J M Barrie (Author of Peter Pan) - Our Neighbour!

Since moving back to Dumfries, I was surprised to discover that the famous author of Peter Pan J.M. Barrie lived next door at number 6 Victoria Terrace during his years at Dumfries Academy. I was even further intrigued to discover that it was during his time here that the Peter Pan stories were vividly played out in J M Barrie's young imagination whilst playing in a location that is now under threat of disappearing.

James Matthew Barrie was born on May 9th 1860 in Kirriemuir Scotland. He began writing many stories at an early age which he called "thrums" and throughout his life until he died on 19th May 1937 he wrote numerous highly acclaimed novels and plays, however his most famous work Peter Pan (1904) will ensure his place in history.

His story of a boy who refused to grow up, forever avoiding the world of adulthood is famous across the globe and is synonymous with stars such as Michael Jackson and Sir Cliff Richards.

James lived at 6 Victoria Terrace, Dumfries with his older brother Alexander whilst he attended Dumfries Academy from the age of 13 until he was 18. There is an inscription cut into the sandstone façade of the house which reads:

"Sir James Matthew Barrie 1860 - 1937. J M Barrie lived in this house, the home of his brother while a scholar at Dumfries Academy from 1873 to 1878. He regarded his stay in Dumfries as amongst his happiest days. His works include: Dear Brutus, The Little Minister, Quality Street, Peter Pan, The Admirable Crichton, Mary Rose. In 1924 Sir James was made a Freemason of Dumfries the town where Peter Pan was born"

On his first day at the academy he befriended the son of a local solicitor whose family lived at Moat Brae House near the school. One of the sons Stuart Gordon shared James's vivid imagination for pirates and fairies and together with their imaginary pirate crew the large garden at the rear of the house shaped and inspired the story.

Moat Brae and the gardens latterly became a nursing home until it ceased in 1997 when it was sold to a private investor. From this date until April 2008 when it was sold to the Loreburn Housing Association little attention was paid to the fabric and condition of the building and unfortunately it has fallen in to a very sad state of repair, which culminated in 2009 reports that the house may be demolished.

Thankfully the Peter Pan action group are now in the process of establishing the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust to attempt to save the building and gardens in order that they can remain as a lasting reminder of the authors time in Dumfries and especially to preserve the place where the wonderful story of Peter Pan was born.

With 2010 being the 150th anniversary of J M Barrie's birth and March 2010 hosting "Peter Pan Week" lets hope that this historical Georgian House and Gardens can survive and be a significant landmark in the Peter Pan story.

David Irving
Glenaldor House
Bed and Breakfast Dumfries
http://www.glenaldorhouse.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Irving

Learn From the Pros About Art Collecting

The number one best aspect of art collecting, aside from the profits if it's done correctly, is the beauty of the art its self. Oh sure there are other ways to invest your money but very few of them can you decorate your home with in such a way that you can with art.

Art Collecting Tips From the Pros

So then lets explore a few of the basic tenets that professionals go by as they invest their money for joy and profit. A few tidbits of information that you can use to help insure that you get off on the right foot.

So just How Limited is a "Limited" Edition??

The first thing that you need to be aware of is that the phrase limited edition is a very "relevant term". Understand that there are no real guidelines to determine how limited, "limited" really is.

Something Else to Think About

Is what you're buying limited to a thousand duplicate piece or ten thousand? Also, as it pertains to limited edition works, market availability can impact prices greatly. How many are on the market for sale?

Unique One of a Kind Pieces

On a related note: the fact is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to buy "unique one of a kind" pieces to simply bypass the limited edition option. However; unique one of a kind works do require that you do a bit of research.

Exploring Today's Mexican Folk Art

As an example; Mexican folk art is big right now and it's popularity (and value) only continues to rise. Mata Ortiz pottery and Oaxaca (wa-ha-ka) wood carvings are just two examples of this art genre that you can bring home for as little as $100 per piece.

Art From Behind the Old Iron Curtain

Other areas to look to are places in Eastern Europe. In cities like Dresden Germany for example. Dresden is a stellar example of a city that for decades was cut off by the iron curtain that's now experiencing a resurgence of its art community.

Written by Sandy Ferris. Find more information on art collecting and oaxaca wood carvings

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Ferris

Just Changed, Not Gone

"How yah doin?"

"Not too good right now, I miss her, I really do!"

"You are focusing on the wrong thing, she isn't gone, just changed."

"That's nice to say, but unfortunately, I'm afraid it doesn't work."

"Aah, there you go again, thinking I am trying to patronize you. Consider this, when you have a better understanding of what death is, you can see that to waste one moment on regret for the change, is wasting one more precious moment, that you have available to spend, allowing the experience of life to permeate your being.

Do you think for one minute that God would create a plan that was not good? Do you think that by some miracle the plan went wrong, that He looks back and says, "Wow, I put that opportunity before them and they made the mistake, I didn't have a plan for what would happen after that!", no, not how His plan works."

"But what about the idea of mans falling from the perfect, causing death in the first place, He designed us to live forever."

"Who do you think designed the idea of allowing man a way out of sin? Man has been given an opportunity to live forever, when he enters this life, he is given the opportunity to make choices, choices which will bring him closer to peace and joy, or choices that will bring about the need for more time and experiences for him to come to the conclusion that he needs more. God could have made clones, the whole idea here, was to allow us to make choices to experience life."

"But I don't understand why we have to go through life at all, it hurts so much when we lose someone."

"Without the experience of losing, you would not know the expeience of loving, thus you would not exist, nor have a knowing of the love of God."

"What do you mean?"

"Simply this, when the Creator designed this world, He knew we would not know, up without down, bad without good, freedom without laws, peace without turmoil, love without hate, these things have to exist for us to comprehend the emotions He designed us to experience. He makes a way for us to simply enjoy all the pleasures of being alive, by allowing the original design to be our guide. He said, "It is good" we choose not to focus on that good we choose to make things complicated, difficult. We have been given the power within us to enjoy life to the fullest, to know the peace that passes all understanding, however, we choose to focus on the emotion rather than the experience, it is for this reason, He permits us to know that He has a design that will once again unite us with the spirit who leaves this world as we know it."

"But how, when you started this conversation, you said they are not gone, just changed."

"Exactly, that is what has happened, the change we experience by loss is the change that says our loved one was only here in the physical being, not so, the spirit that resides in each of us is an eternal being, living forever from the time it took shape as a spirit, throughout eternity. We do not understand God's creation, that's okay, we don't have to, we just have to trust that what He said is true! He designed us to hear without hearing, as in prayer we, "ask, it is given," also, "we seek and we will find," we, "knock and it shall be opened," these are examples of experiences we have, that are known only by our spirit, not "known" through our physical hearing.

When a loved one leaves our physical existence, we think of them as gone, they are no more gone, than when, as a child your parents taught you not to steal, no one was looking, so you stole, the feelings you experienced then are the same feelings you are permitted to experience now, the presence of their being. You "knew" that your parents were aware of what you did, the feeling you experienced was so powerful that it caused you to live in unrest until the matter passed from the limelight of your thoughts!

