Wyeth Grants or loans

The Wyeth Foundation awards grants to institutions and individuals who share its vision.

The Wyeth Foundation for American Art focuses on painting rather than the other visual arts. Grants, awarded to museums, art institutions and non-profits are meant to encourage the study and appreciation of American art. It's uncommon for an individual to receive a direct grant from the Foundation, but art institutions, notably the museums associated with the Smithsonian Institution, use funding from the Wyeth Foundation to award grants to outstanding artists and scholars who share its vision.

The Wyeth Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship

The Wyeth Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship, awarded to scholars working on their dissertations, focuses on the traditions of American art. Administered by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery, the fellowship includes access to the museum's huge research library, the Archives of American Art and research databases. Grantees work in the offices of the American Art Museum in Washington, DC. Grant recipients receive a cash award for one year, plus travel and research allowances. Applications are graded on the quality of the proposed research project, the applicant's academic qualifications and experience.

The Wyeth Fellowship

Administered by the National Gallery of Art's Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, the Wyeth Fellowship provides a grant for two years of work on a dissertation related to American Art, in particular native and Pre-Revolutionary aspects. Grantees must be in residence for one of two years at the Center. An additional year of study in the United States or abroad is also funded, and the Center contributes to the publication of a book for first time authors. Applicants, considered only through nomination by the chair of a university art history department, must be fluent in two languages as well as English.

College Art Association Fellowships

The Wyeth Foundation funds a grant awarded by the College Art Association to graduates finishing an MFA the year following the award. The award is open to all graduate students in the visual arts, but grantees must be members of CAA. Grants, awarded without contingencies, may be used for anything in any way related to the artist's work. Honorable mentions receive a complimentary membership to the College Art Association and registration at the annual conference.

Other Grants

The Wyeth Foundation awards grants to institutions presenting exhibitions in the Foundation's areas of interest and to individuals for projects promoting American Artists. In 2008, a University of Delaware Professor Emeritus received a grant to continue his preparation of artist Thomas Eakin's letters for publication. The Wilmington Library received funds to index and preserve original illustrations from children's books published from the 1940s through the 1960s. Grant requests are considered twice a year at the Foundation's board meeting.

Colored Pencil Painting Fundamentals

Colored Pencil Painting Basics

Most people think of art produced with colored pencils as a drawing. This two dimensional medium is referred to as a painting. Let's explore the basics of painting with colored pencil. This will be the first part of a series of lessons on colored pencils.

Instructions

1. Colored pencils come in three categories: Wax-Based, Oil Based, Water-Soluble, and Blender or colorless colored pencils. Wax-Based pencils are dry and the most common colored pencil. The leads are soft and thick or hard and thin. These pencils break most often. Oil-based pencils have harder leads which means less breakage and longer lasting. The pigment is bound together with vegetable oil. Water-soluble are the common watercolor pencils. An emulsifier is added to the binder, and the pigment can be liquefied and used like watercolor. Colorless colored pencils consist of binder without pigment These are used to mix colors together, and burnish. Colored pencils are applied with two basic strokes: Circular, and Linear. The circular strokes are most often used for smooth surfaces with granular textures such as sand. Linear strokes show strong contours and textures such as wood grain.

2. A simple sphere is a good beginning exercise. This first step should all be done with a light touch. Once colored pencil is committed to paper, it can't ever be completely erased. To begin, draw a circle with a 2B graphite pencil. Using a Verithian colored pencil, draw lines next to the graphite lines. Now gently erase all the graphite lines with a kneaded eraser.

3. Layering Technique: This is the basic colored pencil technique.

1. Using a circular stroke, apply Tuscan Red to the outline of a sphere. This is the darkest value first.

2. Layer Crimson Lake over the Tuscan Red. Let it overlap to the center of sphere.

3. Start again at edge and over lap the first two colors with Scarlet Lake.

4. Layer Carmine Red over the other colors, but leave a small part bear. This will depict a highlight.

That completes the first lesson.

Fix Faded Vehicle Fresh paint

Fix Faded Car Paint

A car's paint fades due to a combination of time and ultraviolet rays from the sun. Given enough of each of these factors, even a beautiful, bright red paint job will end up as a dull, faded red. This will happen faster on older cars, as they usually do not have a clear coat that protects the initial paint job. Fortunately, in about one weekend, you can restore most faded paint jobs.

Instructions

Basic Polishing Technique

1. Wash the dirt off of your vehicle with car wash soap and a sponge. Make sure you clean off everything you can, as this will have a direct impact on how well you can repair the faded paint.

2. Dry off your vehicle using a chamois. Do this in the shade to avoid water spots from the sun drying the water too quickly.

3. Select either a polish, a polishing compound, or a rubbing compound. A polish is designed to clean up minor details, while a polishing compound removes the first layer of paint, allowing the next, unblemished layer to shine through. A rubbing compound does the same job as a polishing compound, only it is far more abrasive and should only be used a last resort, as it may strip through all paint layers.

4. Apply the polish or compound to the vehicle using either a terry cloth or the applicator that comes with the polish. Use straight back-and-forth strokes. Do this in sections, working on a particular area of the vehicle at a time. After polishing that area of the vehicle, remove the polish before starting on another.

5. Rinse your vehicle down with warm water to remove any excess polish.

6. Dry your vehicle with the chamois. Again, do this in the shade to prevent water spots.

7. Apply carnauba wax, and polish it off with a soft cloth. If your car doesn't shine like new, you may need to repaint.

Barnum & Bailey Circus History

Barnum & Bailey Circus History

Businessman P.T. Barnum got into the circus business at age 61 with P.T Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome. His only serious competition came from James Bailey's Cooper and Bailey Circus.

The 1881 merger of the two shows established an entertainment powerhouse. Sold to the Ringling Bros. in 1906, the dynasty of Barnum & Bailey is still touring as "The Greatest Show on Earth."

P. T Barnum

P.T. Barnum was born July 5, 1810. In his early life, he was a shopkeeper, businessman and publisher. From 1831 to 1834, he edited his own newspaper, the Herald of Freedom; because of his editorials, Barnum was sued several times and served jail time on a libel charge.

Though Barnum didn't become officially involved with a circus until late in his life, he had a career in amusements and oddities before that. For his first touring show, he purchased a slave, Joice Heth, and passed her off as the oldest woman in the world.

In 1842, Barnum bought Scudders American Museum in New York City, which he dubbed Barnum's American Museum, and in 1860, famous Siamese twins Chang and Eng appeared exclusively at Barnum's museum after a lengthy period of retirement.

In 1871, Barnum and William Cameron Coup introduced P.T Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome, which declared itself "the Greatest Show on Earth."

James Bailey

Bailey, born James Anthony McGuinness in 1847, was orphaned at a young age and was a bellhop in Pontiac, Mich., when he was hired as an assistant to Fred Harrison Bailey, a nephew of circus pioneer Hachaliah Bailey, as a teenager. By the 1860s, Bailey was managing the Cooper and Bailey Circus with James E. Cooper.

Bailey's show featured an electric light in 1879, the year before it was patented by Thomas Edison.

Barnum & Bailey

In 1881, Barnum's show took on Bailey and James L. Hutchinson as promotional partners and became known as P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth, and the Great London Circus, Sanger's Royal British Menagerie and the Grand International Allied Shows United. That was soon shortened to the Barnum & London Circus.

Barnum and Bailey went their separate ways in 1885, then reunited in 1888, and the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth began to tour the country. It was the first circus to travel by railroad, via Barnum's personal train. Consequently, they could cover more ground and make more money. The circus made $400,000 in its first year.

Ringling Bros.

Barnum died in 1891, making Bailey the sole owner and operator of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The company toured the U.S. and Europe successfully for about a decade before the fledgling Ringling brothers, hailing from Wisconsin, became serious competitors with their Ringling Bros. United Monster Shows, Great Double Circus, Royal European Menagerie, Museum, Caravan, and Congress of Trained Animals.

Bailey sold part of the company to Ringling in 1906, the year before he died. They purchased the remainder from his widow.

New Management

Ringling Bros. ran the two circuses as separate shows until 1919, when the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus played New York City's Madison Square Garden and brought in $1.7 million.

The Great Depression hindered the circus business for some time, but under new management by Irvin Feld, the show began turning a profit again in the late '60s. Feld founded the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College in 1968.

1944 Hartford Fire

One of the most catastrophic fires in U.S. history was the sudden outbreak in a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus tent in Hartford, Conn., on July 6, 1944. Between 6,000 and 8,000 people were in the tent, and the fire caused a mass panic and more than 160 people were killed. Historians disagree on the exact number of injured.

Several officials with Ringling Bros. were charged with involuntary manslaughter, and the company paid almost $5 million in damages to survivors and their families.

Wood Engraving Techniques

Wood Engraving Techniques

Wood engraving is one of many woodworking art forms. It is a close cousin to woodturning, which is performed on a wood lathe. In years past all wood engraving was done by hand. Today some modern wood engravers use electric rotary tools or chainsaws to complete their work. Wood engraving, also called woodcarving and whittling, is a more advanced style of woodworking that is both tedious and challenging.

Wood Engraving Tools

Engraving tools are divided into three basic groups: chisels, V-parting tools and gouges. The shape of their blades can distinguish the tools. Chisels have a straight cutting edge, V-parting tools have a V-shaped blade and gouges have a spoon-shape cutting blade. There are two measurements engravers use to determine which tool to use.

