went by without any profits. Week after week, I struggled, checked my stats, and hung my head in dissapointment. I added up my visits for the month. Several thousand visits, and not one sale, or maybe two or three at best.
I remade my web page. Not once, but three times. No difference. The only way you can fail is by giving up. Keep trying. I was told.
Then I Saw It Working
After several months (it seemed like forever) I started noticing a few profit days each month. First I had three days of profit, then five, then eight. Of course when I added things up at the end of the month, I was still losing money. I felt helpless. What was causing the profit, and why was it so sporadic? Was I at the mercy of chance? And if so, why was I so unlucky?
Silly me, I never thought about looking at my webpage visits in relation to my sales. Sure enough, my magic number seemed to be 110. If I had 95 visits to my page in one day, I would lose money almost every time. If I had 100, I may lose money, and I may break even. It was a toss-up. If 110 people visited my site,
Wah-Lah! I was in profit mode!
This One Concept Could Ensure Your Success
Now I know this doesn't seem logical, but it really does work. If you will simply believe this principle, you will be on the fast track to success. Here it is again.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The Law of Averages: When you start marketing, you will notice a trend. You will achieve your desired result after a certain number of attempts. That number will tend to continue. All you have to do to achieve your desired result is multiply the number of attempts by this magic number.
Of course, you will get better at what you do. Your phone skills will improve. You will tweak your page or ad copy, and begin to get better results. Things will get easier as you progress.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
But if you believe this principle, your success will be inevitible, and even though it may take time, you will achieve your desired result. It will only take you four clear easily recognizable steps. I won't decieve you and say these steps will be easy, but you will know exactly what your targets are for each step.
Set up your business. Choose your company or product, and decide what avenues you are going to market it in. Are you going to get a list of leads and call them? Are you going to make a web page? Does the company provide a web page for you to promote online?
Plan your marketing strategy and get started.
Keep track of your statistics. How much exposure do you need to make one sale, or get one sign-up?
Decide how much you want to achieve, multiply by your required exposure, and work to obtain that much exposure. You will know exactly how much you have to work to achieve your goals!
That's all there is to it.
May you be successful beyond your wildest dreams!
I heard about the law of averages only a few weeks after I started Internet Marketing.
I was told that after I had used a certain marketing method for a few weeks, I would notice a trend. For instance, if I was making phone calls, I would notice that for every 40 people I called, 5 would ask for more info, and for every 10 who asked for more info, 1 would join. Or, for every 100 people who visited my webpage, one would take action that resulted in my making a profit.
My personal statistics would differ, they said, depending on the quality of my page, the attractiveness of my offer, my skill in talking on the phone etc. I would have to keep track of my efforts and responses to know how much I would need to work to get the results I wanted.
This is what they told me, but I didn't believe them. I was told that for my webpage, 400 visits a day would make me a solid profit. Well then, I thought, if I get 50 visits a day, I should make a profit after 8 days. Day after day went by without any profits. Week after week, I struggled, checked my stats, and hung my head in dissapointment. I added up my visits for the month. Several thousand visits, and not one sale, or maybe two or three at best.
I remade my web page. Not once, but three times. No difference. The only way you can fail is by giving up. Keep trying. I was told.
Then I Saw It Working
After several months (it seemed like forever) I started noticing a few profit days each month. First I had three days of profit, then five, then eight. Of course when I added things up at the end of the month, I was still losing money. I felt helpless. What was causing the profit, and why was it so sporadic? Was I at the mercy of chance? And if so, why was I so unlucky?
Silly me, I never thought about looking at my webpage visits in relation to my sales. Sure enough, my magic number seemed to be 110. If I had 95 visits to my page in one day, I would lose money almost every time. If I had 100, I may lose money, and I may break even. It was a toss-up. If 110 people visited my site,
Wah-Lah! I was in profit mode!
This One Concept Could Ensure Your Success
Now I know this doesn't seem logical, but it really does work. If you will simply believe this principle, you will be on the fast track to success. Here it is again.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The Law of Averages: When you start marketing, you will notice a trend. You will achieve your desired result after a certain number of attempts. That number will tend to continue. All you have to do to achieve your desired result is multiply the number of attempts by this magic number.
Of course, you will get better at what you do. Your phone skills will improve. You will tweak your page or ad copy, and begin to get better results. Things will get easier as you progress.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
But if you believe this principle, your success will be inevitible, and even though it may take time, you will achieve your desired result. It will only take you four clear easily recognizable steps. I won't decieve you and say these steps will be easy, but you will know exactly what your targets are for each step.
Set up your business. Choose your company or product, and decide what avenues you are going to market it in. Are you going to get a list of leads and call them? Are you going to make a web page? Does the company provide a web page for you to promote online?
Plan your marketing strategy and get started.
Keep track of your statistics. How much exposure do you need to make one sale, or get one sign-up?
Decide how much you want to achieve, multiply by your required exposure, and work to obtain that much exposure. You will know exactly how much you have to work to achieve your goals!
That's all there is to it.
May you be successful beyond your wildest dreams!