We are given a promise from God that everything will be good, that He is in control of life, death, the hereafter, from alpha to omega, or, the beginning to the end, why would we waste a moment looking to ourselves for the answers to any questions we, in our humanity, dare to think He has not prepared for?

So, once again I say, your loved one is not gone, just changed! Believe Him when He says, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you, all things, including believing that all things come together for good for those who love God, and are called according to His purpose. Remembering that His purpose is that we enjoy life, experience goodness, focusing on what is good, knowing joy beyond compare, experiencing the hereafter through eternity, as God has designed it to be!"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_G_Burke

10 Things You Didn't Know About Playing Spades

Never overstate your spades abilities
There could be issues at the cost of testing one's skills. When it comes to spades don't exaggerate your knack. If you have lately started playing spades, you can't find a way to be comfortable with someone who has been a player for 5 years.

Follow the rules
Each region has their rules so always learn the rules if they are new to the team. In this way the chance of losing the game is reduced and you will not have to pretend what you are not. This will help you perform frankly in the game, as you have learned about your role and rules from the very first stage of the game.

Never Play the Blame game
Playing the role of blaming others will not create a healthy game. Blaming someone else will prove you to be a weak and fearful player. In this way, your skills are not considered but you tell the world how unsure you are.

Don't gossip across the board
Chatting across the board is another sign of interruption. You cannot succeed in your game if talk or discuss because your focus is disturbed. The game needs an alert mind not any conversation. So speak less and make your brains work more on the game.

Try only what you can
Do not attempt to stands up, sticks the cards to his forehead, and then have queries rising. Be sure of what you are supposed to do. Do not make a fool of yourself in between the game. Hence it's important to keep your mind on the game at every stage.

Play to succeed
Go ahead with the Aces if you have them. Don't try to get cut by starting out with a 10 of Hearts just to see what others have like that's a real strategy.

Learn to count books and possibilities
Many people hate spades because they don't have the knack to read the tables. If you have 13 cards and only 1 of them is a Heart, it means you have cut cards. That means you probably have more books than you think.

Study the BIG Joker
Make study well and get to know which Joker is the BIG Joker. Asking before you start playing dummy is very important. Choose your associate wisely and you will never face troubles.

Master the slap-and-spin
You ought to master the slap-and-spin whether on the table by itself or on top of other cards. Your cut-card will slap like its life depended on it. Also, know how to spin smartly.

This article has been done by Karen Aquiar who has been part of Board Gaming Info from quite sometime now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Aquiar

Becoming a Model at the Age of 13

Being a successful model without doubt is a very lucrative career and that is why most people would work very hard to become a model. Not only is the model industry a high profile one, but it can also be seen as glamorous and exciting. However, becoming a model is not all champagne and red carpet. It can also be a really challenging and highly grueling business. For an advantage, many people now join the career at a young age; you too can become a model at age 13.

At age 13, a girl has relatively longer tome to learn and master the ropes, build an image and succeed in modeling industry. Models peak during their early to mid 20s and so to become a model at age 13 allows ample time to mature. At this age, the girl's potential for height, weight would be quite visible and predictable. There are also various modeling opportunities already open for a young model of 13. Their still childlike innocent looking faces are also well sought after.

If you desire to become a model at the age of 13 you will need to be ready to work hard at it. First you have to take your present measurement because you obviously are still growing. The usual acceptable height for a female model is about 5 feet 7 inches. At age 13, it is no problem if you do not meet this height yet. Measure your height, bust, hip, shoe and dress size and write it down. Be sure to be accurate with your measurements. The agencies realize that you are still growing but your present size can be used to determine your future growth.

Now you will need to take lots of pictures of yourself. You can get your parents or friends to take clear pictures of your face and body. No need for professional shots just yet as the agents knows what they are looking for. Avoid the use of makeup for the pictures, just take lots of pictures and select the ones you look real good in. The next step to become a model at age 13 is to get an agent.

You likely will not be able to do that at your age, so its best to have a parent or guardian help you out. If you stay around busy towns or cities, it should not be a problem contacting agents. If possible, it's best to book an appointment and go with a parent or guardian to see the agent. You can also mail in your measurements and pictures. It is important to warn that many tricksters and fraudsters abound who pose like modeling agents. So be sure you are dealing with the right people.

If you really want to become a model at age 13 and make it a career, you should know that the road is not only filled with glamour and glitz. You need to work hard, you need to know how to handle rejection (you will be rejected lots of times) and you have to be self disciplined. You need to watch what you eat from now and try to keep fit so you don't gain too much weight. With hard work, a good agent and determination, you too can become a model at age 13

Models Connect is a promotional platform for wannabe as well as professional models. We offer number of different online portfolio options to suit experienced models as well as New Faces. We have over 60 UK based modelling agencies registered with us and browsing daily for models. We are also BERR accredited. Whether you are suited for catalogue modelling, fitness modelling, commercial or fashion modelling, body parts or character, we are the place to be! We will furnish you with knowledge on health, beauty, recommended agencies as well as general modelling industry tips. Check out our website: http://www.modelsconnect.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alicja_Mzyk

Flowers Are For All Occasions

Flowers in everyday life

In modern times, people have sought ways to cultivate, buy, wear, or just be around flowers and blooming plants, partly because of their agreeable smell. Around the world, florists sell flowers for a wide range of events and functions that, cumulatively, encompass one's lifetime:

Flowers as symbols

Daisies are a symbol of innocence.

Gentle and lovely, flowers share their beauty with us and bring us a touch of eternal things. Each variety of flower has its own special quality and meaning. By establishing an inner contact with the flower, this meaning can be known. Many flowers have important symbolic meanings in Western culture. The practice of assigning meanings to flowers is known as floriography. Some of the more common examples include:

Red roses are given as a symbol of love, beauty, and passion.

Poppies are a symbol of consolation in time of death. In the UK, Australia and Canada, red poppies are worn to commemorate soldiers who have died in times of war.

Irises/Lily are used in burials as a symbol referring to "resurrection/life". It is also associated with stars (sun) and its petals blooming/shining.

Flowers speak to us when we know how to listen to them. It is a subtle and fragrant language. The carrying of flowers by the bride goes back to ancient times when it was believed that strong smelling herbs and spices would ward off and drive away evil spirits, bad luck and ill health. During Roman times the bride and groom wore floral garlands signifying new life and hope for fertility.

During Victorian times, flowers took on an additional significance as lovers would send messages to each other using different flowers, each with its own symbolic meaning. These associations were soon adopted for the bridal bouquet and are still used today by many brides.