Basic Engraving Technique

The first wood engraving technique to master is carving with the grain. Similar to petting a dog, when the engraver works with the grain the results are smooth engraving strokes. When the wood engraver works against the grain, the result is rough tear-outs and jagged surfaces.

Incised Engraving Technique

One of the most striking distinctions of European country furniture is the abundance of incised engraving, known as kerbschnitzen in Switzerland and Germany. For the beginner wood engraver, it is an excellent introduction to wood engraving. Beginner wood engravers can master this basic technique with just a few hours of practice. The engraving found in the lids of jewelry boxes and around the edges of cabinet doors are perfect examples of incised engraving.

Relief Engraving Technique

History does not record when relief engraving came into vogue, but it very well may have come into existence when an ancient engraver, instead of engraving a shape into the wood, removed all the wood around the shape to leave it standing proudly above the surface of the wood project. Some of the most popular relief engravings are seashells, the American eagle, military motifs and landscape scenes found in custom furniture.

Woodburning Technique

Using a hot, sharp cutting edge to engrave pictures and writings into wood goes back to the dawn of time. This was one of the earliest forms of creating printed books and documents, long before the printing press came into existence. Today most woodburning engravers use a woodburning iron, which is similar to a soldering iron. The woodburning engraver use different tips to perform the same techniques as traditional wood engraving tools, and can even use custom tips to give the finished project a unique custom flair.

Turn Your Pictures Into Black & Whitened

Black and white photographs tend to have a more artistic feel than color photographs. Photographers often shoot in black and white for this reason. Many digital cameras don't shoot black and white natively. They actually take a color shot and convert it to black and white internally, typically with less than appealing results. To fix this, digital photographers often shoot in color and use photo editing software to convert the images to black and white. Learn the tips and techniques that will help you create artistically stunning black and white photographs.

Instructions

1. Take your photographs in color and load them onto your computer. Create a folder on your computer where you will keep all of your files. You'll create different versions of the same photo, so it will help you to better keep track of your work if you designate specific folders for each project.

2. Decide which photo editing software you want to use. Adobe Photoshop CS or Elements are good choices. The programs can be expensive, but if you plan to do a lot of black and white photographs, it's worth the investment. Just about any photo editing software will work, to varying degrees. A good free choice is GIMP, which has recently been compared to Photoshop.

3. Open Photoshop and chose the "Image" menu. Select "Adjustments" and "Desaturate." This is a fast way to take a color photo to monochrome, but since you have no control over how the colors are shifted to their black and white state, the end result isn't of the highest quality. To fine tune your black and white images, open the "Channel Mixer" on the same menu and be sure to check the "Monochrome" box. This is a more time consuming method of turning your images into black and white, but since you actually control the levels of red, green and blue with slider bars, you can fine tune the level of each until you get the results you want.

Funny Pranks To Drag In A Sleepover

A well-executed prank can have everyone laughing hysterically.

Good-natured pranks are an integral part of a fun sleepover, even if you wind up a victim. Whether you go with classics like the feather-and-shaving cream trick or make up your own modern pranks, your sleepover can be even more entertaining and memorable if you're up for making -- or taking -- a joke.

Phone Pranks

Go to a prank-calling website and enter the victim's number. When he answers, he'll be greeted by any one of many personalities; for example, an angry boyfriend convinced the victim is cheating with his girlfriend, or a "hot" next-door neighbor. The intended victim doesn't have to be at the sleepover for you to pull a phone prank. You can also purchase a disposable phone before the sleepover and not tell anyone about it. With your guests, choose a victim and and a personality and begin texting a mutual friend or acquaintance. Try to entice the victim to meet the mysterious texter somewhere and take turns making up funny texts to send.

Bed & Bath Pranks

Sprinkle salt in the victim's sleeping bag or bed -- if she has white sheets, it will be easier to avoid detection. Everyone pretend to go to sleep and try not to laugh as she tosses and turns from the unbearable itching. Or, give your victim a "bloody" shower. Unscrew the shower head in your home's darkest bathroom. If you've watched a horror movie earlier or there is bad weather, this prank can be particularly effective. Fill the shower head with red juice powder, such as Kool-Aid. When she turns on the shower, she'll be shocked at what looks like blood coming out.

Sleeping Pranks

Buy an adhesive mustache from a costume supply store. Pick a heavy sleeper for your victim. When he goes to sleep, attach the mustache to his upper lip. In the morning, pretend as if nothing is different. When he looks in the mirror, everyone will have a laugh at his reaction. If you're good friends with the victim and he is very good-humored, you can really freak him out with brown icing. Once he goes to sleep, pull back the waistband on the back of his shorts and squirt the icing inside. When he wakes up in the morning, he'll wonder whether he really had an "accident!"

Other Pranks

Before the sleepover, tell all the guests to wear a costume. Pick an elaborate or racy theme, such as "naughty" doctors or nurses. Encourage guests to really go all-out on their costumes. After you tell everyone the plan, call back everyone but one guest and tell them that you're pranking her and they shouldn't wear a costume at all. When everyone shows up in normal dress and the victim is dressed like a tart, you'll all get a good laugh. Or, pick a neighbor that you know reasonably well. Knock on her door and ask to borrow a cup of sugar. A few minutes later, have another guest knock and ask for eggs. Let everyone take a turn asking to borrow something and watch the neighbor's face getting more and more strained. When you see that she's had enough, let her in on the joke. Remember to return all her things!

Window Box Suggestions For Christmas

Dress up a window box for Christmas.

Window boxes, which homeowners traditionally use as planters, aren't just for spring and summer. Don't neglect the boxes during winter months; instead, put them to use as Christmas d cor. Use festive pieces and a little imagination when incorporating the window boxes into your holiday design scheme. Use a mixture of rustic and elegant items to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Nature-Inspired Box

Accent a wintry window box with seasonal greenery and pops of vibrant color for a nature-inspired look. Fill the window box with dirt and insert spruce tips 6 inches deep to resemble mini Christmas trees. Insert juniper or cedar boughs and allow them to drape over the sides of the box. Enhance the greenery with twigs of red berries, large pinecones, yellow dogwood branches, crabapples or winterberries. Wire each of the items so you can secure them inside the box. Water the soil after adding all of the natural d cor. If you live in a warm climate, water it regularly. In a cold environment, the soil will freeze, holding the arrangement together.

A Touch of Glamour

Give your window box a winter wonderland-inspired look by using glamorous d cor pieces. Shiny metallic items will light up the box, giving it a sophisticated look. Paint the outside of the wooden box frosty white. For a casually elegant touch, cover pinecones with silver spray paint. Add the shimmering pinecones to the box along with a mix of gold, silver and iridescent white round ornaments. You can add a pop of color by including a few bright red ornaments if you desire. String mini icicle-shaped lights around the box to create an enchanting glow.

Traditional Style

For a classy, traditional Christmas look, enhance the window box with festive red and green items. Fill the box with soil and plant vibrant red poinsettias. If you prefer to use faux flowers, fill the box with a piece of cut-to-fit floral foam and insert the artificial bloom stems into it to create a full arrangement. Attach a large wired red or green bow constructed of a weather-resistant material to the front of the box. As an alternative to the bow, hang a red or green beaded garland across the front of the box. Make a cranberry garland for a rustic, country-inspired look.

Will Extended Canvas Art Do Okay Inside A Bathroom

A bathroom may be the smallest room in your home, and just like any other room, the bathroom would look best with a piece of artwork on the wall. A stretched canvas art piece may give you concerns about being in your bathroom, however, it may turn out to be one decision you are glad you made.

Concerns

One concern you may have when placing art into the bathroom is the effect of water on the art. A bathroom can be a busy spot -- especially in the mornings -- with multiple baths and showers being taken on a daily basis. This morning ritual creates warm, moist air, excessive steam and condensation in a room not extremely well ventilated. Over time, the water vapors can affect any artwork you place in the bathroom, which is why canvas art is a good choice for this room.

Differences

Unlike an oil or watercolor painting that contains paint applied to the surface of the canvas, canvas art is a print that is part of the canvas itself. So there is no exterior ink to combine with the water, making it a better choice than a painting, which would combine with the water vapors. Although a canvas art piece may be affected by the steam -- it may get damp -- the picture will not fade or streak.

Advantages

There are other advantages to recommend the purchase of canvas art for the bathroom. Not only is it infinitely less expensive than an oil painting, it is also fairly simple to customize the size of the canvas to fit the space. For example, you can order a canvas print for a difficult-sized wall space at minimal cost. The wooden frame can also be pretreated and waterproofed, making it even more ideal for bathroom use.

Themes

Canvas art comes in a variety of prints that allows you to match the canvas to your bathroom theme. Some examples of canvas art themes include a graphic black-and-white print with a pop of yellow interlocking rectangles; an ocean theme with a mermaid or a collection of shells on the beach; a floral arrangement for a garden theme; or a clown with balloons for a child's bathroom. Or get a picture of the theme you want and have it set to canvas to hang in the bathroom.

Why Would You Use A Photograph Light Cube Box

A photo light box does on a smaller scale what a backdrop does in a full-size studio.