Works From the True Masters of Fear and Anxiety
Fear is part of the fundamental core of human existence, as connected to the basic functions of survival and the psyche as the survival instinct or the need to mate. Fear and anxiety, therefore, are among the staples of any genre that deems itself fit to entertain the masses, an art form to be mastered in the hands of a true artiste. Fear, dread, and anxiety are all integral components of any successful horror story, for example, but not everyone who writes horror manages to get the mix of the important elements --- pacing, plot, and characterization --- all of which must be just right to create a classic that will frighten generations long after the first copy was printed. There are a few that manage to accomplish the difficult feat of being eternal in their horror and long-lasting in their ability to turn anxiety into outright terror.
Edgar Allan Poe, author of "Annabel Lee" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", is easily recognized as one of the foremost masters of horror and the macabre. His works have inspired terror and anxiety in many individuals, primarily through the use of heavy psychological tones, as opposed to the gore and blood themes used and abused by writers of his time. Poe's collected works easily counts as some of the most frightening material ever written, especially now, in an age where horror movies are relegated to two hours of bloodshed and senseless violence, lacking any true horror and relying solely on shock value to appear "scary." Poe also stands out as being among the few who can make even the most mundane things seem utterly terrifying, a feat emulated by Stephen King and several Japanese horror authors, but never truly duplicated.
In a completely different vein of horror from his predecessors, and arguably creating a sub-genre of horror through his works, H. P. Lovecraft also stands out. His works, while lacking in humanity, are difficult to see as anything but terrifying, particularly because of the apparent lack of humanity in them. In contrast to writers of previous generations, Lovecraft focused more on the truly monstrous, ignoring the human element that most horror writers tended to insert into their works since the days of the Gothic era. His stories were littered with monsters that knew neither morality nor mercy, seeing humanity as insignificant insects and, in Lovecraft's malignant world of ancient races and Elder Gods, humanity was insignificant. He also brought back something from the Gothic horror era, showing his readers that knowledge, even just a little knowledge, can lead to the most terrifying of discoveries. This is perhaps best exemplified by the so-called "Cthulhu Mythos," a collection of stories that centered around Lovecraft's anti-mythological beings.
Among the most enduring horror classics in the world is that of Shelley's "Frankenstein," which combines the elements of horror with the intrinsic questions that plagued morality and philosophy at the time. In some ways, the story is one that puts a new spin on the old ghost story, in that the "ghost" is inevitably caused by the actions of mortal men who meddled in things they were not meant to. The story, aside from being a genuine tale of terror, also took on the role of a lesson in morality and the limits to just how far medical science could go. Prolonging life is one thing, but bringing back the dead is another thing entirely, which is one of the subtle messages of the novel. The underlying question of whether or not Frankenstein's creature is the monster, or if it is Frankenstein himself, also contributes to making the story a memorable, chilling tale.
However, very few stories can truly stand up against the pure terror and the subtle anxiety and dread caused by Bram Stoker's infamous novel, "Dracula." The novel is a hallmark of the Gothic horror era, presenting a villain of potentially epic scope in the guise of a remarkable gentleman and nobleman. It deviated from other vampire stories of the time in that the vampire, Dracula, was not monstrous in appearance. He looked every inch a master and nobleman, establishing the "lord of the night" archetype that would be a stock image of vampire characters in literature for centuries to come. It also had all the elements necessary to both frighten readers and keep them coming back for more, marking it as the most enduring horror novel in history.
Edgar Allan Poe, author of "Annabel Lee" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", is easily recognized as one of the foremost masters of horror and the macabre. His works have inspired terror and anxiety in many individuals, primarily through the use of heavy psychological tones, as opposed to the gore and blood themes used and abused by writers of his time. Poe's collected works easily counts as some of the most frightening material ever written, especially now, in an age where horror movies are relegated to two hours of bloodshed and senseless violence, lacking any true horror and relying solely on shock value to appear "scary." Poe also stands out as being among the few who can make even the most mundane things seem utterly terrifying, a feat emulated by Stephen King and several Japanese horror authors, but never truly duplicated.
In a completely different vein of horror from his predecessors, and arguably creating a sub-genre of horror through his works, H. P. Lovecraft also stands out. His works, while lacking in humanity, are difficult to see as anything but terrifying, particularly because of the apparent lack of humanity in them. In contrast to writers of previous generations, Lovecraft focused more on the truly monstrous, ignoring the human element that most horror writers tended to insert into their works since the days of the Gothic era. His stories were littered with monsters that knew neither morality nor mercy, seeing humanity as insignificant insects and, in Lovecraft's malignant world of ancient races and Elder Gods, humanity was insignificant. He also brought back something from the Gothic horror era, showing his readers that knowledge, even just a little knowledge, can lead to the most terrifying of discoveries. This is perhaps best exemplified by the so-called "Cthulhu Mythos," a collection of stories that centered around Lovecraft's anti-mythological beings.