The most popular flowers with their traditional meanings are:

Almond blossom - Hope

Apple blossom - Good fortune and better things to come

Barberry - Bad temper

Burdock - Touch me not

Camellia - Gratitude

Carnation - Fascination and love

Chrysanthemum - red - I love you

Chrysanthemum - white - Truth

Cyclamen - Modesty and shyness

Daffodil - Regard

Daisy - Innocence

Fern - Fascination and sincerity

Flowering Almond - Hope

Forget-me-not - Remembrance and true love

Gardenia - Joy

Heather - Good luck

Hellebore - Scandal

Heliotrope - Devotion and faithfulness

Honeysuckle - Generosity

Hyacinth - Loveliness

Hydrangea - Boastfulness

Ivy - Eternal fidelity

Iris - Flame/burning love and warmth of affection

Japonica - Loveliness

Jasmine - Amiability

King's Cup - I wish I were rich

Larkspur - Fickleness

Lemon blossom - Fidelity in love

Lilac (white) - Youthful innocence

Lily - Majesty

Lily-of-the-valley - Return of happiness

Magnolia - Perseverance

Maidenhair - Discretion

Marigold - Grief

Meadow Saffron - My best days are past

Mimosa - Sensitivity

Myrtle - Love

Narcissus - Egotism

Orange blossom - Purity and virginity

Orchid - Beauty

Peach blossom - Captive

Pink - Boldness

Rose (red) - Love, happiness

Rose (yellow) - Friendship

Rose (coral) - Desire

Rose (peach) - Modesty

Rose (dark pink) - Thankfulness

Rose (pale pink) - Grace

Rose (orange) - Fascination

Rose (white) - Innocence

Rosemary - Remembrance

Snowdrop - Hope

Sweet Pea - Pleasure

Tulip - red - I love you

Tulip - white - I am worthy of you

Tulip - Love

Veronica - Fidelity

Violet - Faithfulness

Roses - Single Color Meanings

Red roses of any hue say "I love you" (Love)

Deep red roses imply unconscious beauty.

White roses signify spiritual love and purity.

Bridal white means happy love.

Yellow roses today signify joy and gladness; historically, they meant a decrease of love and infidelity (Friendship)

Coral roses imply desire

Orange say "I am fascinated and enthusiastic."

Lavender roses mean love at first sight

Light pink roses imply grace, gentility and admiration

Dark pink roses say"thank you."

Pale-colored roses signify friendship.

The Language of Flowers

Flowers may be combined and arranged so as to express even the nicest shades of sentiment. If a flower is offered "reversed", its direct signification is likewise reversed, so that the flower now means the opposite. A rosebud divested of its thorns, but retaining its leaves, conveys the sentiment, "I fear no longer; I hope." Stripped of leaves and thorns, it signifies, "There is nothing to hope or fear." A full-blown rose places over two buds, signifies "Secrecy." "Yes", is implied by touching the flower given to the lips; "No," by pinching off a petal and casting it away. "I am", is expressed by a laurel leaf twined around the bouquet; "I have", "by an ivy leaf folded together; "I offer you".

Carnations Color Messages

For the most part, carnations express love, fascination, and distinction. Light red carnations represent admiration, while dark red denote deep love and affection. White carnations indicate pure love and good luck; striped symbolize a regret that a love cannot be shared. Purple carnations indicate capriciousness.

Pink carnations have the most symbolic and historical significance. According to Christian legend, carnations first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the Cross. The Virgin Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight, and carnations sprang up from where her tears fell. Thus the pink carnation became the symbol of a mother's undying love, and in 1907 was chosen by Ann Jarvis as the emblem of Mother's Day, now observed in the United States and Canada on the second Sunday in May.

All roses symbolize love, but certain colors of roses can take on special meanings. Opinions vary on the many meanings of roses, but here are some of the more common:

Red: Love, Respect, Courage.

Yellow: Joy, Gladness, Freedom.

Pink/Peach: Gratitude, Appreciation, Admiration or Sympathy.

White: Reverence, Purity, Secrecy.

Two Roses Joined Together: Engagement.

Red and White Roses Together: Unity.

More flower meanings there.

Red rose Love

Yellow rose Friendship

White rose Fear

Pink rose Indecision

Blue rose Uniqueness

Arrangements Reversed flower Meaning is also reversed

Rosebud with leaves but no thorns "I fear no longer; I hope."

Rosebud with neither leaves nor thorns "There is nothing to hope or fear."

Full blown rose over two buds Secrecy

Laurel leaf twined around bouquet "I am"

Ivy leaf folded together "I have"

This Article has been taken from http://www.indiandarbargifts.com/flowers-cakes.htm an online store for sending gifts online.

http://www.indiandarbargifts.com/ is specially made for NRI's settled in UK, US, USA and wish to deliver gifts to their beloveds in India.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nisha_Surana

Doomsday 2012 - Mayan Prophecy Turned Hollywood Movie Or Eighth Event to End the World?

The hype cycle of the film "2012", working full tilt, about the Earth's impending destruction has been so powerful that Nasa representatives have been shunted out to appear on American talk shows to reassure viewers that it simply that: hype. However, they have far from soothed the general public's propensity for panic.

The timing of its release has been impeccable, with only a few weeks left before the Climate Conference in Copenhagen convenes. It is said that the conference, although unlikely to reach international agreement due to perceived unfairness over the burden of responsibility facing the undeveloped world, is essential and that the world's governments must reach a consensus so that a Copenhagen Protocol can be agreed upon, thereby committing all nations to reduce carbon emissions dramatically to prevent further instability over "global warming" and climate change.

On the ground, however, public concern about doomsday in December 2012 has grown exponentially and is spreading internationally, causing almost mass hysteria. Indeed, some Mayan and Nostradamus believers, who predict Earth's ultimate extinction in three years' time, assert that this date will be the dawn of a new age and "spiritual growth" for survivors. Jokingly, a recent New York Times article mocked these soothsayers with: "It is kind of depressing if you were looking forward to taking a vacation from mortgage payments to finance one last blowout."

Today, there are literally mountains of conspiracy theories that inhabit YouTube on the subject, most of which suggest an alignment between the Sun and the centre of the galaxy that will bring about a "radical event", with maximum emission activity storms on the Sun's surface which will pour out massive subatomic particles, known as neutrinos. All of this, astronomers say, is objectionably absurd, akin the putative black hole at CERN. Moreover, they argue, the Sun and the galactic centre will not coincide, as doomsday theorists would have us believe, in 2012.

The essence of this end-is-nigh school of thought is tied in with predictions that Nibiru, a planet supposedly discovered by the Sumerians, is headed toward Earth. The fallout from this, to paraphrase David Morrison, a CSI Fellow and Senior Scientist at the NASA Astrobiology Institute, is that associated attributes to this event encompass a reversal of the Earth's magnetic field, create severe solar storms associated with the eleven-year solar cycle, cause the reversal of the Earth's rotation axis, long with bombardment by large comets or asteroids, and with a fanciful bit thrown into the mix about the Sun aligning with the galactic centre on December 21, 2012, subjecting us to potentially deadly forces.

This now populist theme, based on the Mayan calendar and ways to survive the coming apocalypse, seems to be causing havoc with the minds of the irrationalists and the huge hordes of the psychologically unhinged. According to one website, many people in Russia are saying they are "anxious by problem Nibiru", with one woman asking: "Why doesn't your government put a ban on the TV shows and report telecasting about Nibiru and 2012. If [the] US can [take steps] to protect the world physically from terrorism, why can't it protect us mentally from [this] news, if they are hoax?"