A photo light cube box is a white box that you can use to stage your photography props before photographing them. It provides numerous advantages for improving the quality of your photographs, particularly if you want to sell items online and take detailed, accurate photos of those items. Buy a photo light box or make one of your own and step up your photography skills today.

Backgrounds

A photo light box is usually all white, which provides the ideal blank canvas to showcase the items you wish to photograph. You also have the option of adding in new backgrounds, such as sheets of paper or pieces of fabric, to change the backdrop to your photos. This lets you customize your photo backgrounds while maintaining consistency in the size of your photo area.

Portability

A photo light box is lightweight, so you can take it with you wherever you go. If you need to photograph items while you travel, or if you have to move from place to place to photograph items for several clients, your photo light box can go with you without too much extra luggage. You can make your photo light box or purchase one in any size, but in general the cube will be approximately 12 to 20 inches square. Often you can collapse it for added portability.

Different Lighting

A photo light box lets you experiment with the placement of your lighting. Position lights on either side of the box, above it or below it until you find the ultimate lighting arrangement for clarity in your finished photos. You may want one lighting setup for one item and a different setup for the next item, and the photo light box provides the structure you need to move your lighting around to achieve different effects. The white sides of the light box reflect your lighting in order to show off the item you photograph.

Frugality

A photo light box is relatively inexpensive -- you can find them online for approximately $20. You can also build your own and save even more. Assemble a cube shape made from white foam core board. Use several lamps or flashlights from around your home and point them at the cube from different directions to achieve different lighting effects. For another option, try cutting a large square out of each side of a regular shipping box, then cover the box with white tissue paper and slide a piece of white cardstock inside it to provide the background. Shine the lights through the tissue paper and into the box.

Exactly Why Is Sacagawea Around The Dollar Gold coin

Why Is Sacagawea on the Dollar Coin?

The American public was more involved in creating the Sacagawea gold dollar than any other coin in U.S. history. Appointed by Congress, the Dollar Coin Design Advisory Committee oversaw the selection process for creating a circulating one-dollar gold coin.

Committee

The Committee included a Congressman, a university president, the American Numismatic Society president, a sculptor, the Smithsonian under-secretary and an architect. The president of the U.S. Mint served on the committee but was not permitted to vote.

Process

The Committee met in Philadelphia in June 1998 to consider ideas submitted by the public.

Decision

The Committee recommended that the new gold coin bear the image of Sacagawea in honor of her contributions as a guide to Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition.

Design Selection

The U.S. Mint invited 23 artists to submit Sacagawea designs. Historians, educators, members of the Native American community, artists and U.S. Mint employees were asked to narrow down the selections to seven.

Public Comment

Although they were not asked to vote, the public was given an opportunity to review the finalists and submit comments via the Internet.

Final Choice

The Commission of Fine Arts chose the final design, which was unveiled at the White House on May 4, 1999.

Dance Steps For That Waltz

Waltz

The Waltz originated in England in the early 19th century and came to the United States in the mid-19th century. It's a smooth, flowing dance in 3/4 time (count 1 2 3, 1 2 3...)

The Hold

The Waltz was the first dance to use what is now the standard ballroom dance hold: the man puts his right hand on the woman's waist and holds up her right hand in his left. The woman puts her left hand on the man's shoulder and her right in the man's left hand.

The Box Step

The first half of the basic box step is performed by the man stepping forward with his left foot on the first beat, to the right with right foot on beat two, and feet together (moving left foot next to right) on beat three. The woman starts by moving her right foot back a step, moving her left foot to the left on beat two and right foot next to the left on beat three. The second half of the box step should bring each back to the starting position, right-left-right for the man and left-right-left for the woman. The man steps back with his right foot, to the left with his left foot and moves the right foot next to the left. The woman steps forward with her left, to the right with her right foot and moves the left next to the right. This should take a total of six beats.

The Next Step

Once the Box Step is learned, the shape can be altered. It is up to the man to lead or guide the woman in the direction he would like to go. The woman has to follow the man. If there is an obstacle or the music is fast, the step can be streamlined to just the first step for three beats or counts. In other words, the man can step forward on one with his left foot and then move the right foot next to it, and the woman would step back with her right foot and move the left foot next to it.

Emphasis

To emphasize the meter of the music and give more style to the Waltz, the dancers may bend their weighted knee slightly on the first and fourth counts of the Box Step.

Ten Rules Of Performing

Conductors must always listen as they lead.

Richard Strauss was a significant composer of the late 19th and early 20th century, producing symphonies, concertos, operas and tone poems like "Also Sprach Zarathustra." In addition to being a prolific composer, he was also an accomplished conductor. A prot g of Hans von Bulow in his youth, Strauss went on to serve as music director at the Weimar Court Orchestra, and later, the Vienna State Opera. Drawing from his long and diverse career, he penned "10 Golden Rules for the Album of a Young Conductor," popularly known as the "10 Commandments of Conducting."

Remember that you are making music not to amuse yourself, but to delight your audience.

Strauss was not out to rob the conductor of pleasure, but, in pragmatic terms, to remind him of the end consumer. The conductor is the focal point of the orchestra, a position that can engender narcissism. Humility serves him well. Contemporary maestro Alan Gilbert stresses that his decisions as a conductor are based on the music and the orchestra, "rather than some personal gratification."

You should not perspire when you are conducting; only the audience should get warm.

Strauss did not view a conductor as a drum major, but as a facilitator. Subtly maintaining tempo and dynamics, cueing only when necessary and gently emphasizing musical phrases are a few roles assigned within this minimalist approach that discouraged wild movements. A panel commissioned by the League of American Orchestras in 1997 declared that the conductor's body language should affirm the musicians. As the subsequent rules indicate, Strauss believed otherwise.

Conduct Salome and Elektra as if they were Mendelssohn; fairy music.

The light touch is a hallmark of Strauss's conducting philosophy, if not of his compositions. From his standpoint as a musical author, Strauss understood the power of his own operas as written, and was hesitant to have a conductor add more force where none is needed.

Never look at the brass encouragingly; except with a quick glance for an important lead-in.

A trombone player may be insulted by this maxim, but it fits with Strauss's understanding of balance. The brass can easily overwhelm every other section without realizing it. An overactive brass section is impressive to the audience perhaps, but detrimental to the overall sound of a symphony orchestra. Recognizing the brass players' enormous potential for volume, Strauss sought to tap their power sparingly.

On the contrary, never let the horns and woodwind out of your sight; if you hear them at all they are already too loud.

While lacking the projection of a fully staffed brass section, the woodwinds are nonetheless also a force to be suppressed, according to Richard Strauss. In this case, however, he believed muffling their sound called for active visual intimidation. This is an interesting insight into the psychology of musicians who worked with him; brass players came to interpret the conductor's gaze as affirmation whereas the woodwinds saw it as punishment.

If you think the brass is not strong enough, tone them down two points further.

Did Richard Strauss hate brass? If his musical scores are any indication, the answer would be no. Based on a sophisticated understanding of acoustics, and empathy for the listener as evidenced by the first rule, Strauss understood that what passes for limited volume on stage can transform to obnoxious blare when it reaches the audience.

It is not enough yourself to hear every word of the singer--which you know by heart anyway; the public must also be able to follow it without effort. If they don't understand what is happening, they fall asleep.

Again, Strauss's concern is with the opera attendee in the back row. In the same way a stage actor must wear heavy make-up for her facial features to be discerned from a distance, so too must a singer exaggerate diction in order to be perceived correctly. The conductor must manage the balance in vocal scores as well as instrumental.

Always accompany the singer so as to enable him to sing without exertion.

The common theme of balance is again evident in this commandment. A singer who has to shout will compromise vocal quality and sacrifice the lyrical expression for loudness. This explains why so many of Strauss's exhortations to instrumentalists sound so repressive.

When you think you have reached the limits of prestissimo, double the pace.

A piece could never move too fast for Richard Strauss. Prestissimo the most rapid of tempos; still, Strauss sensed hesitation on the part of young conductors to hasten the orchestra appropriately along. Thus we have a well-intentioned but draconian-sounding directive to push the players, and conductor if necessary, beyond their comfort zones.

If you follow these rules carefully, you will, with your fine gifts and your great accomplishments, always be the darling of your listeners.

He ends his list as he began, with listeners in mind. The audience, to Strauss, is an important client. The customer comes first, regardless of any artistic egos or hurt feelings in the symphony. Richard Strauss wanted his audiences to remember his performances with pleasure, and insisted that his players subordinate themselves to that aim.

Who Produced The Jitterbug

Who Created the Jitterbug?

The early to mid twentieth century saw a boom in the number of dances popularized at dance halls all over the world. One such dance was the Jitterbug, also known as the Lindy Hop in honor of aviator Charles Lindbergh. The term "Jitterbug" is sometimes also used to refer to other types of swing-era dances, which makes tracing its exact origins somewhat difficult.

Famous Ties

The person most directly credited with at least coining the term in relation to the dance was Cab Calloway. A jazz band leader, Calloway had a 1935 recording whose title, "Call of the Jitterbug," helped put the term into popular usage.

History

The dance style evolved from dance movements in the African-American community. Rather unflatteringly, it was also associated with being drunk and flapping around while intoxicated.

Time Frame

The dance took off in the swing era, made popular not only by Cab Calloway but by other jazz greats such as Benny Goodman. American GIs took the dance with them to England and Europe during World War II, and helped spread it there.