Among the most enduring horror classics in the world is that of Shelley's "Frankenstein," which combines the elements of horror with the intrinsic questions that plagued morality and philosophy at the time. In some ways, the story is one that puts a new spin on the old ghost story, in that the "ghost" is inevitably caused by the actions of mortal men who meddled in things they were not meant to. The story, aside from being a genuine tale of terror, also took on the role of a lesson in morality and the limits to just how far medical science could go. Prolonging life is one thing, but bringing back the dead is another thing entirely, which is one of the subtle messages of the novel. The underlying question of whether or not Frankenstein's creature is the monster, or if it is Frankenstein himself, also contributes to making the story a memorable, chilling tale.
However, very few stories can truly stand up against the pure terror and the subtle anxiety and dread caused by Bram Stoker's infamous novel, "Dracula." The novel is a hallmark of the Gothic horror era, presenting a villain of potentially epic scope in the guise of a remarkable gentleman and nobleman. It deviated from other vampire stories of the time in that the vampire, Dracula, was not monstrous in appearance. He looked every inch a master and nobleman, establishing the "lord of the night" archetype that would be a stock image of vampire characters in literature for centuries to come. It also had all the elements necessary to both frighten readers and keep them coming back for more, marking it as the most enduring horror novel in history.
Great Techniques To Try On Your Next Watercolor Painting
If watercolor paintings are your style then here are some watercolor techniques you should try.
"Washing" is a technique commonly used with watercolors. You start by wetting the area of the paper that will be covered with the wash. Then mix up enough pigment to fill the area and apply the pigment starting at the top and overlapping on any horizontal bands. The wash is then left to dry. Don't work it as it will even itself out as it dries.
The technique called "dropping in color" is a process where an additional color is added to a wet area of the painting which is then allowed to naturally bleed without any interference by the artist. The results are unpredictable with interesting color gradations.
"Glazing" is a technique similar to a wash, but instead of application to a wet surface a thin layer of pigment is applied to a dry surface over washes that already exist. It is used to adjust tone and color on a wash, and it is applied in layers until the desired affect is reached. Just be sure that each layer is dry before applying the next layer. Auroline, cobalt blue and permanent rose are good transparent pigments to glaze with.
The "wet in wet" is a technique where you fill your brush with a very wet pigment that is then applied to a wet paper. It can be applied on top of existing washes that have dried. Just dampen these areas with a large brush. This technique provides soft subtle marks that are great for background areas.
The "dry brush" is opposite to the "wet in wet" technique. The brush is filled with pigment with the use of minimal water and then it is dragged across the dry paper, producing a very crisp mark with a hard edge. It is an excellent technique for front work and points of interest.
"Lifting off" is an interesting technique where the pigment is dissolved and lifted off after it has dried. Just wet the area you want to lift and then use a tissue to blot the pigment off. Reds, yellows, and blues can be more difficult to lift.
Watercolor painting is an interesting form of artistic expression and it's a common choice for beginning artists.
"Washing" is a technique commonly used with watercolors. You start by wetting the area of the paper that will be covered with the wash. Then mix up enough pigment to fill the area and apply the pigment starting at the top and overlapping on any horizontal bands. The wash is then left to dry. Don't work it as it will even itself out as it dries.
The technique called "dropping in color" is a process where an additional color is added to a wet area of the painting which is then allowed to naturally bleed without any interference by the artist. The results are unpredictable with interesting color gradations.
"Glazing" is a technique similar to a wash, but instead of application to a wet surface a thin layer of pigment is applied to a dry surface over washes that already exist. It is used to adjust tone and color on a wash, and it is applied in layers until the desired affect is reached. Just be sure that each layer is dry before applying the next layer. Auroline, cobalt blue and permanent rose are good transparent pigments to glaze with.
The "wet in wet" is a technique where you fill your brush with a very wet pigment that is then applied to a wet paper. It can be applied on top of existing washes that have dried. Just dampen these areas with a large brush. This technique provides soft subtle marks that are great for background areas.
The "dry brush" is opposite to the "wet in wet" technique. The brush is filled with pigment with the use of minimal water and then it is dragged across the dry paper, producing a very crisp mark with a hard edge. It is an excellent technique for front work and points of interest.
"Lifting off" is an interesting technique where the pigment is dissolved and lifted off after it has dried. Just wet the area you want to lift and then use a tissue to blot the pigment off. Reds, yellows, and blues can be more difficult to lift.
Watercolor painting is an interesting form of artistic expression and it's a common choice for beginning artists.
The Three Stooges-Classic Comedy Icons
Ahhhh…The Three Stooges…Classic slapstick comedy and an American tradition. Who hasn't seen a Stooge classic film short? But, who were these men who brought their caustic brand of physical comedy into our living rooms and theaters?
We all know them as Curly, Larry and Moe, but when they first started in1922 they were with a vaudeville act called Ted Healy and his Stooges (which was originally called Ted Healy and his Southern Gentlemen).
The ensemble consisted of Ted Healy, brothers Harry Moses Howard (Moe), Samuel Howard (Shemp) and Larry Fine (Larry). In 1931, Shemp left the group for a career in feature films, and needing a third stooge, Moe suggested his brother Jerome. Ted, not enamored with his long hair and facial hair, stated he (Jerome) was not a character like Moe and Larry. Jerome left the room and quickly returned with a shaved head and face and Curly, as we know him, was born.