If it's clearly a hoax, then mentally we should ignore it. However, according to Wiki: "There are a variety of popular beliefs about the year 2012. These beliefs range from the spiritually transformative to the apocalyptic, and centre upon various interpretations of the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar. Contemporary scientists have disputed the apocalyptic versions."

Whilst the film's impact on the human psyche is building up to the "event" in 2012, let's not be too hasty about denying the affects of climate change altogether though. While the world's leaders assemble in Copenhagen next month, James Lovelock, a respected voice in the scientific community, said in an article in The Guardian newspaper, "Enjoy life while you can", and talks about the catastrophe that will "inevitably happen" (for the full article see ( http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2008/mar/01/scienceofclimatechange.climatechange ). For interest's sake, let's look at some of the extracts:

"Working alone since the age of 40, Lovelock invented a device that detected CFCs, which helped detect the growing hole in the ozone layer, and introduced the Gaia hypothesis, a revolutionary theory that the Earth is a self-regulating super-organism. Initially ridiculed by many scientists as new age nonsense, today that theory forms the basis of almost all climate science."

Lovelock has been dispensing predictions with consistent accuracy since the 1960s, which have earned him "a reputation as one of Britain's most respected - if maverick - independent scientists."

"His latest book, The Revenge of Gaia, predicts that by 2020 extreme weather will be the norm, causing global devastation; that by 2040 much of Europe will be Saharan; and parts of London will be under water. The most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report deploys less dramatic language - but its calculations aren't a million miles away from his."

"Somewhat unexpectedly, Lovelock concedes that the [Daily] Mail's plastic bag campaign seems, 'on the face of it, a good thing'. But it transpires that this is largely a tactical response; he regards it as merely more rearrangement of Titanic deckchairs."

Then the pièce de résistance: "There have been seven disasters since humans came on the Earth, very similar to the one that's just about to happen. I think these events keep separating the wheat from the chaff. And eventually we'll have a human on the planet that really does understand it and can live with it properly. That's the source of my optimism." Why then, I plausibly ask, after seven "events" already, weren't we the source of our ancestors' optimism?

However, seven disasters already of this magnitude? Is he saying that the micro disaster scenario, that is to be debated by the world's leaders next month in Copenhagen, is a complete waste of time? Well, I suppose he is, yes.

He argues in the piece that: "Most of the things we have been told to do might make us feel better, but they won't make any difference. Global warming has passed the tipping point, and catastrophe is unstoppable. It's just too late for it. Perhaps if we'd gone along routes like that in 1967, it might have helped. But we don't have time. All these standard green things, like sustainable development, I think these are just words that mean nothing."

In this quote there is no allusion to a cyclical macro pattern, but in his interview with The Guardian newspaper ( http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/video/2009/apr/22/james-lovelock-gaia-space-biochar ) he reiterates the coming of the "Eighth Event": "Don't forget that in the Earth's history, while humans have been on the planet - that's about a million years - there have been seven major climate events of this kind. And I think the geneticists say that at one of those events, we were reduced to a mere two thousand individuals; a genetic bottleneck. If that is true, then they are very violent events indeed. And the one up ahead looks every bit as violent, if not more so than the ones that have happened in the past..."

He continued: "As soon as the system grows unstable, it goes into positive feedback. And as the positive feedback strengthens, then any small perturbations, in either direction, get amplified. So the tendency to cooling will give you a really cold winter," he suggests. "More extremes are likely because the system is becoming stressed."

While the greenists run about suggesting that we all plant trees to alleviate the impact of climate change, he warns: "This is the trouble with climate science and green actions: they theorise all the time and never do experiments. Now, people have seemed to have forgotten that experiment and observation are at least half of science." When he planted 1,000 trees years ago he found out it really wasn't a good idea at all, because "you can't plant an ecosystem".

So, while the film "2012" is an obvious and clever marketing hoax - one that is based on the exploitation of human fear in return for quick returns - dig a little deeper into both the micro level (Earth's biosphere) and the macro level (the course and interaction of all celestial bodies) and the conclusion is that we really haven't got a clue about what could potentially become reality; unless, of course, you believe in the stern warnings of Mr Lovelock.

Media Director of V9 Design & Build ( http://www.v9designbuild.com ), providing both local and outsourcing web and SEO services: we provide both brochureware and custom-designed websites, with tasteful design and branding, professional design and build, proven and successful SEO and e-marketing, e-commerce-driven database integration and content management systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Sylvester

What a Shock That Was

Just the other day the sun was shining bright and it was a totally wonderful day. However, I found myself very bored. I didn't feel like mowing the lawn and there was nothing in the garage that really needed my attention so I decided to take a trip to the local shopping mall.

That is a trip I usually try hard to avoid but this time boredom took over. On the way I noticed my gas gauge was reading a little low so I pulled into the station for a fill up.

While the young man was filling my tank with regular the thoughts of an other time flashed across my mind. A time long ago. A time back in the 1950's and 1960's.

At that time gasoline only cost.18 cents a gallon. It didn't break the bank to fill up. And you didn't worry about how far a gallon would take you.

I was just a kid and I had always wanted some kind of hot and fast car. I bought a 1968 Ford ElCamino. It had 3 duce carbs all connected to operate together, an Edelbrok manifold, Mag wheels and mean, wide tires.

It was hot. It would lay a strip of rubber on the blacktop as long as a football field with a massive cloud of white smoke filling the air. Man, what a car.

I was a young kid with the car everybody wanted. But a week after I bought it the cost of gas took a surprising turn. Gasoline shot up in price to.75 cents a gallon.

My dream car with its 3 duce carbs was getting a low 4 miles to the gallon. With High gas prices and low mileage I had a decision to make. Should I keep my dream or sell it?

All my friends said the gas price wouldn't last, it would go back down. Well, I think by now most people would agree, it would not be going back down.

After tearing myself up over that dream car I reached a decision. I was young but married and had twin boys. So feed the gas tank or feed the kids. The kids won. I sold the car. But is was fun for the 2 or 3 week that I owned it.

The boy at the station handed me my gas receipt and I saw that I had just put $40 dollars in the tank.

Ok, down the road I went headed for the mall. I'm a man so the first place I went was quite naturally the tool department. I found a nice dremal tool and threw it into my shopping basket.

Then while wandering around I spotted a shirt that looked good. I found one in my size and it went into the basket. A new shirt deserves a new pair of blue jeans so into the basket they went.

As I said, I'm a man so I don't usually do the shopping. I'm usually only there to push the shopping cart around. My wife takes care of the shopping and the check out so I was really shocked when I paid out.

With the small amount in that little shopping basket I just lost over hundred dollars. Damage done I took my prize to the car and carefully loaded it in.

While I was there I thought I might as well pick up something for dinner so I went back in and started a journey down the rows of food in the grocery section of the store.