Types

Part of the problem in identifying a specific originator of the dance comes from the fact that many swing-era dances are sometimes referred to as the Jitterbug. In addition to the Lindy Hop, these include the East Coast Swing and Jive dancing.

Features

Regardless of who started it (and most likely it was a group effort), the dance itself is marked by exuberance. Side-by-side dancing, arms waving, legs kicking--it's all in the Jitterbug.

Produce A Comic Online

Comic books have been a popular form of reading entertainment for centuries. Superman, Spiderman, Donald Duck and Archie have been the inspiration for many young kids to pursue their own careers in creating comic books. Today, with the Internet, it's possible for you to create your own custom comic books online, free of charge, whenever the inspiration strikes.

Instructions

1. Locate a web-based comic book creation website. There are a few available. StripCreator is one of the easiest to use and it's completely free (see "Resources"). With StripCreator, you can create complete, professional comics online and share them with visitors to the website.

2. Visit StripCreator and sign up for your free account, then choose "Make a Comic." You'll be presented with three default comic panels and an array of choices you can make to begin customizing your comic. Choose characters, background, props, dialogue and narration until your comic looks the way you want it to look. There's even a clone feature so you can clone panels you'll be using again.

3. Select a category for your comic, then give it a title and save it. You will be able to view your finished comic anytime you like. Others will be able to view and comment on your finished comic.

4. Visit Sketchdog and sign up for a free account to create complex comics (see "Resources"). Sketchdog works quite a bit like StripCreator, but with SketchDog, you're able to upload custom graphics and comics you've already created. Sketchdog also has web-based drawing tools that allows you to draw your own original characters for your comic strips, so the possibilities are less limited.

Where You Can Buy Airbrush Kits

Different airbrush kits are used for different purposes.

Airbrush artists need specialized tools depending on what they're airbrushing. While the most expensive airbrush sets can cost hundreds of dollars, you can purchase an introductory airbrush set at a discount retailer for less than $20. Which is most appropriate for you? This article will outline some tips and key points to help you find the right airbrush kit to fit your needs, without leaving you too broke to afford a canvas.

What's In an Airbrush Kit?

The items included in a specific airbrush kit depends on what the kit is used for. We've all seen airbrushed T-shirts, but airbrushing has many more uses. Different kits are used a variety of purposes, such as cake decorating, make-up application, automotive painting and fine art production. In general, all airbrush kits will include four basic items; air compressor, connective hose, color cup or siphon tube (which holds the ink or coloring agent) and the airbrush.

Where Can I Buy an Airbrush Kit?

You will find airbrush kits at a variety of vendors. If a cheaper, less advanced model is what you're after, try a discount retailer or big box store such as Wal-Mart or Target. To find more extensive and specialized airbrush kits, such as those for fine art and food decoration, it's best to visit an art supplies retailer. Popular names such as Hobby Lobby or Michael's will carry some decent brands. Local and online art supply stores will also have a very good selection, and if you're looking for a true professional-grade airbrush kit, an art supply store is the place to go.

Finding the Right Airbrush Kit at the Right Price

What should be most important to you is to find the best airbrush kit for your needs at the most reasonable price. Discount retailers will have the least expensive models, but the selection of brands will be very small and the kits will not include much. Only purchase these kits for the most unskilled novice or for children. Large specialty retailers such as Hobby Lobby will carry a wider selection of more advanced models, but usually do not offer the best prices. Local and online art supply stores may offer better prices for the same equipment as larger stores and may offer special discounts to frequent or even first-time customers. Online merchants and Internet auction sites such as eBay feature products with temptingly low prices, but be sure that the product is being advertised truthfully before buying. You could end up paying little, but getting a product that does not function as advertised or that does not work at all.

Online art supply retailers will probably have the widest selection of airbrush products. The cost of these products is similar to what you would find in any store, but don't forget to add shipping and handling to the final price. Check the Resources section of this article for some websites of companies that sell airbrush products exclusively.

Draw An Agenda For Any Playground

Draw a playground plan to make sure that it will be the way you want.

Planning a playground for your children or your local community can be as simple as making some lines and sketches on a piece of paper. You need a clear picture in your head of what you want and then basic skills to reproduce that onto paper in a way that you can understand.

Instructions

1. Decide how big the area of the playground will be and what you want to go in it. Much will depend on the area of land that you have available and the ages of the children that the playground is being designed for.

2. Decide upon a scale that you will use for your drawing, for example, 1 inch on the ruler equals 1 yard on the ground. Note this on the paper so that everyone who looks at the plan will know the scale.

3. Draw the outline of the area of the playground on your paper. This needs to be to scale, too. Mark on this drawing any natural features such as trees or slopes. These will also need to be drawn to scale. With the outline in place you can then decide where you want to put the fixtures that you are going to put in the playground.

4. Decide the best place for everything. A shady area might be a good place to plan for a seated area. If your playground is going to be a large communal one rather than in your backyard you should have more than one seated area so that parents can move around the playground and keep an eye on their children.

5. Make scale cutouts of swings and slides, which will allow you to move them around the plan without drawing them on the plan before you make a final decision.

6. Leave enough space around swings and slides. Swings need enough space to allow for children jumping off them while they are still moving. Factor in plenty of space around all the components of the playground to allow for moving around.

7. Draw everything onto the paper when you are happy with the design and that everything is in the right place. This plan will be your reference once the construction of the playground begins.

"Phantom From The Opera" Booklet

The Phantom of the Opera made his first official appearance in a 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux. The author claimed the tale was inspired by a number of legends and quasi-facts surrounding the Pairs Opera House, though evidence of any real historical parallel is sketchy at best. The novel has inspired a number of adaptations, including a silent-film version starring Lon Chaney and a phenomenally successful musical penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber. In the process, the story has become a cultural icon and one of the most popular horror tales ever told.

Features

Leroux's story concerned itself with a disfigured outcast named Erik who wanders the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera House. Cursed with horrifying features, he nevertheless possesses uncanny musical abilities, as well as unparalleled knowledge of the operation of the Opera House. He gains a measure of notoriety as the "Opera Ghost," influencing important decisions by wreaking havoc whenever his wishes are defied. He takes on a protege--a beautiful girl named Christine--and teaches her to sing with the beauty of an angel. Christine loves another man, Raoul, which makes Erik insanely jealous. He attempts first to woo Christine away from him and then keep the two apart forever. In the process, Christine discovers his true nature, which both horrifies her and fills her with pity. Though Erik plots to kill Raoul, Christine's kindness convinces him to let them both go free. He dies shortly thereafter, after expressing his grief at losing such a rare and extraordinary woman.

History

The book itself did not initially sell very well, and has risen and fallen in popularity since its original publication in 1910. There is some evidence to suggest that Leroux was inspired by a similar Gothic work called Trilby, which was published some 30-odd years before his novel. The historical basis of the Phantom is dubious, and has since been embellished as a way of encouraging tourists and increasing the popularity of the Paris Opera House. The locale contains plenty of old legends about a "ghost," however, and the city's extensive sewers and catacombs easily give rise to romantic notions of tragic and monstrous figures.

Types

The novel itself has long since overshadowed by various adaptations into other media, most notably film and theater. Of the former, the most famous is a silent 1925 film directed by Rupert Julien and starring the great Lon Chaney, Sr.. Chaney's performance has been cited as one of the greatest in all of cinema, but the film itself was plagued by production troubles, and Julien's direction is considered quite feckless. Nearly a dozen other versions of the story have been filmed, including a 1943 production starring Claude Rains, a 1962 Hammer Horror version featuring Herbet Lom (which is most famous for its use of Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor"), a very gory 1989 version with Robert Englund of "Nightmare on Elm Street" fame, and a 2004 adaptation of the stage musical starring Gerard Butler as Erik and Emmy Rossum as Christine.

Types

Looming even larger than the film versions, however, is a fantastically successful stage musical created by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1986. He uses Leroux's tale as a framework, but makes a number of alterations--most notably by leaving Erik's final fate up in the air. The play emphasizes the dark romance of the tale rather than its more horrific aspects, and is typically marked by elaborate production values to accentuate its popular songs. It first opened in London's West End in 1986, with Michael Crawford as the Phantom and Sarah Brightman as Christine. (Both performers are now known primarily for those roles.) The play appeared on Broadway 2 years later and collected a number of prestigious awards (most notably the Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Musical), despite a great deal of negative criticism. Its popular success, however, has long since outmatched any debate over its artistic merits. Performances have run both in London and on Broadway since its opening, and other productions have run in over 124 cities worldwide. It is estimated that some 100 million people have seen some version of the stage play, and worldwide grosses are estimated to be in the range of $3 billion (not counting soundtrack sales, T-shirts, and similar residuals).

Effects

Buoyed by the success of Webber's version, the story of the Phantom of the Opera has cemented its place as a cultural icon. Most people in the world now recognize the Phantom's signature white mask, and the scene in the 1925 film in which Christine reveals the Phantom is one of the most notable in 20th-century horror. Though penned centuries before Leroux's novel, "Toccata and Fugue" is now indelibly associated with the character. The story's Gothic themes of romance, monstrosity and longing continue to reverberate, and new variations will inevitably unfold as each new generation discovers it.