In his autobiography, Moe Howard and The Three Stooges, The Stooges and Ted Healy parted company in 1934 because, as Moe recalled, of Healy's abrasiveness and alcoholism. This is when they began their Columbia Pictures film career and the Three Stooges, as most of us know them, started their long journey into comedy history.
From 1934 until 1959, the Three Stooges starred in 190 film shorts; the longest such series in film history. They also appeared in a dozen movies and entertained millions throughout the world with their catch phrases, physical routines and masterful comedy.
In 1946, Curly suffered a stroke and Shemp was asked to rejoin the group. Knowing that Moe and Larry careers and the Stooges would be finished, he reluctantly agreed to rejoin the group, but only on a temporary basis. Unfortunately, Curly never recovered and died in January of 1952.
The Stooges, with Shemp as Curly's replacement, went on to appear in 77 more short films and a feature film called Gold Raiders (1951). Additionally, in 1949, Moe, Larry and Shemp made a pilot for a Three Stooges television show called "Jerks of All Trades". The show was never picked up, but the pilot is public domain and is available on home video.
The Three Stooges dynasty took another hit when Shemp Howard died of a sudden heart attack in November of 1955 at age 60. Joe Besser replaced Shemp in 1956-57, appearing in 16 short films. Interestingly, Joe had a clause in his contract specifically prohibiting him from being hit too hard, although it was lifted as time passed. Unfortunately, the market for short films and for the Stooges had passed. Columbia Pictures, the last studio still producing short films fired the Three Stooges in 1957. (Because of contractual obligations and backlogs, final Stooge shorts weren't released until 1959). A new medium, television, had taken over.
The Stooges weren't down for long as the "rebirth" of the Stooges came rather quickly. In 1959, Columbia Pictures syndicated the entire Three Stooges film library to television and the Stooges were rediscovered by the baby boomers.
Stoogemania quickly swept across the country and Moe and Larry found themselves back in the spotlight again. But Joe Besser's wife had a heart attack and he withdrew from the act, so Moe quickly signed Joe DeRita as his replacement. DeRita shaved his head and became Curly-Joe, because he looked like the original Curly.
This version of the Three Stooges went on to make 39 short films and a few full-length movies in the late 1950's and through the 1960's. In 1969 they filmed a pilot for a new TV series called "Kook's Tour", which would have been a show about the "retired" Stooges traveling the world, with episodes filmed on location. Alas, during production, Larry suffered a stroke that ended his acting career as well as the TV series. Larry suffered another stroke in December 1974 and another month later suffered a fatal stroke and died in January 1975.
It was thought that they could carry on, several movie ideas were considered, however Moe Howard passed away in May 1975. Although Curly-Joe (Joe DeRita) did some live work with a new group of "Stooges" in the early 1970's, the Three Stooges, as we knew them, we gone.
This has been a synopsis of the lengthy careers and the phenomenon that was and still is the Three Stooges. With the advent of cable television, home video, dvds and with a loyal army of loyal fans, the Three Stooges are still entertaining the masses and will be for years to come.
We all know them as Curly, Larry and Moe, but when they first started in1922 they were with a vaudeville act called Ted Healy and his Stooges (which was originally called Ted Healy and his Southern Gentlemen).
The ensemble consisted of Ted Healy, brothers Harry Moses Howard (Moe), Samuel Howard (Shemp) and Larry Fine (Larry). In 1931, Shemp left the group for a career in feature films, and needing a third stooge, Moe suggested his brother Jerome. Ted, not enamored with his long hair and facial hair, stated he (Jerome) was not a character like Moe and Larry. Jerome left the room and quickly returned with a shaved head and face and Curly, as we know him, was born.
In his autobiography, Moe Howard and The Three Stooges, The Stooges and Ted Healy parted company in 1934 because, as Moe recalled, of Healy's abrasiveness and alcoholism. This is when they began their Columbia Pictures film career and the Three Stooges, as most of us know them, started their long journey into comedy history.
From 1934 until 1959, the Three Stooges starred in 190 film shorts; the longest such series in film history. They also appeared in a dozen movies and entertained millions throughout the world with their catch phrases, physical routines and masterful comedy.
In 1946, Curly suffered a stroke and Shemp was asked to rejoin the group. Knowing that Moe and Larry careers and the Stooges would be finished, he reluctantly agreed to rejoin the group, but only on a temporary basis. Unfortunately, Curly never recovered and died in January of 1952.
The Stooges, with Shemp as Curly's replacement, went on to appear in 77 more short films and a feature film called Gold Raiders (1951). Additionally, in 1949, Moe, Larry and Shemp made a pilot for a Three Stooges television show called "Jerks of All Trades". The show was never picked up, but the pilot is public domain and is available on home video.
The Three Stooges dynasty took another hit when Shemp Howard died of a sudden heart attack in November of 1955 at age 60. Joe Besser replaced Shemp in 1956-57, appearing in 16 short films. Interestingly, Joe had a clause in his contract specifically prohibiting him from being hit too hard, although it was lifted as time passed. Unfortunately, the market for short films and for the Stooges had passed. Columbia Pictures, the last studio still producing short films fired the Three Stooges in 1957. (Because of contractual obligations and backlogs, final Stooge shorts weren't released until 1959). A new medium, television, had taken over.