I saw cans of food like corn and peas and many others and I also saw the price listed on the front of the shelf. What I paid 35 or 45 cents for was not shouting "buy me, buy me" and the prices were 3 and 4 dollars per can. The cereal was just as bad. A.39 cent box was now crowding $5.00.

I found the meat department and tossed a couple of steaks into a basket along with some salad fixins and went to pay out. Another shock. Two little steaks were over $10.00. Wow, get me outta here.

As I left I heard on the car radio that movie theaters were going to raise the cost of movie tickets to $15.00 per ticket and I thought about movies when I was a kid.

I could go, and did go, to the movies two times each week and watch two full length movies, a cartoon, a serial, upcoming previews and a newsreel. We could easily waste away 5 or 6 whole hours in entertainment and we did it all for only one half dollar. Just.50 cents would entertain us for a long time.

What do you get at the movies today? One movie and you are out the door. And it only cost $15.00.

(for those of you who may or may not remember, a serial was like a movie divided into short segments of about 20 or 30 minutes each that were shown one segment with each new movie change. The idea was so you would come next week to see the next segment.)

Things have changed so much over the years that I think I will never leave my house again. What I wouldn't give to return to those cheap old days.

Len Roe is the Owner and CEO of Diversified Distribution of Oregon. He is also the author of several books and has written articles for both business and pleasure. Some of his articles are humorous and emotional. To see more of what he has written go here: http://www.InternetMoneyInfo-noscams.com
and here: http://www.BoysElectronicToys.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Len_Roe

Painting Cloth - Less Women, Nude Female

It was the period where I was uncertain about the way I would travel on and the manner I would conduct my life. Nor I had thought about being an artist, when I was running in my rough twenties. But one thing was certain I liked the figurative paintings most. I liked to look at the sensual skin painted by Raphael and Renoir. But my favourite was William Bouguereau; I was wondering about the impossibility of painting such photo-realistic paintings of cloth-less women.

Figurative Art: Most of the figurative artists experience that the beauty is beyond the figure of a model. This leads an artist to infuse his or her ideas of beauty to ascribe to the model first; and then to paint the same on a canvas. This is the reason why the eyes of viewers looking at that painting would find something 'body plus' in it. A figurative painting is not the photocopy of a model that had been before the artist while he put the colours on canvas. The artists add the element of beauty through the artistic endeavours.

In most of these paintings or drawings the curvy parts of female bodies are depicted for visible purpose of attracting the attention of male viewers. Very often this type of depiction is meant to find the attracted eyes, and not the eyes who are really interested in the art of painting. I would say that these paintings have used the natural beauty of the human body as an object rather using it as a subject of artistic depiction.

The Artist: Bouguereau was an artist who painted the human figures as realistically as possible. There is a class of artists and art lovers who believe since ages that a realistic figurative painting would be suggestive of some undesired element attached with the corporeal desires. If we look at the paintings by Bouguereau, we would tend to go away from this belief.

For reading similar articles with images, visit the following links.

WHOLE BODY PAINTING

PAINTING CLOTH-LESS WOMEN

The article sent is original one, and I am not connected with any person or company attached with publishing business. I write the articles using what I have read in various newspapers and websites freely available to the public.

Apart from doing literary writing - I'm a writer, a novelist - I try to see how a particular event would and could affect people living in its immediate surround.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naval_Langa

What Should Not Matter (Chapter Three)

Rosa and Britta entered the Blue Star. It being a large well lit diner that made use of its position at the corner of the street by having entrances on both sides. It could also be said that the "Blue Star" was just that, with everything in the place being a dark blue; making it seem as if one were eating at the bottom of the ocean. There was also a casual relaxing grace about this place which its patrons seemed to appreciate, specially those who like Britta went there on their lunch break.

It was the Blue Star's lunch hour crowd which forced them to take seats at the long round counter that surrounded the cooking area. It being there where they were attended by Juan, the black waiter from Costa Rica. "Hola, Rosa como estas? And how are you today Britta? And what can I get you senoritas today? Here is the menu, you look at it and tell me what you want I be back." were the words from their sometimes overly friendly waiter; who was so busy that he did not even have time to stand around and gab or hear their reply to his question.

"Britta, what you recommend I have today? You know what is best for me and Geraldito, like you know I will call him." was what Rosa cried out to Britta, trying to be heard over the roar of those who were also eating at the Blue Star. "Rosa you eat what you want, you know what to avoid and as I have already told you your weight is what it should be." was Britta response as she knew that most expecting mothers liked to be reassured of what they already knew to be true.

"Ok, I'll tell you what, since today is your turn to invite, I will have what ever you are having." was Rosa's reply who seemed tired to the point of not even wanting to look over the menu. Today, there was something about Rosa that Britta had taken notice of. It giving her the sensation that Rosa was waiting for the appropriate moment to tell her something or perhaps ask her for a favor and it was while looking over the choices on the menu that she could feel Rosa's eyes on her; as if she were analyzing if now was the appropriate moment to say what thoughts her mind was turning over.

There was something in Rosa's tone when she said "Britta" that told her she wanted something from her which she felt uneasy about asking. It was as if she were making a request on someone else's behalf or as if she were about to ask her something which she would have to think over, like weather or not she would agree to being Geraldito's godmother.

"Britta" now Rosa repeating her name for a second time, as if she wanted her to stop looking at the menu (which was no longer needed since Britta had already made up her mind) and look her in the eyes; as she was going to ask something of importance. Britta at that point looked into Rosa's green eyes, reading that there was something on her mind which she could see Rosa needed to ask. So Britta, not wanting to assume that Rosa would ask something of her simply said in her typically calm Nordic voice "Yes, Rosa what is it?"

Rosa was a person who was very talkative, exceeding any Britta had ever known but she noticed that on some occasions Rosa found it hard to articulate and she sensed that this was one of them. Britta at that point knew that Rosa wanted something from her but needed perhaps a little push or motivation from her to say what she seemed to be so desperately trying. Britta at that moment more as an instinct than anything else took Rosa's right hand (Rosa sitting on Britta's left, occupying the rotating stool next to hers) with her left, which was the closest one and then rotated her stool to where these two women were facing each other. As Britta was now holding Rosa's left hand with both her hands while looking her straight in the eye in a show of affection that Rosa had never known her Swedish friend to have. It was a look that at first even frightened Rosa but then as she saw a southing smile break from Brittta's lips (it traveling all through Britta's face, making Rosa secure of talking to a friend), who at that moment had also been taken by the feeling of wanting to give warmth through a simple physical act of holding hands.

Rosa at that moment felt a sensation she had gotten from very few people in her life, her parents, brother, and late husband being those who had given her the confidence to express herself like Britta was now supplying her with. "Britta, you remember my brother or me telling you about he,?" were Rosa's words which she said in a tone of voice that showed how relaxed she was. "Yes, I remember you telling me about him. You mentioned that he is a boxer who lives in Florida, who is quit well known but why do you ask?" were Britta's words which also showed relief. As it had been the not knowing that had led her to worry but she could now see that there was no need.