Where Buy Acai Berries Juice

The acai berry has gained popularity as a super-food during the past few years. This one-seed fruit of the acai palm tree only grows in Brazil. Now that the acai berry has traveled to the United States and beyond, many people are touting its nutritional benefits. There is no shortage of offline and online merchants advertising acai berry juice, but not all of it is equal.

Health Benefits

If you are seeking extraordinary benefits from acai berry juice, realize that not everything you may have heard can be proven. The National Institutes of Health and other government agencies have not found the acai berry to be harmful. The Mayo Clinic supports theories that the acai berry is a good source of antioxidants. You could also benefit from the omega fatty acids and fiber packed into this exotic fruit. Adding the juice to your diet definitely gives you a way to get in another of your recommended daily servings from the fruit group.

Sambazon: Original Acai Berry Juice

Sambazon was the first company to sell pure acai berry juice in the U.S. According to Columbia University, they still control the lion's share of a $15-million-a-year acai berry market. You can buy their 100 percent pure acai berry juice online or through an authorized retailer. Brick and mortar retailers include national grocery chains such as Kroger, Publix and Safeway. Wholefoods, Planet Smoothie, Smoothie King and a few other specialty food merchants also carry this brand. You can search for the closest retailer by typing your zip code on the Sambazon website.

Alternative Sources

Organic food distributors, health food stores and a variety of online retailers sell various forms of acai berry juice. General Nutrition Center (a national health food and nutritional supplement retailer) sells various brands of acai berry juice, along with berry-based products in other forms. They have their own brand and distribute brands by other well-known health food manufacturers that contain up to 100 percent juice.

An alternative if you live in an under-populated area without a diverse retail base is online mega markets like Amazon.com. Vitacost is a reputable online health specialty retailer that markets acai berry juice from different manufacturers. Some acai berry products are not 100 percent juice. Several popular juice brands, including Tropicana and V8 Fusion, market acai berry juice blends. They can be blended with up to ten or more ingredients that include cane juice, grape, pomegranate, elderberry and even sweet potatoes. Read the nutritional labels before buying online or in retail locations.

Create A Hidden Video

You may discover you need to make a hidden video when it comes to your security or your family's safety. Whereas it used to be complicated to use video equipment, especially secretly, with new technology today it's fairly simple. Make a hidden video at a relatively low cost, and have the evidence you need when trying to protect your loved ones and yourself from intruders and others.

Instructions

1. Know that cameras and videos today are saving lives. Note the clips you've seen on TV or online of criminals attacking and robbing people on camera only to be caught soon thereafter. Realize video cameras can help you in the same way. Protect children from a deceptive nanny or babysitter, keep elderly family members safe and record activity around your home while you're at work or asleep.

2. Buy low cost equipment to save money. Get a web camera for no more than $50 at your local consumer electronics store or order one from an online company. Hook it up to your computer and load the software that comes with the camera. See that you may need extra long cords and other equipment to make a hidden video. Set "record" from your computer before you leave.

3. Purchase more expensive cameras to get more options and flexibility, such as wireless Internet cameras or pan/tilt wireless cameras. Realize the price goes up significantly-starting at around $200. Find the D-Link Internet Camera-DCS-G900, however, for about $90, which is less expensive and is a compact wireless camera especially designed for surveillance that only records when it detects motion, when scheduled to record or when you want to record manually. View a live feed or take still shots also.

4. Check security specialty companies online who specialize in selling security and surveillance equipment. Buy individual cameras or security systems packages that include cameras. Discover that black and white security cameras start at around $150. Take note you'll need recording equipment to go along with the cameras though.

5. Use spy cameras to make a hidden video. Buy spy cams online and get pinhole cameras that go completely undetected starting at around $50 and up to approximately $300. Obtain the necessary equipment and accessories to go with spy cameras for an additional cost.

6. Get self-contained spy hidden cameras in clocks, plants, fans, exit signs, teddy bears and other common objects starting at about $200 for a teddy bear camera (black and white) and $120 for a light bulb camera (black and white).

7. Hide web cams and other conspicuous cameras well in plants, behind tinted glass or a mirror, or place them up high in a room or outside. Make copies of your videos after you've recorded and keep the copies in a different location for security or legal purposes.

When Did Pimping Begin

When Did Pimping Begin?

The word pimp has become a common part of the English language in recent years. The use of this word has become wildly popular in urban language. Because of its recent popularity, the meaning has changed somewhat and does not necessarily mean that a person sells prostitutes for a living, but can also mean that a person is a "pimp" if he knows the ins and outs of street life or get something for nothing.

History

The first time that the word pimp appeared in the English language was sometime in the 1600s, although no one really knows where or when the word originated. When the word appeared in the 1600s, it had the same meaning that it does today: A person who sets up chances to have sexual experiences with a prostitute.

Identification

Since the 1970s, an inner-city pimp stereotype has emerged. This stereotype has been highly popularized and has given birth to such terms as the pimp walk and the pimpmobile. The pimpmobile is usually a customized, highly decorated vehicle. The pimp walk is a type of swagger made popular in inner cities.

Types

Even pimps have a hierarchy amongst themselves. The pimps that are established and successful are referred to as players. Pimps who tend to beat up the prostitutes that they manage or those who use intimidation to get their prostitutes to do what they want are referred to as gorilla pimps. Finesse pimps are known to use psychological tactics to get young prostitutes hooked in the prostitution system. The lowest form of a pimp is a new pimp, or those who have little to no respect. These pimps are referred to as wannabes, popcorn pimps or hustlers.

Function

The pimp's purpose is to maintain the current selection and obtain a new selection of prostitutes for the customer. Prostitutes can move from one pimp to another, but there is a protocol that must be followed. In order to leave her old pimp and move on to a new pimp, the prostitute must let the new pimp know that she intends to do so. What follows is known as an "intentions period." During this time frame, the new pimp can reject the prostitute. If he chooses to take her under his wing, then he will accept money from her and this will cement their business relationship. He will then become her pimp.

Considerations

Though prostitutes and pimps exist in the United States and beyond, that does not mean that prostitution is legal. Instead, they typically work their established parts of a town and are constantly on the lookout for police. The pimp will often serve as the lookout. If he spots police nearby, he will alert his prostitute so that she does not get caught.

One form of pimping that is legal is located in Nevada, at the Moonlight Bunny Ranch. The Ranch is owned by a man who employs multiple prostitutes at his brothel. Men and women can walk into the brothel, choose their prostitute, pay their money and have a sexual encounter. Nevada is one of the only states to legalize prostitution.

Misconceptions

It is often believed that only black men are pimps. This could not be further from the truth. This belief dates back to the 1970s stereotype, which painted a picture of the pimp as being black. Mobsters such as Lucky Luciano and Al Capone were also known to be pimps during their heyday.

Re-size Jpeg Photos In Microsoft Fresh paint

If you are trying to download a picture on a website, or print one out, you have probably realized that it needs to be resized. Here is way to do it using a program that nearly every computer comes with, Microsoft Paint.

Instructions

1. Download pictures onto the computer and place them into a folder.

2. Double click on the picture that you want to resize. A window should pop up on your screen, that has the picture on it, called "Windows Picture and Fax Viewer." The bottom of this window will have multiple icons.

3. Click on the icon that is second from the far right. When you hold your mouse over it, it should say "Closes this program and opens the image for editing."

4. When Microsoft Paint pops up, it should have your picture on it. To resize it, go to the top left side of the window and click on "Image," then scroll down to "Stretch/skew" and click on that.

5. Pick a percentage of the image size you want it to be. You cannot resize your image by putting in the amount of pixels you want in Microsoft paint. If you know an approximate size you want it though, put in the percentage. Once you apply the new size, go click on "Image" again. Scroll down to "Attributes" and click on that. This will show you how big your image is in pixels. You cannot change the image size here though because it will crop your picture rather than resize it.

Have A Selfportrait Having A Camera

Do you want to go beyond the obligatory MySpace bathroom mirror photo and create an interesting and insightful self-portrait? Since a digital camera does not require that you process the photos to see the results you can experiment and really get a grasp on photograph people by learning to photograph yourself without the cost of processing film. Working with models is expensive and your friends don’t always have the patience you need. The following tips will guide you as you learn take a self-portrait with a digital camera.

Instructions

1. Set your camera on the tripod in an area inside or out with good lighting and a plain background. Adjust the height so that you can take headshots of yourself. Stand 1 to 2 feet from the camera. At this length it isn’t necessary to use the timer. Using auto focus take 10 or more photos. Take some with the timer and some without. Check each photo in the viewer. Adjust the exposure as needed.

2. After each shoot review all photos with your Photo software. Decide which photos you think are the best. What adjustment of exposure was best for the circumstances during the photo shoot? Did you like the photos with the timer or without? Did any of the portraits turn out interesting?

3. Set your camera on the tripod in an area inside or out with good lighting and a plain background. Adjust the height so that you can take photos from the waist up of yourself. Sit or stand 2 to 3 feet from the camera. At this length you will need to use the timer. Using auto focus take 10 or more photos. Change your pose with each shot. Check each photo in the viewer. Adjust the exposure as needed. This will help you learn to instruct people as you photograph them. People tend to over correct a request. You will learn by increments to change your positions. Review your photos.

4. Set your camera on the tripod in an area inside or out with good lighting and a plain background. Adjust the height and camera so that you can take a full figure photograph. Stand 3 to 4 feet from the camera. At this length you will need to use the timer. Take 10 or more photos in different positions and review.