The Stooges weren't down for long as the "rebirth" of the Stooges came rather quickly. In 1959, Columbia Pictures syndicated the entire Three Stooges film library to television and the Stooges were rediscovered by the baby boomers.
Stoogemania quickly swept across the country and Moe and Larry found themselves back in the spotlight again. But Joe Besser's wife had a heart attack and he withdrew from the act, so Moe quickly signed Joe DeRita as his replacement. DeRita shaved his head and became Curly-Joe, because he looked like the original Curly.
This version of the Three Stooges went on to make 39 short films and a few full-length movies in the late 1950's and through the 1960's. In 1969 they filmed a pilot for a new TV series called "Kook's Tour", which would have been a show about the "retired" Stooges traveling the world, with episodes filmed on location. Alas, during production, Larry suffered a stroke that ended his acting career as well as the TV series. Larry suffered another stroke in December 1974 and another month later suffered a fatal stroke and died in January 1975.
It was thought that they could carry on, several movie ideas were considered, however Moe Howard passed away in May 1975. Although Curly-Joe (Joe DeRita) did some live work with a new group of "Stooges" in the early 1970's, the Three Stooges, as we knew them, we gone.
This has been a synopsis of the lengthy careers and the phenomenon that was and still is the Three Stooges. With the advent of cable television, home video, dvds and with a loyal army of loyal fans, the Three Stooges are still entertaining the masses and will be for years to come.
Children Celebrate Peace Through Poster Contest
"Achieving peace requires a deep desire to understand, respect and honor others," said Kyler B. Watson,13, of Stuttgart, Ark., one of the contest's 2005-2006 merit award winners.
The 2005-2006 grand prize winner was Cleverson da Silva Rosa, a 13-year-old from Parana, Brazil, who, along with two family members and the sponsoring Lions club president, traveled to New York for Lions Day with the United Nations. The annual event gives Lions the opportunity to meet with ambassadors at U.N. Headquarters. More than 700 Lions attended this year.
Previous grand prize winners have come from all over the world, many from areas where children do not know peace.
"The Peace Poster Contest represents a unique way for our members to provide an outlet for these future leaders to express their visions of peace," said Lions Clubs International President Ashok Mehta.
Lions clubs sponsor the contest in schools and organized youth programs. It provides an outlet for children and adults to discuss the meaning of world peace while artistically demonstrating ideas for reaching this goal. Now in its 18th year, the contest has been held in more than 75 countries.
"I think it is important that young people have a chance to really think about world peace," said 13-year-old Wade Angeli of Fairfax, Va., another merit winner.
Stand up, Speak up!
Did it make you smile? That famous line was once said by Stand Up Comics Hall of Famer Bill Cosby. Bill Cosby is a successful comedian, product endorser, story teller, author and television and film actor. Cosby is one of the most respected comedians in Hollywood and not to mention his numerous awards to boot. He started his career as a stand up comedian wherein he developed his trademark using "raceless" humor to capture his audience.
Anyone who has ever tried going to comedy night at a local comedy club can attest that not just because you look or think funny or you can make your friends laugh does it automatically mean that you are a good comedian. Being a comedian is such a difficult job, and a stand comic at that, it's doubly agonizing. With a live audience in front of you, it can be a nightmare for the mediocre, aspiring comics!
That's why, stand up comedians are really admirable with their craft in making the audience laugh. They are very good in poking jokes or situations that make the audience giggle with laughter until their sides hurt not minding that they are being watched by lots of people. But, as was mentioned, not all can be a good comedian, not everyone can be a stand up comic, and not everyone can speak in front of an audience.
Public speaking, performing on stage or giving a presentation in front of a large crowd can be very difficult thing to handle by other people. Unlike seasoned comedians like Bill Cosby, there are some individuals who experience racing heart, shaking knees, sweaty hands and shortness of breath when speaking in public. These are some signs of a person with anxiety symptoms. It is a feeling like you want to get out and run from a frightening situation. Situations that are ever present in our everyday lives.
According to the "holy trinity" for comedians, there are three qualities to remember to be a good comedy act; you've got to have good material, you've got to have a sense of timing, and you've got to have a stage presence. As with public speaking there are also important rules to remember to conquer the fright.
· Familiarize yourself with the place you are about to speak or do a presentation. Arrive early and prepared. Walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone.
· Greet the audience as they arrive. It is much easier to talk to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.
· Practice your speech or presentation and revise it if necessary. If your uncomfortable with your material, your tension will increase.
· Exercise. Relax and take a deep breath before your speech or presentation.
· Visualize. Imagine yourself successfully giving your speech.
· Concentrate on the message. Focus your attention away from your anxieties but on your speech and your audience.
· Twist your nervousness into positive energy and enthusiasm.
Moreover, do not apologize for any nervousness you think you have with your speech, you might be calling attention to your audience to something that they did not even notice. Try to also realize and bear in mind that the people want you to succeed and they do not want you to fail.