As Rosa went on slowly, much more than usual, pausing between words as if she were crossing a mine field; not knowing what Britta's reaction would be or as if she were unsure of her own English. "Well, how can I tell you? He is going to have a fight, his first in New York, in Madison Square Garden and it's a very important for his career as a professional." Rosa's voice starting to fill with a certain pride as she continued "My bother has asked me to get him a doctor, see he need doctor because his old doctor from Panama is retiring and he needs a doctor to look at him, please (now her voice taking on that desperate tone of someone who is in need of a friend or someone's help) can you be his doctor? Of course you would be well paid. He like I tell you, my brother is a top ranked contender so you he would pay you well.".

Britta was now taken aback by this request, as it was one she never expected anybody to make. She was confused and did not know what to say; on the one hand this was the sort of request which if from anybody else she would have refused without thinking it twice but this was different. She being from a country where people never made quick decisions needed to get more information which she thought to do. "Rosa (saying this as it was now Rosa who was holding her left hand with her right while looking at her with those eyes of hers that were imploring as much as her voice) I can't say yes till I know more about what your brother wants and how much time he wants me for. I can imagine he will pay me, that is not the problem but what would I have to do for him, would he want me to go to his fights?" were Britta's words said in the insecurity of someone who is being asked to do something she really did not want to do but on the other hand did not have the character to say no.

"I am not really sure what you would have to do for him, that he could explain to you but I think his old doctor used to go to his fights and from time to time he would go for a check up but I don't really know. It's best you talk to him but I would like you to be his doctor because I feel I can trust you. We need someone who will tell us the truth because sometimes my brother's manager want to make him box when he has injury, you know to make money.". Rosa's request was so bizarre that it was something Britta never thought she would be asked. She even had trouble imagining what it was that she would be doing. Would she be required to wait ringside for Rosa's brother and check between rounds what toll the punches thrown by his opponents had taken on his face and body.

At this time Britta was really trapped between not wanting to change her professional life and wanting to help her friend. As she could see how this was something of magnitude to Rosa and on the other hand extra money would never be unwelcome; as she could always see him after hours at the hospital. She really did not know what to do. She would have to think about it but how to say it? How to tell Rosa that she needed time to make such decisions, without her friend getting the wrong impression that she was refusing. Rosa could see the emotions in Britta which had become mixed and decided it would be better to let her think it over, so she with the desire of not causing further strain on her friend said "You don't have to decide now, you can think about it but please promise me you will see my brother and let him explain it to you; ok?". in a voice that let Britta know that she was also capable of understanding the dilemma her friend might be experiencing. Britta however did not fail to notice the look on Rosa's face, as she said this in the tone and with the look that one friend uses which says that come what may their friendship would not evaporate.

Britta at that moment stepped out of herself; laughing in disbelieve at her own decision and while still keeping her hand in Rosa's; said "Ja, (yes in Swedish) I will do it!" in a voice of someone who has just been convinced of something she never thought she would be. Now, Rosa's joy was visible (like the time she had told her she was expecting) with one of those spontaneous reactions that were so like her Latin American friend, as her voice went to one of cheer when she said "Ok, you will talk to my brother?".

"No, I will do it, I will be your brother's doctor." were the words Britta said in her own Swedish accent but using her friend's enthusiastic way of expression. As if she had caught some of her Central American friend's flair which she at first found a little exaggerated. Rosa's feelings of delight took over her and made her hug her friend quicker than she could realize what she had done. Britta, however much to her own even further surprise welcomed her friend's hug and didn't even mind her friend's kiss, which she even felt good about, as it let her know how much her service as a doctor would mean.

"Senoras, que pasa aca porque tanta felicidad?" (Spanish for "ladies, why so much joy?") was what they heard Juan say that interrupted that which they were sharing as they turned away from one another to face the counter. "Juan (now Britta speaking for both of them said) Rosa and I will have the same thing. So we'll take the chicken special with the Greek salad and two cokes." "Ok, coming up senorita Britta.", Juan cried out as he jotted down their order on his pad.

"What did Juan say?" was Britta's question as she continued savoring the moment she and her friend had shared. "Oh, it is nothing. He asked why we are so happy?" was Rosa's reply with the relief that she and her friend would become closer, as she was going to be not only meeting her brother but working for him as well.

Suddenly, the sound which Rosa feared the most was heard. This given it brought back memories which Britta knew from where of they came. It was the sound she recognized as the one her phone made whenever it was receiving a text message. It was this sound which always caused in her the same reaction of near panic that on this occasion rushed her to quickly get to her phone; her having placed it in her left leg pocket of her overalls. As she opened the phone ( first looking through the window on the phone) she saw that the message was from her brother. The message whose content bought her relieve (as it was nothing to worry about) was "Le has dicho a tu amiga la doctora lo que te pedi? Y cuando me va poder ver me para hablar? Derrepente manana antes o despues de tu concierto el que tu me dijiste sera en el Parque Central podemos invitarla a algun lugar o en tu casa?". (Have you told your friend the doctor what I asked? And when can we get together and talk? Maybe tomorrow before or after your concert in Central Park? We can take her somewhere or at your place.)

"It's from my brother Manuel, he asked me if I asked you to be his doctor, he asked me if he could speak to you maybe tomorrow before or after my concert at the park or at my place or maybe we go out somewhere for a drink? (now her voice and face showing the idea that had hit her) Why you don't meet my brother here and then you two go to my concert together? He could meet you after work. You know tomorrow I can't meet you till after the concert because I am going to be busy, so why don't you meet him here yourself and he will tell you what he wants from you. Is that Ok?" cried out Rosa as she put her right arm around Britta; to thank her once again for what she was about to do for her brother.

"Ok, tell your brother I will meet him here tomorrow at 18:00, after work and he can tell me what he wants from me and give me his medical records.", Britta replying in her relaxed Swedish voice which came in sharp contrast to Rosa's anxiety while sharing a laugh which was drowned out by the overall noise in the diner. It was at this point that Rosa felt the confidence she needed to send her brother a reply to his SMS, telling him that her doctor and best friend (since the death of her spouse) was also going to be his doctor.

"Senoras, (this word making both Britta and Rosa look up) excuse me. Here are your orders, both of you have the same today. So, buen apetito." was Juan, the "friendly waiter" or "simpatico waiter" as he was known to his customers; telling Rosa and Britta that their orders had been served. Britta and Rosa both looked at each other and at their meal which was on the counter and then at Juan, who was still waiting behind the counter with both his hands at his sides as if waiting for them to say something. "Thank you" was what they said together as Juan looked at them. "Excuse me, Britta but do you mind if I speak Spanish to Juan?" Rosa asked Britta, who not being able to answer in words, as her mouth was full simply nodded in the affirmative to Rosa; who started conversing with Juan.