5. Repeat the above exercises but this time adding an interesting background to the shoot and review. Try several locations inside and out. You discover the best places to take photos. Always review the photos and ask questions.

6. Repeat the above exercises but this time with different lighting and exposures and review.

7. Repeat the above exercises and add costumes or drama. Try to tell a story with a photo, express an emotional or express an idea. Review and see if your attempt were successful. Do not be afraid to experiment and try something new.

8. Join a group like Flickr and get input from other photographers. Take lot and lots of photos. Eventually you will feel confident enough in your skills to ask other people to model for you.

Alternative Lighting

Most television and film production is shot using basic three-point lighting. This is designed to thoroughly illuminate the subjects and provide the illusion of natural light on video. However, for filmmakers on a budget, or directors looking to add some creative flair to their production, there are various types of alternative lighting that can be employed on the set.

Film Noir Lighting

In the genre of film noir, originating from the 1940s in America, shadows are just as important, if not more so, than light. This sort of effect can be seen in films such as "The Maltese Falcon" or "Citizen Kane." Film noir lighting generally indicates a low-key lighting setup, with hard contrasts between light and shadow. Contrary to the beliefs of some novice filmmakers, simply using natural light or the light built in to your camera will not achieve this effect. The picture will look dim and gray, without contrast.

In order to achieve a professional-looking film noir lighting scheme, you'll need a light that is small, bright and direct. Only one light will be necessary, since a fill light or backlight would only serve to remove the shadows that are so important to the film noir look. The light should be set up very specifically by the director, only illuminating the subject, or part of the subject, as desired. For example, the light could be directed at the character's hat, gun, cigarette or part of his face. Pay careful attention to shadows and contrast in order to create a darker mood.

Practicals

Practicals, also known as incidental lighting, are another form of alternative lighting. Often, a scene will include a room light, such as a lamp or skylight. Although shooting in this manner might sound easy, the reality is that it's actually quite difficult to achieve a realistic look when a practical is included in the scene. The practical will appear very bright to your camera, while failing to provide any actual illumination on your subject.

The key to practicals is to set up the rest of your lighting to create the illusion of light coming from the practical. Consider the type of light coming from the practical naturally, and decide whether it would be best to use a hard or soft light out of your kit. For example, a shaded lamp will generally call for a soft light, while a window might call for a hard light. Positioning of the lights is also important. The direction of the light source should be in line with your practical.

End Up Like Chii From Chobits

Chii from Chobits is an anime character. She has a human body, but she is actually a personal computer or persocom. She is one of the smartest and most sophisticated persocoms in the anime series. She is a legendary Chobits because she has free emotions and thoughts.

Instructions

1. Have Chii's personality. She is a very quiet person. She is sweet. She accepts people freely. She is also very tough and firm. She corrects people who try to take advantage of her in a firm but sweet way.

2. Care for your skin. Her skin is flawless because she is a persocom. If you have blemishes, learn conceal them using makeup.

3. Allow your hair to grow as long as possible. Her hair touches the ground. Your hair will probably be shorter, but let it grow as much as you can.

4. Dye your hair white blond or platinum blond. If you have dark hair, you should have a professional dye your hair.

5. Put on subtle make up. Chii sticks to peach and pastel pink colors for her make up. She sometimes wears clear lip gloss, but she mostly wears a sheer pink lip gloss.

6. Wear pastel colored clothes. She likes a lot of bows, ruffles and frills. The more girly the clothes, the better.

7. Spray on a light, sweet, clean perfume. In the anime series, people say that she smells like candy or cotton candy.

What Tax Forms Do You Want For Self Employment

Being you own boss is an idea that appeals to many people. You set your own hours and perform work that interests you. Lots of folks go into business for themselves for those very reasons without considering all the implications of self employment. Being your own boss often entails necessary tasks and functions that have nothing to do with the work you enjoy. Filing and paying taxes probably leads the list. This article will provide insights into the federally required taxes and forms that go with them.

Definitions of Self Employment

First, you need to understand how the Internal Revenue Service defines self-employment. You may think that it requires renting office or work space, having a business name and even hiring employees. Although those things may occur, they are by no means required in order for the IRS to consider you self-employed. In fact, self-employment forms and taxes may be required even if you are employed by someone else and simply run your business on the side.

The IRS uses the term "independent contractor" to define self employment, and has a number of guidelines to differentiate between an independent contractor and an employee. Generally, if a buyer does not withhold income, Social Security and Medicare taxes, nor do they pay unemployment tax on the wages paid to you, you are considered an independent contractor. Therefore, you are self-employed.

The IRS uses three categories to define the relationship. They are behavioral (who controls when and how the work is performed); financial (how payment is made and whether or not expenses and supplies are reimbursed); and the type of relationship that exists (signed contracts and types of benefits such as health insurance and sick pay).

W-9's and 1099's

If you are an independent contractor, the buyer will ask you to sign a W-9 form. This is the "Request for Tax Payer Identification and Certification." It verifies your tax payer identification number. This number can be either your Social Security number or an EIN (employer identification number).

Additionally, if your client pays you in excess of $600 annually, they will issue a 1099 form. This is the document for reporting payments to the IRS. The buyer is required to provide this form to you by Jan. 31 showing all payments made to you for the prior year.

What Taxes Must You Pay?

Assuming you are self-employed and liable for taxes, which ones must you pay? First, you are required to pay self-employment tax. This tax is your portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes. The SE tax is based on the amount you claim as total income, and comes in two parts. As of tax year 2008, the tax rate for the Social Security portion is 12.4 percent and the portion for Medicare is 2.9 percent.

There is a maximum threshold in place, however, on how much of your earnings are taxable. In tax year 2008, only the first $102,000 of income is taxable at the 12.4 percent rate. All of your earnings are subject to the 2.9 percent portion.

You are also responsible to pay personal income tax and report it on form 1040. Your tax rate is dependent upon how much you make in your business or, if it's a part-time venture, on the combination of your salary and self-employment earnings.

Schedule SE

You must pay self-employment tax and file Schedule SE if you have net earnings from your self-employment of $400 or more (excluding church employee income). You must file Schedule SE if you earn $108.28 or more as church employee income, as of tax year 2008.

Schedule SE begins with a flow chart and series of questions to determine whether you must complete the Short Schedule SE or the long version. If the total of your self-employment income exceeds $102,000, you must complete the long version. If it is less than that amount, the flow chart on Schedule SE will walk you through the process in determining which version to file. Schedule SE will help you calculate your tax liability and provides direction for the placement of these figures on your form 1040.

Regardless of which version you must complete, you must first calculate your net profit or loss. This is done on Schedule C (profit or loss from business) and Schedule K-1 (partnership income).

Schedule C

For the self-employed, Schedule C is critical to determine your net profit and makes allowances for subtracting normal business expenses. The key word is "net" income. You are only obligated to pay tax on the profit you make, not on every dollar you receive. If you had absolutely no business expenses during the year, then every dollar you made is taxable.

First, if you manufacture a product, the cost of goods required to make that is deductible.

There also are a number of business-related expenses that can be deducted on Schedule C. Some of these include advertising, business vehicle-related expenses, depreciation of equipment, commissions and fees, office expenses, rent or lease, supplies and repairs and maintenance. Additionally, if you work out of your home, you may deduct expenses for the business use of your home.

Form 1040-ES

The federal government works on a pay-as-you go system for the self-employed. You must pay the self-employment and income taxes that you owe as you earn the money. Estimated payments are required when your tax liability is $1,000 or more. The general rule for 2009 is as follows: If you owed taxes in 2008, then you may be required to pay estimated taxes in 2009 if both of the following are true: you anticipate that the taxes you owe (combined income and SE) exceed $1,000 and your withholding and credits for 2009 will be less than either 90 percent of the tax shown on your 2009 form 1040 or 100 percent of the tax shown on your 2008 form 1040, whichever is smaller. You must pay these taxes on a quarterly basis.

What Style Was Henri Matisse'S Work

Henri Matisse's artwork spanned some of the most exciting periods in art history. Like Picasso, he worked in many different mediums and was one of the first great painters of the 20th century. Though his work varied in subject and material, his style is what is commonly referred to as Fauvism.

Fauvism

The term "fauve" is french for "wild beast," coined by art critic Louis Vauxcelles in reaction to the work of Henri Matisse and other artists of what became known as the Fauvist Movement in France. He gave them this name because of the bright colors, unfettered brush strokes and simple subject matter of the artwork, which made it appear wild and free, animal like in its nature. Though the movement itself only lasted four years, from 1904-1908, Matisse's work persisted in examining its bold hues and shapes.

Origins of Fauvism

Fauvism has its roots in the art movements of Impressionism and Primitivism, which were popular around the late 1800s and early 1900s. From these movements, the Fauvists took both the rich color palette, gestural movements and influence from African masks, with its exaggerated facial features.

Matisse's Style

Henri Matisse's artwork contained common subject matter, such as human faces and figures, but instead of using the skin tones and realistic colors, that were true to life, he used vivid uncommon colors to suggest feelings and notions of what the face was like.