So the next time you have a big presentation or a speaking engagement, add some humor to it to shake that nerves off and remember another famous quote from one of the comedy greats, Bill Cosby: Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it.
Darth Vader: The Making of a Monster
Ever since his first appearance in "Star Wars: A New Hope," Darth Vader has slowly attained the status of a cultural icon, a near-universal symbol of villainy and oppression. The all-black attire, the distinct sound of his mechanically-aided breathing, and the imposing nature of his presence earned him a spot as one of the most intimidating fictional characters in history. His mere presence was enough to instill fear and anxiety in his lesser officers and his targets, effectively crippling most resistance forces by merely arriving. Not only was he known for causing fear and anxiety among enemies by reputation, he also caused fear and anxiety by his willingness to strike down his foes from the front lines, something his fellow commanders refused to do.
However, beneath the mask of near-mechanical dominance lay the mind of Anakin Skywalker, a young man confused by his emotions and fearful of his losses. Anakin Skywalker was a man of many traits, some of which led to his eventual transformation into one of the most memorable and sympathetic characters in popular culture. He was extremely loyal to those he cared about, willing to risk anything and everything to help them, and asking only that they be loyal to him in turn. He was a talented Jedi, skilled in mechanics, but somehow wary of why his exceptional talents didn't seem to be enough to earn him the rank of "master." Finally, perhaps on some level, he seemed to buckle under the pressure of what his peers believed him to be. He had a destiny, he was occasionally told, and he often felt the weight of that destiny squarely on his shoulders. These qualities, while generally positive, were eventually exploited by the Dark Side and used to fight the very things he was supposed to protect as a Jedi.
The weight of his destiny pressed upon him a form of performance anxiety, pressuring him and goading him to take more risks. His assumed destiny as "The Chosen One" placed a great burden on his shoulders, one that made him think that he should be able to easily achieve the feats Jedi far older and more experienced than he could achieve only with great difficulty. His performance anxiety eventually was turned into a desire for greater power, and a sense of inadequacy whenever events proved beyond his ability to control. With the right prompting, his performance anxiety became a full obsession with power, one that would drive him to become the second most powerful figure in an oppressive regime.
His increasing ability to use The Force, combined with his perceived lack of recognition from his Jedi Masters, became a twisted form of status anxiety. Indeed, within the films and the novels, he often expressed worry over how he seemed to be ignored by his superiors. His status anxiety led him to believe that his abilities alone should have earned him the rank of Jedi Knight and, later, Jedi Master. The young Jedi's status anxiety was aggravated to near-breaking point when he was appointed a seat within the Jedi Council – the ruling body of the Jedi priesthood – but was denied the rank of "Master," which was something all other members had. This apparent lack of recognition from his peers, combined with the ample praises given to him by those outside the Jedi, slowly built up into arrogance and overconfidence, as well as a resentment over his perceived "persecution."
However, the final nail in the coffin was his loyalty and devotion. He experienced separation anxiety when he was taken away from his mother as a boy. While he eventually learned to suppress it, along with all other negative emotions, it resurfaced and when he learned of his mother's death. His grief turned him into a killer, lashing out against his mother's killers and slaughtering them as if they were animals. His separation anxiety was even worse when he received visions of his wife, Padme Amidala, dying. His unwillingness to accept the inevitability of her death turned into an obsessive form of separation anxiety, making him willing to do whatever was needed to prevent her death. This separation anxiety and readiness to do what he thought must be done was exploited into convincing him to slaughter young and defenseless Jedi, as well as his more talented peers. Indeed, it was the separation anxiety turned into obsession that ultimately led to his downfall and transformation. Although, in some ways, it also led to his eventual redemption.
However, beneath the mask of near-mechanical dominance lay the mind of Anakin Skywalker, a young man confused by his emotions and fearful of his losses. Anakin Skywalker was a man of many traits, some of which led to his eventual transformation into one of the most memorable and sympathetic characters in popular culture. He was extremely loyal to those he cared about, willing to risk anything and everything to help them, and asking only that they be loyal to him in turn. He was a talented Jedi, skilled in mechanics, but somehow wary of why his exceptional talents didn't seem to be enough to earn him the rank of "master." Finally, perhaps on some level, he seemed to buckle under the pressure of what his peers believed him to be. He had a destiny, he was occasionally told, and he often felt the weight of that destiny squarely on his shoulders. These qualities, while generally positive, were eventually exploited by the Dark Side and used to fight the very things he was supposed to protect as a Jedi.
The weight of his destiny pressed upon him a form of performance anxiety, pressuring him and goading him to take more risks. His assumed destiny as "The Chosen One" placed a great burden on his shoulders, one that made him think that he should be able to easily achieve the feats Jedi far older and more experienced than he could achieve only with great difficulty. His performance anxiety eventually was turned into a desire for greater power, and a sense of inadequacy whenever events proved beyond his ability to control. With the right prompting, his performance anxiety became a full obsession with power, one that would drive him to become the second most powerful figure in an oppressive regime.