"Manana va venir mi hermano, tu te acuerdas que te dije quien es el?".(tomorrow my brother is coming, you remember I told you about him?) "Si como no, el es el boxeador, el nuevo mano de piedra Panameno, yo he visto sus peleas, yo como tu sabes soy un gran fanatico del boxeo, el va pelear en el Madison Square Garden pronto contrata un Koreano para ponerse entre uno de los contendientes al titulo" (Yes, of course he is a boxer, he is the new Panamenian "hand of stone", I have seen some of his fights. I as you know am a great boxing fan. He is going to be fighting at Madison Square Garden against a Korean fighter in order to become one of top contenders for the title) was Juan's reply in his perhaps not loud but enthusiastic way of speaking that reminded Britta of a radio announcer.

Britta loved hearing people speak Spanish, as she loved its melody which she could understand most of as she was a fluent speaker of Portuguese; which she learnt during her long stay in Brazil. "Si, es cierto lo que has dicho pero yo te lo mencione a mi hermano porque manana va estar en Nueva York para ver mi concierto en el Parque Central y lo pienso mandar aca" (yes, it is true what you said but the reason I am talking about him is because he is coming to New York for my concert in Central Park and I am thinking of telling him to have lunch, here) was Rosa's answer which surprised Juan at the thought of having a celebrity in his father's diner. "Que bien que tu hermano va venir aqui pero no entiendo, tu lo vas a mandar que no va a venir contigo?"(That's great your brother is coming here but I don't get it, your sending him here, isn't he coming with you?) Was Juan asking in confusion. "Si, mira lo que passa es que yo manana voy a estar demasiado ocupada con lo del concierto que vamos a dar en el Parque Central y por lo tanto el va tener que venir aca solo, para encontrarse con Britta" (yes, it turns out that tomorrow I am going to be too busy with the concert which we are giving in Central Park and that's why he is going to have to come here tomorrow and meet Britta by himself) was Rosa's reply to Juan, who she could see from the look on his face that suddenly something had occurred to him which he said "Oye, como la va reconocer tu hermano quien es tu amiga? Acaso el la visto?" (Listen, how is your brother going to know who your friend is? Has he seen here?).

Rosa suddenly started thinking about what he had said as Britta continued eating her lunch, not really paying attention to what was being said. "Britta, you remember what my brother looks like? I showed once his picture but that was when he was very young; maybe you won't recognize him tomorrow when you come? I have idea, maybe you send him an MMS from your phone, that way he will have your number and your photograph so he know who you are and he can call you if he has a delay tomorrow." Rosa said to Britta, whom she could tell from her prickly smile was shy about doing such things; prompting Rosa to say "Come on, don't be shy.". "Ok, now I send him my photo by MMS with a message telling him it's me and my number, he reads English doesn't he?" was Britta's reply to Rosa who just said "Yes, he speaks".

Juan then (who overheard while attending the client next to Britta and Rosa) said in his joking manner, while Britta handed her phone to Rosa saying "Please, take my photo". "Si, es una buena idea mandale el MMS si, no tu hermano no la conoce, y yo creo que tu hermano le va gustar esta, gringinta." (Yes, it's a good idea, send her an MMS, if your brother does not know her, I think your brother will like this, gringa)."Oye, ten cuidado lo que paras diciendo de mi amiga y presta atencion porque ella entendiende el castellano porque habla el Portuges, que tu lla sabes es muy parecido al nuestro idioma!"(hey, you watch your mouth when you talk about my friend and be careful she understands Spanish because she speaks Portuguese which like you know is similar to our language) were Rosa's slightly indignant words which she gave as an order to Juan as she handed Britta back her phone, after having taken her photo (which Britta posed for by smiling, after trying to fix her hair with her hands) so Britta could write a message which would accompany the MMS to be sent to Manuel's number; Rosa having already given this number in case of emergency.

"Y quien dijo algo malo de tu amiga? Yo simplemente dicia que tu hermano probablemente le va gustar tu amiga, porque yo creo que ella es el tipo de mujer que les gusta a nosotros los latinos." (What did I say? All I am saying is that your brother will probably like your friend because you know how Latin men like her type.). Britta who had understood the general idea of what Juan said after having sent the MMS said "Si, yo se que los chicos Latinos, le gusta las Suecas rubia, incluso mas que los chicos Suecos, yo me dar cuenta de esto cuando estube en Brasil como me miraban los muchachos, mucho mas que en Suecia donda miran mas las latinas como Rosa." (Yes, I know how Latino Boys like blonde Swedish girls, I noticed this when I was living in Brazil, they way the men looked at me. A lot more than they did in Sweden where they look at Latinas like Rosa) was Britta's comeback in Spanish which surprised both her listeners; who could see that something had come of the private Spanish lessons she had been taking. "You speak good Spanish, but excuse me I have go back to my work, enjoy your meal." Juan said laughing to himself.

After that the two senoritas got to their meal which they ate in almost complete silence, as none of them could afford to use up much time for lunch; specially with schedules that did not allow them the freedom that other people enjoyed. During their meal however they did go over how Britta would spend the following night at Rosa's apartment, a place where she had already spent many a night; on the evenings which she had gone to see Rosa play with the New York Philharmonic. Britta not only had spent the night at Rosa's apartment but even had a closet full of her clothes which she kept for special occasions; on which she would have to dress up.

At about 12:50, Britta suddenly realized as she had finished her lunch that time had come for her to go back to work; prompting her to say "Listen Rosa, I have to go back to work but I see you are not finished with your meal, so why don't you stay and I will call you (just then Britta was interrupted by the sound of an SMS reaching her phone) later to see how you are doing and don't worry. I will meet your brother here tomorrow after work at six pm and here is 20 dollars. This should be enough to cover our lunch." in a voice that like herself never showed how in a hurry she was, as she got up to leave the diner and her friend Rosa; to go back to the hospital where she would have to do her rounds. Just as Britta stood up and was about to leave, Rosa while looking at her friend standing over her (after having placed Britta's 20 dollar bill on the counter to pay the bill they had yet to ask for) joyfully said "Takt (thank you in Swedish) for everything but don't call me. I have to practice, better we chat tonight on Skype, I'll be on after 8." as her friend left her with the hurried words "OK, hey doff" (good bye in Swedish).

My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. I also am the author of the book entitled New York's Opera Society which is now available on Amazon.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gianni_Truvianni

Make Recognition Dinners and Awards Banquets Special With Entertainment

Make Recognition Dinnerswould agree with the fact that including a good form of awards banquet entertainment is important as well. And if you are going to organize similar events, you must be aware of what to look for and how to choose your banquet entertainment.

Awards banquet entertainment? How exactly will that help you and your event?

First of all, events like these are geared towards showing gratitude to the efforts and accomplishments of people. Apart from serving them with good food, it is a must that you let them enjoy the event. Enjoy not just by eating, but literally enjoy the whole event. Here is when awards banquet entertainment comes in.

Yes, good food is important but good entertainment is as important as well. Providing a good and appropriate entertainment to your awards banquet will make your event extra special. Aside from letting your audience have fun, entertainment will keep your audiences attention from drifting away. Apart from that, good awards banquet entertainment will serve as a motivation for people attending the event to look forward to future occasions.

What are the things that you should remember in order to pull off an effective awards banquet entertainment?