Matisse's Cutouts

Though Matisse was primarily a painter, he also was known for his drawings, sculptures and printmaking. Later in Henri Matisse's life, he became ill and bedridden and could no longer paint. Instead, he began to create vibrant collages with colorful paper that he cut into whimsical shapes, known as his cutouts. Even without paint and canvas, his work held its hallmark Fauvist traits of being immensely colorful and gestural.

Matisse's Legacy

Henri Matisse's exploration of the purity of color and desire to simplify art, to make it just color and shape can be argued to be where Modern art began. He said, "Color was not given to us in order that we should imitate nature, but so that we can express our own emotions." This was a revolutionary concept, which would become an important notion in the art of the 20th century. It heavily influenced the early Expressionism movement with artists like Pollock and Willem de Kooning who felt that art should come from within the artist, be deeply personal and full of movement and life.

What Spray Fresh paint Is Protected For Any Chest Freezer

Sand vinyl chest freezers to promote adhesion.

Chest freezers generate extreme temperatures that cause ordinary acrylic, oil and latex paints to fail. Before you attempt to refinish your chest freezer with spray paint, select the appropriate coating, or peeling will result. Employ the proper preparation techniques, or the paint will not stick.

Paint

An appliance epoxy spray paint is appropriate for chest freezers, because it is formulated to remain durable in extreme circumstances.

Vinyl Chest Freezers

Vinyl surfaces will not accept any type of paint unless they are abraded with sandpaper prior to application. Once the vinyl chest freezer feels slightly rough to the touch, it will accept its new finish.

Metallic Chest Freezers

Metallic chest freezers are too durable for sanding. Apply a special galvanized metal etching spray primer to these freezers before you paint, or the appliance epoxy spray paint will chip.

What Problems Encounter Using Oil Pastels

Oil pastels' non-drying binder can cause problems.

Artists and art students use oil pastels, also known as "wax oil crayons," for both painting and drawing. Oil pastels are usually cheaper than chalk pastels (which are generally called just "pastels"), so art students and children often use oil pastels. Professional artists use oil pastels more often in oil paintings, as oil pastels are made from similar elements and can add a more drawn element to paintings. But oil pastels' chemical composition has several drawbacks.

Spreadability

Unlike more powdery chalk pastels, oil pastels are pigment combined with a sticky and non-drying binder. Oil pastels thus do not spread as easily as chalk pastels and cannot achieve the same effects.

The non-drying binder also makes it harder to apply fixative to a finished drawing. Without fixative, unintended rubbing or smearing can occur.

Fixing Mistakes

Because oil pastels do not spread easily, they are not easy to erase. Artists using oil pastels must plan drawings and paintings carefully, because a stray mark will remain. It's possible to cover a mark with more oil pastel--however, a surface covered with thick marks is not always the desired effect.

Durability

Because oil pastels don't dry, the oil of the pastels will penetrate paper over time and create a grease stain. This degrades the paper and makes it difficult to preserve a drawing made with oil pastels. The stearic acid and wax in oil pastels can also result in "wax bloom," where the fatty acids in the oil pastels create a milky white layer. Though gentle rubbing with turpentine or mineral spirits can remove this layer, this is a potentially corrosive technique to use on older material.

Exactly What Is A Rotary Cutter Employed For

What is a Rotary Cutter Used For?

A rotary cutter is a handy tool used to make cuts through different types of materials. The unit consists of a handle apparatus that houses a circular blade at one end. The blade is a mini version of a circular saw's blade. Rotary blades provide the convenience of cutting through materials, without lifting them out of place, as would be the case when trying to fit the scissors' blade under the material to make the cut.

Quilting

Quilting has many uses for the rotary cutter. Quilters cut many small and intricate pieces of fabric, as they compile the designs of their unique quilting artwork. With the use of a rotary cutter, along with rulers and a cutting mat, they are able to cut their fabric pieces accurately, and with less time and hassle that with using scissors.

Sewing

Fashion designers, seamstresses, tailors, upholsterers, sewing artists and interior designers all use rotary cutters to make quick and straight cuts through fabrics, reducing the cutting time significantly. The significance of this convenience is that with regular scissors, is was not uncommon for the cutting process to take longer than the sewing steps. Therefore, rotary cutters add a touch of ease to the process of sewing.

Scrapbooking and Crafts

Rotary cutters are very useful in scrapbooking and many other crafts. The quick, accurate cuts can be made through layers of paper. Also, rotary cutters come with decorative blades that can make scallop, wave, squiggle and other cuts through paper. This gives the scrapbooking, gift cards and other paper crafts, fancy, decorative edges.

Rotary Circle Cutter

The rotary circle cutter is used to cut circles into fabrics and paper. It works by positioning, and holding in place, a downward-pointing pin in the middle of the desired circle, then rotating the unit about that point. The end of the unit houses the rotary blade that cuts through the fabric, as it is rotated around the circle's circumference. The pin and the handle can be adjusted to cut smaller or larger circles.

Spot Welding

A different type of rotary cutter is the rotary spot weld cutter attachment. This is a precision tool that is used to remove spot welds from sheet metal applications. It works by cutting through the metal, using the powered rotating motion of a drill. This tool may also be used to cut holes through sheet metal.

Lawn Tool

Rotary cutters are also heavy-duty lawn mowing machines. These are power-operated trailer attachments that work by rotating the blades to cut large sections of grass with each pass. These rotary cutters are generally used to maintain acres of open landscape, such as on a farm or in a park.

Textured Fresh paint Techniques

Textured paint is a great way to hide imperfect walls, while giving interesting character to a room. It's regular paint that has been mixed with sand or other substances to form pebbled surfaces and other textures when applied to a wall. One variation of textured paint is stucco paint, which is paint that's so thick it's almost like plaster, allowing you to shape it however you want.

Basic Textured Paint Application

Textured paint, like any other kind, requires a solid, clean surface to adhere to. Pull out any nails and patch any holes with patching plaster. If there's a glossy sheen on the wall, or just a lot of dirt and grime, run over it with a power sander to get a clean, plain surface. Apply thin, textured paint as you would any other paint, cutting in the corners and putting the rest on with a roller. For thick stucco paint, apply it with a trowel and plaster it across the area of the wall at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch.

Stippling

"Stippling'' is the process of using textured rollers to put designs into stucco and other thick paints. The rollers are available at your local paint store in all kinds of variations, with lines, circles or random designs that are imprinted into the paint as you roll over it. Test it on some scrap wood before you put it on the wall to make sure you like the effect.

Peaks

One classic look for textured paint is for it to be shaped into many small peaks, like the rippling on the surface of a wind-blown pond. To accomplish this, spread the textured paint thickly on the wall. Press a rubber trowel down into it, setting the flat part of the rubber there. Then pull it straight out, pulling away some of the paint. Move one trowel-width over and do it again, continuing throughout the room.

Troweling

Create a series of circular swirl marks all over your wall in the textured paint. Press a flat metal trowel into the paint, and gently turn it in a circle, keeping the flat part of the trowel pressed into the paint. Move the trowel over and do it again, with the circles next to each other.

What Materials Did Norman Rockwell Fresh paint With

Norman Rockwell painted idyllic scenes of life in America.

Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) was an American artist who painted idyllic and iconic scenes of life in America, creating some of his most famous works during World War II. He is best known for his cover illustrations for "The Saturday Evening Post," for which he painted 322 covers over 47 years. The majority of his paintings are oil on canvas or board.

Oil Paintings

The majority of Norman Rockwell's completed works were created using oil paint, rendered on canvas or board. Rockwell generally used Winsor & Newton oil colors, with a primary palette of 14 colors. His medium was rectified turpentine and Grumbacher's Oil Medium #2. Occasionally, he also used Shiva paints -- with a 13-color palette -- and their artist's medium.

Charcoal Sketches

Most of Rockwell's oil paintings were preliminarily developed by sketching his models and scenes using charcoal. In some cases, he would sketch while viewing the models; in other cases, he would take photographs, then render his charcoal sketch from the photograph.

Color

Norman Rockwell used oil paint as a powerful medium to communicate a scene exactly as he saw it. The oil colors he used, therefore, were extremely literal. If a subject's shirt was red, he painted it red. While his earliest illustrations were rendered in black, white and a single color -- most often red -- he later adapted to a much broader palette, mixing his own colors from a basic palette.

Hyperrealism

One of the most famous elements of Norman Rockwell's work was the extreme level of realism he was able to obtain using oil paint. He did so by literally constructing every scene from the ground up, buying, borrowing and posing every element of the scenes he was creating. While painting came easily to Rockwell, it was in the charcoal step of his process that he struggled most to create a picture that perfectly represented his scene. He would often create full-sized detailed drawings, on architect's paper, which he would then transfer to his canvas using tracing paper, then fill in using oil paint. Eventually, he adapted technologically by using a balopticon -- a photographic projector -- to create scenes on the canvas using charcoal.

What Materials Are Utilized To Make Brick

Materials in a brick.

A brick is a small, popular building material composed of fired clay and various additives. Bricks have been used for buildings for more than 5,000 years and were used by the Babylonians, Egyptians and Dutch until spreading worldwide in the 1800s. Depending on the type and color of brick, there will be slightly different materials, but it is almost always created from a clay base with minerals and other additives.