His increasing ability to use The Force, combined with his perceived lack of recognition from his Jedi Masters, became a twisted form of status anxiety. Indeed, within the films and the novels, he often expressed worry over how he seemed to be ignored by his superiors. His status anxiety led him to believe that his abilities alone should have earned him the rank of Jedi Knight and, later, Jedi Master. The young Jedi's status anxiety was aggravated to near-breaking point when he was appointed a seat within the Jedi Council – the ruling body of the Jedi priesthood – but was denied the rank of "Master," which was something all other members had. This apparent lack of recognition from his peers, combined with the ample praises given to him by those outside the Jedi, slowly built up into arrogance and overconfidence, as well as a resentment over his perceived "persecution."
However, the final nail in the coffin was his loyalty and devotion. He experienced separation anxiety when he was taken away from his mother as a boy. While he eventually learned to suppress it, along with all other negative emotions, it resurfaced and when he learned of his mother's death. His grief turned him into a killer, lashing out against his mother's killers and slaughtering them as if they were animals. His separation anxiety was even worse when he received visions of his wife, Padme Amidala, dying. His unwillingness to accept the inevitability of her death turned into an obsessive form of separation anxiety, making him willing to do whatever was needed to prevent her death. This separation anxiety and readiness to do what he thought must be done was exploited into convincing him to slaughter young and defenseless Jedi, as well as his more talented peers. Indeed, it was the separation anxiety turned into obsession that ultimately led to his downfall and transformation. Although, in some ways, it also led to his eventual redemption.
Machine Embroidery Designs Enhance Wearables & Crafts
Has the machine embroidery bug bitten you yet? Do you want to get into machine embroidery, but just don't know where to start? Do you wonder if the investment is worth it?
About four years ago, I purchased my first embroidery machine, and I have been hooked to the art ever since. I've slowly built a library of designs and I've learned how to hoop, stabilize, and choose the right thread!
I started by researching the vast array of embroidery machines available, many of which also do standard sewing. Machines are priced anywhere from $400 up to many thousands. Search the Internet or go to your local Sew Vac or fabric store for a demonstration! Choose a machine based upon how much embroidery you want to do and what your budget will allow.
To tell the truth, I felt weird about using machine embroidery at first. I wanted to be the designer and I didn't want to depend upon someone else's creativity to make my work look beautiful. Then, I discovered that I had lots of choices and I couldn't resist the designs that are available. I found quilt embroideries that you can use to quilt blocks in the hoop and get better results than using free-motion or a long arm machine. I found all sorts of vintage looks in redwork, bluework, and even lace that you embroider right on a dissolvable stabilizer in the thread color that matches your project best. Of course there are many modern detailed designs in every theme from babies and kids to holidays and weddings.
Embroidery designs are "digitized" from artwork. While most sites sell artwork that can be picked up by many digitizers, some sites selling machine embroidery files such as SWAK Embroidery and You Can Make This also have designs from original hand-drawn art. This means that those designs can only be purchased from those sites and therefore, you won't see them just anywhere.
One great thing about embroidery designs is that they have a color palette selected for you in advance, but you can also adjust the colors to your specifications by choosing from color families and tones. Filled designs are those made up of all embroidered stitches. Appliqué designs allow you to choose fun fabrics to add your own artistic expression to the finished product. If you make some cute cropped pants, but need a matching shirt, find an appliqué design for a tee shirt and use the fabric from the pants in the appliqué to add just the right matching touch.
Some designs are really versatile in that a change of thread color can make the design work for any occasion. Take a balloon design and use thread in your child's favorite colors. Makes realistic looking oak leaves in any color-palette from spring yellows and greens to fall reds, browns, and oranges. Change the colors in a cute cheerleader design or collegiate alphabet to match your school colors. Even merge two designs or add lettering to a design to make it yours, using your embroidery machine or digitizing software.
Is it worth the investment? Definitely! What could be better than to be able to make a professional looking embroidery design either on ready-to-wear or hand sewn clothing, quilts, or other projects. Even create a business for yourself by creating embroidered items for others!
About four years ago, I purchased my first embroidery machine, and I have been hooked to the art ever since. I've slowly built a library of designs and I've learned how to hoop, stabilize, and choose the right thread!
I started by researching the vast array of embroidery machines available, many of which also do standard sewing. Machines are priced anywhere from $400 up to many thousands. Search the Internet or go to your local Sew Vac or fabric store for a demonstration! Choose a machine based upon how much embroidery you want to do and what your budget will allow.
To tell the truth, I felt weird about using machine embroidery at first. I wanted to be the designer and I didn't want to depend upon someone else's creativity to make my work look beautiful. Then, I discovered that I had lots of choices and I couldn't resist the designs that are available. I found quilt embroideries that you can use to quilt blocks in the hoop and get better results than using free-motion or a long arm machine. I found all sorts of vintage looks in redwork, bluework, and even lace that you embroider right on a dissolvable stabilizer in the thread color that matches your project best. Of course there are many modern detailed designs in every theme from babies and kids to holidays and weddings.