Hire entertainers whose humor is compatible with your audience. There are a lot of performers and entertainers out there. You have to select those who will deliver jokes and acts that will be comfortable for your audience to laugh about.

Next is try to go for an act that involves audience participation. Let us admit it... awards banquet can be a bit long and dragging. Having an act that will encourage your audience to participate, talk, move, and interact will keep the event alive, and prevent people from feeling bored.

In corporate banquets, it will be better if you get an entertainer who could incorporate your company, products, principles, and even strategies with their performances as this would add up to your workers' morale and motivation.

If you are going to hire performers, see to it that you have the equipments that she or he will need, like microphone, microphone stands, speakers, music players, and even a large space if she or he is going to perform an extraordinary act. It is best if you hire an entertainer who fits with your resources, or if not, you can hire someone and adjust a bit in order to give him or her the needed equipments.

So there you have it. Things to remember when preparing an awards banquet entertainment have been given. Do not forget them as these would help you with your future event planning.Have you ever attended an event that has been prepared to give recognition, distribute awards, or show gratitude to the efforts and accomplishments of several people? If you have, then you would agree when I say that in events like these, meals are usually incredible and venues are commonly carefully chosen... How about the entertainment? I think you would agree with the fact that including a good form of awards banquet entertainment is important as well. And if you are going to organize similar events, you must be aware of what to look for and how to choose your banquet entertainment.

Awards banquet entertainment? How exactly will that help you and your event?

First of all, events like these are geared towards showing gratitude to the efforts and accomplishments of people. Apart from serving them with good food, it is a must that you let them enjoy the event. Enjoy not just by eating, but literally enjoy the whole event. Here is when awards banquet entertainment comes in.

Yes, good food is important but good entertainment is as important as well. Providing a good and appropriate entertainment to your awards banquet will make your event extra special. Aside from letting your audience have fun, entertainment will keep your audiences attention from drifting away. Apart from that, good awards banquet entertainment will serve as a motivation for people attending the event to look forward to future occasions.

What are the things that you should remember in order to pull off an effective awards banquet entertainment? Hire entertainers whose humor is compatible with your audience. There are a lot of performers and entertainers out there. You have to select those who will deliver jokes and acts that will be comfortable for your audience to laugh about.

Next is try to go for an act that involves audience participation. Let us admit it... awards banquet can be a bit long and dragging. Having an act that will encourage your audience to participate, talk, move, and interact will keep the event alive, and prevent people from feeling bored.

In corporate banquets, it will be better if you get an entertainer who could incorporate your company, products, principles, and even strategies with their performances as this would add up to your workers' morale and motivation. If you are going to hire performers, see to it that you have the equipments that she or he will need, like microphone, microphone stands, speakers, music players, and even a large space if she or he is going to perform an extraordinary act. It is best if you hire an entertainer who fits with your resources, or if not, you can hire someone and adjust a bit in order to give him or her the needed equipments.

So there you have it. Things to remember when preparing an awards banquet entertainment have been given. Do not forget them as these would help you with your future event planning.

For 25 year, Funny Business Agency has been a top resource for companies and event planners looking for expertise in the corporate entertainment market. With over 3,000 entertainers and events nationwide, Funny Business has provided entertainment for such companies as Legos, General Foods, Kelloggs, Pfizer, Honda Transmissions, Frito Lay, Iams, Proctor & Gamble, Perrigo and more.

You can check out more at: http://www.funny-business.com/corporate-entertainment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Yoder
New York Building Congress salutes four extraordinary industry and government leaders: 2007 Industry Recognition Dinner Honors John M. Dionisio, Mary-Jean ... An article from: Real Estate WeeklyA Gift of Music Volume II (Conwell Recognition Dinner 10/19/2000)New York Building Congress salutes four extraordinary industry and government leaders: 2007 Industry Recognition Dinner honors John Dionisio, Mary-Jean ... An article from: Real Estate WeeklyNew York building congress salutes industry's best: 2005 Industry Recognition Dinner Honors Marilyn Jordan Taylor, Gene McGrath, Howard Hirsch, Philip ... An article from: Real Estate WeeklyMary McLeod Bethune Recognition Dinner; Saturday, July 24, 1993, TheLakeview Club ... Oakland, California.

Whither the World's Fair?

The moniker "Expo 2017" is currently being bandied about in North America. In the US, various optimists, often plain vanilla citizens like you and me, have launched web sites and forums promoting a return of the world's fair--or Expo 2017 in this case--to America. In Canada, at least four cites and/or organizations have recently promoted the idea of an "expo", with one of the first efforts publicly unveiled in Montreal in 2007.

In America, the idea of a world's fair--an officially sanctioned one, that is, will conceivably remain a distant dream until Washington comes to its diplomatic senses and rejoins the Bureau of International Expositions, or BIE--the governing body in Paris which awards world's fairs in much the same fashion as the IOC decides who gets to hold the next Olympic Games. Just like the Olympics, an aspiring world's fair applicant is required to invest a considerable amount of energy and expense putting together a bid, and, of course, impressing the appropriate officials.

Unless, perhaps, you're the city of New York which, after a clash with French dignitaries, decided to hold its 1964/1965 World's Fair without BIE approval. At the time, superpower America had enough clout that many of the nations who were subsequently prohibited by the BIE from participating decided to show up anyway, posing as trade and tourist organizations.

Right after New York, and only a skip across the border, the city of Montreal staged what is often considered to be the most successful (and BIE approved) world's fair of all time. Set on a sprawling venue of two man-made islands and a peninsula in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, Expo 67 introduced a number of technological and cultural "firsts"--including the now ubiquitous moniker "expo" itself.

There are "expos" for everything now, from computers to kitty litter, while the mighty world's fair that spawned these cheap imitations hasn't been seen in North America for decades. Even if a city here managed to secure an official bid for "Expo 2017" it would be for a much smaller affair, a "recognized" expo limited by the BIE to 25 hectares exhibition area. That's because there have always been two types of world's fairs, a very large one (a "universal expo") and, in-between, a smaller one (a "special expo")--both of which are now, respectively, called "registered" and "recognized" fairs. In 2017, unfortunately, only the smaller recognized expo is allowed.

Nevertheless, I would argue that the world's fair not only needs a major boost in North America, but that North America desperately needs another world's fair. No other event has the collective potential to attract a huge audience to the latest cultural and scientific endeavours humankind has to offer. With our planet in the precarious state we have put it in, and North America no longer as influential and respected as it used to be, a world's fair, properly staged and presented with the latest social and environmental initiatives, could be the political and technological beacon of hope this continent is yearning for.

Of course, that might mean that Expo 2017 would need to encompass a great deal more than 25 hectares exhibition area and would need to address a lot more than the narrowly restricted theme (the fair's purpose) officially allowed by the BIE for a smaller "recognized" expo. This could be done, with a little creative thinking (and without resorting to New York's 1964 strategy), but that's for another article to address.

Richard Barham is executive director of Expo 17, a non-profit organization campaigning to bring a sustainable world's fair to North America.

For more info, join the debate: Expo 2017 - expoVOX
http://www.expo2017.ca

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Barham