Kaolin

Kaolin is one of the main natural clay minerals that are used for the body of brick. Kaolin is a geological term that refers to a white clay rock that can be found in deposits throughout the world. Kaolin is used in the paper industry, the plastic industry, in ceramic and in pharmaceuticals. Kaolin has an extremely high melting point and when used in brick creation, it is fired between 1,000 and 1,200 degrees Centigrade.

Shale

Shale is the other main material used in the body of brick. Shale is a sedimentary rock that makes up around 55 percent of all the sedimentary rocks on the planet. Shale is formed when mud or clay consolidates. This sedimentary rock is used in the cement industry, the coal industry and the brick industry. When bricks are created, the shale and kaolin are ground up in special equipment, organized, formed, coated, dried, fired and then cooled before becoming the bricks you know today.

Minerals

Several minerals are incorporated into the brick process to improve the brick creation process. The minerals added are often those found in the clay itself, which include sodium, potassium and calcium. When these minerals melt, they form a silicate liquid, which will allow the bricks to be altered more quickly. They also leave a glassy coat to the brick and contribute to the hardening process.

Other Additives

There are many other potential additives to bricks, depending on the kind of brick that is being created. Flocculents are compounds that cause loose clusters in bricks, whereas deflocculents disperse loose clusters. Sand or grog (pre-ground and fired scrap material) is added to clays to improve the strength of the brick. Barium carbonate is a chemical compound added to improve how brick reacts to chemicals. Sand can be used that has been mixed with a colorant or a flux or frit can be used, which is a glass containing colorant, to create certain colors of bricks. These materials reduce the melting temperature of the brick and stick to the brick's surface. New brick techniques will continue to be created, including a new brick created from fly ash, which is a by-product of power plants that use coal.

A Glass Kiln Versus A Pottery Kiln

A ceramic bowl can be fired in a kiln.

A kiln is an insulated oven used to heat and harden materials, often used for creating glass and ceramic art. There are major differences between glass and pottery kilns, including the temperature, power source and controls. When deciding which type of kiln to buy, consider your space availability, intended use and price range. Although you can use a ceramic kiln to work with glass, it will limit your options slightly.

Temperature

A glass kiln can reach a maximum temperature of 1,700 degrees, while a ceramic kiln can reach 2,300 degrees. Because of this temperature difference, you can fire glass in a ceramic kiln, although there are some limitations and drawbacks to using it for this. You can't fire ceramics in a glass kiln because ceramic pieces require a much higher temperature to harden.

Power Source

Glass kilns are almost always electric, meaning that they must be positioned to be plugged into an outlet when being used. Pottery kilns can be electric, gas, oil or wood-fired. Many pottery kilns are built to stand on their own, outside of a structure, and are heated by gas or a wood fire.

Design

Ceramics pieces require surrounding heat to fire them evenly on all sides, so ceramics kilns are designed with heating elements in the floor, ceiling and walls of the kiln. Glass kilns are designed to work with glass pieces that are flat and less dimensional, so their heating elements are generally solely in the ceilings or door of the kiln. Because the temperature radiates evenly from the top of the kiln, cracking in the glass is reduced.

Controls

Glass kilns generally have a programmable controller that allows you to set the temperature during the critical warming and cooling phases of firing. Ceramics require much less specificity of temperature, and the controller is often optional.

Make Use Of A Logan Pad Cutter

Use a Logan Mat Cutter

The Logan mat cutter is a tool that helps you create the perfect look for your picture. When framing a picture, a mat accents and accentuates any piece, making it stand out and look professional. Whether it's framing a picture for personal or professional use, the Logan mat cutter can accommodate your needs.

Instructions

1. Measure the picture you are going to mat. The inside size of the mat is going to be ¼ inch in from the outside perimeter of the picture. For instance; if the picture is 20 by 24, then the matte should be cut 19 ¾ by 23 ¾ for the inside cut.

2. Decide on the outside cut size of the mat. Mats can be anywhere from ½ inch to 6 inches wide, depending on the size of the frame and effect that is wanted. If the mat is just an accent piece, a smaller width is better. If the mat is going to set a small picture to stand out to be a large piece, a large width would be used.

3. Cut the outer dimension of the mat first. Say the mat width for the above example is 2 ¼ inches wide, then cut the outer dimension to 22 by 26. First measure the dimension using the metal ruler that comes in the Logan mat cutter. Use a pencil to mark on the back of the mat the size that needs to be cut.

4. Place the metal ruler on top of the back of the mat piece. Use the exacto knife against the metal ruler to cut along the pencil marked lines. Make several slices in the same spot until the mat is completely cut with no frayed edges. Have the cutting mat beneath the mat and exacto knife so it will not cut into your table.

5. Use the metal ruler to measure the inside cut. From the outer edge, measure in 2 ¼ inches and make a mark with the pencil. Connect all the marks to make the rectangle that is going to be cut.

6. Set the Logan mat cutter metal ruler on top of the mat, lining up the pencil line with the ruler. Set the razor blade into the cutting piece and tighten the holding screw. Place the cutting piece on the routed edge of the cutter.

7. Slide the cutter to the first corner and press the cutter firmly down to begin to cut the mat and continue it down to the next corner mark. Repeat several slices until the mat is cut all the way through. Repeat for each edge.

8. Remove the cut rectangle from the middle and place the picture in its place. Look through on the outside to make sure the picture lines up with the mat and it is straight. Turn the mat and picture back to the back side, being sure to keep it set in place. Place tape on all four edges to keep it set. Then place mat and picture in frame.

Fresh paint A Lightning Bolt

Real lightning differs significantly from the stylized likenesses, which are often displayed in popular culture.

In reality, lightning is a dramatic exchange of electrons, which can release an extraordinary amount of energy. Although difficult to produce a recorded image of a lightning bolt, representations of the common electrical phenomena can be found throughout contemporary culture. From high-powered race cars to comic books to advertising posters, symbolic representations of lightning bolts are a common fixture of our visual world. Painting a lightning bolt is not so much dependent on actual observation of the weather event, but rather an accumulation of visual data gathered from the wide array of artists' interpretations that have been produced over the course of art history.

Instructions

1. Execute a series of lightning bolt drawings in the sketch book. You can study how a lightning bolt is drawn in popular culture (tattoo designs and comic book depictions are excellent sources). The top of the bolt be should wide and the bottom should come to a point. One or both sides of the bolt should have jagged, zig-zagging edges, and the bolt might have three or more stages (zig-zags) as it goes from the wider top to the bottom point. Make several different drawings until you have a look and style that you are satisfied with.

2. Prep the painting surface. Paper shouldn't need any prep work, but canvas or wood can be primed with gesso.

3. Let the gesso primer dry and then draw the outline of your lightning bolt on the surface with a pencil.

4. Draw a second line parallel and just inside the outline of the lightning bolt. This will be an area of black paint, so keep the distance between the two lines small. Other options include using the only one line, when you create the dark border of the lightning bolt or leaving the darker fringe out of the design and just using one solid color to make the lightning bolt.

5. Fill the area between the two parallel lines with a dark color. Black is most common, but a deep blue or dark umber might add more interest to the picture.

6. Let the dark paint dry and then fill the large space that is inside the border with a solid bright-yellow color. On occasion a very warm orange, red or scarlet color can be used.

Setup Lighting For Portraits

Portrait photography can be done outdoors or in a studio with lighting equipment

Lighting is perhaps the most important component of portrait photography. Proper lighting can be the difference between a professional looking portrait and an amateur looking one. Outdoor portrait photography provides the simplest option for photographers, as minimal equipment is required. Studio portrait photography is more complex, but provides greater control over the image. In either case, it is important to remember to take the time to ensure the lighting is sufficient and interesting enough to create a pleasing image.

Instructions

Outdoor Portrait Lighting

1. Plan to shoot the portrait in the early morning or late afternoon hours. These are the times when the light from the sun is softest and least direct. Shooting in midday can create harsh, flat lighting on the subject.

2. Position the subject to show a two-thirds or three-quarters view of the face. The sun should be facing the side of the subject's face that is closest to the camera, or about 45 degrees to the right or left of the camera. Although you can position the subject differently to achieve different effects, this is the most common and easiest positioning.

3. Set up a reflector on the opposite side of the subject to fill in some of the shadows created by the sun. This should create a soft, pleasing light to warm your subject's face.

4. Use additional lighting as necessary to brighten the subject or to achieve various effects. If shooting outside with artificial lighting, make sure the bulbs are balanced for daylight, otherwise the color of the image will be incorrect, as daylight is more blue, and indoor lighting is more orange.

Studio Portrait Lighting

5. Position the subject several feet away from the background, if possible. This will minimize any shadows on the background. As with outdoor portraits, a two-thirds or three-quarters view of the subject's face is the most common.

6. Set up the key, or primary light, about 45 degrees to the right or left of the camera so it is facing the broad, or most exposed, side of the subject's face. The light should be at least several feet away from the subject.

7. Soften the light, if desired, with the use of an umbrella or reflector. This creates a softer, less direct lighting effect that is very desirable in traditional portrait photography.

8. Set up a fill light on the opposite side of the subject to fill in some shadows. The fill light should be of a lesser intensity than the key light, and can also be reflected or diffused to produce a softer effect.

9. Set up a back light behind the subject on the side of the key light, but out of frame, that is focused on the subjects hair and shoulders. This will highlight the subject and cause them to "pop" out from the background. Additional lighting can be used as desired to achieve certain effects or styles.