Embroidery designs are "digitized" from artwork. While most sites sell artwork that can be picked up by many digitizers, some sites selling machine embroidery files such as SWAK Embroidery and You Can Make This also have designs from original hand-drawn art. This means that those designs can only be purchased from those sites and therefore, you won't see them just anywhere.
One great thing about embroidery designs is that they have a color palette selected for you in advance, but you can also adjust the colors to your specifications by choosing from color families and tones. Filled designs are those made up of all embroidered stitches. Appliqué designs allow you to choose fun fabrics to add your own artistic expression to the finished product. If you make some cute cropped pants, but need a matching shirt, find an appliqué design for a tee shirt and use the fabric from the pants in the appliqué to add just the right matching touch.
Some designs are really versatile in that a change of thread color can make the design work for any occasion. Take a balloon design and use thread in your child's favorite colors. Makes realistic looking oak leaves in any color-palette from spring yellows and greens to fall reds, browns, and oranges. Change the colors in a cute cheerleader design or collegiate alphabet to match your school colors. Even merge two designs or add lettering to a design to make it yours, using your embroidery machine or digitizing software.
Is it worth the investment? Definitely! What could be better than to be able to make a professional looking embroidery design either on ready-to-wear or hand sewn clothing, quilts, or other projects. Even create a business for yourself by creating embroidered items for others!
Acting - The Agent Interview
This can be quite a frightening question. Somebody is asking about you and you're confronted with such a broad and general opening line. How on Earth do you reply?
When you finally get that all important interview with an agent, you want to be as prepared as you possibly can be. You've probably brought copies of your best headshot along with your resumé. Maybe you've even brought a couple of monologues with you in case the agent wants to hear you read something by asking you to "show him what you can do." But before it even gets to that, the first part of the interview is usually very awkward. The truth is, the agent at this time has probably already seen your headshot and resumé and has probably even seen you in some production, maybe a local play. But at this time the agent wants to get to know you personally. Hw wants to know how you present yourself to people in a business setting. Since you will be working with the agent in getting you work, he wants to make sure that you handle yourself professionally in a such a setting.
So the agent asks you to tell him something about yourself. What do you say to him? Actually, you should prepare ahead of time for this question. You don't want to be taken off guard. Just as you have prepared everything else, your headshots, resumé, and monologue, you want to prepare for this question. This is the opportunity to get some experience as a writer. Here you will create the exact monologue that you want to describe yourself. You should memorize it and practice it just as you would a movie script until you have complete confidence in reciting it.
To do this, think about what you want the agent to know about you. Don't just spit back your resumé. The agent has already seen that. You can, however, mention a few highlights. If you have good training with a well known school, mention this. Your agent is going to want to know what you've been doing. Tell him about any lead roles you've done. If not a lead, pick a role you've played that you particularly enjoyed playing, even if it was a small part. Talk about what excites you about being an actor. Tell him what you love about theater or television or whatever medium you're most interested in. Tell him about any interesting hobbies that you have. Agents want to see that you're well rounded and not just one dimensional. Well rounded people usually make good actors. Tell the agent what you feel is unique about yourself. Keep your monologue to under a minute. Agents don't have a lot of time and want to get right to the point.
Finally, remember one thing. If an agent has invited you to an interview he is already interested in you so don't push it. Act natural and be yourself. You will find that by not acting you will have your best chance at getting this agent to represent you.
When you finally get that all important interview with an agent, you want to be as prepared as you possibly can be. You've probably brought copies of your best headshot along with your resumé. Maybe you've even brought a couple of monologues with you in case the agent wants to hear you read something by asking you to "show him what you can do." But before it even gets to that, the first part of the interview is usually very awkward. The truth is, the agent at this time has probably already seen your headshot and resumé and has probably even seen you in some production, maybe a local play. But at this time the agent wants to get to know you personally. Hw wants to know how you present yourself to people in a business setting. Since you will be working with the agent in getting you work, he wants to make sure that you handle yourself professionally in a such a setting.
So the agent asks you to tell him something about yourself. What do you say to him? Actually, you should prepare ahead of time for this question. You don't want to be taken off guard. Just as you have prepared everything else, your headshots, resumé, and monologue, you want to prepare for this question. This is the opportunity to get some experience as a writer. Here you will create the exact monologue that you want to describe yourself. You should memorize it and practice it just as you would a movie script until you have complete confidence in reciting it.
To do this, think about what you want the agent to know about you. Don't just spit back your resumé. The agent has already seen that. You can, however, mention a few highlights. If you have good training with a well known school, mention this. Your agent is going to want to know what you've been doing. Tell him about any lead roles you've done. If not a lead, pick a role you've played that you particularly enjoyed playing, even if it was a small part. Talk about what excites you about being an actor. Tell him what you love about theater or television or whatever medium you're most interested in. Tell him about any interesting hobbies that you have. Agents want to see that you're well rounded and not just one dimensional. Well rounded people usually make good actors. Tell the agent what you feel is unique about yourself. Keep your monologue to under a minute. Agents don't have a lot of time and want to get right to the point.
Finally, remember one thing. If an agent has invited you to an interview he is already interested in you so don't push it. Act natural and be yourself. You will find that by not acting you will have your best chance at getting this agent to represent you.
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